To follow the last post about praying for yourself, here are some verses to pray for your KIDS:
"And this I pray, that your love may abound till more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11
"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Acts 20:32
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Prayers for Moms
An interesting part of my Bible study this morning was this verse, Psalm 101:2
"I will behave wisely in a perfect way. ... I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."
I thought to myself "Wow, isn't that just about every mother's goal? The author (Ellen Banks Elwell) of my devotional book also listed some other prayers for mothers to pray for ourselves:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
"The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh." Proverbs 11:17
"Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19
Take some time today to pray these for yourself, and find the encouragement and love that God gives to us.
"I will behave wisely in a perfect way. ... I will walk within my house with a perfect heart."
I thought to myself "Wow, isn't that just about every mother's goal? The author (Ellen Banks Elwell) of my devotional book also listed some other prayers for mothers to pray for ourselves:
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
"The merciful man does good for his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh." Proverbs 11:17
"Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23
"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of your hands." Psalm 138:8
"For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19
Take some time today to pray these for yourself, and find the encouragement and love that God gives to us.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Where Do You Turn?
I don't know about you, but there are times in my life when there is too much going on for me to be able to handle it all. Between the normal chaos that comes with being a stay-at-home mother of two, let's toss in a semester of school, being a first time PTSA member, Room-Mom for two classes, being on the Women's ministry council at our church, and preparing for my husband to be in a different state for 5 months while he's in training. I absolutely LOVE my life, but there are times when it feels like it's just too much. How can one person be expected to do all the things that we as mothers do? God showed me the answer this morning in my Bible study, and I felt the need to share this wisdom this morning. You know me, if I'm not convicted of it myself, I don't blog it. So grab your Bible, and flip to these verses:
1 John 4:16 shows us that when we accept Christ's love for us, and abide in His love, then we are abiding in God and He with us. Nothing can separate us from God's love - NOTHING.
Psalm 86:3 When everyone is taking their hurts (be it a boo-boo, bad day at work, fight with a friend, or troubles with their family) where can you go? I'm really good at calling my friends and letting them know what is going on in my life, and listening to advice, or just listening to some sympathy. But, there isn't really anything that those dear friends can actually DO to improve my situation. I make take the help they offer, but there is only ONE who can actually change things for me. Why aren't I taking things to God in the first place?
James 5:16 This ties in well with what I said in the previous verse - if I am having trouble with sin, temptation, stress, ANYTHING - I should confess the problem to God. He can help! He may prompt me to confess to another person to make something right, but I should take everything to Him first.
Lord, I thank You for Your Word this morning. Thank You for showing me that when I abide in Your love, I abide in You and You with me. Thank You that I can take my troubles to You, and that when I am struggling, You want me to turn to You for help. You are such a merciful God. Amen.
I hope this is an encouragement to you this morning, like it was to me. Sometimes when things are getting too hectic, I feel like I'm having to do it all on my own - and that's just not true. God is here. He loves us. He wants us to turn to Him so He can help.
Remember the poem by Mary Stevenson:
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."
Mary Stevenson
Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, from original 1936 text, All rights reserved
1 John 4:16 shows us that when we accept Christ's love for us, and abide in His love, then we are abiding in God and He with us. Nothing can separate us from God's love - NOTHING.
Psalm 86:3 When everyone is taking their hurts (be it a boo-boo, bad day at work, fight with a friend, or troubles with their family) where can you go? I'm really good at calling my friends and letting them know what is going on in my life, and listening to advice, or just listening to some sympathy. But, there isn't really anything that those dear friends can actually DO to improve my situation. I make take the help they offer, but there is only ONE who can actually change things for me. Why aren't I taking things to God in the first place?
James 5:16 This ties in well with what I said in the previous verse - if I am having trouble with sin, temptation, stress, ANYTHING - I should confess the problem to God. He can help! He may prompt me to confess to another person to make something right, but I should take everything to Him first.
Lord, I thank You for Your Word this morning. Thank You for showing me that when I abide in Your love, I abide in You and You with me. Thank You that I can take my troubles to You, and that when I am struggling, You want me to turn to You for help. You are such a merciful God. Amen.
I hope this is an encouragement to you this morning, like it was to me. Sometimes when things are getting too hectic, I feel like I'm having to do it all on my own - and that's just not true. God is here. He loves us. He wants us to turn to Him so He can help.
Remember the poem by Mary Stevenson:
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."
Mary Stevenson
Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, from original 1936 text, All rights reserved
Monday, August 29, 2011
Natchitoches Meat Pie
Ingredients:
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup cooking oil
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped red pepper
1 large clove of garlic, diced
2 cups beef stock
2 9-inch pie shells
1 egg
1/2 cup water
salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large saute pan, heat oil over medium high heat. Saute beef and pork until golden brown, and no liquid remaining. Add onions, celery, peppers and garlic. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Slow cook for about an hour, adding beef stock as needed to keep it from sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Roll out the pie dough and cut into halves. Spoon a generous helping of the meat into the shells. Brush a little egg wash around the edge, fold over the dough and press with a fork (like a turnover). Now: you can either deep fry (the preferred way, in my opinion) or bake - just placed on a greased cookie sheet, make small slits for steam, egg wash the entire pie, and then bake for 30 minutes.
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup cooking oil
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup chopped red pepper
1 large clove of garlic, diced
2 cups beef stock
2 9-inch pie shells
1 egg
1/2 cup water
salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large saute pan, heat oil over medium high heat. Saute beef and pork until golden brown, and no liquid remaining. Add onions, celery, peppers and garlic. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft. Slow cook for about an hour, adding beef stock as needed to keep it from sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Roll out the pie dough and cut into halves. Spoon a generous helping of the meat into the shells. Brush a little egg wash around the edge, fold over the dough and press with a fork (like a turnover). Now: you can either deep fry (the preferred way, in my opinion) or bake - just placed on a greased cookie sheet, make small slits for steam, egg wash the entire pie, and then bake for 30 minutes.
Chicken Gumbo
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 whole chicken, cut up
2 cups andouille sausage
4 slices of bacon
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped celery
4 cloves diced garlic
3 bay leaves
1 1/2 tsp creole seasoning
1 T. tabasco sauce
2 1/2 quarts chicken stock (or you can sub water, I do)
1 cup green onions
1/2 cup chopped parsley
Directions:
Add oil and flour in a large pot, cook until about the color of milk chocolate.
Add onions, green peppers, celery, garlic. Saute over low heat until soft, about 10 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients, except for green onions and parsley. Stir well. Bring up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 2 hours, 3 hours is best. Add water as needed, stir occasionally.
When it's done, add green onions and parsley, stir and cover. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Add salt to taste.
Serve over white rice.
Serves about 10 to 12.
1 1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 whole chicken, cut up
2 cups andouille sausage
4 slices of bacon
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped celery
4 cloves diced garlic
3 bay leaves
1 1/2 tsp creole seasoning
1 T. tabasco sauce
2 1/2 quarts chicken stock (or you can sub water, I do)
1 cup green onions
1/2 cup chopped parsley
Directions:
Add oil and flour in a large pot, cook until about the color of milk chocolate.
