Hey:)
It's me. The crazy lady who went on a word rampage yesterday.
I admit that my post yesterday was a little harsh, but I'm not removing it or changing it, because it's how I feel.
However, I do feel a need to explain my anger in a more calm manner today, so if you'll hang around for one more post, I will do so.
First off - let me say that I don't HATE anyone - even Obama. Do I think he's wrong on a thousand levels? YES! But, I don't hate him and I don't wish him evil - I just wish he would go away and leave this country alone.
The reason I feel so strongly about this is that I love my country.
I love that this country was founded on the foundation of God and if anyone tells you any different, they are misinformed and wrong.
The entire premise of what this country was built on, was the fact that God is real and we need to give Him glory, not a ruler. The pilgrims wanted to worship the Creator, not bow down to a king.
And, in my opinion, the fact that God was honored, first and foremost, in the building of this great nation, is what brought the blessings of God upon us, for so long.
Do we really want to turn our backs on HIM?
Do we really want to be a pagan nation?
How's that working out for all pagan nations around the world? Huh? Guess what......IT'S NOT!
So, yeah - I get passionate about politics. I get passionate about the party, that disrespects God, being in charge. I get passionate about saving this country and continuing on in morality and Christian values. And, so should you.
Have you enjoyed the benefits of not living in a 3rd world country?
Have you enjoyed the benefits of being able to worship freely?
I think you have.
But, are you willing to stand up and defend it?
We need to be involved. We need to care. And we need to not be ignorant and stick our heads in the sand and think that this country will always be good, because the reality is that there are those who are seeking to devour it.
So, if you enjoy your freedom, you might want to be involved.
That doesn't make you less of a Christian, to stand up for what's right and just.
That doesn't make you judgmental or intolerant.
That doesn't mean you're full of hate or not full of love and compassion.
But, it does mean you will step on toes, lose friends, be yelled at and called names by those who claim to be tolerant (which cracks me up because they don't even realize how hypocritical this is).
But, what's the alternative? Sit back and let everyone else do the work for YOUR freedom?
It's time Christians stand up for God.
It's time Christians show passion for this country and quit letting the pagans take over and do away with our freedom.
If you don't believe what I say, watch the movie MONUMENTAL and you will learn about the sacrifices that were made to start this country and why God's hand has been upon it.
If you don't care, then keep up the silence or keep voting for those who hate us.
As for me and my family........we will keep speaking out and trying to hold on to what once was a great nation.
At least we can sleep well at night, knowing we tried.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Thursday, June 28, 2012
I blame you
As my husband says - "Today is a dark day in American history."
The Supreme Court has approved Obamacare, which is socialized medicine. We are on our way to being a socialist country.
Funny thing is.....I don't blame the idiots or puppets, as I like to call them, up in Washington.
I blame the everyday citizens who voted for this narcissistic dictator.
I blame the blacks who voted based on race rather than character and abilities.
I blame the whites who voted for bigger government.
I blame those who think if you have a corporate job, you're rich and a thief.
I blame the losers down on "Occupy" street, who are nothing but losers without jobs.
I blame the women who use murder as birth control.
I blame the gays who think they are entitled to push their agenda on everyone or scream "hate crime"!
I blame the ignorants who voted and had no clue who they were approving.
And, I blame the Democrats whose grampa was a Democrat 50 years ago, so they have decided they will be too.
In other words - if you are a Liberal and voted for this administration - I blame you.
You have taken part in ruining this country by voting for an incompetent America hater, who has promised to take this country down and he's doing so with your help.
His wife hated this country and voiced it loud and clear, for all to hear.
His so called Pastor hated this country and voiced it loud and clear, for all to hear.
His best friends were terrorists.
He can't even prove he's an American citizen.
Yet, you still voted him into office.
So I blame you.
Can you redeem yourself and your reputation?
Sure you can.
Get informed before you set out to the voting booth this time. Why don't you actually KNOW what you're voting for and make an informed decision?
Get off your liberal high horse and quit blaming the "rich Republicans" for all your problems!
Do you want to be bossed around, taxed out the rear end, which is robbery, dictated as to what you can drive, eat, buy, sell, and how much health care you must have? Are you that stupid that you can't make these decisions on your own, without big gov't dictating to you what to do? Seriously?
Grow up!
And further more - quit playing the RACE card.
If you own a voter's registration card, yet you only vote based on skin color? You're a racist! Skin color doesn't make ANYONE qualified to run the greatest nation in the world!
It's what's inside a man that makes him qualified!
So, the next time you want to accuse the Republicans of being racist.....you better look in the mirror.
You see, decisions matter. Voting is a privilege and you blew it. You squandered it on ideals, on selfishness - not based on what this country needs, in order to be what it always has been - a God centered country. You had no thoughts of God as you were voting for socialism and hatred. You had no thoughts of God as you were voting on skin color - God doesn't play favorites based on race. You had no thoughts of God when you were approving murder - yeah, abortion.
Basically, you were thinking of yourself and your trivial ideals. You're jealous of conservatives. You're disgusted with Christians. You're envious of those who have worked their way up the corporate ladder. You're envious of those who have more than you. You're just a jealous fool.
And because of your jealousy and false ideals of what's "fair", you voted in an incompetent fool.
And I blame you.
The Supreme Court has approved Obamacare, which is socialized medicine. We are on our way to being a socialist country.
Funny thing is.....I don't blame the idiots or puppets, as I like to call them, up in Washington.
I blame the everyday citizens who voted for this narcissistic dictator.
I blame the blacks who voted based on race rather than character and abilities.
I blame the whites who voted for bigger government.
I blame those who think if you have a corporate job, you're rich and a thief.
I blame the losers down on "Occupy" street, who are nothing but losers without jobs.
I blame the women who use murder as birth control.
I blame the gays who think they are entitled to push their agenda on everyone or scream "hate crime"!
I blame the ignorants who voted and had no clue who they were approving.
And, I blame the Democrats whose grampa was a Democrat 50 years ago, so they have decided they will be too.
