New Recipes up on our YouTube!

For those of you who don’t know, I love to cook! Now that we butcher our own meat it’s even more fun and fulfilling than before. I also post some of my recipes on our YouTube channel.

You can find us on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKP53eWrwacpj6rOAQaqFTFWfS1zMPOvs This link brings you to a playlist of our recipes but be sure to like and subscribe because there are many more videos than just cooking ones!

Tonight’s videos are of a Roasted pork and a creamy spinach side dish. They were super delicious! Want me to post a specific dish? Comment here with what you’d like to see!

~ Jessica at The Collamati Homestead

The 5 year plan…

So we are starting to come to the realization that the property were on is just too small for our dreams. We want to move towards that full off grid, homesteading lifestyle!

Bigger property and moving means we need a plan and a huge savings account. So we’ve given ourselves 5 years to build up enough to buy land, a dwelling of some sort, some equipment that will be necessary, and extra because it’s always good to have back up.

Right now we have some animals already like pigs, goats, and birds to get our self sufficient meat stick rolling. I’m keeping it to a minimum right now so we can save more and not have to buy as much food for them. Once we’re on a bigger property we’ll be able to grow the food our animals need but for now we’re keeping the local feed store busy 😂.

Location… We will definitely be staying in Maine but possibly looking a bit more North. We want to be able to be far in the woods but still close to my parents and our church.

Why 5 years? Well saving for a big adventure takes time. Our hope is to buy our new land in cash and keep our current home to rent out. Renting our current home when we move would help keep some extra income coming in plus we don’t want all our eggs in one basket. Another reason for the 5 years is that our two HUGE dogs will have most likely passed away by then. I know, morbid, but it would be a lot harder to go off grid with two large dogs that for one like to run away and two like to chase our other animals.

How $$$ and how are we going to build up our savings? Well for starters we are following Dave Ramsey’s financial university plan. We’re also cutting back on things we don’t need, selling extra stuff, selling Pokémon cards on eBay, selling Usborne children’s books, and more. Again we don’t want all our eggs in one basket. Rob also is going to keep his full time job until we are fully set up on our new property which is a huge financial help. Our links for eBay and Usborne are down below too for anyone who wants to help grow our dream.

Here’s the best part… Why? We’re tired of this lifestyle. We want to have the joys of doing everything for ourselves. We want to set our children up for a more simple and fulfilling life. We’d love to see our children build their houses on our property and raise our grandchildren close by without the worries of mortgages and debt. We love animals so bigger land means more space for those adorable faces. We want to be healthier… raising up and growing all of our own food. There are probably so many more reasons for wanting to build our dream if off grid homesteading but it’s midnight and I can only think so much 😴

So stick with me on this blog. I may not be the most consistent blogger but I will pop on when I can do you can follow along with our journey to off grid homesteading! Don’t forget to check out the links below. Every little but helps when saving for a big adventure!

Have any tips about going off grid and homesteading? Comment here or send them to our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/collamatihomestead/

~Jessica at The Collamati Homestead

Ebay listings: https://ebay.com/usr/jcol5625

Usborne Children’s books & more https://u9313.myubam.com

Looking to just help us grow. You can help through Venmo https://venmo.com/code?user_id=3050120660647936515 Or PayPal paypal.me/goosez1989

Slay the Boredom A List of Books to Read and Shows to Stream and MORE

The more and more I scroll through my social media platforms I am seeing so many posts of cabin fever and boredom. I want to encourage you to fight the boredom with this compiled list of books to read and shows to stream! Reading a book can be done anywhere at anytime. You don’t even need the physical book these days. Just download the kindle app on any smartphone or tablet and purchase the kindle versions of your favorite books on amazon! Amazon also offers this awesome program called Kindle Unlimited where you can read as much as you want with over a million titles and audiobooks as well! Use this link to get a free trial too https://amzn.to/2V3SCq1 I’ll be providing direct links to each book that I list as well with the kindle option. Watching the television is a great way to pass the time quickly too. Finding the right show could help you get lost and make time fly by! Lists below include books, hulu shows, amazon prime shows, Youtube channels, and podcasts. I will be adding more as I go through my resources and gather ideas from others as well. Enjoy this list!

