Just can't take it? *BOOK GIVEAWAY*

I have come to love a very amazing author whom God is using to reach children and adults alike through some fabulous books! I was given the privilege to read and review the latest from Mr. Anthony DeStefano whom you may have remembered from previous reviews I have done. (Little Star )

This time, this particular book was used in a way that only God could orchestrate. When I was approached, I was touched that this sweet guy even remembered that I LOVED his books. The books ( yes, there is ONE for one of you precious peeps too) came on a Thursday, right after having talked with a few people about life. One of them in particular was really hurting in a way I was almost speechless to be able to help. Yeah I know, rendering me speechless takes A LOT! But.... when I got home was excited to see the books. I was unable to sit right down and read it, and as life goes, I got busy with laundry, cooking, cleaning, and all the other things that needed to be done before bedtime. On Friday, I was encouraged (Nudged) by the Holy Spirit to take a look and see what this new book was about.

I Just Can't Take It Anymore was an amazing journey, one that was a quick read, yet held some of God's redemptive power deep within the pages. This is a GREAT gift book for those in our lives who may be struggling, hurting, and almost ready to give up. We all have those days, and have been in that season a time or two. More information can be found at this link (CLICK HERE).

I was blessed with two copies. One copy I gave to my friend who was at that desperation point, and God has used it in her life already! I do have ONE copy to give away here! Feel free to leave me a comment (one a day please), and I will be sure to draw a name very soon. (Comments must be made before MIDNIGHT Tuesday January 31 CST.)

The Beautiful Deception Part 1

This weekend has seriously been life transforming for me. God is moving in a large and MIGHTY way, not only in me, but in all of His people. That means you too!

Two separate message this weekend alone, has gotten me to realize I never knew "Satan" for what he really is. If your going into war with your enemy, it is wise to know who/what your trying to defeat and find victory over. If you really want to feel that victory, then you must take time to understand what is your facing.

I never realized how deceitful Satan is. I never realized how powerful he can be ~ not by his own works mind you, but the power I (or you) give him.  Too many times I gave my secrets away to Satan, allowed the weasel to have me under his grip all the while thinking I was safe.

Watching a multimedia special at church titled "The story of God" by Ron Luce and there was one part of his presentation that showed Satan looking very debonairly and speaking to Eve. While Satan spoke God rebuttled the comments but one thing Satan promised Eve was "You'll be free!". How many lies do we believe just the same way? We believe running to food, alcohol, drugs will help us to be free from the burdens of life, never realizing it is creating a bigger burden in our life while never touching the real problem!! We believe if we live a life that puts us first, we will be able to take care of others later. We believe a lie of "this one time" won't hurt. We believe "it doesn't matter" anyway.

Gwen Shamblin shared on the sabbath assembly at Remnant Fellowship of satans' lies, and how deceitful he is. How Satan wanted to be just like God but in his own mind "better".

I have come to the conclusion that Satan is an awful LY ER, a THIEF, a COUNTERFEIT! I have NO DESIRE to allow any of my day/time/life to  be so easily given over to a COWARD such as he. And he really didn't have to work hard to "get me" on his side. I FELL FOR IT! EASILY!  I have also come to the conclusion that I do NOT know enough about the enemy ~ or his tactics that he might would use on me. And that is sad! I am a Christ follower ~ and Jesus himself KNEW the enemy he was up against.

I have just come out of one of the worst weeks I have had in a long time. I was lonely. I was hurting. I was exhausted. I was almost mourning. I was ... self focused. I had NO REASON for this, but fell for just about every LIE that Satan threw my way. Looking back I am heartbroken at what time was lost that I could have been doing kingdom work. I am heartbroken at lost time and opportunity. But I am ever thankful because had I NOT gone through that, I wouldn't have realized what it was, God wouldn't have been able to speak to me as boldly (and have me still listen). I am even more convinced that when I go through these seasons, to embrace them, and allow God to work within them.

This week, I will be digging deep in scripture to find out all I can about Satan himself. Why? Because, he already knows enough about me and my weaknesses. But what he doesn't realize is when/where I am weak GOD is strong, and I shall NOT be defeated!

Preschool Chatter: Small Group Command Center

As a preschool teacher I am always on the lookout for better ways to run my classroom. It seems that those management skills are the kind that gets improved upon as time goes on and various situations arise.

Being able to teach 16 beautiful three year olds is such a wonderful thing. I completely LOVE my career and wouldn't change it for anything. There are a few days when it just began to feel daunting trying to get everything taught as well as remain classroom control. Eight years, and I finally found a system that works for me!



