Angel Navy Wife

Anxious for Spring

2012-02-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

We've had unseasonable sunshine this week, and it has made us even more excited about spring!

We celebrated with flower pops I had seen in a magazine.

Mini Eggo waffles with strawberries on skewers.

Erasing Hell

2012-02-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

Francis Chan is one of my top 3 favorite authors. He just tells it straight, and encourages us to live the way Scripture teaches. So I anxiously awaited the chance to read his newest book, Erasing Hell.

I admit I was cautious the first few chapters, but as I continued on I found the convicting, encouraging words I was hoping for! This book is full of God's truth for those questioning God, and for believers.

"In the light of this truth and for the sake of the people's eternal destiny, our lives and churches should be - no, they must be! - free from the bondage of sin, full of selfless love that overflows for neighbors, the downcast, and the outsiders among us. In other words, we need to stop explaining away hell and start proclaiming His solution to it."

"God, help me overcome my selfishness. I want to love the way You asked me to. I don't want to say another insulting word to or about another person, not even jokingly. I want to shock my enemies with Christian love. I want to joyfully sacrifice for the poor, and to see You when I see them. I don't want to fit in anymore. Holy Spirit, set me apart, save me, make me worthy."

"It is not about figuring out all the mysteries of God, but embracing them- even when He doesn't make perfect sense to us."

"His thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than mine. It's time to stop apologizing FOR Him, and start apologizing TO Him."

"Please forgive me Lord, for wanting to erase all the things in Scripture that don't sit well with me.Forgive me for trying to hide some of Your actions to make You more palatable to the world. Forgive me for trying to make You fit my standards of justice and goodness and love. You are God; You are good; don't always understand You, but I love You. Thank you for who You are."

"In the midst of his pain and confusion, Jeremiah clung to the fact that God was God and Jeremiah was not. He let the Potter be the Potter and understood that he was clay."

He has a video series airing this week. I haven't seen them yet, but am looking forward to viewing them!

http://basicseries.com/index.php

Getting Ready

2012-02-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

It's February, and here on Whidbey Island, that means time to get your hummingbird feeders out!

We stocked up on sugar, and made our first batch of nectar for the year. We started small, but in a month or so I'll be going through a half gallon every 2 days!

Pour 1/2 cup of white sugar into a heat proof container. Add 2 cups of hot water. Stir until dissolved and let cool.

Add to your hummingbird feeder(s)

And we also found a pretty new suet holder for only $2, so we filled and hung that too for our feathered friends

Much prettier than our old one

Sneak Peek- Abigail's Birthday

2012-02-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

I've loved button art for awhile now, but never knew what to make.

As we were preparing for Abigail's Party, I remembered the 3 sign I made her last year and absolutely loved,

and started thinking and decided a button 4 would be a perfect touch!

I cut a 4 out of cardboard, then covered it with white card stock. Then I collected all these buttons that matched her theme colors, and glued them on to the 4. After it dried, I mounted it on light blue card stock then framed it.

Honey Face Wash

2012-02-03T20:17:00.000-08:00

Did you know raw honey is a WONDERFUL face wash?

It works wonders to clear up my skin.

Apply to a DRY face, and leave on about a minute.

Then wipe off with warm water and a washcloth.

I follow with Burt's Bees moisturizer.

I've only used raw honey, so I am not sure if conventional honey would have the same benefits.

Beef and Zucchini

2012-02-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

I'm finally getting around to posting one of our favorite beef recipes.

Garlicky Beef Kabobs

¼ cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons paprika

4 cloves minced garlic

¼ teaspoon salt

Mix together and marinate 1-2 pounds cubed beef. Put on skewers then grill.

We also had zucchini and Italian Potatoes with out dinner.

We grilled one zucchini with a drizzle of butter and some house seasoning, and we deep fried the second one.

Fried Zucchini Batter

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)

2 teaspoons house seasoning

1 egg

1/2 cup of water

Mix together, dip in sliced zucchini and deep fry.

Italian Potatoes

Chop enough potatoes for your family (we do 6) into small bite sized pieces. Add 2-3 cloves minced garlic, fresh pepper and Italian dressing. Bake at 400 until potatoes are tender (about an hour)

Magnet Note Board

2012-01-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

I have a new favorite gift to make! Of course it once again involves magnets ;)

I took an acrylic magnet frame from Walmart (less than $1) , and filled it with scrapbook paper.

Then I embellished it with ribbon, buttons etc. and added a pad of sticky notes.

You could also attach a pen with ribbon, but I didn't have any pretty pens around.

Icicles

2012-01-29T14:01:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post this one of my sweet girl with my other snow pictures

Homemaking Part 11

2012-01-27T19:53:00.000-08:00

I just noticed I dont have any photos of the hall closet in my homemaking series.

Here is the top

top shelf: backpacks and tote bags, extra blankets

next shelf: All of my stamping/crafting supplies

2 baskets of stapes, a box of ink, a box of ribbon, a box of tools, and a box of scrap papers

third shelf: candles (you cant see them in this picture) gift bags/tissue paper, silverware for parties, an empty jar, extra paper and pocket Bibles

The damask box holds gift items I have picked up just in case
Games

Our white bath towels, more extra blankets and our picnic backpack

Make Your Own Cake Stand

2012-01-26T17:28:00.000-08:00

First buy a pack of 9" round cake boards.

($4 at Walmart for 10 of them)

One the bottom board, stick "Dimensionals" or similar product (mine were an off brand), stacking layers until you reached your desired height. I used 2 on top of each other.

(the board on the right)

Then stick the first board on to your board with the "dimensionals"

Then take 2 cans of tuna, duct tape them together, and the cover with pretty scrapbook paper. Add some duct tape to the top of the cans.

Affix your cake boards to the top of the tuna cans, and use "sticky strip" (double sided adhesive) to affix a pretty scallopped border.

You can also use rectangle boards and cover them with wrapping paper. I used 2 vegetable cans covered with wrapping paper as well for this stand.

Biblical Principles of Communication

2012-01-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

1. A wife's wrong words begin with wrong thoughts and motives.

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” Matthew 12:34

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man Matthew 15:19-20

Heart in Scripture includes a persons thoughts, choices and motives. Your "heart" is not some emotional part of you that you have no control over. The Lord made it clear that wrong words begin with wrong thoughts. Renew your mind with scripture , read verses over and over and think of ways you can personally apply it.

2. A wife is accountable to God for every word she speaks

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34

Careless words are idle, lazy and useless. As a Christian you have to take care with your words.Realize you are accountable to God for your every word.

3. A wife must put off wrong speech
But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth Colossians 3:8

Sometimes a wife is tempted to use angry words during her period. Even though control is harder during that time, with God all things are possible. Any wrong speech is sin. Confess to God every time you speak in a wrong way. Replace the wrong words with truth spoken in love.

4. A wife must give the benefit of the doubt when judging motives

He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.1 Corinthians 4:5

We are not to judge the motives of men's hearts. No matter how well you think you know someone, only God can judge their motives. It is presumptuous for someone to believe they know what another person is thinking or why they did what they did.

5. A wife is more likely to sin if her words are rash
There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing Proverbs 12:18

When He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 1 Peter 2:23

Rash words deeply wound the person receiving them. They inflict pain. They hurt the other person. Our Lord did not fight back with evil. Even when suffering we are to look to Jesus as our example. Instead of wounding the one hurting us, we should use our tongue to bring healing.

6. An excellent wife is wise and kind when she talks
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.Proverbs 31:26

A godly wife is wise and kind. Her words are not rude, hard or wounding, but edifying and helpful.

7. A Wife should purify her speech until it is more and more flawless
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little. Proverbs 10:20

A soothing tongue is a tree of life Proverbs 15:4

Silver is a rare, precious, treasured commodity. So is a righteous tongue. Think through what you should say before saying it out loud. Concentrate on saying your words in a pleasant tone of voice.

Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. Proverbs 25:25

The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.Proverbs 16:21

From the book The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. The chapter goes into much more detail, but was it more than I was willing to type ;)

I had read this book years ago, and it just didn't change my heart, but this time it really sunk in and was a huge blessing in y life.

Just the Mail

2012-01-23T17:50:00.000-08:00

Spent my extra time encouraging and praying for friends last week when we were snowed in.

Reese's Cake

2012-01-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

First off, a confession. I use boxed cake mix fairly often. It is just much cheaper than making it from scratch, and I can put more effort into the other aspects of the cakes.

This was one of those times I used a boxed cake. I use Betty Crocker's Triple Chocolate Fudge. Replace the water the box calls for with milk and bake in two 8" round pans.

While it is baking make the filling:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup creamy peanut butter
5 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup heavy cream
Whip until thick and fluffy. When the cakes are cooled (I make them the day before and freeze them, and work with them while they are still frozen) spread all the filling in between the two cakes.

Take a bag of mini Reese's cups and have your children unwrap each one. Chop them up.

Make the ganache:
2 Tablespoons honey
6 ounces heavy cream
12 ounces chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla.
Combine cream, honey and chocolate in a small saucepan. Still constantly until chocolate is melted. Add vanilla and let cool. Once it is almost room temperature pour over cake.

Let it set a minute or two, then press the chopped Reese's cups onto the sides of the cake.

The god we want or the God who is?

2012-01-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

"'God helps those who help themselves', 'God wont give you anything you can't handle', 'God blesses the rich so they can bless others'.

The god we want shows up in these comfortable non-verses that we assume are in the Bible but really aren't. These "verses" describe the god we wish we had rather than the God who is.