Books to Read

Shows to Stream Listed by streaming service

HULU Sign up Here: http://www.hulu.com

  • McLeod’s Daughters
  • Law & Order SVU
  • Swamp People
  • Indebted
  • Dr. Pimple Popper
  • Baskets
  • Last Man Standing
  • American Housewife
  • Bless This Mess
  • Mountain Men
  • The Good Place
  • Perfect Harmony
  • 9-1-1
  • The Good Doctor
  • Jamies Quick & Easy Food
  • Raw Vegan Not Gross
  • Bondi Harvest
  • Fixer Upper
  • Good Bones
  • Love Thy Neighbor
  • Knife or Death
  • The Last Alaskans
  • Undercover Boss
  • Dr Pol
  • Alone

Amazon Prime Video Sign up here https://amzn.to/34f8euM

  • The Poison Rose
  • Billy the Exterminator
  • Gator Boys
  • The Invisible Vegan
  • Nourish
  • River Monsters
  • Super Juice Me
  • Fat Sick and Nearly Dead 1&2
  • Plant Pure Nation
  • Sneaky Pete
  • The Vanishing
  • Tornado Chasers
  • Dark was the Night
  • 47 Meters Down
  • Hunters
  • Escape Plan
  • Madea’s Big Happy family
  • Planes Trains and Automobiles
  • Instant Family
  • The Kid
  • Duck Dynasty
  • American Pickers
  • The First 48

Youtube Channels to Follow and Watch

  • Collamati Homestead Yup that’s ours!
  • Bridgton Alliance Church
  • Ale’s World of Stocks
  • Cog Hill Family Farm
  • Eat Move Rest
  • Joe Cross
  • Off Grid with Doug & Stacy
  • Ricky Gutierrez
  • Ryan Adams – Natural Weight Loss Mastery
  • The Dave Ramsey Show
  • The Prairie Homestead
  • Walk at Home by Leslie Sansome
  • EduCounting
  • Jane Esselstyn
  • Michelle Visser
  • Omnivore’s Homestead and Quiverss
  • The Elliot Homestead

Podcasts to Listen to… You can listen on the Podcast app or Spotify

  • Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy by Michelle Visser
  • The Chris Hogan Show
  • The Dave Ramsey Show
  • Joyce Meyer Radio Enjoying Everyday Life
  • Unashamed with Phil Robertson
  • Motley Fool Money
  • Homesteady
  • Pioneering Today with Melissa K Norris
  • The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast
  • The Rachel Cruze Show
  • The Proverbs 31 Ministries

I will be adding more to this list as I find them. Please comment your suggestions too! We can all fight this stay at home boredom together.

-Jessica Collamati

How We Should be Helping Others… A Dive into Galatians 6

Today I want to go through a set of verses that give us a great blueprint on how we should be conducting ourselves with others. I’ll start off with putting the set of verses I’ll be focusing on first. Galatians 6:1-10, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

This set of verses gives us some key instructions on how we should conduct ourselves around others. Be sure to pay close attention and heed these words. I’m going to dig a little deeper into each verse with you below and jump to some other scriptures that can help us even more.

Verse 1… Here we find that if we see someone falling into sin or temptation we should help them by letting them know. However, and this is where most people miss it, we need to do this gently! I see way too often people protesting something they believe to be sin or evil or being bullies and condemning people for not being perfect. The people that act in this manner have missed that ever so important word GENTLE. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 that he can do all these wonderful and righteous things but if he has not love while doing so, it is all for nothing. A harsh judgement on others can not only cause them to not listen to what you’re trying to save them from but it can in fact push them further into the sin. Be gentle with others, there is no reason to come at people in a harsh manner because none of us are perfect. The second part of this verse speaks about not falling into the temptation yourself. While being gentle with those in temptations we can find ourselves becoming too much of a “friend” and partaking to try to get the other person to trust us. We need to be weary of that side of things as well. Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Help pull others from the depth of evil by doing good and guiding them down the right path with a spirit of gentleness.

Verse 2… What could be a better time to help others than in their time of need. This verse urges us to help take up others burdens. Jesus says in John 15:12, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” Jesus showed his love for us by making the ultimate sacrifice and dying on the cross for our sins. The least we can do is help our fellow brothers and sisters in their times of need and make their burdens lighter for them. Jesus wasn’t forced to come save us from our sins, He came to save us because he loves us. When you see someone in need, don’t automatically harden your heart and cling to your things. In 1 John 3:17 we read, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” Where there is love there will also be a servants heart and open arms. Take every opportunity you can to help others.