In other words - if you are a Liberal and voted for this administration - I blame you.
You have taken part in ruining this country by voting for an incompetent America hater, who has promised to take this country down and he's doing so with your help.
His wife hated this country and voiced it loud and clear, for all to hear.
His so called Pastor hated this country and voiced it loud and clear, for all to hear.
His best friends were terrorists.
He can't even prove he's an American citizen.
Yet, you still voted him into office.
So I blame you.
Can you redeem yourself and your reputation?
Sure you can.
Get informed before you set out to the voting booth this time. Why don't you actually KNOW what you're voting for and make an informed decision?
Get off your liberal high horse and quit blaming the "rich Republicans" for all your problems!
Do you want to be bossed around, taxed out the rear end, which is robbery, dictated as to what you can drive, eat, buy, sell, and how much health care you must have? Are you that stupid that you can't make these decisions on your own, without big gov't dictating to you what to do? Seriously?
Grow up!
And further more - quit playing the RACE card.
If you own a voter's registration card, yet you only vote based on skin color? You're a racist! Skin color doesn't make ANYONE qualified to run the greatest nation in the world!
It's what's inside a man that makes him qualified!
So, the next time you want to accuse the Republicans of being racist.....you better look in the mirror.
You see, decisions matter. Voting is a privilege and you blew it. You squandered it on ideals, on selfishness - not based on what this country needs, in order to be what it always has been - a God centered country. You had no thoughts of God as you were voting for socialism and hatred. You had no thoughts of God as you were voting on skin color - God doesn't play favorites based on race. You had no thoughts of God when you were approving murder - yeah, abortion.
Basically, you were thinking of yourself and your trivial ideals. You're jealous of conservatives. You're disgusted with Christians. You're envious of those who have worked their way up the corporate ladder. You're envious of those who have more than you. You're just a jealous fool.
And because of your jealousy and false ideals of what's "fair", you voted in an incompetent fool.
And I blame you.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Some Things Never Change
I came across something surprising today..........
This GOALS for 2008-2009 paper!
This was stuck in a pocket in the BLOGGING section of my Household Notebook.
I didn't know whether to be shocked, disappointed, surprised or what, when I found it.
Why?
Because these are all the same things that would be on my GOALS FOR 2012-2013, if I had one written out!
What does that say about my accomplishments?
Does it say I'm constantly working in these areas?
Does it say I haven't reached my goals?
It most likely says this:
These are the important areas of my life that I am always striving to improve.
It also says that I am constantly a work in progress!
I do have other areas of interest and other goals I hope to reach one day. But, these will never change.
Other goals are great to strive for, but if these areas are lacking, I need to reevaluate everything.
_______________________________________________________________
On a side note to this:
The quote up at the top of the page is from Debi Pearl's Created to be His Help Meet, (the book women love to hate!)
Here it is, in case you can't read it from here:
"It is not a grouchy husband or bad days that cause problems of cooking and cleaning for young wives. It is the lack of simple planning."
And, with that said - I better get to work!
Happy goal-setting!
This GOALS for 2008-2009 paper!
This was stuck in a pocket in the BLOGGING section of my Household Notebook.
I didn't know whether to be shocked, disappointed, surprised or what, when I found it.
Why?
Because these are all the same things that would be on my GOALS FOR 2012-2013, if I had one written out!
What does that say about my accomplishments?
Does it say I'm constantly working in these areas?
Does it say I haven't reached my goals?
It most likely says this:
These are the important areas of my life that I am always striving to improve.
It also says that I am constantly a work in progress!
I do have other areas of interest and other goals I hope to reach one day. But, these will never change.
Other goals are great to strive for, but if these areas are lacking, I need to reevaluate everything.
_______________________________________________________________
On a side note to this:
The quote up at the top of the page is from Debi Pearl's Created to be His Help Meet, (the book women love to hate!)
Here it is, in case you can't read it from here:
"It is not a grouchy husband or bad days that cause problems of cooking and cleaning for young wives. It is the lack of simple planning."
And, with that said - I better get to work!
Happy goal-setting!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Are You Ready for The Next Season?
Well, I'm going to talk about someone today......that woman we all love to hate.........Mrs. Proverbs 31. Uggg! She makes us feel bad about ourselves, doesn't she? We can't live up to her, even on our best days.
But, is she really that bad? I mean her statutes are challenging, but not impossible. Her goals are realistic and if we are focused, they should be attainable. So why are we so intimidated by her?
She's not lazy. She's prepared. She's a blessing to her husband. She's a good shopper. She works hard. She thinks ahead. She's an entrepreneur. She feeds the poor.
Can't you live up to that?
The truth is ladies........we all have the potential to be this woman! You just have to want it bad enough to keep trying!
Today's verse (from Good Morning Girls) is Proverbs 31:21 which says,
"When it snows she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet."
Now, when you read Proverbs 31, you have to apply it to our world today. If you've studied her at all, you already know this.
So, when looking at today's passage, let's be realistic: our family will not be wearing scarlet clothing around town!
However, if you focus on the action and not the result, the point is - she's prepared.
It's not about what her family is dressed in, as much as it is, that they are well taken care of and she was prepared for what was to come.
Since I live in the south, it's hard for me to read this verse and connect to the "SNOW" part. In fact, it's rather unrealistic to even own a heavy coat down here! So, I have to see through the obvious and look for the underlying message in this verse: she was prepared for the next season.
I know, based on my own household habits, that preparing for the next season is almost too much! I'm still in this season and barely able to stay on top of things! So, thinking ahead is really stretching my brain!
But, I have to go back to the preceding verses and remember that she lives her life focused on her household and not on WAY too many outside ventures. In other words, her home and family ARE her main focus and where she puts her efforts, therefore, all that she does, her family benefits from.
Furthermore, the next season could mean alot of things, such as, being prepared for a rainy day, financially.
She obviously would not be a lady that would squander away her family's grocery money on non-essentials. She would most likely be the one taking a little out of the weekly budget and setting it aside for something to bless the family with. She would stretch what she had left over and use her creativity to make things look fantastic.
