The study of Stressed-Less Living by Tracie Miles has come to an end, but hopefully the truths I learned from this book will resonate forever. I never expected the book to cure my stressful life, but it has helped tremendously!
I am a book marker. Some people choose to keep their pages free of marks, neat and clean...but I like to take my pen and star and underline and write little notes in the margins! I simply want to share a few of my favorite quotes from the book. If I shared them all, we would be here a while :)...so just a few! Here are a few thoughts that really spoke to me and really comforted my stressful soul.
"God not only sees our flaws, mistakes, and insecurities, he loves us despite them."
"Overcoming your stress begins with recognizing the fact that, no matter what problems are causing you stress and anxiety, God IS BIGGER."
"Real victory is when we learn to live with more joy and less stress, even when we can still see the giants looming off in the distance."
"If you choose only one weapon to fight off your stress, let God's Word be it."
"God answers prayers, in his ways and in his timing. But, if we fail to pray, he has nothing to act upon."
Focusing on my Creator and not my stresses is my goal. Finding joy when the anxious thoughts seem to overwhelm my day is possible. Having a life with less stress and more peace is attainable. But it can only be done through hiding God's Word in my heart and talking to Him about anything and everything. He cares about even the smallest of problems in my life. He is willing to listen anytime! He wants to hear anything I have to say! What a great Friend to have!
Those last two quotes are probably the most important to me. Having that time with God is the only thing that calms me down...I just have to make sure I am doing that. Every. Single. Day. It is the ultimate cure for a stressful day!
Thank you Tracie for an amazing book and thank you P31 OBS team for an amazing study!
Today's Verse
John 6:35 "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
Friday, June 28, 2013
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
An Apple a Day
It's not exactly apple season, but we have made two wonderful apple recipes we wanted to share!
First, we love Amelia Bedelia in our house. I loved the book series as a little girl, and now my girls are enjoying her books as well. She takes everything literally. For instance, she thinks Granny Smith is a real person in "Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie" by Herman Parish. We recently checked this out at the library, and when there was a real apple pie recipe in the back of the book, we had to try it! Confession...this is my first time making a real pie crust. I don't make a lot of pies, and those I have made, I use a graham cracker crust or a store bought crust. I looooove the crust, but it is so not good for you. But this splurge is worth is. My daughter's loved making this!
We also made applesauce muffins that were super tasty. So that recipe is here also. We certainly hope your family enjoys!
Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie Recipe
For crust
In a food processor...
2 1/2 cups of flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 sticks of cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces
Pulse until crumbly. Then add...
1/3 cup of very cold water (We put water in a small bowl with a few ice cubes.)
1 Tbsp white vinegar (I have never seen this in a crust. It did have a strong smell, but you could not taste it once baked. We wanted to follow the recipe perfectly!)
Divide dough in two equal parts; wrap in plastic wrap and allow to rest in fridge for at least an hour.
Filling
8 cups of thinly sliced, peeled granny smith apples
1/2 cup flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Mix well filling ingredients well and set aside. Preheat oven to 400.
Prepare the dough by allowing it rest at room temp for five minutes. Then roll into 10 in diameter. Place in 9 in pie plate. Pour in filling. Top filling with 2 Tbsp cold butter cut into small pieces and 1 Tbsp lemon juice. Roll other dough into 10 in diameter and place on top of filling. Pinch top and bottom together well. (My oldest daughter loved this part. She used a fork to crimp the dough together.) Cut four to six vent holes in top of crust. Bake for 1 hour or until crust is brown and inside is bubbly!
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Applesauce Muffins
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups of applesauce (I used all natural, unsweetened)
6 Tbsp melted butter
Mix dry ingredients in bowl and set aside. Whisk together sugar and eggs until smooth. Stir in cooled melted butter and applesauce. Pour wet ingredients in with dry and mix until just combined. Over mixing makes a tough muffin. Makes 36 mini muffins or 12 really big muffins. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes for minis or 25-30 for big muffins. Yummy!
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First, we love Amelia Bedelia in our house. I loved the book series as a little girl, and now my girls are enjoying her books as well. She takes everything literally. For instance, she thinks Granny Smith is a real person in "Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie" by Herman Parish. We recently checked this out at the library, and when there was a real apple pie recipe in the back of the book, we had to try it! Confession...this is my first time making a real pie crust. I don't make a lot of pies, and those I have made, I use a graham cracker crust or a store bought crust. I looooove the crust, but it is so not good for you. But this splurge is worth is. My daughter's loved making this!
We also made applesauce muffins that were super tasty. So that recipe is here also. We certainly hope your family enjoys!
Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie Recipe
For crust
In a food processor...
2 1/2 cups of flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
2 sticks of cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces
Pulse until crumbly. Then add...
1/3 cup of very cold water (We put water in a small bowl with a few ice cubes.)
1 Tbsp white vinegar (I have never seen this in a crust. It did have a strong smell, but you could not taste it once baked. We wanted to follow the recipe perfectly!)
Divide dough in two equal parts; wrap in plastic wrap and allow to rest in fridge for at least an hour.
Filling
8 cups of thinly sliced, peeled granny smith apples
1/2 cup flour
2/3 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Mix well filling ingredients well and set aside. Preheat oven to 400.
Prepare the dough by allowing it rest at room temp for five minutes. Then roll into 10 in diameter. Place in 9 in pie plate. Pour in filling. Top filling with 2 Tbsp cold butter cut into small pieces and 1 Tbsp lemon juice. Roll other dough into 10 in diameter and place on top of filling. Pinch top and bottom together well. (My oldest daughter loved this part. She used a fork to crimp the dough together.) Cut four to six vent holes in top of crust. Bake for 1 hour or until crust is brown and inside is bubbly!
