One Pretty Little Box

Just can't take it? BOOK GIVEAWAY

2012-01-23T16:00:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-22T14:13:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-21T05:22:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-19T06:37:00.000-06:00

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

2012-01-14T08:59:00.001-06:00

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

2012-01-10T06:30:00.000-06:00

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!

2012-01-08T15:00:00.000-06:00

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.

Oh be careful little eyes.....

2012-01-04T06:23:00.000-06:00

Oh be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little eyes what you see. For our Father up above is looking down with love, oh be careful little eyes what you see.

Photo Credit

I have had this reminder deep seeded within me for a while now. A LONG while. I have taken steps to make sure my "eyes" are open and free to see the path that God is laying out for me each day, for the things He would desire for me to see.

A few weeks ago, I was the "lucky winner" of a few books! I hadn't read the series, and was just getting back into reading for fun. I was excited. The books arrived. I began one of them. Last night, I decided that these books and this series is NOT for me. Why? Because my little eyes have learned to be careful at what they see. It was a let down, but what's more of a let down? Not "getting" to read some books that was gifted to me, or letting my heart, mind, and soul be effected from a poorly written novel? Why do authors insist on using foul language to "make a point"? Especially to a book that is actually labeled for "teen". Sickening I tell you!

This is going to be a long post! So, why don't you take my lead, and go get you a nice HOT cup of coffee, cocoa or tea!? I say HOT because it is chilly here this morning!

For the last few weeks, pretty much since we have been off for Christmas Break, TV has been more of a distraction then an enjoyment. I would rather have the TV off rather then on. Why? Because of the same reason as the book. There is so much more I could be spending my time, giving my attention to then something that is either going to put an ugly outlook (with dirty words at that) into my perspective or something that is going to get me so self focused that I can't see what God IS doing in my life.

The things (secularly written books and TV) that used to bring me joy and contentment now make me cringe. God is up to something! He is purifying His people, calling us to live lives of conviction ~ not to point his finger down on us but instead to get us to look UPWARD to Him, and start demanding more of HIM in our day.

I did not get a photo up for PAD but yesterday's picture was supposed to be something I adore. I had the perfect picture planned, as I was washing sheets! It was CLEAN SHEET day yesterday ~ one of my favorite days of the week! I am getting closer to the idea of clean sheet day ~ a few times a week, because there is nothing like ending a busy and productive day then sliding into clean sheets! So, my photo was going to be a picture of my bedding in the dryer! But guess what?! God ordained my day, and there just wasn't a time where that desire and time line up together to allow a picture. That's okay! Living life is so much more fun this way, when it isn't ME who is outlining my day!

God is clearing a lot of garbage out of my life, and I call it that for a reason. Reading books, or spending time on things that are NOT edifying, or uplifting is NOT worth it. Don't get me wrong. I will begin a new book this evening, but I will begin it the same way as I began these ~ with eyes willing to see, and willing to be careful at what they see. I am open to where He leads me, even if it is taking away things I once enjoyed.

PAD: Day 2: Breakfast

2012-01-02T16:58:00.000-06:00

This morning was a fabulous delicious morning ~ and though the food was tasty, I am talking about the ability AND opportunity to stay asleep past 7am!

That is one cup of coffee w/ 1/2 of a breakfast sandwhich on a bread plate! YUMMY!

PAD: My first journey & Happy New Year

2012-01-01T16:28:00.000-06:00

Because I ADORE taking pictures, but really don't share as many as I would like, I decided that for at least January, I am going to participate in a Photo A Day (from here on out referenced as PAD) outlined here.

Day 1. A photo of you (well, me)

I wish you all a very Happy New Year! Here is something I posted this morning on facebook:

‎'For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope' (Jeremiah 29:11)

What HOPE we have to open the New Year of 2012 with! God is completely in control ~ and HE LIKES IT that way! I submit whole heartedly to your will this year Lord ~ for me and my family. We CHOOSE to serve you completely ~ not with the leftovers, but giving you our firsts this year! May you God Almighty, be glorified!

It was just too good not to share here too! :) Stay tuned for the rest of the month to see what possible photo's could be next! January is going to be fun!

My Goals for 2012: Changes are definately on the horizon

2011-12-29T09:07:00.001-06:00

There is something so renewing about a new year! Many sit and list a ton of things they want to accomplish, yet by January 3 they have decided it's just too tough. The thing different with resolutions and goals, are that goals are attainable, resolutions are something that you are resolving to do. In reality, the two go hand in hand. You have to have a resolution (your mind made up that now is the time for change) to even create a goal.

Image Source

I may or may NOT have just confused you, but truth be told ~ I have been pondering many things for a while now that I would like to see change in my own self. They range from physical, to spiritual, and even to financial goals that will not only enhance the life I now live, but will increase the lives of those around me.

Physical
1. Limited time on Social Media. I do not think that social media is a bad thing, as i love to blog, and catch up with friends and family on facebook. But when it becomes the ONLY source of social interactions, it's time to make some changes. This particular goal will overlap onto my spiritual list, but too many times I am on social media sites and blogs longer then I am in the Word. Something just isn't balanced with that.

2. I will be giving up my morning coffee and replacing it with water. I do not like black coffee, and love to have it with Splenda and flavored creamer. Maybe I should say I am not giving it up but delaying it instead. It truly does hinder my natural hunger, and it's just been something I have felt led to do for a while and have fought it!

3. In the mornings, I am planning to walk even if just for 30 minutes while praying, and allowing praise music to awaken all of me.

Spiritual
1. My morning will NOT start off with time on Facebook/blogs. It will instead begin in the Word. I do NOT spend time in the morning in prayer and God's word first as I should. It's time to fix that.

2. I will return to journaling in the evenings as my day is winding down.

3. I will not over extend myself.

4. Total complete obedience.

Financial
1. I am feeling convicted to cook more here at home. Yes I usually cook about 6 nights a week, but I want to increase that to about 28 out of 30 days. Menu planning will help, and being adventurous in the kitchen trying out a minimum of 1 new recipe a week will also spur more joy in the kitchen!

2. NO frivolous spending just because I am also working.

3. Birthdays and summer needs need to be planned for and saved for rather then having to hit the household savings .

This is just the major things that I desire to work on for 2012. There are lots of "little" things, but those will come as the others are dealt with face first. As you see I did not have weight loss anywhere on that list! God is so good!

Pecan Chicken ~ and a farewell to Christmas

2011-12-28T14:16:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2011 has come and gone. Already. Wow! Time is just zoomin on by, and if we don't get a fly swatter and knock it down for a while, it's just gonna keep on zoomin! ~ Inhale~ Exhale!~

As much as I was ready for Christmas to come, it was so nice to get the house undecorated and cleaned back up. The last few days, I have been doing some purging and deep cleaning and I have to say it feels lovely.

As 2011 is coming to an end, and 2012 is approaching, I have been getting more and more reflective. There is so much more I desire for my life, for our children, relationships, that 2012 is only a free clean slate for those changes.

One of my goals for 2012 (which I will go into more detail later) is to try one new recipe a week. This week, I have done two. I wanted to share one though ~ so I remember the steps because it is definitely a do over!

Pecan Chicken

4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Or about 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders)
1 cup chopped pecans
1 sleeve of Ritz crackers (processed into crumbs)
1 tsp Garlic Salt w/ parsley
1 tsp Onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder (yes.... I LOVE garlic!)
2 eggs
Splash of milk
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic salt w/ parsley

Pat dry chicken with paper towels. Combine ingredients (#2-6 in list above) on a plate. Whisk together the remaining ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then press into pecan mixture (on both sides). Place on a foil lined baking sheet. Complete with all chicken pieces. Place in a preheated 375* oven for about 25 minutes. The outside will look crispy but not over done. (Watch carefully because you do not want the pecans to burn.)

We served this with some Cheesy French Onion Mashed potatoes and roasted Asparagus & Brussell sprouts.

It is my desire to create a sauce to put over this chicken to enhance the pecan flavor but yet not over power the simplicity of the dish. This will be something that will go in a regular rotation. It is devine for a family meal, AND good enough to serve to company!

JOY & Crafting 365! What are YOUR plans for 2012?

2011-12-17T15:46:00.001-06:00

Yep! It's that time of year where we begin to think ahead to goals and make plans for the next 12 months of our lives. This will be the FIRST year since I have been adult that weight is no where on that list ~ Praise God!

BUT.... have been loving the time and effort I have been putting into crafting, and realize that there is a lot of JOY that comes in that for me. So, this week I have come up with my "word" of the year next year AND a brand new blogging adventure! I am striving to do some sort of crafting daily. It may be simple projects, mass production (think for Valentine parties, etc...), or just making a new scarf!

Oh? What is that? What is my word for the year 2012? Well.. JOY of course! I will be striving to live a life of JOY in all circumstances, through all seasons of the year.

"Dirty little Piggy" brownies!

2011-12-14T06:13:00.000-06:00

Found a fabulously creative recipe on pinterest the other day. I KNEW I needed to try it! But I never leave a recipe alone! The first thing I had to do was change the name. Any recipe name that makes me blush and have to whisper the name of it... yeah, it needs to be changed. The original recipe is here. (Beware! LOL)

The finished product was DELISH!! Definitely a redo, and I think I want to play with the cookie dough and cookie combo's. I LOVE chocolate and peanut butter together ~ so..... the next up is a peanut butter cookie dough topped with Nutterbutter cookies and then brownies. :) YUM!

A Crafty Kind of Christmas: Teacher Gifts

2011-12-14T05:53:00.000-06:00

Oh boy! I feel it in my bones. This blog is going to be leaning more towards recipes and crafts , because I find much JOY in creating, and God keeps leading me to the perfect things to create at the right time! There are a few that I will not be able to share the next couple of weeks, but will share later, because they can be used for other Holidays as well.

Today, it's teacher gifts! I woke up Saturday, a bit distressed at what to do for the kid's teachers. They seem to ALL have some amazing teachers, and it doesn't always happen that way. Anyway, I didn't want to just get a gift card for them, that often feels so cheesy to me. So..... I allowed God to lead me in the ideas as I thought back to some of my favorite teacher gifts that I had received over the years, and the ideas took off from there.

The boys have two teachers (not counting music/art/PE). Their home room teacher got one extra thing because well..... they are their homeroom teachers LOL. Kristen however, has six. So.... she took one gift to her homeroom teacher (who happens to also be her Science teacher whom she spends extra time with once a week for Science Club).

In a gift bag I placed the following:
1. A monogrammed Germex Bottle (filled of course with the original germex)
2. A Glue Bottle with a label that reads: Mrs. ________ is the glue that holds our class together.
3. A Mint Hot Chocolate packet with a label "You were MINT to be my Teacher! Merry Christmas"

LOVED it! Loved doing it, and was proud to give that as a gift. Ever gave a gift that you weren't honored to give? Yeah me too. Then I realized ...it IS giving that means more then receiving!

Germex Bottle Instructions

1. Remove the front and back label. (the back will be a bit tougher to remove then the front.)
2. Soak bottle (standing upright) in hot soap water.
3. Remove from soapy water, and apply a thin coat of oil (I used Crisco) to the side where the back label was (there will be a sticky residue left).
4. On top of the oil dabble a bit of rubbing alcohol.
5. Using a soft cloth (I used a good quality paper towel), rub the label residue until you see that it is all removed.
6. Wash the bottle again in hot and soapy water.
7. Dry
8. Begin decorating with scrapbook stickers (NOT paper kind)
9. Attach a matching bow along the top of the spout.

What was she thinking?

2011-12-12T06:09:00.001-06:00

Yesterday at church one of the Worship leaders was singing the beautiful "Mary Did you know?", and the questions began pouring in my mind.

I want to know what Mary was thinking herself during this time. Was she fleshy in her thoughts like I would have been? Here is what I want to know:

1. When she had to give birth in a barn, was she praying that no one would find out and judge her for that?
2. When she looked into the face of Jesus, did she worry about raising him right?
3. As Jesus was toddling around, did Mary ever lose her cool?
4. What did Jesus smell like as a baby? Is the scent of babies, what Heaven smells like?

The list could really go on and on. These are some of the things I hope to remember when I am face to face with God one day. I want to know the little details, because well.. I LOVE details!

This story just becomes more personal I think as we become mothers.

Just an oridnary day, or is it?

2011-12-11T06:25:00.000-06:00

King's Christmas Tree ~ 2011

There is just something special about sitting in the morning, and in the evening and just admiring our Christmas tree. From the time I can remember, that has always been one of my favorite times of the Christmas season, even as a child. As I sit here this morning I realize that there has always been so much more to this thing called life then we ever embrace. Sure, we get the big things like birthdays, birth of new ones, death of loved ones, holiday celebrations January through December. But what about celebrating a Sunday for it being Sunday or baking a pie because it's Thursday?

Life is worth celebrating! Taking the time to enjoy every single moment of the day, spending that time in His will for our lives will not promise rainbows and butterflies ~ but it does promise a peace that is ever lasting!

I imagine that the three wise men were having just an ordinary day when the angel appeared to them. Just a normal Tuesday, with work, and perhaps just making it through the day.

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2:13-15

That ordinary Tuesday became something spectacular! What is in store for YOU today, on this "ordinary" Sunday in December?

A Crafty Kind Of Christmas : Ribbon Tree

2011-11-29T06:07:00.001-06:00

This was my first craft project for this Christmas Season. It was inspired by another post on pinterest, but I love seeing something and making it mine. I don't always follow other's instructions, and like to go off an idea and do it "my way".

Here is what I used:
2 wired ribbons (I have one that is white w/ pink polka dot with silver shimmer, and one that is a bright pink with silver edging)
Something for a topper
A cone (I used a Styrofoam cone)
Paper to coordinate with the ribbon to cover the cone
Hot glue

Basic Instructions:
1.Cover cone in paper.
2. Cut ribbon in strips starting at 1" all the way to 4" for the tree. I started at the top. Other's start at the bottom.I would spread a strip of hot glue around the top glue the strips of ribbon. Then add a dollop of glue on each strip and loop up to glue the ends together for each strip.
3. The next layer will be the same but about 1/2 an inch or so down from the top ribbon , and the ribbon will be about 1/2 an inch or so longer.
4. Continue the same pattern until the end of cone. I had a few "gaps" between each row of ribbon.... but you can't tell by looking at it. The ribbon fills in.

I will be making another one of these for a gift for a secret Santa project at work, and will do a pictorial on the steps. BUT... don't wait for that! Try your hand at making it your own! I encourage you to check out pinterest (search "Christmas diy", and just drool at all the beauty!

Posted today over at :

The best of laid out plans.....

2011-11-23T14:13:00.001-06:00

Even the best planned out plans, those that should go down without a hitch, often destruct right before our very eyes. But in essence they become learning experiences ~ that is if we allow them too. See, last month I laid out a weekly round table of what I would post each day here on the blog, and in some sense it went off well.

But here lately, especially this week when I thought I would have more time to invest into this blog, the Lord directed my path other ways. Since I am hosting Thanksgiving (and Christmas) again this year, I got it deep within my spirit to do a deep clean of the entire house. While doing this, I also got a hankering to do some crafting in preparation for decorating for Christmas. I feel so much more complete when I am working about my home, creating a clean and comfortable place for us all. I feel so very blessed to see an art project go from the starting phase, to completion.

Our days should not be so dictated by "things that need to be done" that we cannot hear the whispering of the Lord to check out a craft page or to scrub baseboards when that was NOT our intended plan for the day. In my heart I want to spend time investing and taking back what I have let go on some friendships of mine but.... on the other hand, the time that I am investing in our home, and the care of the atmosphere means so much more in the big scheme of things. Growing up, I do not remember my mom having a lot of friends over or that she spent a lot of time with. Sure she had friends, but they were NOT her priority. Her home, family, and the "little things" were her priority.

As I am maturing, I realize that yes I LIKE my friends, and would love to spend more time with them, often.... I am busy making our house a home ~ a safe haven. I am cleaning or cooking, or preparing for some event or another. I know many ladies who tend to be more involved with their friendships rather then the little things in life, that when we look back on remember so well. This is not to discredit the value of friendships by any means, just a choice that is good to ponder from time to time. We fall in love with what we focus on. That is true. If we are focused on the bank account ~ we often focus on how to make or save more money. If we are focused on keeping up with the Jones' ~ we often focus on what others have, and make sure we have it too. If we are focused on God ~ we open ourselves up, empty any selfish desires, and allow Him to lead the way.

All this to say, that for a little while there will be regular posts, but not posts that have an agenda like: Menu plan Monday, Girl talk Tuesday, etc. That may resume in January, but for now in this season ~ the season of birth and life, the season of joy and Jesus, I commit to have no preplanned agenda. Instead, I will write as the Spirit leads, share what's on the heart, perhaps be able to inspire just ONE to seek more of Him this season.

As I go, to finish preparing our home and table for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow ~ let me leave you with one more thought. If you had ONE moment to be thankful ~ what would you be thankful for? Me? That each day has new life ~ new hope, new joy, new mercy.

Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours!

Turning things around......

2011-11-20T15:01:00.000-06:00

The Great I Am has spoken to my heart today in ways that I desperately needed! I am learning that the "I am's" I speak about myself.. either hold back the Great I Am, or enable Him to do that much more through me.

See if we are not open to allow God to be God, even when we don't understand Him fully, then we simply put Him in a box ~ and the gentlemen that He is, He will NOT come out of that box we have shaved Him into. Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually. Even in the lives around us. We put so many limits on God through the spoken word, and the actions that follow.

When I say "I am fat".... yet a size 4 .... I am telling God what He did in and through me wasn't good enough. Hello! I went from a 18/20 to now a 4.

When I say "I am broke"..... I am telling God HIS provisions are not good enough.

When I say "I am lonely".. I am telling HIM HE is not enough for me.

It is okay to say "I am beautiful!" It is okay to say "I am strong!". It is even okay to say "I am amazing!". David was wise, when he looked and realized that God didn't just make him, but He made him fearfully and wonderfully made! Now a days ~ that is like saying "I am amazing!" or "I rock!". It's not pride! God doesn't want us to feel so lolely about ourselves that we put ourselves down. We are only putting HIM down when we do that.

Would you sit there and point out every fault of your friends in front of them? NO, you wouldn't. And so please tell me why we do that to ourselves?! Just because it is us, it doesn't make it okay. It's just as wrong. Did you realize that when you put yourself down, pointing out all your own flaws, it makes you do one of two things. Either your going to become the green eyed monster comparing YOUR faults with other's good traits, or .... you will begin to point out and find negative things in others just as easily as you do yourself.

I was sharing a word with a few friends at church, and here are a few notes that might be helpful to you:

1. When your changing the way you live/eat to lose weight..... the #'s are milestones not goals! Your goal should be the outcome of changing your habits ~ aka a healthy temple. A # is just that ...a number. It doesn't always reflect the outcome ~ just what 's happening in the process.

2. Begin to speak some affirmative sentences to yourself from time to time. Mine currently will be : "I am thinner and healthier then I have ever been! (and that is not a lie!)." Also, "I am beautiful and the joy of the Lord will reign within me forever!"

There is so much more that I want to share but it is Sunday and I have dinner to prepare. Please know that I am praying for you ~ for those who are hurting and believing LIES that have been spoken to and over you for far too long. It's time to stop accepting the lies, even if they come from your own mouth! God never made junk, and He still doesn't!

Oh, and just so you know.. today is 11/20/2011! Pretty neat huh? It's a little way that God showed me He is turning things around for me! :)

Five Minute Friday: Grow

2011-11-18T05:46:00.000-06:00

It's that time again, time for Five Minute Friday with The Gypsy Mama! On Fridays we write for five uninterupted minutes (bliss to this momma this morning), with no editing, no over thinking nothing but pure writing on the topic given. So... please pardon any typos or misspelled words!

Topic: Grow
Start time: 5:40
Stop time: 5:45

This topic has been on my heart since yesterday already, so how fittin?! As a preschool teacher I get the lucky privelage to see little lives change before me as these children grow in so many ways. From the end of August thru the beginning of June, there are so many milestones we hit in our room ~ but as I am getting older I realize that there are so many personal milestones these children reach as well. To see how they went from not being able to put a simple puzzle together to now being able to not only do a "hard' one, but BEG me to do puzzles! It was a total change of heart and attitude.

I see these little ones getting taller, wiser, have more manners, growing spiritually and I have to be honest ~ they inspire ME to do the same. My goal every single year isn't to get them to learn everything I have for them to learn as that will come when they are ready. My goal however is to get them to LOVE LEARNING. If a child can learn to love learning, then the actual learning isn't difficult.

The one thing that stands for everyone, is that we are all called to grow. Grow spiritually, emotionally, even physically. Growth is a beautiful thing but can so easily be overlooked. THAT is why I adore teaching. I am reminded so much more that we are no different if we are 2 , 22, or 92. We can all learn to grow!

Thankful Thursday: A hodgepodge list

2011-11-17T06:38:00.000-06:00

So hard to believe we are in the middle of November, and will soon be in the throws of preparing to celebrate Christmas! What a joyful time that is!

My "Thankful list" today is a full fledged hodgepodge! Hope you enjoy, and are inspired to begin making your own lists!

1. I am very thankful for social media like Facebook! I know..... so lame, but really I get to reconnect with so many people, meet new friends, and have a way to simply share my life in another venue other then this blog. Really, I AM an open book, and hide nothing.