What will the real God do? He'll put us in the middle of the sea and ask us to walk on it. He'll place us before a giant with only a sling and a stone. He'll allow a tornado or cancer or a break-up or addiction or rejection to come our way. He'll allow more than we can handle to show us only He can handle things. When I am not on God's Word, I don't understand who God is. "

~Mark Hall in the book Your Own Jesus

Playing in the Snow

2012-01-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

Snow-Cones!

Cheesy Corndog Muffins

2012-01-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

First make some cornbread batter (I decreased the sweetness from my normal recipe as shown below)

Cornbread:

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup sugar

4 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 Tablespoon baking powder

1/2 cup corn meal

2 1/3 cups flour (or masa for those of you who are gluten free)

1 1/3 cups milk

3 oz diced sharp cheddar cheese

3 hot dogs diced

Line muffin tins with cupcake papers. Fill each one half way with cornbread batter. Evenly sprinkle cheese cubes and diced hot dogs in each cup. Push down into batter and add 1 more tablespoon of batter over the top.

Bake at 400 for about 15 minutes. Makes 18 muffins.

Snow Storm

2012-01-17T17:50:00.000-08:00

We have been waiting for the snow for awhile now, and it was well worth the wait!

I love the serene feeling of looking out and seeing nothing but white!

The coziness of being inside looking out, the gallons of hot chocolate we go through every time we come in from playing in it, the wonder and joy I get to see on my children's faces...

Snowy Day Fun-Minion Style

2012-01-17T09:46:00.000-08:00

Minion Twinkies!

I cut the bottoms of of twinkies, and used Wilton's candy eyes and black icing to draw the faces. I wanted to put black sprinkles as "hair" on some of them but we were all out :(

Trusting God- With Family Size

2012-01-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

As a new Christian, I was heavily influenced by "quiverful" Christians.

"Quiverful" meaning they trusted God with their family size, and thus had 6, 8, 10, 12+ children.

These families made it seem like if you REALLY loved God, you would follow suite and have many children as well.

I've always loved children and would be delighted to have a house full of my own. But I had a big obstacle. My husband was satisfied with the 2 children we had.

I prayed and prayed and prayed and after more than 2 years, the Lord changed my husband's heart on the matter. Immediately we became pregnant.

Now we had three children, but more obstacles arose. The pregnancy was filled with complications, and my body never recovered from the trauma. My husband was more resolved than ever that our family was complete.

I struggled with guilt over not having a large family. I wanted one, but it just wasn't going to happen for me. I felt like I was somehow "less" than these mothers who were blessed with many children.

But as I prayed and handed the issue to the Lord, He opened my eyes to the true definition of this movement.

"Allowing God to determine their family size."

He had done just that for me. He used my husband's leading and my health to determine that our family was just the size He wanted us to have. And He gave me peace in that. If He chooses never to give us more children, I am content that I have already been blessed three times over. If He chooses to send more into our family I will embrace them with a thankful heart.

The Lord doesn't call us to all live the same life. He has a plan for each and every one of us. May this be a reminder to look to Him and His Word alone, not to others, even well meaning Christian friends, to find the Lord's plan for your life.

Watch Not a Fan FREE!!!

2012-01-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

You've seen me post about the movie and the book many times already.. I cant say enough good things about it!

I am so excited to share that you can watch it FREE for a limitted time online at their website here:

http://www.notafan.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83

Book List

2012-01-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

WIFE

The Love Dare by The Kendrick Brother
Love Encourages
Love is Faithful
Love is Patient
What's Wrong With Following My Heart?
Locks of Effective Prayer

Love and Respect By Emerson Eggerichs
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3

The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
Idols
When You are Offended
Communicate Biblically

Created To Be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl
Notes from the Book
ABCs of a Helpmeet
CTBHHM

CHRISTIAN LIFE
Francis Chan
Crazy Love
More Crazy Love
Crazy Love Post 3
Erasing Hell

Mark Hall
LIFESTORIES
The Well
More From the Well
Your Own Jesus

Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E Prentiss
On Being a Mother
Part 2
Part 1
Life's Little Disturbances
More Notes

K.P. Yohannan
Road to Reality
More Road To Reality
Revolutions in World Missions
Revolution In World Missions 2
Against The Wind- Disciple Makers
Against The Wind- Total Dependency
Against The Wind- Self Discipline
Against The Wind- A Higher Call
Against The Wind- Why David?
Against The Wind- Integrity

Kyle Idleman
Not a Fan

Billy Graham Storm Warning
Deceive or Believe
Cult Of Self

Kay Arthur

As Silver Refined
Lord Heal My Heart
Josh Harris

Stop Dating the Church
Do You Go To Church

I Kissed Dating Goodbye- Josh Harris
more IKDG by Josh Harris

Boy Meet Girl- Josh Harris
Courtship

Elisabeth Elliot
Keep a Quiet Heart- Things You Must Know

Joy- A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback
Purity- A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback

Ten Peas in a God Arnold Pent
Pursuit Of God- AW Tozer
The Jesus Style- Gayle Erwin
A Woman's Walk With God- Elizabeth George
A Woman's High Calling- Elizabeth George
Heart Like His- Beth Moore
More from Heart Like His
Choosing To See by Mary Beth Chapman
Biblical Portrait of Womanhood- Nancy Leigh Demoss

MOTHERING
Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Terri Maxwell
Homeschooling
Meek and Quiet

Raising Godly Tomatoes E. Kruguer
Consistency

Dont Make Me Count To Three- Ginger Plowman
So Much More by The Botkin Sisters
Spiritual Parenting- CH Spurgeon
more Spiritual Parenting
The Family JR Miller
Created For Work by Bob Schultz
Family Driven Faith- Voddie Bacham
Mitten Strings For God

DEVOTIONALS
Mornings and Evenings with Spurgeon
Do You Look Like Jesus
Downcast Saints

My Utmost for His Highest

Steams In The Desert

HOMEMAKING
Mrs Dunwoody's Guide To Beautiful Living
notes
Gardening in your Heart
Instructions in Homekeeping

Clarity To Clutter by Nancy Twigg
Sane Woman's Guide To Raising a Large Family

HEALTH
A More Excellent Way Henry Wright

BUDGET
Money Saving Mom's Budget - Crystal Paine
Money Answer Book- Dave Ramsey

HOLIDAYS
Putting God Back In The Holidays by the Thrashers

Before You Speak

2012-01-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

I found this online last summer, and it has been a blessing posted on our fridge not only to us but those who visit our home!

When you are offended

2012-01-09T18:24:00.000-08:00

A friend recently asked me for counsel about a situation in which she was hurt by a family member.

In God's sovereignty, I had read this passage from the book The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace, just an hour beforehand! Since I typed it up for her, I wanted to share it with you. It was originally written about being hurt by a husband, but it applies in all situations.

First, you must repent of bitter feelings you feel about him/her (Hebrews 12:15) It is sin to "take in account wrong suffered" (1 Cor 13:5) Confess bitterness and put on kind and forgiving thoughts (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Know that you are showing love to God when you "take every thought captive in obedience to Christ" 2 Cor 10:5. As soon as you start thinking hurt, angry thoughts, STOP in obedience to Christ.

"Whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with them two" Matthew 5:41, go out of your way to be nice to him/her, she doesn't deserve "the extra mile" but do it anyways in obedience to the Lord.

"Do not return evil for evil, but give blessings instead"(1 Peter 3:9)

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" Romans 12:21

God wants you to fight back in a "good" way. Eventually your hurt will abate as you bless her, and you will be glorifying God if your motive is to do her good in obedience to the Lord.

If you have not forgiven her you need to repent (Matthew 18:32-35)

However you want people to treat you, so treat them (Matthew 7:12)

It is never easy to go against y our feelings and go the "second mile", But it is a necessary step in overcoming bitter feelings. God will help you respond righteously to difficult circumstances.

Stepping Heavenward- On being a Mother

2012-01-07T09:26:00.000-08:00

"My darling precious children! For their sakes I am continually constrained to seek after an amended, a sanctified life. What I want them to become, I must become myself. "

"People ask me how it happens that my children are all so promptly obedient and happy. As if it chanced that some parents have such children or chanced that some parents have not! I’m afraid it is only too true, as someone has remarked, that this is the age of obedient parents! What then will be the future of the children? How can they yield to God who have never been taught to yield to human authority? And how well fitted to run their own households will they be who have never learned to rule themselves?"

"If I required a little self-denial, I said cheerfully {to them}, 'This is hard, but doing it for our best Friend sweetens it'. If you do this cheerfully and pleasantly my darling, you do it for Jesus, and that will make Him smile upon you."

"When you speak contemptuously of the vocation of motherhood, you dishonor not only the mother who bore you, but the Lord Jesus Himself, who chose to be born of a woman and to be ministered to by her through a helpless infancy."

"I want to see little children adorning every home as flowers adorn every meadow and every wayside. I want to see them welcomed to the homes they enter, to see their parents grow less and less selfish, and more and more loving because they have come. I want to see God's precious gifts accepted, not frowned upon and refused."

[of her sickly daughter]

"Thank God for sparing her to us a year. If he should take her away, I should still rejoice that this life was mingled with ours and has influenced us. Yes, even an infant in an ever-felt influence in the household. What an amazing thought! I have given this precious little one to her Savior and mine, living or dying, she is His. "

~Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss in the 1800s

Keilbasa on rice

2012-01-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

As I have said before, kielbasa is inexpensive at our grocery store. So this recipe is very cheap (under $5 with coupons), but surprisingly delicious!

