Stocking Up
Yesterday, we made our trip to Trader Joe's and many other places. We left at 8 am and did not return until after 5. In between all our errands, we visited and shared lunch with my three college friends and their children. They live in the same city as Trader Joe's. I found it so refreshing to catch up and talk about some things that are on my mind. We talked a good bit about modesty as it pertains to girls'/womens' clothing. The particular issue for me is sleeveless shirts and dresses, which I love to wear and are primarily what my entire summer wardrobe consists of. They are all tasteful and modest in my opinion, but members of our church prefer that the young ladies and ladies do not wear sleeveless dresses in the presence of the young men. This is not a rule; just a preference. So the question Jeff and I are wrestling with is… do we go along with it so as not to be a stumbling block, or do we make a choice based on our own convictions? What do you think????
I am now stocked up for two months and hopefully our food items will stretch like they did last time. We were really scraping the bottom of the barrel by the time I went yesterday! I just spent $376 for two months' worth of TJs essentials. Until recently, I would go there every month and spend almost that much. We also went to a couple of shoe stores, looking for sandals for Haniya and Mikah. We found some for Mikah but not Haniya, so I'll have to do some ebay shopping today. At least now I know her size. We always buy the kids the closed-toe fisherman style sandals. Most sandals out there are so trendy and that isn't our style.
We went to an organic nursey in the downtown area and picked up 5 tomato plants and two squash plants. We picked up a bulk food order of agave syrup, rolled oats, almonds and walnuts (all organic and raw) from a great place that sells to the public with almost wholesale prices. And let's see… we desperately needed a new mailbox which we've put off buying for almost a year. It was time to replace it, so we picked up a mailbox, too. All in all, it was a very full day!
Today is such a beautiful day to be home. Our friend is finishing up the logging this week. At 5:30 am this morning, another man came to take a full truckload of logs to the mill. Last fall when we started the logging, we took out 10 truckloads. This time around, we are figuring on at least 6 truckloads going out, but we think it might be more. This spring, Jeff tagged at least 120 Douglas Firs to be cut down, as well as some cedars. It is really sad to think of all those trees going. We love our trees. But now we're loving the openness and the sun coming in. Our house is warming up and the garden receives almost full sun. When we're ready, we'll have room for fruit and nut trees and pasture for animals. All these changes are so exciting.
This morning, the kids are working on their schooling. In the afternoon, we are going to plant our tomatoes and squashes. I put out a bowl of spinach last night next to some strong smelling soap to see if the deer would eat it the spinach. They didn't; but we're going to test that for a few more days. It is possible that with the logging, the deer aren't coming anywhere near us right now anyway. Also this afternoon, I am going to paint daisies on our new mailbox. I'm looking forward to getting out my paint supplies.
Oh Wardeh I just LOVE hearing about all the changes you are making in your homestead. What savings you are finding. I’m just so proud of you. I hope the soap thing works for you, if it does, it will really be a big help.
You asked about the sleeveless issue. I would just lay it in Jeff’s hands and add any input he asked for. I can tell you what Mark and I would do because we’ve been in the same situation. We chose to refrain from wearing anything that the church authorities asked us not to wear. We did this because we reasoned that since we chose to place ourselves in that particular congregation under that particular authority, we should obey their wishes in this matter. Not to obey would mean to us, that we had chosen to stay at a church, be a part of it and yet refuse to place ourselves under that authority or that we had refused to give up some liberty for the sake of others. We felt that giving up some liberty was nothing compared to being where God had called us to serve.
If you decide not to wear the sleevless things, maybe a shortsleeved, lightweight sweater or jacket could be used over the outfits. God bless you as you seek His will. Whatever you and Jeff decide will be the right thing for your family to do.
Sylvia, I really appreciate your input on the sleeveless issue. Jeff’s opinion so far is the same as yours — refrain out of love and respect for the others. It is not a hardship, really, to do something so little for someone else. We still talk about it, though. Or maybe I keep talking about it and he keeps listening! The church authorities have never asked us to follow along, but in discussion with them, I have learned their preferences. Sometimes I wish I’d never asked!
If only I was still ignorant….
I hope the soap thing works, too. We have asked so many people about it since you mentioned it. Some people say it works, some say it doesn’t… so we’re testing it out for ourselves!
“Some people say it works, some say it doesn’t… so we’re testing it out for ourselves!”
That’s the only way to figure out most everything in life.
Maybe some deer are just not particular 
Sylvia, I hope I didn't make you feel badly about the soap thing and what I said. I really don't have any reason to doubt your idea of it keeping the deer away… I hope you're right
Dear Wardeh,
About the sleeveless issue, our pastor once made the comment that the more flesh a girl (or woman) exposes, the more apt a boy or man will be to give in to temptation - even in thought. Personally, I don’t want to be a stumbling block to anyone. I think that even wearing a dress or skirt with a small slit is too much - but that’s just my opinion.
