Willow House Wednesdays: Decisions, Decisions!

I thought I would kick off Willow House Wednesdays with a blog about the company- who they are, what they're doing, and why I chose them.
I've been an Independent Design Consultant for a little under a month now and I'm increasingly convinced this is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I'm in my seventh year of marriage and my fifth year of motherhood. For almost ALL of that time, I have sought to find work that suits our family's lifestyle, to no avail. Any job I take will require time away from my family, that's a given. But most would mean that I'm gone during the day and must put my kids in daycare (which I just would never do) or that I would be gone at night and leave them in the care of my husband, which hardly seems fair to him OR me because I would be working around the clock (children never sleep) and so would he.
I turned to the "work from home" idea, but everything I found was either a scam or completely illogical for someone who had kids because I wouldn't be able to care for them. Little by little, I began to notice a trend-- many of my girlfriends, also stay at home moms, were making good money and really enjoying themselves in direct sales. Trouble was, they were selling "romance enhancement" products, which I definitely didn't feel like I could sell. I looked around for Christian alternatives and found a few but none that really stood out. Until I found Willow House!
 I fell in love right away-- they sold homewares that were just spectacular, common sense entertaining that really popped, and had a bit of a southern feel to them. They just seemed to sparkle among all the other companies out there. For a few days I was torn between Willow House and another Housewares Party Plan, mostly because that company was "obviously" Christian. As I studied and compared the two, however, I was amazed at what I saw in Willow House that I saw no where else.
Willow House is the very first company of it's kind in the multi-million dollar Direct Sales Industry.
It is an innovative business model called the Community Commerce Model, which is brand new and groundbreaking for other companies who do the same thing.
Basically, the founder, Bill Shaw, looked around and saw potential for community commerce thanks to the advance of internet technologies.
Willow House is first and foremost an in-home party plan that really connects with it's consultants. My experience so far has been incredible- I've never felt so supported in all my life. Almost all of my training has been online, via webinars and videos and recorded training call. It's absolutely PERFECT for someone like me who has kids, because I decide when I'm going to do the training and the work-- I set office hours and keep them, but if something comes up and I have to spend my Tuesday office hours holding a teething baby, I know that I can accomplish my tasks that night at 2 am while feeding her.Thusfar I've done virtually ALL of my training at the kitchen table, cup of coffee in hand. And yet I am equipped, motivated, and supported in such a way that I have never been at work and in life! Willow House knows how to use the internet to it's advantage, and it shows!
Our business model thrives off the in-home parties, but as consultants, we are offered the opportunity to make multiple streams of income through our online Willow House store where people can buy at any time, our outlets where they can find deeply discounted product, and soon our E-Villages (design focused social networking communities) and E-Boutiques. Forthcoming we can look forward to Willow House TV and even reverse auctioning to help boost our sales, and all of this technology is explained and marketed thoroughly on the company's end, so that really all we Consultants have to do is step out using the resources we are given, and meet people to talk about it with. It's so fun!!
I literally get to blog, twitter, facebook, and party for a living! I get to do bible studies and theme parties with people I love to be around! What job does that??
Willow House hostesses (people who decide to book a party with one of our consultants) are truly the heart of the business. They love our products, and they book parties to earn wonderful discounts (up to 70% off if their sales reach just $250) and free products.They get to have all their friends over and enjoy a fun night out. As consultants, we have a great time-- getting to meet new people and making money that really makes a difference.
Willow House perks are so incredible- we earn wonderful bonuses and they work with their consultants to help them achieve their goals-- whether that's a car, a private school for one of the kids, or a full-time income.Earning free trips and incentives is just another day at the office with Willow House!
 Next, there are the products. Here's what Willow House has to say about their products: "We believe strongly in a philosophy of simply good design for our extensive product line. A well-designed product is something that will last, passing from one generation to the next. And it should make you happy each time you use it — in fact, each time you look at it. Good design should be accessible and affordable, because the days of fussy and overpriced products are gone forever." Now THAT is a philosophy I'm already on board with.
Another thing I absolutely LOVE is the presentation. Everything from the logo to the catalog to the consultant experience has been thought over and tweaked to perfection. For a consultant, Willow House brings to mind peace, prosperity, comfort, and family... those things which create true success. All of the consultants I have met exude the same sense of confidence and joy that only people who have learned to overcome and be creative can exhibit. Each of us works hard to ensure that the Willow House experience is what the Company promises it will be, but the tradeoff is that no where else could we have this same experience. Willow House creates meaningful lives.