The next season could also mean a new stage in the life of her family: moving, college, empty nest. Whatever it might be, she would be thinking ahead, as to how to make that transition a smooth one. If it were a moving venture, she might spend the preceding months de-cluttering her house. If she were facing a child going to college, she would be gathering items for a dorm. Even if there was a little one going into kindergarten, she would be preparing for that day to come.
Whatever season she was facing - she would be prepared, and that's the main thing.
So, don't read this verse and run out and clothe your family in scarlet. People will stare.
But, think ahead to what's coming down the road for your household.
All you have to do is stay ONE STEP ahead of the game. You don't have to be ahead by much; just be prepared to move into that next phase without going under! Because when you go under, it takes alot more effort to get back up, than it does to stay ahead!
Now go forward today with intention. What's coming down the road for your family? What steps can you take to be ready? Think it through. Write it down. Take some action. Just do the next thing!
(Then go check the toilet paper supply. Your family will think you're amazingly prepared and they will praise you!)
Have a beautiful day!
But, is she really that bad? I mean her statutes are challenging, but not impossible. Her goals are realistic and if we are focused, they should be attainable. So why are we so intimidated by her?
She's not lazy. She's prepared. She's a blessing to her husband. She's a good shopper. She works hard. She thinks ahead. She's an entrepreneur. She feeds the poor.
Can't you live up to that?
The truth is ladies........we all have the potential to be this woman! You just have to want it bad enough to keep trying!
Today's verse (from Good Morning Girls) is Proverbs 31:21 which says,
"When it snows she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet."
Now, when you read Proverbs 31, you have to apply it to our world today. If you've studied her at all, you already know this.
So, when looking at today's passage, let's be realistic: our family will not be wearing scarlet clothing around town!
However, if you focus on the action and not the result, the point is - she's prepared.
It's not about what her family is dressed in, as much as it is, that they are well taken care of and she was prepared for what was to come.
Since I live in the south, it's hard for me to read this verse and connect to the "SNOW" part. In fact, it's rather unrealistic to even own a heavy coat down here! So, I have to see through the obvious and look for the underlying message in this verse: she was prepared for the next season.
I know, based on my own household habits, that preparing for the next season is almost too much! I'm still in this season and barely able to stay on top of things! So, thinking ahead is really stretching my brain!
But, I have to go back to the preceding verses and remember that she lives her life focused on her household and not on WAY too many outside ventures. In other words, her home and family ARE her main focus and where she puts her efforts, therefore, all that she does, her family benefits from.
Furthermore, the next season could mean alot of things, such as, being prepared for a rainy day, financially.
She obviously would not be a lady that would squander away her family's grocery money on non-essentials. She would most likely be the one taking a little out of the weekly budget and setting it aside for something to bless the family with. She would stretch what she had left over and use her creativity to make things look fantastic.
The next season could also mean a new stage in the life of her family: moving, college, empty nest. Whatever it might be, she would be thinking ahead, as to how to make that transition a smooth one. If it were a moving venture, she might spend the preceding months de-cluttering her house. If she were facing a child going to college, she would be gathering items for a dorm. Even if there was a little one going into kindergarten, she would be preparing for that day to come.
Whatever season she was facing - she would be prepared, and that's the main thing.
So, don't read this verse and run out and clothe your family in scarlet. People will stare.
But, think ahead to what's coming down the road for your household.
All you have to do is stay ONE STEP ahead of the game. You don't have to be ahead by much; just be prepared to move into that next phase without going under! Because when you go under, it takes alot more effort to get back up, than it does to stay ahead!
Now go forward today with intention. What's coming down the road for your family? What steps can you take to be ready? Think it through. Write it down. Take some action. Just do the next thing!
(Then go check the toilet paper supply. Your family will think you're amazingly prepared and they will praise you!)
Have a beautiful day!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Are You Walking Through the Vinyard?
So typical of how Bible stories are portrayed, is the story of Samson and Delilah.
In my mind, when I think about Samson, I picture a really strong man; strong enough to destroy a huge building with his bare hands and Delilah was his wife. But there is so much more to this story!
For starters - God had a purpose for Samson, before he was even born. Judges 13:5 says "Because the boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines."
Second - because Samson was a Nazirite, he had certain rules to live by, such as: he must not cut his hair, must not drink any wine or eat anything that comes from the grapevine, and must not touch anything unclean. Sounds pretty easy, right? Well, you would think. But Samson had a way of doing things - his way and not God's way. Can you relate?
When Samson was old enough to marry, he and his parents took a little trip - through a vineyard (Judges 14:5). Wait! What? A vineyard?
Ok, If God says don't drink wine or eat anything that comes from the grapevine, do ya think he should be walking through the vineyard? (Hence the title of this post).
How many times in our lives do we walk through our own vineyard? In other words - how often do we place before ourselves something that tempts us?
To you it may be "no big deal" but to Satan, who loves to use our weaknesses, it's right where he wants us!
How about food? (You keep the pantry stocked with junk food, even though you know you need to lose 20 lbs.)
How about shopping? (You know it's not in the budget, but you "window" shop anyway)
How about the internet? (You're on late at night, while your spouse is asleep?)
Books? (The smutty ones that are harmless, right?)
Bars? (You used to have a drinking problem, but you can handle it.)
Lunch with the opposite sex? "Friends" with the opposite sex? (We're just friends - who happen to meet without our spouses. In fact, we don't tell our spouse. But it's all good!)
Really, the list is endless, because temptation is all around us. It's up to each individual to be aware of what temptations they have and how to set boundaries in their own life.
Samson, faced many consequences because of his little trek through the vineyard. That one sin led to several others, including touching something unclean, eating something that came from something unclean, murder, being unequally yoked with not one wife, but two, and ultimately losing his eyes and then his death.
God had a plan for Samson, but because Samson did his own thing, we will never know if he fulfilled his purpose or not.
Do you want that in your own life?