2. Coffee! A few days there I was at a loss because coffee had lost it's meaning! LOL I simply was not enjoying it. But this morning ~ oh this morning! We are one again!

3. Blogging ~ I am so thankful for blogging, and though it has been going on for years.... it's such a release for me. I would LOVE to make a career out of blogging, and I know many have but I don't ever want it to feel like a "Job" or a "chore".

4. Early shopping hours the day after Thanksgiving. I tell you ~ I LOVE shopping on Black Friday. The people are usually very friendly, there is a crispness in the air and well... I usually come home 2/3 done. A day that takes a lot of energy but yay! LOVE it!

5. Vacation weeks from school. I do not get vacation time except when our local district is closed. Praise God.... we are off all next week! Getting used to working 5 days again ~ I am so ready for a few days to me (well, and the kids, and getting the house prepped for Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas decorating).

Okay ~ would love to share more, but this morning is the Thanksgiving Feast in my classroom and well.... lots to get done before the start of the school day!! Be blessed, and be thankful!

Girl Talk Tuesday: Setting Goals

2011-11-15T06:52:00.000-06:00

Image Source

Setting goals is NOT selfish. Setting goals is wise. Do NOT let anyone tell you differently! I am all okay with God stepping in and saying "Hey, I know you have your plans to reach your goal ~ but I need you to do this in the meantime!". But going about our day in a hem haw manner is not wise. It will get you no where.

I say this as I set my OWN goals that I want to accomplish before the end of the year. Goals that will lead me to where I want to be as a whole person ~ all of me. As we head fast into Thanksgiving and Christmas (saying holiday season just doesn't sound right), I realize time is ticking fast. It's time to get busy and focus! God is good ~ as he sets the seasons in motion. Summer is a big slow down for me, Autumn tends to speed things up a bit, and the first part of winter (through Christmas) is really busy and hectic. The deep of winter is another slow down, as Spring brings a speed up and then a rush as summer begins to approach.

KNOWING this... makes goal setting so much more easier as well as productive. Setting long term goals is difficult unless you know what you have coming up in the future time wise.

So....as we approach the end of the year, what goals do you want to accomplish?

Mommy Moment Monday: Helping or Hindering?

2011-11-14T06:01:00.000-06:00

Yes folks, gone are the days of Menu Plan Monday, at least for right now. Last week I realized I wanted to not focus so much ahead on what food would be prepared. I will face it one day at a time. Yesterday, I felt God giving me the "monday post" agenda for a while, and it is with Mommy Moments.

Christmas Pic 2009

It was impressed upon me yesterday that our children are ready to press forward in their faith, and I seem to be the one hindering them. I am heartbroken at this revelation!! The kids desire to go to prayer meeting on Wednesday nights ~ and while I long to as well, I also adore the end of the day at home. This fall, we were unable to even think of attending because the girl had volleyball practice at 6:45 am on Thursday mornings, and most Wednesday nights we go to prayer meeting usually leads us back home around 9.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 NIV

On Wednesday nights, the youth meet. This is often the only time besides a 9:00 class on Sunday that Kristen gets to associate with the youth. I have held her back! Out of what?! FEAR! Fear she wouldn't get enough rest. Do you know how silly that sounds? God WILL give her the rest she needs.

Mommy moments are not always easy and peachy keen are they? They are a HARD choice at times. They are not easy to digest. They are very mirror reflective on our own heart.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 NIV

Saturday's Secret: One Year Ago Today

2011-11-12T05:33:00.000-06:00

Usually I like for things I share to be light and airy on the weekends, but today it's not happening. This Saturday's Secret is one of remembering the death of my sister.

One year ago today, I got a phone call at 3:30 in the morning. Hubby answered the phone in another room besides the bedroom, and was talking but I had just thought it was work calling him. Boy was I wrong. My sister who was 41 at the time, passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack.

The secret part of this is I have days where I am fine. I have other days where regret takes over and I think of all the 'should haves" "Could haves" that come with life. Apparently each one of those are rekindled at death.

I long to go back in time, to make things right, but I know that she knows i loved her.

Today, I will spend parts of my day remembering her. The sister who "heard" Santa's bells with me in the deep of summer! LOL. The one who threw a pillow at me (which had a battery pack in it since it was a massaging pillow) and cried with me when it hurt ~then tickled me until I laughed so hard we were crying again. The sister I think of when I eat pinto beans, because that is what we cooked together when mama was recovering from surgery. The sister who took me trick or treating, then laughed at me when I fell and dropped 1/2 my candy stash...... to only give me 1/2 of hers when her friends were out of site. If I could see her face to face one more time... I would tell it was my honor to be her "baby sister" and how proud of her I was in the way she raised her son.

I love you Mel! I always will! Give Jesus a hug for me, and Granny as well!

Five Minute Friday: Unexpected

2011-11-11T05:40:00.000-06:00

Joining forces with Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday. This has definately become one of my favorite blogging days! Basically we are given a word and challenged to write for five solid minutes with NO editing, NO over thinking, NO limitations! (I have to tell you ~ I write, then I go back and add links, pics, etc. Hope that doesn't break the rules!)

Start time: 5:34
Stop time: 5:39

Unexpected
Let me first say that I am not a big fan of the UNEXPECTED. Birthdays and Christmas, yes I love surprises. Other then that? No thanks. Well, until now. There has been something deep within me growing the last few months or so that is looking for the unexpected. I mean I am seriously sitting there waiting, watching, and searching for those unexpected gifts! I think every single day that we go about doing the same thing in and out, we get into this crazy routine ~ not allowing the little gifts of today to be visible. The fluttering of a butterfly as it lands right beside me. The beauty of watching a male and female dove build a nest for the upcoming family. Seeing a leaf drift off the tree and land on the ground. For some those may become expected, but to most of us.... we don't slow down enough to embrace the unexpected. The belly laughs of our children, as they are reading a book ~ is an unexpected blessing! The 12 year old girl running up to give her momma a hug (IN FRONT OF HER FRIENDS) is very unexpected, but something I treasure.

There have been times though when the unexpected took my breath away. A year ago tomorrow, we got a phone call in the early morning hours that my only sister passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack.

Living life with no expectations, leaves us open to be able to embrace the unexpected ~ whether it be good, sad, or life changing.

Thankful Thursday: Age

2011-11-10T00:01:00.003-06:00

I know I know! Not many women are thankful for aging, but right now I am. There is something about the wisdom, and new growth that comes with each year of age for me as of late. So, here is my Thankful Thursday list this week!

With aging, I am thankful for:

1. Realizing that life is not about me. Sure, there are parts (big parts at times) where it is necessary to be involved in it ~ but it is NOT about me!

2.The love I have found for my home, and the way it is ran. I love that bills get paid on time, dishes are done and not left sitting around, and laundry is kept up. You might find a dust bunny or two (especially on the game that hangs in our living room ~ there is still something strange to me about dusting a deer head!), and things are not always their tidiest, I mean we do have a small home with five people living in it, but things are taken care of.

3. I am not looking to others for approval! Not right now anyway. This is something that has been difficult for me to overcome. It seems even from the time I was a little girl I had a complex about pleasing everyone around me.

4. Time. I am learning that time is important, and I often want to be using that time just right. Especially right now. I am making it my goal to have my first book written by January 1st. I have barely started. God has a lot to be brought to the table and I am simply going to spend time refilling my tea or coffee cup and allowing Him to pour out his lavish love on the ladies He is calling to a new level of loving and living! If I could have bottled all the time I wasted over the last few years out of fear ~ I would be rich in hours!

5. Friends. As I age my friendships have become more .... well mature. It isn't about what that friend can do for me, it is about what they bring out in me. See, as we are young we often find friends who are so like minded that you agree on every single thing. As I am aging I find while I have those friends I agree with on a lot, it is our differences that make the friendship so special.

6. Children and their comical ways, no longer annoy me! I have been a mommy since August 1999 and a preschool teacher since 2004. I have had a LOT of testing in this manner! LOL Now, I adore their silliness, and realize it is just what children are! I love that they can be serious one minute, and silly the next. As I age, they are kind of reminding me of myself! HA!

7. It's never time to "grow up"! I have always been one to be responsible, and as I age that hasn't changed. The only thing is, as I am aging I am learning it is good to have fun! Dance while I am mopping, sing at the top of my lungs while I am washing dishes or cooking, grab a kid and have tickle wars while I am folding laundry.

8. You are NOT what the scale says you are! For so long, I allowed a lie into my heart that told me I was only worth what the scale said, or even what size jeans I wore. Guess what! NO ONE even knows that but me! So in that same sense of reasoning, I was the one who was telling me my worth ~ and it only depended on what someTHING told me. The beautiful thing is, I am learning as I age, that beauty is so much deeper then the skin! Beauty can be seen and felt without even someone seeing my face, or jean size. Beauty is in the words shared, in the art created with the hands, in the simple day to day living that no one see's!

9. The more I age, the less "high maintenance" I become. In other words, it really does not take much to make me happy. I don't expect much. Kindness, and appreciativeness is all I need.

10. Books are worth more then they are priced! They are seriously. We get off cheap buying a book, or even downloading one. Each book is written from someones soul, they took time away from their families, their lives to pour out a little part of them in that book. I never appreciated that until now ~ when I am about to have to have less sleep at night, time away from my family, and that is precious! Do something strange next time you buy a book. Buy two! One for you ~ and one for a gift! You will be amazed at the treasure you are really giving!

In His Word Wednesday: Reassuring Presence

2011-11-09T00:45:00.001-06:00

In His Word Wednesday is becoming one of my favorite blog posts of the week. I love it! Every bit of it! Why? Because I anxiously (in an excited way ~ not a worried way) open myself up to God and ask Him to lead me to the perfect scripture to share here. Guess what!?! He always comes through!

God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you're there, then up ahead and you're there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can't take it all in! Psalm 139:1-6 (The Message)

Wow! Amazing! How often do we think we are "fooling" God by simply telling Him what He wants to hear ~ not understanding fully just how much HE knows. By golly He created you! He knows what irritates you, what makes you cry happy tears, what takes your breath away. He knows the things you long to hear from your spouse, the words you wished you told that loved one before they passed, what dreams and passions you hide from fear of being judged and criticized. It is scripture like this that just makes me sit in AWE of God Almighty ~ and how much I throw away of our relationship! He is there when no one else is. He knows when I am sick, and don't want to be a burden. He is behind me when I sit and start this writing process every day.

Here let me show you again.

You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139: 1-6 NIV

I had to show the same scripture in another version. It wasn't until recently that I truly began searching the various Bible versions and my mind has been opened to so much more! I encourage you today, to see the "God glimpses".. those moments that I know are ordained solely by Him and Him alone ~ the Creator of all.

Tuesday's Girl Talk: Hear me Roar!

2011-11-08T00:01:00.031-06:00

That's right! It's time to come on out of that shell, and allow yourself to ROAR! Toot your own horn for a bit! What are you good at? These are often things in the Christian community women are told to refrain from thinking about, as our focus should not be on ourselves. This is not what I am intending to do ~ to make you sit there and focus solely on you.

See, when we know our strengths and weaknesses we understand who God is within us. No, He is not weak, but He has promised when we are weak, HE will enable us. Where do you need some enabling? Your strengths perhaps, are used by God daily to raise up other women as in Titus 2, and to also help raise another WHOLE generation! Meek and Quiet does not mean Weak and Whinney!

I am fired up friends today ~ and it all started this weekend. I had a little get away. No, I didn't leave town, but I did attend a women's conference at my church and I am so ever grateful for that! Lisa Bevere came and we all worshipped as one, and listened to what God would have for each of us there. I truly believe it was one of those God moments. I was moved beyond words. I was indeed moved to tears both Friday night and Saturday morning. I was moved to a new level of responsibility in this walk of mine.

This morning as I sit here, I am overwhelmed with what God is showing me, rekindling even. The whole purpose of this blog is to share ME with YOU. All of me. Why? Because sometimes to be a Titus 2 woman, we have to be willing to share all of us. Not just the sugar coated things, but the entire truth. Is it hard? Sometimes. I don't want ever to be judged for my mistakes, yet human nature does that. I can tell you that I often look to the voice of others before the voice of God and some of you will say.. "Oh that's okay. We all do it." But ... if you realize that looking to the voice of others, and following through with it is putting idolship on that person ~ making them a god instead of allowing God to be the God of your life ~ it's not okay. I have been doing that for months. Shame on me! But I am not afraid anymore! I can speak up and speak out and say that God is the God for me ~ and I will seek HIM in all I do, and trust that He is going to guide me in a direction that I need to go in. I am a lioness.... Hear me roar! (Lisa Bevere spoke on her book, and teachings from Lioness Arising ~ Wake up and change your world!) I am only on Chapter 2, but God is already doing a number on me, and I am thankful.

As women we often forget how GREAT God made us. That we have a purpose on this earth, that is not like anything a man could be/do. Just as they have a purpose on this earth that neither you or I could do. We are not the same. Yet, in some ways we ARE equal..... see Adam was created first, but Eve was created to complete Adam. It is not good for man to be alone, nor is it good for woman to be alone. We are made for each other, we complete one another. We are not to be battling for headship ~ but we are to be on the same side of the fence at least, right?

Lots to think on from this post. But if you leave questioning one thing ~ I want you to ask yourself this. What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses? What areas do I complete my husband, and he complete me?

Menu Plan Monday: Nov 6-12

2011-11-07T00:01:00.003-06:00

This week I am once again linking up with Laura over at Organized junkie for her weekly post of Menu Plan Monday. If you are new to menu planning or need some inspiration today's the best day in blog land for that!

Sunday
B: Banana Bread
L: McDonalds
D: Roasted chicken, Hassleback potatoes, Steamed broccoli
Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies & Milk

Monday
B: Cinnamon Rolls
D: Chicken Fried Venison, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, biscuits
Dessert: Pumpkin Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

Tuesday
B: Scrambled Eggs and Toast
D: Speghetti, Homemade Bread
Dessert: Pumpkin Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

Wednesday
B: Waffles and Bacon
D: Chicken and Dressing Casserole, green beans
Dessert: Pumpkin Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

Thursday
B: Chocolate Chip Muffins
D: Taco Casserole
Dessert: Hot Cocoa w/ cookies

Friday
B: Cereal and Toast
D: Cherokee Chicken w/ buttered rice, corn
Dessert: Ice Cream

Saturday
B: Eggs, Sausage, Biscuits & Gravy
L: make your own
D: Grilled Cheeseburgers w/ french fries
Dessert: Smores

Sunday's Special: Responsibility

2011-11-06T07:55:00.000-06:00

This Sunday is special in a way! See, I am not at worship this morning, and yet no one is sick. I am at home even right now, sipping coffee and listening to Christmas Instrumentals on Pandora. This is not our usual Sunday morning. The hubster is even sitting at work, rather then in his recliner here in the living area of our home.

Eyes of wonder ~ from a 12 year old girl

We have been pretty busy around here simply with life. I have begun working five days a week every week rather then every other, which has shifted time in which I would normally get things done. Little things. Mopping, grocery shopping, catching up with friends. This weekend was a ladies event at our church, and can I just say how blessed I am by the place where God has personally placed me and our children to worship. I am blessed by these women, who encourage me to grow and continue to seek out God's will for my life ~ seeking HIS face, not the face of others. I have been challenged in ways i had NO clue I would be, and am honored that I am so entrusted in HIS truth, with His truth to share with others.

"Whas up?"......... Who knew he was so cool?!

This morning as I reflect on where I am right now in my life, and where God is leading me I am just in awe. Many women, hurting women, have told me how much my writing encourages them to simply live better. That is a huge responsibility. I need to be careful. Careful at what I share ~ is it God's truth, or something I am simply repeating that I heard or read from someone else? Careful as to how I live my life, because it is obviously being watched. I am a natural leader, and I get that. It overwhelms me, but it is at the same time a beautiful thing.

It has been nice having a slow paced morning. I have a feeling today is going to be a productive day, one that is full of many different aspects of my life. I have been blogging at another blog for a while now, and as of this morning that is over. Simply because I am me. I am one person and thank the Lord I do not suffer from a multi personality disorder!

He melts my heart every single time! :) Those deep blue eyes... smile... joy!

The boys are enjoying a new found RELOVE for the wiifit and are having a blast! It's the weekend! This is the only time they are allowed to play on the Wii (and that will cut off here in a while to get outside to play), and to play with friends. Wii is a big distraction during the week when our focus should be on school, and family. And right now, playing with friends in the neighborhood seems to be a distraction from making right choices as well. *sigh* it's so hard being a parent. But i will tell you, when I see my children's attitudes changing, and the only thing that has been different is the influence of friends they are playing with, it's time to make a few changes NOW while I can.

So the special thing of today is : Responsibility. While I would much rather be in worship, someone needs to pick up our sweet girl from camping. Responsibility.While I would love to "hang out' with people who inspire me to dig into God more then ever before, I have to be careful that I allow God to lead that ~ not someone else's beliefs that are not all from Him (not talking about people from my own church here). I don't need a spin on belief.... but indeed do need truth. And in that truth, I have to make sure I share truth ~ not what *I* think ~ or would like it to be. Responsibility. Telling my kids, that friends are not an option during the school week after school, because this mother's heart has to guide and guard their hearts in the right way. Responsibility is NEVER the easy way out.

Touches of Autumn in our Home

But Responsibility has taught me many incredible things. It has shown me that I do have the courage of Daniel. The voice of an Angel. The heart of David. I AM fearfully and wonderfully made, and when God has me awake ~ I am dangerous (in a good way)!

Five Minute Friday: Remember

2011-11-04T05:58:00.000-05:00

Again, I am linking up with Gypsy Mama for Five Minute Friday, where bloggers unite with one word, write with NO editing, No over thinking, Nothing but pure writing and sharing of the heart.

Word: Remember
Start time: 5:53am
End time: 5:58am

As each year adds to my age by one, I truly believe it brings just that much wisdom. With wisdom comes knowledge. When I was young there were some things of my past I would tell myself I needed to forget, and never remember. As I am older and wiser, I realize that indeed it is important to remember the things that brought pain, shame, and what not along with the good things. It was part of who we were at that moment, in that season of our lives. It is often those things that mold us into what we are NOW. It is difficult to conjure up those feelings, and to deal with them,but the older I get the more I realize how important it is to share those things. There are hurting people out there, those who need guidance, and even those who simply just want to know they are not alone. God is indeed at work in this season of my life, and it is through taking time to remember where I once was, that I appreciate where I am right now. I find contentment through taking time to remember. Just this week, I had to be taken back to realize others who know me now but not then ~ may not understand that I indeed get their struggles. I get how hard it is to purposely sit down and read the Word of God ~ for enjoyment no less! I get how easy it would be to stay snuggled under the covers on a Sunday morning, rather then fighting for a parking spot, and putting on a happy face for church. I have been there! I have been where my kids are so small and busy that we felt lucky to have clean towels and a hot meal!

It is when we REMEMBER, that we allow ourselves to become transparent and real to those who only see a shadow of who we are today.

In HIS Word Wednesday: The Good things!

2011-11-02T06:12:00.000-05:00

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. Philippians 4:8-9 (The Message)

This verse is the same one that is up there under the blog title. BUT.... I LOVE this version in the Message. There are times that it is easy to think the best things, focus on the good not the bad, but what about those times that are hard? What a promise at the end of that scripture "Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies." What a promise!! What joy!

Let me challenge you to start looking for the good in all situations this entire month of November! Even if it is just that the sun is shining that day, think on the good things! Spend time fervently in prayer, asking God to guide your minds to begin seeking out the good things He has specifically made available to you ~ that is so easy to overlook. A butterfly just fluttering past your way. Let me tell you ~ THAT is a special gift from HIM! Hearing a giggle from a child. What joy!! Seeing a police officer in action ~ such a noble job!

Tuesday's Girl Talk: Being Content Where You Are NOW!

2011-11-01T06:24:00.000-05:00

Okay girlies.... let's talk! I am coming to love Tuesdays because well, it is nice to sit here and chat with you on things that are close to our hearts as women. One of those for me lately is being content right where I am in my life,with what I already have.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:2-9

As each week passes, I realize how important it is to be content where we are in order to be able to move forward and enjoy life as we go. I am honored to say I am thirty eight. What a world of difference from when I was 30, even 35. I have grown in wisdom, which has given me great clarity on what matters most. As I have grown, it is hard for me sometimes to remember where I once was, and often times it is easy to forget where you once wanted to go.

My home is just that. Home. Is it elaborate? Not at all ~ but it is my safe haven without a mortgage payment to boot! The house we live in has a lot of family history in it. My husband was born and raised in this house. (Well. he was born in a hospital but you know what I mean.) I am content! Yes, I have projects to spruce it up here and there, but it is still our home!

I don't wear fancy clothes, but I love what I wear. I used to lust after and be greedy for all the latest trends ~ that neither flattered my body nor looked tasteful. I went into debt early on out of greed for more. More clothes, more shoes, more stuff. None of it made me happy. Sure, the buyers high was great... but it didn't last. It simply made me want to do it over and over and over. Why? I was searching for this thing .. this feeling, this thing that I knew was there, yet I had no idea how and where to look for it ~ so I just filled the void with stuff.

What I was longing for .. was contentment.