Verses 3-5…Pride most definitely comes before the fall! Time to step down from those high horses and take your holier than thou hat off. Pride and a better than others attitude is a very easy trap to fall into, speaking from personal experience. We need to be vigilant in knowing how we perceive ourselves and others. Far too often as Christians we can look at people who are committing sins that we wouldn’t even dare to fall into, however we fail to focus on what we are personally doing wrong. I’m going to let you all in on a little secret…. Just because we are Christian does not mean we are perfect and don’t do anything bad! While as Christians we should strive to be better and more Christ like we still all fall short. Just like in verse 1 as I gave the example of protesters against sins they are not perfect themselves and should not be badgering others for not being perfect. We find in John 8:7 Jesus is talking to a group of people about to stone a woman. He says, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” Guess what, no one could throw a stone because none of them were without sin and none of us in this day and time are with out sin either. So next time you pick up that stone and get ready to hurl some judgement be sure you are with out fault yourself. On the flip side we need to be focusing on ourselves. What do we need to improve? Along with that you can be proud of yourself when you are doing good and helping others, just celebrate for yourself. There is no need to shout to the world the good things you’ve done. Modesty and being humble are very wonderful attributes.

Verse 6… This verse isn’t crazy to pick apart other than that we should be sharing and rejoicing in the good things with those who teach us those good things. In my opinion this verse tells us we should be sharing in the good things of the Word (the Bible) with our fellow Christians. Fellowship is a great expression of love in the church family. Gather together and celebrate the good that is going around.

Verses 7-8… I’m pretty sure these verses are where we get the popular saying “you reap what you sow”. If you are going around sowing negativity and hate, there is a very high chance your life is filled with negativity and hate. When we go around doing evil and stirring up quarrels we will find ourselves in nothing but hurt and destruction. So instead spread love and kindness everywhere you go. Am I saying you won’t have troubles when you only sow good things? No of course not, we live in an evil world so there will still be hate around us, However, love and kindness are contagious! So the more you spread kindness and love, the more you will get back.

Verses 9-10… Don’t give up! Never give up on love and helping others, no matter how hard it gets. I can say I have been taken advantage of ALOT. People will definitely come along that will take your kindness for granted and try to squeeze you of all you’ve got when they don’t actually need it. But, you must keep going! If I had let those few people who were wrong in taking advantage of me bring me down I would have not been able to help all the others who did actually need my help. Keep doing good wherever you go and with whoever you come across. Especially those fellow Christians who are fighting the good fight and spreading the gospel with us. As brothers and sisters in Christ we must help each other. And I don’t care what “religion” you follow… If you believe the Bible is the Word of God and that Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead to ascend to heaven then you are my brother/sister in Christ. We may all have some variations in our traditions but we are all sons and daughters of the Lord.

I hope you all enjoyed this post. Please feel free to message me with prayer requests or if you’d like me to write a blog post about something specific let me know. You can find me on Facebook (Jessica Collamati), Instagram @collamatihomestead, Email: collamatihomestead@gmail.com, or send me a chat on the Line app (goosez1989).

-Jessica Collamati

Build One Another Up

Now more than ever we need to be building each other up and showing more love than we ever have. I have been watching the news press conferences live on facebook lately and the comments back and forth between the others watching is appalling. It disgusts me how cruel people can be to one another in this world. This message of love needs to be spread out into the world for everyone to hear.

No matter who you are or where you are in life, love and kindness can play a huge role. Kindness and love are contagious even more so than this corona virus that is going around. So next time you are about to comment on a social media post or say something to another person think before you speak! It does no good to be a bully. Take it a step even further and instead of the mean thing you were about to say, say something encouraging and loving. If you really can’t find something nice to say please say nothing at all. During these times of anxiety and panic we need to ramp up our abundance of love. If someone is scared, do not say they are crazy or that they are stupid, instead reassure them that this will pass. If someone is a supporter of a political party that you do not follow, DO NOT bully them for their choices!