Though I never imagined I would work in sales, I find myself amazed every day that I'm using all of the skills I gleaned from journalism, Customer service, publishing, and other work experience. I'm learning new things every day, so it never gets boring. And since the company gives total freedom to it's consultants (within reason) to market and party the way we were made, I am able to incorporate my conservative Christian values in every single way to infuse them into the secular culture around me. It's not just a job-- it's a ministry and way of life.
One last thing to mention: Philanthropy. Willow House donates to, promotes and supports the Juvenile Diabetes research Foundation and Cut it Out, a foundation devoted to helping victims of domestic abuse. It has been amazing to me to see how easy it is to make a difference  in the lives of people in desperate need of assistance and compassion. In every way, Willow House is changing lives!
I am thrilled to be a part of this company and I hope that reading this has given you some sense of who we are and what we do.

If this sounds like the kind of company YOU want to work with, let's talk! I would love to have you on my fast-growing team, and I am quite sure that your experience can be all that you want it to be.
Visit my website for more information: www.southernstar.willowhouse.com to find out how you can be part of such an amazing vision for America's future.

At Willow House, we embody grace, warmth, and a bit of magic. Like our namesake willow, we sway with the trends but are not overwhelmed by them. We are strong, responsive to the seasons, and always beautiful. Our roots keep us firmly grounded in our core beliefs as we impact the world with a touch that is ever-confident and feather-light.

Tasty Tuesdays: Get in the spirit with Swedish Glögg

Many years ago, I became an honorary Swede. I delved headfirst into the culture because of a relationship with a Swede, and in the process I grew to love the land, the people, the foods and the culture, despite the fact that it is so polar opposite to my own! I even learned the language, and grew to make many wonderful Swedish friends both here and abroad.
 It's no secret my husband's strong scandinavian features and red- blond hair are what attracted me to him first! :)
Nobody does Christmas like the Swedes, so here is a recipe for one of my favorite Swedish treat.

Glögg is the traditional drink in Sweden and Finland during the six weeks leading up to December 25--a cold, dark time of year in Scandinavia. This glogg recipe resembles a variety of historical mulled wines, such as wassail and gluwein.

Yield: Makes about 1 quart

Ingredients

• 2  cups  water or orange juice
• 1  (3-inch) piece orange rind
• 1  (1-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 2  cinnamon sticks
• 6  whole cloves
• 5  whole allspice
• 2  cardamom pods, bruised
• 1  vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 1  (750-ml) bottle red wine, such as Burgundy
• 1/2  cup  sugar
• Garnishes: blanched almonds, golden raisins

Preparation

Combine first 9 ingredients in a pot over medium heat. Bring mixture to a simmer, being careful not to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Strain mixture, and serve immediately, or gently reheat before serving. (If you prefer a stronger flavor, steep spices longer before straining.) Garnish, if desired.
Note: For a nonalcoholic version, use water or orange juice, and substitute 3 cups Concord grape juice for the wine. Omit sugar, and follow glögg procedure.

From:  Charlotte R. Brady, MyRecipes, NOVEMBER 2004 via MyRecipes.com

Like it? Serve it up in our Simone Double Old Fashioned Glasses on our Napa Serving Tray: 

 To add a holiday feel, lace some red and green colored ribbons through the handles and arrange some sprigs of holly with red berries around the glasses.