Do you believe God created you with a purpose in mind?
Could you be missing out on God's purpose because you keep walking through the vineyard, instead down the path that God wants you on?
What are the temptations that you keep giving in to? Whatever they are - it's a good bet that they are keeping you from something that is ultimately better for you than what you're choosing right now.
Walking through the vineyard seems fun at the time, but you have no idea what you'll encounter while you're in there.
And the sad truth is - you may not get out alive.
"Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." (Proverbs 4:26-27)
Take the long way around. In the end - it will be worth it.
Blessings friends!
In my mind, when I think about Samson, I picture a really strong man; strong enough to destroy a huge building with his bare hands and Delilah was his wife. But there is so much more to this story!
For starters - God had a purpose for Samson, before he was even born. Judges 13:5 says "Because the boy is to be a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines."
Second - because Samson was a Nazirite, he had certain rules to live by, such as: he must not cut his hair, must not drink any wine or eat anything that comes from the grapevine, and must not touch anything unclean. Sounds pretty easy, right? Well, you would think. But Samson had a way of doing things - his way and not God's way. Can you relate?
When Samson was old enough to marry, he and his parents took a little trip - through a vineyard (Judges 14:5). Wait! What? A vineyard?
Ok, If God says don't drink wine or eat anything that comes from the grapevine, do ya think he should be walking through the vineyard? (Hence the title of this post).
How many times in our lives do we walk through our own vineyard? In other words - how often do we place before ourselves something that tempts us?
To you it may be "no big deal" but to Satan, who loves to use our weaknesses, it's right where he wants us!
How about food? (You keep the pantry stocked with junk food, even though you know you need to lose 20 lbs.)
How about shopping? (You know it's not in the budget, but you "window" shop anyway)
How about the internet? (You're on late at night, while your spouse is asleep?)
Books? (The smutty ones that are harmless, right?)
Bars? (You used to have a drinking problem, but you can handle it.)
Lunch with the opposite sex? "Friends" with the opposite sex? (We're just friends - who happen to meet without our spouses. In fact, we don't tell our spouse. But it's all good!)
Really, the list is endless, because temptation is all around us. It's up to each individual to be aware of what temptations they have and how to set boundaries in their own life.
Samson, faced many consequences because of his little trek through the vineyard. That one sin led to several others, including touching something unclean, eating something that came from something unclean, murder, being unequally yoked with not one wife, but two, and ultimately losing his eyes and then his death.
God had a plan for Samson, but because Samson did his own thing, we will never know if he fulfilled his purpose or not.
Do you want that in your own life?
Do you believe God created you with a purpose in mind?
Could you be missing out on God's purpose because you keep walking through the vineyard, instead down the path that God wants you on?
What are the temptations that you keep giving in to? Whatever they are - it's a good bet that they are keeping you from something that is ultimately better for you than what you're choosing right now.
Walking through the vineyard seems fun at the time, but you have no idea what you'll encounter while you're in there.
And the sad truth is - you may not get out alive.
"Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." (Proverbs 4:26-27)
Take the long way around. In the end - it will be worth it.
Blessings friends!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Needed: Landscaper
This is the front of our house and part of our front yard,
which as you can see,
is in desperate need
of
a
landscaper!
It's great to live in the land of TREES.
However, the shade doesn't allow
grass to grow
and therefore,
we have lots of dirt.
I put this picture up here because I would love
to hear your ideas on what you would
do with this yard.
Anyone brave enough to leave a comment?
**Check out the FARM page at the top of the blog
to read the history of our little
farm house.**
Thanks for stopping by!
Friday, June 22, 2012
A Little Obsession
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a book addict. I mean, the only reason I even own a credit card is so I can buy books on Amazon (well, and for evacuating from hurricanes).
I love to read and always have!
I love Fiction - mysteries are my favorite, along with historical fiction.
I love Self-help books (I have alot of these!).
I love Devotionals.
I love True Stories.
I love books about Homeschooling.
I more than love Biographies (this feeds my need for reality-tv type things).
And I love my Bible (and I highlight all over it).
I highlight in my books that are for teaching me something, so this whole E-Book, Kindle thing was a little hard for me to get used to. For awhile I made it a rule to only buy Fiction books for my iPad, because these didn't need to be highlighted (which you are able to do on the iPad, by the way), but I also didn't feel the need to keep these forever. I have broken this rule lately, with Amazon offering free E-books every week. Now I have a collection of books on my iPad that are for various things: Organizing, Hair, De-cluttering, Cooking and Gardening.
However, most Self-Help books and ALL Biographies are going on the shelf! I keep these forever. And I don't lend them out (although I have broken that rule twice and was like a nervous mom until their return).
Yes, I'm a selfish book owner. I admit it.
I also don't like to borrow books. I will take it, if offered. But, normally I return it very quickly because I don't really like being responsible for someone else's treasure. Plus, if it belongs to someone else, I can't mark in it or dog ear it, which I absolutely do to my own!
I also have a rule in my house that you DO NOT use books or magazines as coasters for wet, dripping cups - or just cups - period. I paid good money for those books and magazines and I don't want your glass ring smack-dab in the middle of it!
Well, moving on..........
Years ago, when we moved into this house, our friends that helped us unload boxes from the moving truck, said we have too many books. They couldn't understand why we needed so many books. I couldn't understand them not understanding that. Who wouldn't get that?
So there you have it.......a little confession about my little obsession!
(And I don't like poetry books, by the way.)
Care to share your weakness?
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Idols and Snares
This is one of those posts that I've typed, deleted, typed, deleted, and so on and so on, until I came to a point where I just needed to write it and be done!
At the risk of beating a dead horse - IDOL worship - I can't help but dwell on this verse in the book of Judges.
Judges 8:27 says:
"All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family."
Gideon thought he was doing something decent toward the Lord, when he took a share of the plunder (from defeating the Midianites) and made an ephod out of it. (From what I understand, this is a garment used in worshiping the Lord.) HOWEVER, instead of causing the people to worship God, they started worshiping IT - the EPHOD!