Add onions, green peppers, celery, garlic. Saute over low heat until soft, about 10 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients, except for green onions and parsley. Stir well. Bring up to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 2 hours, 3 hours is best. Add water as needed, stir occasionally.
When it's done, add green onions and parsley, stir and cover. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Add salt to taste.
Serve over white rice.
Serves about 10 to 12.
Crock pot Jambalaya
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cubed (about 1" pieces)
1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes (we use petite diced, peeled, when we can)
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green pepper, shopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons parsley
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 pound shimp, peeled, deveined (you can use frozen if you like, too.)
Directions:
1. Add all ingredients to your crock pot (except for shrimp!). Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours, or High for 3 to 4 hours. Stir in shrimp in last 30 minutes of cook time, if frozen, and 20 minutes if fresh. Serve over rice.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cubed (about 1" pieces)
1 pound Andouille sausage, sliced
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes (we use petite diced, peeled, when we can)
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green pepper, shopped
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons parsley
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 pound shimp, peeled, deveined (you can use frozen if you like, too.)
Directions:
1. Add all ingredients to your crock pot (except for shrimp!). Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours, or High for 3 to 4 hours. Stir in shrimp in last 30 minutes of cook time, if frozen, and 20 minutes if fresh. Serve over rice.
Sauce Piquante
4 pounds meat (alligator, shrimp, chicken, beef, game - anything works here)
2 sticks of butter
3 medium onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 T. white flour
3 cans of cooked whole tomatoes (Ro-tel)
4 bay leaves
4 T. vegetable oil
1 T. paprika
1/4 c. chopped parsley
1 1/2 bunches onion tops
2 cups water
cayenne pepper, to taste
salt & pepper, to taste
1 8 oz can of tomato sauce
1 pound of andouille sausage
Brown meat in a large pot. Place oil and flour in the pot, cook stirring constantly until as dark as chocolate. Add onions and bell pepper. Cook until dark brown and soft. Add tomato sauce and cooked tomatoes and simmer for 30 minutes. Add garlic, meat, seasonings, and andouille, and simmer 25 minutes. Add butter and cook for another 40 minutes. Serve over rice.
2 sticks of butter
3 medium onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 T. white flour
3 cans of cooked whole tomatoes (Ro-tel)
4 bay leaves
4 T. vegetable oil
1 T. paprika
1/4 c. chopped parsley
1 1/2 bunches onion tops
2 cups water
cayenne pepper, to taste
salt & pepper, to taste
1 8 oz can of tomato sauce
1 pound of andouille sausage
Brown meat in a large pot. Place oil and flour in the pot, cook stirring constantly until as dark as chocolate. Add onions and bell pepper. Cook until dark brown and soft. Add tomato sauce and cooked tomatoes and simmer for 30 minutes. Add garlic, meat, seasonings, and andouille, and simmer 25 minutes. Add butter and cook for another 40 minutes. Serve over rice.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Barbecue Baked Beans
So, I made this for our church potluck fellowship today, and will definitely make it again! This came out so yummy! Could probably scale it back to 1/2 recipe for just family dinner, though - it makes a whole big batch!
Southern Baked Beans
1/2 package of bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, in a small dice
1/2 medium green bell pepper, small dice
3 28-oz. cans of pork n' beans
3/4 cup of Barbecue sauce
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 distilled vinegar
2 T. Dijon mustard
Fry up your bacon in a large skillet. Remove to drain on paper towels, but leave the grease in the pan! Sautee your onions and peppers for about 5 or 6 minutes in the bacon drippings. Then stir in the beans, and the remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer for about 20 minutes. Pour into a greased 13x9 casserole, and bake at 325 degrees for about 2 hours. The sauce should be nice and thick, like syrup.
Delicious!!
NOTE: I over-cooked mine today because of an emergency at the church, and it was STILL wonderful. Not so saucy, but still darn good!
Southern Baked Beans
1/2 package of bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, in a small dice
1/2 medium green bell pepper, small dice
3 28-oz. cans of pork n' beans
3/4 cup of Barbecue sauce
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1/4 distilled vinegar
2 T. Dijon mustard
Fry up your bacon in a large skillet. Remove to drain on paper towels, but leave the grease in the pan! Sautee your onions and peppers for about 5 or 6 minutes in the bacon drippings. Then stir in the beans, and the remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer for about 20 minutes. Pour into a greased 13x9 casserole, and bake at 325 degrees for about 2 hours. The sauce should be nice and thick, like syrup.
Delicious!!
NOTE: I over-cooked mine today because of an emergency at the church, and it was STILL wonderful. Not so saucy, but still darn good!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Steak Marinade Recipe
I literally JUST got off the phone with my mom who called asking for this recipe, so I thought while I had it on my mind, I would go ahead and post it here:
BEST EVER Steak Marinade Recipe:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste.
Combine in a large sealable (Ziploc) bag. Add steak, close the bag, and massage the marinade into the steak. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Then grill, or pan fry as desired.
BEST EVER Steak Marinade Recipe:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste.
Combine in a large sealable (Ziploc) bag. Add steak, close the bag, and massage the marinade into the steak. Let sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Then grill, or pan fry as desired.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Living the Dream
Today was the first day that both of my boys were in school. Granted, that was only true for 3 hours, while DS2 was in preschool this morning, but it still left me with 3 uninterrupted hours to myself...
What to do... what to do...
I started a list in my mind of the things that would be my ideal way to spend time alone. I have to admit that right up there on the list were "have coffee with a friend", or "sit on the couch and watch talk shows". But I'm pretty proud of myself. I took the dog for a walk and had a nice chat with my grandma on the phone while we were out. I came home and rode 2 miles on my bike, then enjoyed a double-long shower (that's right... a whole 5 minutes!!), braided my hair, did my makeup and got dressed in REAL clothes. Then I called my cousin and chatted on the phone with her while I did everything from dishes to dusting to scrubbing the bathrooms. After I picked DS2 up from school, we spent some time catching up on his day, and then he laid down for his nap, and I had another 2 hours to myself. This time, I was able to relax and enjoy doing what it was that I wanted to do for myself. Being so productive in the morning meant that I had a pan of brownies cooling on the counter when DS1 got home from school, we got to have a Nerf war when daddy got home, and we worked on a puzzle before having dinner. Today has been so relaxing and enjoyable simply because I had the time to focus on all the things I needed to do, AND to spend time with my family. True, honest, quality time. It was so refreshing! I'm looking forward to what is in store for me tomorrow. :)
What to do... what to do...