Applesauce Muffins
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups of applesauce (I used all natural, unsweetened)
6 Tbsp melted butter
Mix dry ingredients in bowl and set aside. Whisk together sugar and eggs until smooth. Stir in cooled melted butter and applesauce. Pour wet ingredients in with dry and mix until just combined. Over mixing makes a tough muffin. Makes 36 mini muffins or 12 really big muffins. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes for minis or 25-30 for big muffins. Yummy!
Today's Verse
"Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth." Isaiah 40:26
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Nourishment
We have recently had to deal with two animal fatalities in our household. It has been sad, but has been taken very well by our girls.
First, our snail Nella passed away last week. I feel horrible that I did not realize she was in need of help. If I had noticed her struggles, she could have been saved. You see, she loved to climb on the castle inside of her tank. But it appears she actually tried to go through the little doorway of the castle, and she became stuck. I am not sure how long she was actually there. It could not have been more that a day or two, because our girls checks on them all them time. But nevertheless, she had died after not being able to escape. I am not sure if it was the lack of food or lack of movement, but we were sad that we hadn't discovered her in time.
Our next accident happened to our little bird family living on our porch. We have watched the mommy and daddy bird build the nest, care for the eggs, the small birdies hatch, they were fed and grew to little birds ready to fly. We watched them practice. There were five in all, but only four seemed strong enough to make it. There was one bird that was the little runt. He probably didn't get fed the same amount. Not his fault, he just couldn't make his was to the front of the nest. He struggled trying to fly and he just wasn't as strong as his siblings. We had to move him from behind our van as we left for church on Sunday. He was just hopping along, barely able to leave the ground. But when we were leaving for VBS last night we noticed he had been run over.
Both instances were sad, but both seemed to be from a lack of nourishment. Nella would have made it if we had been able to move her and she could eat. Little birdie could have made it if he could have been able to eat more and grow a little stronger.
Nourishment is a must for survival. And all I can keep thinking when I am reminded of our little animal friends is that we need to be nourished not just by food but by Word also.
I get stuck in a rut where my devotion seems like a thing that must be done, a check on my list, an obligation that I must fulfill. It is not nourishing my soul. I am not really spending the heart to heart quality time I need in order to be my best for the Lord. Without that real time in God's Word and time in prayer, I am dying inside. My soul is empty feeling. I have a negative outlook. My temper is shorter. I focus on the bad and not my Shepard. The list of bad goes on and on the longer I am detached from what I am reading and praying. I am not allowing the nourishment to really strengthen me.
Nourishment goes beyond food for the Christian. True nourishment can only happen when we are seeking God's face on a daily basis. Seeking His strength, His will, His joy, His forgiveness, the mercy and grace that only He can give us when we stop what we are doing and really consume from His Word. Nourishment doesn't just happen, I have to really fight for it just like the little birdies in the nest.
Today's Verse
Job 5:8-9 "I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
First, our snail Nella passed away last week. I feel horrible that I did not realize she was in need of help. If I had noticed her struggles, she could have been saved. You see, she loved to climb on the castle inside of her tank. But it appears she actually tried to go through the little doorway of the castle, and she became stuck. I am not sure how long she was actually there. It could not have been more that a day or two, because our girls checks on them all them time. But nevertheless, she had died after not being able to escape. I am not sure if it was the lack of food or lack of movement, but we were sad that we hadn't discovered her in time.
Our next accident happened to our little bird family living on our porch. We have watched the mommy and daddy bird build the nest, care for the eggs, the small birdies hatch, they were fed and grew to little birds ready to fly. We watched them practice. There were five in all, but only four seemed strong enough to make it. There was one bird that was the little runt. He probably didn't get fed the same amount. Not his fault, he just couldn't make his was to the front of the nest. He struggled trying to fly and he just wasn't as strong as his siblings. We had to move him from behind our van as we left for church on Sunday. He was just hopping along, barely able to leave the ground. But when we were leaving for VBS last night we noticed he had been run over.
Both instances were sad, but both seemed to be from a lack of nourishment. Nella would have made it if we had been able to move her and she could eat. Little birdie could have made it if he could have been able to eat more and grow a little stronger.
Nourishment is a must for survival. And all I can keep thinking when I am reminded of our little animal friends is that we need to be nourished not just by food but by Word also.
I get stuck in a rut where my devotion seems like a thing that must be done, a check on my list, an obligation that I must fulfill. It is not nourishing my soul. I am not really spending the heart to heart quality time I need in order to be my best for the Lord. Without that real time in God's Word and time in prayer, I am dying inside. My soul is empty feeling. I have a negative outlook. My temper is shorter. I focus on the bad and not my Shepard. The list of bad goes on and on the longer I am detached from what I am reading and praying. I am not allowing the nourishment to really strengthen me.
Nourishment goes beyond food for the Christian. True nourishment can only happen when we are seeking God's face on a daily basis. Seeking His strength, His will, His joy, His forgiveness, the mercy and grace that only He can give us when we stop what we are doing and really consume from His Word. Nourishment doesn't just happen, I have to really fight for it just like the little birdies in the nest.
Today's Verse
Job 5:8-9 "I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:
Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number:"
The nourishment my soul requires and all the marvelous benefits God has to offer are mine for the taking...I just have to seek it with my whole being and commit my ways to Him! Without it I cannot grow and my spirit is not refreshed. But with it, I am stronger, happier and a brighter light for my Savior.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Intercede
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our
infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the
Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be
uttered" Romans 8:26
One of my favorite verses!!!