1 package beef kielbasa-sliced

1/4 cup diced onion

4 tablespoons butter

28 oz can diced tomatoes

small can of tomato sauce

Saute onions in butter until translucent. Add kielbasa slices and cook thoroughly. Add sauce and diced tomatoes and let simmer about 20 minutes while you cook 2 cups of rice.

Serve over rice and add a vegetable on the side.

Stepping Heavenward Part 2

2012-01-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

" In reading the Bible..Study every word; ponder and pray over it till you have got from it all the truth it contains.

As to other devotional reading, it is better to settle down to a few favorite authors and read their works over and over and over until you have digested their thoughts and made them your own.

It has been said that a fixed, inflexible will is a great assistance in a holy life.

You can will to choose for your associates those who are most devout and holy.

You can will to read books that will stimulate you in your Christian life rather than those that merely amuse.

You can will to spend much time in prayer without regard to your frame at the moment.

You can will to prefer a religion of principle rather than one of feeling; in other words to obey God when no comfortable glow of emotion accompanies your obedience.

You can not will to possess the Holy Spirit; that must be His gift to you, but you can will to study Christ's life and to imitate it. This will infallibly lead to such self-denying work as visiting the poor, nursing the sick, giving of your time and money to the needy and the like."

~Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss in the 1800s

A Christmas gift

2012-01-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

My sweet cousin from Krissy Face Bakes sent me a pretty cake stand for CHRISTmas, so I had to bake some cupcakes to put it to good use!

Choosing to SEE

2012-01-02T13:51:00.000-08:00

First a friend, and then Mark Hall highly recommended Choosing to SEE by Mary Beth Chapman, so I decided to check it out.

I admit Mary Beth's transparent, honest, gritty style is not at all what I normally gravitate towards. In fact the style normally leaves me feeling uncomfortable, but this book goes beyond that and truly speaks right into your soul. I now see why so many have said they were forever changed by this book. I was too!

With tears pouring down, I thanked God, hugged my children tighter. I mourned with the Chapman family and praised God that through it all He is Mighty and in control. My heart is truly forever changed.

From Stepping Heavenward

2012-01-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

"Having been pardoned by your God and Savior, the next thing you must do is to show your gratitude for this infinite favor by consecrating your self entirely to Him, body, soul and spirit. This is the least you can do. He has bought you with a price and you are no longer your own...It is not optional with God's children whether they will pay Him a part of the price they owe Him and keep back the rest. He asks, and He has a right to ask, for all you have and all you are.

And if you shrink from what is involved in such surrender you should fly to Him at once and never rest till He has conquered this secret disinclination to give to Him as freely and as fully as He has given to you. It is true that such an act of consecration on your part may involve a great deal of future discipline and correction. But as soon as you become the Lord's by your own deliberate and conscious act, He will begin that process of sanctification which is to make you holy as He is holy, perfect as he is perfect. He at once becomes your Physician as well as your dearest and best Friend, but He will use no painful remedy that can be avoided.

Remember that it is His will that you should be sanctified and that the work of making you holy is His, not yours. At the same time you are not to sit with folded hands, waiting for His blessing. You are to avoid laying hindrances in His way, and you are to exercise faith in Him as He is just as able and just as willing to give you sanctification as he was to give you redemption.

And now if you ask how you may know that you have truly consecrated yourself to Him, I reply, observe every indication of His will concerning you, no matter how trivial, and see whether you at once close in with that will. Lay down this principle as law-God does nothing arbitrary. If He takes away your health , for instance, it is because He has some reason for doing so; and this is true of everything you value; and if you have real faith in Him, you will not insists on knowing the reason.

If you find in the course of daily events, that your self-consecration was not perfect -that is your will revolts His will -do not be discouraged, but fly to your Savior and stay in His presence til you obtain the spirit in which he cried in His hour of anguish, "Rather, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42) Every time you do this the easier it will be, every such consent to suffer will bring you nearer and nearer to Him; and in this nearness you will find such peace, such blessed, sweet peace as will make your life infinitely happy, no matter what may be it's outside conditions. "

~Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss in the 1800s

A Month of Birthday Cakes

2011-12-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

First I made a pumpkin carrot cake to celebrate a birthday

Then I made a Reese's cake for another birthday. Chocolate cake with a thick peanut butter filling, and then covered with ganache. I rolled the sides in chopped Reeses cups. DELICIOUS!

For Jesus' birthday I made a white cake for the sinless Messiah, with a strawberry filling and whipped cream frosting.

And then I was blessed with a cake as well. A beautiful cake made of flowers.
Absolutely perfect gift for me!

Merry CHRISTmas!

2011-12-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

Mashed Potatoes

2011-12-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

I've posted this recipe before, but I think it got lost among all the other Thanksgiving favorites, so I decided to give it it's own post.

My Great Grandma's mashed potatoes:

5 lbs of potatoes

8 oz cream cheese

2 sticks of butter

milk

salt, pepper,

garlic powder

nutmeg

Peel and chop potatoes. Boil until tender and drain.

Add cream cheese, butter and enough milk to make them smooth. Mash with a hand or stand mixer. I usually start with 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and a good amount of fresh ground pepper and mix on high. Taste and add more seasonings as needed (I ALWAYS need more).

If I want to mix it up, I will add a good amount of Lawry's Seasoned Salt as well to give it a little extra zing.

Celebrating Advent

2011-12-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

We celebrate Advent-the month leading up to CHRISTmas.

We take the month of December off from school, to have time for preparing our hearts for Christ, and all the other CHRISTmas traditions and festivities we take part in (baking cookies, making a gingerbread house, snowflakes, etc).

This year we have used the book The Nativity to read the Bible account and as a springboard for discussion, as well as Jotham's Journey, which is an amazing story filled with prophesy and scripture. In our family we do our reading during the afternoon.

Each week we light a new candle in our "wreath" (which is actually just a platter), and we we light them during dinner. We discuss what each candle represents and about Jesus being the light of the world.

Saving Money- Kids' Clothes

2011-12-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

I dont know about your children, but my boys can wear holes in their jeans in 2 weeks! For a while pants were eating up a big part of our budget, until we found Sears Kidvantage.

If you sign up (it is free) and buy kids' clothes at Sears, if they wear out in any way before your child outgrows them, Sears will replace the items FREE! This includes shoes!

Last month alone we saved $80 trading in my boys' ripped pants for new ones! If you choose to buy Levi's then you must show a receipt, but with any other brand you don't even need a receipt.

If you do not already have clothes from Sears, keep an eye open on the prices before you buy. We've found pants as low as $5-$7 some of the times we have gone in, but other times we've seen the same exact items for $30! Also, you can use Sears' Shop My Way Rewards to earn points back on your purchases, and we often receive coupons for Sears' via mail, as well as printed from the register when we make purchases.

While I think second hand clothes are a blessing, sadly we rarely are blessed with them. And my boys are very different in body types, one being in "Husky" and the other in "Slim" so we can even do hand me downs between the 2 of them.So this program has been a huge blessing to us!

*I am receiving no compensation from Sears for this post, just sharing what works for our family.

Some interesting reading on CHRISTmas

2011-12-16T09:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Conundrum

a long read but some very good points made

and a quote

"We don't do Santa or the naughty/nice list, but I was thinking about those that do. Our kids are being taught a works based reward, when really none of them are ever "nice"! They would all be on the naughty list! Lol Its by grace and love that they are given gifts despite how naughty they can be. I hope these children are taught the true meaning of Christmas &; that our reward can never be works based! We would never end up with our reward, eternity with Jesus. It is by His love grace that we as believers are not on the eternal naughty list. Don't forget to praise the King of Kings & teach your children of His grace love! Thank you God for the birth, death &; resurrection of Christ. Let's remember, rejoice ; celebrate this daily, not just once a year!"
From: Amanda Strong Hassell

Perfect Evening

2011-12-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Leave it to my wonderful husband to find a perfect way to join my love of simplicity to his love of technology.

Martha

2011-12-13T13:45:00.000-08:00

I have a confession that probably wont surprise you. When I am sick I love to watch the Martha Stewart show as I rest. I tend to try and be perfect at everything, and Martha feeds right into that for me. I think it is no coincidence that her name is "Martha". I too, am a Martha by nature.

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”
And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

But even with my best intentions of doing these "perfect" things to bless my husband, children, friends or guests, my fancy cakes and impressive dinners mean nothing if I have not been filled with the Lord first. If I am not taking the time to first sit as His feet and worship and learn, then I am doing these things in my own strength and not for His glory, and they will mean nothing in the day I meet Him face to face.

As you feel pressured this CHRISTmas season to be more like Martha, remember Jesus. He wants you. Not fancy decorations, a pretty tree or a plate of festive cookies. Just you, loving Him with your WHOLE heart.

Simply Delicious!

2011-12-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

This is my newest addiction. I had it at a birthday party last month, and have been eating them almost daily since!

The players: lettuce, honey pecans (found near the salads), Craisins, Champagne dressing, optional" freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Mix together and enjoy the most simple, delicious salad ever!

Meaningful Christmas Decorations

2011-12-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

CHRISTmas is about Christ.

A friend sent us this decoration last year and it instantly became a favorite. She found these "masonry" nails at her local hardware store.

The Christmas Nail

It secured the manger cradle

one starlit Christmas dawn

and affixed the rugged beams

of the cross He died upon...

And thus it is a symbol

of all we celebrate together-

His birth, His life, His death,

and our life in Him forever.