Glogg is a family favorite and one of the first things I bring out to get in the Spirit of the Holidays! It bring back warm memories of sharing time with Swedish loved ones... who really know how to celebrate the Season! 

Enjoy.



WHY NOT SERVE GLOGG AT YOUR NEXT PRAYER MEETING?
Here are the words to the Rosary in Swedish:

Sign of the Cross	I Faderns, Sonens, och den Helige Andes namn.
Apostles Creed	Jag tror på Gud, Fader allsmäktig, himmelens och jordens skapare. Jag tror ock på Jesus Kristus, hans enfödde Son, vår Herre. Vilken är avlad av den helige Ande, född av jungfrun Maria pinad under Pontius Pilatus, korsfäst, död och begraven, nederstigen till dödsriket. På tredje dagen uppstånden igen ifrån de döda, uppstigen till himmelen, sittande på allsmäktig Gud Faders högra sida, därifrån igenkommande till att döma levande och döda. Jag tror ock på den helige Ande. En helig allmännelig kyrka, de heligas samfund syndernas förlåtelse, de dödas uppståndelse och ett evigt liv.
Our Father	Fader vår, som är i himmelen. Helgat varde Ditt namn. Tillkomme Ditt rike, ske din vilja såsom i himmelen så ock på jorden, Vårt dagliga bröd giv oss idag och förlåt oss våra skulder såsom ock vi förlåta dem oss skyldiga äro. Och inled oss icke i frestelse utan fräls oss ifrån ondo. Ty riket är ditt och makten och härligheten i evighet.
Hail Mary	Hell dig Maria, full av nåd. Herren är med dig. Välsignad är du bland kvinnor och välsignad är din livsfrukt Jesus Heliga Maria Guds Moder bed för oss syndare nu och i vår dödsstund.
Glory Be	Ära vare Fadern och Sonen och den Helige Ande såsom det var av begynnelsen, nu är och skall vara från evighet till evighet.
Oh My Jesus	O Jesus, förlåt oss våra synder. Bevara oss från helvetets eld och fräls alla själarna i skärselden. Led alla till himmelen, särskilt dem som behöver din barmhärtighet allramest.
Hail Holy Queen	Himlarnas drottning, moder till all barmhärighet, moder till livet, hoppet, hjärtats glädje. Kvalda vi ropar, Evas förskingrade söner. Här är Tåredalen med suckar och klagan och långt är till Paradiset. I din himmel bed med oss på jorden. Låt oss se ditt ansiktes ljus, som ger oss frid i ångestnatten. Maria, högt benådad, när vår landsflykt ändas, låt oss då skåda Jesus som du gav oss. O ringhet, o höghet, o Guds mor, jungfru Maria. V: Bed för oss heliga Guds moder. R: Att vi må vara värdiga Kristi löften.
Final Prayer	Låt oss bedja; O Gud, din enfödde Son, har genom sitt liv, sin död och uppståndelse, förvärvat oss evigt liv. Vi bedja dig, låt oss, när vi mediterar över mysterierna i Jungfru Marie allra heligaste rosenkrans, efterfölja dem och uppnå dess löften. Genom samme Jesus Kristus vår Herre.

Mama Mondays: Family Help from Scripture

A Biblical Guide to Family Life

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. - Lk 2:19
And be ye doers of the word and not hearers only. (James 1:22)

1. What does God think about us as individual people?
   1. Before He formed us in the womb, He knew us. (Jer 1:5) We are fearfully and wonderfully made! (Ps 139:14) He has plans to prosper us and not harm us, to give us a future filled with hope. (Jer 29:11) He wants none of us to be lost and all of us to be saved. (Matt 18:14)
2. What does God want us to do about our behavior? How can we tell if we are living right in our family and in the world?
   
