Discovering Your Life Purpose, and a Few Farm Updates

A FEW QUICK FARM UPDATES

Look how big the chickens have gotten! (Sorry pictures are poor quality - taken with my cell phone - my camera is broken.)

And we started tilling and planting for our fall garden.

I don't have more recent pictures, but we've already got rows and seedlings in the ground, as well as stakes up all around for a fence to keep dogs and predators out of the garden.

Also, for next week, I'll try to grab some pictures of the newest animal addition to our farm, the rabbits. My two oldest are each starting their own rabbitry, as they used to raise rabbits and wanted to do it again.

And, we got the pig pen all cleaned up in preparation for our three little pigs coming November 10th! So fun!

DISCOVERING YOUR LIFE PURPOSE
I had the privilege of hanging out with two teens this week who are at that fork in the road - one has already graduated high school, but has no idea how God wants her to use her life and what she's supposed to do now, the other is a senior faced with making decision about college, but not knowing God's purpose for his life yet makes him not confident to make those decisions. I asked them some questions, trying to steer them in identifying what God has created them to do. They replied with, "Geeze! These are hard questions!" But they both agreed the questions caused them to think about some new things.

Each human being was put on this earth on purpose - it wasn't an accident that God chose you to be on this earth at this time. He created you with a purpose, for such a time as this!

It saddens me to see how many high-schoolers and twenty-somethings, and sometimes even thirty-somethings, have no idea what to do with their lives. They flounder, not understanding what God has called them to do on this earth. High-schoolers waste away their days having fun and playing video games. College young people change their major three times before they graduate, and then go out and get a job in something entirely different than their major, because they discover they don't really care for the field they majored in. And they still spend their days unhappy, unfulfilled, empty, and playing video games.

My Pastor-Husband and I believe there is a way to avoid living aimlessly. We believe God has a purpose for each of us, and it's our job to discover what it is. We also believe it's very important, as parents, to help our young people discover their life purpose, from a very young age, so their days aren't wasted and they can live with true joy.

God has provided us many clues to discovering our purpose.

S - SPIRITUAL GIFTS
The Bible says we are all given certain gifts, and we need to discover what they are. We suggest you take approximately three spiritual gifts tests (there are many out there), and combine the results to find confirmation about how God has uniquely gifted you. Just search on the internet and you will find numerous tests online to choose from.

H - HEART
Ask yourself, "What is my passion? What weighs heavy on my heart? What do I love?"

A - ABILITIES
What are your talents and skills?

P - PERSONALITY
We all have different personalities. Some of us are introverts, some are extroverts. Some of us are people-driven, others are task-driven. Your personality is not a mistake. It plays into your overall purpose.

E - EXPERIENCE
God has orchestrated many experiences in your life that will lead you into your purpose. Some of your experiences might be awesome opportunities that couldn't have happened by chance. Some might be bad childhood experiences. Whether good or bad, God can use your life experiences in your overall life purpose.

SOME OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER:
Your God-ordained life purpose will ALWAYS involve helping others. That's just what God is all about. You may think that being a computer programmer does nothing for the Kingdom of God. But if you are being a witness for Jesus in your workplace, than you are helping others. There's always a way God can use your skills and abilities to glorify Him.

Employment may not always be in the area of your purpose. There are seasons when God may provide for you in an area unrelated to your purpose in order to get you to the next step IN your purpose. McDonald's may not be your calling, but he can use McDonald's as provision to propel you forward.

Think about the different parts of the SHAPE acronym for your life. Help your teens evaluate this qualities in their life. It's OK if you don't have all the answers right now. What's important is that you are looking for them - now that you're aware, watch for the signs in your own life. If you pray and seek God, He will begin to show you His unique design and purpose for your life.

And I would also add one more thing:
Don't get side-tracked by the world's definition of a successful life. Don't let society define your purpose for you. God is creative. There's not a mold you have to fit into. Be open to whatever path He leads you on, even if it isn't mainstream. I do not believe EVERYONE needs to go to college. That's our world's standards. We don't live by those standards, but by the standards put forth in God's Word. Some of you can get all the training you need in an apprenticeship or a two-year specialized college. Others of you may find distance education works best for you, such as College Plus or Global University, and some of you may not need college in order to fulfill God's purpose for you. There are many ways to receive education and learn, and we all don't have to fit into the same box.

