Practical Simplicity ~ For His Glory

Dear readers,

This year has (and still is) been one of the hardest, most trying yet beneficially fruitful years of our lives!

God is always so good to us and has blessed us tremendously with family and the life lessons and skills we are facing as each new day springs forth and only strive to live every day to the fullest and give God all the glory!

With new adventures around every corner, it is very hard not to keep busy….especially in the summer time with gardening, cleaning/organizing, cooking/baking, and now starting the G.A.P.S. diet (see HERE) on top of sewing and other productive arts (including a brand new venture for Miss Antoinette in writing a book!!!!), that sadly this poor blog has been greatly neglected.  But for very good reason!

Being so busy, we cannot commit to posting any longer (hardly being on our computers as it is) and so have decided that this season of blogging must come to a close…..and this is not all.

With the demands and blessings that life continues to give us we can no longer continue our little business but instead hope to still sell a few things here and there locally when we have the extra time.  So, this means our web-site/Etsy shop will be closing soon as well.

Though these doors are closing before us, we see new light ahead and pursuing it, looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for us the rest of the year and (Lord willing) many more to come.

What a blessing all you have been to us with your prayers (which are still appreciated as always) and words of encouragement.  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for everything!  *hugs*

We pray the Lord would give everyone a blessed weekend as you serve and worship Him.

Now to end this post/blog with what better than with scripture and a photo:

Psalm 111

Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!

Soli Deo Gloria,

The Konvalin Ladies

Donna, and Miss Antoinette

Filed under: miscellaneous, Practical, Random on July 22nd, 2011 | 6 Comments »

“The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”

~Psalm 19:1~

Blessings in Christ,

Miss Antoinette

Filed under: miscellaneous, Photography, Practical, Random, Scripture on July 5th, 2011 | 4 Comments »

This week’s song comes from my love of classical music!

I could easily share so many pieces that I enjoy, and because of it, I will be sharing at least two classical pieces with y’all today!

The first is a slow piece by Hayden “Cello Concerto in C – Adagio”

I just love the sound of the cello in this piece and at times feel as if it is crying and expresses much feeling and just love it!

Such a moving piece!

Haydn Cello Concerto in C – Adagio

The second is a fun, upbeat Slavonic dance piece by Dvorak “Op. 46 No. 8″

Dvorak: Slavonic Dance, Op.46, No.8

This is a very fun piece that will get you up and moving in no time and motivate you to get lots of work done!  Very good on those “spring cleaning” days!

Also, don’t think that because I have the names written down that I am one of those very precise people that remember the names as I don’t.  I am always forever looking up the name or just humming it for someone as it is very hard for me to remember that sort of thing, but it does not stop me from enjoying these kinds of pieces in the least!

I am slowly but surly getting my update post written out and should have it up next week, if not sooner depending on the time I have to work on it!

Oh my goodness, so much has happened since my last post “A Season for Everything” that I am not quite sure where to start!

Well, I hope you enjoyed this week’s music, and look forward to hearing your comments (if you have any)!

What are some of YOUR favorite classical pieces?

Much love and blessings in Him,

Miss Antoinette

Filed under: miscellaneous, Practical, Random on June 14th, 2011 | 1 Comment »

My update post IS coming soon, but today I wanted to let y’all know about some changes that you might have noticed or don’t even know about just yet that will be taking place.

“Practical Simplicity Photography”

will be closing (is now closed) and moving to back to this blog with it’s own page near the top of the sidebar labeled “Miss Antoinette’s Photography”!  Read below my last post I had on my photography blog as to why:

Due to recent VIDEO I watched about one of Google’s sodomite beliefs (at least the only one I know about), I will be leaving Blogger as I do not wish to support such behavior.

I will be leaving a few other things connected with Google (including google friend connect aka. the follow button) as well and will be transitioning a bit, so I will sadly be closing this blog but happily starting over at the blog my mom and I started over a year ago where it all started: 

“Practical Simplicity: For His Glory”

So PLEASE head over there to see my photography from now on and not here as I will no longer be posting at this blog and after a month or so close it down for good, but in the mean time am giving y’all the head’s up to transition yourselves!

if YOU have a blogger account and this video link make you just as frustrated as I am, think about switching to WordPress or another blogging site.  not all sites are perfect, but when they get this blunt this is when I think it is time to stand up!

