THINGS MOTHER USED TO MAKE by Lydia Maria Gurney

THINGS MOTHER USED TO MAKE by Lydia Maria Gurney  -A Collection of Old Time Recipes, Some Nearly One Hundred Years Old and…is a compilation of information originally published in “Suburban Life”  and was complied to produce manuals. Originally published in 1914 it is now  public domain and I was able to download it as a FREE ebook via Amazon. 

I am drawn to “vintage” reading material, as well as historical re-enactments, thus I was drawn to this book. It is not that I excel in cooking or  housekeeping that I wanted to read this book but I just want to know how they did it.

The title of this book, THINGS MOTHER USED TO MAKE, may draw happy childhood memories to some and for those who desire to cook from scratch it may create a desire to hunt for those lost recipes. If you are one of these individuals then this book will serve as a motivator. 

THINGS MOTHER USED TO MAKE is not like todays detailed cookbooks, it assumes the reader has some culinary skills and needs just the basics. For example:

BREADS:Coffee Cakes

“When your dough for yeast bread is risen light and fluffy, cut off small pieces and roll as big as your ginger, four inches long. Fold and twist to two inches long and fry in deep fat. Serve hot with coffee.”

I did not find a “yeast bread” recipe but I did find a “White Bread” bread recipe. 

This book is more than just recipes, the  Appendix contains many tips on how to manage a household. In the section HOUSEHOLD HINTS OLD AND NEW FOR HOUSEKEEPERS YOUNG AND OLD, the first tip reads:

“Plan your work, then work your plan.”

When I read this I laughed out loud, really I did! My oldest sister is known for saying this, I thought she came up with that expression herself. 

This information was provided during a time in which women took great pride in maintaining there home with an understanding that we, women, were not born to know how to “Make Starch” or “The Proper Way to Sweep a Room”. 

From a historical perspective and a practical living viewpoint this book is a gym. It is a quick read with amusing antidotes. If the opportunity arises I might buy a print copy.

                                                              Written by Marsha L F Randolph

CHRISTIAN MODESTY by Jeff Pollard

 

Man did I open a can of worms!  CHRISTIAN MODESTY- the Public Undressing of America by Jeff Pollard is exactly what this advertises. I purchased this ebook because I am very much interested in dressing modestly and was wondering why the church does not promote it.

“How many of today’s preachers were “raised on TV”? Pinpoint accuracy might be difficult, but one thing is certain: it is quite difficult to fine one that has not been influenced by Hollywood, whether he grew up with a TV or not? [Chapter VII The Impact of Meida, paragraph 1]

The above statement is found midway in the book, the author actually takes the reader from Genesis where God clothed the man and woman to what we see today. I found the sentences I quoted intriguing because it states an obvious concept: Not dressing modestly is normal. 

Without rambling on and on and quoting the entire book to you I can summarize what I discovered by simply saying the way women and men dressed today was presented in such a manor that most Believers do not realize far from Genesis  they have strayed. 

One of the things the author pointed out: Women would not think it appropriate to go outside in their bra and panties yet they will walk around in a thong bikini; men are no different.

I recommend this book to everyone particularly Christians and church leaders in particular. My only regret is I purchased an ebook and not a print book.   

                                                          - Written by Marsha L F Randolph

This book review is part of my own personal reading collection, it was not a complimentary copy as many of the books I review are. 

HEADCOVERING THROUGHOUT CHRISTIAN HISTORY by David Phillips

 I learned of this book HEADCOVERING THROUGHOUT CHRISTIAN HISTORY through YouTube.  As I listened to the author David Phillips I knew I had to get the book because I had made a decision to cover my head.  Note: This book is only available in ebook format only on Amazon.

HEADCOVERING THROUGHOUT CHRISTIAN HISTORY  - The Church’s Response to 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 by David Phillips is more than what I had anticipated. This is a very detailed report of the history of the church and how men and women presented themselves in the house of God- the church. 

The author shares the thoughts of various men and some women throughout history as it pertains to attire in the church. The first opinion is that of Clement of Alexander (150AD- 215AD), a quick look at Wikipedia reveals he is a very significant figure within Christianity. Century by century the author shares the thought upon how women are to present themselves in church.

In this chronological and systematic approach the reader will be able to come to his or her own conclusions regarding head coverings. The transitioning will become apparent to everyone even if you have a minute historical knowledge. The book concludes by sharing places where head coverings are still practice.