I believe I have shared this story before, but I
will always remember my father-in-law's sermon on this very verse. My
husband and I were dating seriously, but not yet engaged. Once we knew we
were put together by God's hand, we began attending church together...his
parent's one week and mine the next. His father preached a wonderful
sermon about prayer that included this very verse. I remember it so
distinctly because he talked about always praying for his boys everyday (my
husband and his brother), but he also talked about adding me to his daily prayers.
(Yay! I was liked and prayed for!) I remember having the biggest
smile on my face as he preached that sermon.
The verse has stuck with me ever since and so
having the chance to map it is awesome!
1. “Likewise” – Also or in addition to…meaning
the verse before was of importance and so is this one…Romans 8:25 “But if we
hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”
2. “the Spirit” - The Holy Spirit that
lives inside of us and is a real Person there to help us! (“And I will pray the
Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.” John 14:16 – emphasis mine)
3. “also helpeth our infirmities” – the Holy
Spirit is there for us…helping us through anything, even our weaknesses and
temptations
4. “for we know not what we should pray for as we
ought” – when we are stressed to the max; when we are at our lowest; when we
can’t find the words; when we may only be able to just ask for help, or maybe
not even able to think of words and prayers at all; when only cries may escape
our lips; when sentences cannot be formed; when we feel like we might not make
it anymore; when we just don’t know what to do but sit at the Lord’s feet and
cry
5. “but the Spirit itself maketh intersession for
us” – He is there to pray for us; He is there to pray with us; He takes my
place when I can’t pray and He is there
to ask of the heavenly Father to do what is best for me; He loves us enough to
stand by us even at our lowest point and intercede for us when we need it most!
6. “with
groanings which cannot be uttered” – He speaks for us with “groanings too deep
for words” (ESV) We do not know what He
is saying, but He is groaning with and for us.
We may be groaning in pain and He will be groaning to God on our behalf!
Isn’t it so comforting to know we have the Holy
Spirit on our side, always guiding us (John 16:13b “he will guide you into all
truth”), praying for us, groaning for us, helping us through every trial, strengthening
us, and loving us no matter what! Just
as Jesus took our punishment the Holy Spirit can take our burdens and speak on
our behalf when we can’t speak ourselves.
Today’s Verse
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication
in the Spirit” Ephesians 6:18a
He is the Comforter, and He can and will comfort
us in our times of stress…we just have to surrender our burdens to Him.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
What's Cookin'
This was our third year in a row not being home for father's day! I miss the excitement of waking Daddy up with presents and cinnamon rolls with the house all decorated with pictures and cards! Last year we were in Florida, the year before at a wedding in Maryland, and this year we had an impromptu weekend trip to the beach! It was super fun, but us girls still wanted Dad to have a fabulous home party. He got the presents on Daddy Day, but he got the good home-cooked meal on Monday.
Monday night I fixed one of his favorite meals. I have no real measurements for this, but I will try to estimate :). We also made a fabulous ice cream cake that was scrumptious. I can't remember which recipe email I saw the idea in, but we made it different. I was worried it would not turn out, but wow was it tasty! I really hope your family enjoys!
Mexican Lasagna
1 lb hamburger
1 can rinsed and drained black beans
1 can chopped tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup frozen corn
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
1 can refried beans
8 small tortillas
2 1/4 cups shredded cheese of choice
Brown and drain hamburger. Add black beans, tomatoes, corn, seasoning and about 1/4 cup of water. Heat through. Spray a 2.5 qt oblong baking dish. Place 1/2 cup of salsa on the bottom. Top with 2 tortillas. Spread a third of the beans over tortillas. Top with a third of the meat mixture and 1/4 cup cheese. Star over again with tortillas and make three layers. Top whole lasagna with two final tortillas. Spread with remaining 1/2 cup salsa and 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake at 375 for 30minutes covered with foil. Remove the foil and bake additional 15-20 minutes for desired browness.
Mexican Roasted potatoes
1 lb small yellow potatoes
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup sliced pepper and onion mix (frozen or fresh)
2 Tbsp pickled jalapeno
Salt, pepper, cumin, chilli, and garlic powder to taste
Wash potatoes well. Toss with other ingredients and bake on a foil lined pan for 25-35 minutes at 350. Top with cheese if desired.
Guacamole
http://mansionmoms.blogspot.com/2012/11/whats-cookin-wednesday_28.html
Salsa
1 pt. cherry tomatoes
1 Tbsp Lime
1 seeded and chopped jalapeno
1/2 tsp of onion, garlic, chili and cumin powder
1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce (if desired)
salt and pepper to taste
Pulse in the mini food processor. Chill a few hours before serving for optimal flavor.
Ice cream cake
1 box swiss cake rolls
1.5 quart of vanilla with fudge swirl ice cream
1 jar of ice cream fudge sauce
1 1/2 cup of large cookie crumbs
Line 2 quart glass bowl with plastic wrap. Slice swiss cake rolls and line the bowl. We placed the unwrapped cakes in the freezer for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice. Put half on the ice cream in the cake lined bowl. We microwaved the ice cream for 15 seconds to make it easier to spread in bowl. Mix 2 Tbsp of fudge sauce with the cookie crumbs. (We pulsed chocolate chip teddy grahams for our cookie crumbs. You could use oreos, chocolate wafers, or anything you like). Spread crumbs over ice cream. Top with remaining ice cream and then spread with fudge sauce (Reserve 3 Tbsp). Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours. Remove from freezer and flip onto serving dish. Remove plastic wrap, spread remaining sauce, slice and enjoy the goodness!
Monday night I fixed one of his favorite meals. I have no real measurements for this, but I will try to estimate :). We also made a fabulous ice cream cake that was scrumptious. I can't remember which recipe email I saw the idea in, but we made it different. I was worried it would not turn out, but wow was it tasty! I really hope your family enjoys!