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.

Feel free to comment about your thoughts on this as I always enjoy your comments!

This is only a farewell from this blog and Hello to the next!   Honestly, I had been thinking about doing this for some time and this video just confirmed it.

In Christ,

Miss Antoinette

There is another change you will see on this blog….the “follow” button will be disabled and no longer on our blog, so if you wish to keep up with our blog please bookmark it or subscribe to our feed so you can keep enjoying our blog and not wonder why it is “missing” or not there.

As some of you know, our shop is on “vacation mode” till life settles down and we are able to resume our little shop, till then we are cooking up some delightful new items and a new look to the site as well that we are very excited about!  I am also no longer writing the newsletters as sadly there is no time for me to put the effort I would like into them and family is so much more important and need to spend my time more wisely in this area.

I might also be messing with changing the layout of this blog also during the year to give it a fresh new look!

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.

Thank you dear readers for understanding!

In Christ,

Miss Antoinette

Filed under: Christian Living, miscellaneous, Practical, Random on June 1st, 2011 | No Comments »

I am so excited to finally be back to doing my “Tune in Tuesday” post!!!!

Soon, I will be posting an update on what we have been up to, but for now this weeks song…..

In the midst of what our family is going through (which I will explain in my up and coming post) hymns and other soothing praise songs have been such a blessing and a refreshment to the soul and keep my mind focused on the Savior and give me a joyful spirit in the midst of adversity!

Here is one of the many songs I hope to share with y’all in the following weeks that I greatly enjoy and are all a blessing:

Whate’er My God Ordains is Right

Original Trinity Hymnal, #94

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Holy his will abideth;
I will be still whate’er he doth;
And follow where he guideth:
He is my God: though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall:
Wherefore to him I leave it all.

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path;
I know he will not leave me:
I take, content, what he hath sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away,
And patiently I wait his day.

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Though now this cup, in drinking,
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it, all unshrinking:
My God is true; each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet am I not forsaken;
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall:
And so to him I leave it all.

Unfortunately, I could not find a video with the traditional rendition of this song. If anyone does, PLEASE leave me a comment with the link to the video, or song!

Here is another newer rendition that I like as well (rendition originally done by Indelible Grace)

Whatever My God Ordains is Right

Blessings in Christ,

Miss Antoinette

*Quick Note* Miss Antoinette’s photography blog will be closing.  To read more about why, click HERE!!!

To see photographs from now on, check the “Miss Antoinette’s Photography” page on this blog (near the top of the blog on the sidebar)  from now on!

Filed under: Christian Living, miscellaneous, Practical, Random on May 31st, 2011 | No Comments »

This year I am reading through “Morning and Evening” by Charles Spurgeon and what an encouragement this book has been!  I have shared a snippet of this delightful book once before, and share yet another portion of this lovely book of mine!

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good devotion and greatly enjoys the puritans writing (like I myself do)!

I meant to share this a few days ago, but am now getting around to it!  I pray this post would be a blessing to you and yours!

Morning and Evening by C.H. Spurgeon
Evening May 18th

“Afterward.”
Hebrews 12:11

How happy are tried Christians, afterwards. No calm more deep than that which succeeds a storm. Who has not rejoiced in clear shinings after rain? Victorious banquets are for well-exercised soldiers. After killing the lion we eat the honey; after climbing the Hill Difficulty, we sit down in the arbour to rest; after traversing the Valley of Humiliation, after fighting with Apollyon, the shining one appears, with the healing branch from the tree of life. Our sorrows, like the passing keels of the vessels upon the sea, leave a silver line of holy light behind them “afterwards.” It is peace, sweet, deep peace, which follows the horrible turmoil which once reigned in our tormented, guilty souls. See, then, the happy estate of a Christian! He has his best things last, and he therefore in this world receives his worst things first. But even his worst things are “afterward” good things, harsh ploughings yielding joyful harvests. Even now he grows rich by his losses, he rises by his falls, he lives by dying, and becomes full by being emptied; if, then, his grievous afflictions yield him so much peaceable fruit in this life, what shall be the full vintage of joy “afterwards” in heaven? If his dark nights are as bright as the world’s days, what shall his days be? If even his starlight is more splendid than the sun, what must his sunlight be? If he can sing in a dungeon, how sweetly will he sing in heaven! If he can praise the Lord in the fires, how will he extol him before the eternal throne! If evil be good to him now, what will the overflowing goodness of God be to him then? Oh, blessed “afterward!” Who would not be a Christian? Who would not bear the present cross for the crown which cometh afterwards? But herein is work for patience, for the rest is not for today, nor the triumph for the present, but “afterward.” Wait, O soul, and let patience have her perfect work.