The book answered all of my questions and more. I do cover my head and I don’t mind it. I have no problem with those who do not cover their head.  - written by Marsha L F Randolph

THE AMERICAN FRUGAL HOUSEWIFE by Lydia Francis Child

 

THE AMERICAN FRUGAL HOUSEWIFE by Lydia Maria Francis Child; published in 1833 is now a public domain book meaning there is no copyright protections on it.  I downloaded this  ebook for 99 cents  from Amazon because I am interested in how our ancestors lived, particularly women. 

I am interested in how women managed money, how women dressed, how they maintained the household and so forth.  Not many women today care how they did it back then because, in their eyes, women did not have equal rights- I beg to differ. If you study Scripture and you think about the contents written in this book the reader will understand  how very equal women were- equal but with different task to perform. 

THE AMERICAN FRUGAL HOUSEWIFE contains tips for the young wife on how to manage her household, particularly if you were not wealthy. 

In the 1800’s there was a need to properly preserve foods. This book would have been an asset to the young lady whose mother had not taught her the ins and outs of running a household.

The book contains such recipes as: Egg gruel, Gruel, and Calf’s foot Jelly! None of these things seem appealing to me but it is clear that the theme of the book is: let nothing go to waste! And as you read you will discover this is a true assessment.

In the introduction the author presents her no nonsense approach to running a household, many mothers and fathers today would object to her writings:

“Nothing should be thrown away so long as it is possible to make any use of it, however trifling that use may be; and whatever be the size of the family, every member should be employed either in earning or saving money.”

Continuing in the introduction Lydia Maria Francis Child writes: “A child of six years old can be made useful; and should be taught to consider every day lost in which some little thing has not been done to assist others.”

I could go on and on about this book. Many people would read it from a historical perspective, I think people should read it from a now perspective. One of the last two chapters are: HOW TO ENDURE HARD TIMES and there is also HOW TO ENDURE POVERTY I want a hard copy. Once upon a time in America people did not have the government to help them I believe we were better because of it. 

THE AMERICAN FRUGAL HOUSEWIFE by Lydia Maria Francis Child is both a historical look at the life of a woman in the 1800’s and the transfer of wisdom as many of us try to return to our GOD designed attributes. 

You will not appreciate this book if you are in pursuit of breaking the glass ceiling. You will love this book if you appreciate all things female.  - written by Marsha L F Randolph 

NIV STUDY BIBLE FULLY REVISED EDITION

 

It is the NIV STUDY BIBLE FULLY REVISED EDITION  published in 2020 by Zondervan. So, what does that mean? It means you get more than the New International Version of the Bible and so it is important to look beyond the translation itself.

My first impression: WOW! Now that’s a Bible! It is about as thick as the one my grandmother had on her coffee table! Not as big. Then I opened it up. 

Have you ever had one of those instances in which you opened the Bible and went straight to the verse you needed to see? I haven’t but when I opened the Bible I went straight to the articles I needed to read: Divorce. After reading the two articles, found in the book of Malachi, I searched to see what other current lifestyle articles there were. I discovered an article on Baptism, in the book of Matthew. And then I found one in the book of Hebrews entitled: CAN CHRISTIANS LOSE THEIR SALVATION?” 

I have reviews many Bibles, I owned many before I started reviewing them. The NIV STUDY BIBLE FULLY REVISED Bible is worth owning because of the wealth of life modern day life applying articles found in it. 

Also of note in this particular Bible is information that will help the student of Scripture put things in context. The information provided includes: maps, images notes, commentaries, cross references, historical perspectives, a concordance, and much more. 

It is not that I need another Bible but I think I am going to keep this one because of ALL THE INFORMATION found within the pages of this awesome book. 

               Written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Biblegateway in exchange for an honest review. I have done so. 

#BIBLEGATEWAYPARTNER

A LETTER TO MY CLIENTS-

This blog is dedicated to reviews so today I am reviewing myself:

In a perfect world I would sew, garden and write but the world is not perfect and people need help. I don't mind helping people, I love helping people help themselves. Unfortunately, my helping people has lead to their financial improvement but, though I am getting debt free, I have been financially stagnant. In January of 2020 I, Marsha L Randolph, made a decision to do what I do but better. 

Because I now have the necessary credentials I can now do what I would refer my clients to other people do because I trust me. 