I pray you enjoy the journey God will take you on as you seek to discover God's unique purpose for you and your children. It's a wild ride that may have a few surprises, but promises to be full of joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction. There's nothing like living out your God-given purpose!!!! Nothing!

Fall and Crockpots Go Hand-in-Hand

Fall means back to school, extra-curriculars, including sports, and never enough time to put dinner on the table. For us, we have one son playing winter baseball on Mondays and Fridays, my husband playing softball on Mondays, gymnastics on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30, music lessons on Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30, and I have worship team rehearsal on Thursday evenings. It's nearly impossible for me to have the time to cook. 

Enter the crockpot! I love my crockpot! Probably one of my favorite kitchen tools!

I will say, though, that it isn't easy finding real, whole food recipes for the crockpot that don't have cream soups and other yucky things in them. That sent me on a quest this month.

And here's what I came up with - my October 2012 menu with lots of crockpot recipes: October 2012 Menu.

Our family loves a hot bowl of chili over Frittos (ok, so they're not real food, just comfort food) with shredded cheese and onions on top (only us adults add the onions).

Last night, I made potato soup with celery, onions, broccoli, cheese, and bacon. It was delicious!!!! And with the crisp, cooler weather, it felt oh, so good!

Our Weekend To-Do List
What will the Seiler family be doing this weekend?

• Planting some fall seedlings in our new garden
• Continue work on the future pig pen with anxious anticipation of the three Hampshire/Duroc cross piglets we have on order that will be arriving beginning of November.
• Cleaning chicken coop
• Picking up my daughter's new Holland Lop doe rabbit so she can begin her rabbitry. My son already has his two Mini Rexes and has his "business" started.
• Washing both cars and getting oil changed in one
• Visiting my husband's grandfather with alzheimers
• Picking up school supplies for next week's lessons

Maybe You Ladies Can Help Me

This post is for my lady-friends, only, please...

Girls, I've really been struggling with something for a while, and I thought perhaps some of you may be able to shed some light on my issue for me.

I am 36 years old, and gave birth to my last child 2 1/2 years ago (he was a stillborn). Ever since Matthew's birth, my hormones have run amok in my body. My cycles seem to have returned to a teenage state - I am experiencing symptoms that are unusual for me during a menstrual cycle. They are more similar to my pregnancy symptoms, or my cycles as a teenager. The most major physical symptoms are acne and tender breasts (who has acne at 36 years old?).

 But worse than that, approximately two weeks before my cycle each month, I feel like a monster is raging inside of me, or like a pressure cooker ready to explode. I get completely overwhelmed about normal life. I have no desire to be around or talk to anybody. I feel powerless to get control of these emotions. I feel like everyone around me would be better off if I closed myself up in my room until it subsided. And it will subside, a few days after my cycle begins.

Several months ago, my OB/GYN put me on 10 mg of generic Prozac. She convinced me that many women experience changes in their cycles at my age, and feel this medication takes the edge off the symptoms. I was very hesitant to start medicating the problem, but didn't know any other immediate answers to my issue. I eat pretty healthy already, and am pretty active. So I went ahead and got the prescription.

Initially, I felt relief, just as the doctor said. I felt more in control of my emotions and feelings during those few weeks prior to my cycle.

However, the past few months, I feel like the medication has been less effective. I'm very frustrated. I feel most sorry for my family, whom I feel is robbed of their wife and mother for those days my hormones take over each month. It definitely interferes with my ability to perform daily functions as usual.

If, indeed, this is part of perimenopause, which my doctor did not think it was, do I have to live like this for the next 10 years? I do know that women in my family have struggled with strong hormones like me. I have already begun to pray that the Lord would just heal me.

Can anyone shed some light on what's happening with me? I am open to hearing anything, especially if you have discovered any natural ways to battle hormones. I appreciate any input you have.

Thank you, gals, for letting me share openly and safely with you. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has experienced these kinds of things. Perhaps in me sharing, you will find answers you are looking for as well.

Lots Happening in the Seiler Household

HOMESCHOOL CO-OP
We've been members of a nearby large homeschooling group, CHIL (Christian Homeschoolers in Lodi) ever since we moved to the Galt/Lodi area. However, we've never participated in their Monday co-op classes. It just hadn't worked in our schedule. My children have begged to do them, as they know many of the kids who participate in CHIL from different homeschool events. These kids are fabulous! They're so polite, well-mannered, clean-cut, and for the most part, share our family values. But I just never could make it work.