Resting in Him,

Miss Antoinette

Filed under: Christian Living, miscellaneous, Practical, Random on May 21st, 2011 | 1 Comment »

I know it has been a while since I last posted a giveaway, but honestly I have been so busy, I have not been able to enter any till this week!

Which is why I would like to share with y’all a lovely giveaway over at one of my dear friend’s blogs!

Miss Miriam at “Maidens of Virtue” is celebrating her one year anniversary of her blog and giving away two adorable prizes to two special winners!

This ring is what I am hoping to win as it is so sweet!

SO hop on over and enter HERE for your chance at winning these lovely prizes!

Blessings,

Filed under: Beauty, friendship, miscellaneous, Random on May 4th, 2011 | No Comments »

Today we have a special guest post from a dear friend of ours:

Mrs. Jocelyn Klotz  from “Homemaker In Progress” !

We pray it will be a blessing to you, and that you enjoy this yummy recipe!

Hello Practical Simplicity readers!

I am Jocelyn Klotz.  The LORD brought my family and the Konvalin’s together for the first time a little over a year ago when we came to visit their church during a family trip to California.  We quickly found that we have a lot in common; one of which, is a passion for eating and living a naturally healthy lifestyle.

Along this line of natural health, I would like to share with you one of our family’s favorite, healthy winter desserts.  Actually, we have it throughout the year too, but it’s especially great during the winter season when unhealthy sugary treats abound and you desire a healthier alternative.

My Background:

I am your average housewife whose eyes have been opened to truth, Biblical truths, in the area of health and nutrition.  I do not have a medical degree but I would definitely consider myself an “informed consumer”.  I am certified as a Raw Food Teacher/Chef through the Living on Live Food program and have studied natural health on my own for over the past 9 years.  I don’t proclaim to know everything, but what I do know, I share.

A Biblical Focus:

When it comes to natural health, our foundation, as with any other area in our lives, comes from the Word of God.  If you are new to natural health, I would like to list three simple principles for your consideration from Rex Russell’s book, What The Bible Has To Say About Healthy Living.  These principles have been foundational in our own family’s Biblical approach to health.

1. Eat the foods God created for you.

2. Don’t alter God’s design.

3. Don’t let any food or drink become your god.

The Recipe:

I hope you will be encouraged to try this recipe.  It is absolutely DELICIOUS, easy, and totally healthy.  I have another version of this recipe, but this is the easiest.  To give credit where credit is due, the original recipe came from The Nourishing Gourmet blog, but I have tweaked it slightly to suit our tastes.   You may want to double or triple the recipe. Enjoy! 

“Divine Coconut Peanut Butter Fudge”

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup virgin coconut oil

½ cup raw cacao powder (raw chocolate)

½ cup coconut sugar or honey

¼ cup peanut butter or almond butter (optional)

Seeds from 1 vanilla bean (or ½ tsp. vanilla extract)

Dash of sea salt

Melt the coconut oil (be careful not to overheat).  If using granulated coconut sugar, blend it in a blender until it is a light powder.  Mix all ingredients together until well combined.

Place parchment paper in a loaf or glass pan.  Pour fudge into pan and place it in the refrigerator or freezer to set.  Cut into candy-size pieces and serve cold.  Coconut oil melts above 76*.  Store in refrigerator for 12 months.

*This recipe substitutes well with other ingredients.  Feel free to experiment!

Article by:

~Mrs. Jocelyn Klotz~

Filed under: Christian Living, friendship, health, Kitchen, miscellaneous, Practical, Random on April 22nd, 2011 | 4 Comments »

Right now over at “Heavenly Homemakers” you can find many yummy gluten-free recipes during their Gluten-free Parade!!!

We decided to re-post this oh so yummy snack/dessert for the parade and for those of you who missed it!

Here is a simply wonderful guilt-free treat that our family enjoys very much, and is dairy -free, gluten-free, and soy-free!