Mexican Lasagna
1 lb hamburger
1 can rinsed and drained black beans
1 can chopped tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup frozen corn
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 cup salsa
1 can refried beans
8 small tortillas
2 1/4 cups shredded cheese of choice
Brown and drain hamburger. Add black beans, tomatoes, corn, seasoning and about 1/4 cup of water. Heat through. Spray a 2.5 qt oblong baking dish. Place 1/2 cup of salsa on the bottom. Top with 2 tortillas. Spread a third of the beans over tortillas. Top with a third of the meat mixture and 1/4 cup cheese. Star over again with tortillas and make three layers. Top whole lasagna with two final tortillas. Spread with remaining 1/2 cup salsa and 1/2 cup of cheese. Bake at 375 for 30minutes covered with foil. Remove the foil and bake additional 15-20 minutes for desired browness.
Mexican Roasted potatoes
1 lb small yellow potatoes
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup sliced pepper and onion mix (frozen or fresh)
2 Tbsp pickled jalapeno
Salt, pepper, cumin, chilli, and garlic powder to taste
Wash potatoes well. Toss with other ingredients and bake on a foil lined pan for 25-35 minutes at 350. Top with cheese if desired.
Guacamole
http://mansionmoms.blogspot.com/2012/11/whats-cookin-wednesday_28.html
Salsa
1 pt. cherry tomatoes
1 Tbsp Lime
1 seeded and chopped jalapeno
1/2 tsp of onion, garlic, chili and cumin powder
1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce (if desired)
salt and pepper to taste
Pulse in the mini food processor. Chill a few hours before serving for optimal flavor.
Ice cream cake
1 box swiss cake rolls
1.5 quart of vanilla with fudge swirl ice cream
1 jar of ice cream fudge sauce
1 1/2 cup of large cookie crumbs
Line 2 quart glass bowl with plastic wrap. Slice swiss cake rolls and line the bowl. We placed the unwrapped cakes in the freezer for 30 minutes to make it easier to slice. Put half on the ice cream in the cake lined bowl. We microwaved the ice cream for 15 seconds to make it easier to spread in bowl. Mix 2 Tbsp of fudge sauce with the cookie crumbs. (We pulsed chocolate chip teddy grahams for our cookie crumbs. You could use oreos, chocolate wafers, or anything you like). Spread crumbs over ice cream. Top with remaining ice cream and then spread with fudge sauce (Reserve 3 Tbsp). Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours. Remove from freezer and flip onto serving dish. Remove plastic wrap, spread remaining sauce, slice and enjoy the goodness!
Today's Verse
Psalms 31:3
"For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me."
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Chile
It's got to be the thinnest country. I need to Google that and see...actually I use Yahoo, but you know what I mean. Regardless, it is far, far, far away from North Carolina. Yet, my husband will board a plane tomorrow night and make his way to the thin country of Chile. The temp will be in the 30s and 40s and not the fabulous 80s we have been used to. He will have fabulous views of God's creation of the Andes Mountains. He will meet new people and observe a new culture. But he will be so far away.
The girls don't get the fact that Chile is quite so far. I have tried to show them on the globe, but for them, they are just as sad as when he goes to DC or Florida or Texas for a few days. The miles and miles apart don't seem that significant; they just miss Daddy when he is gone for a couple of nights regardless of where he is. I on the other hand am trying to not to panic. It is so far away! He can't be home in a day if I absolutely needed him to be. And, my biggest fear, I don't have a passport, so if I needed to get to him... I could not!
When my youngest was a baby he went to Canada for a whole week. But at least that is the same continent. So as I make a to-do list, make our plans to take him and pick him up at the airport, figure out how we will communicate (It will be $2.49 a minute, but at least we can make it work!), and make our plans to keep ourselves busy while he is away, I am praying constantly to keep him safe. Every few minutes I whisper, "Please take care of him!" And I calm down and take a breath.
Right now, I am focusing on the positives and not the miles!
- He is only gone 3 nights!
- He will meet two colleagues there, so he will not be alone!
- Amazingly and unbeknownst to us, Chile is the same time zone as NC!
- It is an awesome opportunity for him!
- He has a really cool job!
- I know he loves us and will miss us just as much as we miss him when he is away.
- Thank you God for the technology to stay connected! Yay Skype!
- And last but certainly not least...no matter if he is driving in a car up to Eden everyday or flying to the furthest point of the world...he is right in the middle of God's hand!
Our VBS verse for next week is resonating in my heart! It is a favorite and just what I needed as I send him off to a far away place...
Today's Verse
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Oh I am so thankful for that!
And just for an educational FYI, I did search before finishing this post and here is the description I found. Still don't know if it is the actual thinnest, but it sounds cool!
With a toothy coastline of 2,650 miles (4,265 km), Chile accounts for more than half of the western coastline of South America. This razor-thin country is wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, the Earth's longest mountain range.
The girls don't get the fact that Chile is quite so far. I have tried to show them on the globe, but for them, they are just as sad as when he goes to DC or Florida or Texas for a few days. The miles and miles apart don't seem that significant; they just miss Daddy when he is gone for a couple of nights regardless of where he is. I on the other hand am trying to not to panic. It is so far away! He can't be home in a day if I absolutely needed him to be. And, my biggest fear, I don't have a passport, so if I needed to get to him... I could not!
When my youngest was a baby he went to Canada for a whole week. But at least that is the same continent. So as I make a to-do list, make our plans to take him and pick him up at the airport, figure out how we will communicate (It will be $2.49 a minute, but at least we can make it work!), and make our plans to keep ourselves busy while he is away, I am praying constantly to keep him safe. Every few minutes I whisper, "Please take care of him!" And I calm down and take a breath.