It is only by the Grace of God that I can truly say I am content where I am. Sure, I may have struggles from time to time, and every day holds enough in it's own to not worry about tomorrow ~ but... through it all, I am content. I know that God is truly God Almighty, and there is nothing I could do to change that. I do NOT know better then He about anything, including my life. It wasn't until I realized I needed to start counting my blessings to really know how blessed I am. One Thousand Gifts is something that I will be sharing with a few precious people in my life for Christmas, because it is a life changing book. Counting your blessings is the BEST way to find your contentment!

Menu PLan Monday: No tricks ~ just treats!

2011-10-31T05:58:00.001-05:00

Can I be the first to say that I am glad this focus on Halloween is just about over?! I despise this day more and more each year. The temps here in South East Texas have grown quite Autumn like on a regular basis now so it will definitely reflect the temps and weather (which I DO coordinate my dinners with)! I am linking up again this Monday with Laura from I'm An Organized Junkie for her Menu Plan Monday. If you need inspiration for your weekly menu, or just want to see what's cooking all over bloggie land, hop on over there! It's a pretty yummy collection!

Monday
B: Poptarts
D: Loaded Baked Potato soup w/ Crescent Dogs
Dessert: Chocolate Cake w. Icing

Tuesday
B: Cinnamon Bread french toast
D: Taco Salad
Dessert: Chocolate Cake w/ Icing

Wednesday
B: Scrambled Eggs & Toast
D: Beef tips & gravy over rice w/ fresh bread and steamed broccoli
Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies and milk

Thursday
B: Cinnamon Rolls
D: Oven BBQ'd chicken legs, macaroni and cheese, green beans
Dessert: Chocolate Chip Cookies and milk

Friday
B: Granola Bars and yogurt
D: *Ladies event at church, kids at mimi's, hubsters on his own*
Dessert: None

Saturday
B: Coffee and banana bread
D: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Dessert: None

Sunday
B: Breakfast w/ the choir at church
L: Veggie tray w/ summer sausage, cheese cubes, crackers
D: Chicken bacon ranch subs and chips
Dessert: Banana Pudding

I am continuing the trend of listening to Christmas music this week. It just seems fitting when you live a life of gratitude. I will be writing more this week on my first book ~ which I am also self publishing. Talk about a major project! BUT that's okay. God has guided me thus far! Please pray for those on the East coast who are dealing with major SNOW issues! There are many without power and water, and it is very cold! They need our prayers. While I have never experienced anything like that, I have been through a hurricane with downed trees and power lines in extreme heat. So.... please pray that this will be cleared up and out for them to be able to recover before Winter really sets in. Thank you!

The Secrets of Home Saturday: It's beginning to feel a lot like....

2011-10-29T06:05:00.000-05:00

This is the second week in a row that I gave out a clue as to what this 'Secret' post would be about. Talk about being surprised this morning when I knew I needed to share again!

On my facebook page Thursday I had two separate posts about CHRISTMAS! Yes, Christmas. I was quickly informed by two friends that it was neither even Thanksgiving or Halloween yet. Trust me, I KNOW! But .... the spirit of Christmas is starting early in my heart! I am finding this inner joy and peace that I can't explain. Christmas is one of my favorite seasons. Yes it is a season ~ not just a holiday. Christmas should be year round, at least in the hearts of Christians. It is MORE then a commericalized gift giving session.

In fact, when it comes to gift giving ~ do you ever feel like if you get what someone wants or has put on a wish list that your actually just running an errand for them? A couple of years ago, I simply stopped asking what people wanted for Christmas and began shopping for them personally. I love going out and finding that perfect gift that is so right for the person I was shopping for.

But Christmas is so much more! What a celebration of a Savior to this World.! I love Christmas music, movies, themed dinners, etc. I have a feeling this Christmas feeling is going t o last for months! I was ill last Christmas, and it was a bit more difficult to find the joy ~ because I became a "Martha' and not a "Mary". Perhaps that is why this heart celebration has begun early!

Five Minute Fridays : Relevant

2011-10-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

I am again joining Gypsy Mama for her 5 Minute Friday posting! This is a fabulous oppertunity to be able to use one word and blog for five straight minutes with NO editing or spell checking ~ so please pardon any errors.

Word: Relevant
Start time: 5:55 am

As a woman it is easy to get so busy and invovled not only in our own lives, but in the lives of those we love and unfortunately in the lives of those we may not even know. By that I mean it is so easy to worry about one another's needs, overlooking the needs that God has placed right before us in our own lives. The grass is not greener on the other side, and even if it was ~ it isn't relevant to your own yard work. Dinner might sound good that Ms. Smith is cooking her family, but because your husband doesn't like pasta OR salad, it isn't relevant to your families dinner table.

As someone who often looks to the world for approval, I used to make what I did be relevant to other's needs, wants or desires. This year has been a huge time of spiritual growth and God is calling me to Him, and to Him alone. I look for approval through His eyes, and if I find it I feel blessed. I used to look even to my husband for approval, but too often it led me to become unhappy and feeling like a failure ~ because I never seemed to measure up to what *I* thought my husband desired. I sought after his approval, but it wasn't relevant.

As a woman of God, the only way my life can be Relevant and worth to be called a life for Him, is to simply mind my own buisiness, and tackle those things in which God has brought before me that very moment. Even thoughts of yesterday are not relevant for today. I pray that as you read this, you too will be touched by His loving hand, and reminder that we need to live a life Relevant of His love, mercy, kindness, and one that is also relevant to His need for us today.

Stop time: 6:00am

Thankful Thursday: The Unseen

2011-10-27T06:24:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, the most things we should be thankful for are the ones that we just seem to overlook ~ they are often the "unseen" blessings of God, yet hold so much value. It does our heart good, if we would just stop and take inventory of these things. It is then, that we see how blessed a people we are and how much God showers us with his love and attention.

So, on this last Thursday of October, I sit here with a heart full.....

1. The ability to choose music as i desire to fit my mood, or to change it.
2. The little sighs of children as they give in to sleep.
3. The smell of rain.
4. Hot coffee flavored with Peppermint mocha creamer, sweetened with Splenda, as it enters my mouth, and slides down my throat on an Autumn morning.
5. The sound of leaves trickling down the street with each passing car.
6. Silence in the morning.
7.Silence in the evening.
8. Lots of activity and little voices throughout the day.
9. Knowing my co teacher and friend is getting stronger each and every day.
10. Clean sheets, and socks.
11. Kindred hearts even miles apart.
12. A clock to keep me on time and scheduled.
13. The softness of my brown lap blanket in the living room.
14. His living Word that changes each time I read it to speak to my very need.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV

15. Unconditional love ~ that comes with so much more.

This morning I come to you and ask that you too begin to search out for those little things in life, that are so treasured and yet often unappreciated. We can choose to live our life gratefully, or we can choose to live with a longing heart for more and never be satisfied.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.Ecclesiastes 3: 10-11

Tuesday's Girl Talk: Dirty Laundry

2011-10-25T06:14:00.000-05:00

Last week we discussed nurturing our friendships. This week.... is about Dirty Laundry!

Dirty Laundry. It's not a pretty thing is it? Sometimes it can down right stink to the high heavens. Are you holding your nose yet?

Let's take this beyond the washing machine!

While I have an adversion to dirty laundry .... and frequently do laundry in my day, the dirty laundry I am talking about simply is gossip. It is ugly. It brings the worst out in ourselves, as well as whomever we are "confiding" in. It would be proper for me to say I do not gossip, but it's not true. I do. I am working on it.

He who despises his neighbor lacks sense, But a man of understanding keeps silent. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.

Proverbs 11: 12-13

Oh, Lord. Teach me to be silent. Silence would be the best option in a situation where you know it is going to go down hill from the word Go. It's hard. NO .. that's an excuse. Gossip is an easy way out ~ a way to feel better about yourself , but not really. See, I know when I am getting on the gossipy side because I begin to feel miserable and sad.

The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 13:3

I think women are the queens of gossip, but men do it too. I hear it. I hear the one sided conversations about so and so at work, or a situation that happened and how it wouldn't have if this or that wouldn't have been done. It's not a one gender issue. But that is beside the point when it comes to me. Just because it is done so easily ~ so "normally".. doesn't make it right.

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23

Now, as I go about my day ~ I will choose to love God with my entire heart, and will guard my mouth.

Menu Plan Monday : October 24

2011-10-24T06:13:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it is already the LAST full week of October? OH my gee! Where has the time gone? Seriously?! I feel like it has been a busier then normal month for us, and indeed it has with early morning volleyball practices and Saturday games for the girl, working on Fridays each week for me, just to name a few! This is when having a menu plan in hand comes in handy! Do I always follow it? No. But, I do have the ingredients in hand to prepare as listed. THAT says a lot!

If you are new to menu planning, or just need some inspiration hop on over to Laura's Blog : I'm an organized junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

I must prewarn you that you may see some repeats from last week. We simply decided to eat something else a few times, and well.... that's okay!

Monday
B: Granola Bars, Milk
D: Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Green Beans, Crescant rolls
Dessert: Ice Cream

Tuesday
B: Chocolate Chip Muffins
D: Chicken Fried venison, fully loaded mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, Biscuits
Dessert: Cookies and milk

Wednesday
B: Waffles, eggs
D: Chicken and Rice w/ Saltines
Dessert: Cookies and milk

Thursday (Rainy day)
B: Pumpkin Bread
D: Enchilada Casserole w/ shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes, Chips and chili con queso
Dessert: Chocolate cake w/ chocolate frosting

Friday (Cooler day/night)
B: Cinnamon Rolls
D:
Dessert: Chocolate cake w/ chocolate frosting

Satruday (Cooler day/night)
B: Breakfast casserole, fruit
L: Corndogs
D: Fully loaded subs, chips
Dessert: Chocolate cake w/ chocolate frosting

Sunday (Cooler day/night)
B: Cinnamon Coffee Cake
L: Fully loaded sammies
D: Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, steamed broccoli
Dessert: Blizzards from DQ

Sunday's Special : An ordinary Sunday

2011-10-23T15:32:00.000-05:00

Sunday's are special around here. They mean alot. Usually the day starts as any other with a steaming cup of coffee. Now that it is Autumn, I use my favorite pumpkin mug every single day!

Then we get eat breakfast. This morning I chose to give a full spread of bacon, eggs, and pancakes.

After tummies were full, we got dressed and made our way out to the best place on earth (besides our home that is), our place of worship!

This time after church instead of coming STRAIGHT home, I had to stop for a few items at the place that offers a bit of everything. (Kids needed new team jersey's for "Red Ribbon Week' at school.)

Then finally home!

The afternoon was spent with the kids picking up their room to start the week off on a fresh start, laundry, and a bit of puttering around. Oh. Don't forget some football too!

The Secrets of Home Saturday

2011-10-22T07:03:00.000-05:00

I kind of let out this week's secret yesterday on my facebook page, but I couldn't help myself! :) My husband had a secret he let out of the bag early yesterday morning. In fact, it was in a conversation he was having with our cat Pumpkin that let the "cat out of the bag" so to speak!

My Explorer is officially paid off!! We got it in 2008, and I am so glad to know that it is officially ours. But, in the meantime the hubster has been driving around in his 1992 Ford F150, repairing it as needed. He loved this truck. It was hard for him to admit that it was time to replace it. But I tell you what. That truck still sits in our driveway. The only difference this morning is that it is further back in the driveway ~ to make room for this beauty!

Fabulous Secret of our Home! The hubster has a new truck! Woohoo! Now... where are those keys?!

I don't think he is gonna let me drive it for a while! LOL! That's okay. I have a hard working husband who really doesn't do much for himself very often. It's his time to enjoy..... but one day! LOL

Five Minute Friday: Beyond myself

2011-10-21T05:50:00.001-05:00

This will be the first link up with Gypsy Momma for her five minute link up! So, as i start the time, sit back and just allow the Holy Spirit to do His thang with you too!

Word: Beyond
Start time: 5:45am

This morning, I realize I have to live beyond myself to be truly happy! Happiness doesn't come within anything within ourself, it comes from allowing God to be the God he intends to be within us. There have been many times in my life, as I have matured where I would break down in tears because I would realize the harder I tried at something, the more difficult it became and the less it was turning out like I wanted. There wsa no peace. There was no joy. There was nothing that is promised if we live under the guiding hand of the Lord Almighty.

Living beyond myself doesn't mean that I don't do what I feel I should. For example, I don't NOT clean the house, because well.. it would never get done. :) BUT, I also realize that living beyond ME ~ means that when I am in the middle of something and I am needed by a child or my husband I have to stop and see what is going on. Do they do the same for me? Well, as I am living beyond me, yes. It becomes a more natural thing in our day to day existence and there is so much more peace in our home. More joy. More comprehension of this thing called life.

Living beyond myself has opened up new doors for me to embrace all that God has for me. Is it the same for you as me? No, probably not. BUT.... that is the beauty of the whole thing! There can't be comparrisons because well.... one life truly does NOT compare well with another! Living beyond, has allowed me to live BIGGER, BETTER, and Beyond anything I could ever tried for myself.

Stop time: 5:50am

Thankful Thursdays: The Beginning

2011-10-20T07:01:00.000-05:00

I did arise in a moving spirit of Thankfulness today. Perhaps it's the season, the time of year we begin to be thanking God for many things. Thanksgiving is next month after all. But what usually happens AFTER Thanksgiving? We get wrapped up (literally) in the upcoming Christmas holiday, that we often forget to be thankful.

Reading One Thousand Gifts for me, has been life changing. I have to read this book slowly. Digesting it as I go. Savoring what the Holy Spirit is revealing to me about my own heart, ministry. Knowing that it is not always easy to walk in our day remaining thankful. This morning my mind goes to SCROOGE. To be specific the version with George C. Scott in it. Charles Dickens was a genius! Walking in a spirit of Thanksgiving can bring transformation not only in those every day moments, our perspective but in lives!

So, in my effort of transforming, and allowing my life of thankfulness to change lives around me, here goes the first ever Thankful Thursday!

1. Warm clothes on a cool morning.
2. The ability to change the temperature in my home with the flick of a switch.
3. Laughter of children.
4. Being able to sit and observe 16 three year olds, and embrace the way they communicate with one another enjoying every single sound.
5. The ability to express my heart in words ~ both written and spoken.
6. New friendships
7. My bible ~ the Word of the God Most High
8. morning coffee
9. Memories of childhood
10. Knowing my husband loves me unconditionally.

In HIS Word Wednesday:

2011-10-19T06:20:00.000-05:00

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NIV

Sounds easy right? Not always. Sometimes it seems that we do not even look to find delight in the Lord, but instead find delight in things of this world. Now, don't get me wrong. God gave us blessings that He wants us to delight in, but not because "we" could obtain them or created them ~ but instead because we delighted in HIM first!

What do you find delight in?

de·light (d-lt)n.
1. Great pleasure; joy.
2. Something that gives great pleasure or enjoyment.

As much as I love gadgets (both techie type and kitchen), I find that delight is found in simple things. Things like sitting out on the back porch just watching the birds fluttering around, or squirrels rounding up food for the winter. Listening to the laughter of children as they find delight in a ladybug crawling on their hand. The gentle rub of a kitten on your leg to show their appreciation for you. Those things.... cannot be bought! They are definitely gifts from God! We cannot BUY gifts from God, and yet they bring the most delight in our lives. It's time to take delight (finding great pleasure in) in the Lord! Not so that you will get what you "wish" for, but so that you can learn true peace, joy, and unconditional love.

Girl Talk Tuesday: Friendships

2011-10-18T06:17:00.000-05:00

Friendships

Girl Talk Tuesday is a new feature here on One Pretty Little Box, and well sometimes we girls just need to sit down and chat about those heart wrenching things. No offense to any of you guys out there, but girls need girls to chat with, to cry with, to laugh with. We love our men, yes we do, but there is a NEED within us to have some girl time.

I know, that being a working mother, wife, homemaker, finding time to nurture the friendships I have is difficult. It's hard. For the last few years though, I have been wanting to change that but haven't found a good groove in doing so. Most of my really close friends are in the same boat as I am. We find ourselves in this cycle of taking care of our families, working (a few of us), and simply trying to get a few hours to enjoy a hobby if we are lucky.

I do miss the freedom that I have to sit down with my girls, and just let out my concerns, worries, funny stories that they hadn't heard about the kids, recipes, and simply just being with like minded friends without worrying about offending with my words.

I am challenging myself , and YOU too, to reach out to some of your girls ~ the ones you can freely giggle with and cry with all in the same five minutes! Go out to lunch, for coffee, or even just sit around and enjoy one another's company.

Menu Plan Monday : October 17, 2011

2011-10-17T06:18:00.001-05:00

This week I am joining Laura at Organized Junkie for her Menu Plan Monday along with an array of some fabulous bloggers! The last few weeks I had been posting my menu on Saturday's, but this was one of those weeks i just simply didn't have the time or a full fridge! That problem is solved! If you are new to menu planning, or need a bit more inspiration ~ hop on over to check out this week's Menu Plan Monday post and see what's cooking around the blogosphere!
Monday
B: Crescent Dogs (leftovers from last night), Yogurt
D: Creamy Garlic Chicken & Broccoli with tricolor bow tie pasta*, fresh salad, Parker House Rolls

Tuesday
B: Cinnamon Rolls*
D: Oven BBQ'd Ribs, baked beans, potato salad*

Wednesday
B: Grilled Cheese
D: Beef Roast w/ carrots, potatoes, onions*, Brussel sprouts, Homemade bread

Thursday
B: Cold Cereal, Cinnamon Toast
D: Fried Chicken Tenders, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob

Friday
B: Granola Bars, yogurt
D: Cheeseburger panini's* w/ french fries

Saturday
B: Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon
L: Ramen Noodles, Grilled cheese
D: Fully loaded homemade subs, chips

Sunday
B: Breakfast Casserole
L: Fish, fries, coleslaw, hush puppies
D: Pick your own!

Recipes that I have or use are linked. * indicates new recipe coming to One Pretty Little Box.

Do you menu plan? What's on YOUR menu for the week?

Sunday's Special October 16, 2011

2011-10-16T10:19:00.001-05:00

It's an Autumn weekend and while a normal Saturday would bring a busy morning as of late, there was not a volleyball game yesterday. (Only two more Saturdays until VB season for us is complete.) But it's not an ordinary weekend pre-volleyball season either. This particular weekend, hold some importance.

Photo Courtesy of my friend KW.

I am once again taking care of my Mother in Love for the weekend, so my husband's sister and her husband can spend time celebrating their anniversary. The same feelings arose within me, as when I shared about it before here on the blog. (That really is a good read....hint hint)

What an honor, and a joy to know that I am so privileged to be trusted with someone so special. I have to say that this particular visit has been the BEST of them all. I think with each visit, I see the changes in her - sometimes good, some disturbing, and simply begin to appreciate life for what it is. A gift.

And as I sit here preparing to go home, it is so easy to get caught up in our every day moments that we forget special ones just like this. Perhaps that is why I enjoy blogging so much. It seems to capture the moments of NOW in a way that I can remember it long afterwards.

This Sunday is no ordinary Sunday, and it makes me realize EVERY Sunday is a gift. I live in a country where I can openly worship God not only on Sundays but every single moment of my day. Sunday's bring a time of family wellness in our home, a time where we can simply just be. Sunday's bring a time of renewal to our bodies, our Spirits, our entire beings. Sundays are worth more than we treat them as. This Sunday however, I did miss worship, as I am still here ~ taking care of my mother in love. In my own way.... I am still worshiping, and seeking the face of God in these treasured NOW moments. Even as I plan our menu, go to the grocery store, I will embrace this gift. As the chili simmers on the stove, and the crescent dogs bake in the oven for dinner, I WILL embrace the moment of now!

A blogger that I have read for a while now does a "Sensational Sunday" where she documents how she makes Sunday's sensational ~ even these moments of life some call humdrum but we are learning to experience them as gifts. Our Sunday's would never match because my children and I go to church pretty much every Sunday, where her family starts Sunday with laundry sorting/folding/etc. I would love to do this as well, and possibly include a few "regular" posts that you can all expect from me on a weekly basis. It's been a while, but I am ready to stop separating my life as it was, and enjoy it as it is. Ha! That sentence probably made no sense to anyone but me.

Here is the schedule I am thinking:

1. Monday ~ Menu plan Monday Link Up
2. Tuesday ~ Girl Talk Tuesday
3. Wednesday ~ In HIS Word Wednesday
4. Thursday ~ Thankful Thursdays
5. Friday ~ Five Minute Friday Link Up
6. Saturday ~ The Secrets of Home Saturday
7. Sunday ~ Sunday's Special
While this is something I have been longing to do for a while, and it will take some commitment on my part, please pray that God will bless me with the right words and time for sharing His goodness each of my days on the blog here!

The spirit of Joy abounds

2011-10-11T06:22:00.000-05:00

The Spirit of joy abounds deep within and it is sometimes choked before it finds it's way to freedom outside of my heart. How many times do we sit and choke out the joy with pride or bitterness before it can even flutter up enough to allow our hearts to mend and heal?

I have had this urge deep within to make me a list of things that bring me joy, and concentrate on them for this week. Now, this isn't a 'gratitude" list, but actual things I do in my day to day life that brings me true joy.