Sound familiar? We all have things we worship (even though we would deny it).
Here's a list right off the top of my head:
a House
a Car
a Job
our Looks
our Wardrobe
our Hair
our Kids
Sports
TV
Money (probably should have put this one on top)
our Church
our Pastor
our Sweetheart
Education
our Title in the workforce (Dr., etc.)
and I'm sure you can come up with a list all your own.
Now, this is a pretty common thing that's talked about - not letting something become an idol - but the part that really stuck out to me in the verse is this:
"....it became a snare to Gideon and his family."
I can't help but think of things that I've done that have become a SNARE to my family.
I think of money I've spent that put my family in a bind. Credit cards I've opened to "get the discount" only to have that come back and bite all of us in the rear end. Cars I've wanted. Clothes I've wanted. The latest gadget, couch, rug, set of dishes, and the list can go on forever.
Ladies, what about Home Businesses? You know the ones. They promise wealth, cars, prizes, and income, but sometimes they can become more like a noose around our necks; keeping us from focusing on our home and family, not to mention the money we toss out for those sparkly "start-up kits".
What about our health kicks? Are you constantly at the gym, working out? Constantly having to buy the latest and greatest program, when a simple exercise routine at home would be sufficient?
And then there are acts of service. Is something you're involved in becoming a snare to your family? Here's what that might look like: Mom's gone all the time, doing things for _______ and we have no clean clothes, no nutritious meals, no family time (except in the car), and other people see her more than we do!
Even BLOGGING can be a snare if it starts to affect your family in a negative way.
I encourage you to take a good look around today and evaluate any areas that might show a potential of being a snare to your family. It may be something that is truly a noble work, whether for you or someone else. However, if it causes your family to stumble in any way - financially, emotionally, relationally, or time wise, then it has the potential of being a negative thing.
And that's not a good thing!
Have a blessed day!
At the risk of beating a dead horse - IDOL worship - I can't help but dwell on this verse in the book of Judges.
Judges 8:27 says:
"All Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and his family."
Gideon thought he was doing something decent toward the Lord, when he took a share of the plunder (from defeating the Midianites) and made an ephod out of it. (From what I understand, this is a garment used in worshiping the Lord.) HOWEVER, instead of causing the people to worship God, they started worshiping IT - the EPHOD!
Sound familiar? We all have things we worship (even though we would deny it).
Here's a list right off the top of my head:
a House
a Car
a Job
our Looks
our Wardrobe
our Hair
our Kids
Sports
TV
Money (probably should have put this one on top)
our Church
our Pastor
our Sweetheart
Education
our Title in the workforce (Dr., etc.)
and I'm sure you can come up with a list all your own.
Now, this is a pretty common thing that's talked about - not letting something become an idol - but the part that really stuck out to me in the verse is this:
"....it became a snare to Gideon and his family."
I can't help but think of things that I've done that have become a SNARE to my family.
I think of money I've spent that put my family in a bind. Credit cards I've opened to "get the discount" only to have that come back and bite all of us in the rear end. Cars I've wanted. Clothes I've wanted. The latest gadget, couch, rug, set of dishes, and the list can go on forever.
Ladies, what about Home Businesses? You know the ones. They promise wealth, cars, prizes, and income, but sometimes they can become more like a noose around our necks; keeping us from focusing on our home and family, not to mention the money we toss out for those sparkly "start-up kits".
What about our health kicks? Are you constantly at the gym, working out? Constantly having to buy the latest and greatest program, when a simple exercise routine at home would be sufficient?
And then there are acts of service. Is something you're involved in becoming a snare to your family? Here's what that might look like: Mom's gone all the time, doing things for _______ and we have no clean clothes, no nutritious meals, no family time (except in the car), and other people see her more than we do!
Even BLOGGING can be a snare if it starts to affect your family in a negative way.
I encourage you to take a good look around today and evaluate any areas that might show a potential of being a snare to your family. It may be something that is truly a noble work, whether for you or someone else. However, if it causes your family to stumble in any way - financially, emotionally, relationally, or time wise, then it has the potential of being a negative thing.
And that's not a good thing!
Have a blessed day!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Errands and Rain = Soggy
I'm such a creature of habit! I've been putting off blogging for the past few days because I am having to use my laptop instead of my desktop.........and that bugs me!
Friday morning I sat down at the computer, ready to spend some time blogging. However, for weeks I had been wanting to clean the keyboard (desktop), so I thought I would do it then, while thinking about it. I got a "not-very-damp" sponge (it was actually dry but I sprayed cleaner on one corner) and proceeded to wipe the keyboard off, then I turned the computer on, and the keyboard wouldn't work. I spent the next few hours trying to fix it! I looked up instructions on my laptop, even had people on Facebook looking, and yet, nothing I did was working. UGGG!
So, off it went to the Apple store and thank goodness - it was under warranty!
Good news is - you didn't miss much. Bad news is - I missed writing!
We had an easy going weekend. David worked on his boat Saturday and I did some more Freezer Filling.
Ted came home from a week-long worship session at a camp nearby and that made my day! A week on the road for him seemed like a month to me! What am I going to do when he's gone on the road for months?
Sunday was Father's Day, which I thought would be really hard for me, but thanks to some ministering words from my son, I chose to remember that day by thinking of all the great things I loved about my dad. Plus, I have an awesome husband that I wanted to concentrate on, so that helped!
Today, it's pouring down rain, but I have errands that have to be done, so I will brave the storm and enjoy the fact that I have curly hair, so if it gets wet - I won't have to worry about it!
This week will be busy, but I will have lots of things to share.
Have a blessed Monday!
Friday morning I sat down at the computer, ready to spend some time blogging. However, for weeks I had been wanting to clean the keyboard (desktop), so I thought I would do it then, while thinking about it. I got a "not-very-damp" sponge (it was actually dry but I sprayed cleaner on one corner) and proceeded to wipe the keyboard off, then I turned the computer on, and the keyboard wouldn't work. I spent the next few hours trying to fix it! I looked up instructions on my laptop, even had people on Facebook looking, and yet, nothing I did was working. UGGG!