Right now, I am focusing on the positives and not the miles!
- He is only gone 3 nights!
- He will meet two colleagues there, so he will not be alone!
- Amazingly and unbeknownst to us, Chile is the same time zone as NC!
- It is an awesome opportunity for him!
- He has a really cool job!
- I know he loves us and will miss us just as much as we miss him when he is away.
- Thank you God for the technology to stay connected! Yay Skype!
- And last but certainly not least...no matter if he is driving in a car up to Eden everyday or flying to the furthest point of the world...he is right in the middle of God's hand!
Our VBS verse for next week is resonating in my heart! It is a favorite and just what I needed as I send him off to a far away place...
Today's Verse
2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Oh I am so thankful for that!
And just for an educational FYI, I did search before finishing this post and here is the description I found. Still don't know if it is the actual thinnest, but it sounds cool!
With a toothy coastline of 2,650 miles (4,265 km), Chile accounts for more than half of the western coastline of South America. This razor-thin country is wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, the Earth's longest mountain range.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Little Miracle
God is still the same God that performed the amazing miracles written about in the Bible, and He still performs miracles today! I fully believe that. Some things happen that no one can explain...medically, spiritually, and physically...those unexplained occurrences can be summed up in one word...miraculous.
I can tell you miracles in my own life. They might not seem miraculous to anybody else, but to me I know they only occurred by the hand of God.
I could also tell you of a recent miracle that occurred to a family in our church. It is amazing and such a wonderful work of God. But, that is not my story to tell.
So, I will tell you my recent mini-medical miracle. You might think it insignificant. But it was a wonderful miracle in my life and the life of my little girls.
Last fall I suffered from an infection in my hand. My finger swelled to three times its normal size, and I was in excruciating pain. I felt like a wimp, but I finally ended up at the hospital. After a small procedure I was prescribed a lot of medicine. For two weeks, I had to take two different kinds of the biggest most horrible pills four times a day. I was sick and weak from the medicine, but my hand and finger was finally back to normal after a week of treatment.
Well last week it all began again. I had the same beginning feelings for a few days. I prayed that I wouldn't have to go through that again. But, by the third day I woke up to a huge finger and a lot of pain. My husband was out of town, so my mind swirled with what would be the best thing to do. When the girls and I read their devotion that morning it was about how God can heal you when you are sick. It included great stories and verses and my favorite was this prayer...
From the Jesus Loves Me Devotional by Angela and Ken Abraham
"A Promise When I am Sick"
Dear Jesus,
When I feel bad, sick or tired, I will trust You.
Soothe all my aches, and take away the pain. Help me to rest and feel
better. Please help my family and friends not to worry. Bless everyone
who is praying for me. Thank You, Jesus, for healing me! Amen.
I was reminded that God can and will answer our prayers! He can heal us! He can do anything according to His will. We ask knowing He will answer. We ask with the faith that He knows what is best. And we thank Him in advance for however He moves in our lives.
The girls began to say their own prayers, and they prayed for my finger. It was a precious time. I then prayed myself for healing if possible and not to have to go back to the hospital or take that terrible medicine and go through that sickness.
By the next day the swelling had gone down significantly and within 3 days we could tell the infection was gone.
What blessed my heart the most from the whole experience, was the prayer from my daughter a few days later. She thanked God over and over for healing mommy's finger! Without me even explaining everything, she knew a miracle had happened!
I know it is not a huge medical miracle, but for our family it was big! I know my girls will never forget our little miracle and I am thankful God uses little miracles to teach big lessons!
Today's Verse
I can tell you miracles in my own life. They might not seem miraculous to anybody else, but to me I know they only occurred by the hand of God.
I could also tell you of a recent miracle that occurred to a family in our church. It is amazing and such a wonderful work of God. But, that is not my story to tell.
So, I will tell you my recent mini-medical miracle. You might think it insignificant. But it was a wonderful miracle in my life and the life of my little girls.
Last fall I suffered from an infection in my hand. My finger swelled to three times its normal size, and I was in excruciating pain. I felt like a wimp, but I finally ended up at the hospital. After a small procedure I was prescribed a lot of medicine. For two weeks, I had to take two different kinds of the biggest most horrible pills four times a day. I was sick and weak from the medicine, but my hand and finger was finally back to normal after a week of treatment.
Well last week it all began again. I had the same beginning feelings for a few days. I prayed that I wouldn't have to go through that again. But, by the third day I woke up to a huge finger and a lot of pain. My husband was out of town, so my mind swirled with what would be the best thing to do. When the girls and I read their devotion that morning it was about how God can heal you when you are sick. It included great stories and verses and my favorite was this prayer...
From the Jesus Loves Me Devotional by Angela and Ken Abraham
"A Promise When I am Sick"
Dear Jesus,
When I feel bad, sick or tired, I will trust You.
Soothe all my aches, and take away the pain. Help me to rest and feel
better. Please help my family and friends not to worry. Bless everyone
who is praying for me. Thank You, Jesus, for healing me! Amen.
I was reminded that God can and will answer our prayers! He can heal us! He can do anything according to His will. We ask knowing He will answer. We ask with the faith that He knows what is best. And we thank Him in advance for however He moves in our lives.
The girls began to say their own prayers, and they prayed for my finger. It was a precious time. I then prayed myself for healing if possible and not to have to go back to the hospital or take that terrible medicine and go through that sickness.
By the next day the swelling had gone down significantly and within 3 days we could tell the infection was gone.
What blessed my heart the most from the whole experience, was the prayer from my daughter a few days later. She thanked God over and over for healing mommy's finger! Without me even explaining everything, she knew a miracle had happened!