People put off dealing with their faith and their finances, even though they  know they need to get both in order.

I am qualified to help, I am trustworthy- two qualities people need when dealing with their money; I am also a woman of faith. Perhaps that is my one "fault"! I help people stop cheating on their taxes.  The bottom line: I am good at what I do and now I am expanding my business. 

The following is an email I am sending to my tax clients, my hope is that they will tell their friends that I care and really want to help.

 A NOTE FROM MARSHA

I pray this note finds you well. I know that for many people, because of the restraints put upon us during COVID-19,  this has been a very difficult time. Since February,   I have not been busy studying. 

I am excited about the future!   I  am teaching (as a volunteer)- an online  money management at FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY a Ramsey+ organization. There are so many people out there that put off doing what they know they need to do. 

(Here is a secret: Though I think it is worth maintaining the subscription for a year; I suggest to those who are financially strapped to take advantage of the 14 day trial period and cancel. I know I shouldn’t tell you this but the classes are really worth it.)

I have completed most of my studies, series 6 here I come!  I have completed the CEU’s necessary for tax preparation and renewed my Notary certifications. I have also reinstated my Life Insurance License and added a Health License. So many people need these things and more! 

I have never been profit driven which is why I never pushed to grow my tax practice. Don’t get me wrong, I need money!  I see so many people being taken advantage of and though there are men and women of integrity that sale life and health insurance they are few and far between.  Over the years I have met many people who struggle to make insurance payments or just let the policy get canceled due to nonpayment. And despite the affordable care act there are people without health insurance. So, I decided to be part of the solution.

The one lesson we have all learned during this COVID-19 crisis is that we need to be healthy and we need to be as debt free as possible. I have another virtual class coming up very soon, starting: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 AT 7PM. I am sure you know someone who would benefit from this class or needs health insurance or life insurance I would appreciate your referral. And of course I am more than willing to help you with anything you need. 

                                                                                                                 - Marsha

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ME: nowayztired@gmail.com Please reference this blog as the SUBJECT

HALLEY'S STUDY BIBLE- NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

 

The New International Version of the bible is not my first Bible of choice, though I do have a few copies. But, I love the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION HALLEY’S STUDY BIBLE. 

As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I received a complimentary copy of the New International HALLEY’S STUDY BIBLE in exchange for an honest review but when I started going through the Bible I forgot to write my review! I also forgot that I was not a fan of the NIV Bible translation. (SMH) 

I have owned a Halley’s Bible Dictionary for years. Unfortunately someone has borrowed it indefinitely, this Bible makes up for the loss. 

I love the charts, the pictures, and the words of Yeshua marked in red.  I also appreciate the ribbon that helps me mark a page, though I wish there were at least two. The font is perfect, easy on the eyes, something exclusive to Zondervan. But what I really love is the comments, notes- whatever you want to call them.

HALLEY’S STUDY BIBLE, N.I.V.,  is what a study Bible should be: a combination of factual data and commentary brought together to help the reader learn. 

When HALLEY’S STUDY BIBLE arrived in the mail I was meditating on 1 JOHN 5:14-15 

1 John 5:14-15 New International Version (NIV)

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

The comment for these particular verses read as follows: 

5:14-15 according to his will. The key to knowing that God hears is to pray this way. 

This is what I believe and I was glad to see that my understanding was correct. 

After that I began using the HALLEY’S STUDY BIBLE for more studies, which is why I forgot to post a review. 

There are informational nuggets throughout this Bible which makes it well worth owning. For example: In relation to Psalm 84 there is a nugget entitled: God’s House”  I loved the picture of the “Interior of houses with painted walls in Ephesus.” (page 1614 2 John of my Bible) In the book of Revelation you will find a discussion on THE FIRST BEAST- Revelation 13:1-10. 

If you are looking for a study Bible for a gift or for yourself this is a good one. 

From time to time I give away the Bibles I obtain for review but this one is a keeper! 

If you like this post and think others should know about this Bible please share. Thank you 
                                                                                                           Your  #BibleGatewayPartner.

                                                                                                         Marsha L F Randolph

BIBLE GATEWAY- My review on its' updated website.

 

On July 1, 2020 I received a request to review BIBLE GATEWAY’s updated website. Bible Gateway has been my resource of choice for years even though many people and my church suggest another one. There was nothing wrong with the “classic” site but I decide to give it a try, that is why it has taken me this long to share my opinion.

