Miss Jenna- Feminine Farm Girl

My sister, Miss Monica June, has been following a blog for a while that is so much fun. She told us about this Feminine Farm Girl and I just had to get to know her. We are so blessed to be able to have Miss Jenna join us this month in an interview and be our Girl of Grace for September 2009.

Lady Jess: Hello Jenna, what inspired you to begin On Bent Knees?
Miss Jenna: Prayer is very important, and I wanted to encourage people to pray for each other... On Bent Knees can bring us together to lift each other up in prayer, and be able to see how God answers the petitions that we have laid before him!

Lady Jess: I understand that you live on a farm, what do you like about living there?
Miss Jenna: I love the space, large animals, gardening and learning self-sufficiency in a hands on setting:) I am so blessed to have the opportunity to live on a farm! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Lady Jess: Have you home schooled your whole life? How did your mom get started with that?
Miss Jenna: Yes, my parents started homeschooling my twin and I (we're the oldest) ever since we were born. Their vision grew from knowing other families that home-educated to understanding the call in Scriptures to train up their children. Home-educating isn't really about textbooks and desks, it is a way of life for our whole family as mom and dad teach us foundational beliefs, encourage the building of good relationships between all of the siblings and nurture Godly character.

Lady Jess: What do you think you enjoy most about home schooling?
Miss Jenna: The flexibility of going at a quicker pace if I understand something really well, and slowing down a little if I'm confused. You're building a foundation and it is important to understand every small step. I also enjoy getting my school work done so that I can practice some home economics...my favorite!!!

Lady Jess: What kind of animals do you have on your farm?
Miss Jenna: We have a horse, dairy cow, dairy goats, pigs, chickens, cats and one dog.

Lady Jess: I saw that you are involved in 4H, do you enjoy that?
Miss Jenna: I do enjoy 4H...there is so much opportunity to learn! My siblings and I do most of the research on our own for the areas of interest that we have. This is my 2nd year showing goats and hogs, and I have really had a lot of fun:) I would like to do a steer next year as well...


Lady Jess: Why would you recommend 4H to someone?
Miss Jenna: Joining a 4H group provides multiple opportunities to learn and grow! I have experienced so many different things, met so many people, and been forced to talk to/present business plans to complete strangers!


Lady Jess: What curriculum do you use in your home schooling?
Miss Jenna: We use a Charlotte Mason approach, so that includes a variety of choices...literature, some text (ie math), and lots of hands on.


Lady Jess: What is your favorite past time in your home schooling?
Miss Jenna: Being able to spend time in home economics!!! I love baking, cooking, sewing, gardening, and working with my goats and other animals. In the near future, I would like to learn more about herbs and natural health!
Lady Jess: I know that, for some people who attend a 'school', it is sometimes difficult to plan quality time with your family. Especially the father. Because you home school, how is that different with your dad?
Miss Jenna: Honestly, it's not that different. He's in an industry that requires long and difficult hours which is only made worse in this economy. Unfortunately, I don't get to see my daddy as much as he or I would like.

Lady Jess: Tell us something you enjoy doing with your mom.
Miss Jenna: Having conversations in the kitchen are probably my favorite...Mom is my best friend:)

Lady Jess: Do you play any instruments?If you play instruments, what kind?
Miss Jenna: Yes, I do Piano and Violin.

Lady Jess: Do you enjoy playing that/those specific instruments?
Miss Jenna: I do enjoy playing the piano and violin, though the violin has been put on hold while I focus on piano.

Lady Jess: How long have you been playing that/those?
Miss Jenna: I've been taking piano lessons and playing for 7 years, though I've had breaks here and there...for violin, close to two years.

Lady Jess: Is there a specific instrument that you like the most?
Miss Jenna: Piano, Violin and Cello

Lady Jess: Is there a specific instrument that you would like to learn how to play?
Miss Jenna: After Piano and Violin are well learned, I would enjoy learning the Cello~

Lady Jess: Do you enjoy music?
Miss Jenna: I do! Music is a wonderful way that we can praise the Lord!