I know it is not a huge medical miracle, but for our family it was big! I know my girls will never forget our little miracle and I am thankful God uses little miracles to teach big lessons!
Today's Verse
Jeremiah 17:14
"Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise."
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Ultimate Salad and a milkshake!
Something healthy and a splurge...but a lower fat splurge!
I have my very own romaine lettuce growing in our garden. I have never had success with lettuce, but this year has been a blessing with our little garden! Everything taste better when you grow it yourself! This is my version of my favorite salad at Chili's, minus the grilled chicken which could easily be added.
1 cup of romaine lettuce
Topped with the following ingredients...
1/4 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
1/4 cup of frozen corn (heated and drained)
1/2 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp minced jalapeno (hopefully we will have these fresh soon...we have blooms now!)
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro (also from our garden)
1/4 tsp cumin, onion powder, chili powder and garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
Combine and let sit for a few minutes before topping salad. This is also great on chips or on top of burritos or tacos!
I also combined 1 tsp of lime juice and a sprinkle of the same spices, with 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp of canola oil for a vinaigrette.
I also topped my salad with some crushed baked tortilla chips! I hope you can try this yummy salad!
My hubby loves peach milkshakes! This was his special treat this weekend.
1 cup of vanilla low fat frozen yogurt
splash of milk (2-3 Tbsp)
splash of vanilla
1 peach diced very small
Combine with an immersion blender or the regular blender! So cool and yummy! Perfect summer treat that I hope your family enjoys!
I have my very own romaine lettuce growing in our garden. I have never had success with lettuce, but this year has been a blessing with our little garden! Everything taste better when you grow it yourself! This is my version of my favorite salad at Chili's, minus the grilled chicken which could easily be added.
1 cup of romaine lettuce
Topped with the following ingredients...
1/4 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
1/4 cup of frozen corn (heated and drained)
1/2 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp minced jalapeno (hopefully we will have these fresh soon...we have blooms now!)
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro (also from our garden)
1/4 tsp cumin, onion powder, chili powder and garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
Combine and let sit for a few minutes before topping salad. This is also great on chips or on top of burritos or tacos!
I also combined 1 tsp of lime juice and a sprinkle of the same spices, with 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp of canola oil for a vinaigrette.
I also topped my salad with some crushed baked tortilla chips! I hope you can try this yummy salad!
My hubby loves peach milkshakes! This was his special treat this weekend.
1 cup of vanilla low fat frozen yogurt
splash of milk (2-3 Tbsp)
splash of vanilla
1 peach diced very small
1 tsp sugar
Combine with an immersion blender or the regular blender! So cool and yummy! Perfect summer treat that I hope your family enjoys!
Today's Verse
"And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full."
1 John 1:4
Monday, June 10, 2013
A time to shine!
We are preparing for the big Show Times this week! The girls take gymnastics at a local Little Gym, and it is time to strut their stuff this week! They couldn't be more excited. There will be flips, turns, and cartwheels. They will be balancing on the beam, swinging on the bars, and smiling and saying their ta-das. We will watch and smile and clap and cheer. Routines have been choreographed and then practiced, practiced, and practiced some more! This is a chance to shine!
This reminds me of all the churches gearing up for their VBS week. A time to shine for God. A time to celebrate! A time to love on our children and the children of the community. A time to share the love of Jesus with those that may have never walked into a church. It is the Big Show and it is time to prepare our hearts to serve the Lord! We had our first meeting to prepare for the VBS week at our church, and it was exciting. It is wonderful to see all those people get involved. It is fun to watch the kids get so energized about learning more about God. My daughters have already been counting down the days and that makes this mom happy that they are that enthusiastic about what God will be doing through VBS.
I pray for every church in our area that is holding a VBS...for the workers who will be exhausted by the end of the week, for the families your church will be reaching out to, but most importantly for every child that will hear the Truth in these coming summer weeks. May they feel and see God's love through these experiences at VBS, and may they see and accept all the Jesus did for them! Please join me in praying for the churches holding VBS that God's light may shine during the big show time of VBS!
Today's Verse
This reminds me of all the churches gearing up for their VBS week. A time to shine for God. A time to celebrate! A time to love on our children and the children of the community. A time to share the love of Jesus with those that may have never walked into a church. It is the Big Show and it is time to prepare our hearts to serve the Lord! We had our first meeting to prepare for the VBS week at our church, and it was exciting. It is wonderful to see all those people get involved. It is fun to watch the kids get so energized about learning more about God. My daughters have already been counting down the days and that makes this mom happy that they are that enthusiastic about what God will be doing through VBS.
I pray for every church in our area that is holding a VBS...for the workers who will be exhausted by the end of the week, for the families your church will be reaching out to, but most importantly for every child that will hear the Truth in these coming summer weeks. May they feel and see God's love through these experiences at VBS, and may they see and accept all the Jesus did for them! Please join me in praying for the churches holding VBS that God's light may shine during the big show time of VBS!
Today's Verse
Matthew 18:10
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Spiritual Vitamins
A Psalms a Day keeps the Devil Away!
I am not sure where I heard that, but I do think it has a lot of truth. The Devil can be defeated at the sound of Jesus' name, and hiding God's words in our hearts helps us to withstand the temptation to stress, to overreact, to loose our temper and a plethora of other sins that can occur. My Junior High Sunday school teacher always told us girls to read a Psalms everyday if nothing else. I have tried to always maintain that time with God by reading His Word daily. Without it I can't function.
We need air to breath, water to drink, food to eat, clothing to wear and shelter to live. For a human, that is what it takes to survive physically. But spiritually, we have to have fellowship with our heavenly Father. Not just every now and then. We don't drink water just every few days; we have to consume water everyday. Just the same, we have to consume His Word everyday in order to grow, learn, and become more like Jesus.
