Deuteronomy 28:8 - This is why I am able to make my own peach jam

I'm not a theologian.  I kind of wish I was because a comment after a recent blog post threw me for a loop. "If I don't keep the Sabbath am I sinning?"

My gut answer to that question is "no".  But then again, it is a part of the 10 commandments.  So if someone posed the question "If I murder am I sinning?" or "If I commit adultery am I sinning?" and the answer to those is a clear "yes" then what about the Sabbath?

Of course there is this whole "Jesus freed us from the curse of the Law" thing so there are many who say that Sabbath-keeping is an obsolete practice.  Yet, I've heard several pastors teach on it over the past several years and I know there are books written about continuing to honor the Sabbath.

I'm spurred on to do some more research on it - and I love anything that spurs me to get into the Word some more.

Here's the bottom line for me, though: We're trying it and so far the house is cleaner overall, the grocery bill is less, I am more rested, I am enjoying housework more, we are eating tastier meals, and I've had time to sew and make jam (stay tuned for instruction in my next blog post)!  I think we are going to continue on this path.

Deuteronomy 28 has long been my favorite chapter in the Bible.  God lists the blessings that will come upon you if you keep His commands.  Once again, this is from the old testament.  Therefore, I'm not sure what still applies today or not but I think since God doesn't change the overall concept is still applicable - and this is what I believe about resting on the 7th day as well.

Check this out:  Deuteronomy 28: 1, 2, 8
¹ If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. ² All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:  ⁸ The LORD will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The LORD your God will bless you in the land he is giving you.


Given the fact that we have three kids who can't do much for themselves yet I put my hand to a lot of things.  A lot of diapers.  A lot of face wiping.  A lot of crumbs on the floor.  A lot of dirty clothes.  A lot of messy plates.  A lot of meal serving.  A lot of outfit changes.  Somehow I am just able to juggle more now that we are setting apart a day for the Lord.


I've even made jam.. several batches of jam... over 30 jars of jam... 2 different flavors!!  So, maybe the question is not "If I don't keep the Sabbath am I sinning?" but "If I don't keep the Sabbath what blessings am I missing out on?"  Just something to think about...


Jam making instructions coming next post!

Ripe peaches have an AMAZING color!

REFUSE to work :)

My IDEAL way to keep the Sabbath is to get everything prepped and all the housework done BEFORE sundown on Friday.  Well.......... this week that didn't happen.  J took the last three days off of work for a stay-cation.  This is an AWESOME concept.  We did all sorts of fun things around the area.  This was super fun, it saved money, and best of all the kids didn't wake up before 6 am each morning because we weren't in new surroundings.

Wednesday we hit a local petting farm - complete with baby pigs wearing bibs, reindeer, and lorikeets
Thursday we hit the Guernsey restaurant for lunch and ice cream (of course) and then spent some time with Uncle Luke and Auntie Jenny at Jenny's mom's pool.
Friday we went to Red Oaks waterpark with our kids and a team of nieces of nephews (we had 9 kids under 15 overall).

Given the previous schedule the laundry did not get done and the house was not clean come Friday at 8:07.  We were able to unload from the waterpark but that was about all. So, amidst things all over the floor, piled laundry, and a messy kitchen I resolved to honor my commitment to the Sabbath and not do any of that work until sundown tonight (8:05).  Seriously, that was HARD.  I was itching all day to wipe a counter or put away some PJs - but I didn't do it.

At 8:05 I was off - and while there is still some laundry running through and I need to vacuum everything else was done in less than an hour.  Here I go again: God "blessed the work of my hands".

Currently, I am sitting in a clean home AND I feel rested AND we had a great stay-cation.  Win - Win - Win. :)

The point being in all of this is that if you are overwhelmed as a mom you don't HAVE to prep ahead for anything except maybe a meal or two.  Just REFUSE to work.  Don't clean.  Don't tidy.  Don't open that washing machine door.  Honor the Sabbath and wait to see how God blessed your family!

STAY-CATION PICS:

Could V be any cuter?  Love the suit with the ruffle staps, her hair bow from her Auntie Lebo,
and her smile (OF COURSE)

Big brother protects little sis from the lorikeets.

Can't go to the petting farm without a pony ride! ($3)

Someone was excited about the bunnies

Our niece knows how to waterslide!

V wouldn't go anywhere near the waterpark.  She
made herself at home playing in the cooler.  Little bro
looks on probably wondering what in the world
she is doing.

Breaking for lunch!

This place was unreal - water heaven!

Mudpie dessert at the Guernsey restaurant.
Everything here was delicious!

1, 2, 3,

Yay, God!