Nut Butter Balls

1 cup of your favorite nut butter (peanut, almond, sunflower seed…etc.)

1/2 cup raw honey

1 1/2 – 2 cups finely shredded unsweetened coconut

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips ~ *optional

Mix all ingredients together in medium size bowl.  Take teaspoon size amounts of the mixture and roll into bite size balls.  Place on a baking sheet or glass baking pan (9″x13″ inch).  When all the mixture is rolled and in the pan, place the pan into the freezer for an hour or two.  You can eat as is but they taste best when frozen.  *The chocolate chips we use are made by Enjoy Life Foods and are soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free but they do contain a small amount of cane sugar.  Just wanted to let you know in case you need to completely avoid sugar for specific needs.  These are tasty even without the chocolate chips.

Now does that not sound delightful or what!?

We hope you will enjoy this recipe, and the may others you will find over at “Heavenly Homemakers”!

Blessings,

Filed under: Kitchen, miscellaneous, Practical, Random on April 8th, 2011 | 3 Comments »

Hello dear readers!

(lovely orange blossoms in our backyard! Wish y’all could smell them, they are so wonderful!)

We hope y’all have been having a great year so far, and if not, we pray that the Lord would strengthen you and draw you ever closer to Himself during your struggles.

Our family has been having a very rough year, but the Lord has been so faithful and we (as a family) are learning so much during this time of trial and “adventures” in our lives and cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us and how we apply what we are learning in the future!  As some of our dear readers know, we are helping our grandparents, mainly grandma who has severe dementia.   Caring for someone you love who has great trouble caring for herself and cannot think properly anymore is heartbreaking at times.  This is taking most of our time……..till this last week that is!

We are now finding we will be moving much sooner than expected, as we received a letter from the owner of our home, giving us a 60 day notice to vacate.  This was a HUGE surprise, but after living in our home for 11+ years, we are ready for change and look forward to seeing where the Lord will guide us in the next couple months.  Our desire is to move out of state, but we are keeping an open mind, not knowing where the Lord would want us to be.  We have been trying to sell our grandparent’s mobile home so we could all move into a home big enough for all 7 of us, but due to the market, prices are so low and no one is interested at this time.  So we make due, knowing it is the Lord’s will and make the best of it, and enjoy it no matter how crazy it gets!

The Lord uses these circumstances not only to teach us and grow us ever closer to Himself, but ultimately for His glory!  With this in mind, we strive to serve our grandparents and do all we can to help knowing the Lord sees and (we pray) is pleased, and because of this we are all the more joyful to serve with our whole hearts into it, and keep on packing away!

I shared this with some of you, but this hymn below has been so encouraging to me during this season of our lives that I pray would be of encouragement to you as well!

Whate’er My God Ordains is Right

Original Trinity Hymnal, #94

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Holy his will abideth;
I will be still whate’er he doth;
And follow where he guideth:
He is my God: though dark my road,
He holds me that I shall not fall:
Wherefore to him I leave it all.

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
He never will deceive me;
He leads me by the proper path;
I know he will not leave me:
I take, content, what he hath sent;
His hand can turn my griefs away,
And patiently I wait his day.

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Though now this cup, in drinking,
May bitter seem to my faint heart,
I take it, all unshrinking:
My God is true; each morn anew
Sweet comfort yet shall fill my heart,
And pain and sorrow shall depart.

Whate’er my God ordains is right:
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet am I not forsaken;
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall:
And so to him I leave it all.

Due to the craziness that just does not seem to slow down here in the Konvalin household, Within two weeks time, I will be putting our shop on vacation mode till it slows down and I and my mother can take the time that is necessary to get it going again. Right now, our priorities are focused elsewhere for the time being that is far more important.

I am sorry to be giving this notice, but for the next two weeks you can still purchase anything in our shop, so hurry before it is too late and you are stuck waiting till who knows when! Plus we have a few new items in our shop!

Practical Simplicity “Simply Practical Products”

I am so sorry our poor blog has been neglected for so long, but Lord willing once life slows down a bit we will be able to share more yummy recipes, sewing projects, and other goings on in the Konvalin home!

Resting in Him,

PS. Hopefully I will be able to update our photo as well shortly!

Filed under: Business, Christian Living, Family, health, miscellaneous, Practical, Random on March 23rd, 2011 | 1 Comment »