This is my "Small Group Command Center".

Each small group is color coded. I have split our group into four small groups to ensure that we are allowed that one on one with each child that not only fosters their learning in an individualized way, but it is nice for the bonding of relationships as well. (Remember you may teach them for a year, but you impact them for life!)

Supplies used:
Four bright colors of scrapbook paper
Magnet buttons
Chalkboard spray paint (easily found at Walmart or home improvement stores)
Cheap cookie sheet (I found that one at Walmart for 96 cents!)


The spray paint is amazing! I am anxious to use it on other surfaces, and for various projects! It only took two coats, and I could have easily gotten by with just one.

Macho Taco Casserole

Last night I experimented in the kitchen for dinner. It was a pretty tasty experiment, and I have to say it would fall under many other categories such as: cheap, quick, family friendly, AND I was able to sneak some spinach in it unbeknown to the kids!

Living here in the South East part of Texas, "taco night" is pretty common in most households. I am not sure if that is the same around other parts of the United States, or other countries, but I love me some mexican food! I could have something "mexican" every day and never tire of it.

I took the old traditional Tater tot Casserole, and revamped it to create a "Macho Taco" casserole!

Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (I use sirloin, but would also suggest ground turkey)
1 pack taco seasoning
1 can cream of mushroom soup (I'm a snob and prefer Campbell's)
1 can whole kernel corn drained
1/2 bag baby spinach
1/2 bag of frozen Ore Ida Crispy Crowns (similar to tater tots but BETTER!)
2 cups shredded cheese divided
1 small yellow onion diced
Green onions

Brown ground beef, drain if needed. Place in large mixing bowl. In same skillet wilt down spinach but allow it to remain bright green. (Chop in chopper after cooked if needing to hide this better from the kids!) In mixing bowl, mix meat, soup, corn, yellow onion, spinach, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Spread in a 9x13 casserole. Top with a neatly placed layer of Crispy Crowns. Top those with remaining cup of cheese and sprinkle green onions (desired amount) on top. Bake in a 375* oven for about 30 to 45 minutes, allowing top to brown and potatoes to cook. We served this with chips and salsa and called it a meal!

Now if you want to add this to a "Full menu" I would serve the chips and salsa for an appetizer, the casserole with a simple lettuce wedge salad w/ avacado and lime dressing, and sopapilla cheesecake for dessert! I would say this casserole would be great for a fellowship meal, buffet table, and could even be done in the slow cooker!

Cinnamon Toast Biscuits *Two fer recipe

A couple of weeks ago I had a desperate need desire to include a bread with our meal, but I didn't have much time so yeast rolls/dough was out of the question. What's a girl to do? Cheap Canned Biscuits to the recipe. I am talking the cheap kind ~ four in a pack kind for like 2 bucks or so. AND you only need to use 2 of those said 4 cans! Which led me to these gems! The very next morning I was not up to "cooking" breakfast so I got creative.

Cinnamon Toast Biscuits
2 cans of the cheap 4pack biscuits (10 ct each)
1/2 stick butter melted
about 1/4 to 1/3 cup brown sugar
Cinnamon

In a 9x13 spread the biscuits so the edges touch and they all fit in the pan. I sometimes have to squish the last one or two in, but the point is to get them all in the pan. (NO need to spray the pan with Pam.) Pour the melted butter over the biscuits. Sprinkle brown sugar to cover. Sprinkle LIBERALLY with cinnamon. Bake in a 450* oven for 15 minutes. When you pull out the pan, there will be some bubbling going on, and you may think  you need to bake longer, but they are done. I promise! As a kid the one thing I LOVED for breakfast was cinnamon toast. I loved the crunchy topping that happened with the butter and sugar, and well, you get that same taste, and crunchy topping making them this way! This picture does NOT do them justice, as it was from my phone. ( I can't seem to find my other camera.)

**The original idea was basically the same steps as listed above except I sprinkled with Garlic Salt and sprinkled well with Parmesan cheese! They were so yummy!!**

Walking in Humility

Humility. It's a hard part of a character that we should be instilling in ourselves, as well as our children. But do you want to know how hard Humility is to get seeded and fertilized. OH, it's a death walk I tell you! Not a death walk to desire humility but to put into practice on a daily routine.

Humility.
The term "humility" comes from the Latin word humilitas, a noun related to the adjective humilis, which may be translated as "humble", but also as "grounded", "from the earth", or "low", since it derives in turns from humus (earth).