So may this special ornament on your tree

remind you of Christ's sacrifice-

the price of the greatest love

I also found this cute project online that is very similar

The Christmas Nail

It's Christmas time at our house
and we're putting up the tree.
I wish I could find some simple way
to remember Christ's gift to me.
Some little sign or symbol
to show friends stopping by,
The little babe was born one day
but He really came to die.
Some symbol of His nail-pierced hands,
the blood He shed for you and me.
What if I hung a simple nail
on my shining Christmas tree?
A crimson bow tied round the nail
as His blood flowed down so free,
To save each person from their sin
and redeem us for eternity.
I know it was His love for us
that held Him to the tree,
But when I see this simple nail
I know He died for me.

by John Patton

Another Life Changing Book

2011-12-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

I've been digging into the teaching of Mark Hall lately. He is the most convicting songwriter I have ever heard, and his books are equally encouraging.

I loved The Well so much that I ordered Lifestories from Paperback Swap. I wasn't expecting much to be honest, after all it was just the stories behind the songs I already knew.

I was wrong! It was even better! It was so rich with God's word, and godly perspective. I found deeper meaning in the songs, and was so encouraged in my faith.

This guy is for real, and I want to live for Jesus like he does! Each song on their first 2 albums is amazing, and the book really takes you in depth in applying them to your life.

I HIGHLY recommend this book!

A New Twist on Peppermint Bark

2011-12-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

Peppermint Bark is still high on my list of favorite holiday treats, but this was a fun and delicious change up.

Peppermint Crunch
14 chocolate graham crackers
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Line a 9x13 baking pan or cookie sheet with waxed paper. Lay the graham crackers in a layer on the bottom.

In a saucepan boil the butter, salt and sugar until thick and syrupy (about 5 minutes total).
Pour over graham crackers and bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Sprinkle a couple handfuls of white chocolate chips , chocolate chips and 2 crushed candy canes over the top.

Let it cool, then place in the refrigerator for about half an hour. Remove from waxed paper and break into pieces.

Peace

2011-12-05T19:13:00.000-08:00

This is a wonderful time of year.

I love evenings lit with just Christmas lights and candles, spent cozy under blankets on the couch as a family.

It is a time of reflection, of making memories, of peace.

But at the same time, at this time of year so many things try to steal our peace. I know for me this year is especially tough, with a handful of things in my life fighting constantly to take my peace, to discourage me and stress me out.

But I have resolved not to allow those things to take over. I am choosing to remember God is in control, and this season is about celebrating Him.

Not just the baby in the manger, but of who He is, and ALL that He has done for us.

And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

I pray that this CHRISTmas you would choose to make the season about Christ.

Let Him bring peace into your life, supernatural peace that you can find no where else.

This doesn't mean life wont have bumps and bruises, but that when they come He is with you. He chose to die for you, wont you choose to live for Him?

Jesus said “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 8:12

Meatloaf

2011-12-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to pretend there is anything pretty about this meatloaf, which is why I have not shared the recipe until now, but since I got a specific request for my meatloaf recipe, here it is ;)

Meatloaf

1 1/2 lbs ground beef(I use the 93% lean beef)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

1/4 cup parsley

1 teaspoon pepper

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix these ingredients together and set aside

In a pan sauté:

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 finely chopped celery rib

1 shredded carrot

2 cloves fresh minced garlic

2 Tablespoons butter

When these are tender add:

1/3 cup ketchup

1 teaspoons Worchestershire sauce

Then pour over meat mixture and mix it all up.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour in a loaf pan.

Advent.. a time of preparing

2011-12-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Many of us are already looking forward to and planning for CHRISTmas.

The time of year when goodwill and giving abound, anxiously awaiting the beauty that accompanies the season.

The weeks leading up to Christmas are called Advent- The coming or arrival of something extremely important.

The time we remember the gift of the Savior coming down to earth to live with us.

Do you realize the Lord wants us to live in this joyful expectation all year long? Jesus wants us to live in excited anticipation of His second coming. We are to hold on loosely to this world, and have our hearts set on heaven.

I pray that we, as Christians, would spend not only this season, but this entire year in an attitude of expectation and preparing our hearts to be with Jesus.

Shine

2011-12-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Here is a peek inside our home.

Every day-for the last 2 weeks at least-you can find my children in front of the computer watching this video on YouTube...

They think it is the most amazing thing ever.

We even got a Lite Brite (thanks to freecycle and a sweet neighbor) because of this video.

I've always liked the song, and it is a nice reprieve from Courageous that my middle son was playing 100 times a day before that ;)

The Money Saving Mom's Budget- GIVEAWAY

2011-12-01T10:04:00.000-08:00

When I found out I was one of the bloggers selected to pre-read Crystal's book, I was excited but at the same time hesitant. While I love Crystal's helpful tips and philosophy on money and life (all of her profits are going to Compassion International–an organization that helps to feed and clothe needy children around the globe.), my husband and I are on very different pages when it comes to financial thinking. I was worried I would find more great ideas I would not be able to implement for our family.

This book DID have amazing money saving strategies, but also talked about so much more than money! She talks about streamlining your life, not over-scheduling, and getting rid of clutter! She also discusses contentment and simplicity. A great read all around!

"Whenever possible, invest your life in what you are truly passionate about and gifted in. You will live a much more productive and fulfilled life."

"Thinking long-term rather than just living in the moment is the first step towards financial success. Start today by setting goals, breaking them into bite sized pieces, making short-term sacrifices and keeping yourself accountable to stick with it. "

"Getting out of a financial mess will take serious work and short-term sacrifice."

"Inching forward -even at a microscopic rate- is still moving forward. And that's always better than standing still or going backward. What we've found to be true time and time again is that when you start moving in the right direction financially, you gradually start picking up steam. You discover new and creative ways to lower expenses. You find extra sources of income...Before you know it, you've paid off a credit card, or saved enough to pay cash for Christmas gifts-just by starting out with a goal of saving $60 a year ($5 a week)!"

You can buy your own copy here, or leave a comment with a way to contact you if you'd like to WIN a copy!
GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Congrats to Kristin and Crystal! (I decided to give my copy away also, since there were so many entries!)

Homemade Christmas Gifts

2011-11-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder that I have a whole section of this blog devoted to homemade gifts!

Everything from edible gifts

like vanilla sugar, house seasoning, BBQ rub, jam, apple butter

to gifts for children

like playdough, hair clips, baking sets, tutus,

decor items like chip clips, magnets

gifts for the grandparents, aunts or uncles

recipe books and more being added all the time!

CHRISTmas Magnets

2011-11-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

I took a few things I am ~~obsessed with~~ love, and put them together in my newest craft.

It's no secret I have a thing for Scrabble tiles, and have been making magnets like there is no tomorrow.

I made the words PEACE and JOY, and superglued them to magnet strips.

It took just a few minutes, but I love seeing them on my fridge!

You can print the CHRISTmas verse here as well, if you'd like it.

These also make a fun gift. You can do the family's last name, or a collection of their first names, or any words that are meaningful to them!

More from The Well

2011-11-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

I just found out you can read the first chapter of The Well here.

And I wanted to share some more with it with you as well! I really can not express how wonderful this book is!

"God is not a book, and He is not words on a screen in a worship service. Jesus is not a religion. He is a Person. He longs to have a personal and intimate relationship with you through the Holy Spirit, who lives inside every believer at salvation. We nurture this relationship by reading God's Word and talking with Him through regular prayer. We practice His presence by thinking and behaving as if He were bodily present with us. We serve others. We obey His commands. Jesus said 'Whoever has My commandments and keeps them it is he who loves Me.' (John 14:21) He saves us, grows us, holds us and sustains us."

"Much of the Christian walk is an act of the will. We can have faith, but we must step out and obey. Our godly actions demonstrate our faith is real (James 2:26)."

"Only God changes people. {We are} to use our talents and strengths for God's glory but not let them get in the way. {We must} make sure the focus stays on Jesus, where it belongs"

"Most of us allow our talents and what we do to determine who we're going to be. Instead, we should seek God with all of our hearts first, and follow His lead toward what we are going to do to glorify Him."

The book closes with 5 points of practical application:

1. Guard your time with God. Feed yourself. Don't depend on others to feed you (Psalm 119:1, 9-11; Proverbs 4:4, James 4:7-8)

2. Set aside a disciplined time for prayer every day, and then continue the conversation throughout the day. Jesus is a Person, not a book. This is a friendship, not a behavior. (Luke 18:1-8; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

3. Don't carry the chains of your sin and failures. Lay them at the feet of Jesus and refuse to pick the up again. He already knows them anyways. (Psalm 103:1-18, Romans 8:1-11, 37-39)

4. Respond to God's leading. Step out in faith and do the very next thing He says to do, no matter how small or how great. (John 14:21; Hebrews 11:6)

5. Pour into someone else. We're on a journey with God, but we don't take the journey alone. We're all called to discipleship, and discipleship is taking someone with you (Matthew 28:18-20; John 15:13)

The Well

2011-11-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of the band Casting Crowns. Their music is so Biblical and convicting. It isn't just catchy like so much of today's Christian music, it has real meaning.

When I found out the lead singer, Mark Hall, had written a book I had to read it! I was not disappointed. He talks about how the "dry holes" of accomplishments, possessions, relationships and many other goals we work for can never fully satisfy us. Their rewards are temporary and often divert us from God's offer of abundant, sustaining life.