   1. Here is what God's Word has to say about some of our most basic problem behaviors towards family members:
   2. ACCUSING    Do not accuse a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm (Pr. 3:30).
      ANGER    Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret it leads only to the evil (Ps. 37:8).    Of wise man fears for the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hot headed and reckless.  A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated (Pr 14:16-17).    A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control (Pr. 29:11).   
   3.  
   4. ARGUING AND FIGHTING    A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger (Pr. 15:1).    A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel (Pr. 15:18).When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him (Pr. 16:7).    Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out (Pr. 17:14).    It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel (Pr. 20:3)Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.  And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful (2 Tim. 2:23-24).    All of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble (1 Pet. 3:6).
      BAD COMPANIONS    He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm (Pr. 13:20).
      BAD LANGUAGE    Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips (Pr. 4:24).    Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Eph. 4:31).
      BITTER SPIRIT    Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger; brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (Eph. 4:31).
      BOASTFULNESS  Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips (Pr. 27:2).
      COMPLAINING    Do everything without complaining or arguing (Ph. 2:14).
      CONCEALING SIN    He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy (Pr. 28:13).
      CRITICAL SPIRIT    A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue (Pr. 11:12).
      DECEITFULNESS    The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out (Pr. 10:9).    The noble man makes noble plans, and by noble deeds he stands (Is. 32:8).    Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to who we must give account (Heb. 4:13).
      DISCONTENT    Godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing we will be content with that.  People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.  Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1 Tim. 6: 6-10).
      DISOBEDIENCE TO PARENTS    Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you (Ex. 20:12).    Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.  They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck (Pr. 1:8-9).    Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  "Honor your father and mother"which is the first commandment with a promise "that it may go well with your and that you may enjoy long life on the earth (Eph. 6:1-3).    Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord (Col. 3:20).
      DISORDERLINESS    But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way (1 Cor. 14:40).
      DISRESPECT    Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves (Rom. 12:10).    Show proper respect to everyone; Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king ( 1 Pet. 2:17).
      FOOLISHNESS    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (Pr. 1:7).    As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly (Pr. 26:11).
      GOING ALONG WITH THE CROWD    My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them (Pr. 1:10).
      HATE    Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs (Pr. 10:12).    Whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him (1 Jn. 2:11).    If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar.  For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, how he has not seen (1 Jn. 4:20).
      IGNORING ADVICE    The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice (Pr. 12:14).    He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored (Pr. 13:180.    He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding (Pr. 15:32).    No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Heb. 12:11).
      SCORN AND MOCKING    If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer (Pr. 9:12).    The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures (Pr. 30:17).
      SELFISHNESS    A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed (Pr. 11:25).    An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends; he defies all sound judgment (Pr. 18:1).A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him (Pr. 28:22).    Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Ph. 2:3-4).    And do not forget to do good and to share with other, for with such sacrifices God is pleased (Heb. 13:16).
      TATTLING AND NAME CALLING    Whoever spreads slander is a fool (Pr. 10:18b).    He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends (Pr. 17:9).    Without wood a fire goes out, without gossip a quarrel dies down (Pr. 26:20).
      UNCONTROLLED TONGUE    He who guards his lips guards his soul, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin (Pr. 13:3).    A fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them (Pr.14:3).    He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity (Pr. 21:23).    But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken (Mt. 12:36).    Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech (1 Pet. 3:10).
      UNFORGIVING SPIRIT    Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Col. 3:13).    Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Eph. 4:32).
      UNGRATEFULNESS    Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever (Ps. 118:1).    Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Th. 5:18).
      UNKINDNESS    A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings himself harm (Pr. 11:17).    Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs (1 Cor. 13:4-5).    As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Cor. 3:12).
      UNTRUSTWORTHINESS    As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is a sluggard to those who send him (Pr. 10:26).    Pride only breeds quarrels but wisdom is found in those who take advice (Pr. 13:10).
      IMPATIENCE    The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride (Ec. 7:8).    The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23a).    Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Eph. 4:2).
      JEALOUSY AND ENVY    A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the body (Pr. 14:30).    For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice (Js. 3:16).
      LAZINESS    Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth (Pr. 10:4).    The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied (Pr. 13:4).    One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys (Pr. 18:9).    It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young (Lam. 3:27).
      LYING    Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies (Ps. 23:12-13).    The Lord detests lying lips but delights in men who are truthful (Pr. 12:22).
      PRIDE    The Lord mocks proud mockers, but gives graces to the humble (Pr. 3:34).    When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom (Pr. 11:2).    Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall (Pr. 16:18).    Before his downfall a man's heart is proud, but humility comes before honor (Pr. 18:12).
      RETALIATION    A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult (Pr. 12:16).    A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense (Pr. 19:11).    Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Rom. 12:17-18).    Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else (1 Th. 5:15).    Do not repay even with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (1 Pet. 3:9).
      REFUSING COMMANDS    The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin (Pr. 10:8).    He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded (Pr. 13:13).
      REFUSING CORRECTION    My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the    Lord disciplines those he loves as a father the son he delight in (Pr. 3:11-12).    Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning (Pr. 9:9).    He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads other astray (Pr. 10:17).    Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he how hates correction is stupid (Pr. 12:1).
3. We profess faith in Christ. What are we to do with each other if we continue to sin after we are corrected? And how should we correct one another?
   