Recently, however, I sensed my kids really needed to spend more time around good kids who share their values. I went ahead and signed the kids up for the Monday classes. My kids were thrilled! We started this past Monday, and I was actually very happy with it all. I enjoyed hanging out with Mom-friends of mine. The kids loved their individual classes and hanging out with friends. It went very well! I think it's going to be very good for everyone!

Hannah with her good friend, Sadie

Three of my boys having lunch with some of their friends

My two youngest boys in The Goldfish Gang class

I told you all before how I wasn't enjoying our state-adopted Language Arts curriculum. I returned it and ordered Pathways, and Amish-based Language Arts curriculum, for my three oldest. I started it today with my two boys, and we absolutely love it! I'm very happy right now!

FARMING
In addition, we're really starting to get serious about getting our farm going. As we anticipate the possibility of economic collapse in America's future, we have made a few goals for ourselves:
1) We want to grow our own food for our family, and
2) We want to create sources of additional income for our family.

I'm looking forward to our next couple projects. This weekend, we want to stake out our future garden and begin soaking the ground. We want to get our fruit trees planted. And we also need to start preparing the future pig pen, which will be in an existing pen on the back of the property, but it needs much cleanup. So fun!!!!

I've been wanting to share some new pictures with you of the chickens and how big they've gotten, as well as our newly painted coop. But, as I shared with you before, my camera took a nose-dive. My in-laws have their camera with them this weekend, so pictures will have to wait.

There's so much more going on, and I'll let you know more wonderful transitions happening with us in future weeks.

Weekend Off

I made it to Friday!!! That's about how I feel after this week!

My husband left last Monday for a trip to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti with Convoy of Hope. He went with a group of pastors to tour the devastation and see the lingering needs there. He said he's never seen anything like it - not even when we went to India years ago. There are close to one million orphans living in their orphanages, and only a few actually adopt the children out - the rest are run with the intention that the children within their walls will live there until adulthood. Only 60% of Haitian children make it to age five because of malnutrition and disease. The average lifespan of a Haitian is 40-45 years old. Can you imagine an entire culture without grandparents? My pastor-husband was gripped with the needs and looks forward to doing what our church can to make a difference.

Meanwhile, back at home, I was on my own. Even my in-laws, who share our country property, were out of town. It was sometimes difficult dealing with behavioral issues without communication with my husband. Couple that with carting children from one part of town to the other for this and that...I was missing my life partner! But because he was gone, I spent more late nights with worship on my iPod pressing into my Heavenly Father for breakthroughs. God set me up! He's so good at that.

Also, while my hubby was gone, I finished inventory of all the children's clothing for fall/winter so I know what needs they have. That's always a big job, but I feel so blessed when it's completed, because I realize what provision my God has given us.

My hubby returned last night, and we all happily greeted him as he got off the plane. So nice to have Daddy back!

Now, today, my daughter and I leave in just an hour for the Girlfriend Conference, a women's retreat for all the women from our Real Life Family of Churches. It will be nice to get away and enjoy some time set aside with Jesus. It's my daughter's first year attending, and she will be staying in a cabin with some other teen girls from the three churches. She's very excited about that. I will sing on the combined worship team which is always fun. I am sharing a room with another pastor's wife who I adore, so that will be a blessing.

I pray you all have a wonderful weekend, worshiping God in your local churches. Be very blessed!

September Menu & Chore Chart

I was late getting my September menu completed this month - just finished it last night. But thought I'd share it with you anyways. We're trying to transition to all organic, and since we don't buy as much processed foods, and cutting down tremendously on snacking, the budget hasn't seen that much difference. This month, I've been shopping once per week, which is new for us, but necessary, as my husband does not get paid once monthly anymore, but every two weeks instead. I shopped exclusively at Sprout's this month, and I loved it!

SEPTEMBER MENU


Here's the kids' chore chart - ever changing, especially as we settle into the new house and routine.

SEPTEMBER CHORE CHART

And some pictures Holly (my sister-in-law) and I took of the kids before she left.