Definition of JOY
1a : the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight b : the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety
2: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss
3: a source or cause of delight

There are things that WE can do to harbour this emotion, state of happiness, and enjoy the source of delight! God brings this feeling upon us, when we truly are in His will, and allowing Him to lead. In other words, if you live a life under the direction of God, soon you will begin to feel this feeling of joy when you are doing some of your everyday, or even once a year things. I wanted to make my list, and felt an urgency to do so and to share. Not to share what brings me joy ~ but to share in a way that encourages you to find what brings you joy.

1. A fresh bed : There is NOTHING more enjoyable after a long day to crawl into freshly laundered bedding! The sweet smell, the cool feel. Love it! I usually do bedding once a week, and have even considered changing bedding twice a week, just for this simple pleasure!

2. Cooking and Baking: Preparing a meal, or special treat for my family brings me joy. The ability that God has given us to follow simple directions, is amazing. The smile on their faces, the simple "Mom your the best cook! Even better then Saltgrass (our favorite family restaurant)!". The only times I seem to not enjoy cooking/baking, is when I am focused on myself ~ and feeling the opposite of joy.
3. Sitting with a warm cup of something, and reading God's word! There are times I may come away from this perplexed and a bit confused (simply because I want more details then is sometimes offered), but there is nothing to awaken your spirit of joy then to spend some quality quiet time with God.

4. Prayer. Prayer for me brings this spirit of joy that cannot be replaced by anything else. It is pure communication with God, and often times, I walk away a new being. A simple mind.

5. Reading: I love to read. Nonfiction, fiction (christian fiction please), poetry, etc.

6. Exercising: Not excessively, but enough to get my blood pumping, and some strength building going. I do not exercise everyday, and to be honest, yesterday was the first day that I did in weeks. It felt good! I am truly a believer that God created our bodies to move, that's why our knees bend, and our hearts have the ability to speed up and slow back down.

I am sure this list can go on and on. An empty laundry basket brings me joy, because it means my family has clean clothes and I have been productive. The smiles and giggles in my classroom that is wrapped around the amazement of what a three year old is capable of learning is amazing! THAT brings me joy!

Today, my focus is on nothing else but JOY!

Feeding the Tribe 10/8 - 10/14

2011-10-08T06:49:00.001-05:00

I love planning our eats on a morning where I can sit and enjoy my coffee with a bit more time before the rushing begins. Autumn sure brings busy mornings even on Saturday, but it is all good. We have just a few more weeks of Volleyball, then our Saturday's will begin to slow down some ~ just in time to get prepared for Thanksgiving and then Christmas. Love it!

Saturday
B: Waffles, eggs, Bacon
L: ~ Birthday Party @ Go Cart Track~
D: Grilled Cheese & Soup
Dessert: Ice Cream

Sunday
B: Kolaches
L: Veggie Platter, summer sausage, cheese, crackers, pickles (Football Frenzy Platter)
D: Cherokee Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Salad
Dessert: Lemon Sunrise Cake

Monday (*Holiday from School)
B: Granola Bars/ Poptarts
L: maybe Lunch w/ mimi
D: Snitzel, Fully Loaded Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli
Dessert: Lemon Sunrise Cake

Tuesday
B: Chocolate Chip Muffins
D: Beef Stew & Cornbread
Dessert: Lemon Sunrise Cake

Wednesday
B: Pumpkin Bread
D: Creamy chicken over rice, green beans, homemade bread
Dessert: Ice Cream Cone on way home from Church

Thursday
B: Cold Cereal & Toast
D: Beef Enchiladas, Rice, Beans
Dessert: Fall Snack Cake

Friday
B: Breakfast Tacos
D: Cheeseburger Panini's and fries
Dessert: Pop Corn

Looks to be an interesting array of flavors! What's cookin in your house this week?

Joy in all things

2011-10-08T06:27:00.000-05:00

It's been over a week since I picked up my E-Reader with my copy of One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. It is sometimes harder to find the joy in the every day moments if we are NOT looking for them.

This has been a good and busy week this week, and this weekend lends to show of some good family time albeit some of it will be busy as well. This morning is the girl's volleyball game, then off to find a gift for a friend's son, then to a birthday party for said child at the local go cart track. It is sure to be a fun filled day.

Joy is in the moment of now. Joy is in the times we take and embrace for what they are, not what they should be or could be.

As each week passes, I can feel my life changing before my very eyes. I am seeing the value in relationships, the real ones, and realize how important they are. I am also seeing the wickedness around me in this world, being brought to light ~ the gossip, slander, and wagging of the tongue even in it's secret hiding place thinking that no body can hear yet it is written over the faces of the guilty. It is this darkness that makes me run, to the safety of my own little cottage here in town, and be thankful that I indeed am a child of the God most High! It's in moments like those that I begin to cry out to God, to show me the joy in the midst of darkness, help me bring a light to it, and season it with His flavorful salt. It's in those hidden conversations that no one thinks anyone can hear, that try to tear down walls that many of spent hard years working and laboring to build ~ to be gone in an instant because of a mighty fire of disgust. It's in those hidden conversations that the unchosen's characters are brought to the table of sacrifice ~ to be picked apart and shattered. Help me God to see the joy in this!

I have experienced an abundance of joy in my classroom ~ the one little nook where Joy abounds and smiles melt the darkness away. Hugs squeeze out any self doubt and squeezes in the Love of the Father. That is why I do what I do, and I do it with Joy. As I look into each of their faces and wonder what becomes of them when they leave the presence of our room ~ I almost choke on my own tears. Thankful to be in their lives even if just one moment. Just one moment to share His joy with them ~ to get them to see His kindness and mercy in all things.

I know that I said I would be blogging more, and indeed I will. We are getting back into a good daytime routine again, and my evenings are completely void of anything with a light and a keyboard!

Loving the moment

2011-10-04T06:43:00.000-05:00

It is amazing to me how stunned some of my acquaintences were when I took a day off to spend with my husband. It was a great reminder, that it is easy to judge someone without knowing the circumstances behind which makes them act a certain way. Yes I am a teacher, and I called for a sub on a day in which no one was sick in my home. I called for a sub, so I could stay home. I called for a sub, because my husband is important to me.

Little did they know that he just came off a night shift that lasted from the day after Memorial Day until this past Saturday night. When he came home Sunday he was overjoyed and so was I. By Sunday afternoon we were talking and I made the statement that I would like to take the day off so that we can be together. He looked a bit shocked that I would even desire that let alone encourage it. He agreed it would be a good thing, so the motions got started.

Putting my husband into the place of priority where he belongs is just one way that our marriage has withstood hard and difficult times. I love our children, but they do not complete me. Don't get me wrong, each one of them have a piece of my heart but they were not created to complete me. They were a gift (and a responsibility) of God to my husband and I. My husband however, does complete me. He was created just for me, and our relationship is ever more important then any physical relationship on this earth. Yes God completes me ~ but just as when creating Adam he said it is not good for man to be a lone, and created Eve, God too created Hubby and I for one another.

That little bit of time, we did not do anything really special, but the specialness was that we were alone, together. The specialness we know is that it doesn't happen often, so we try to grab it when we can. We went to Academy and then spent the rest of the day at home. It was the MOST PRECIOUS time we've had in months ~ literally. So yes, I had a day off with no other intent then to be with my husband. It was nice! It was a recharge we both needed! God is so good to provide the little things we need like this.

I am WAY behind on my 31 days of.... posts. They are coming!

Serving my Family: Menu Plan 10/1-10/7

2011-10-01T15:16:00.000-05:00

It's definately beginning to feel like Autumn here! Finally we are away from the 90 degree temps! I have spent time with our Autumn decorations putting a few touches in our living area to enjoy the next few weeks, and this menu will reflect many of our Autumn favorites!

Saturday
B: Breakfast Casserole (w/ sausage, bacon, egg, and cheese)
L: Fix your own
D: Sloppy Joes (VB Girl's choice) & Chips
Dessert: Pumpkin Bars w. Cream Cheese Icing

Sunday
B: Donuts
L: Fish Sticks, carrots/celery w/ ranch dip
D: Grilled steaks, sauted mushrooms, fries, Salad, Parker House Rolls
Dessert: Pumpkin Bars w. Cream Cheese Icing

Monday
B: Scrambled eggs and Toast
D: Roasted Chicken legs, Twiced Baked Potatoes, Salad
Dessert: Pumpkin Bars w. Cream Cheese Icing

Tuesday
B: Waffles
D: Chicken Fried Venison, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, biscuits, gravy
Dessert: Pumpkin Bars w. Cream Cheese Icing

Wednesday
B:Sausage biscuits
D: Chicken fajitas, Chili con queso
Dessert: Brownies

Thursday
B: Pancakes
D: Salsbury steaks, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, biscuits
Dessert: Brownies

Friday
B: Cereal & toast
D: *Take out*
Dessert: Brownies

The gift within.... it's just beginning!

2011-09-24T19:16:00.000-05:00

I have been reading Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts this past week, and I can say that the Lord is using it to help transform me. I am encouraged to look for the gifts of each day, that were indeed hand made for me by our loving God Almighty. My whole perspective is beginning to change on how I live ~ how I accept this thing called life.

Today I ran across these words and I had to stop ~ because I knew I wanted to share my thoughts on this very thought shared by Mrs. Voskamp.

"God is not in need of magnifying by us so small, but the reverse. It's our lives that are little and we have falsely inflated self, and in thanks we decrease and the world returns right. I say thanks and I swell with Him, and I swell the world and He stirs me, joy all afoot."

"This act of naming grace moments, this list of God's gifts, moves beyond the shopping list variety of prayer and into the other side. The other side of prayer, the interior of His throne room, the inner walls of his powerful, love-beating heart. This list is God's list, the pulse of His love - the love that thrums on the other side of our prayers."

When I sit down and really consider the things that brought gratitude to my entire being this week I realized an amazing thing. With true thanksgiving, gratitude, there comes a pure joy. A joy that can't be taken away. A joy that draws me closer to God, and willing to look at each moment of my day as a gift, and a way that He is leading me into intimacy with Him. God is truly a personal God, and by embracing these "gifts" each moment, I am seeing Him in ways I never did before. I see the beauty, the care He put into the simple thing such as grass, and the way leaves begin to drop and whither as their time on this earth comes to an end. I see how little things mean more to me then anything of monetary value could. My life begins to have more meaning.

With each gift I recognize, I begin to see that this thing called life is so beautiful. There is so much more to living it and embracing it then simply sitting back wishing for "it" to happen. I am, day by day, finding more satisfaction in this life God has given me, taking time for things that bring me joy ~ rather then spending so much time online "searching" for more. Day by day as I read more into Ann's book, and allowing myself to be opened up ~ to simply embrace each moment for what it is (A GIFT), I have no desire to be so involved in things that are not life giving.

Before reading this book, I was looking for more. I was wanting MORE. Now? I see how blessed I am. I see the joy that just permeates this house ~ my inner being because I am so blessed. I am finding joy in cleaning my home, taking care of the every day things,and for once NOT finding it to be monotonous. I am finding joy in the dishpan! Finding joy in a sink full of breakfast dishes!

As we are ending one week, and getting ready to embrace a new one, I am so full of joy that I could almost burst. I see new beginnings coming! A shift change for my husband is coming very soon, and I am ever thankful. I am losing the grip on my facebook habit! After taking a couple weeks off of my run training, I am ready to begin it again ~ and build strength in this body for what I face each day. I am ready! For whatever comes next. For once! For once, I am okay with opening myself up to whatever God has for me ~ with no expectations!

With Deep Gratitude,

Coming soon for October: "31 days of Living with No Expectations!"

Saturday's Slow Down & Menu plan!

2011-09-24T06:35:00.001-05:00

It being Saturday, I thought I would sleep in. The Lord, however, had other plans! But, when I realized at 4:30 am that I indeed had some energy ~ more then i expected, I realized let's get this show on the road! Just like someone who is wise, let's get to the nitty gritty first.

“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36 NASB

Amazing! Many Christians think that having confidence should be a "sin" of self focus, but there it is. Written ~ the breathed word of God wrapped up there in Hebrews! Confidence in your faith, doing what is right, and watching and waiting for His lead, will assure you that your confidence will stay within the Lord, rather then yourself. Having confidence in yourself is not what God is speaking of here. He is wanting you to go forth with confidence in your CHOICE to follow HIM.. for that in itself is a GREAT reward!!

The next line of business for me on a Saturday, is to sit and enjoy my coffee! YUM! Then it's time to ponder the day ahead. There are some things that I need to accomplish today, before I can relax and allow this body to rest and recover, and be rejuvenated for the week ahead.

Menu for the week ahead:

Saturday:
B: Grab your own! (Mom's off day)
L: Me ~ leftover enchiladas and beans, C ~ Ramen noodles (his choice)
D: BLT's, Fries
Dessert: Scarecrow Mix

Sunday
B: Chicken Biscuits
L: Freezer goodies, chips, fruit
D: Stroganoff meatballs over egg noodles, Garden Salad, Garlic Bread
Dessert: Chocolate Cake w/ Chocolate Icing

Monday
B: Eggs, Toast
D: Chicken, Bacon, Ranch Subs, Chips
Dessert: Chocolate Cake w/ Chocolate Icing/ Ice Cream

Tuesday
B: Waffles, sausage
D: Cheeseburger casserole, Fresh Bread, Steamed broccoli
Dessert: Chocolate Cake w/ Chocolate Icing /Ice Cream

Wednesday
B: Chocolate Chip Muffins
D: Chicken Noodle Soup w/ Saltines
Dessert: Cookies and milk

Thursday
B: Granola Bars and Yogurt
D: Build your own Fajitas
Dessert: Brownies

Friday
B: Breakfast Sammies
D: Pizza Dunkers
Dessert: Brownies

Things I must get done today:
Quick deep clean of the house
2 loads of laundry
Grocery shop

Today is going to be a double post kind of day! :) So, for now ~ enjoy your Saturday!

A Sink full of dishes for breakfast!

2011-09-21T19:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday evening, as I was spending a few moments online, I began to look for a recipe to use up some apples. I didn't want an apple pie, or anything desserty. I needed a new breakfast recipe. From the time I can remember, I just don't have a "healthy relationship" with breakfast. I don't know why, but as a home maker that is the meal that I struggle with making the most. I found what I was looking for, but after reading several reviews on a few recipes new I would need to take a basic recipe, and tweak it. The result? A fabulous start to the day, and a sink full of dishes for breakfast!

Apple Cinnamon Strudel Muffins

Ingredients
2 Cups Flour
2 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp Baking Soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup melted butter
1 Cup Sugar
2 eggs
1 1/4 tsp Vanilla
4 small apples peeled, cored and grated
1/8 cup of sugar
2 tsp Cinnamon
1 TBS Pumpkin Pie Spice

Topping1/2 cup brown sugar
1 TBS Flour
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 TBS cold butter
Directions
Preheat oven to 375* Peel, core, and shred four apples. Place in small bowl and sprinkle 1/8 cup of sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon on top. Toss apples and sugar mixture then set aside. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice and mix well to combine ingredients. In a large bowl combine sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until well mixed. Add apples (and all the juices in the bowl) and mix well. Add flour, and mix until combined. This will be a good and hearty batter. It will not be runny, but you will NOT need to add any liquid. Line a 12 cup muffin pan with liners or spray well with Pam. Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, place in a full 1/4 cup into each muffin tin until 3/4 to almost full.

In a small bowl combine topping ingredients with a fork until well combined (and crumbly). Top each muffin with some of the topping.

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until done in the center.

The end result?! They were well received by all! I had a few left over that I took to the director of the preschool and my co teacher. They both loved them as well. This is a hearty muffin, and very filling. It is definitely a good way to get some fiber in, and a tasty way to get your apple a day!

At the end of mixing these up, and placing them in the oven, I turned around and looked. I had a sink full of dishes for breakfast! While some may look at those as a burden, I did not. See, too often there aren't ANY dishes for breakfast but instead a granola wrapper, fruit peelings, or yogurt containers. I spent a good part of my morning in the kitchen, and while I normally would have been grumpy about that ~ I felt it was a blessing for me instead. I just knew those muffins would be well received by my children. I finally felt like I had started their morning off in a way that truly showed them they are a blessing to me and not a burden. I found joy in doing a sink full of dishes for breakfast! I found joy and a fulfilling meal ~ out of serving my family and not myself.

A tasty week ahead

2011-09-17T15:32:00.001-05:00

I used to participate in Menu Plan Monday, but to be completely honest, come Monday I already have my menu plan up, and know what I will be preparing for the week. I am past that planning stage, and just need to just share the plan as I create it rather then wait to share it on a day some big bloggie marathon is going on. (But... if you like to peruse what is being cooked in other people's kitchens, check out Laura's blog http://www.orgjunkie.org/ on Monday's for her Menu Plan Monday.

This is the first week of Autumn (well.. it starts on the 23rd, but we'll just say this is the first week!), and I plan on cooking a few meals that I haven't been cooking throughout the Summer heat. Now, don't get me wrong - we are still having pretty warm temps going on here in Texas. Anyway, here is what's on our cooking agenda this week!

Saturday
B: Bacon, eggs, toast
L:. Slide shots, chips
D: Macaroni & Cheese w/ ham casserole, fresh homemade bread
Dessert: Ice Cream

Sunday
B: Cinnamon Coffee Cake (My kids know this as "breakfast cake" cause they don't drink Coffee ha!)
L: Leftover casserole
D: Chicken n Dumplings
Dessert: Cookies and Milk

Monday
B: Pancakes, Eggs
D: Salisbury Steak, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, biscuits

Tuesday
B: Cereal and Toast
D: Pinto Beans, Rice, Sausage, Cornbread

Wednesday
B: Granola Bars & Milk
D: Breaded chicken, egg noodles w/ marinara, garlic bread sticks

Thursday
B: Pumpkin Bread
D: Beef Enchiladas, Rice, Re fried beans

Friday
B: Biscuits and Gravy
D: Chicken noodle soup, Grilled Cheese

I am getting in my regular Autumn preparatory mood ~ where I am ready to decorate with the pumpkins, scarecrows, fall swags, and all that jazz! Also, going to make some Scarecrow mix! Be expecting more posts from me this week.. as I am finding myself in a new place of ... I don't know, finding myself and liking what I am finding! Until then, be blessed and be a blessing!

Menu Plan Monday 9/5- 9/11

2011-09-05T09:20:00.001-05:00

It's September and for once it feels like the month we are in! :) Any temps away from 100 are feeling amazing right now, and today our high will be 88! :) IT does warm up through the week back into the lower and mid 90's but I'll take it. Having Monday off for Labor Day, I thought I would pick back up my menu planning for the week at hand, and share along with some other fabulous homemakers at Laura's blog Organized Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

Monday
B: Biscuits, gravy, sausage, and scrambled eggs
L: ~ out ~
D: Oven BBQ'd chicken legs, baked beans, pasta salad
Dessert: Cheesecake w/ chocolate crust & Caramel sauce

Tuesday
B: Pancakes
D: Schnitzel, twice baked potaotes, steamed broccoli
Dessert: Either Cheesecake, or Ice cream

Wednesday
B: Grab n go
D: Grilled steak, Steak fries, Salad
Dessert: Cookies and milk

Thursday
B: Grab n Go
D: Meat n gravy over rice, green beans
Dessert: Pudding

Friday
B: Cinnamon Rolls
D: Pizza Dunkers
Dessert: Homemade Ice cream Sandwhiches

Saturday
B: Waffles, scrambled eggs
L: Sammies & Chips
D: Roasted Chicken, mac n cheese, steamed broccoli
Desssert: Spice Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

Sunday
B: Kolaches
L: Veggie tray w/ ham roll ups and dip
D: Sloppy Joes, fries (Hey! IT's football season!)
Dessert: Spice Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting

The last breaths of Summer

2011-08-05T11:28:00.002-05:00

I sit here inside my air conditioned house in the office (what I like to call the little nook and cranny of the living room where the computer is located), and I hear it. I feel it. The last few breaths of Summer. In fact, I was noticing how I can hear the lullaby of the locusts outside, despite the TV on, and fans on high. They seem to be shouting lately, beckoning for us to embrace these last few moments of summer. The last few days of freedom within our schedules. The last drops of excessive heat before changes decides to blow in.

Now, don't get me wrong. It is HOT out there and l have lived here on the Gulf Coast of Texas for the greater part of my life. I know we have a lot more HOT days to come, before Autumn settles in nicely. But, it would be so nice even to have our highs just be in the upper 80's! (Come on September!)

The song of the locusts is a beautiful thing to me. And when I hear it knowing that soon the days are going to be so busy that I may not notice their greeting in the morning, it is that much more easier to hold onto it. To embrace it. To listen for it. And it motivates me, to make sure that I take time during our busyness to make sure that I embrace moments like these, even when other things are screaming for my attention.

I am ready. Ready to walk in that classroom and make a difference. I am ready. Ready to embrace the giggles, the mess, and yes, even the hard moments of consistency. I am ready to embrace the newness of a new school year, a remodeled school, the impending new season. I am ready to tackle those "I wish I would have..." things that linger in my mind and get tangled up in self doubt.

I feel complete again. From the inside out. From the outside in even. I feel whole. I have found an exciting new fitness passion, and am finding complete balance in this crazy thing called life. But yet, in some weird way, I want to hold on to this very moment and not let go. I am not sure what tomorrow holds, and in some overprotective way, I want to protect this moment of now. To hold it, embrace it, and let it know how much I love it. How I adore the little things "now" brings within it. The moments that will fade as time goes forward.