I started a list in my mind of the things that would be my ideal way to spend time alone. I have to admit that right up there on the list were "have coffee with a friend", or "sit on the couch and watch talk shows". But I'm pretty proud of myself. I took the dog for a walk and had a nice chat with my grandma on the phone while we were out. I came home and rode 2 miles on my bike, then enjoyed a double-long shower (that's right... a whole 5 minutes!!), braided my hair, did my makeup and got dressed in REAL clothes. Then I called my cousin and chatted on the phone with her while I did everything from dishes to dusting to scrubbing the bathrooms. After I picked DS2 up from school, we spent some time catching up on his day, and then he laid down for his nap, and I had another 2 hours to myself. This time, I was able to relax and enjoy doing what it was that I wanted to do for myself. Being so productive in the morning meant that I had a pan of brownies cooling on the counter when DS1 got home from school, we got to have a Nerf war when daddy got home, and we worked on a puzzle before having dinner. Today has been so relaxing and enjoyable simply because I had the time to focus on all the things I needed to do, AND to spend time with my family. True, honest, quality time. It was so refreshing! I'm looking forward to what is in store for me tomorrow. :)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
My Cooking MISadventures
Fail Town, population: me.
I pride myself on my cooking - my family and friends all (seem to) enjoy it, and I love doing it. I like having people over so I can "show off" with simple, hearty, down-home food. Steak and gravy, homemade apple pie, peach cobbler, The World's Most Amazing Brownies, fried chicken... that kind of thing. It goes without saying that there are definitely no slim waistlines in my house :)
My family isn't terribly adventurous when it comes to food, we like the old tried-and-true favorites (see above), but I came across a recipe the other day that I thought sounded pretty good. I got everything put in the crockpot and headed out for my errands, expecting to come home to a wonderful aroma and dinner ready to eat. It was a recipe for Hawaiian Chicken, and you serve it over rice, so I got started making the rice for dinner. We eat a lot of rice, so I don't really even have to think about it anymore. 2 to 1 water to rice, 20 minutes simmering with the lid on, fluff with a fork, done. When we sat down for dinner last night, however we discovered that something was amiss.
The rice was done, but crisp on the outside. I honestly have no clue how this happened. And the chicken was a disaster - a disaster I'm still trying to remove from the inside of my crockpot, despite the nonstick cooking spray I used before making it. Somehow it was dry, even though it spent all day cooking in a sauce. I don't blame it though, that sauce was gross! I looked up at my DH over the plate of this industrial accident, and I knew that he was thinking about the other major cooking flops of our relationship. Yes, there have been a few.
First, there was the incident with the chicken stir fry. This was when we were in high school, his parents were on a trip, and I decided that this was the perfect opportunity for me to show just what kind of girl he was dating. As I prepared he chicken and vegetables, I was inwardly focused on the surprise he was about to get at what an amazing Domestic Goddess he was blessed with. This to be a man-catching meal, if ever there was one. I was so engrossed in what I was doing, following the recipe and dishing up his plate, that I didn't even really look at the meal itself. When I sat down across from him at the table, he had already taken a bite. I must have looked pretty smug as I sat there thinking "Yes! This is it! He couldn't even wait for me before he dug in! I'm awesome!" Then I looked down at my plate. Somehow everything was the same color - white. You couldn't tell where the chicken ended and the rice began. And that beautiful sauce over top? White as well. I looked at it for a minute, looked up at him - he was studiously NOT looking at me - and back at my plate. I took a deep breath and said "I'm not eating this - it looks awful." He set his fork down carefully on his plate and said "Thank God, because it tastes awful!" I believe we ordered a pizza.
The second time happened the very next night. "Okay, Round 2! That stir fry was a disaster, but I have made spaghetti a million times, and never had a mistake. EVER. This meal will be my redemption. NOW he'll see that I'm an amazing cook and he won't be able to stand it! 'Run away with me' he'll say. That's it." I shooed him off to the game room telling him to relax, play some video games or watch a movie, because my spaghetti takes about an hour to make. I bustled around in the kitchen making the sauce, cooking the pasta, and preheating the oven for some garlic bread. When it was time to put the bread in the oven, I opened it up. Flames came shooting out! The oven was on fire! I quickly closed the door, racked my brain for what it was I was supposed to do, and then calmly said "Babe, could you come in here?" He came strolling down the hallway, expecting his dinner, I'm sure. When he got to the kitchen, I opened the oven door for him. He leaped into action - putting out the fire and the finding the culprit. It actually was NOT my fault - his mother had left a cleaning rag in the oven, which ignited of course, when I turned the oven on.
After we recovered, we still ate dinner, and it was amazing. He didn't ask me to run away with him, but he still requests spaghetti for dinner frequently. Looking back through the years there have been a few other flops, but nothing on the scale of lighting his mother's oven on fire, or miraculously leeching the color out of fresh vegetables. He likes to share these stories with friends when we're talking about that kind of thing, and of course, they keep me humble when I'm starting to get too cocky.
But I always point out that the oven thing was NOT actually my fault... :)
Now that I've divulged MY biggest cooking flops - what are yours??
I pride myself on my cooking - my family and friends all (seem to) enjoy it, and I love doing it. I like having people over so I can "show off" with simple, hearty, down-home food. Steak and gravy, homemade apple pie, peach cobbler, The World's Most Amazing Brownies, fried chicken... that kind of thing. It goes without saying that there are definitely no slim waistlines in my house :)
My family isn't terribly adventurous when it comes to food, we like the old tried-and-true favorites (see above), but I came across a recipe the other day that I thought sounded pretty good. I got everything put in the crockpot and headed out for my errands, expecting to come home to a wonderful aroma and dinner ready to eat. It was a recipe for Hawaiian Chicken, and you serve it over rice, so I got started making the rice for dinner. We eat a lot of rice, so I don't really even have to think about it anymore. 2 to 1 water to rice, 20 minutes simmering with the lid on, fluff with a fork, done. When we sat down for dinner last night, however we discovered that something was amiss.
The rice was done, but crisp on the outside. I honestly have no clue how this happened. And the chicken was a disaster - a disaster I'm still trying to remove from the inside of my crockpot, despite the nonstick cooking spray I used before making it. Somehow it was dry, even though it spent all day cooking in a sauce. I don't blame it though, that sauce was gross! I looked up at my DH over the plate of this industrial accident, and I knew that he was thinking about the other major cooking flops of our relationship. Yes, there have been a few.
First, there was the incident with the chicken stir fry. This was when we were in high school, his parents were on a trip, and I decided that this was the perfect opportunity for me to show just what kind of girl he was dating. As I prepared he chicken and vegetables, I was inwardly focused on the surprise he was about to get at what an amazing Domestic Goddess he was blessed with. This to be a man-catching meal, if ever there was one. I was so engrossed in what I was doing, following the recipe and dishing up his plate, that I didn't even really look at the meal itself. When I sat down across from him at the table, he had already taken a bite. I must have looked pretty smug as I sat there thinking "Yes! This is it! He couldn't even wait for me before he dug in! I'm awesome!" Then I looked down at my plate. Somehow everything was the same color - white. You couldn't tell where the chicken ended and the rice began. And that beautiful sauce over top? White as well. I looked at it for a minute, looked up at him - he was studiously NOT looking at me - and back at my plate. I took a deep breath and said "I'm not eating this - it looks awful." He set his fork down carefully on his plate and said "Thank God, because it tastes awful!" I believe we ordered a pizza.