My girls love to take their vitamins. And quite frankly, dad and I like them too. They are tasty! When I was pregnant, the prenatal vitamins made me sick. My doctor let me take two of the tasty vitamins instead for the first few weeks. I looked forward to that treat everyday. I must have the same mind set with regards to my time with God. I have to be excited and look forward to spending time with Him. It is a treat to be able to learn more from His Word and guidance.
I can tell when I need some water to drink. My mouth gets dry. Sometimes I get a headache if I haven't had enough water. I just cannot think clearly.
I can tell when I need to read my Bible. My spirit gets dry. I get flustered easily when I haven't devoted enough time to God. I just cannot think clearly.
When I was a teen, my time reading a short devotion was always before bed. I remember coming home one night exhausted from waiting tables. I laid down, but couldn't go to sleep. I remembered I had not opened my Bible that day. I read a Psalms and prayed, and slept like a baby. It calmed my heart, and it still always does!
I kept that nightly reading until my first daughter was born. Suddenly, I was so exhausted I would collapse into bed and not be able to lift my head, much less my Bible. A few weeks in, I realized my years of nightly reading would have to be revamped. Through the years of being a mom, I have come to learn that you grab a minute with God any time you can catch it. It can't always be scheduled; it can't always happen the same time and place, but for this mom it has to happen every day.
I have two daily devotion booklets that I choose from that include some Bible reading. I read those first thing in the morning. It only takes a few minutes, and it is so worth the few minutes! Later in the day I read the P31 Devo from my email. The evening may include a book, like now the Stressed-Less study, and more time from the Bible. The evening reading is not a daily occurrence, but that first thing in the morning has to happen or I will be a frazzled, stress-out mess before we walk out the door!
I am thankful God can meet with me anytime. I am grateful I never need an appointment. I can come to Him anytime and anyplace and He is there and ready to hear me.
Just like food is energy for my body, the Bible is energy for my soul. It is a necessity. Without it, I am nothing just like without God I am nothing!
Today's Verses
I am not sure where I heard that, but I do think it has a lot of truth. The Devil can be defeated at the sound of Jesus' name, and hiding God's words in our hearts helps us to withstand the temptation to stress, to overreact, to loose our temper and a plethora of other sins that can occur. My Junior High Sunday school teacher always told us girls to read a Psalms everyday if nothing else. I have tried to always maintain that time with God by reading His Word daily. Without it I can't function.
We need air to breath, water to drink, food to eat, clothing to wear and shelter to live. For a human, that is what it takes to survive physically. But spiritually, we have to have fellowship with our heavenly Father. Not just every now and then. We don't drink water just every few days; we have to consume water everyday. Just the same, we have to consume His Word everyday in order to grow, learn, and become more like Jesus.
My girls love to take their vitamins. And quite frankly, dad and I like them too. They are tasty! When I was pregnant, the prenatal vitamins made me sick. My doctor let me take two of the tasty vitamins instead for the first few weeks. I looked forward to that treat everyday. I must have the same mind set with regards to my time with God. I have to be excited and look forward to spending time with Him. It is a treat to be able to learn more from His Word and guidance.
I can tell when I need some water to drink. My mouth gets dry. Sometimes I get a headache if I haven't had enough water. I just cannot think clearly.
I can tell when I need to read my Bible. My spirit gets dry. I get flustered easily when I haven't devoted enough time to God. I just cannot think clearly.
When I was a teen, my time reading a short devotion was always before bed. I remember coming home one night exhausted from waiting tables. I laid down, but couldn't go to sleep. I remembered I had not opened my Bible that day. I read a Psalms and prayed, and slept like a baby. It calmed my heart, and it still always does!
I kept that nightly reading until my first daughter was born. Suddenly, I was so exhausted I would collapse into bed and not be able to lift my head, much less my Bible. A few weeks in, I realized my years of nightly reading would have to be revamped. Through the years of being a mom, I have come to learn that you grab a minute with God any time you can catch it. It can't always be scheduled; it can't always happen the same time and place, but for this mom it has to happen every day.
I have two daily devotion booklets that I choose from that include some Bible reading. I read those first thing in the morning. It only takes a few minutes, and it is so worth the few minutes! Later in the day I read the P31 Devo from my email. The evening may include a book, like now the Stressed-Less study, and more time from the Bible. The evening reading is not a daily occurrence, but that first thing in the morning has to happen or I will be a frazzled, stress-out mess before we walk out the door!
I am thankful God can meet with me anytime. I am grateful I never need an appointment. I can come to Him anytime and anyplace and He is there and ready to hear me.
Just like food is energy for my body, the Bible is energy for my soul. It is a necessity. Without it, I am nothing just like without God I am nothing!
Today's Verses
1 John 2:5-6
"But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
What's Cookin'
Nothing says summer like a good meal from the grill! And we had a great meal/picnic on the deck last Saturday night. I hope your family can enjoy some time outside before it gets too hot, and I hope you might try out our sirloin kabob recipe.
1 lb sirloin steak cut into 1-2 inch chunks
1 large zucchini (seeded and cut into large chunks)
2 small orange peppers
8-10 cherry tomatoes
1 large anaheim pepper (for dad and me)
Marinade for the meat...
1/4 cup of Worcestershire
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp seasoning salt
splash of lime juice
handful of fresh basil (We used ours from our garden! We were super excited!)
Marinade for the veggies
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp salt and pepper each
1/4 tsp garlic powder
handful of fresh basil
Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes if not longer, up to 4 hours. Veggies only need to marinate for 20 minutes. Alternate meat and veggies on soaked wooden skewers. Make sure you soak the skewers for a while! Grill for 4-7 minutes then flipping and grill another 3-5, depending on desired doneness. We cover our grill in heavy duty tin foil to grill the kabobs. We served with grilled asparagus and garlic toast! Yummy!