Lady Jess: If you can write it in one sentence, how would you describe your relationship with Jesus Christ?
Miss Jenna: Getting stronger and growing everyday, as I seek to know and serve HIM.

Lady Jess: What is something that God has taught you recently?
Miss Jenna: To Trust in HIM, whatever befalls! Something that I struggle with, but the Lord has helped me.

Lady Jess: How did you hear of Growing in Grace Magazine?
Miss Jenna: I've seen your link on several blogs:)


Thank you for allowing me to interview you, it has been a pleasure. I am so glad that we have gotten to know you a little. You can get to know Miss Jenna a whole lot better over at her blog Feminine Farmgirl.

Lady Jess is a teen lady who is homeschooled along with her siblings. She assists her mother in teaching her younger siblings, is an interpreter for deaf ministry, sings in a local choir, and is in training to be a homeschooling parent herself one day.

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Homeschooling Down Under

by Miss Jessica

I’m a little different than most of the GGM writers – I’m Australian. I was born and raised in the north of Western Australia, where it is hot, remote and with unique scenery. Yet there is one thing in common I have with most of the writers at GGM – I homeschool! Always have, and, Lord-willing, always will.

I’ve collated a couple of questions I thought I might get asked if I were to mention homeschooling Down Under. What questions would you ask me?

Is homeschooling legal in Australia? Yes, it is. Although registration requirements differ in different states, the government supports parental choice, including the choice to provide registered home schooling to children. (Homeschooling Association of Australia).

For example, in all eight states and territories except Victoria, the parents need to submit a written application to the Board of Education, who will give, upon approval, a homeschooling licence for varying amounts of time. Occasionally we have a member from the Education Department come to our town and ‘check in on us’, to make sure that we are doing OK and receiving a full education. There is no such requirement on families in Victoria.
Is homeschooling in Australia any different than in America? Over the years, through media, books and online, I’ve noticed a few differences, but the principle – which is teaching your children at home – doesn’t change.

• In Australia, we don’t have a three month break, but rather, two weeks every ten weeks, and six weeks over Christmas and January. This school practice is often held by homeschoolers as well.
• The concept of homeschooling was accepted a lot earlier in America than in Australia. Only thirty years ago Australians would freak out at the thought of homeschooling their kids, while homeschooling was ‘happening’ at the same time in the USA. Now many people homeschool in Australia and it is easily accepted.

How many people homeschool exactly? Although a strict record is not really kept, roughly 15,000 kids homeschool in Australia.

What resources are available in Australia? Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot of homeschool resources produced by Australians in Australia, so we use either our own ideas or American curriculum and books, which can be brought in Australia or overseas. This is changing as mums start to publish what they have taught their children.

How do you ‘do’ homeschool in Australia? As in America, there are different styles for homeschooling – Charlotte Mason, Unschooling, Discipleship or traditional. One way of education outside of regular school system that is unique to Australia is a long distance-education program, called School of the Air, which is performed via radio and textbooks and usually an option for families on remote Cattle Stations. Nowadays, parents take on homeschooling themselves, regardless of whether they live in the outback or not.
Did you choose to homeschool because the school system is bad in Australia? Our family doesn’t believe there is anything wrong with the school system in Australia itself. Nearly eleven years back, Mum and Dad decided that they wanted to be the main influence in our kids’ lives, not school teachers. Although we have loved every minute of it, for us, it doesn’t mean that we frown upon anyone who chooses to send their child to school. Though this was our reason for homeschooling, there would be many reasons why families choose to homeschool in Australia.
Do you have to take exams and tests? No, you move on at your pace and level, without the pressure of preparing for a test.

Can homeschool students get into University (College)? There are many options for entry into University in Australia. One way that our family is looking into is a Uni course via external education rather than to actually go to Uni. Open University offers entrance to university without exams and tests that ‘standardize’ you, as my brother calls it.

So there you have it! We can homeschool in Australia!

Miss Jessica is a 14year old homeschool girl who lives in Australia. She loves the Lord and enjoys music, reading, history, computers and sewing. Jessica has a warped sense of humour and is always ready for a giggle. She helps her mum around the home and participates in the local church music team. You can find out more about Jess at her blog Little Miss Giggle.