The second time happened the very next night. "Okay, Round 2! That stir fry was a disaster, but I have made spaghetti a million times, and never had a mistake. EVER. This meal will be my redemption. NOW he'll see that I'm an amazing cook and he won't be able to stand it! 'Run away with me' he'll say. That's it." I shooed him off to the game room telling him to relax, play some video games or watch a movie, because my spaghetti takes about an hour to make. I bustled around in the kitchen making the sauce, cooking the pasta, and preheating the oven for some garlic bread. When it was time to put the bread in the oven, I opened it up. Flames came shooting out! The oven was on fire! I quickly closed the door, racked my brain for what it was I was supposed to do, and then calmly said "Babe, could you come in here?" He came strolling down the hallway, expecting his dinner, I'm sure. When he got to the kitchen, I opened the oven door for him. He leaped into action - putting out the fire and the finding the culprit. It actually was NOT my fault - his mother had left a cleaning rag in the oven, which ignited of course, when I turned the oven on.
After we recovered, we still ate dinner, and it was amazing. He didn't ask me to run away with him, but he still requests spaghetti for dinner frequently. Looking back through the years there have been a few other flops, but nothing on the scale of lighting his mother's oven on fire, or miraculously leeching the color out of fresh vegetables. He likes to share these stories with friends when we're talking about that kind of thing, and of course, they keep me humble when I'm starting to get too cocky.
But I always point out that the oven thing was NOT actually my fault... :)
Now that I've divulged MY biggest cooking flops - what are yours??
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
What's Your Motivation?
What is it that really gets you moving? I'm a highly competitive person, and for quite some time I used to think that my motivation was that love of competition, or the desire to see something accomplished that I had started. But as time goes on, I'm finding that's not exactly the case. If you asked me right now, I'd definitely have to say that I'm motivated by stress. It was even like that in high school - don't worry about the fact that I had 2 weeks to write that paper; I would always wait until the night before, and crank out a paper that was fueled on Pepsi and Chili Cheese Fritos. I got mostly straight A's too, so to my mind, it worked! Why would I change a tried-and-true method? If it's not broke, don't fix it, right?
Wrong. My attitude was completely selfish, and that was demonstrated to me this morning in my quiet time. As a Christian, we are called to love others above ourselves. It may not seem like it, but my idea of waiting until the last minute is not loving, and it has developed into a life-long habit. I wait until all the laundry baskets are full before I wash, the sink is overflowing before I load the dishwasher, we have someone coming over in 10 minutes before I start to think about cleaning up. That's not loving, to my family, or my guests, and it certainly isn't living to glorify God. That's a very apathetic lifestyle, and God is NOT apathetic.
My quiet time this morning was, in true form, very convicting. God said in John 13:17
"If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."
and
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lets, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27
We are blessed not because of what we know, but because of what we do with what we know. We find our greatest joy in obeying Christ my serving others. Today, I'm going to focus on blessing my family by serving them in the place Christ has placed me to serve them. So, I guess I'd better hit that laundry pile :)
Instead of being motivated by stress, I'm switching! I'm doing everything I need to do at the appropriate time because God has called me to love my family.
Here's some music to get me moving:
Wrong. My attitude was completely selfish, and that was demonstrated to me this morning in my quiet time. As a Christian, we are called to love others above ourselves. It may not seem like it, but my idea of waiting until the last minute is not loving, and it has developed into a life-long habit. I wait until all the laundry baskets are full before I wash, the sink is overflowing before I load the dishwasher, we have someone coming over in 10 minutes before I start to think about cleaning up. That's not loving, to my family, or my guests, and it certainly isn't living to glorify God. That's a very apathetic lifestyle, and God is NOT apathetic.
My quiet time this morning was, in true form, very convicting. God said in John 13:17
"If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them."
and
"But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lets, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27
We are blessed not because of what we know, but because of what we do with what we know. We find our greatest joy in obeying Christ my serving others. Today, I'm going to focus on blessing my family by serving them in the place Christ has placed me to serve them. So, I guess I'd better hit that laundry pile :)
Instead of being motivated by stress, I'm switching! I'm doing everything I need to do at the appropriate time because God has called me to love my family.
Here's some music to get me moving:
Friday, August 5, 2011
Beside Still Waters
I have always thought that the 23rd Psalm was most appropriate during times of illness or the loss of a loved one. But my quiet time this morning showed it to me in a different light. First, flip over to Hebrews 4:9-11.
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
I don't know about you, but I definitely feel like there aren't enough hours in the day or days in the week for me to get done the things that I need to get done. And while I always try to get my housework done during the week so I can enjoy my weekend, it doesn't take long for the dishes that are piling up in the sink, or the overflowing hamper to really get to me on Sunday afternoon. Now, God doesn't say that doing your laundry on Sunday is a sin, but let's think about the other things that we do on Sunday that shift our focus away from the Lord. Paying bills? Running errands? Catching up on work?
Resting on the Sabbath isn't about an archaic law that has passed it's usefulness. It isn't a requirement for our salvation. It is a statement of our faith, though. It takes faith during the week to believe that God will enable us to accomplish in 6 days what would take all 7. He's done it before, you know. It is also about being obedient to the Lord and resting in Him, allowing Him to be in charge of the day and lead us beside still waters, restore our souls, and renew our strength for the week ahead.
If it doesn't seem like this is a possibility ("Lord, I just have too much to do! How can I manage to get it all done so I can rest on Sunday?") flip over to Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law
In our quiet time this morning, the Law is the 4th Commandment - Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. But what is the revelation? Check out Habakkuk 2:2a
Write the vision and make it plain on tablets...
The revelation, or the vision, is God's plan for our lives. We should be seeking God's will in everything, even our daily lives. God wants us to seek His help in planning our day - ask God to help you accomplish what you need to do today and write down your plan. Have faith! This translates over into the bigger picture, as well - seek God's will and plan for your life, ask what He wants you to accomplish for His kingdom and His glory, and write down what He impresses on your heart.
Most importantly, observing the Sabbath is about being obedient to God when He says "If you love me, obey my commandments". If we love God, and follow Christ as our Savior and Redeemer, why wouldn't we want to devote ALL the days of the week to showing that love, worshipping and fellowshipping with God? And all He's asking for is 1 day.
Don't you love it when God leads you through His word to show you what He has on His mind? Isn't it amazing that the Creator of the universe has something He wants to tell YOU in the mornings? Let me tell you, I only blog it because I am convicted of it, I'll be right alongside you asking for God's will and plan for my day and for my life, so I can rest, be renewed and restored on Sunday. I'm looking forward to it!! I can't wait for the Lord to be "my Shepherd,... to make me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul".
There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.
I don't know about you, but I definitely feel like there aren't enough hours in the day or days in the week for me to get done the things that I need to get done. And while I always try to get my housework done during the week so I can enjoy my weekend, it doesn't take long for the dishes that are piling up in the sink, or the overflowing hamper to really get to me on Sunday afternoon. Now, God doesn't say that doing your laundry on Sunday is a sin, but let's think about the other things that we do on Sunday that shift our focus away from the Lord. Paying bills? Running errands? Catching up on work?