So, off it went to the Apple store and thank goodness - it was under warranty!
Good news is - you didn't miss much. Bad news is - I missed writing!
We had an easy going weekend. David worked on his boat Saturday and I did some more Freezer Filling.
Ted came home from a week-long worship session at a camp nearby and that made my day! A week on the road for him seemed like a month to me! What am I going to do when he's gone on the road for months?
Sunday was Father's Day, which I thought would be really hard for me, but thanks to some ministering words from my son, I chose to remember that day by thinking of all the great things I loved about my dad. Plus, I have an awesome husband that I wanted to concentrate on, so that helped!
Today, it's pouring down rain, but I have errands that have to be done, so I will brave the storm and enjoy the fact that I have curly hair, so if it gets wet - I won't have to worry about it!
This week will be busy, but I will have lots of things to share.
Have a blessed Monday!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
How Strong is Strong Enough?
I live with three men - who all have muscles - and like to show them to me.
Why? Because it's good to be strong, especially in the physical aspect, if you're a man. To a woman, being strong usually refers to a mental or emotional state. Either way - we see a need to be strong.
But how strong is strong enough?
Well, last night in our weekly Bible Study, we were reading and discussing Gideon. Gideon might have been a "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12), but he wasn't what I would call "strong" in his confidence. In fact, he was kind of a whiner, in the way that he was constantly wanting reassurance from God; even when it was God who was telling him what to do!
Sound familiar?
Has God been speaking to you and telling you to do something, only to have you ask over and over, how He can expect you to do that? Are you doubting what God is telling you or doubting your ability? Yes! There is a huge difference!
First off - we don't ever need to doubt what God is telling us! He doesn't make mistakes and he won't ask us to do something, without giving us the means to do it.
However, it is perfectly normal to hear what God is saying and completely doubt that we have the talent, strength, ability, or stamina the job calls for.
But our God is so amazing in that, He has patience with us. He KNOWS we are weak! He KNOWS we don't have all it takes. But He also KNOWS that HE is capable of making things happen through our willingness to go forward with Him.
I love this conversation between God and Gideon: (Judges 6:14-16)
"The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"
"But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."
The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."
I love the first command the Lord gives Gideon: "Go in the strength you have..."
We think that we have to have all the power and strength that a task calls for, in order to complete the job. However, God doesn't put us through boot camp before He calls us to something. He calls us to something, knowing that the experience will strengthen us in areas we are unaware of!
Also, when he asks "Am I not sending you?" "It's like, DUH Gideon! Do you realize who I am? I am God and I have all the strength (and much more, of course) than you will ever need!"
In most stories in the Bible, God didn't choose someone because they possessed the EXACT quality that was needed for a task. In fact, most of the men and women God used, were just willing vessels, ill-equipped, except for their heart for God.
Think about it........when does God get the most glory? When his people are strong and capable without Him? Or when He takes a normal, everyday kind of guy, and does something supernatural with him?
In the last sentence the Lord says, "I will be with you....."
I love this sentence because it shows a compassionate God; a God who cares that we feel inadequate and understands our need to be reassured.
He's not a cold-hearted God who commands we do something then kicks us out the door to fail. No - He's a loving God who knows we possess something inside of us, that when obedient to his calling, can accomplish mighty things, with his power beside us. How exciting is that?
Don't be dismayed that you aren't strong enough for whatever task God is calling you to. You don't have to be the strongest, most equipped person. You just have to be willing and trusting, that you have a God who is stronger and perfectly capable to do all things.
So - is God calling you to do something today? If you feel inadequate, that's ok. If you feel scared, that's ok.
He's got your back and He's strong enough for both of you.
Now walk in faith and know that He will be with you all the way.
Why? Because it's good to be strong, especially in the physical aspect, if you're a man. To a woman, being strong usually refers to a mental or emotional state. Either way - we see a need to be strong.
But how strong is strong enough?
Well, last night in our weekly Bible Study, we were reading and discussing Gideon. Gideon might have been a "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12), but he wasn't what I would call "strong" in his confidence. In fact, he was kind of a whiner, in the way that he was constantly wanting reassurance from God; even when it was God who was telling him what to do!
Sound familiar?
Has God been speaking to you and telling you to do something, only to have you ask over and over, how He can expect you to do that? Are you doubting what God is telling you or doubting your ability? Yes! There is a huge difference!
First off - we don't ever need to doubt what God is telling us! He doesn't make mistakes and he won't ask us to do something, without giving us the means to do it.
However, it is perfectly normal to hear what God is saying and completely doubt that we have the talent, strength, ability, or stamina the job calls for.
But our God is so amazing in that, He has patience with us. He KNOWS we are weak! He KNOWS we don't have all it takes. But He also KNOWS that HE is capable of making things happen through our willingness to go forward with Him.
I love this conversation between God and Gideon: (Judges 6:14-16)
"The Lord turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"
"But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."
The Lord answered, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together."
I love the first command the Lord gives Gideon: "Go in the strength you have..."
We think that we have to have all the power and strength that a task calls for, in order to complete the job. However, God doesn't put us through boot camp before He calls us to something. He calls us to something, knowing that the experience will strengthen us in areas we are unaware of!
Also, when he asks "Am I not sending you?" "It's like, DUH Gideon! Do you realize who I am? I am God and I have all the strength (and much more, of course) than you will ever need!"
In most stories in the Bible, God didn't choose someone because they possessed the EXACT quality that was needed for a task. In fact, most of the men and women God used, were just willing vessels, ill-equipped, except for their heart for God.
Think about it........when does God get the most glory? When his people are strong and capable without Him? Or when He takes a normal, everyday kind of guy, and does something supernatural with him?
In the last sentence the Lord says, "I will be with you....."
I love this sentence because it shows a compassionate God; a God who cares that we feel inadequate and understands our need to be reassured.