Ok so how can we spread love and kindness? There are a TON of ways even with this social distancing that we need to do. Below I am listing out ideas you can use to start showing love and kindness to others. Before I want to share a scripture with you from the Bible. Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Here we see we need to build each other up and make each other better. Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” In the NIV version of this verse it says “helped his people and continue to help”, meaning we must help those around us. Do not be selfish in these times but step up and help those in need. Hebrews 13:16, “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” John 15:12, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

My list of ways to spread love and kindness:

  • Send out Thinking of You cards. You can find sets of them on amazon here: https://amzn.to/3ajWSbd
  • Ask your elderly neighbors if you can make their store runs for them.
  • Reach out online to the people you know who are essential workers such as doctors, nurses, farmers, truck drivers, etc and let them know how much they are appreciated during a time like this.
  • Show patience and kindness in your everyday conversations.
  • If you see someone being bullied on the internet show that person extra love by sending a message letting them know you’re thinking of them.
  • Tip generously when you get take-out if you can.
  • Share encouraging scriptures on your social media accounts.
  • Know someone who still has to work but has children who are now stuck at home? Offer to watch them
  • Visit your local food pantry to help pass out food or ask your local school district if they need help bringing lunches to the students at their homes.
  • Call the ones you love and let them know you’re thinking about them.
  • Use your manners in every conversation.
  • SMILE at everyone you come across.
  • Send someone a gift of a Kindle Unlimited Membership so they can enjoy reading books whenever they want: https://amzn.to/39hA4Yv
  • Call a friend and pray with them.
  • Utilize the funny GiF’s to make someone laugh
  • Only exude hope and love with every word you speak.
  • Respect other’s decisions to self isolate

I’m sure there are many ways you can show love to others while dealing with social distancing so please feel free to comment here or shoot me an email at collamatihomestead@gmail.com so I can add to the list.

-Jessica Collamati

A Marriage that Lasts!

Yesterday, as part of my read the bible in a year, I read through the Song of Solomon. It sparked an urge to write this for you all. I’ve been married for 10 years now and it hasn’t been smooth sailing but some key things have kept me faithful to my vows of marriage. Stubbornness, Attraction, Choices, and wisdom from the Bible have all played a role in keeping my marriage strong.

No matter where you are in life or in marriage, I want you to continue reading. Make sure you are reading with an open mind and an accepting heart. In order to start changing your marriage, you’ll need to change yourself. Mindset plays a huge role in how our lives turn out. So read on but be ready to accept that YOU need to be the one to change and it can’t be dependent on if your spouse changes or not.

So let’s start off with a mindset change. If you want to reap positivity, you must first sow positivity. I highly suggest reading The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. We must create joy in our lives and learn to be content with what we have and where we are at. Positivity and Joy are contagious! Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE!” In Proverbs 17:22 we find, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” A cheerful heart is a CHOICE. Choose to be happy and things will change. Joy and happiness can be amazing medicine for your marriage. It is much harder to be sad around someone who exudes joy. We must choose joy not only in the good parts of marriage but also in the hard times. James says in James 1:2, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” In the trials of marriage instead of focusing on the bad and becoming the victim of whatever is going wrong, I urge you to find joy. Find joy in the learning and the growth you and your spouse will have. Remember that no one is perfect, stay strong through the trials and learn from the mistakes.

Another big choice I made is one that I made during my vows. As a Christian, I knew there would be no room for the word divorce in my marriage. I take my vows very seriously as we all should. So no matter what, I was determined to make our marriage work. Now for some parts of the marriage this was one sided. My husband’s parents didn’t have a good respect marriage vows and that seeps down. But my stubborn and love driven intensity overcame that. You can not be dependent on marriage being a 50/50! Sometimes its more like a 70/30 or even a 100/0. You can’t directly change your spouse but you can control how you handle your life! When you make that decision to stay no matter what, it WILL transfer over.

Next is Attraction…. This is the fun part! Now if you feel that you’ve “fallen out of love” or “aren’t attracted in a physical way anymore”, I am here to tell you that is a load of crap! Excuse my language but this issue really gets my blood boiling. That first bodily attraction you get at the beginning is not attraction… it is called lust. True attraction can be nurtured and grown. This is where the Song of Solomon comes into play. Read it over and over again and sink into the descriptions of their love for one another. When was the last time you described the love you have for your spouse in the way that Solomon talks about his love? I want you to try it! Write in your journal using the description techniques in the Song of Solomon about your spouse. Find all the positives you possibly can! Focus on only positive and if you feel like taking the next step write notes your spouse with these things. I can promise you, getting a note from your spouse with them describing an infatuation and attraction with them will make their heart skip a beat. One of the best ways to grow your attraction is intimacy! You’re married, it’s okay to pounce on your spouse. Go get some chocolate covered strawberries, some candles and turn up the heat! I won’t get into detail here but make it fun. Take the time to kiss and caress. This is a very important part of your marriage.