God bless you and your husband as you work out this issue.
No , not at all! I just hope it works so you will not have to share with the deer this summer
My Dad did end up having to put up a deer fence around the corn. The raccoons didn’t mind the deer fence at all though 
They helped themselves all summer.
I look forward to hearing if the soap works! I have loads of it if it does.
Greetings, Wardeh! A happy, belated Mother’s Day to you!! (-:
I’m obviously up way late over here (laundry) . . . & thought I take a peek @ your blog. Boy am I glad I did. YOu & I have had discussions about “modesty” in the past, remember? (=: Anyway, I think not being a stumbling block is the best way to go . . . I hear you though. I have so much to share w/you. Some of it’s personal, related to the above. I can share that Sam & I have begun a fellowship/get together every other Friday evenings for the young girls in our church (two boys, one Mikah’s age & 3yr old also attend). We have a burden to create a culture within a culture in our church for these children. With life being so busy, kids just don’t hang out as much as we did when we were youngsters. Some children attend public schools, private or homeschool. We are praying for spiritual bonding to take place, so that these children identify their Church friends as their true friends w/similar beliefs. One of the issues that weighs heavy on our hearts, as you know, IS modesty. Keep us in prayer, as one of the other moms has volunteered her home in the near & dear future for swimming & fellowship. Sam wants the issue of modesty addressed BEFORE. I think this particular mom would be perfect to address this. I have already spoke to a couple of moms about modesty & I really don’t want a spirit of negativity to pervade in anyway i.e. “Oh, this is just Sister Yolanda, getting on her soapbox again.” I have found a really good book, Secret Keeper: The Delicate Power of Modesty
by Dannah Gresh, Price: $9.99 Paperback Book. I have heard the author speak on Christian Radio before. She does a really god job. I’m hoping to get this book really soon. I have some really neat excerpts to share, but I fear I have already used too much of your space!! Hope to chat w/you soon via phone, so we can catch up “personally” (-: Bye, love & miss you!
PS I’m not sure about that title “Yolanda says: . . . ” I didn’t type those words in? I left out that we are providing spiritual training first & foremost on these Fridays that include, worship, teaching/modeling prayer/intercessory prayer, mini Bible Lesson that come w/activities the kids love & most importantly parental involvement! Parents aren’t just coming to drop off their kids . . . if all goes well, other dads/moms will bring future lessons that we will give them in advance. Parents at this time come over & watch (and intercede mentally) during everything. It has been awesome, PTL!!!
Terri, I appreciate your thoughts on this.
I like what your pastor said. I find difficult in figuring out what is too much skin? That is just a rhetorical question; I am weighing it in my mind. Love, Wardeh
Yolanda, how good to “see” you here! I think I owe you a phone call! What a wonderful ministry you and Sam are beginning on Friday evenings! We will have to have a chat to talk more about it all. I am really excited that the young ones in your congregation will have the benefit of being influenced by your Godly, loving example. Love, Wardeh
Dear Wardeh,
I am in awe about all of your written insights and ideas which reveal so much about your humility and loving spirit. Also I marvel at the dialogues that you share with your blogging friends and their wonderful comments. I rarely respond here maybe because I feel I am intruding into your special niche which belongs to you. But I want to address the sleeveless issue.
I remember how stunning you always looked in your stylish collared, button-down sleeveless blouses. The armhole was always very modest and your stately posture and reserved nature never showed even a hint of any undergarments. Because of your beautiful shoulder line the sleeveless blouse on you always looked great.
With that being said, however, I too feel that in the place of your congregation it is best to respect their unspoken preferences and follow the dress code. Even though you could pull it off easily because of your neatness in attire, I think there are a couple of things to consider. First, your children. When they learn of the dress code they will question you if you do not go along, and it will be a source of confusion for them in to what extent we need to respect other’s rules. Secondly, in the eyes of the rule-makers of the dress code, your contrariness will be perceived as a negative and it will be a disturbance in their souls.
Mind you, there is nothing wrong with being different, but it is up to you to select in what setting you desire to express your own independence.
The solution: I agree with what one of the ladies above said, which is to wear a light jacket to cover. It could be linen or light cotton fabric, it could be collarless to accommodate the collar of the blouse.
I know you are like me. We are not boat-rockers! (Of course except on the convictions that we know to be important and right.)
I thoroughly have enjoyed catching up with this week’s entries: the bread making, the stretcccccching, the kids, the garden, the Mother’s Day bouquet, the gardening, etc. etc. I love you soooooo! Mother
Mother, you are so special to me. I appreciate your very wise counsel and sweet words to me! You are a blessing! I am so happy when you comment here; I hope you will never again feel like you are intruding, because you are not! I love you dearly. Love, Wardeh