This Blog is MOVING

 As of Monday, October 1st, you will be able to find us at http://thenoaladies.wordpress.com/  All of our blog posts have been moved over and will still be available to read.  If you have us book marked make sure to change the address. We will keep this blog up and running until the 31st of October.  If you have any questions please let us know and we will address them.  We have enjoyed blogger the past 4+ years, but were looking for a change and WordPress had what we needed. We will not only be moving, but we are changing our name, as well.
 

Chicken Coop Potpourri!

 (Here is some great advice from Homestead Revival!)
Yes, your coop can smell good, too, just like mine!

Really! It smells fantastic! Since I started making my Coop Potpourri and tossing in bundles of lavender... now when I open the door, I get this lovely wave of floral herbs. I just love it!

So here's the scoop on getting rid of the poop (well, the poop smell anyway)...

Walk around your yard or garden (or a friends yard - with permission, of course!) and dead head those marigolds and lavender. I also like to cut a few nice looking flowers as well, especially since they're growing so abundantly this year! Just toss it all in a large bucket. (Some of my lavender, the Provence variety, had long stems which I cut off before adding).

Next, prune back some of those herbs, such as rosemary, mint, thyme, etc. It's actually good for the plant, so be brave and cut! Toss all this in the bucket as well, cutting it into smaller portions as you do so. Another option is to cut back the larger plants, such as rosemary, and then pull off the needles by running your fingers over it from top to bottom. Then toss the stems. Don't forget fragrant trees, such as bay leaves (I'm growing several as an evergreen hedge to protect my beehives from winter winds).

Everything gets tossed together and allowed to dry a bit in the bucket. Once it's dry, you can bag it up for use all winter long when the coop is shut tighter than normal. Just think how nice it's going to smell!

And that extra lavender (trust me, I have a ton!)... it gets tossed on the floor where the chickens move it around as they scratch in the hay and pine shavings. Plus, it gets crushed underfoot when we walk in the coop. Between the two, it releases the oils and fragrance adding a pleasant scent that covers up the less-than-desirable smells.

 I was surprised that it really did't take a lot of plants to produce enough coop potpourri for the winter. Use whatever fragrant plants you have, but try to incorporate plenty of plants that have medicinal properties and act as bug repellents and such. And don't forget to add this to your tickler file so you remember to harvest these plants annually for your chicken coop potpourri!

Next year I think I'll raise some additional flowers and herbs to mix in. Chamomile, thyme, scented geraniums...

 

One Half of One Percent of Young People Have a Biblical Worldview

Scott T. Brown on September 14, 2012  from NCFIC

What will happen to a nation where almost no one has a biblical worldview? The Barna organization has released data which indicates that only 9% of adults in America have a biblical worldview. But what is even more startling is that among individuals eighteen to twenty-three years old, the number is nearly zero. This is a nation where Barna says approximately four in ten adults and one in three teenagers claim to be born again.*

 The research data showed that one pattern emerged loud and clear: young adults rarely possess a biblical worldview. The current study found that less than one-half of one percent of adults in the Mosaic generation – i.e., those aged 18 to 23 – have a biblical worldview, compared to about one out of every nine older adults. – Barna.org

Perhaps we should also consider if this situation is partly a reflection of the loss of biblical discipleship practices in the church and the family. I believe that it is. Further, there is hope for families and churches which are faithful to emulate biblical discipleship patterns which are always age integrated, bible saturated, walk-along-talk-along, relational, and generational in nature.

Here is something to rejoice in. Our God takes delight in mightily using small numbers of dedicated men who are faithful to Him. Let us commit ourselves to building churches that disciple and nurture faithful “aliens and strangers” in an increasingly godless society. As darkness increases around us, may the light of the gospel shine brighter and brighter through our lives, our homes, and our churches.

 *(Think Like Jesus, by George Barna p209)

 

The Last Ounce of Courage Opens This Weekend

by Doug Phillips at Vision Forum

Some very dear friends have labored long and hard to put a film in the theaters this weekend which they hope will encourage many to stand against the tide of indifference in the face of the Marxism and anti-Christian bigotry which is redefining the public square. The film which features many home educators is called “The Last Ounce of Courage” will be opening on more than a thousand screens this weekend. I intend on taking my own family and want to encourage you to do the same. Here is a write-up I received on the film which I am sharing with you:

”...It is a heart warming Christian movie that your whole family can enjoy. All of the lead actors are Christians and Jennifer O’Neill is also a well known speaker at pro-life events. What we did not know until today is that this movie was produced and promoted primarily by home school dads from Texas and Oklahoma. In addition, two of the young lead actors have home schooled. This is a great opportunity to support God-honoring entertainment. Last Ounce of Courage is enthusiastically backed and endorsed by Dr. James Dobson, AFA, Brad Bright (Campus Crusade for Christ), Chuck Norris (only movie ever to get his seal of approval), etc....Please know that a strong opening weekend is VITAL to ensure that the movie and its message will continue in the theaters. You might also utilize email and/or social media communication to your friends and family and workplace. Consider purchasing tickets as a gift for a group, i.e. military families, soldiers, veterans, church groups, schools, family, friends, etc. To purchase tickets for September 14th, 15th or 16th and to find theaters in your area go to: http://www.standusa.com/last-ounce-of-courage/ Please see Last Ounce of Courage this weekend!!!”

 

Guys, It Matters Whom You Marry, Too

"Just as a woman must think carefully about a potential husband, you must be careful about a potential wife. Careful evaluation in a number of areas will save you a lifetime of frustration. Right now, you might think she’s pretty, or playful, or nice to you. It’s not enough. One pregnancy can alter a figure, responsibilities at home can reveal laziness, and a disagreement about money can turn her against you. The church in North America has many men who are hampered in their abilities and success because they were distracted by a pretty face who now seems to bring more trouble than bliss."

1.  It will impact your spiritual life
2.  It will impact your service in the church
3.  It will impact your reputation.
4.  It will impact your work life and finances
5.  It will impact your other relationships.
6.  It will impact your health.

To read this entire article go to The Christian Pundit.

 

Pastor Nadrakhani released from prison!!

Praising God for the release today of Pastor Youcef Nadrakhani from prison, after 1062 days, for sharing his faith.

 Here he is with his two sons this morning, after his release from prison.