The biggest bit of wisdom I can give you is follow the Bible’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things; Love never fails.” That is the New King James Version so I’ll include the NIV version too that is a little easier to understand. ” 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.” None of us can follow this perfectly but strive your hardest to love like 1 Corinthians 13! 

A special note to the wives: Before I was married, while I was still a teenager, I studied what it was to be a wife. The scriptures that I read over and over again are Proverbs 31:10-31. This is an example of an amazing wife and we should take notes. We all need a role model in life and when it comes to being a wife the Proverbs 31 woman is my favorite role model. Read these verses over and over, highlight them in your bible, write them on a white board that you’ll see everyday. I will write them here too. Proverbs 31:10-31, “10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

I know I may not see eye to eye with everyone on this matter but I hope for those of you who value your marriage vows that you have gained some knowledge and hope for the future.

-Jessica Collamati

A Sunny Day and A Blessed Heart

Today has been filled with joy and blessings. Between getting our church set up for live streaming of the service, spending time outside by the fire with family, and now onto a nice quiet relaxing evening.

My morning started off by helping my parents at our church go LIVE for a sermon so that even though everyone has to stay away from large gatherings, we can still fellowship and hear the message my Dad had prepared. It was a wonderful sermon and an amazing blessing to still connect with all our church members and more! If you’d like to watch the replay of the sermon you can head over to the church’s facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/BridgtonAllianceChurch/videos/499588860691212/

When I arrived home, my husband and boys were installing a new outlet in the bathroom so we can use the electric clippers and I can plug in a scent warmer! We’ve only had just a light switch in there until today. I don’t use a blow dryer or curling iron but it’s nice to have the ability to. I am super excited to be able to get a plug in scent warmer though. While he was doing the wiring for that, he looked around at some of the other wiring which is kind of bad…. Not sure who wired this house but it wasn’t an electrician. Good thing though that I am married to a very talented and smart electrician. So when this virus slows down and we feel comfortable going to Home Depot again we’ll be getting the supplies to completely re-wire the entire house. I think the funniest things we caught was in one of our upstairs bedrooms. Since we have moved in the ceiling light didn’t work. We didn’t think too much of it because we don’t use the lights upstairs but today we decided to check it out. I kid you not, the switch box had NO wires in it and not even holes where wires could’ve been connected LOL. So someone decided to put a fake light switch box, which we’re guessing to help sell the house easier (not positive on that one but we really have no idea what the purpose of a fake light switch would be).

Later on in the day we headed outside. It was a beautiful sunny day so we decided to let the girls (our chickens) get some free range time and we also had a lovely fire and grilled some food. The goats didn’t get time out of their pen but they were happy we were outside near them.

If you follow me on social media you’ll notice that I have been reading a chapter from the bible each day on video. I don’t know if its even reaching anyone but I hope it can bring some peace, joy, and hope to you all. You can see my latest reading of Romans 6 here: https://youtu.be/HTWOwiIWLLU Romans 6 is about how we can be saved from our sins. My favorite verse from this chapter is verse 23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” How wonderful it is to know that even though our bodies on this earth will perish, we have an eternal life in heaven with God. During this time of panic and fear, we can find peace and hope through the Word of God.

Now it’s time to relax and enjoy a show with my hunny. Tonight we’re watching McLeod’s Daughters on Hulu. Its about farming which is totally our kind of show. It is definitely a girly hallmark type of show but we love it. Don’t ask my husband though because he will most likely deny it until he’s blue in the face. There is a point in one of the episodes where they have to put down a horse and he was in tears. Well off to our show. I hope you all are staying safe.

-Jessica Collamati

Can’t Stop Us From Fellowship!

Around the world people are being told to isolate and stay home away from large groups. To many of us this means refraining from going to church. This does not mean we need to stop our learning and fellowship with other Christians! In Matthew 18:20 it says, “For where two or three gather in My name, there I am with them.” We may not be able to gather in person right now, but with the amazing advances in technology we can connect at anytime from anywhere with as many people as we want!

Tomorrow is a day when we usually wake up and head to our local church but right now that may not be an option. Well now you can watch the sermon right from your couch! So get your snacks, a cup of tea/coffee, and comfy pajamas! At Bridgton Alliance Church in Maine we’ll be streaming our 9:30am service LIVE! That is 9:30 am EST. The live will be streamed on our Facebook page and I will also attempt to live stream it on my Youtube channel as well for those who don’t have Facebook.