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The Treaty of Paris

by Miss Shannon

The date was September 3, 1783. Nine years of the brutal fighting and conflict of the Revolutionary War had gone by, and every side of this dispute, America, Great Britain, France, and Spain, wanted change, restoration, and resolution. In response to these desires, dignitaries from America and Great Britain were meeting together in France to sign a treaty that would officially give America the very thing that they had been sacrificing everything to have: the recognition of being a free, independent nation. This monumental treaty was called The Treaty of Paris.

Opening with “In the name of the most holy and undivided Trinity…” this document spelled out the guidelines that would restore peace between the nations. The very first paragraph says one of the most important things for Americans when it says: “It having pleased the Divine Providence to dispose the hearts of the most serene and most potent Prince George the Third, by the grace of God, king of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, duke of Brunswick and Lunebourg, arch-treasurer and prince elector of the Holy Roman Empire ect., and of the United States of America, to forget all misunderstandings and differences…and to establish such a beneficial and satisfactory intercourse…” In short, that the countries involved in the war would put the conflict behind them, and work to establish a good relationship between them.

The document goes on to talk about ten different articles that were to be followed, sort of like an order of conduct between the nations. The first article talks about how “His Brittanic Majesty,” the king of the British Empire, acknowledges that the thirteen colonies were “free sovereign and independent states…” The second and third article talks about boarder issues and fishing rights; furthermore, the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh articles go on to address the payment of goods gained during the war, the restoration of confiscated possessions, and the prosecution of those who confiscated possessions during the war.

The next article, article eight, is particularly interesting. While it is the shortest article, it has so much to do with how our nation became such a large and powerful one in the world. It states: “The navigation of the river Mississippi, from its source to the ocean, shall forever remain free and open to the subjects of Great Britain and the citizens of the United States.” Because of this river being made an open place for both nations, America was able to explore beyond what was once know as the “Old West:” the Appalachian mountain range to the Mississippi River. This exploration led to things like the Louisiana Purchase, settlement in the west, the transcontinental railroad, and the gold rush.

The second to last article, article nine, addresses what America or Great Britain should do if they were to conquer any land that belonged to either of them before this document reached America. It states that “it is agreed that the same”…the land conquered…”shall be restored without difficulty and without requiring any compensation.” Finally, the last article, article ten, says that the treaty shall be exchanged between the two countries within the next six months. Also, it says that the men who were present, D. Hartley, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, were in agreement on these points when it says: “In witness whereof we the undersigned…signed with our hands the present definitive treaty and caused the seals of our arms to be affixed thereto."
Since the signing of this document, the United Sates of America has become a country that not many thought it would become. That is, not many besides these men, and the men like them who fought for our freedom, succeeded, and then spent the rest of their lives working for their new country. They did all of this because of a firm belief that America needed to be an independent nation, under the authority of God. Like them, people should have the courage to stand up for what we know to be truth, the Word of God, even in the face of those who disagree and who say that what we pray for will not happen. If we do, the Lord will accomplish things that no one dreamed could happen. Just like how thirteen little colonies stood up against an Empire for what they believed the Lord was telling them, and won.

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and cast into the sea, it shall be done.”
~Matthew 21:21

Miss Shannon is a home school junior who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, and is striving to follow Him more and more. She blogs at Below the Plateau.

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Organizing Your Homeschool Area

by Lady Jess

"A place for everything and everything in it's place."

I love organizing and getting things into their places, sometimes it's hard when you live in small space, but there are a lot of ways you can be organized when you're limited to a small area. Here are some tips I have used in my little room.

Utensils:

You can use a pencil box or a pencil can. But, be sure that whatever you are using will prevent your utensils from rolling away. You can color coordinate and pre-sharpen all of your pencils and color pencils for an added ease. You can also purchase pens in multiple different color inks and fun designs.

Notepads and sticky notes:

You can purchase different notepads for different subjects and color coordinate your utensils to match each pad. Keep them in bins or folder organizers. Sticky notes are also a good way to jot down reminders, just make sure you don't lose them.