Resting on the Sabbath isn't about an archaic law that has passed it's usefulness. It isn't a requirement for our salvation. It is a statement of our faith, though. It takes faith during the week to believe that God will enable us to accomplish in 6 days what would take all 7. He's done it before, you know. It is also about being obedient to the Lord and resting in Him, allowing Him to be in charge of the day and lead us beside still waters, restore our souls, and renew our strength for the week ahead.
If it doesn't seem like this is a possibility ("Lord, I just have too much to do! How can I manage to get it all done so I can rest on Sunday?") flip over to Proverbs 29:18
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law
In our quiet time this morning, the Law is the 4th Commandment - Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. But what is the revelation? Check out Habakkuk 2:2a
Write the vision and make it plain on tablets...
The revelation, or the vision, is God's plan for our lives. We should be seeking God's will in everything, even our daily lives. God wants us to seek His help in planning our day - ask God to help you accomplish what you need to do today and write down your plan. Have faith! This translates over into the bigger picture, as well - seek God's will and plan for your life, ask what He wants you to accomplish for His kingdom and His glory, and write down what He impresses on your heart.
Most importantly, observing the Sabbath is about being obedient to God when He says "If you love me, obey my commandments". If we love God, and follow Christ as our Savior and Redeemer, why wouldn't we want to devote ALL the days of the week to showing that love, worshipping and fellowshipping with God? And all He's asking for is 1 day.
Don't you love it when God leads you through His word to show you what He has on His mind? Isn't it amazing that the Creator of the universe has something He wants to tell YOU in the mornings? Let me tell you, I only blog it because I am convicted of it, I'll be right alongside you asking for God's will and plan for my day and for my life, so I can rest, be renewed and restored on Sunday. I'm looking forward to it!! I can't wait for the Lord to be "my Shepherd,... to make me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul".
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
1 pound Brussels sprouts
3 T. butter
salt & pepper to taste
Blanche sprouts in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to an ice bath. Cut in half. Melt butter over medium high heat in a skillet. Add sprouts to skillet, season with salt and pepper, and 'fry' for a few minutes, until starting to turn golden and crispy.
3 T. butter
salt & pepper to taste
Blanche sprouts in boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to an ice bath. Cut in half. Melt butter over medium high heat in a skillet. Add sprouts to skillet, season with salt and pepper, and 'fry' for a few minutes, until starting to turn golden and crispy.
BBQ Meatloaf
2 beaten eggs
3/4 c. milk
2/3 c. breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
pepper to taste
1/4 c. finely chopped onion
1 1/2 pound ground beef or pork
1 tsp basil
1 tsp parsley
BBQ sauce
Mix all the ingredients. Shape into a loaf on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 1 hour, 15 minutes. Top with BBQ sauce and continue to bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until done. Let stand for a 5 to 10 minutes, slice and serve.
Notes: It's fairly common in our house to serve with mashed potatoes and a side - tonight it was crispy Brussels sprouts.
3/4 c. milk
2/3 c. breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
pepper to taste
1/4 c. finely chopped onion
1 1/2 pound ground beef or pork
1 tsp basil
1 tsp parsley
BBQ sauce
Mix all the ingredients. Shape into a loaf on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 1 hour, 15 minutes. Top with BBQ sauce and continue to bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until done. Let stand for a 5 to 10 minutes, slice and serve.
Notes: It's fairly common in our house to serve with mashed potatoes and a side - tonight it was crispy Brussels sprouts.
Leave it to Beavers...
You know, as a little girl, you have this picture in your mind about what your marriage will be like. Happy, smiling, children; sparkling home; drop-dead-gorgeous husband who adores you constantly. There aren't financial problems, or misunderstandings between you and your husband, and the sun never goes down on anger.
There are things they never tell you about marriage - like, while you want all the clothes in the hamper, your husband may choose to leave them at the foot of the bed on the floor. Or, that you can loose that 'spark' after 6 1/2 years of brushing your teeth next to each other everyday. Sometimes you argue about ridiculous things, like where to keep the remote, or who gets to sit in the "good chair". You see each other at your best - when you're heading out to a date night, or anytime your mother is coming over; and at your worst - cold and flu season anyone? But no one ever really shares the craziness that can arise in a marriage. Let me expound on this. It all centers, for me, around beavers.
You read that right. Beavers. We've all had those dreams where you wake up because you thought you were falling. Or maybe even sometimes there is something that you have to do the next day, and your mind keeps fixating on it while you're sleeping. Mine is a beaver. For some reason, I have this recurring dream that there is a beaver in the house. It doesn't do anything, it just roams our house. I had successfully kept this a secret from my DH for almost 6 years of our marriage - I mean, who wants to admit that they have a recurring dream about a giant rodent? Well, he found out. And not subtly, I might add.
Apparently in the middle of the night, I started shouting and crying, hitting my husband, and trying to crawl out his side of the bed in order to save our kids. When he finally was able to get a coherent thought out of me, he discovered that I believed there was a beaver on the floor next to my side of the bed. "Babe, there's no beaver in our room." was all it took for me to lay down and go back to sleep. Now, I had no idea that any of this had happened, and the next morning I woke up and shuffled into the kitchen to pack DH's lunch as usual. He was calmly fixing a bowl of cereal when he looks at me and says "So... a beaver, huh?" I froze. What? How could he know that I had the beaver dream again? I've never told him about it! I decided to play it cool with the very witty retort "huh?". "Yeah, you freaked out because you thought there was a beaver in our room." Busted. "Hm... that's weird." (surreptitiously not looking directly at him). He enjoyed having a good joke at my expense for a few days, and a great new story to tell his friends. At first, I was humiliated. I don't know why, other than the fact that I was embarrassed about the weird dream, and here my husband is now thinking "great, she's insane". But to be honest, it just cemented for me why I married him. He's my best friend; he loves me whether I've just pulled his favorite cake out of the oven, or I've woken him up at 2 AM to get him to chase a beaver out of our room. He likes the fact that I get worked up over reality TV, and that I don't see the endings coming in movies. I'm so glad that he's in my life, and that we enjoy being around each other as much as we do. Where would be in life without laughter?
There are things they never tell you about marriage - like, while you want all the clothes in the hamper, your husband may choose to leave them at the foot of the bed on the floor. Or, that you can loose that 'spark' after 6 1/2 years of brushing your teeth next to each other everyday. Sometimes you argue about ridiculous things, like where to keep the remote, or who gets to sit in the "good chair". You see each other at your best - when you're heading out to a date night, or anytime your mother is coming over; and at your worst - cold and flu season anyone? But no one ever really shares the craziness that can arise in a marriage. Let me expound on this. It all centers, for me, around beavers.
You read that right. Beavers. We've all had those dreams where you wake up because you thought you were falling. Or maybe even sometimes there is something that you have to do the next day, and your mind keeps fixating on it while you're sleeping. Mine is a beaver. For some reason, I have this recurring dream that there is a beaver in the house. It doesn't do anything, it just roams our house. I had successfully kept this a secret from my DH for almost 6 years of our marriage - I mean, who wants to admit that they have a recurring dream about a giant rodent? Well, he found out. And not subtly, I might add.