"True humility" is distinctly different from "false humility" which consists of deprecating one's own sanctity, gifts, talents, and accomplishments for the sake of receiving praise or adulation from others, as personified by Uriah Heep. In this context legitimate humility comprises the following behaviors and attitudes:


1.Submitting to God and legitimate authority
2.Recognizing virtues and talents that others possess, particularly those that surpass one's own, and giving due honor and, when required, obedience
3.Recognizing the limits of one's talents, ability, or authority; and, not reaching for what is beyond one's grasp

Wow. That is a lot to take in! Being humble in our day as wives, mothers, teachers, leaders, etc is the KEY to allowing God to bring out the very best in ourselves. When we work in our own strength, sure it might appear to be working well, but let me assure you ~ it pales in comparison to what it could be if we walk in the strength of God instead of our own.

I love the line above that says: "Recognizing the limits of one's talents, ability, or authority; and, not reaching for what is beyond one's grasp." THAT is amazing! To walk in our day, and NOT grasp for more! Not reaching for what is not already in our hands, and not desiring MORE then what God has already provided for.

I was facing a little turn of events in my classroom lately ~ and because it is school related I am unable to go into detail, but to see God's hands at work, and see HIM move in the situation which I just knew I had no control over anyway ~ was a special treat to witness! It was only Monday, and being able to see this occur, it just fueled the fire within my faith that HIS hand is indeed in my life, in my daily moment by moment walk, and HE does care about the little details!

This weekend the husband will be going on a hunting trip. It's just the kids and I. The husband's birthday is Saturday, so we will celebrate when he comes home on Sunday with a special dinner, dessert, and perhaps a gift or two. I also want to spend some time crafting for Valentines day February, to give our home a few special touches and reminders of how much we are LOVED by God, and we are to love one another. I have a desire to paint the inside of our home this Spring ~ to give it a much needed freshen up, as well as begin to plan our garden. Roses can be planted safely here by the end of February, early March, and I would like to add to the three I planted last year. As you see, I do have "plans", but I have learned to hold those plans loosely. Seems when I do this, the days are glorious, God helps to nudge me to get done what is needed, and what I desire as well. I am daily desiring to walk in humility, and because of that desire, God is giving me many opportunities to embrace humility and learn it well. Is it easy? No.


Walking in humility is walking in obedience. I want to be obedient!

One Foggy Morning & I can see clearly!

As we walked out of the castle, to load up on our chariot to go to church, I heard it before I noticed it. Fog. You know that "drip drip drip" from the trees, that come after they have been drenched in fog for a few hours? Well, yes, that is how our commute to church began. Now mind you, if our church was just down the street ~ it wouldn't be a big deal. Just about everything we want or need (including school, work, banking, groceries) is indeed just down the street. But not the place of worship we call home.

As you can see, there really wasn't much distance between my Explorer, and the middle of nothing. ACK! Going over the bridges, and the few over passes proved to be a bit of a challenge, but taking it slow and easy, we arrived to church on time for Choir rehearsal.

As I was driving, God began to use that time to soften my heart to prepare His word for me, and to make sure I was sitting on the edge of my seat in expectation to anything that He would share. As I was driving through the fog, it reminded me of how easy it is to get ourselves all out of sorts doing things our way ~ in our time. How distorted things look, and how difficult a normally traveled journey could get. I think of all the times I would head out to the grocery store without a shopping plan. I think about how uncertain the days become when we don't have a plan of action, and how much wasted energy goes to trying to figure it out as we go along.

When we give our whole self over to God, and allow Him to have Lordship over our lives things begin to clear up, and usually faster then we imagine.

On the way home, I began to see many things clearly. I see how I say God is God in my life, but not in EVERY SINGLE AREA, and who am I to pick and choose what parts He gets?! I see that the challenges we face are there for a reason, to prepare us for what's a head ~ to prepare us for ministry in that area of difficulty! (Thanks John Bevere!) I walked away, thankful for the clear skies (that are coming right before a storm later this evening and into tomorrow). Thankful for a place of worship whose soul (pun intended) is to teach people not only how to live for God ~ but to LIVE WITH GOD! Thankful that I have been given this life of purpose, and even when it seems I may not can take one more moment, God has promised that He will not give more then I can handle! Knowing these trials are all for a purpose, I am walking in a new place of understanding, and pray that God will continue to speak in his intimate way to help me to minister to others.

I pray as you read this, that your heart is softened to the trials and tribulations around you right now, that you will be like Paul, and begin to understand that they are for a purpose ~ and embrace them as that.

I am soaking it all in right now, but I do have much to share about a new clear vision for me.