   1. Warn divisive people once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. (Titus 3:10) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. (Galatians 6:1) So watch yourselves. "If a brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. (Luke 17:3) Yet do not regard them as enemies, but warn them as fellow believers. (2 Thess 3:15) Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. (Titus 2:2) Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. (Titus 2:6) Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5) Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers. (1 Tim 5:1) "that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefaceness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array" (I Tim. 2:9, 10) and remember that Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Tim 6:6) Remember also that "adorning not be that outward adorning of platting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or putting on of apparel: But let it be the hidden man of the heart, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price" (I Pet. 3:3, 4).
4. What should we do if we have an argument?
   
   1. Love your enemies, and do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you, offer the other cheek also, and from him who takes away your {cloak} do not withhold your {tunic} either. Give to anyone who asks of you and from him who takes away your good do not ask for them back. Just as you want men to do to you, do also. Be merciful, as your Father is merciful. (Lk 6:27-32) He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit better than he who takes a city. (Prov 16:32) Confess your trespasses and pray. (James 5:16) We must ALWAYS remember that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. We must take unto ourselves the whole armour of God, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:12,13)
5. How many times are we to forgive one another?
   
   Matthew 18:21-22 - Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
6. What should be our greatest aspiration?
   
   1. Aim for perfection, listen to the apostles' appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Cor 13:11) Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4:5)



Mama Mondays: The family cookbook

In my family, we don't use cookbooks. But we do use recipes!
My mother and her mother before her always told me that when baking I needed to follow along exactly in order to void disaster- that baking was a science. But when cooking? Cooking is an art.
She said that knowledge of how foods fit together is something learned only by experience, by getting your hands dirty, so to speak. She read and clipped endless recipes and then elaborated on them in her own way, making beautiful meals that their friends and our family have always remembered with great admiration.
When it comes to hospitality, my mother is an artist.

As a mom myself, now, I am constantly trying to imagine what fits into my daughter's long term "mom heritage" jar... those things I teach her that she will be using years from now, whether she be in a convent or in a family of her own. My eldest, for example, is developing into quite a little bread maker, which is funny (or not) because I LOVE to bake bread and don't bake much else. We don't eat desert much in this house.
She is also really good at seasoning bland American sauces and giving them rich tastes and textures. She inherited this from her dad, who also loves to cook.
Because of our varied backgrounds (my husband is Scandinavian and Scotch Irish, and he was raised a typical Southern American,  while I am Mediterranean, southern French and Southern Californian--I have a great love of middle eastern foods and he of asian foods,so two very different "styles.") we often find ourselves making and eating very "different" food-- people always come away from our house saying something along the lines of: "I never thought of that!"
It's fun.