He's not a cold-hearted God who commands we do something then kicks us out the door to fail. No - He's a loving God who knows we possess something inside of us, that when obedient to his calling, can accomplish mighty things, with his power beside us. How exciting is that?
Don't be dismayed that you aren't strong enough for whatever task God is calling you to. You don't have to be the strongest, most equipped person. You just have to be willing and trusting, that you have a God who is stronger and perfectly capable to do all things.
So - is God calling you to do something today? If you feel inadequate, that's ok. If you feel scared, that's ok.
He's got your back and He's strong enough for both of you.
Now walk in faith and know that He will be with you all the way.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
A Sweet Visit
I got a big surprise last week when my step-mom Ruby told me she was coming to visit for a few days. Awesome! I haven't seen her since my dad's funeral in February, and she actually has not been to my house in years, so I was really excited to have her visit. Then, the next day, I was equally thrilled when my sister Tiffany said she was coming too!
My sister has two children - Jace who is 5 years old and Addie who is 18 months old - so it was great to have little voices and lots of action in the house again!
We took them to lunch on Monday (Willy Burger) and then Monday night we drove to the camp where Ted and Over Everest were leading worship all week. This was the perfect opportunity for Ruby and Tiffany to see the band play and hear Ted sing and see him doing what God created him to do. He was so happy to see them there and it was a great worship service for all of us to take part in.
On the way home from the camp (which is about an hour from our house), we were all starving, so we pulled into Dairy Queen at 9:30pm. We felt kind of bad because they close at 10:00 and they were already sweeping up, but the thought of ham sandwiches at home, forced us to stay and risk the bad looks we might get from the staff. We ate our late night dinner and tried to leave the place looking like it did before we got there. We had some laughs over that.
Tuesday we wanted to take Jace to the local Fire Museum, so we headed downtown to do that. I got some great shots of the kids (and one big kid) playing on the fire truck. I think Jace will remember that for years to come. He had so much fun!
When we got home from the museum, Ted drove in from camp to see Ruby and Tiffany before they headed home, so we had lunch and made a few more rounds out to see the horses and rabbit. Addie went from looks of terror on the first day of meeting all the animals, to a calmness and saying "bye bye" to them on the last day. It was very sweet to see her big eyes watching the animals. I wish I knew what was going through her mind.
On Tuesday, when they pulled out of the drive heading home, I felt such a sadness. I was so glad they came, but sad they had to go (and live 6 hours away).
Here are some shots of the kids. For some reason I didn't get any with the animals. I guess it was because Addie was always in my arms and I couldn't hold my camera at the same time.
It was a great visit and I will treasure it for years to come.
I hope they will too.
My sister has two children - Jace who is 5 years old and Addie who is 18 months old - so it was great to have little voices and lots of action in the house again!
We took them to lunch on Monday (Willy Burger) and then Monday night we drove to the camp where Ted and Over Everest were leading worship all week. This was the perfect opportunity for Ruby and Tiffany to see the band play and hear Ted sing and see him doing what God created him to do. He was so happy to see them there and it was a great worship service for all of us to take part in.
On the way home from the camp (which is about an hour from our house), we were all starving, so we pulled into Dairy Queen at 9:30pm. We felt kind of bad because they close at 10:00 and they were already sweeping up, but the thought of ham sandwiches at home, forced us to stay and risk the bad looks we might get from the staff. We ate our late night dinner and tried to leave the place looking like it did before we got there. We had some laughs over that.
Tuesday we wanted to take Jace to the local Fire Museum, so we headed downtown to do that. I got some great shots of the kids (and one big kid) playing on the fire truck. I think Jace will remember that for years to come. He had so much fun!
When we got home from the museum, Ted drove in from camp to see Ruby and Tiffany before they headed home, so we had lunch and made a few more rounds out to see the horses and rabbit. Addie went from looks of terror on the first day of meeting all the animals, to a calmness and saying "bye bye" to them on the last day. It was very sweet to see her big eyes watching the animals. I wish I knew what was going through her mind.
On Tuesday, when they pulled out of the drive heading home, I felt such a sadness. I was so glad they came, but sad they had to go (and live 6 hours away).
Here are some shots of the kids. For some reason I didn't get any with the animals. I guess it was because Addie was always in my arms and I couldn't hold my camera at the same time.
Here is Addie watching David play his trombone.
Collin helping Jace build a lego set.
Here are the kids (all 4 of them)
at the
Largest Fire Hydrant in the world!
Here's Jace driving the fire truck, with Collin as the co-captain.
Addie driving the mini-fire truck
This was on the back of the mini-truck.
Jimmy is my dad's name and we all agreed that this
looks just like his handwriting, so I had to get a shot of it.
Here's my baby - Collin.
It was a great visit and I will treasure it for years to come.
I hope they will too.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Why Procrastination is NOT Your Friend!
Procrastination - the art of putting off today what can be done tomorrow.
Here's what procrastination has done for me this week:
IT forced me to have to go sit in an x-ray clinic for an hour, with sopping wet hair, only 1/3 of my make-up done, and no breakfast.
IT has also caused a cleaning frenzy in my house today in order to complete some projects I have been ignoring for weeks.
And I have no one to blame but.........ME!
Thursday afternoon, about 3:30, Collin decides to show me a Tarzan trick by running to swing on a rope hanging from a tree. Oh! He catches it, swings out, then lets go and falls straight to the ground, while I looked on in disbelief! Instantly I can see the pain on his face. He's always been pretty tough, which is how I knew he was really hurting. He had landed on his hands, trying to brace himself, and had instant pain in his left arm.
I took him inside and put some ice on his arm and called the doctor to ask what I should be looking for, as far as a break. They told me what to do and said to call back at 8:00am. "Ok" I said. But, come morning, I totally forgot about calling at 8:00.
Normally, I'm up at 6:00 or 6:30, have my coffee and my morning routine, and am in the shower by 7:30, dressed and ready to go by 8:00. NOT Friday morning! I was PROCRASTINATING!