How can you watch? Head over on Facebook to like our page and turn on notifications here: https://www.facebook.com/BridgtonAllianceChurch The link to the actual video is here https://www.facebook.com/BridgtonAllianceChurch/videos/499588860691212/

To watch on my Youtube channel Subscribe and turn on notifications here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6WqMtpRW7jmZPDo86cgcBQ

You can also fellowship by reaching out to fellow Christians and asking what you can pray for or to read some scripture together. If you have any prayer requests that you’d like our family to pray for please feel free to email me at collamatihomestead@gmail.com We’re all in this together!

-Jessica Collamati

Bridgton Alliance Church Bridgton Maine Website: https://bridgtonalliancechurch.org/ To give to Bridgton Alliance Church: Download the Tithe.ly and search for Bridgton Alliance Church or you can visit the website above and click Give.

Anxiety & Stress Busters

Anxiety and stress are running rampant right now. I know personally I have been dealing with stress and worry. I am worried for my loved ones who are in the high risk category. I am stressed when I read the comments of people making fun of others or just being downright mean. I worry for our countries leaders who are trying to do their best to protect us while dealing with slander and hatred from those who should instead be praying for the wisdom and strength from these wonderful people. But, I do have hope as well! While my face is breaking out from the inside stress I am working hard on the things I can control. Here are a few tips to help you handle your anxiety and stress.

  1. When watching the news via a live on facebook, swipe left on the comment section. So far the comments have done nothing to provide benefit to these government updates.
  2. Light a candle! Doesn’t matter what scent. The slight flickering glow of a candle is very soothing.
  3. Drink a cup of herbal tea. Right now I am having a hot cup of jasmine tea. Chamomile would probably be best during a time of stress but any herbal tea will do.
  4. Read your bible! You can also read on the Youversion bible app too. Pick up a devotional either on paper or in the app.
  5. Send an email, text, phone call etc to your loved ones letting them now how much you love them. Refrain from anything negative!
  6. If you have a pet, hold them tight. In the past when I used to have really bad PTSD episodes I would grab my dog and just sit on the floor holding him tight. There is something grounding about hugging and cuddling your pet.
  7. Have netflix, hulu, or disney plus? Pop on one of those national geographic type documentaries. You know the ones where its just nature.
  8. Take a hot bath or shower. Add in some extra soothing by using essential oils. You can keep a diffuser in the bathroom, use a slow dissolving bubble bar, put the oils in the bath water, or on a cloth to keep over your head. Light some candles and put some elevator music on. Just relax and let go.
  9. Read a book. Any book that will take you away from reality. Kindle has a world of choices. Even if you don’t have an actual kindle there is a kindle app! You can read on any device.
  10. Get out your hobby! Whether it be coloring, knitting, crocheting, bead work, or any hobby that brings you joy.
  11. Walk Walk Walk. You do not need a gym, treadmill, or to even leave your house to walk. As a homeschooling stay at home mom I get all my steps right in my livingroom or kitchen. Walking can really free your mind and get you focused on hitting that next hour or mile.
  12. Along the lines of walking you can also get in a good workout at home too! Youtube is an amazing resource of free workouts you can do right in front of your tv. Don’t have weights? Use canned goods! There is always something that you can use.
  13. Dance. I don’t know about you but when I turn my music up to a volume where I can’t think, I am at the utmost peace. All I can do is sing along and dance.
  14. Cleaning your house. This can be deep cleaning, purging items you don’t use, just picking up, or clearing your fridge. Removing the clutter around you can greatly reduce your stress. Plus during this time of a virus, doing a deep clean can put your mind at ease in your home.

Have more to add? Please comment your ways of combating anxiety and stress. Below I am also adding scriptures to read during times of anxiety and stress.

Another way is to watch sermons. Watch our church’s latest sermon here https://vimeo.com/398692185

-Jessica Collamati

Romans 12:12, “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.”

Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Psalm 56:3, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Psalm 34:4, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

Philippians 2:4, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

More to come in my next blog post! Please feel free to connect with me on social media. I am here for anyone who needs a friend or a listening ear. Find me on Facebook by searching Jessica Collamati, Instagram CollamatiHomestead, Line chat Goosez1989, or email me at collamatihomestead@gmail.com

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