Today's Verse
"The heavens declare the glory of God" Psalms 19:1a
1 lb sirloin steak cut into 1-2 inch chunks
1 large zucchini (seeded and cut into large chunks)
2 small orange peppers
8-10 cherry tomatoes
1 large anaheim pepper (for dad and me)
Marinade for the meat...
1/4 cup of Worcestershire
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp seasoning salt
splash of lime juice
handful of fresh basil (We used ours from our garden! We were super excited!)
Marinade for the veggies
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 tsp salt and pepper each
1/4 tsp garlic powder
handful of fresh basil
Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes if not longer, up to 4 hours. Veggies only need to marinate for 20 minutes. Alternate meat and veggies on soaked wooden skewers. Make sure you soak the skewers for a while! Grill for 4-7 minutes then flipping and grill another 3-5, depending on desired doneness. We cover our grill in heavy duty tin foil to grill the kabobs. We served with grilled asparagus and garlic toast! Yummy!
Today's Verse
"The heavens declare the glory of God" Psalms 19:1a
Monday, June 3, 2013
Do your best!
My biggest little one had her first day of cheer-leading camp today! We were super excited! She had asked me lots of questions, and we had prepared the best we could. We have never attended anything like this, so we were unsure of exactly what would take place. I told her that no matter what, just try her best! She was worried about not being able to do tricks or certain moves, but I reminded her as long as she did her best I would be proud!
When I picked her up she was beaming. It seemed the girls had a wonderful time in the three short hours they were there. They had tumbled and even got to do a pyramid with my little one on top! Yikes! She told me all about the cheers, the jumps, and even the high V and the low V. I was excited for her.
I asked her if there were any other Kindergartners there besides the two other little girls I had spoken with. That was when I was quickly informed that there were no Kindergartners there.
"Mom, we are officially first graders now, and Kindergartners were not allowed to come!"
I wanted to cry!
Both of my girls are growing so quickly!
My husband was listening to a Focus on the Family with Dr. Kevin Leman about Daddy's and their little girls. He was telling me that Dr. Leman said your little girls will be grown and getting married before you know it.
I know this is true. Time seems to be traveling at warp speed. I cannot even begin to believe we are in the month of June. The summer will be over and I will have a first grader and an official preschooler on my hands. It seems like a blink of an eye and my oldest one was starting preschool and my little one was, well, still little!
I want them to try their best at everything. Their obedience, in church activities, in schoolwork, in extra curricular activities. I want them to do their best and I will always be proud.
And that is what God is asking of me as well!
I am trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up :)
What does God have in store as our family begins this next chapter?
Where would He have me serve, work, or volunteer?
When will He show me the right door to walk through?
These are questions on my mind...but they are not causing me stress :)
I know He will lead, guide, and show me just as He has always led our family. And when that time comes, I will do my best. I will say yes to the call and try with all my might to do what He wants me to do to the best of my abilities!
My husband and I had a nice dinner date on Friday night. We talked about the last time his career seemed to be taking a turn. We had wanted to act before we got the go-ahead from God. We had wanted to quit and move ahead on several occasions. But we stuck it out, and with great results. If we had acted just one day too quickly, we would have missed out on a huge blessing!
I am waiting for God's timing, and I am waiting as patiently and to the best of my abilities. Until then, I love being the wife, mother and occasional writer that He has called me to be now. I will look to Him in prayer, in reading, and wait for the green light! I know it's coming, and I will do my best when I get the go ahead!
Today's Verse
Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
When I picked her up she was beaming. It seemed the girls had a wonderful time in the three short hours they were there. They had tumbled and even got to do a pyramid with my little one on top! Yikes! She told me all about the cheers, the jumps, and even the high V and the low V. I was excited for her.
I asked her if there were any other Kindergartners there besides the two other little girls I had spoken with. That was when I was quickly informed that there were no Kindergartners there.
"Mom, we are officially first graders now, and Kindergartners were not allowed to come!"
I wanted to cry!
Both of my girls are growing so quickly!
My husband was listening to a Focus on the Family with Dr. Kevin Leman about Daddy's and their little girls. He was telling me that Dr. Leman said your little girls will be grown and getting married before you know it.
I know this is true. Time seems to be traveling at warp speed. I cannot even begin to believe we are in the month of June. The summer will be over and I will have a first grader and an official preschooler on my hands. It seems like a blink of an eye and my oldest one was starting preschool and my little one was, well, still little!
I want them to try their best at everything. Their obedience, in church activities, in schoolwork, in extra curricular activities. I want them to do their best and I will always be proud.
And that is what God is asking of me as well!
I am trying to decide what I want to be when I grow up :)
What does God have in store as our family begins this next chapter?
Where would He have me serve, work, or volunteer?
When will He show me the right door to walk through?
These are questions on my mind...but they are not causing me stress :)
I know He will lead, guide, and show me just as He has always led our family. And when that time comes, I will do my best. I will say yes to the call and try with all my might to do what He wants me to do to the best of my abilities!
My husband and I had a nice dinner date on Friday night. We talked about the last time his career seemed to be taking a turn. We had wanted to act before we got the go-ahead from God. We had wanted to quit and move ahead on several occasions. But we stuck it out, and with great results. If we had acted just one day too quickly, we would have missed out on a huge blessing!
I am waiting for God's timing, and I am waiting as patiently and to the best of my abilities. Until then, I love being the wife, mother and occasional writer that He has called me to be now. I will look to Him in prayer, in reading, and wait for the green light! I know it's coming, and I will do my best when I get the go ahead!
Today's Verse
Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
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