Apparently in the middle of the night, I started shouting and crying, hitting my husband, and trying to crawl out his side of the bed in order to save our kids. When he finally was able to get a coherent thought out of me, he discovered that I believed there was a beaver on the floor next to my side of the bed. "Babe, there's no beaver in our room." was all it took for me to lay down and go back to sleep. Now, I had no idea that any of this had happened, and the next morning I woke up and shuffled into the kitchen to pack DH's lunch as usual. He was calmly fixing a bowl of cereal when he looks at me and says "So... a beaver, huh?" I froze. What? How could he know that I had the beaver dream again? I've never told him about it! I decided to play it cool with the very witty retort "huh?". "Yeah, you freaked out because you thought there was a beaver in our room." Busted. "Hm... that's weird." (surreptitiously not looking directly at him). He enjoyed having a good joke at my expense for a few days, and a great new story to tell his friends. At first, I was humiliated. I don't know why, other than the fact that I was embarrassed about the weird dream, and here my husband is now thinking "great, she's insane". But to be honest, it just cemented for me why I married him. He's my best friend; he loves me whether I've just pulled his favorite cake out of the oven, or I've woken him up at 2 AM to get him to chase a beaver out of our room. He likes the fact that I get worked up over reality TV, and that I don't see the endings coming in movies. I'm so glad that he's in my life, and that we enjoy being around each other as much as we do. Where would be in life without laughter?
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Shopping Success!
Isn't it a great feeling when you have a shopping trip that you have been planning on, and it goes smoothly? Today was a lot of fun - the boys and I met DH's mother at the mall to do a little back-to-school shopping. After about an hour and half, we were pretty much done! We stopped and had a nice lunch, then the kids and I played at the playground, and headed home. Now we're enjoying a bit of quiet time before getting ready for church tonight. Let me tell you - we're getting better at shopping the sales! Gymboree is having a great sale - t-shirts are $5.99 and we saw things on the racks anywhere from 20% to 60% off! We also got $25 Gymboree Bucks off of our next $50 purchase. Then we headed to Old Navy where they had jeans for the kids for $8. Stride Rite has a great sale going - buy one, get one 50% off! So we got two pairs of NICE Stride Rite shoes for about $80. After playing at the playground (where DS2 laid the smack-down on a boy who thought he could push my kid around) we went off to the Disney store and got DS2 a lunch box and backpack for $19! I'll have to take and post pictures of all our finds later today, but for now, I'm basking in the enjoyment of a job well done and a house full of tired little boys :)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Back to School Already?!?
When reviewing my calendar for tomorrow I read the words "school shopping". I had to read it a few times before it sank in that I was going school shopping for BOTH of my kids! DS1 is starting kindergarten in less than 2 weeks, and one day later, DS2 goes off to his first day of preschool! What happened?! Where has the time gone? Wasn't it just yesterday that I was pregnant and chasing around my (at that time) only son? I very clearly remember buying their first pair of real shoes - not the cloth baby shoes, but REAL shoes! And what about their first shorts without snaps down the legs? How is it time for me to be picking out lunch boxes and backpacks, when it feels like I should still be packing baby food and bottles? Now I'm getting ready to buy new shoes, jackets, jeans, backpacks, lunch boxes, take kids to get haircuts and end of the summer pictures done!
I'm so anxious - and try as I may to convince myself that it is good stress, I'm only kidding myself. I am full of anxiety over the past 5 years - was I a good enough mother? Did I treasure all the moments that I could? Did I show my sons that I love them at every point I could? Did I make sure that I put them ahead of myself? The honest answer is no, I didn't. I have a short temper, I enjoy relaxing and not being on the go at all times. I'm a bit of a homebody, and I don't really enjoy being out all the time running from one thing to another. I don't like to play rough, or crash cars, or chase people with swords. But you know what? That's OK. I'm not supposed to be a perfect mother - I'm supposed to try my hardest. Yes, my boys know that I love them. I've made a safe, comfortable, loving home for them where they are a valued part of the family. We have fun, we relax, sometimes we're bored, but we love each other. I have started them on their path to knowing the Lord, and they love Him with all their little hearts.
Now I'm worried about this new stage in our lives - will we have time to spend as a family? Will we be too busy with school now? What kind of influence will public school have on their lives? But you know what? God has answered these questions for me. Quick, flip to Matthew 6:34. I'll wait.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:34
Isn't He amazing? The very things I am thinking, and God has a response for it. While I'm stressing over the coming years, God tells me that He's got it under control, and that I have enough to deal with for today. So friends, enjoy today: even the difficult things like cranky babies or hectic schedules. Don't obsess over what is coming up, you have enough on your plate today. God can handle what you've got going on today, AND what is coming around the bend, we just have to remember to take it to Him first. Lean on Him, and He can help you with everything. For now, I'll rely on Him to get me through the emotional roller coaster of the next few weeks. I'm looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life, I'll miss the old one, but I'm glad to see what is coming around the bend.
I'm so anxious - and try as I may to convince myself that it is good stress, I'm only kidding myself. I am full of anxiety over the past 5 years - was I a good enough mother? Did I treasure all the moments that I could? Did I show my sons that I love them at every point I could? Did I make sure that I put them ahead of myself? The honest answer is no, I didn't. I have a short temper, I enjoy relaxing and not being on the go at all times. I'm a bit of a homebody, and I don't really enjoy being out all the time running from one thing to another. I don't like to play rough, or crash cars, or chase people with swords. But you know what? That's OK. I'm not supposed to be a perfect mother - I'm supposed to try my hardest. Yes, my boys know that I love them. I've made a safe, comfortable, loving home for them where they are a valued part of the family. We have fun, we relax, sometimes we're bored, but we love each other. I have started them on their path to knowing the Lord, and they love Him with all their little hearts.
Now I'm worried about this new stage in our lives - will we have time to spend as a family? Will we be too busy with school now? What kind of influence will public school have on their lives? But you know what? God has answered these questions for me. Quick, flip to Matthew 6:34. I'll wait.
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:34
Isn't He amazing? The very things I am thinking, and God has a response for it. While I'm stressing over the coming years, God tells me that He's got it under control, and that I have enough to deal with for today. So friends, enjoy today: even the difficult things like cranky babies or hectic schedules. Don't obsess over what is coming up, you have enough on your plate today. God can handle what you've got going on today, AND what is coming around the bend, we just have to remember to take it to Him first. Lean on Him, and He can help you with everything. For now, I'll rely on Him to get me through the emotional roller coaster of the next few weeks. I'm looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life, I'll miss the old one, but I'm glad to see what is coming around the bend.
Orange Marmalade Glaze for Pork Roast
3/4 cup orange marmalade
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1 tsp water
salt & pepper to taste
Season roast with salt and pepper. Mix remaining ingredients and set aside. Bake roast at 425 for 15 minutes, then top with glaze. Finish roast as directed. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
This was great! Served it with rice and veggies.