My Week, Including a Few Bummers, and Some Yummy Homemade Strawberry Jam

We're on our second week of school, which has gone very well so far! We're having a good time, and there's several aspects I'm really enjoying:
1. All of my children are doing computer-based math, which is a first for our family. This has made a HUGE difference for me, as I spent the bulk of my time schooling the kids in the area of math. It's just time-consuming. All the boys are doing Time 4 Learning, and Hannah (my 8th grader) is doing Teaching Textbooks. So far, so good!
2. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Vintage Remedies for Tweens, as I knew I would. It's a total blast, and the kids are applying so much of what they're learning.
3. So far, I like my Bible curriculum, Bible Study Guide for All Ages. I wish I would have purchased the pieces that supplement it, though, such as the timeline and music CD. That would probably make it more enriching.
4. My kids are LOVING their new music classes at a nearby music studio, Newsongs. They are all doing very well. I'm grateful for exposing them all to music from a young age and teaching them each some foundational parts of music, as it is paying off. Their teachers are impressed with their rapid learning pace.

There's a few things I already want to tweak about our schooling:
1. I've been doing my lessons for history and science and Vintage Remedies on Tuesdays, and the projects for those lessons on Thursdays. But that is making for a very busy Thursday, hard to squeeze everything in, a bit chaotic. I may have to do my lesson and projects for history on Tuesday, and lesson and projects for science and Vintage Remedies on Thursdays, and see if that feels more balanced.
2. I tried out our state-adopted Language Arts curriculum this year for the first time. So far, I'm not impressed at all. It's just like I remembered it from my school days - boring, and somewhat pointless, and full of busy work that seems to have no value. I'll hang in there a while longer and see if I feel better about it over time. If not, I may need to make an adjustment there.

In our Vintage Remedies class this week, we did some cooking in the kitchen. We made a delicious "real food" strawberry jam with natural pectin. It was absolutely amazing and super easy!!!

Ingredients
1 green apple, cored and grated (this will provide the pectin)
1 quart strawberries
1 cup organic sugar (jams need real sugar because it is a natural preservative)
3 Tbsp lemon or lime juice

Begin by removing the green ends from the berries. Combine the sugar, berries, juice, and apple in a large saucepan. (When sugar boils, it expands, so make sure the pan has plenty of extra room!) Place the pan over medium high heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

As it boils, some foam will form at the top of the pan. Remove this from the pan with a slotted spoon. Keep stirring while it boils so the bottom does not burn! After 12-15 minutes, check for firmness. You can do this by dropping a small amount of the jam on a cold surface such as a plate. If it is runny, the jam is not ready. If it is thick - like a blob of jam - it is ready!

Scoop the hot jam into clean jars or containers. If you place it into canning jars, you can put them in a water bath and store the jam in the pantry. Otherwise, you can put the jam into pretty jars and keep in the refrigerator.

BUMMER #1: On the same day, we attempted to make homemade whole wheat bread in my bread machine. However, half way through the cycle, my bread machine started smoking and smelling awfully burnt. It's pretty old. I quickly turned it off. It was dead. The machine had seen it's last. I am so sad! Obviously, that bread was ruined.

BUMMER #2: Today, as I attempted to take photos of my strawberry jam for you with my Canon camera, it died. It's been acting funny for a while, always saying the batteries are dead even after putting in new ones. Now, I cannot get it to turn on at all. It tries, but immediately shuts off. SO SAD AGAIN! My Blackberry has a camera, but it often takes pictures much darker than it should. But it's all I have now. Boo-hoo.

Around the farm, the chicks are getting big and beautiful, with all their colorful feathers. There is one or two we suspect may turn out to be roosters, but still too soon to tell. They are starting to eat scraps from our kitchen, pretty much anything I chop up very finely for them. Tomorrow is coop-cleaning day. Whoopie!

The tree-house building is still coming along! They've got most of the bridge finished between the two trees. New ideas of what to add keep coming. For history this week, we had a Scottish Nationalism project, which led to the children developing their own Seiler tartan pattern, painting it on a large piece of cloth, and they plan to use it as their tree-house flag.

My father-in-law received a gate opener for his birthday this past week. We all cannot wait until it is installed. Then we won't have to get in and out of the car to open the gate every time we leave or come home. We hope to get it installed next week. Another whoopie!

And that's about it around the Seiler home.