As someone who used to always look for tomorrow, and have a plan for it, today is so much more then tomorrow can be. Today holds within it the "wow" factor. At the end of the day, I can look back upon it and see how it changed me, molded me into who I am. Tomorrow can't do that. Yesterday, even isn't anything like today is. Today holds more in the palm of it's hand then yesterday could only dream of.

Embrace the moment of now! Listen to the locusts outside, and enjoy the warmth of the heat upon your skin. This moment won't last forever.

Silence brings Renewal

2011-08-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

I am so honored and blessed this morning. Amazing how when we go through cycles in our lives, and we end up back in the same spot we began and yet things feel new and refreshed It's like the whole process was purposefully planned to make me come back to square one with a new attitude, and fresh vision. Surely, I am not alone in this!

When I began sharing on Sunday about Silence I did not realize what the next two days would hold. It held rejection, frustration, sadness, but yet it also held a renewed heart to live my life as God is calling me to, not as he may be calling others to. And it held some deep healing within my heart that needed to be. I have held in some feelings for far too long, and it's time to move forward find healing and hope, and embrace every moment.

Before I was even two, my parents divorced. I do not remember but a handful of times being with my father and step mother. Growing up I always wondered what was wrong with me, and why didn't my Dad want anything to do with me. Why didn't he fight to see me, or in the least come see me on my birthday. I then got angry and brushed it off. He had my sister and in my heart I guess I figured he liked her better. What else would a kid think?

The problem is even as an adult I have continued to walk in that doubt, feeling as if I am not good enough. I mean if your not good enough for your own dad to see you ~ what are you good for? Now, don't you dare feel sorry for me. Mom remarried and my step dad filled in that gap. He raised me and my brother as his own, and I love him deeply for that. Being the youngest, and realizing that your parents decided to divorce when you were just a baby, really can bring on some self doubt and hurt feelings. Especially when the enemy uses that against you and makes you believe a lie At once I even felt like maybe I was born as a last ditch effort to keep their marriage alive. I don't think that now. I know God created me for a purpose in this life, and I was NOT an accident.

I am in the process of allowing God to heal that hurt, that gap, and making an effort with my father to let him know that I understand how hard it must have been to see another man raise his kids. (Even though both of my parents remarried.) I understand that it was just easier to stay away from the "momma drama", then to fight it. And as much as it hurt, I forgive him and know that he did not forget me on my birthday and Christmas. I want my father and step mother in my kid's lives. I want to hear his side, and to know what it was like when he was growing up.

Who knew when I was brought into Silence, that this would bring me healing. I know deep in my heart my dad loves me. I know I am a lucky girl to have 2 dad's and 2 moms.

Yesterday was a hard day physically (you ladies will understand). But as it was, I still moved forward and found something pretty interesting. I don't have to be perfect. I don't even have to be semi perfect. I just have to be me. I don't have to be like you ~ nor can I expect to be. I also can't expect you to be like me, and while that seems harder I am relieved! I have some great qualities that God has put within me. Qualities that only come to life when HE is leading me. Qualities that are unique and special, and ones I was purposely designed for.

I was reading in 10 Lessons from a former fat girl by Amy Parham, and that is where I was led to forgiveness. Forgiveness of myself, of lost relationships, of mistakes , of many things. That is also where I began to be shown that I am someone pretty special in God's eyes, and He created me with purpose! He created me with a vision of the only way anyone could glorify Him ~ as we all have something special that not everyone has. In other words, He created me in a unique way that if I lived my life filling the purpose He designed I would glorify Him in a way that you can't. THAT is amazing! I was encouraged to begin to make a list of things that I am naturally good at. (I still need to do that.). I woke up renewed in that promise today, that I was fearfully and wonderfully made! (I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14)

Just as we are unique in the way God created us, there are some things that are very alike. We all have hunger pangs. These are a signal to eat. We all have signs of thirst. These are a sign to drink. We all get weary. These are a sign to rest. We all get a nudge every day to embrace the quiet moments of God ~ these are a sign to get on our knees and begin to praise Him! While we are alike in so many ways, it is time to accept and embrace our differences too! I finally feel that it is okay to be different. It's okay if I don't want to gossip at work. It's okay, if I would rather drive the speed limit instead of get there first. It's okay if I let my children eat ice cream for breakfast to celebrate a job well done!

I am leaving this post on a lighter note, compared to the last post. Today is a fun in the sun day, and one that had actually started with me being creative in the school prep for the classroom. I already declare today a GREAT day!

Silence

2011-07-31T19:32:00.000-05:00

Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about; See for yourself whether I've done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life. Psalm 139:23-24 (Message)

God has been giving me these one word wonders lately. For a while it was joy ~ and I have to say my life filled with LOTS of joy around that same time. I am still able to embrace joy like never before.

Here lately it is Silence. (Go ahead and click on that word for precious jewel of what God means by silence) In a way, God has been calling me to a place of Silence. One I fight every moment with all that I am because I am a "great communicator". In reality, I am a great talker. I am slowly learning to listen. As a teacher, I know the mouth and the ears do not work well at the same time. One has to stop, for it to be the best of the situation. Too many times I want to talk through a situation, to "get it out", yet not yielding to hear what the Lord is trying to SAY through that situation. When someone is rendered speechless, it is often because they are not usually quiet enough to hear what took them by surprise enough. It's there. Every day.

Silence.

I feel a pull... to be more silent. To allow silence to surround me, in order to get down on my face before the throne. See, it's not enough to just get down to my knees ~ I am past that point. I need to be on my face, in His presence, and that doesn't happen without silence. It can't! Without silence, how would anyone know they are welcome!

When I say I am a good communicator ~ what I basically mean is I have a gift of the gab. And it's down right annoying me lately. I can't even find silence when it is just me sometimes, and that is downright wrong. I truly feel God pulling me into a place of Silence. A place where the only spoken word should be minimal, meek, and humbling ~ not to others, but to myself

Just recently my deepest desire began to want to run to the Father with my hurts, pains, confessions, yet I find myself turning to people ~ who truly have no part of the situation but have a listening ear. While I do believe God gave us each other for fellowship, friendship, and the like I also believe He never intends us to run to one another before we run to Him.

Silence.

Selah (rest)

Silence (noun) (definition found here)1. The condition or quality of being or keeping still and silent.

2. The absence of sound; stillness.
3. A period of time without speech or noise.
4. Refusal or failure to speak out.

I feel a period of Silence coming. One that I am honestly crying about, but out of obedience I have no other choice but to just do it. I feel it within my spirit that I need to Silence myself in a way that is described as "a period of time without speech or noise". It is very hard, but that means walking away from some habits ~ chatting on facebook about every little detail of my life, running to some friends before God, sharing some intimate moments between God and I that maybe were just meant for He and I. He wants me to be silent, so that He can dwell, and be silent in me.

In the Silence ~ Jason Upton
In the silence you are speaking.
In the quiet I can feel the fire
and it's burning burning deeply
Burning all that it is that You desire
to be silent in me.

My soul is screaming out ~ not to be heard, but to be quiet!

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV

So, where do I go from here? I wait. I silence myself, and I wait. As long as it takes.

What matters most

2011-07-23T06:21:00.000-05:00

I am amazed by the beauty of life that God has put before me. LIFE!! Purpose! And an amazing responsibility to embrace those things. Too often I rush around doing my own thang (yes, I know "thang" is not a real word - haha!) and expect God to bless my efforts. *Sigh* I know I am not alone in that part of the journey. Sometimes we put so much effort into getting things right and perfect that we miss the process of what we are doing. I am learning it is in the process itself where God teaches me what I needed to learn from the situation. The process! How many times do we just do something to get to the end of it so we can move onto something else?

The process. The attitude in which we begin working in the process says a lot about our character and unfortunately our pride. What I am learning is pride has no place in walking in obedience to the Lord. A prideful attitude is an open window to sin. (OUCH!) The motive that I begin working in the process says a lot about my heart, and what I really want from it. Am I going through this process to just the prize at the end, or am I proceeding through to learn what God has planned for me to learn? (Double OUCH)

What matters most in what I am personally learning right now? That God is the creator of all things good, and I am one of those! So are you! There are lessons to be learned everyday, from each thing that I am to tackle for the day. From cleaning the living room, washing clothes, cooking meals, sitting being quiet while reading scripture, embracing the giggles from the kids, and simply living an unselfish life.

57 May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us nor forsake us. 58 May he turn our hearts to him, to walk in obedience to him and keep the commands, decrees and laws he gave our ancestors. 59 And may these words of mine, which I have prayed before the LORD, be near to the LORD our God day and night, that he may uphold the cause of his servant and the cause of his people Israel according to each day’s need, 1 Kings 8:57-59 NIV

As you go through the process, may we always remember what matters most!

Was surprised by Scripture!

2011-07-16T19:26:00.000-05:00

Instructions for Christian Households

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers,[c] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

Colossians 3:18-25 NIV

I have read these words before, many times actually. But as I read them again yesterday something about the way it was written really stood out and was very profound for me and I don't think it is to be taken lightly. Because I truly believe that every word of the Bible is truth, and the way it was written is purposeful ~ not by accident!. So much so, that I can't hold it in I have to share!!

While the husband is the head of the house, and YES I do believe that, you would think that the scriptures would point out the duties of the husband first. But it wasn't. Look up there again! It starts with us wives submitting to our husbands. THEN on to the husband loving their wives and not being harsh. I believe it is like that for a reason. Well several actually but our husbands cannot love us without being harsh if we do not submit to them and respect them. If we take on responsibilities that assume we do not trust our husband's judgement, or such we are not submitting to him. If we talk down to them, even in private with our closest friends, we are not submitting to them.

Looking up there it is so clear to me that one thing leads to another. If the wife submits to the husband, he then loves her without being harsh. If the wife submits to the husband, the husband loves his wife without being harsh, the children then will obey their parents. If the wife submits to the husband, the husband loves the wife, the children obey, then the husband will not discourage the children. Amazing right?! Just another piece of the puzzle I think to finding a Christ like home atmosphere without pulling all kinds of tricks out of the hat, or "manipulating" things to happen. If we would just dig in the Word, ask God to lead us to scriptures that will lead us to Holy living ~ we would be so much happier in our day to day lives!

Trusting in the Blessing

2011-07-02T14:19:00.000-05:00

The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.” Elisha replied to her, “How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?” “Your servant has nothing there at all,” she said, “except a small jar of olive oil.” Elisha said, “Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left.”

2 Kings 4:1-7

This morning as I was sitting here with my cup of coffee, I realized just how blessed I am. I also realized that the blessings are often hidden and we can't see them quite as clearly as we can the trials of life. The trials that knock us off our feet.

When a trial comes, it often comes in the form of a broken heart, a heart ache, destruction, or worse ... devestation. It's loud. It is unable to be ignored, and makes sure you won't ignore it.

When a blessing comes, often times it has been there a while before we even see it. It's often quiet, and doesn't yell for attention.

During every single trial, we have a choice. We can focus on the trial, disecting all the who's, where's, and how's or we canf ocus on looking for the blessings that are always there. We can learn to trust.

Trust. It is such a hard thing to walk in. Trusting someone, even God, with any part of our lives means that we are letting go of our own control. Trusting God with everything I am, is taking all I have to give up all that control. There comes a breaking point in our live that eventually we are brought to that leads to complete surrender. I personally said "I can't do this anymore!" I hit a wall. A brick wall. A wall that brought complete pain inside and out. I came to the end of my rope and realized I had not gone anywhere. By not giving God m y all, I ended up walking (sometimes even running) around in circles rather then going further in my journey.

It's time to follow God's lead in everything I do - from morning to night. This week I have learned how to follow God's lead in the little things, which in all honestly is much more difficult then following His lead in the big things. And I was tested in that following. Seeing it happen before me was actually exciting. It wasn't neccessarily easy because you know, I am thirty seven and I have been a control freak for a very long time. Giving up the control is the hardest thing I have ever done.

Just as ducks keep a "leader" I am allowing God Almighty to lead the way. It's a beautiful, and most peaceful thing that I have ever experienced. Knowing that God is in control, and I am not, allows me to let go and just be. By me just being .. well, me, it leaves me open to be all that God needs me to be for Him, for others, for this life.

There was a while where a few friendships seemed to have been pruned from my life. I didn't realize it, but it was needed. Not so I could feel alone - which I did often, too often. Why? Because I didn't learn to turn to Him. I would run to my friends with my problems, my fears, my secrets. I would run to them when I needed to vent, to cry, to have someone tell me they understand my thoughts, my fears. God asks us to trust Him - to go to Him first. Why? Because then our friends, husbands, family, can be all that He created them to be in our lives which is never the intent of being our life lines, our everythng. God is the one and only life line we should have. The relationships we build, are for just that. Relationshps.

God is now reserecting a few of my in real life relationships. (Not the online blessings, but true in my face kind of friends).These friendships that I thought were long gone, are now becoming fruitful again. One friend had moved away and I didn't realize it at the time, but totally devestated me. She called me yesterday to inform me she is moving back to town, just a few miles from my house in fact! We share a lot in common, including the church we attend, even our birthday! (Though I am a few years older then her.) Another friend and I have also been drawn back together by God's hands. She is going through a tough time,and my heart was softened and encouraged to serve her in whatever way He leads me to.

God is just so wonderful! How foolish to not trust Him with everything I am,, knowing that He will do no wrong in and through me. I surrender my everything to Him alone! My life, My love, My all!

A dry and thirsty land

2011-06-25T09:58:00.002-05:00

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1

Here in South East Texas (outside of Houston) we are in the middle of one of the worst droughts in years... like lots of years. I personally have not seen us go this long of time without rain. In fact the last day of measurable rain was January 24, 2011. Crazy huh? While many parts in the United States have flooding issues, I have been here just sitting praying for sprinkles.

We finally got some light rain on Tuesday, but some really good rain on Wednesday! What a gift. The whole area was so excited, you would think it was snowing or something. It has been dry, dusty, and just plain ol uncomfortable. Have you ever had 'seasons' in your own life that felt this way? Dry. Dead almost? Yeah, me too. Water brings forth life. Not having that "life" around me, was beginning to make me long for the good things I was missing out on. It's the same in our Christian walk. If we don't have the "life" that comes from Jesus, and God our creator then...... it's dry, dusty, dead.

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. Psalm 42:1

When life gets tough, it's hard sometimes to just "suck it up buttercup", and keep pressing forward. BUT, when you get to the point of deep longing, a thirst, you know that you can't go one more moment doing this alone. It's time my friend. Time to allow the storms of life to clear out, and allow God of the Universe to come in.

When we allow God to do His thing within us and simply embrace the process instead of fighting it, things begin to turn around. We find Hope! We find that the thirst (or longing) we had can be quenched! We find that the things that were holding us back, were indeed just for a season, and it's time to find a new way through God to get through this thing called life! For when we let go, and let God, all things become beautiful! Relationships can be healed. Friendships can be fostered. Broken lives can be mended. Hurts can be forgiven. All through Him. Even in the drought, in the storms, or the everyday throws of life, I will choose to Praise HIM, for He is worthy!!

Thank you! I thank each of you who have taken time to read through this post. I pray for each of you to be touched in a new way today by God! I do want to say, while we got rain on Tuesday, and Wednesday we still need more! Please, if you find a moment in your day, pray for our dry and thirsty land to be quenched! Thank you so much!

P.S. These pictures were taken on Tuesday and Wednesday (and the park picture was taken last week). For some reason, I have found great comfort just looking up at the sky ~ taking a moment to appreciate what God had personally hand painted at that very moment for me to see. I couldn't help but share with you as well!

Another Sandwich Recipe

2011-06-23T18:53:00.000-05:00

Seems like, we have a hankering for some meaty delishoushness in the King household that requires being stuck between a sub bun! YUM! My husband found this recipe weeks ago in the newspaper, and with a few changes, this is definitely a keeper in our home! I wouldn't have made the changes, had the original soup called for (French Onion) been at my local HEB, but since it wasn't I allowed God to make a few changes, and I am glad that we did. This was perfect!! HERE is the original recipe, if you want to try it. Below is my own adaptions to the recipe, and this is going to go in regular rotation in our home!

Beef Dipper Subs

Ingredients

1 can Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup mix
2 TBS Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup water
1 pound package of Roast Beef Deli meat (Sliced)
4 slices of Provolone Cheese
4 Sub buns (I made 5 out of ours, because there were 5 of us)
Mild pickled banana pepper rings

Directions
In a sauce pan, mix together water, Worcestershire sauce and both soups until a full rolling boil (stirring to make sure it doesn't stick). Add in the slices of deli meat and allow to warm through on low. Pile the meat onto the buns, reserving most of the 'gravy' for dipping later. Break cheese slices in half and add to top of meat on each sandwich. (I doubled the cheese, cause well.. we like cheese!) Place in a 400* preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted, and tops of buns are toasted a bit. Remove, add pepper rings, and additional gravy (if desired) to the top. Enjoy!

The Weeding of the Garden

2011-06-17T11:13:00.000-05:00

So many changes come in the seasons of life. Each season brings forth it's own heart ache, and rejoicing. Each season bringing forth hope and renewal, even in the difficult times. Each season, having birthing pains of their own.

Here in South East Texas on the Gulf Coast we have seen the hottest and driest summer ever (well, many many years). The heat is hard enough, BUT with the dry air and lack of rain, things are struggling to find life. Our gardens are suffering. My poor garden has all but given up. I rejoice in this, because I am able to be inside where it is cooler then 100 degrees. Our air conditioner is struggling to find enough life to keep up ~ but it is doing the best it can in the current conditions. I can't expect more then what it is doing. We need rain. Desperately.

Even with the lack of rain, weeds can be found. Choking weeds. Weeds that do not need much to keep them alive, yet wanting and waiting to take over once your not looking. Weeds. They are despicable.

They can be deceiving. Very deceiving especially if your not looking for them. We planted some blackberry bushes knowing they are a 2 year plant ~ simply meaning that it will be 2 years before we see the fruit of that labor. Well, as we were watering, I saw what i thought were the beginnings of the blackberry plants, so I excitedly made sure to give them a drink as well. Days, weeks went by before I realized that what I was watering was indeed a weed. With my tender care, that weed became very strong and deeply embedded.

There are many times we have weeds of our own in our lives. We may spend time admiring their beauty not realizing the devastation that could come from the admiration and tender care we put into them. These weeds may appear to be loyal, loving, and down right beautiful. For weeks, we brag about the "new flowers" and their amazing "growth" to friends and passerby's never seeing the smirks and questions on their face. It isn't until other areas in our lives that become so choked and barely breathing that we realize we must tend to that garden a bit better. When researching, we realize that these beautiful things we have been spending so much time on, time with, energy on, are indeed weeds. Not flowers. Not fruitful beings. Weeds. Weeds can't stick around if we want to see our gardens grow. They must be removed. Yes, there are sprays and weed killers, but to truly remove a weed from your garden it must be dug out by the root. No real way around it.

In my own life, God has been doing some of his own weeding. I never realized how many unfruitful relationships I spent time on. I never realized how many things I did in my day, that too were like weeds ~ beautiful, but useless. I am open. The garden of my life will be beautiful ~ because God is the best gardener around! Do you have weeds that need to be removed? It's a painful process, but afterwards when you can actually get a full breath without worrying about having enough, is glorious!

2 for the price of 1 : Crock pot recipes

2011-06-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

Well, aren't you the lucky one! I have been in a creative and inspired mood in the kitchen looking for ways to create lovely meals for my family using anything but the oven! (Well, most of the time!) I did however, bake cookies last night, and now I remember how my Nanny and Paw Paw would cook their heavy stuff in the morning, and just reheat for dinner. So, next time I plan on baking something (which will be the brownies as part of Death By Chocolate for Father's Day.) I will do it early in the morning.

Now that's what I call cooking!

Anyway, for dinner tonight I decided to make a "sticky chicken" chicken legs, and steakhouse worthy Fan potatoes. Today we were going to a friends house to swim, and would not be home until close to four. It was nice, because all I had to do, was come home add cheese to the potatoes, and then ~~steam some broccoli~~ heat up some green beans (I was out voted!). With just a little prep the night before, this meal went together very quickly, and will become a family meal that we will eat more regularly especially during the busier times of our year (as when school starts).

Crockpot Sticky Chicken

Ingredients
A large package of chicken legs deskinned.
Spice rub (either your favorite or you can try mine)
A large crock pot
Foil

Directions
If your chicken is frozen, defrost the day before you plan on cooking this. If you did not remove the skin from the chicken before freezing, do so now. The night prior to cooking, rub down chicken with spice rub. (If you know that you are buying the chicken specifically for this recipe later in the week or month you can deskin, rub down the chicken with the rub, and freeze as is.) In the bottom of your crock pot, place balls of foil to allow a spot for drainage for any extra juices that may come out of your chicken. Do not worry about your chicken drying out, because in the crock pot the juices that drain off will steam/baste the chicken to keep it moist. Arrange chicken in crock pot on top of foil. It is okay if they overlap. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours.