Paperclips:

Paperclips are a great tool to use to save your place in a book. Or to keep your sticky notes together. :)

Ribbons:

Ribbons are another great way to store your pens if the pens have that little clip attached to it. Find a cute ribbon. Cut to the needed length and tack each end to a cork board, then hang your pens across it.

Necessities for Your Schoolwork:

It might be staplers, a hole puncher, tape dispenser or a pencil sharpener. If there is no room on your desktop for these things, you can place them in a drawer until you need them or you can purchase a small shelf specifically for that purpose.

Folders:

If your desk is on the small side, like mine, and there is no room for big bulky folders, you can place the folders on a separate shelf or in a drawer.

Other organizational tips:

If you are the kind of person who likes lots of space in your work area, you can put everything in bins, drawers, or another separate shelf.

You can also decorate your desk to suit your personality. You can tack up inspirational quotes, pictures of your friends, or some random doodles.

Simple














or


Funky















Lady Jess is a teen lady who is homeschooled along with her siblings. She assists her mother in teaching her younger siblings, is an interpreter for deaf ministry, sings in a local choir, and is in training to be a homeschooling parent herself one day.

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National Rice Month

by Miss Alyssa

Rice has always been a staple in our house. Growing up, I have always eaten rice. It was not until I was older that I found out this fact: Not all families in America eat rice! Mom explained that some families eat potatoes or pasta or bread instead. We also eat those, just not regularly like rice.

There are many different types of rice. In fact, there are about 40,000 varieties of rice in the world. Rice is either short grained, medium grained, or long grained. There is rough rice, brown rice, white rice, parboiled rice, and precooked (or instant) rice. Some unique types of rice made in the U.S. include: sweet rice, black japonica rice, arborio rice, jasmine rice, basmati rice, aromatic red rice, and della, delrose, and delmont rice. We normally eat white Jasmine rice and occasionally eat brown rice.

Rice is nutritious. It is a major source of carbohydrates which give us energy. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, thiamine, niacin, iron, riboflavin, calcium, and fiber. You can do a lot of different things with rice. It can be made into fried rice, sushi, rice pudding, flour, noodles, rice cakes, etc. Serve warm rice with a protein dish (meat, fish, beans, eggs, or tofu) plus vegetables and you are set for a healthy, inexpensive meal. It is great served with stir-fries or curries as well. The possibilities are unlimited.

Here are some interesting facts:

-Rice is the primary dietary staple for more than 50% of the people in the world.

-More than 90 percent of the world's rice is grown and eaten in Asia, where rice is often eaten two to three times every day.

-Asia is home to 250 million rice farms; most of them are quite small.

-In several Asian cultures, the word for cooked rice is the same as the word for meal.

-Rather than saying "How are you?" or "Have you had dinner?", a Chinese person or a Thai person often greets each other, "Have you had rice yet?"

-Almost eighty-five percent of the rice eaten in the U.S. is grown here.

-Americans eat around 24 pounds of rice per year.

-Rice has a low amount of sugar, sodium, and fat. It also contains no gluten, cholesterol, or additives and preservatives.

-Millions and millions of poor people spend half to three fourths of their incomes on rice.

Free rice is a free educational website where you can actually help feed people! For every answer you get right, they donate ten grains of rice to help end world hunger. They have different subjects you can choose from such as art, chemistry, English, geography, languages, and math. Here is the link: http://www.freerice.com/

Miss Alyssa, a 15 year old homeschooler, is interested in writing and film-making for the glory of God and the furtherance of His Kingdom. She is passionate about reaching the unreached with the Gospel. She blogs at One Nation Under GOD.

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The Apple

by Lady Jess

The anatomy of an apple consists of 6 basic parts. The leaves, stem, skin, flesh, core and seeds.

The leaves is what absorbs the sunlight and causes photosynthesis to take place.

The stem's responsibility is to carry nutrients to the fruit.

The skin is there to protect the fruit from outside influences. Don't peel your apple. Two-thirds of the fiber and lots of antioxidants are found in the peel. Antioxidants help to reduce damage to cells, which can trigger some diseases.