Years ago, a dear friend who discipled me into the faith received a cookbook from her own mother. It was beautiful, and full of recipes that warmed my heart and stirred up memories as a longtime fan of their family. I never forgot about that cookbook, which is why I was thrilled a few years back when a dear friend of our family gifted me with a giant binder in which she had placed some of her family's favorite recipes. I was so blessed... it could not have been a more prefect present.

I don't make the recipes in it exactly as they are written. I add a little of this and a little of that, I substitute with things we have and use and often times the dish itself comes out looking NOTHING like the picture-- but always tasting Oh so good! It all starts with the family recipes-- the things that really remind us of home. I'm of the opinion that moms should make one as a gift to their sons' new brides... it would help ease those first few months of marital stress! Haha.

Moms, are you making your own collection of family recipes? Scrapbook oriented people, this could be an amazing opportunity to make a lasting family piece. Art wrapped in art! I love it.

I'm displaying mine on the stunning Napa Cookbook Holder--Just $39.96 (Buy it in October and get half off any other item $40 or under.)

www.southernstar.willowhouse.com

Like it?

Scripture Sunday: a Marian morning

This morning I was reminded why I am so blessed to be exactly where I am.

We were sitting in our regular pew at church, and by some miracle it has begun to be the norm that my two youngest simply fall asleep. This is a major grace, because we are in a parish that has no nursery and is very, very small, and my two youngest are at the ages of impossibility when it comes to sitting still in pews-- they do a pretty decent job, but it's still rough!
My oldest, though, she not only sits up and sits still but she hangs on every word, sings, and fully participates in the mass for the most part, even if it's just in her mind at this stage- she is mulling all of it over. She is four, so her main focus at this point is to try to figure herself out.

Which is why I was so amazed at what happened today! Our Parish priest, who is the nicest man and the most solid of Catholics, decided to give a homily on the Blessed Mother, because it is the month of the holy rosary. And like many priests, he opened with a joke- in this case a joke about a lady who was praying quietly before a Marian shrine when she heard the voice of the Parish custodian, who was playing a joke on her by sitting behind the shrine. "This is Jesus," he says in a booming voice. The woman sits quietly, reflecting, and then composes herself and begins to pray again. He repeats his antics three times until finally, exasperated, the Woman booms back: "Would you please be quiet? I'm trying to talk to your Mother."

This joke, while relatively funny in an irreverent sort of way, CAN go over just fine in circles where people understand what Mary's role as Mediatrix of graces entails-- which is NOT to supercede Jesus or even intercede for us as a necessity. Yes, it is true that we may go directly to the Father, THROUGH the Son, by the power of the Holy Spirit. We don't NEED Mary, but isn't it nice that she CAN pray for us, and that's the point. God CHOSE her to dispense His graces, but she could have said no... by virtue of her "Fiat," her "yes," she is given the honor and glory that heaven has crowned her with, and we honor that, and God when we accept His Mother as our own surest advocate.

I guess what I'm saying is that the joke is misleading to ill-formed Catholics and to us former protestant reverts and converts can be FATAL... Imagine the carnage if a Baptist, perchance, were to be sitting in the pews. The major Marian issue is that Protestants think we think as much or more of her than we do of Our Lord. This joke only seems to confirm that for people who are looking out for that sort of thing.

Now, my daughter is a child of Mary. She sleeps with a little plastic statue of Mary, prays the Rosary and teaches her friends to, tells the Baptists at the door (and anyone who will listen, really) about Mary and NEVER passes a statue of Mary without dropping by some flowers or rocks she likes. At night when she's scared, she asks Mary for her mantle, and before bed she sits at Mary's table in her mind, across from the child Jesus, eating Mary's chocolate chip cookies and talking with Jesus about her life.
She's a Marian bean. And I admit, I winced when the joke was made--because I'm trying to raise these kids here, and I want them to learn the PURE truth, which is NOT that Mary is somehow more important than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The truth is that Mary is VERY important, but she is not Jesus, and that a person can and often does go their entire lives without the blessing of a personal relationship with the Mother of God and that's OK-- Catholics need to know that these people STILL get to heaven.