Crock pot Steakhouse Fanned Potatoes

Ingredients
Potatoes (1 per person)
Butter
Garlic Salt
Foil
Crock pot

Directions
Rinse potatoes well. Cut slits into each potato (about 1/4 inch apart from one another) careful not to go all the way through. Cut down about 3/4 of the way. Slide butter into the slits (as well as you can) and rub tops with butter. Sprinkle garlic salt liberally. Wrap in foil. Bake on low 8 hours. Remove and immediately add shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Mrs Sheila's Spice Rub
2 TBS Garlic Powder
2 TBS Onion Powder
2 TBS Seasoned Salt
2 TBS Paprika
1TBS Black Pepper
1 TBS dried Thyme leaves crushed in palm
3 TBS Brown Sugar

Mix well until blended. You can rub down your poultry, pork or beef with this rub and allow it to marinate into the meat. Store in an air tight container.

Yes that is my plate ~ on a saucer! Perfect portion!

Do you have some favorite go to crock pot meals that help keep your kitchen cooler in the hot days of summer, or dinner come together easily on a busy school night?! I would love to see them!

Steak, Mushroom, and Pepper Subs

2011-06-13T20:04:00.002-05:00

Have I got a FABULOUS recipe for you! This is a new to me recipe, but oh my was it fantastic. There are many versions of this out on the web, but I took the idea and made it my own. This is a man pleasing sandwich, and even the pickiest of eaters enjoyed it. (Well, he didn't complain!)

Steak, mushroom & pepper Subs

Ingredient List
1 pound Round steak (I used about 1.23 pounds)
1/3 cup of your favorite bold marinade (You can see in the picture below which I used)
1 bell pepper cut into strips
1 yellow onion cut into strips
2 TBS Olive oil
Small can of sliced mushrooms
Sub buns

Toppings:

Shredded lettuce

Sliced tomatoes

Mayonnaise (Miracle whip)

Shredded mozzarella cheese ( or pepper jack would be tasty too)

Directions
Marinate meat for anywhere from 1 hour to 8 hours. The longer the better, but it works well with shorter times too. Slice veggies and place to side. Open can of mushrooms. When you are ready to cook this, place a cast iron (preferred) skillet on to heat on med/high until smokin hot! Add about 2 TBS Olive oil and dump meat with marinade into skillet. You should hear it sizzle. With tongs, toss meat around for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add veggies and entire can of mushrooms (juice and all). Allow to simmer on medium for about 15 to 20 minutes. It will appear to look very "juicy", but rest assured the juice will simmer out and create a fantastic gravy like deliciousness. All in all the cooking process takes about 20 to 30 minutes. When the liquid turns to a thick gravy, your done.

Pile meat mixture on a sub bun that has been spread with mayonnaise, top with cheese, followed by shredded lettuce and tomatoes. This was served in our home tonight with home fries.

STATS:
Budget friendly
Kid friendly
Man friendly ( ~ Smile ~ )

This would be fabulous to serve while watching a good ol Sunday afternoon game!

Menu Plan Monday 6/13/2011

2011-06-13T10:49:00.000-05:00

It feels so good to be home! I feel like now that the part of my summer that was going to require alot of my attention and taking me away from the comfort zone of home, is behind me we can move forward. This week I want include a lot of yummy delishes recipes (new and old), as well as more for breakfast then just cereal.

So, I decided I would begin to share my weekly menu's again after the renewed inspiration Mrs. Cheryl has given me, as well as having a plan in action so that we can go and enjoy some of this wonderful time of summer without coming home from an outing an wondering WHAT's for dinner!? Somedays in the summer feel just as busy as during the school year, but of course it has a different feel because the kids and I are not on a regimented schedule.

Monday *Errand/cleaning day*
B: Donuts (thanks to Dad!)
L: hot pockets
D: Steak & Mushroom Hoagies*, Home fries
Dessert: Ice Cream

Tuesday *Swimming day*
B: Bacon, eggs, toast
L: Hot dogs, chips
D: Crockpot sticky chicken legs*, Crockpot fan potatoes*, steamed broccoli
Dessert: Cookies and milk

Wednesday *Bowling day*
B: Waffles
L: Lunch out
D: BBQ Ribs (cooked in electric skillet)*, potato salad, baked beans
Dessert: Homemade Ice Cream Sammies

Thursday *Waterpark day*
B: Breakfast burritos
L: Pic nic @ local waterpark (Sandwhiches,chips, pickles, cookies, water)
D: Grilled hamburgers, Chips
Dessert: Cookies and milk

Friday *Rest day*
B:Cinnamon French toast, bacon
L: Corn dogs
D: Grilled chicken breasts, mac n cheese, green beans
Dessert: Graham crackers w/ peanut butter

Saturday
B: Cold cereal
L: Fully loaded sammies (lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, fancy sauce)
D: Sloppy Joes, Fries
Dessert: Popcorn*
Sunday *Father's Day*
B: Sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast casserole, fruit, milk
L: Grilled cheese and Ramen noodles (for the lunch eaters aka ~ kids)
D: Gumbo (for hubby), Pizza Bites# for kids and I
Dessert: Death by Chocolate #

This surely looks to be a busy (outside) and yummy week! Do you do a menu plan for you and your family? Would love to see yours too! If you need any inspiration, please hop on over with met o Laura's blog I'm an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday!

P.s if I have a recipe marked with * it means that I will be posting a NEW recipe this week! If it is marked with a # then I already have it posted, just need to come back later this evening and link it up for you!

:) The gift of life

2011-06-09T20:18:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again. The time of year where I am here away from my home, taking care of my mother in love. (It has been a few years since I first heard a dear sister in Christ call her husband's mother a "mother in love" and I LOVE that term!) Being responsible for the pillar of your husband's family holds a lot of ...well, responsibility.

Summer started just last week. In some ways, it seems like a long time has passed since the last day of school, but at last, it has just been a week. A week of in my mind having a difficult time knowing the responsibility I would soon face.

I have been here, and she has been under my care for eight hours. Let me first say that I am overwhelmed with such love for this precious lady. I have been humbled, and feel such honor to be trusted as it also can't be easy for her. She is in a very vulnerable place - being unable to feed herself well, use the potty alone, let alone needing someone to be there to tend to you every need. I realized how blessed I truly am. How blessed we all are, for this special lady has taught me much.

All this, and little did I know ..... that I would be given a second look at the way I choose to worry over stuff that doesn't matter. I am taking stuff that doesn't define life .... but really is just there to complain or grumble about. I think HOW DARE I. How dare I spend so much energy on unfruitful thoughts and behaviors.

Note to self: It's time to stop sweating the small stuff, and embrace all the little things in life that really bring a smile to my face . Those things that will leave a legacy of it's own in those closest to me.

What my momma taught me ~ Porkchops and Rice

2011-06-05T17:48:00.002-05:00

Yes I have another recipe to share with you! I had made this a few weeks ago, with the intent on sharing another "What my momma taught me" post, and then well, with the end of school ~ life just got busy. Now however, I have the time and the energy to share more on the blogs!

This is a recipe I grew up on. I used to make it often for my husband and I, but for some reason haven't over the last few years. When I made it a few weeks ago, I couldn't help but smile at that first bite! It brought back times of a rough day, and knowing that something yummy was coming from mommas hands made it all better. I do not believe that food can fix things, but I am saying we can sometimes find comfort in family favorites. Often, it was just knowing that momma loved us, and took time to cook meals for us when so many families relied on fast food or a lot of boxed items.

Ingredients

Pork chops
1 1/2 to 2 cups cooked rice
Garlic Salt
Pepper
Worchester sauce
Soy sauce

Directions

Line a cookie sheet with foil. Season both sides of pork chops with the garlic salt, pepper and place on the pan. Sprinkle the tops of the topside of the pork chops with Worchester Sauce as well as Soy sauce. Bake in a 375* oven for abut 30 minutes. Remove chops from pan and spread rice out to absorb the juices from the meat, replace pork chops with the side that didn't get "sauced" on top. Add a dab of butter on top of each chop, top again with Worchester sauce and the soy sauce. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until tops are browned and rice is heated through. This is amazing served with steamed veggies or a side salad as well as either hot fresh bread or buttered cornbread muffins.

(And because I like to often offer dessert after a meal especially for company, or for my own family on Sundays ~ I would serve either brownie ala modes OR a berry cobbler w/ vanilla ice cream.)

This recipe was shared on three sites:
Mommy's Kitchen for Potluck Sunday

The song of pure freedom!

2011-06-04T20:35:00.000-05:00

Singing and walking in a freedom is something that we all long for. It is that special thing, that puts a pep in the step, or smile on the face so deep that we know the smile reaches all the way to the depths of our soul. Today, I am walking in that kind of freedom. I have let go of all my own expectations realizing this life ~ wasn't meant to sweat the small stuff, yet that is how I lived every moment of my being. As I have gone about my day to day living the last two days ~ with no expectations at all, God has provided not only the path for me, but so many blessings along the way! I am not talking about the BIG things in life where we expect God to move (which in reality, we take for granted that He will indeed move during those times), but it is in the little things that we trust Him in, is where we can honestly see our faith in action!

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11 NIV

I have indeed found refuge in my Father in Heaven, over anything of this earth that used to bring me pleasure. My relationships are being blessed, my heart is over flowing with a burning desire to simply get closer to God as I can. I have a new found peace, once that I cannot even fathom enough to share the words to do it justice. I have a found a new found sense of purpose ~ one of living that life of gratitude, honor, and sacrifice to God alone and do you know what?! It's enough!! It's more then enough to make me happy from the inside out!

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.Psalm 16:11 NIV

I just wanted to share these thoughts with you as you prepare for worship tomorrow, or perhaps some of you may be in a pit so dark and damp that you think there is no hope! Guess what?! I once thought that too. IN fact just a few weeks ago! God is the answer! Any problem you have, any addiction ~ God's got the key to freedom! PURE freedom!
May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Psalm 20:5 NIV

Until next time, May you be blessed beyond measure!

The best little pie of summer!

2011-06-02T06:11:00.000-05:00

Well, in a house full of ones who LOVE those chocolate creme filled cookies! This is easy! Whip it together in the morning, have a fabulous crowd (well... a small crowd) pleasing dessert! I made this on Sunday, the actual day of the twins birthday. The day before they had a cookie cake from the Cookie Company (YUM), so I had made this on their day to enjoy after a family dinner out to our favorite steakhouse Salt Grass. Enough rambling! On to the pie!

The Best Little Pie of Summer consists of something I like to just call a "Cookies and cream pie"

Cookies and Cream Pie
Ingredients
1 extra serving Graham cracker crust
2 packages cream cheese (softened)
1 package chocolate creme sandwich cookies (aka Oreo's)
1 large box instant vanilla pudding
2 cups milk

In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, instant pudding mix, and milk. Blend until thick and creamy. Then crush (really just break up into small pieces) 2/3's of the package of cookies and fold into creamy mixture. Pour into crust and chill 4 to 6 hours. Cut and Enjoy!

That's why this is perfect for the summer! It resembles cookies and cream ice cream, is easy to make, and NO OVEN OR STOVE required!

Sharing a great book AND a dream!

2011-05-31T06:03:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to pop on and tell you that I have decided to pick up a book that I wasn't sure I really wanted to read. Guess what!? I am so glad I did! I am reading Unlimited by Jillian Michaels. Oh my word! I honestly checked it out from the library, but I am convinced that I want to order a copy of my very own from Amazon, and will do just that this afternoon.

As you know (if you have been a reader here for any length of time) I have a deep seeded dream to become a published writer. This summer, along with my Extreme Mom Makeover, I plan on taking steps to make this dream a reality! I have many avenues so I am going to start on one, and move forward as that approaches. Will I do solely Ebooks? I don't know. I seriously doubt it. The first thing I am writing though is targeted at Preschool Teachers, Parents of Preschoolers, and others who have a preschooler in their life. Working with preschoolers (and their parents as well as other preschool teachers) has taught me a lot AND opened my eyes to a lot of things that are often overlooked in a preschoolers life. Being in this profession I have always wanted to get my door into MOPS ~ but not as a parent, as a leader of some sort. As a speaker. Who knew it would one day be a dream of mine to be a public speaker and activist for preschoolers?! Please pray for me, as I take steps out of my comfort zone this summer to make this dream a reality. Pray for opened doors (and windows), for encouraging moments, AND for the words to come freely.

Only three more days of preschool for me for this school year. YAY! I am not sure who is more excited.. me or the kids! (I bet it's ME because I understand what that means!)

I will NOT go there!

2011-05-26T16:02:00.000-05:00

It seems as summer vacations are being announced everywhere, I should be overjoyed as a teacher, knowing that mine is coming soon. But I am not. Instead I feel miserable, stressed, overwhelmed, irritable, etc. BUT I AM NOT going to go there!

I Praise YOU God for seasons in our life where we can ONLY come to you for comfort ~ where words aplenty from friends and family aren't enough. I Praise YOU God for loving me when I eat too much, too little, or are so freaked out by food I curl up in a corner and want to cry. I Praise YOU God, for your healing power, your peace, your perfect kinship.

I refuse to wallow in self pity though it would feel good! It would definitely feel justified. BUT I will NOT go there! A Pity party is not my thang! BUT.... some peace and quiet is. Sometimes solitude, praying, reading, is. Sometimes going in hiding just to get through it all is.

I wanted to let y'all know, that I may be missing in action the next few days.... most likely until the first official day of summer starts for our family ~NEXT Friday.This may be a long weekend, but it is a birthday weekend/holiday weekend/ and one of those finishing up final touches weekends. In other words.... busy!

Five more days!

2011-05-25T06:13:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning, that is a good thing! I have to tell you ~ I didn't want to get up. Perhaps the allergy meds I took helped me sleep so deeply, that I wanted to say "Five more minutes please" , but realized five more minutes wouldn't happen. *sigh*

After I took my shower this morning, and getting hubby ready for the day, I sit here and I feel very overwhelmed. I have had this deep feeling of feeling overwhelmed for a few days now. Ya know the kind I am talking about. The kind that is just hovering ~ waiting for a situation to kick it into overdrive. Looking ahead, I have NO idea why I am feeling this, as there is excitement of summer vacation coming. Excitement for a gathering around the pool and barbecue with friends this weekend. Lunner (lunch/dinner) with my precious children and husband planned on Sunday for the twins 9th birthday. (Their pick is Saltgrass! YUM) The last day of school is next Thursday. For all of us. Now, why this feeling of being overwhelmed, I don't know. Have no clue. I am excited for those things, but it feels like I have to go through some battle first before the joyous times can happen.

One thought on my mind this morning is "It's not about me.". This school year has been very overwhelming. It has stretched me, molded me, and changed me like never before. I am seeing the fruit of really neglectful parenting, and God has shown me how important it is to stay on top of my own parenting at home. I am ever thankful that I can be a part of each of these little lives during the day, but my heart breaks not knowing what happens at home. Part of me feels overwhelmed, because I see what is holding some of these children being the best they can be, and it is supposed to be the ones who are creating an atmosphere that molds them into being the best ~ their ownn parents. It is hard to see what happens, and not do anything about it.. Well, physically anyway. I can pray. I can pray hard. And maybe that is why this morning I woke up feeling such a strong burden, and being overwhelmed. I only have a few more days to impact these children's lives the importance to do the right thing, even when no one is looking. There are parents who care more about what their child looks like on the outside, and even packing them a "perfect" lunch so that all appears to be okay, never once realizing their child's character tells the whole story.

I am broken hearted. Even seeing how much we work on character at home, my kids are at the ages where they look to other kids for how they should act. Not all the way, but I see where there is so much conflict between them and other children, simply because they want to experience the "JOY" (albeit false joy), that they see other kids having, but their character stops them realizing what their friends are doing is not right. I feel for them, but the momma in me is singing with a joyful heart. It is difficult for them, but they have stood their ground. I am thankful that I can see their hearts. Though I teach 3's (all mine but one are now 4) you can almost cringe at how their behavior is going to be at 10, 13, 16.

I have five school days left with these kids! FIVE! May God use those five days mightily for His power, His kingdom, and His purpose!

Be who you are, every where you go!

2011-05-23T08:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I realized something very profound that I don't think I have ever been taught but I KNOW that I need to share it. You know, pay it forward! Of course, if you know me, I am going to share this thought first with scripture:

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:10-12

The bold part of the scripture is something I want to discuss. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life (Proverbs 31:12). WOW. What a major responsibility we have as women, as wives, as God's people. I realized if I am doing anything in my life, whether it be in private, in my home, alone or with people that brings me embarrassment, I need to stop doing that. If there is something that I am doing that I would want to hide from my friends at church or co workers, I need to stop doing that! We need to be living truly genuine lives. Who I am in public, should be who I am in private. There shouldn't be a separation should there?

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,striving together as one for the faith of the gospel Phil 1:27

I like to think of God walking with me all throughout the day. He knows and sees anyway, so why not remind myself of that?! Oh my!! It's time to be walking, living in Holy Fear! The kind of fear, that does not make you afraid of God, but be afraid to be OUT of His will for your life.

Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:14

Fear the LORD your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Deuteronomy 6:13

And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, Deuteronomy 10:12

Summer's Comin ... it's gonna be different

2011-05-17T06:10:00.001-05:00

As a preschool teacher with a rather large class this year, I am really ready for summer. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE TEACHING! Even the most difficult of children, are a blessing to me. God uses each and every one of those children to teach me something. I actually had to TEACH a child how to play this year, because the expectations at home were for him to be a man (yes, at 3). Our school year has gone from August 23, 2010 and will end on June 2, 2011. Every one of those days mattered! Every day with each of those children mattered. I pray that if anything, the Love of Christ was shown by my actions, words, and the way I handled some very tricky situations. I have grown TREMENDOUSLY spiritually during this year.

Photo courtesy of: Google Images

My own kids have gone through some of their own milestones this school year. Firsts for all three of them. Our daughter has successfully gotten through her first year in Jr. High. (Middle School) The twins had gone through their FIRST regulated state test. All three of them are realizing that they are growing up some, and the standards for them have been risen. Not just here at home, but at school AND church as well. The girl will soon be in the youth at church, which leads her to a few new firsts as well. The boys, well they will get to experience their group at church without sister leading the way. See what I mean? Growth! We have had some growing pains, and have even wondered if we were being stunted. BUT.. God has been merciful, and has shown me His mercy endures forever!

This summer is by far going to be different then it has been in the last few summers. The kids have bikes (as do I) which will lead to a few bike rides by us all. It has also opened the doors to many kids that the kids now play with in our neighborhood. I have seen some pro's and con's from that during this semester, but it is a learning experience for us all. This is the first year in a while we do not have a pool in the backyard. (Less work for me, but also less convenience for when we want to go swimming.) I have taken care of most of my "learning" hours for teaching this year, so there is no "Momma's going away for a few days" in July. I may only have to go ONE day! :) God is so good!

I have been encouraged to make this summer count, not only for myself but for our entire family. I want to be able to embrace many many many opportunities for our children to grow spiritually. I want to get a daily routine going with them so they can embrace God ~ and truly give themselves all the way to Him, and learn what it is to have a relationship. A REAL relationship. I am thinking a new topic of study for each month, maybe every few weeks and need to begin to try to find some already printed curriculum or... somehow create my own. Me, myself already have so many books (study books) that I need to tackle and GET THROUGH. See, I have a bad habit of starting a study but NOT finishing it. Summer is the perfect time to get in a good habit.

We have signed up for "Kids bowl free" at our local bowling alley. A dear friend of ours has a pool which opens up a chance to swim once or maybe twice a week (along with some good fellowship). I want the kids to dig into some good reading and possibly still writing reports once a week since we regularly visit the library (that will be one of our bike rides each week). (Hey, the teacher in me will never be squelched! I actually did that on my own when I was growing up! LOVED it!)

Trust me, there will be a time of rest as well, but I want our time at home to be meaningful and not just 'wasted' time. Perhaps I will allow them to have an online blog this summer to share their OWN experiences.

Cranberry White Chocolate Bars

2011-05-14T11:22:00.002-05:00

Cranberry treats don't just have to be for Christmas do they? Let me tell you, I have some friends and coworkers who have been convinced otherwise! I have become the birthday baker at work. I do not mind, because I find creating in the kitchen to be therapeutic and energizing. I am definantly one that could be accused of loving through food. I made these bars at Christmas for the first time this last year. It is a bit different from the recipe I found this past fall, as I tend to make them my own somehow. So, I made them again for a meeting in January, and this past week for a co worker's birthday. They were yet again... a hit!

Cranberry White Chocolate Bars

Cranberry White Chocolate Bars
Ingredients
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1-1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup dried cranberries
6 ounces white chocolate chips

Frosting
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange peel, optional
6 ounces white chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Directions
In a microwave, melt butter; stir in brown sugar. Transfer to a large bowl; cool to room temperature. Beat in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; gradually add to butter mixture. Stir in cranberries and chopped chocolate (batter will be thick).

Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (do not over bake). Cool completely on a wire rack.

For frosting, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and orange peel if desired until blended and fluffy. Frost the bars. Sprinkle with cranberries and white chocolate chips. Cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.

These are very tasty, and great for many "girly" occasions such as baby showers, wedding showers, Girl's nights out/in, wedding receptions, etc. These are very similar to Starbucks' Cranberry bliss bar's that are seasonal from Thanksgiving through Christmas. :) Now you can enjoy them anytime you want.