"Some of us try to use friendship as a well. If we have friends, we're OK; and if we do not have the friendship and approval of others, we focus on the void. Some of us try to make wells out of a more intimate person -a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend. Some of us draw from the depths of our intellect, talents or skills to derive a sense of identity or contentment. Some rely on strength, past successes or even assumptions of a better situation or a better tomorrow. Whatever it is, most of us have a few "wells" we count on to sustain us and bring us joy, security, hope, peace and contentment. .. Jesus isn't interested in our ideas of wells."

"My struggle with control seems never ending. As soon as I tell Jesus I'm laying down a burden, I often find myself not bowing at the throne of God, the fountain of living waters. Instead I lean over my familiar Well Of Control and pull up the same rope that callused my hands with strife, worry and fear. I tug the same battered bucket full of the same tired self-assurance. I guess I do it to protect my heart is nothing else."

"Paul says that if we've had any encouragement from being united with Christ, we don't need encouragement from other people. If our comfort is from Christ's love, we don't have to look out for our own interests. Our comfort is from Him.We cant make people the source of all our encouragement and love. They can't handle the job. They're not made for it. Meanwhile, we can be a true encouragement and offer genuine love to others only if Jesus is our Well. If He is our comfort, we can give comfort to others."

Read more here

Thanksgiving at our Home

2011-11-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

We had a small Thanksgiving with just our family this year.

It was a lovely day!

We had delicious turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, a new stuffing recipe which I did not love, corn, pumpkin rolls and cornbread.

and of course, pumpkin pie!

Scripture Printables

2011-11-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

A friend asked me to make her a few verses for her to print and display in her home, and I wanted to offer them to you ladies also! Feel free to print them and use them as you wish!

Download them here

These are just a few examples, lots more at the link!

Cheese Tamales

2011-11-21T12:01:00.000-08:00

Last week, when I made tamales, I had a lot of prepared masa left when I ran out of meat, and didn't want to waste it, so I started thinking about what else I could do with it. I decided to make tamales with cheese and green chilis inside. They were DELICIOUS! I just put shredded sharp cheddar inside instead of meat, then added some chopped green chilis (from a can). I steamed them with the meat tamales. I cant wait to make them again!

Saving Money- On Books

2011-11-19T15:27:00.000-08:00

My husband loves bookstores, but my frugal, anti-clutter nature mans I am not a big fan of buying books. So when we do go to bookstores, I bring a small notebook with me, and I make a list of all the books I think I'd like to read. When we get home I look up the titles at my library's website and place a hold on them. This way I can read them without it costing anything at all, and when I am finished I don't have to find a place to put it!

If I do read a book I must have, I save up my Swagbucks, and order them free from Amazon! Paperback Swap has been a great blessing too!

I do the same thing with homeschool books. I search through the catalogs, and make a list of the books I think would work for us, then I find them at our library!

Our favorite snack

2011-11-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

Why did it take me so long to figure this out?!?

Apple slices with peanut butter and chocolate chips!
My children say they are as yummy as caramel apples, but they are so much healthier (not to mention easier)!

Pumpkin Roll

2011-11-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted to try a pumpkin roll, but they seemed intimidating, not to mention I did not have a jelly roll pan, which every recipe I have seen called for! But since I have over 50 cups of pumpkin in my freezer, I figured now was as good a time as any to finally try it!

Pumpkin Roll
1 cup pumpkin
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pie spice

Mix ingredients together, then spread on your well greased pan. I ended up using my trusty pyrex baking dish, and lining it with waxed paper and my roll turned out just fine! Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes, until the cake springs back to the touch. While it is baking lay out a clean dish cloth and coat it with powdered sugar. As soon as you pull the cake out of the oven, turn it out onto your sugared towel. While it is still hot, roll the towel and cake up. As it is cooling, make the filling.

Filling
1 package cream cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
Beat until Smooth

Once the cake is completely cool, unroll it and spread all of the filling on your cake. Remove cake from towel and roll it back up. Sprinkle top with a bit more powdered sugar, then serve!

Have you prayed as much?

2011-11-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Broccoli Cheese Soup

2011-11-11T11:19:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but on cold dreary days I love to snuggle on the couch under blankets, and read aloud to my children. On these chilly days hot chocolate becomes necessary, and there is nothing better to eat than homemade soup with homemade bread!

We just added a new homemade soup to our rotation, broccoli cheese soup!

1/4 cup chopped onion

1 clove of garlic, minced

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup cream

1 cup milk

1 lb fresh chopped broccoli

2 shredded carrots

12 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese

salt and pepper

Saute onions and garlic in butter over medium heat until translucent. Stir in flour. Add chicken broth, cream and milk and whisk well. Add chopped broccoli and shredded carrots and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in grated cheese, add salt and pepper to taste and serve.

A blogger in training

2011-11-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

I think my little girl is turning out just like her mommy. She was playing with her play dough, and ran to get a camera to take a picture of her "food before she could serve it to her brothers!

Biblical antidote to anxiety

2011-11-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your reasonableness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7

If we give free rein to worrisome thoughts, anxiety is going to become a habit in which we find ourselves enslaved. Since God's will for us is joy, we can trust it is His will for us to be free from anxiety.

The Biblical antidote to anxiety is prayer. "Rejoice always", which we can do because "the Lord is at hand". He is present everywhere and in everything. Paul writes that our reasonableness should be evident to others. He is saying that trusting God is reasonable because God is totally in charge, all loving, and all good. Doubt and anxiety are, therefore, unreasonable.

Although we may feel that refraining from anxiety is impossible sometimes, refraining is indeed possible since the Bible never tells us to do something God has not equipped us to do. The equipping is presented here as prayer, taking our requests straight to God rather than fretting over them...We are to tell God our concerns, hopes, desires and needs and then thank Him that He will provide the best possible way. This is why we have great reason to trust and no reason for anxiety... He wants us to trust He is in charge, even when the way looks dark and we cannot see the evidences of His goodness.

God is good each and every moment. Worry, anxiety and stress rob us of joy, but trusting God produces it.

Joy- A Godly Woman's Adornment by Lydia Brownback

Fall Themed Food

2011-11-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

Just some more ideas for you.

I did shaped fudge again (just make a pan of fudge, and cut it out with fun little cutters)- leaf and acorns this time, and another pumpkin cheese ball (I could live off these things!)

Orphan Sunday

2011-11-06T07:24:00.000-08:00

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1:27

Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.

Psalms 68:5-6

Purity- A Godly Woman's Adornment

2011-11-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was able to read a wonderful book by Lydia Brownback, called Purity, that I picked up from the library. I was so blessed by the Biblical truth this little book contained, and I highly recommend it to all women. It is a little devotional that packs the meat of God's Word, and practical application on each short page.

"A pure heart is an undivided heart. We can not want God AND the comforts and pleasures the world has to offer. (Matt 5:8)"

"If we believe there is anything essential for our well being besides God, we are double minded." (James 4:8)

"Love for God is the essence of purity. We cab be obedient, avoiding drunkenness, sexual immorality etc-obeying rules without any love for Him. Our actions alone do not make us pure. It is about loving Him so much that purity overflows into our actions. "

"Cleaning up is often the easiest thing to offer God because it costs us so little in comparison to what He really wants- our selves. It is easier to shut out sinful fantasies than to ask God to conform us to Christ at any cost. It's much easier to break a questionable habit than to embrace with joy and unchangeable difficulty."

"Outward purity will never please God if that purity isn't motivated by love for Him. If you have been playing by the rules, yet God seems far from you, stop and consider the relationship. Are you offering Him your whole heart, or just clean hands?"

"We may think we trust God, but our efforts to anxiously control the details of our lives show us that we really don't. We may feel love for our husband, but daily outbursts of irritation and anger reveal something else. We may say we are not greedy for money or possessions but our credit card debt shows otherwise. Actions speak louder than words or feelings and reveal what we really believe."

"Biblical quietness is trusting God and resting in the circumstances in which He has called us to live. There is no need for anxious fretting when we trust that God is in control."

"Submitting is an act of obedience, even when the path looks dark. But we can trust God with the consequences of our obedience, because it is really God we are submitting to." (1 Peter 3:4)

"Feminine quietness means we do not manipulate, nag or raise our voice to get our way." (1 Peter 3:4)

"Everything we do reveals either a Christ centered heart or a self oriented heart. How we handle stressful seasons and how we relate to our husband model one or the other to our children. "

"Sometimes enjoying a deeper relationship with God entails giving up legitimate comforts, and our willingness to do so-or not is the test of a pure heart."

Operation Christmas Child..on a budget

2011-11-03T08:10:00.000-07:00

I know lots of people do their Operation Christmas Child boxes differently, but I wanted to share how I make ours without spending much money.

I clip coupons, and keep an eye out all year for sales on items like toothbrushes, soap etc to put in our boxes. Often I am able to get these items free. I like to pretty up the items when I can. This year I wrapped the soap in scraps of pretty paper. Just a tiny touch that didn't cost me anything, but makes a huge difference in the presentation of the item.

Late summer, I make sure to take advantage of the back to school sales, picking up crayons, markers, notebooks, pencils etc. I usually spend less than $2 to get enough supplies to fill 3 boxes! I also took the notebooks, and covered those with paper. It takes a 10 cent notebook and makes it look much nicer. For the girl box, I also added scraps of ribbon to the spirals to make it extra special. I know my daughter would love that extra touch, so I am sure the girl who receives it will too.

Also throughout the year I keep these children on my mind and in my prayers.