The flesh is the sweet part that everyone likes to eat. Apples ripen six to ten times faster at room temperature than if they were refrigerated.

The core is the part of the apple that surrounds the seeds.

The seeds are what will, in turn, produce the next apples.

Did You Know?...

Planting an apple seed from a particular apple will not produce a tree of that same variety. The seed is a cross of the tree the fruit was grown on and the variety that was the cross pollinator.

Apples are members of the rose family.

The science of apple growing is called pomology.

If you cut an apple in half horizontally, the shape of the seeds will form a star.

In colonial time apples were called winter banana or melt-in-the-mouth.

Apple varieties range in size from a little larger than a cherry to as large as a grapefruit. There are apples that have an aftertaste of pears, citrus, cinnamon, cloves, coconut, strawberries, grapes and even pineapple!

Apple Recipes

Apple Pie
Apple Crisp
Apple Dumplings
Apple Cider
Apple Tart
Apple Fritters
Apple Cobbler

Verses About Apples

Psalm 17:8 "Keep me as the apple of the eye: hide me under the shadow of thy wings." Proverbs 7:2 "Keep my commandments, and thou shalt live, and mine instruction, as the apple of thine eyes." Proverbs 25:11 "A word spoken in his place, is like apples of gold with pictures of silver."

Apple Poems

Red Apple
A little red apple
Hung high in a tree
I looked up at it
And it looked down at me
"Come down, please" I called
And what do you suppose---
That little red apple
Dropped right on my nose!

Eat An Apple
Eat an apple; (Bring right hand to mouth)
Save the core. (Close right hand in fist)
Plant the seeds. (Bend down touch hand to ground)
And grow some more. (Extend both arms out)

A Little Apple Seed
Once a little appleseed was planted in the ground
Down came the raindrops, falling all around.
Out came the big sun, bright as bright could be
And that little apple seed grew to be an apple tree!

(Authors of poems unknown)


Well, I hope you enjoyed learning about this fabulous fruit as much as I did!

Lady Jess is a teen lady who is homeschooled along with her siblings. She assists her mother in teaching her younger siblings, is an interpreter for deaf ministry, sings in a local choir, and is in training to be a homeschooling parent herself one day.

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How do You Judge?

by Sisterlisa

Over the years I have noticed how girls have prejudices for all sorts of reasons. When I was growing up there was prejudices among different cliques of kids in school. I grew up in the public school system in Los Angeles County in California. I saw different gangs who refuse to speak to each other, sit in the same class, or walk down the same streets. Among adults I see prejudices, but in a different form. I see adults who refuse to talk to each other based on how much money they make or which neighborhood they can afford to live in. I even see how homeschool girls and other school kids are divided as well. Did you know there was a division among the people in Christ's time too? When Jesus was sitting at the well near Samaria, a woman came to fetch water. When Jesus spoke to her, she was surprised that a Jew would speak to her, a woman of Samaria. When Jesus came to be our Messiah, he changed the social status of the communities.

Galatians 3:8, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

It is certainly sad to see so much division among people today, especially among Believers. I have seen more judgmental people among Believers than I have from any other groups, cliques, gangs, or the poor. Christians know they are not to be judgmental, yet it seems to be more prevalent among them. Why is that?

I believe part of the reason is because they live according to the Law. They become a judge of what is right or wrong in the life of another believer. Yes, we are to be accountable to one another. The Bible says to "confess your faults one to another." But it doesn't tell you to make a list of all your friend's sins and go to their door proclaiming how sinful they are. There is a fine line between being judgmental Pharisees and preaching to the people the message of repentance.

Ladies, it is not our position to be busy bodies, meddling in the affairs of one another.

1 Timothy 5:13, "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not."

As a young lady, your position is to be obedient to your parents. If you have a friend who is close to you and she sees you talk back to your mother, I believe a true friend would admonish you to obey. You may not like it when a friend corrects you on the spot, but that is what a true friend would do. On the other hand I do not feel it is beneficial for a friend to come over and begin telling you about all your sins and how to make them right. Do you see what I mean about there being a fine line?