At the same time, I wasn't too upset because, let's face it, my four year old is not going to get the joke.

So I was completely taken aback when she turns to me and says: "That is NOT Funny. She needs to talk to Jesus." And then repeated it to her dad on the other side of her. Not only was my four year old actually listening to the homily, she was correcting our priest for inaccurate representation of Catholic theology. How totally cool is that? My kids rock.

If you are interested in reading more about the Catholic answer to the Mediatrix of Graces question: click HERE.

Even though it's Saturday

I'm implementing a new Wednesday Blog Tradition: Willow House Wednesdays as a part of my blog shift. I'll showcase a different product each week and share decorating, organizing, or entertaining tips.

So, in an effort to streamline my blog posts and make them work FOR me instead of against my goals, coming up you can look forward to:

Mama Mondays, where I will blog blog about parenting / wife and homeschooling issues and ideas
Tasty Tuesdays, in which you will find helpful recipes and menu plans along with a workout tip or idea to balance everything out. :D
Willow House Wednesdays, entertaining, organizing and design ideas from Willow House
Theology Thursdays, for opinions and facts about theological trends and apologetics
Freaky Fridays, for paranormal news and demonology (and scary politics. :P)
Super Crafty Saturdays: knitting, sewing, and other crafty topics.
Scripture Sundays: Just prayers and encouragement straight from the Word.

That about covers most of my interests, I think, and will help me to stay focused and on-topic. Hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading.

If you're curious about the opportunity at Willow House, this incredible video explains it all-- it could be the most important eight minutes you spend this year:

Click here.

"The Vatican" says...On Simpsons and Stonecutters.

All day yesterday I was asked my opinion on this news story, published in Forbes Magazine, which was headed: "The Vatican line: Homer Simpson is a Catholic."

Some just wanted to know what I thought, while others wanted to know why the Vatican does things like "approve" the Simpsons. Over the course of the day, my ideas about it changed, and I thought it might be interesting to describe why.

I grew up banned from watching the Simpsons. While most of my friends were quoting the show and wearing Simpsons paraphernalia, I didn't know much about it and was completely alienated from Simpsons culture. Therefore, I don't feel that I am qualified to hold an actual opinion about the show-- I haven't studied it to see what my sense of it's morals and messages actually ARE.

My impressions, however, are very negative. Thinking about the Simpsons brings up memories of some skater punk kid with a vast range of stupid expressions getting himself into scrapes and situations while his dead beat dad drinks and avoids work, and his materialistic mom tries to hold the family together. I associate them with weird images: the dad with beer, the baby with a pacifier and alone, the mom with big hair, the sister with a telephone in her room, and the son, whose name is an anagram of the word BRAT, with a skateboard, alone in the streets. Not ideal. When I see them "as a family" I see them propped up in front of the TV together.

As the story first surfaced, I found it hard to imagine why in the world the Vatican would want to present the Simpsons in a positive light (this was now the second article in the year that made the rounds about how "Catholic" the Simpsons allegedly are.) It bothered me in the same way the Vatican's pardoning of the Beatles bothered me.... Taking something that seems so obviously Satanic and worldly and trying to lift it up as "approved" and "acceptable" to the Holy Catholic Church-- and for what? To make the Church seem "modern" and "relevant." Yuck.

As a former protestant, I can say that one of the greatest appeals of the Catholic Church is that there is no need to "modernize" or "make relevant" to people what is already the most relevant thing on earth: The Gospel. On merit alone, the Catholic Church can stand as an eternal institution, accessible to all. Catholics celebrate the brilliance of God's creation by acknowledging something that others find hard to fathom-- that as Christians, we need not be AFRAID of science, of culture, of art or music, but rather that Christ is Lord of these things also. The marriage of Catholicism and scientific study, philosophy, or other areas of intellectual and artistic involvement is a God- honoring, beautiful thing. I don't have to be stupid, ignorant or uneducated because I'm a Christian! What a relief. :P

Call me strange, but I just don't think that a Church with a 2000+ year history, with the tangible presence of and approval of Jesus Christ, needs to do anything at all. And that is the Catholic answer-- YES, of course, we are called to evangelize the culture, but that doesn't mean appropriating for ourselves the things which are CLEARLY "of the world." Rather, by our confidence in the Church, we share her relevance to society. By our ability to say to people: "It's BETTER if you're a Catholic, but you don't HAVE to be," we share our good sense and rational thinking, as well as the great mercy of our glorious God.