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
1 tsp water
salt & pepper to taste
Season roast with salt and pepper. Mix remaining ingredients and set aside. Bake roast at 425 for 15 minutes, then top with glaze. Finish roast as directed. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
This was great! Served it with rice and veggies.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Down from the Mountain
What an amazing weekend we had! Let me tell you, spending 3 days in the mountains with 8 families will keep you on your toes! Campfires, fishing trips, singing songs, and playing outside with friends really helps you put things into perspective. There we were, in fellowship with other believers, enjoying the beauty of God's creation all around us. The birds singing, the rain, the beauty of the mountains, trees, lakes - all of it there for us to enjoy, placed there specifically for us by a Creator who loves us, and wants us to see the beauty of His world. Not once did we hear complaining because there was no TV, we didn't get any requests for iPods, nightlights, music, or video games. The kids amused themselves for hours playing on the swings, riding in the tractor, and just being outside. Every night they tumbled into their sleeping bags, dirty and exhausted; every morning they woke up looking forward to what that day would hold. What an amazing way for God to bring my family together. To make us stop, take a deep breath, look around, and get back to basics. The memories that we started this weekend will be the foundation for memories that my sons build with their children. It is through weekends like this that we impact a future we will never see. Take your kids outside. Turn off the TV and engage with them - play some board games, go for a walk, read some books. Most of all: enjoy your family!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Must Be Doing Something Right
I just had to rush right over and blog this - we're having such an amazing day, and it is such a turnaround from how things have been in the past. You know, so often as a mother it seems that I spend most of my time with negative statements "No", "Don't", "Stop", "Put that down", etc. And for quite some time I had assumed that this was what everyone does, or that it was because my sons are just so over-the-top. I read books about parenting, about boys, about discipline, and I would try and keep our discipline and family structure in such a way that there were clear expectations and consequences for the behaviors we did not allow. Nothing was really working though. The kids were becoming more hostile and frustrated, and so was I. I won't lie - it was looking pretty grim. I kept thinking to myself "What on earth? How did I get this much anger and aggression in my family? What's going on?"
I started praying more consistently for my children, for their attitudes, and for my patience. And then I realized that I hadn't been praying for myself. Aren't I the only one who can change my attitude? I asked the Lord to give me a heart for my sons, to make my words and heart tender toward them, to give me discernment regarding discipline, and to help me with my priorities - more specifically to make THEM a priority. It was a slow change, because I found it hard to genuinely want to change myself, and not just give lip service to it. But once I honestly started praying those things and meaning it, the changes were almost instant. Today, we were doing out shopping, and because I'm a new couponer it takes me some time to get through the store. Usually this is a recipe for disaster - the boys quickly lose patience, as do I. Not this time! I heard these adorable voices coming from the car at the front of my shopping cart "You are my brother, and we'll be friends forever, right?" "Right. I love you brother." "I love you too." Then later this afternoon, DS1 says "Mom, the next time we go to the store, I want to buy you a treat, because you do lots of nice things for us, and we love you."
These are things that melt a mother's heart. These are the reasons we can patiently handle tantrums, changing diapers, being up all night, the back-and-forth drives to school and lessons, and answering "why?" for the millionth time. Because our kids love us, unconditionally, all the time. Because even when we don't think they're listening, they are, and we're shaping the people they will grow up to be. I am so proud to be my sons' mother - maybe at times I might wish that the behavior was a little better, but I know that they are generous, tender-hearted, silly little boys and I am so excited to see who they will grow up to be!
I started praying more consistently for my children, for their attitudes, and for my patience. And then I realized that I hadn't been praying for myself. Aren't I the only one who can change my attitude? I asked the Lord to give me a heart for my sons, to make my words and heart tender toward them, to give me discernment regarding discipline, and to help me with my priorities - more specifically to make THEM a priority. It was a slow change, because I found it hard to genuinely want to change myself, and not just give lip service to it. But once I honestly started praying those things and meaning it, the changes were almost instant. Today, we were doing out shopping, and because I'm a new couponer it takes me some time to get through the store. Usually this is a recipe for disaster - the boys quickly lose patience, as do I. Not this time! I heard these adorable voices coming from the car at the front of my shopping cart "You are my brother, and we'll be friends forever, right?" "Right. I love you brother." "I love you too." Then later this afternoon, DS1 says "Mom, the next time we go to the store, I want to buy you a treat, because you do lots of nice things for us, and we love you."
These are things that melt a mother's heart. These are the reasons we can patiently handle tantrums, changing diapers, being up all night, the back-and-forth drives to school and lessons, and answering "why?" for the millionth time. Because our kids love us, unconditionally, all the time. Because even when we don't think they're listening, they are, and we're shaping the people they will grow up to be. I am so proud to be my sons' mother - maybe at times I might wish that the behavior was a little better, but I know that they are generous, tender-hearted, silly little boys and I am so excited to see who they will grow up to be!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Simplicity
Before I had my kids, I always promised myself (and swore, to anyone who would listen) that I would never be "that mom". You know the mom I'm talking about. We've all seen her. She is constantly shuffling the kids to school, soccer practice, karate lessons, piano lessons, swim team... the list can go on and on. Juice boxes and trail mix can be found in her purse, along with any forgotten permission slips, and some toys or crayons for 'just in case'. I would always shake my head in wonder, and think to myself "just simplify, lady. You DON'T have to be involved in EVERYTHING!"
And then, it happened. Reality. You know how it has a habit of crashing in suddenly? It was like I suddenly woke up - and bam! I was at karate practice watching DS1 go through his program, snapping pictures of him with one hand and doling out snacks, a juice box, and miniature super heroes to DS2. I was that Mom. I quickly flipped through my iPod's planner app and yes, there was evidence to support this theory. Right there on the tiny, fingerprint covered screen, it said "Swim Lessons - Tues. & Thurs.; Karate - Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri., Playgroup - Wed.; Swim date - Mon.; Playdate - Fri.; REPEATS WEEKLY"
Wow. I mean, I know that as a stay-at-home mom I spend my entire day with my kids. We're always together. But how much time am I actually spending engaged with them? Usually I feel like I'm just trying to keep them from getting into trouble, or to clean up whatever it is that they have just destroyed. Today, I decided to put forward a real effort to engage with my boys - to really listen to what it is they have to say, and I asked God to give me a tender heart for my children. God answers prayers, in a big way - we had an amazing day! Despite an early doctor's appointment, we really enjoyed swimming and having lunch with our friends, and then spending the entire evening playing board games together.
I wanted to encourage you to make an effort tomorrow, if this is an area where you struggle at times, to turn off the TV, shut down the computer, silence your cell phone and say "yes" to your kids! I know life is hectic and there are things that need to be done, but our children are only this small for such a short time, we need to make sure that we make the most of it!!