I feel that too many times we distance ourselves from others far too much, we become so high minded that we are no earthly good. If Jesus Christ lived that way, the woman at the well never would have tasted the Bread of Life and the Living Water. We are in this world, but we don't have to be of this world. I'm not too proud of my nation anymore, that's a sad statement, but it's true. I am saddened by the amount of sin that is prevalent in our nation. However, if I were to separate myself from America where else would I live? Is there not sin in the rest of the world's countries? I live in America, but I do not need to be the same kind of American as everyone else.

I am a Believer in Jesus Christ, but I am not the same as every other Believer. Some Believers don't want to reach out to a drug addict and show them how to be free from their bondage and work alongside them to get their lives back together. Some Believers don't want to help a homeless person on the side of the road, they think they are dirty and deserve to live like that. Many times that Believer may not know the woman lost her husband in death and suffers from extreme depression. She may have lost her home and had no where else to go. A widow indeed. But how many Believers take the time to find that out? Will they help a widow if she is homeless. Would they help a widow even if they didn't live up to their expectations?

Did you know that homeschool girls do the same thing to girls who attend a formal school? Did you know that some Christian girls do the same thing to other girls who don't live up to what 'they' think those girls should live up to? Just what is the measuring rod for finding the right friends? Who are we to judge another girl?

Your parents have the right to help you in your associations with other young people. They have that right. Above all you must obey your parents. However, there will come a day when you will be given more freedom to choose your own friends. We can have friends that are close while still being friendly towards the others. Our purpose in life is not to abstain from every sinful person out there, if we do that we'll never reach anyone with the Light of Jesus Christ. All they'll ever see are Pharisees.

We need to be wise and use discernment in our friendships with others. Yet we can still reach out at the prompting of the Holy Ghost. Just as the Good Samaritan did. Interesting to notice two stories that God wanted us to know about, the Samaritan woman who was not to be spoken to by a Jew (but He did) and a Samaritan man who was the real neighbor who loved as Christ loved. Yet it was the religious people who passed by the injured man and refused to help him.

Only you will know which kind of Believer you are. Believe in the Law and become a Pharisee or walk in the grace that Christ extended to you and love others in return. Jesus said this about the Law and his Love,

Matthew 22:34-40 "34But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

35Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

36Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38This is the first and great commandment.

39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

If we're quick to bring down the house on another because of their sin, then we need to get closer to Christ and sees others through His eyes. Will you be a 'Jew' living by the Law or a 'Samaritan' who lives by grace?

Philippians 2:5, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

Sisterlisa is the owner and Editor-in-Chief of Growing in Grace Magazine and owner of AGMinistries, a devotion blog for women. She is married and homeschools her four children while remaining active in serving the Lord in her community.

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Apple Varieties

by Miss Jessica C.

Apple Varieties

Summer continues on and it’s apple time once again! Here are eight delicious recipes to serve up to your family. Keep in mind that different apple types have different purposes and will cook up differently.

Here’s a quick guide to five of the more widely used apples:

Red Delicious

Red Delicious apples have a sweet taste and can range from pale to dark red. Due to their texture they bake poorly and are best suited for snacking and in salads.

Golden Delicious

Golden Delicious apples have a mild flavor and light yellow color. They are considered an all purpose apple and can be used for salads, sauces, baking and freezing. They hold up to heat well and aren't as likely to turn brown after being cut.

Granny Smith

The Granny Smith is another all purpose apple. They are bright green with a crisp texture and strong, tart flavor. They can be used for snacking, pies and sauces. Their tangy flavor comes through when sautéed and baked.

Gala

Generally red over a creamy yellow background, Gala apples have a sweet, rich and full flavor. Considered a very aromatic apple, they are excellent for fresh eating and salads, but cooking destroys both its aroma and texture.

Fuji

Fuji apples range from yellow to red in color. They have a mild, sweet flavor with a crispy texture. They keep well and are excellent when eaten fresh, but they are also suitable for cooking and saucing.