I have been very irritated with the new site, I am glad it gives me the option of going tot he “classic” view because when I am studying it is important for me to utilize that view. 

Both sites offer the viewer the same thing it is just a matter of choosing a tab on the top of the page or a menu item on the side of the page. 

The classic is brighter, the fonts are lighter but all I want to do is go to my Bible verses.

I use BIBLE GATEWAY to view multiple translations of the same passages. I like to compare the new King James, The Expanded and the Voice- I have a print version of each of these Bibles but I will often add a translation that I don’t have. With the classic website, once I log on, the search tool automatically defaults to the new King James Bible Version and I can add the other two versions in the order that I mentioned. 

Since the update the default is the New International Version, yes I have this in print, I rarely seek the NIV translation. 

Now, it is possible that I could set up the New BIBLE GATEWAY website to accommodate my idiosyncrasies but why? My opinion, when I first looked at the updated site was: They are trying to compete with the other Bible search tools. 

Coca-cola tried to compete with Pepsi by coming up with a “New” Coke and it was not a success. Yes, there were people that liked the flavor but most people chose to stick with the classic. Not everyone is going to switch from Pepsi to coke just because you created a flavor that is similar.

Not everyone is going to come to the New Bible Gateway just because you redesigned your website. BIBLE GATEWAY is perfect for what people who study GOD’s word needs. Perhaps you may get a few new subscribers but as long as mega church leaders promote the other site people are not going to switch, your just aggravating the people who have been with you for years. 

As a #BibleGatewayParner I was informed that the new site has a responsive design (whatever that is) and is easily viewed on whatever format you are using- cell phone, tablet, computer, etcetera.  I did try to use my cell phone to look up a verse but I had the same problem I had before the revamp- let's just assume it is operator error.

I still love Bible Gateway and prefer it over the other Bible resource tools and recommend it to everyone. I prefer the Classic coca-cola and the classic Bible Gateway.  

                                                                                          Written by Marsha L F Randolph

QUILTING by Jennifer Fulton

QUILTING by Jennifer Fulton was and is exactly what I need to understand the process of quilting. The writing paired with the images make understanding the process easy. 

I am glad that I have made a few quilts because I can tell you that this book is everything a person needs if he or she is going to start quilting- by hand or by machine. The writer keeps it simple.

It is not difficult to navigate the chapters if you want to skip to a specific style of quilting like: appliqueing. If you do not want to use the sewing machine QUILTING will walk you through the steps to hand sewing.

I would say that QUILTING IDIOT’S GUIDES -As Easy As It Gets, is the very first book you should get if you want to learn how to quilt or there are some skills you need to work on.

Did I mention there are lessons to help a sewist master a particular technique and projects that you can do?

QUILTING is worth the investment.
      Written by Marsha L F Randolph

THINKING OUTSIDE THE "FOX"

I don't watch much news, at least not the traditional network / cable news programs. For many years I was a devoted FOX News watcher, I had my personalities I loved to hate and people I swore by.  Things began to change on FOX and I began to watch less and less.

I prefer to listen to Sean Hannity on his radio show instead of his television program on FOX.  He can be found on iHeart radio Monday thru Friday

Glen Beck was the first casualty of my personal "I am not watching this anymore" about a year later he was off the air at FOX News. But, now I listen to him via YouTube and am debating if I should subscribe to his  BLAZETV. 

Even the vindicated Bill O'Reilly is doing better now that he is no longer with FOX.

What has got me thinking about cable news in general is the fact that I enjoy John Stossel more now than I eve did when he was on FOX NEWS.  If you ever visit his website, STOSSEL TV, You will discover what happens when news reporters are allowed to speak freely.

Many people love their news, however, Conservatives must learn how to think outside of the FOX! FOX news is a moderate news source with a few Conservative commentators.  Many news outlets can be found on  YouTube. The news sources I listen to are credible and offer more in depth stories if you subscribe to their website.  Just to name a few:

• OAN- One News Network: YouTube, also available on ROKU, FIRESTICK, and other non-traditional cable and internet sources. 
• THE DAILY LEDGER: YouTube
• THE LARRY ELDER SHOW - YouTube 

One of the best things about ditching cable is the discovery of life outside of the FOX.
                                                                                   written by Marsha L F Randolph

The words written reflect the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.