So, no, I don't think we need to look around and find ways to demonstrate how Catholic McDonalds, Dora the Explorer, or Facebook is. I think the Church's merit in our culture rests on itself. That's point A.

Point B is even more interesting. Contrary to popular belief, NO, the Vatican did not declare yesterday that the Simpsons were awesome. According to the article,

the paper quoted from an analysis by a Jesuit priest, the Rev. Francesco Occhetta,

Oh! So a Jesuit priest says it, the Osservatoro reports it, and Forbes magazine shares it.... and suddenly "The Vatican says...." No.
That's not how it works-- and even if the pope were to wake up tomorrow morning and say "I love the Simpsons," that STILL wouldn't mean that "The Vatican" said the Simpsons were good watching. That's what I love about purposeful media action and general public stupidity. It's a real thing, and stuff like this sets the stage for bigger brainwashing, like: "The Pope is a pedophile," or "The Catholic Church hates women." Essentially, the public -- and even the CATHOLIC public-- has no understanding of how, exactly, the Magesterium governs, and this lack of knowledge paves the way for MINDLESS ROBOTS in the Catholic world (we've all seen them; they are the ones going "My priest said it was OK....") and also for Satanic hounding of the Catholic Church by uninformed liberals and progressives.

So basically, a priest (a JESUIT priest, no less) and a newspaper (and a bit of money) just convinced countless Americans that they should watch the Simpsons. Wow.

Which brings me to point C. C for conspiracy, cause YEAH, I'm going there.
We all know I've been hounding everyone for months now about all the subliminal messages in TV, movies and music. The Simpsons is no different, you can find references to masonic culture, secret hand signals, 9-11 and other creepy masonic and illuminati plots throughout, and anyone with a few hours to kill and a subscription to youTube can see what I mean. (You can start here, if you like)

However, I can say with absolute certainty that having examined this question for months now, you will not be able to escape Masonic and Illuminati references, nor will you escape subliminal programming, if you WATCH TV. Period. It is in TV and music everywhere, and quite honestly, short of pulling the plug on video and audio, you can be sure that some of it will filter in, which is why it's important to ask God to allow His peace to guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:7) When I first discovered all of this programming built into our "TELEVISION PROGRAMMING" (hello???) I was so horrified I think I went a little bit nuts trying to warn everyone and keep my family safe. Who wouldn't? It's literally EVERY WHERE.

A little bit of research brings us then to Matt Groening, the Simpsons' creator, who was a Freemason, according to Masonic watchdog organizations. Surprise! Groening first became known for his Comic Strip (pay attention to the name) Life in Hell, which was based on the chapter "How to Go to Hell" in Walter Kaufmann's book Critique of Religion and Philosophy. Even if the Masonic part were NOT true, Groening identifies himself publicly as an agnostic and a liberal and has often made campaign contributions to Democratic Party candidates.

So now what we are left with is this: a Masonic plot by Big Money (Forbes), the Media (Osservatore) and corrupt clergy (Jesuits) to convince the American People that a show which has very little moral value but which they all relate to (Simpsons) is a beneficial, wholesome thing. When Americans TUNE IN, they will find countless programming opportunities to accept freemasonry all the while believing that what they are seeing is "Catholic."

How's that for a scheme?

But just to be clear, I'm not at all saying: Don't watch the Simpsons... I've never really seen the show. What I AM saying is be aware. "THE Vatican" didn't tell you that the Simpsons were good, or wholesome, or fine. Deception is so deceptive!