Matters of the Heart: Lining up our Priorities

2011-04-30T08:55:00.000-05:00

I love Saturdays! I truly do. This year I had worked every other Friday, so it is nice to know no matter what, I won't work on Saturdays! Good thing about teaching preschool! Saturdays for me are a big mix of family time, and house blessing time. As I age, I realize how much I truly enjoy working around the home. I guess maturity has kicked in, and I realize inside within me that when I embrace the work God has for me, it is a way that I can honor and serve Him.

It's all about laying out our priorities, and tackling them one by one. I didn't have mentoring in this, and had to truly discover this on my own. But there has been a burning within me to share this vision that God has given me. How to truly find out what our God given priorities are, and the steps to ensure they are taken care of.

1.The first thing we need to do, is to lay down our priorities on paper. In order to do this, write down what God has given you to do. (Don't you dare tell me you don't know! It's truly time to take responsibility, and stop saying we don't know!) For me it looks like this:

Relationship with God
Relationship with Husband, and fulfilling my duties as being his helpmate
Raising children that God has given us with moral standards, character, and work ethics that truly line up with scripture.
Our Home
Being a preschool teacher (assistant director) and all those two things entail.
Choir & Connection Team at church

My list can look either over whelming to some, or very little to others. It doesn't matter. This is where God has me right now. My very first priority is that Relationship with God. I need to make that the biggest priority in my daily life because it is truly what is going to get me through the day. This is done through prayer, reading His word, listening to podcasts when I am online, and allowing God time to speak to me. (Be still and KNOW that I am God! Psalm 46:10) The very next of my biggest priorities is my husband. Helping him to make sure his needs are met, frees me up to not worry about myself. See, I believe that if I am in line with God's standard, and truly living in a way that brings honor to God and my husband, that my life needs will be met without worry. For me, I simply make sure that the home is calm and clean when he returns from work (and yes, I do work outside the home), dinner is cooking, kids needs have been met so that they are not demanding his full attention immediately. I imagine our home would resemble to those of the 50's in this way, and for me that's okay. Hubby's work clothes are ready for the next day, and anything I can do to make his time at home more relaxing I am happy to do. Next in line is the children. Being a parent is not easy. In fact, taking the time to truly delve into it, is very time consuming. My kids are in the "tween ager" stage, and are so much more easily influenced by friends right now ~ that it sometimes takes all the strength I have left in a day at times. But God has given me these kids.

Next in line is our home. God has given us a place to live, so it becomes a priority. (I am hoping by this point you have figured out my pattern. If God has given it to you ~ it's a priority. It should be seen as a blessing that needs your nurturing, time, and faith.) This year, I have taken on container gardening, and am LOVING every minute of that! But it has called me to view the outside of my home with new eyes. A fresh eye sight. I have seen siding that needed some TLC, windows that are dingy, weeds that need pulling. We keep the inside up, but now it's time to keep the outside up too. My career at the preschool is something that takes nurturing. I attend various classes throughout the year to keep my mind and my own learning fresh. This is a form of ministry to me, as I take these kids under my wing and become a momma bear to each and every one. (You did know that momma bears have wings, right? LOL) At church, I am in the choir (and growing in that yearly), and part of a connection team that welcomes new members to Grace.

Just knowing what my priorities are, it helps to move about in my day tending to each one in an intimate way. It doesn't leave a whole lot of time for fellowship with friends, and even extended family at times. BUT... I am more happy and content then I have ever been. I don't think if I had spent my time living out of line of my priorities I would have such contentment and peace. See, when I would throw all these priorities to the wind, do what I wanted ~ I felt incomplete and unhappy. It caused me to run to other things or even people to find fulfillment.

Currently Reading:

The Day After Easter

2011-04-25T06:23:00.000-05:00

As I woke up this morning, I realized it was the day after Easter. The day after Jesus was discovered to be Risen and Alive! I sit here and wonder what the day after Easter this year will bring. Will I notice?

I know many gave their lives yesterday to Christ, for the very first time. I pray for those who are just entering into the first stages of Christianity. There are many who have renewed their relationships with Christ. But I am sad to say that there are many whose hearts were stirred, yet out of fear or maybe even conviction that they didn't want to face.

But how are these lives on the DAY AFTER? Are things "back to normal" so that we can go on as we were? Shouldn't there be change of some sort? Just words to ponder as you go about your day.

Jelly Bean Bark

2011-04-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

Jelly Bean Bark was a new thing for us this Easter. The kids love it, it is super sweet so a little goes a LONG way! This would be great also at Valentines day by tinting the bark pink with sour cherry candies, or even Fall festivals with tinting it orange and using all black jelly beans (or.... fall colored M&M's).

Ingredients
Almond Bark (White Candy Coating)
Bag of Jelly Beans
Foil (for easy clean up)
9x13 pan

Directions
Line pan with foil. Melt candy coating on top of a double boiler. Pour 1/2 the bag of jelly beans into pan. Pour melted candy coating on top. Push the jelly beans to get into coating if needed (I used a silicone spatula and had no trouble with it sticking). Top with remaining jelly beans. Set in fridge until set (about 10 or 15 minutes). Break into pieces. Great for teacher gifts, class parties, or anytime you want to sugar up someone! Ha Ha!

*Starburst jellybeans and Kroger candy coating were just ingredients I choose to use. I was not paid to share this recipe or suggest these products!* **P.S. Besides jellybelly jelly beans, Starburst REALLY ARE the best jelly beans around!**

One thing my momma taught me...

2011-04-24T16:46:00.002-05:00

It didn't dawn on me how the many things we learn growing up either by personal experience, or simply being exposed to the experience effects and influences us in our adult life. It is encouraging me daily to realize the actions and reactions that come natural to me (both positive and negative), and how they are influencing my children.

One thing I have realized that I have applied to my life, that was instilled in me from my momma is making sure the kitchen is cleaned after dinner (as well as breakfast and lunch too). It really isn't a very hard habit to get into. I know how tiring cooking can be ( at least I used to feel that way), but once I realized that it was a blessing to my family, I no longer minded cooking ~ or cleaning up afterwards! I have pretty much got it down to a "science' if you will.... and would love to share what I am doing that makes it so quick, and not a burden at all.

1. While dinner (or the meal of preference) is cooking, I get a sink of hot sudsy water ready. I simply wash the dishes as I go. I have learned that if I put the food I have cooked into serving bowls, and wash up those cooking dishes right away ~ it is not a struggle. I don't have to serve around dirty dishes, and it encourages me to push forward after the meal to do the final pickup.

2. I often pack leftovers for my husband's lunch, so I prepare that container before the food is even set on the table. (This ensures that hubby has lunch, AND.... we often do not realize the over eating we do simply because it is there. This takes care of both of those.)

3. As dinner is done, food is scraped into a bowl (we are about to be working on natural composting) or the trash, and dishes stacked beside the sink of sudsy water. As I gather all the dirty dishes into one group, I first wash them, and place them in the drying rack to air dry. (Using hot water, they dry fast. Also, please note I do not have a dishwasher.)

4. Once the dishes are done, I wipe down the stove, and the cabinets.

5. I also take this moment to prepare the coffee pot for the next morning. Both husband and I enjoy our morning coffee, and it is nice to be able to just push a button rather then mentally function to prepare it at 4:30am!

6. Now that the dishes are done and dry, and the counter tops are wiped down, I put away the dishes. Yes I do!

7. Now, it's time to sweep, and run a light mop over the kitchen floor. Often I do mop my kitchen floor daily, because we often spill things, drop things, and it is a high traffic area.

8. The last thing I do before the lights go out in the kitchen is to take out the trash (if full).

Why wait for the morning to do any of these things?! It takes twice as long to do these things if I put it off for tomorrow. Why? Dried on food, procrastination, and extra filth from allowing it all to sit there just starts my day (or later part of the day if it was lunch or breakfast) off on the wrong foot. I often hear of "busy mothers" not having the time, but I am just as busy as any other mother. For me, it is often a sign of rebellion or resentment that keeps me from doing what I need to do in my home, versus time or energy. As I begin taking inventory of my heart and doing something about it, I am seeing that my momma is one wise woman!

I would love to hear something your momma taught you! Please leave it in the comments below!

An Intimate Time of Celebration

2011-04-22T07:40:00.000-05:00

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.

Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)

I am definitely in a new season. One that I am longing to grow deeper in. It is a new season, one that God has brought a renewed revelation in many areas and relationships in my life. I am realizing more and more how much God truly loves us, and how He wants us to show that love to others. I often turn into a "Martha" in my home, unless of course we have guests, and then I am "Martha" until all the cleaning and prep is done, then I will be "Mary" for a bit, until it's time to clean up again! When will my heart learn?

As I said, I am in a new season. One which I have longed to be in! You know when we are in the deep of winter, and things just feel so dark, so cold, so lonely? Oh I know that season so well! Too well. Winter is a season for me that hurts. The beginning of course is exciting because of Christmas, but as January and February get going ~ I am almost desperate for warmth. When February's cold bitter winds blow, I look ahead in my mind to March and April when I know Spring will usher in warmth, new growth, and life giving birth!

This season for me, is one of Spiritual growth. Some seasons we deal with vary with the "fruit" that is grown, sometimes it's physical (weight loss, sickness, pregnancy) and sometimes it is mental (as comes with age, maturity, self awareness). This season is one I have been LONGING for desperately for a while and though it has been coming on for many many months I now see what is going on around me, and can feel the changes going on in my heart. There are things that I would give my life for just weeks ago, just days ago that just do not matter anymore. There are attitudes in my heart that have taken a big shift, for the good!

Let's take this weekend. It's Easter! Many years ago, I didn't like Easter very much. While I loved the fact that Jesus died on the cross for me, I never understood the love of the cross until a few years ago. I would dread Easter services, because it was going to feel like a guilt session and would walk away from it with mascara running down my face and a heavy heart. I would be reminded of all the wrongs I had done, and how unworthy I felt to be saved. BUT! I quickly had a revelation while watching "The Passion of the Christ" a few years ago, and realized the love that God had when Jesus was born to die for me (and you). I began to learn more and more about the life of Christ, and began to understand His heart. Now, for me; Easter is a celebration of LIFE! Of FREEDOM! Easter is now truly a CELEBRATION for me. The last few weeks hubby has been working a lot of hours. In fact it's almost been three weeks without a day off. Tradition would have us over at the in laws or going to my parents. That is after several hours at church (though I see that as pleasure to serve in ministry) that morning. This is changing for this year. I just can't see asking my husband to take away from some of his rest time (if he even gets any....as it is possible they may work that day) and family time to share with others (even though they are family). Our family core (just the five of us that live in this home together) is important, and time with just us ~ to be ... well, just us. How special it is for this Easter, to have this in my heart. I know at the beginning of the year, I had the whole "Less is more" in my head, but I feel God giving me a new word. "Intimacy". Intimacy with Him. Intimacy with these littles in our home that He has loaned us to raise. Intimacy with my husband. And obviously Intimacy with others (not husband/wife kind of intimacy, but you know what I mean)!

So, I am going to sit down today and plan out a special Easter dinner for this little family of mine, and graciously with a smile go shopping for all of the things we need. I want this to be an intimate dinner. A time of enjoyment, and celebration. I used to would have worried about disappointing family, and even our kids (they have cousins their age they would normally egg hunt with, and play with) that would sway the decision made. Not often would I have seen the need and catered to the need of the husband let alone do it with a smile. God is so good!

Another area in my life God has been speaking to me (and has been for a while) is how I spend a good chunk of my mornings. Not here and there, but almost every single morning. This is huge! And the neat thing is... I am actually excited about this change of direction. I have a huge hunger to sit with my cup of coffee, the Word, and a prayer journal vs this silly computer. I am growing up ~ Hallelujah! This alone, shows the heart of this new season I am in. To long to be in fellowship with God over all the fellowship I do online (can facebook become an addiction?), is a great thing!

So, why that particular verse up at the top? Because His thoughts are NOT my thoughts and His ways are NOT my ways, but through allowing intimacy to run through my blood, I am learning to be grateful for that! For a long time, I would have been kicking and screaming every time things didn't go my way. I would be manipulating them to go my way. I would move things around to just make it happen. That is not even appealing to me. I would love to put a new pool up this year, but just other day I prayed, and turned that over to God. I am coming to trust Him and His ways. It may not be His will, and I am not going manipulate things to make it happen either. No thanks! But if He blesses us with a pool, I will be elated!

I pray that this Easter, you too will have that call to be more Intimate with Him! What a joy to be able to appreciate, hold, and enjoy Easter with a renewed heart. May you and your family be blessed this Easter weekend!

Walking with integrity vs Self seeking nonsense!

2011-04-13T16:09:00.000-05:00

¹ Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. ² As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. ³ For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. ⁴ They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. ⁵ But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4: 1-5

This was a word that was given to me this afternoon, just in the right timing. A part of me was dumbfounded, and just felt like I was truly blown away emotionally and surely wasn't expecting that! But God is faithful to send us His word, at just the right time.

How amazing it is, when we realize how if we surround ourselves with loving support, that does not support an ongoing sinful life simply because that is what society does (even Christians), how easy it is to continue to walk in repentance ~ and result in obedience. I have learned in the last few months especially, how to allow integrity to be a part of my natural character. If I was "self seeking" I would quickly point fingers and let the one who hurt me know they had done so, but guess what?! I am learning! My emotions do not rule my reactions anymore. Amazing!! God has allowed me to walk through some storms, some fires even, yet I can look back now and realize how foolish I once was. Am I perfect now? Not at all. BUT this was one way, that God got the glory from a moment when my heart was crushed. See, I don't have to go to every single person who "hurts" me know they have done so, because how can they know? Especially if by chance they are reacting in a self seeking way. It kind of reminds me of situations in my classroom where a student gets hurt, but the one who did the hurting had no clue , because well three year olds are "all about me" anyway. An hour a go I wanted to cry, and now putting pieces together, along with encouragement from God's word ~ I feel completely joyful again knowing that it wasn't an intentionally hurt. If it was, it still isn't mine to deal with.

God is good and faithful. I am just walking in joy today in more ways then I have time to share. It's nice to look at the bigger picture of this thing called life instead of those little moments. Walking with integrity vs self seeking nonsense is an amazing way to live!

It's not about you.. really!

2011-04-10T06:41:00.000-05:00

I am moved more and more in my life to not make the everyday existence be about me. Do you know how hard that is, in a world where everyone wants to make every situation about them?

Being a wife and a mother has helped. But you want to know something? Being a christian is making even MORE prevailent that nothing in this world is about me. It's all about HIM! Every single thing I do isn't about making my life the most pleasurable, but instead being the most pleasureable moment by moment sacrafice for God and His glory, not my own. Now, don't get me wrong. When I choose to walk this way, I am blessed to see that my life is much better anyway. I see the blessings. I see when I allow God to lead me in EVERY aspect of my life, that I truly do not have any worries. He goes before me taking care of many things before I even see it. That to me is worth every chance I have to die to my own will, and want and DESIRE God's will instead.

One of the hardest areas of living this kind of life (The whole it's not aboutt me) is in my marriage. The word's way for the last thirty years or so has been "Equality". Guess what. There isn't any equality. God created women to be the man's help mate. NOT his superior. When you make your marriage all about YOU and YOUR WANTS then ... you have put yourself in that place. I work outside of the home, yet my schedule is much looser then my husbands. I do the caretaking of the home. I do it often with joy, but not enough. I need to work on that. My husband is an excellent provider and works very hard for our family.

Sometimes in my parenting, I can begin to whine "what about me" when it seems like I haven't had a quiet moments peace all day. When I am picking up dirty clothes YET AGAIN in the children's room, sorting socks that finally made it to the wash, reminding to do homework and chores, fixing bicycle booboos, endless neighborhood snacks, the list that could go on and on. These children are so precious, and are NOT in my care forever. I do not have forever with them. It's not about me. It's about raising them to love God with all their heart, minds, souls, and strength.

Even in the classroom it can become "all about me" when I begin to do assessments and comparisons. Because, if the child didn't "get it" it must be MY fault, or MY teaching, or even MY burden. I take credit for what the children have learned, not what God has shown me to teach them. I truly am just a servant to God the most High with these kids. They are NOT mine, but I love them like mine. I again, do not have forever with them. My time with them is much shorter ~ one year at the most. It can't be about me, when my time is so limited.

I challenge you today, to get in prayer and ask God to help remind you that it's not about you! It never HAS been about you.

Restless.... surrendered to love

2011-04-07T06:29:00.000-05:00

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.
Psalm 19: 7-9

This morning as I prepare for yet another day of preschool, I sit here and feel restless. Not sure why. Part of me is wanting to share about an area of my life I have committed to keeping private, and I am having to use some self control in NOT over stepping those boundaries that were set before me. But then I see how easy it is to make "ME" the center of this restlessness rather then reaching out to figure why and how I can fix that. Guess what?! I can't "fix" anything. But I will choose to walk in the refreshing law of the Lord which is perfect.

If I was to be honest with myself, I would realize what this restlessness really was. It has been hard to embrace the weekends because I am keeping an account of the weekends that were wronged. Usually on the Thursday in which I knew I was not working a Friday, I would feel light hearted and ready to spend some time here at home. A few weekends ago, I lost that zeal. I am almost fearful to be home on the weekends, but I realize that by feeling this way I continue to allow Satan to have the last word. Last weekend I was transformed by the Word of God. By truth! So, I am repenting for dreading the days that the Lord has given me due to circumstances disturbed by someone else who is not walking in the way of the Lord. I am repenting for holding a grudge. I am repenting for holding a record of wrongs. Love does not act in that manner, and I am really convicted of how much I want to walk in love, yet am not.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-5

I commit to walk in love today. Complete love. What about you? Right here, right now I realize that there are so many that just need a touch of the love of God ~ with no expectations of that person in return. Pure love. Loving the creations that God himself created simply because He created them. Maybe if enough of us loved purely, the world wouldn't be so disturbed and unloving.

Things that bring me a smile, no matter HOW many times I experience them!

2011-04-06T06:26:00.000-05:00

I thought I would go easy on y'all this morning, and share something so very personal to me. Things that make me smile no matter HOW many times I experience them!

1. HUGS from the children at school! No matter what may have happened in the day, I love the simple innocent way they wrap their arms around my ~~waist~~ leg (they are four remember) and squeeze with all their might in a simple gesture of telling me how much they love me (even when I ~~am grumpy~~ have to discipline during the day.)

2. The good morning kisses and hugs from my OWN children. I love that! I pray they will never want to stop showing me affection when they first wake up.

3. A hot creamy cup of coffee in the morning! The warmth from the cup, down to the liquid going down my throat I do adore it as a part of my morning routine.

4. The smell of the Barbecue pit heating up on a Saturday evening. There is just something about cooking outdoors that I love.

5. The sounds of children's laughter, whether it be at school, at home, or just out and about in town. The joy that permeates the air is so amazing. It is contagious.

6. Worship music. More then anything, I love a good deep hearted worship song.

7. The book of Psalms. What else can I say about that?

8. Watching the changes in nature when a new season rolls in. The budding of new leaves all the way through to the deadness of winter. I love it and realize that all seasons in our lives, are just that. A season. It will change. Experience it, embrace it, and learn from it.

9. The quiet of the morning when all is silent and the littles are sleeping. I am probably one of the few who LOVES to not have the TV on. It is really becoming more of a "noise box" rather then entertainment.

10. The smell of cinnamon!

**BONUS** The smell of books! Yes. Books! I love everything about the reading experience!

That is my top 10 11 for the day. What are yours? Would LOVE for you to share!

Go, and complain no more!

2011-04-05T06:23:00.000-05:00

There is a sin that continues to occur in our daily existence, but it is so common it is hard to find it so that we can spot it out. A sin hidden under a blanket. The kind of sin, that if you believe in "white lies" you will most likely not recognize it as sin. But let me point out ~ a lie is a lie. Sin is sin.

I woke up convicted this morning. Realizing how unholy we live, and we think it is okay! It's NOT okay!

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1: 13-16 NIV

Yes, I know that was written so many years ago ~ but guess what?! It still applies to us!

There is something big about living a Holy life. It is not what you think of when you think of our day to day society. The sin that I am talking about is complaining. Yes, I consider it a sin. For many reasons!

1. When you complain, you out right tell God that you are not happy with what HE is doing in your life.

Before you go yelling at me telling me how hard your life is, please listen and hear me out first. We all have trials! I know. BUT.... sometimes those trials are to grow us and stretch us in a way that we completely rely on God to get us through that point. God wants to be our God, he has commanded that we have no other gods place before Him. When you sit there complaining, you are simply saying "God your not doing a good enough job and I think I could do it better because (fill in blank) would not be happening to me right now."

2. You are not speaking with a Holy nature.

We are created to worship God, for all of His glory! When you complain just once, you are not worshiping! Life isn't going to be picture perfect, so get that idea out of your head! (Actually if your living with that thought, it is most likely an idol in your life!) In fact, whatever you are complaining about, it is most likely because it doesn't line up with what YOU want, think, or imagine to be true. It is easy to create an idol to worship in our lives, and not realize what we are doing, especially if we are not living a life of holiness.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6: 6-8

Now, I challenge you! I challenge you to sit down, and each time you complain ~ write it down! Do it for a whole day even. I can guarantee, unless you are truly watching your words, you will have a list a mile long by lunch.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. Proverbs 18:21

Take that list, and begin to turn it around. Start counting your blessings from EVERY one of those complaints! Start praising God during those situations! And before you ever let one more complaint to roll off your tongue remind yourself that it is not Holy, and we have been called to live in HOLINESS!