For more apple types and their uses please go to: http://www.paulnoll.com/Oregon/Canning/apple-variety.html


Miss Jessica C. enjoys many activities, but the main things include sewing, harp, photography, reading and blogging. However, with all those personal “diversions” the Lord has been teaching her, she feels that they are insignificant when compared with his work and calling as a daughter and sister. You can read more about her at Seasons of a Heart.

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Autumn Apple Salad

by Jessica C.

Autumn Apple Salad

4 tart green apples, cored and chopped
1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped dried cherries
1 (8 ounce) container vanilla yogurt

In a medium bowl, stir together the apples, almonds, cranberries, cherries and yogurt until evenly coated.




Miss Jessica C. enjoys many activities, but the main things include sewing, harp, photography, reading and blogging. However, with all those personal “diversions” the Lord has been teaching her, she feels that they are insignificant when compared with his work and calling as a daughter and sister. You can read more about her at Seasons of a Heart.

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Festive Tossed Salad

by Miss Jessica C.

Festive Tossed Salad

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 to 3 teaspoons poppy seeds
10 cups torn romaine
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese
1 medium apple, chopped
1 medium pear, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 to 1 cup chopped cashews

In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, onion and salt. Cover and process until blended. With blender running, gradually add oil. Add poppy seeds and blend. In a salad bowl, combine the romaine, Swiss cheese, apple, pear and cranberries. Drizzle with desired amount of dressing. Add cashews; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Miss Jessica C. enjoys many activities, but the main things include sewing, harp, photography, reading and blogging. However, with all those personal “diversions” the Lord has been teaching her, she feels that they are insignificant when compared with his work and calling as a daughter and sister. You can read more about her at Seasons of a Heart.

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Miss Alyssa's Delicious Apple Crisp

by Miss Alyssa


Apple Crisp

I love eating a warm apple crisp. My mom has used the following recipe several times to make a delicious apple crisp for us. I finally took the index card with the recipe on it and made one myself.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

Filling: approx. 10 cups sliced, peeled apples (Three large apples were plenty.)
2 tsp. lemon juice
½ cup sugar
1-2 tsp. cinnamon

Topping: 1 cup flour
3/4 cup oatmeal
1 tsp. cinnamon
½ cup butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar

Instructions: Grease a 9x13 inch pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice and then sugar and cinnamon. Spread in the 9x13 pan. Combine flour, oatmeal, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Add melted butter and mix. Spread the crumble topping on top of the apple slices. (If you like the topping, you can easily double it and it turns out great!) Bake for 1 hour.

There you have it...a simple warm yummy treat to enjoy in the cold fall/winter weather.

Miss Alyssa, a 15 year old homeschooler, is interested in writing and film-making for the glory of God and the furtherance of His Kingdom. She is passionate about reaching the unreached with the Gospel. She blogs at One Nation Under GOD.

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Blue Ribbon Apple Pie

by Miss Jessica C.

Blue Ribbon Apple Pie

1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
1 egg white, whisked
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla

8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer.

Place the bottom crust in your pan and brush with egg white. Mix apples with 2/3rds of sugar and cinnamon syrup. Fill crust with coated apples, mounding slightly. Cover with a lattice work of crust. Gently pour remaining syrup over crust.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 45-55 minutes, until apples are soft.

Miss Jessica C. enjoys many activities, but the main things include sewing, harp, photography, reading and blogging. However, with all those personal “diversions” the Lord has been teaching her, she feels that they are insignificant when compared with his work and calling as a daughter and sister. You can read more about her at Seasons of a Heart.

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Apple Cake

by Miss Jessica C.

Apple Cake

1 c. cooking oil
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 c. flour
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 c. diced apples
½ c. chopped nuts

Hand stir; batter will be stiff. Pour into greased and floured 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 325 for 50 minutes or until cake tests done.




Miss Jessica C. enjoys many activities, but the main things include sewing, harp, photography, reading and blogging. However, with all those personal “diversions” the Lord has been teaching her, she feels that they are insignificant when compared with his work and calling as a daughter and sister. You can read more about her at Seasons of a Heart.

Subscribe to Growing in Grace Magazine by Email