And then, it happened. Reality. You know how it has a habit of crashing in suddenly? It was like I suddenly woke up - and bam! I was at karate practice watching DS1 go through his program, snapping pictures of him with one hand and doling out snacks, a juice box, and miniature super heroes to DS2. I was that Mom. I quickly flipped through my iPod's planner app and yes, there was evidence to support this theory. Right there on the tiny, fingerprint covered screen, it said "Swim Lessons - Tues. & Thurs.; Karate - Mon., Tues., Wed., & Fri., Playgroup - Wed.; Swim date - Mon.; Playdate - Fri.; REPEATS WEEKLY"
Wow. I mean, I know that as a stay-at-home mom I spend my entire day with my kids. We're always together. But how much time am I actually spending engaged with them? Usually I feel like I'm just trying to keep them from getting into trouble, or to clean up whatever it is that they have just destroyed. Today, I decided to put forward a real effort to engage with my boys - to really listen to what it is they have to say, and I asked God to give me a tender heart for my children. God answers prayers, in a big way - we had an amazing day! Despite an early doctor's appointment, we really enjoyed swimming and having lunch with our friends, and then spending the entire evening playing board games together.
I wanted to encourage you to make an effort tomorrow, if this is an area where you struggle at times, to turn off the TV, shut down the computer, silence your cell phone and say "yes" to your kids! I know life is hectic and there are things that need to be done, but our children are only this small for such a short time, we need to make sure that we make the most of it!!
Clear Directions
The Godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them. Proverbs 20:7
Anything that mentions "blessed" and "children" in it immediately catches my attention. That's what I want the most for my sons - that they would love God and receive His blessings in their lives. So I thought this morning "I'm a person of integrity - I don't lie or cheat or steal. Yay! I've got this!" All of those things are true, but am I walking with integrity? What about the times when I give mixed directions to my children? I tell them to be patient with others, but lose my patience with them? I tell them to speak kindly to their friends, but I criticize other people. I want to give them good, clear directions. Directions like God led me to in Deuteronomy:
But if you will seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you will seek Him with all your heart and soul and life. Deuteronomy 4:29
God has answered my confusion this morning with clarity - if I seek Him, I will find Him. That is the kind of direction I want to give to my children. Thank you, Father, for showing me the way.
Anything that mentions "blessed" and "children" in it immediately catches my attention. That's what I want the most for my sons - that they would love God and receive His blessings in their lives. So I thought this morning "I'm a person of integrity - I don't lie or cheat or steal. Yay! I've got this!" All of those things are true, but am I walking with integrity? What about the times when I give mixed directions to my children? I tell them to be patient with others, but lose my patience with them? I tell them to speak kindly to their friends, but I criticize other people. I want to give them good, clear directions. Directions like God led me to in Deuteronomy:
But if you will seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you will seek Him with all your heart and soul and life. Deuteronomy 4:29
God has answered my confusion this morning with clarity - if I seek Him, I will find Him. That is the kind of direction I want to give to my children. Thank you, Father, for showing me the way.
Minestrone Soup
I made this last night for dinner, and it was great! DS1 ate about 2 big bowlfuls!
Crockpot Minestrone Soup
NOTE: This makes a TON of soup! I could easily have made half of this recipe and it still would have been enough to feed all 4 of us, plus leftovers! I have two big tupperware dishes full of soup in the fridge now - I'll try to freeze one and will let you know how it re-heated later.
Crockpot Minestrone Soup
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced 1/4" to 1/2" thick rounds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 15 oz cans kidney beans, drained
- 6 cups beef broth
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 t dried basil leaves
- ½ t. dried oregano leaves
- ½ t. salt
- ¼ t. pepper
- 2 cups cooked small pasta
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
NOTE: This makes a TON of soup! I could easily have made half of this recipe and it still would have been enough to feed all 4 of us, plus leftovers! I have two big tupperware dishes full of soup in the fridge now - I'll try to freeze one and will let you know how it re-heated later.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Integrity
As you may have noticed by my lack of posting - we have been totally swamped around here. Dealing with the funeral, all the visiting friends and family, and just coming to terms with our loss. We finally decided that for the past 2 or 3 days, we would just relax and have some fun. We went out to a movie, took oldest DS to a swimming party, while DH and youngest DS went to the park. We went shopping, got a new family game, and have just generally taken a break from life for a few days. But last night, reality came screeching back into view. There were bills I had to pay; the dishes needed to be done; my ancient laundry-nemesis, Mt. Wash-more, was resurrected; and various projects and activities were demanding my attention. As I was going about taking care of all this, I realized that my attitude was decidedly rotten. Honestly, how many shorts can 2 little boys go through in a week? We had about 20 in there! Was it so hard for them to rinse out their cereal bowls? It is disrespectful of MY time to leave them sitting there. I don't have time to do everything I need to do, and they're not helping! I haven't even had my quiet time since Tuesday morning! *Light bulb* There it is. In taking a break from 'life' I took a break from my relationship with God. Never a good idea, as He pointed out in my renewed quiet time this morning:
Be happy and rejoice and be gladhearted continually; be unceasing in prayer; thank God for everything, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Titus 2:9-10
I am a bondservant of Jesus Christ. But I have not been obedient. Actually, looking at that verse, for the past few days I haven't been an example of much that is found in that verse. It is completely fine that I didn't do the dishes or the laundry for the last couple of days. The problem is that I allowed MY choices to ignore my responsibilities impact MY attitude toward my family and my relationship with God. But, one of the things I love about God is that He is always ready for you to try again. So, my prayer today is:
Lord, I am sorry that I have strayed away from you this week. I was trying to rely on myself, and not relying on You. Please forgive me, and help me to turn to you immediately in all things. Please help me to be obedient, gladhearted and well-pleasing in all things to bring glory to you.
Amen.
Be happy and rejoice and be gladhearted continually; be unceasing in prayer; thank God for everything, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Titus 2:9-10
I am a bondservant of Jesus Christ. But I have not been obedient. Actually, looking at that verse, for the past few days I haven't been an example of much that is found in that verse. It is completely fine that I didn't do the dishes or the laundry for the last couple of days. The problem is that I allowed MY choices to ignore my responsibilities impact MY attitude toward my family and my relationship with God. But, one of the things I love about God is that He is always ready for you to try again. So, my prayer today is:
Lord, I am sorry that I have strayed away from you this week. I was trying to rely on myself, and not relying on You. Please forgive me, and help me to turn to you immediately in all things. Please help me to be obedient, gladhearted and well-pleasing in all things to bring glory to you.
Amen.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Can't Get Enough!!
I guess I just couldn't soak up enough of God's Word this morning! After re-living all the stress of even just an hour ago, I'm so thankful that I turned to God for comfort.
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:1-2
I have been really struck about how suddenly our grandmother was gone. The kids and I went over and spent time playing at her house two days before we got a phone call saying she had passed in her sleep. At first, I was thinking "Wow - you really never know when it will be the last time that you see someone." That's why I am so thankful for this verse this morning. We don't know how long we have in this world, and I would like to be able to say that I praised the Lord for as long as I was alive. What an amazing testimony.
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. Psalm 146:1-2
I have been really struck about how suddenly our grandmother was gone. The kids and I went over and spent time playing at her house two days before we got a phone call saying she had passed in her sleep. At first, I was thinking "Wow - you really never know when it will be the last time that you see someone." That's why I am so thankful for this verse this morning. We don't know how long we have in this world, and I would like to be able to say that I praised the Lord for as long as I was alive. What an amazing testimony.
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