If my daughter gets a package of hair scrunchies, I know she wont use all 50, so as soon I open the package I set aside 20 to put in our box. At one point in the year, we got a multi-pack of bouncy balls. I let each of my children have 1, and set the other 3 aside to add to our boxes in the fall. It helps us to talk about the children, and keep the on our hearts all year.

Also, every time we go to the dollar store (4 times a year) I pick up an item for each of the 3 boxes. Small bible books, a small doll or purse, or some balls. It breaks up the expensive over the year.

I also include handmade items that we make. The boys will receive survival bracelets in their boxes, and the girl will get beaded jewelry Abigail and I made especially for her.

I also crochet a special washcloth for each child, praying for the child as I make it.
If you use a little creativity, it doesn't have to cost much at all to change a child's life!

Forgotten Christmas

2011-11-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Soon we’ll be reminded of the greatest story of all time. If you look hard, you may find the main character, Jesus Christ.

He's resting quietly, hidden among the inflatable snow globes, the singing Christmas trees and the jolly mall Santas.

Have we forgotten what Christmas is all about? Have the snowmen, presents and colorful lights obscured the true reason for celebration?

Forgotten Christmas

Last year alone, 460 billion was spent on Christmas.
Compare that with the fact that the average Indian individual under the poverty line lives off of less than $163 annually, which breaks down to less than $0.50 a day. 77% of Indian people live below the poverty line, and these people spend 70% of their income just on food.This leads them to buy food that not only is the cheapest available, but also low in necessary nutrients.This year, your gift of chickens, goats, or any other farm animals could change an Asian family’s life. They wouldn't just receive the animal, they would be told of the saving love and grace of Jesus, perhaps for the first time.

YOU can make a difference.

You may think you don't have enough money to make a difference, pray about it. The Lord stirred my heart to help Gospel For Asia, but my husband did not have the same conviction. I decided to trust the Lord to make a away, and started selling crafts I had made on Facebook, and He provided enough money to sponsor a child for 1 year!

Scatter Joy, sold homemade Christmas cards, and was able to buy 2 wells and a water buffalo just from the cards!

For only $11 you can give a family the gift of nutrient rich eggs, and eventually meat to add to their diets. They can even supplement their income by selling the extra eggs.

For only $3 you can provide Bibles for native missionaries.

Involve your children! Break the habit of consumerism, extravagance and waste now! Do your children really need more toys? Chances are they already have more than they know what to do with.A total of around 46 million kids toys, worth $1,391,217,000, will be thrown away this year alone.

Do you really need anything on YOUR Christmas list?

How about making this CHRISTmas about following Christ, instead of buying more STUFF?

Don't trash your pumpkins!

2011-10-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

This time of year pumpkins are CHEAP! We were actually blessed to receive some free from a field trip this year.

We use them for a couple of weeks as autumn decorations in our yard, then I bring them in and wash, slice, roast and puree them.

I put 2 cups of puree into a ziplock bag, and lay it flat to freeze.

From 3 pumpkins, I now have 40 cups of pureed pumpkin in my freezer for this year. Not to mention lots of delicious roasted pumpkin seeds that we have been snacking on all week. It's not hard at all, and will save us lots of money.

You can use pureed pumpkin in any of the recipes posted here, as well as MANY others. Pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin waffles, pumpkin soup.. the list is endless!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

2011-10-28T11:59:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my newest addiction with you!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

2 cups cooked shredded/chopped chicken

2 blocks of cream cheese

1 cup buffalo sauce (We like Texas Pete)

1 cup Litehouse Blue Cheese Dressing (Litehouse is the only Blue Cheese I like)

I melt the cream cheese a bit, then mix in the chicken, buffalo sauce and dressing.

Bake at 350 until bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips.

We were meant to be Courageous

2011-10-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Someone on my Facebook recently posted a negative review on the movie Courageous. It stated that the movie (as well as the song with the same title) put an emphasis on works instead of grace and they were disappointed so many Christians were embracing it.

I was shaken in my soul that a "Christian blogger" would write such damaging things about something that is clearly dear to God's heart, as shown in His word.

God truly does call us to be courageous (dictionary definition-able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching). God tells us in His Word "do not fear 365 times. It is clear to me, that it must be important for us not to fear, if He took the time to say so over 300 times!

I believe we have become a generation in the grip of fear. I've seen it in my own life, and I see it daily in the lives of my friends. The Lord has been teaching me over and over this year, through my prayer time and study in His Word, that fear is sin.

He HAS made us to " be courageous". He truly has "made us to lead the way". And it is my hearts cry that we would "be the generation that finally breaks the chains" (Casting Crowns).

We must choose to stand up to Satan's tool of fear in our lives. We must not be afraid to live in a way that is opposite of the culture around us. We must not be afraid to speak up and save souls from the eternal torment of hell. We must not be afraid to follow God's word and Christ's example even when our loved ones think we are crazy. When we give in to fear and allow it to stop us from being what God calls us to be, we are sinning. We are not trusting that God is powerful enough to handle the situation, or worth our discomfort.

Blog Bash 2011

2011-10-25T19:10:00.000-07:00

Introducing myself for some new readers, and a refresher for my dear long time readers.

I am Angel, and I blog to encourage my sisters in Christ to love the Lord with their whole hearts, love their husbands, love their children, and minister to others from their homes.

I write about following Christ, feeding our families, what I am learning, how to bless others, and even military life. Plus so much more! Please look around and I pray the Lord would use this blog to bless you!

Judgement

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man....who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them

Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil

From Romans Chapters 1 and 2

Party Punch

2011-10-24T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'm sure everyone has already heard of this recipe.

I'd had it hundreds of times, with numerous variations, but this was the first time I had made it.

It is so simple! My family thought it was an amazing treat!

1 2 liter of Sprite

1 container of rainbow sherbert

stir to combine and serve

Pumpkin Recipes

2011-10-23T17:46:00.000-07:00

A master list of recipes for using your pumpkins after you have baked and pureed your pumpkin.

Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls

Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Cookies

Pumpkin Syrup (for steamers or lattes)

Hell's Best Kept Secret

2011-10-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

This video has been very convicting to me lately . Just under 40 minutes, but it could change your life!

http://wayofthemaster.com/hbks.shtml

More Road To Reality-Prayer

2011-10-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

More from K.P. Yohannan's book Road to Reality.

"How many of us can say we spend as much time in prayer as we do in eating meals, and socializing around food."

"To live for Jesus and follow Him, you must give up your own desires and wishes for your life. That's what we so desperately need today... First we must stop comparing our lives with others...We must take our eyes off ourselves-and others- and gaze at Him. He alone must become our standard."

"Learning about Jesus is not enough. You spend time with the Lord Himself and know Him personally in your spirit. Fall in love with Him, get to know Him intimately. You will find as you do this that you can obey all He commands without any danger of falling into legalism."

"Without spending time in the presence of the Holy One, no one can become holy- For God alone is the source for holiness. We need to control our TVs and the other idols that are binding us and keeping us away from the presence of the Lord and His written Word. Give up the secret sins that are enslaving you,and reclaim the areas in your life that have been given over to the enemy."

"Since prayer is the ultimate act of spiritual intimacy with God, shouldn't it be the central activity of our whole lives? We don't know how to pray because true prayer can only originate from a life emptied of self-sufficiency."

"Our prayers are too often closer to witchcraft that worshipful reliance on God. usually we are doing our own thing, in our own way, on our own timetable... and leanness comes to our souls. Prayer is not a free ticket to health, wealth and prosperity as these "witch doctors in disguise"would have us believe. "

Brown Sugar BBQ Rub

2011-10-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

This is super yummy on grilled chicken or steak! It would make a great homemade gift as well!

Brown Sugar Rub:

2 Tablespoons brown sugar

1 Tablespoon coarse salt

1 Tablespoon paprika

1 Tablespoon chili powder

1 Tablespoon pepper

Picking Up an Old habit

2011-10-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

I've had a rough last few years, and I am sad to say I had let my habit of recording my thankfulness slip. I've picked it up again the last few months, and I am amazed how I have been blessed through it all over again, just like the first time I started journaling.

I began by recovering my journal with some gift wrap, to make it beautiful and new, since I was starting fresh in my habit.

I am driven by beauty, so I cut out pictures that inspire me from magazines and paste those in to the blank pages first. I do about 10 pages at a time when I am inspired. This speaks to my soul in it's on way.

Then I go through and I list things I am thankful for, I praise the Lord for His work in my life. I write down verses the Lord uses to speak to me, song lyrics and quotes that encourage me. I write down what I am praying for, and prayers that have been answered.

Pumpkin Syrup

2011-10-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Steamers.

I've seen lots of copycat recipes for the lattes online,but none that I have tried have been right, maybe because I don't use coffee, the taste is more noticeably wrong.

But this was perfect!!

Pumpkin Spice Syrup

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 cups white sugar

3 cinnamon sticks

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon pie spice

4 Tablespoons pumpkin puree

Combine in a small saucepan on medium heat.Cook 5 minutes, whisking constantly. Let cool and strain through a mesh strainer into your jar. Keep in refrigerator.

Use 4 tablespoons of syrup per cup of hot milk. Top with whipped cream and a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon.
If you prefer lattes, just add coffee instead of the full cup of milk. I cant help you with the exact measurements of coffee/milk on that one, but use the same amount of syrup..

Romans 12 Cont.

2011-10-16T14:42:00.000-07:00

Let love be without hypocrisy.

-could this possibly mean expecting others to love us, even when we are not loving unconditionally?

Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love,

in honor giving preference to one another;

not lagging in diligence,

fervent in spirit,

serving the Lord;

rejoicing in hope,

patient in tribulation,

~a lot of dear friends are going through hard times right now, and the Lord has definitely used some of my recent past tribulations to use me to comfort them as He has comforted me. Tribulations refine us, teach us to rely on God alone and we are to learn patience from them, not seek the fastest, easiest way out of them

continuing steadfastly in prayer;

^{~ Sometimes when we are having hard times, we find it hard to draw near to God. I've learned that often it is our sin that stops us from continuing steadfastly in prayer. When these sins come to the surface, we need to repent of our fear, our worry, our self indulgence.. what ever it may be, and continue in prayer.}

distributing to the needs of the saints,

given to hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Be of the same mind toward one another.

Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.

Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Repay no one evil for evil.

Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Therefore “ If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12

2011-10-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

^{~ Presenting our lives to Christ is not an extreme decision, it is our "reasonable" {fair, right, proper} service. Jesus bought us with a great price, the least we can do is use our lives in service to Him.}

² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
~Our culture is so upside down from God's standards. If we are not reading His Word daily, we will begin to see the sin around us as normal. How can be do God's will, if we do not know what His will is? And we can only know from reading His word.

³ For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
^{~ A reminder that we are all sinners, none of us is worth more than anyone else.}

⁴ For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, ⁵ so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. ⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; ⁷ or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; ⁸ he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Road to Reality

2011-10-13T11:58:00.000-07:00

Just finished another amazingly convicting book by K.P. Yohannan. Road to Reality is a perfect follow up to Not a Fan.

"The false religion of "popular Christianity" does not ask us to internalize the passion and mind of Christ, to surrender our egos, lay aside our flesh, take up the cross and begin a lifestyle marked by submission to the Father... We are not asked to love as He loved, walk where He walked, interact with the sinful people he did, and live the life of self sacrificing service that was His trademark" "We are not willing to break out of our comfort and convenience to begin living a radical lifestyle that affects the world. Since when has obedience to Christ and His gospel become optional to Christianity?"

"We need to repent of the loveless, intolerant, self-centered Christianity that has become the church of today."

"Our lives are so contrary to the holiness and purity that God seeks from His people that we have become easy marks for the attacks of Satan. While worshiping God with our lips, our lives are growing father and father away from His Word."

"The Lord did not reach down and save us from sin and death that we might be merely happy, healthy and wealthy. Those who teach this have invented their own gospel and portray a false christ- the god of this age rather than the God of the Bible."

"Too often we are willing to be students of Christianity rather than disciples of Christ"

"Why is there so little power and holiness in our lives? Why aren't we manifesting Christ to our friends, neighbors and peers? Why aren't we incarnating Him to those across town- and to the lost billions in darkness around the world? "

"It is obvious {in scripture} that Jesus will have no one among His followers who is wanting to put comfort, family ties or security in this world ahead of His kingdom. Jesus us saying, in effect..'I am a stranger and a pilgrim in this world and if you follow Me you'll have to break away from the clinging attachments of this present life... In the case of the young rich man, and in all other similar stories, you never once see Jesus going after these would-be disciples. There is no effort to pacify them or modify or soften the uncompromising demands of the cross. It is either give up everything and follow Me, or don't come at all."

The Value of Life

2011-10-12T15:21:00.000-07:00

"If the sheriff's department knew children were being killed anywhere else, they'd send us {policemen} out, sirens blaring and lights flashing. Yet so many children die here in the clinic every day, right under our noses." - from the book Courageous by Randy Alcorn

"Every 20 seconds, somewhere in the United States, the life of an unborn child is snuffed out through abortion. The reason usually given? 'We're just not ready to have a baby right now'. Translated into plain English-having a baby would be too inconvenient. If a new human life should happen to get in the way of our career, income goals, school or marriage plans, the American solution of first choice is ruthless and simple; kill it. Nothing can get in the way of feeling good.

Abortion is the most shocking, yet entirely logical, extension of the American obsession with comfort, convenience and luxury. Less dramatic, but just as deadly to millions of lost souls in our world, is our unwillingness to make even small sacrifices to reach the lost."

-K.P. Yohannan in Road to Reality.

Party List

2011-10-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

Fourth Of July Party

Part 1

Part 2

Lego Parties (we had 2)

Butterfly Party

Army

Magenta (Blue's Clues) Party

Pirate Party

Flower Party

Black and White Party

Puppy Party {Coming Soon}
Button sign

Teddy Bear Baby Shower {Coming soon}

Life is Messy

2011-10-10T12:15:00.000-07:00

My children and I love reading the Moody series together. I just finished reading Autumn Days with the Moodys aloud, and while the story was wonderful, I came away from the book discouraged!

In these books the children are pretty much perfect. They never fight with each other, they always do their chores, are helpful and sweet all the time, even the babies almost never cry...

Then I look around my home and find my children bickering, misbehaving or.. acting human! I start to wonder what I am doing wrong. Why are y children not perfect like the ones in the book? Then I realize it is because we are real, and the book is fiction. I remind myself that the book is meant to be an inspiration, not a picture of real life.

In my own reading I have just finished the novels for Fireproof, Facing the Giants and Courageous. I found myself feeling the same way again. In real life, things don't always wrap up perfectly. Not everyone will be saved when they hear the gospel.Even though I have been praying for years, not all of my loved ones are saved. In fact I am rather alone in this walk of following Jesus.

It is easy to look around and see that everything around us looks perfect, but the Bible never promises that. In fact it does promise that we will have trouble in this world.

We pray that we want to be more like Jesus.. but His children misbehave and rebel. His beloved choose to turn their backs on Him. Should we be surprised when these things happen to us too?

The wonderful news is that He is here to uphold us, to give us strength when life is messy. He never leaves our side, and He promises to make all things work together for good for those who love Him. We may not see the big picture He is working on, but we must be faithful in the little messy things of this life that we do see.

Autumn Weekend

2011-10-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

We were able to have some online friends over for lunch today, and it was such a blessing! I got to meet some ladies I have "talked" to online for years, and the children (all 10 of them so far) had a blast playing together.

We grilled chicken and burgers, and I made some fun fall items as well. A pumpkin shaped cheese ball, leaf shaped sugar cookies and pumpkin cupcakes.

Homemade Syrup

2011-10-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

This is the most delicious syrup, and it is super quick to make.

Cinnamon Syrup:

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup water

Boil 10 minutes

Turn off heat and whisk in 2 Tablespoons of heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.

Serve warm over your favorite pancake or waffle recipe!

Simple is better

2011-10-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

I've never been able to make tomato sauce from scratch. I've tried a handful of times, but never have liked the results. Last week I was laying down because I didn't feel well and I caught an episode of Martha Stewart. She had an easy recipe I wanted to try (which of course I completely altered lol) but it turned out magnificent!

I used:

a little over 1 lb of fresh tomatoes

4 Tablespoons butter

1/4 a medium onion

1 small can tomato sauce

house seasoning

salt

Part of what I liked so much about Martha's recipe was her handy tomato grating tip. It sounded genius... but she forgot to mention you end up with frostbite on your fingers!

I put the tomatoes in the freezer (they were there about a week until I got to them). I took them out about about half an hour before I was ready to start the sauce so the skins would thaw. We peeled them, and then used a cheese grater to grate the tomatoes.

When that was done and my fingers thawed, I diced the onion and sauteed them in the butter. Once they were soft I threw the grated tomato in and let it simmer for 30 minutes. I added house seasoning, plus a little extra salt.

I didn't have quite enough sauce for what I needed, so I also added one small can of tomato sauce in also.

I served it over veggie spaghetti and chicken parmesan! Yum!

ETA: I tried this with canned tomatoes this week (Dec 2011) and at first the flavor was not the same, but after adding a little more salt, butter and a splash of cream it turned out just as delicious!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To make the chicken parmesan, I sliced the chicken breasts in half horizontally (to help them cook quicker). Then I dipped them in 1 beaten egg, and then into breadcrumbs (to which I had added oregano, parsley and house seasoning). I put them in a buttered baking dish and baked them at 400 until done (about 15 minutes). Then I sprinkled on some grated mozzarella and returned it into to the oven for another minute until melted. Garnish with fresh oregano and serve over spaghetti with sauce.

Caramel Apples

2011-10-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

We made Caramel Apples for the first time today. It was fun for the kids, but I'm not a huge caramel fan so I don't think we'll make them often.

5 apples

14 ounces caramels, unwrapped

2 tablespoons milk

5 wooden craft sticks

Sprinkles/mini chocolate chips/nuts/etc.

Remove stems, and place sticks in your apples. Put the apples in the freezer about 20 minutes before you start.

Melt the caramels with the milk in a microwave safe bowl for about 2 1/2 minutes, stirring every minute or so. When it is done stir the caramel like crazy to make sure it is super smooth, then dip your apples in. I used a spoon to make sure they were completely covered, and to scrape the access off the bottom.

Have little helpers ready to quickly roll the apple in toppings of choice, then set on buttered wax paper to set. Repeat, then set all the apples in the fridge to harden.

Disobedient To Parents

2011-10-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Continuing my post on Romans chapter 1:

Dear mother, do you realize that allowing your child to disobey is a sin on your part? God calls children to submit to and obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20)

A child left to his own way brings his mother shame. (Proverbs 29:15)

Our culture is raising disrespectful, disobedient children, and it is being accepted as the norm. It is not acceptable in God's eyes.

Do not forsake the rules of your mother (Proverbs 1:8)

It is our job as others to raise up our children in the way they should go. If they can not obey us, how will they obey their heavenly Father?