I can't wait to hear your stories, of how much things have turned around in the situations you once complained about! I too will be taking on this challenge! I will have a notebook with me, and if that is what it takes for me to be held accountable of my mouth then I will keep it with me for the rest of my days. But I am convinced through conviction (NOT condemnation) that I have been walking out of humility ~ and my complaining is proof.

MPM April 4, 2011

2011-04-04T06:27:00.000-05:00

Monday April 4, 2011

I haven't been consistent doing this online, but my focus is back where it needs to be! On my Lord, and doing things in my day that brings Him honor! Taking care of my family and preparing as the proverbial woman plans, is one of those ways. Here is our menu plan for this week. Some recipes I have shared before, some I have not. If you are new to menu planning or need some inspiration for your own, please join me with countless other bloggers as we share our menu plans over at Laura's blog for Menu Plan Monday!

**NOTE**
My husband and I both work outside the home. We often take leftovers for our lunch. Our children are in public school and there are days they take lunches and there are days they purchase their lunch at school. For this reason I do not menu plan our lunch during the work/school week.

Monday
B: Granola bars & Milk
D: Turkey Speghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad
Dessert: Lemon Cake

Tuesday (COLD morning)
B: Pumpkin Bread
D: Mexican Chicken Hot Dish, Spanish Rice, Salad

Dessert: Graham Crackers and peanut butter

Wednesday
B: Eggs & Toast
D: Beef Stew and Mexican Cornbread*
Dessert: Ice Cream Cones on the way home from Church

Thursday
B: Waffles & Bacon
D: Salsbury steak, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies
Dessert: Lemon Ice Box Pie

Friday
B: Cold cereal & Toast
D: Crackers and cheese for me (Womens event at church, taking kids to grandmas', basically just busy!)
Dessert: Ice cream sundae's with the ladies at church

Saturday
B: (Kids at Mimi's, and I have a training class for school) ~ coffee
L: Not home for lunch
D: Grilled burgers ~ build 'em like ya like em! (on the side: bacon, sauted mushrooms, deep fried jalapano sticks) and french fries
Dessert: Smores

Sunday
B: Scrambled eggs, biscuits, and Sausage
L: BLT's
D: Chicken and Dumplings
Dessert: Chocolate pudding

Spring has definitely sprung in the trees and my heart!

2011-04-03T18:52:00.000-05:00

Today I have seen proof that Spring has definitely sprung! Our pecan tree's are budding! They are usually the last ones, hanging on till we get through that last cold front, and always at least mid March if not the beginning of April which has proved true this year.

I love Spring! It is truly one of my favorite seasons, and the reason is because it wells up HOPE! Hope of warmer weather, new beginnings, new growth, and much more. Yes, I am a simple person and I adore the little things! Completely! And the closer I get to God day by day, the more simple I become. I realize how little I really need to be happy. Unity in my home between my husband and I, children using their manners by choice, and the basics of life such as meals, clothing, and the Word. If I had nothing else, I can honestly say I would be content!

More and more, I am moving into a new season, and I can for once say I am excited. Sometimes the end of one season, can bring anticipation, anxiety, or even fear. And I had that, all of those, as this season began to approach. No, not spring, but the physical/emotional/spiritual season I am just breaking into. I was avoiding it, pushing back as far as I can, because it meant I had to let go of my "comfort zone". Little did I know, how great a place it is to be away from that comfort zone, and into a new place. What I thought brought me comfort, really was holding me back.

For those of you who are/were only a reader of this blog, you might not know all the things I have been facing internally/spiritually. I have laid down many idols, but I am sure that process is not complete. My latest thing was the fact that a simple thing like "weight loss" had become something I began to worship. It consumed me. Conversations consumed it. My free time was consumed by researching, looking for those in the same kind of "pit" I was in, even friendships revolved around it. So much so, that *I* was holding myself back from being "finished" with that part of the journey. I would keep it where I would gain/lose the same 10 to 15 pounds over and over. But God is good, He saved me from myself. I am ever thankful for His spirit that reigns within me, showing me the things I need to lay down.

Spring is a time of renewal and restoration. It's a good time to dig in drawers, hidden closets, even what is hiding in the dark places of our homes and lives, and remove those things that are no longer fruitful in our lives. The process may be dirty, dark, and long, but the rewards are wonderful!

Just this morning before I got ready for church, I stepped outside with a cup of coffee and simply sat. I looked up at our trees outside, watched the doves as they began flittering telling the world good morning, watching the empty branches wave in the breeze. I am completely amazed by God's creation this time of year. I enjoyed every brief moment that I was out there. I long to go out in the morning tomorrow with His word, my cup of coffee and just enjoy the word as it wakes up for a new day.

That is just one thing that began changing in me just this past week. See, in the mornings, I run to the computer with my cup of coffee. Often to read blogs, catch up on facebook, and clear out email. BUT.... as I let go of that worship of weight loss, I realized just how much of my time was taken up on all things like that. Now, that my eyes have been opened a bit more, my longing is to be in His word! I want to soak up as much of Him as I can! I am learning how little I need to be happy!

Unfortnately I also am seeing how much I run to things in this world for inspiration and direction. The sad part of that is that is a "normal" thing for our Society. Why do you think Facebook is such a daily existence in our day? While I love getting inspiration from blogs, I need to be careful for allowing those things to become my "daily Word", and STOP looking to people and things for inspiration and instead allow God's wonderful presence and HIS WORD to be my inspiration!

"When we are not diligently in the Word, our inspiration then comes from the world." ~John Bevere

I can't wait to share more in this topic, and how God is moving me to look to HIM for my inspiration! Guess what~ that lets YOU off the hook! AMEN!

Being Transformed

2011-04-02T19:21:00.000-05:00

I am daily by daily, inch by inch being more and more transformed from what I used to be, into something new. I am being molded, shaped, changed inside and out. As I step outside of the box I kept myself confined in, I realize that there was so much in my day to day life that was holding me back from all that God had set for me.

This weekend I went through Jon Bevere's The Fear of the Lord series with a small group at our church. Talk about transforming! More and more, I am realizing that it is NOT okay to live so casually in sin. Our Society is missing so much of what God had intended for His people. Partial obedience is the same thing as complete disobedience! When will we get that through our thick skulls?

There is so much more I want to share, but I am truly still "digesting" all that God has shown me and spoken to me personally. I just wanted to let you all know that I am still doing well, but am staying so busy with the things the Lord directs me to. And though I am spiritually exhausted, I am physically tired as well. It has been a busy and productive weekend! I am so overjoyed that tomorrow is a Holy day! For once, in a long time, it means something to me. I can't wait to share more in the week ahead.

Until we speak next time, may you be blessed beyond your belief! May you begin to allow your own life to be transformed in a new way!

In the Love of Christ,

A Moment Such As This

2011-03-25T07:08:00.001-05:00

This morning, as I was laying in the bed waiting for the alarm to go off ~ you know, basking in the delight of not having a rush around like crazy morning, yet knowing it was time to rise ~ and the phone rang. Any time the phone rings before 6am (when every person in my house is home) this early in the morning, I either assume it is hubby's work, OR..... not so good news.

This time, it was no different. It was NOT good news. My beautiful and loving cousin Melissa passed away. She had been fighting Leukemia which she was just diagnosed about a year ago. At one point she was in remission, and had just undergone a bone marrow transplant earlier this month. Things were looking up. She had been receiving platelets, but that is sometimes common after this procedure.

Melissa Jones

I am honored to have been this angel's cousin, though our lives took different paths as we grew older and into our own adult lives. If you feel so inclined, please pray for her children (pictured on each side of her in this pic) Tyler (on the left) and Shelby (on the right). Also pray for her grandson, that he may be blessed by the stories of his grandmother, be encouraged by her courage, strength and determination.
Just a few months ago, I received an earlier phone call ~ (In November) and was told about my own sister's sudden passing. I am just encouraged this morning, and having this feeling that we need to get it right! We are here today, gone tomorrow sometimes with NO warning. The sins we do, we need to repent from and STOP repeating them. There will be a judgement day for us all, and I don't want to be caught off guard and end up having a long list of unGodly habits (otherwise known as living in sin) that I did not spend time in repentance for. It is silly and irresponsible to say "Oh, I will wait till tomorrow to build a stronger relationship with God" or "I can enjoy this now and i will repent tomorrow!". What if tomorrow never comes? (okay ~ please pardon the Garth Brooks thought).

We were created for such a moment as this. To enjoy it, to embrace it, to live it ~ but to allow it to glorify God! Life has an off switch ~ and we have no clue when it will be turned off.

16 to 30 of One Thousands Gifts

2011-03-14T13:46:00.000-05:00

Remember that list I started?! OH I am so behind! (So, to catch up I am going to do a post every day this week ~ Since it is Spring Break and I have a bit more time. Perhaps daily looking for those little moments will spur a whole new being within.)

Today, I don't have pictures for what I am going to share, so please forgive.

16. Having a Dr I feel comfortable enough to giggle and joke around with. Dr. Walker is one of the best professionals in my life, and I am ever grateful that when I began seeing her, she opened the doors of her heart, listened to many of my concerns, and was willing to help to find an answer.

17. Rain. We have gotten quite a bit today, and while it is tricky to drive through, I am ever thankful for the rain that falls from the sky. It tends to give new life to my plants ~ life that doesn't come from my faucet. Sure, water is water, but I am convinced that there is something special about rain water.

18. Time off. This week is Spring Break. While, most adults do not get to indulge on such a thing, being a teacher allows me that special time! I love having time to let go of hard core schedules, embrace moments in our day that is not a usual circumstance. Today, we had lunch out with my mother! What fun!

19. Realizing how healthy I really am. I am 37, and have great blood pressure despite the crazy amount of sodium that is in my typical day! I am at a pretty healthy weight, and I am active.

20. Again, my church family.While, last time I expressed joy for my Choir family, today I want to express the love and adoration for the pastoral staff at Grace. I am so blessed to be attending a church that non only fosters to encourage Spiritual growth, but grows on their own as well. I love how at times, there may be something planned, but they are wise enough to say: "Today, I am going to let the Holy spirit just lead" and that is exactly what happened during Praise and Worship time on Sunday.

21. Music. This is one that may occur over many times by the time I hit 1000. I am musically motivated, and can be taken to good places through music. Sometimes it'slow and slow ~ but there are other times I like it LOUD and FAST!

22. Warnings! I am ever thankful that even though we live in a place where Hurricanes are on our minds six months of the year, that we have warnings. Unlike Japan, we can plan our escape or at least have an idea of what to expect.

23.Books! I love books. Ones that make usappreciate friendships, the ones that change our lifestyles, and even some that make us realize we are NOT even close to being where we need to be.

24. My blackberry. Yes, I know it's just a phone, but it has been there at times I needed help and HAD to get a hold of someone, and vice versa. I don't even mind paying the extra to be able to indulge in the extras. At one time, I had considered reducing my cell phone debt, but since have decided it was worth the investment.

25. The funny things I hear on a daily basis in my classroom! These kids just keep me joyful and young. Anyone who works with little children, and has a hard heart ~will NEVER be softened to the things of the Lord. I am convinced of that!

26. Sunshine, peeking out behind a dark storm cloud. It is such a vivid reminder that there is more to come, just as soon as the storm passes.

27. Coffee. Yes my "experience" with coffee in the mornings can often mimic that of passion between lovers, but oh it is so good! :) The cozy warm cup as I sit and wake up from a night of slumber. Coffee is good, but let me tell you ~ Coffee in the morning while reading the Word is even better!

28. Silence. Yes, this lady who loves laughing children, meowing/purring kitties, perking coffee, loud music, also loves peace and quiet. It seems this year, it has been more silence and less TV. I am turned off by lots of noise all day long. Give me a few moments, where I hear a car pass by on the wet pavement outside, the call of a dove in the morning, even a little serenade from an owl off in the distance. Silence is priceless!

29. The ability to share my heart and my life in words. Though I like to talk a lot, taking time to write out my thoughts, my burdens, my prayers, my hopes, my dreams, all just gives me an outlet to share who *I* am in a way that I am NOT ashamed to share.

30. Savings via coupons! I love being able to plop a few coupons down and totally get excited when I end up saving a bit of cashola and can walk away with more then I bargained for! LOVE IT!

Are you looking for those moments that need to be embraced. The moments of NOW? I highly encourage you to take time and start it today!

Somethings are bigger then you!

2011-03-10T06:10:00.000-06:00

Can I be totally honest with you about something? I sure hope so, because well, when I am blogging that is just what it is. Pure Honesty! Please believe me when I say I totally am speaking out of truth and love!

Okay, here goes! Whatever your going through right this minute, is not as big as it seems. I know situations can get so time and mind consuming, but really ~ step outside that mind frame for a minute! Stop, evaluate, ponder, and even just get away for a little bit. Rest on it!

I get that many of you are going through financial problems, gas prices are still on the rise, jobs are sometimes hard to come by, there is a family member who is really ill. Guess what! These things will happen no matter what you do. There are always slumps in the economy, rough patches at work, arguments between spouses, discipline to be done with the children! BUT ... I have a secret for you.

It's not the situation, it's how you handle the situation that matters. Will you handle it with a joyful and thankful heart or will you handle it in depression and darkness? Getting mad at a salesclerk for their rudeness just continues a cycle within yourself AND them. Why not smile at them, wish them a blessed day, and pray for just that. That they are blessed beyond their wildes imagination and there is no where for them to look but up! When pumping the gas into your SUV, why not be thankful that we are able to so readily get the gas when we need and pray for those who are struggling worse then you. THERE IS ALWAYS someone worse off then you! When sneezing because of the tree pollen (Atchoo) be thankful it's not the flu, and pray for those who are ill in their body.

Yes, I live to be a Suzie Homemaker, and I believe life should be full of roses and butterfies. There is nothing wrong with that! But I can tell you one thing, when things seem rough, or not like I want them to seem, I have learned to not make rash decisions right away. There is time to pray, and ask God to show me clarity in the situation, and to be able to see the things I should be thankful for. This Thursday, that is my prayer for you. Step out of your situation, and begin allowing God to use those to increase your faith in HIM! I promise you, if you take this challenge, you too may just become someone who can find the good in all things.

Less is More Update #..2 (maybe)

2011-03-02T06:18:00.000-06:00

Less truly is more.

Less is best.

Less is what I like.

Today I wanted to catch you up on my "less is more" venture that the Lord began working deep within my heart for the new year ~ yeah months ago! I haven't nearly shared as much as I wanted to , because to be honest ~ I was on the more is needed right now mind track. I went through a spell where I seemed to spend more time online ~ but listening and seeking direction from people rather then from Him. I would run to friends and acquaintances more, and to Him less. While my intentions were good ~ it truly is not what God desires of us is it? Oh my soul got weary friends. And on the flip side of this, I am ever grateful it did. See, we never make solid changes in our life until we hit that place of weariness.

I have changed my eating lifestyle over the last few weeks, and because of that it totally brings the Less is more out in the visible existence even if just to myself. See, weight wise there hasn't been many changes and I am okay with that. I know it sounds crazy doesn't it? Even just a few weeks ago, I was worried about dropping a few more pounds before my 20th year school reunion this coming August. We tend to often think we have plenty of time.. why worry now? But too many times, we put it off until well... the reunion is here and I am the same weight and in comes doubt. BUT.... through this new eating lifestyle I have learned a few things that truly shows me how Less IS MORE! I am eating less, and because of that I am also moving more. I never understood the whole "energy rush" when running on empty until I actually did it for a few days. In fact, I went two solid weeks fasting two meals a day. In that time I became more productive, calmer, felt peace return around me, and believe it or not ~ my addiction to food is diminishing. When I was doing Weigh Down, the thought of food was always there. The questions like "did i eat too much?", "was that a real growl?", and "am I good enough" always fluttered in my head. I would ignore it ~ blame it on the devil , whatever, but it seemed something that was supposed to put those thoughts out of my life just seemed to heat them up and make them grow. Just Monday, I tried to return to those ways, away from fasting and had the worst day of my year so far. I was grumpy, moody, weepy, the energy level was gone, and all I wanted to do was bury my head in the sand. You can bet that yesterday I returned to my fasting lifestyle, and all was well with the world. It brings me closer to Him, and my desires change.

So, in this journey less is truly more for me. Less food means more energy. Less food focus, means I have the mind capabilities to focus on more things around me. Less stress, means more peace.

I am currently working on my budget for the Spring and Summer. That will be the next "less is more" post. Stay tuned, I owe you guys and gals a book giveaway, so the drawing for that is coming up on Thursday and will hopefully be mailed out by Friday.

Until next time ~ guard your heart. Anything that claims to remove the self focus, but yet makes you focus on yourself all throughout the day, is not a wise way to spend your time. Less is more!

Menu plan Saturday

2011-02-26T13:16:00.000-06:00

Saturday
B: Fend for yourself
L: Corndogs and Taki's
D: Crispy chicken parm w/ cheese tortilini and maranara sauce, Italian loaf w/ butter, Salad
Dessert: Smores

Sunday
B: donuts & Kolaches
L: pizza
D: Cheeseburger panini's, curly fries & onion rings
Dessert: Lemon Sunshine Cake

Monday
B: Cinnamon Bread french toast
D: Spanish Chicken and Rice Casserole, salad, Cornbread muffins
Dessert: Lemon Sunshine Cake
Tuesday
B: Eggs & Toast
D: Ground venison stroganoff, cressants, steamed broccoli

Wednesday
B: Waffles
D: Porkchops, stuffing, and broccoli and cheese

Thursday
B: Pumpkin bread & fruit
D: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, Corn, rolls

Friday
B: Cereal and Toast
D: Sausage gravy & biscuits

They are little for just a time....

2011-02-19T08:24:00.000-06:00

This weekend I have been so convicted of how important our roles of parents are. Not just in making sure our kids are raised with manners (yes, my children use "sir" and "ma'am" ~ I am from the South, and that is how my husband and I were raised, and how we are raising our kids. It's sad that children are NOT taught respect.), healthy, and are able to take responsibility for their actions. We as parents, are supposed to be parenting our children in a way that builds character within them, not allowing their character to just "happen".

Our children are born with trust in their parents to lead them the right way, but those parents who do not take their role seriously are ruining not only a generation, but many that will follow. I have taught preschool for six years, and I can tell you that there has been a HUGE shift in these kids, and not in a good way.

I am experiencing new things this year within my own children. We have one who started Jr. High (Middle school for some of you), and we are learning day by day more and more about modesty, and how we can become a stumbling block for others. I never thought I would have to talk about that with an eleven year old. I am giving lessons on proper phone manners and how we don't talk to everyone around us while on the phone with someone else. We use our manners on the phone. We are learning the importance of speaking to those who speak to you with kindness and not just a grumble or a nod of the head.

I am in the throws of having to tell my children that they can't play with kids down the street though I have given it the best try I can. When I not only see my children's attitude change, but to have my parental authority questioned not only by the other children, but their parents as well ~ I don't have time for that nonsense. If I said that one of my children cannot go somewhere with you ~ don't ask me why! Respect my wishes. And DON"T send your child to ask why I said no, especially since I personally do not know you well and your children are not being raised with respect. Yes, I know that I can't keep my kids in a bubble, but right now ~ I CAN be their biggest influence (as God has called me to be) and remove anything that pulls from those values. There are other things that have happened that I just don't want to into, and I have prayed for a solution, but from the get go I have felt that weird feeling that something isn't right.

I am honored and blessed by the choice God has made in making the husband and I parents ~together. We make a great team. Sure we have had bumps in the road, but this journey has been beautiful. Our children are not ours ~they have been given back to the Lord, we are just the ones who were chosen to parent them. It's a big responsibility and one that isn't taken seriously enough.

I'm not MLK ~ but I do have a dream!

2011-02-08T06:20:00.000-06:00

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:23-25

It's been awhile that I actually opened up this blog with a scripture, but I can tell you that this has been breeding fire within me since sometime within the midnight hours. In fact, it was birthed within me in my dreams last night. I woke up thinking "wha??". I was running! A real race! And... I was in the contenders spot. It was like each lap around, someone would be eliminated. I began that race thinking there is no way, but I had to run it. I didn't have a choice. I can't remember why, I just remember I didn't have a choice. When that portion of my dream seemed to come to an end, I was one of three left running. The next thing I remember I was sitting down at my computer and writing. Before I knew it I had written 363 pages so i hit submit and before I knew it, I had a hard copy of the book in my hand!! People were coming behind me saying "wow!" I have been there, and even that sounds like a good thing. Then even though I wasn't in my parents house, I remember running into my parents room to tell them ~but they didn't believe me. I told them specifically that "I can do this, and I don't have to wait for anyone to do it for me!".

Have you ever had really vivid dreams, and you know when you woke up that it was not only a dream, but an Encounter? I am overwhelmed this morning. I am blessed, and yet feel so loved by the KING! My hope for you, is that this word that I have shared this morning will remind you that you haven't crossed that finish line! I will walk away taking from it that it is time to get to writing ~that I will have an anointing that will amaze even those the closest to me!

I am posting this on both blogs this morning ~ because well, I want others to read of His provision, His hope, and to be reminded that we are to be running (not always physically) but most importantly running to Him.