It takes commitment, a huge amount of your time and energy, but the rewards are worth it. Not only will you be blessed by an obedient child, but your child will be blessed as well.

Immediate, first time obedience is possible. You will be weary at first, but find so much joy in your children if you persevere.

I have found the book Raising Godly Tomatoes to be extremely helpful.

Content

2011-10-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am to love God enough to be content.

When I lack proper contentment, I have forgotten that God is God.

A quiet disposition and a heart giving thanks is the real test of the extent to which we love and trust God.

~Francis Shaeffer

Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have. It is not a destination, it is a state of gratefulness before God.

~Joshua Harris

Easiest Frosting Ever!

2011-10-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I asked my cousin Melinda in California for some new recipes to try, because I was getting a little tired of my same old cake and buttercream recipes.

She suggested a whipped cream frosting, and at first I was skeptical because it seemed too easy.

I tried it on one of Peter's birthday cakes and I was hooked! I've never been a fan of white cake, but it was divine with this whipped cream frosting!

So for my birthday I made a simple white cake, with strawberry mousse filling and topped it with whipped cream frosting. It is easy to make, easy to spread and so delicious!

Whipped Cream

1 cup of heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

6 tablespoons of sugar

Put them in your mixer bowl (preferably you want a cold bowl and beaters)

and just whip it on high until it is thick and whipped cream texture.

And it is great for so much more than cakes. I make this (adjusting the amount of sugar) to top pies, crisps, cobblers, you name it.

On apple desserts add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor)

Christian, whatever your pain, people are watching.

2011-10-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Christian, whatever your pain, people are watching. You're in this painful trial not just for your own benefit, (to produce perseverance, character and hope-Romans 5:3-5) to be made more like Christ, but also to show the world the sufficiency of Jesus. People are watching to see if you really believe in this eternity you speak of and you have NOW, this moment, to demonstrate to them the sufficiency of His Grace.

~Kay Arthur in As Silver Refined

This book was such a blessing to me. It has strengthened my faith and encouraged my heart with it's Biblical truth! I cant wait to pass it on so it can bless others too!

Apple Recipes

2011-09-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

Apple Dip with Cinnamon Chips

Jim Creek

2011-09-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, we went camping at Jim Creek. We stayed in a cozy little cabin and had the most beautiful time! The weather was gorgeous for us during our trip, but turned super nasty just as soon as we got home!

It was a wonderful trip, exploring God's beautiful creation. My husband took the children to the playground so I could sit on the porch swing and read in this beautiful setting, what a much needed break!

The Lord was there on the trip, speaking to my soul the entire time. It was amazing. There was a church group camping there, playing Christian music and reading the Bible loud enough to be overheard. I came back refreshed!

Alex Kendrick - I Am Second

2011-09-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

Powerful video! Alex Kendrick is one of the brothers who made the movies Flywheel, Fireproof, Facing The Giants, and Courageous. Worth the 10 minutes to watch!

Alex Kendrick - I Am Second

Couageous

2011-09-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

Couageous comes out Friday, September 30th!
Support this God honoring movie and make a difference!
(Local friends, it will be playing at the Burlington theater)

From the makers of my 2 favorite movies Fireproof and Facing the Giants.

And here is the song, which I absolutely love. Casting Crowns is so amazing about singing the truth, and making music that convicts instead of just catchy tunes.

We were made to be courageous

We were made to lead the way

We could be the generation

That finally breaks the chains

We were warriors on the front lines

Standing, unafraid

But now we're watchers on the sidelines

While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?

You were made for so much more

Let the pounding of our hearts cry

We will serve the Lord

The only way we'll ever stand

Is on our knees with lifted hands

Make us courageous

Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution

Our answer to the call

We will love our wives and children

We refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion

That we buried deep inside

May the watchers become warriors

Let the men of God arise

The only way we'll ever stand

Is on our knees with lifted hands

Make us courageous

Lord, make us courageous

Seek justice

Love mercy

Walk humbly with your God

In the war of the mind

I will make my stand

In the battle of the heart

And the battle of the hand

Dinner Rolls

2011-09-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

With autumn has come soup weather, and we've been making lots of dinner rolls to go with our soup.

This recipe has been a great success for me.

2 cups unbleached flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons of yeast

4 tablespoons softened butter

2 tablespoons honey

1 cup warm water

Knead together to make a soft dough. Let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours. (I let my bread machine do this part, on the "dough" setting)

Separate the dough into 12 balls, and place into a muffin tin (not necessary, but I like that it makes them perfectly shaped) or on a baking sheet.

Let rise about 1/2 an hour more.

Bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes.

Love-for no reason

2011-09-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

My daughter is 3 now, but she has taught me so much in her short life. Even before she was born, the trials during my pregnancy grew me more than anything that had happened in my life to that point. The Lord has used her to teach me that I don't have it all together, that I am not nearly as patient as I once believed, and that I don't know everything about raising children.

Lately, she has been saying out of the blue, "I love you for no reason Mama." I would respond with "That is good, because I love you too!".

But last night, I was searching my own life, and this new phrase of hers came to mind, and with it conviction from the Holy Spirit.

Do I love- for no reason?

As I thought about it I realized that I don't always love for no reason. I am guilty of loving because I want to be loved back. But Biblical love is deeper than that.

Jesus loved me "for no reason". And now I love Him because He first loved me. (1 John 4:19)

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

Romans 1

2011-09-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

I am always shaken by the second half of Romans chapter 1. This list of unrighteous activity is such a vivid and accurate portrayal of our current culture.

...those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

But in this list of things God finds repulsive, there are a few things that really jump out at me.

#1 Unloving

Being unloving doesn't sound as bad as violent, or hater of God but the Lord lists it here right next to those. He calls us to love His children.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34, John 15:12

1 Thessalonians 3:12, John 13:35, Romans 12:10, Ephesians 4:1-3

To love each person on this earth enough to be willing to offend them with His truth, because it has the power to save them from the fire of hell.

Loving our neighbor is not a suggestion, it is a command. It includes not only our friends, but also those who hurt us, cause us pain, ruin our plans. We are commanded to love unconditionally. And if we don't WE are committing sin.

#2 Unforgiving

This one hits home for me. As you can tell from previous posts, the Lord has been working in my heart in the area of forgiveness the last couple years. He opened my eyes to how severe a sin unforgiveness really is. Here He lists it next to sexual immorality and murder!

This is a sin I held on to for so long, not even realizing how bad it was until it started to fester and tear my life apart. I felt like I was justified, God showed me I was not. He opened my eyes to see t hat my unforgiveness was as big of a sin as any of the sins committed against me. Once I realized this I was able to repent of my unforgiveness, and teh cloud of it's repercussions started to move out of my life

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15

But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Mark 11:25

To be Continued ..
#3 Disobedient to Parents

Homemade Macaroni and Cheese

2011-09-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

What child doesn't love macaroni and cheese? {and I have to admit I love it as much as my kids! } But there is so much junk in the boxed kind. Did you know that making it from scratch is so easy and takes only a few minutes longer than making a box?

My 11 year old has learned how to make it on his own.

And it is so delicious. I have no idea why it took me so long to post this recipe!

1/2 lb of cooked pasta

2 Tablespoons butter

2 Tablespoons flour

1 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt

pepper

In a saucepan, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour. Pour in milk and seasonings, then add cheese. Whisk until smooth and pour over pasta.

Cost Free Giving

2011-09-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can help the needy, and spread God's love without any cost to you? I just found this on the Gospel For Asia website!

http://www.gfa.org/costfree/

Expand your impact without stretching your budget!

You can help Gospel for Asia share Jesus with those who have never heard His name, and it won't cost you a thing! Check out the "Cost-Free Giving" opportunities below to see how you can support GFA's work by doing things you already do anyway.

Internet Searches: GoodSearch, a search engine powered by Yahoo!, gives 50 percent of its advertising revenue to charities. By specifying GFA as your charity when you search the Internet through GoodSearch, you can help advance God's work in Asia! Learn more.

Online Shopping:GoodShop, an online shopping portal, links customers to over a thousand retailers, from Amazon.com to Macy's to Zales. If you start your online shopping at GoodShop and choose Gospel for Asia to receive the donations, we'll receive a percentage of your purchase prices. It won't cost you anything extra, and GoodShop even provides online coupons and discounts! Learn more.

Grocery Shopping:Did you know that some grocery stores allow you to link your customer savings card to a charity of your choice? If your favorite grocery store offers this program, you can help bring the Bread of Life to people in Asia while buying bread for your family. Learn more.

Using eBay:When you purchase or sell items on eBay, you have the opportunity to help reach the lost world for Christ. Sellers can request that a percentage of their proceeds go to GFA, and buyers can purchase from those sellers. Using the eBay marketplace, you can help GFA share God's love in Asia.

At Work:Some employers will match employee donations made to non-profit organizations—even up to three dollars for every one dollar donated! The value of volunteer hours, non-cash gifts, and donations from spouses, retirees and board members are often matched too. See if your employer has a matching gift program that will multiply the impact of your personal donations. Learn more.

Air Miles:Do you have air miles or frequent flyer points you may not need? Donated air miles allow GFA staff to make important trips which they may otherwise not be able to make, and free up ministry funds to be used for other costs in the office and on the mission field. Learn more.

Help bring the Gospel to Asia—with no out-of-pocket expense!

Also, you can share the FREE books GFA offers,

You can help start a revival in your town!

http://www.gfa.org/volunteer/share-the-books/