I was lingering over my coffee and my blog and taking my time (recouping from a hectic week).
About 9:00, Collin comes into the livingroom saying his arm is hurting worse than the day before. Oh no! I just remembered what I was supposed to do at 8:00am! So, I call the Dr.'s office and of course, they want him to go, right away, for an x-ray, because they leave at 11:00 on Fridays. IT's FRIDAY! If we don't make it, we'll have to go all weekend without knowing if his arm is broken or not!
I yell at Collin to get dressed and get breakfast "to go" and I jump in the shower. I know I could have just thrown on some clothes and headed out, but that's just gross, so I took about a one minute shower and dressed, threw on some blush and lipstick and out the door we went!
And, I kicked myself all the way there and all the way home! That's what I get for NOT getting up and getting ready for my day. My punishment was plenty of strange looks at the x-ray place. I surely looked like I just got out of the shower, like 5 minutes ago (which I did). Learned my lesson on that one.
Today we are in a cleaning frenzy! Not the regular stuff like dusting, etc., but the "projects" that have been going on in Collin's room for about 3 weeks.
This is what I get for letting things "slide" and not cracking the whip, like the mean mommy I need to be!
He has been cleaning up his Lego creations for 3 weeks now. It's been an ongoing whine fest, at times, and that mixed with being gone here and there, has left his room a complete disaster area.
Well, a few days ago, I get a text from my sister and step-mom, that they are coming to visit on Sunday! This is awesome news.......except for all the projects I've put off lately; especially the one in Collin's room! So, now, it's not a leisurely job anymore; it's working like the house is on fire!
If I would have stuck to my mean mommy act and worked him, even through the whine fest, it would be done and it wouldn't be the day before we get visitors!
But, there again.......procrastination won and I'm paying for it!
One of these days I'm going to get my act together........maybe tomorrow:)
Friday, June 8, 2012
Full Freezer - Tired Feet!
WHEW! Who knew filling my freezer in one week would be so tiring! I'm guessing that's why Crystal over at Money Saving Mom filled hers in 4 weeks. (Well, duh!) That makes more sense.
Don't ask me why I took on this task and thought I needed to do it all in the same week. I printed out the recipes and grocery lists and I think my reasoning was that I had all the stuff on hand and needed to plow through it all. Well, believe me.......my plow has slowed way down after about 3 full days of cooking!
Funny thing is that I started off the first day taking pictures and by the 3rd day - nothing. So I can share a few pics with you from my first day, when I had energy, and the rest of the dishes, I got nothing.
The first night after shopping for all the ingredients, I browned about 5 lbs of ground beef. This is so easy to do while you're working on something else in the kitchen. There's just no good reason not to cook a huge batch every now and then, and freeze 1lb baggies of it. That way, it's always in your freezer, waiting for tacos, chili, or any dish calling for beef.
So, I cooked the beef while doing other prep work in the kitchen. When the beef was done, I started assembling my first dish: Lasagna.
I could have made 4 of these with the ingredients I had on hand, but I wouldn't have room in the freezer, so I only made two. Can't wait to eat these!
Next, I made some Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (no pic - sorry). I baked two loaves and put together 2 ready-to-mix packs of the same, while waiting on the bread to bake. When the bread was done, I kept one out for the next day's breakfast and put the other in the freezer.
The 2nd day I was really excited to make these:
When the dough is ready, pinch some off (enough for a good sized ball) and roll it out. The recipe says you can get 10-14 pockets out of one batch of dough, but I went for the 10.
While the chicken was baking, I took 5 lbs of raw ground beef and made 2 gallon-sized bags of meatballs, 2 meatloafs, and 3 burger patties (for lunch the next day).
Don't ask me why I took on this task and thought I needed to do it all in the same week. I printed out the recipes and grocery lists and I think my reasoning was that I had all the stuff on hand and needed to plow through it all. Well, believe me.......my plow has slowed way down after about 3 full days of cooking!
Funny thing is that I started off the first day taking pictures and by the 3rd day - nothing. So I can share a few pics with you from my first day, when I had energy, and the rest of the dishes, I got nothing.
The first night after shopping for all the ingredients, I browned about 5 lbs of ground beef. This is so easy to do while you're working on something else in the kitchen. There's just no good reason not to cook a huge batch every now and then, and freeze 1lb baggies of it. That way, it's always in your freezer, waiting for tacos, chili, or any dish calling for beef.
So, I cooked the beef while doing other prep work in the kitchen. When the beef was done, I started assembling my first dish: Lasagna.
Next, I made some Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (no pic - sorry). I baked two loaves and put together 2 ready-to-mix packs of the same, while waiting on the bread to bake. When the bread was done, I kept one out for the next day's breakfast and put the other in the freezer.
The 2nd day I was really excited to make these:
Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets!
I started off by making the dough in the bread machine. This was my first time to make dough (normally it's bread), so I was a little nervous. I followed Crystal's directions and whatdoyaknow....it came out perfect!
I used ham lunchmeat and shredded cheddar for the filling.
Here's the finished product and man was it delicious!
As much as I hated to wrap these up (after we ate a few), I did and they've already come in handy for a late nite snack! We just popped one in the microwave for 2 minutes and it was still delicious! I can tell this is going to be a weekly item.
After these were done, I took out a bag of frozen chicken breasts, put them on a cookie sheet and baked them for about an hour. When they were done, I let them cool, put them in a bowl and stuck them in the fridge until the next day.
While the chicken was baking, I took 5 lbs of raw ground beef and made 2 gallon-sized bags of meatballs, 2 meatloafs, and 3 burger patties (for lunch the next day).
On the 3rd day (yesterday), I cut up the chicken and prepared the next meal, which was Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli Casserole. The recipe says you can get 4 large ziploc bags full, which will make 2
9 x 13 casseroles. I decided we would have this dish for dinner, so I made an 8 x 8 pan for us, made the same size for my in-laws next door, and filled one gallon-sized bag for the freezer. So, I got 3 meals out of this one recipe. And it was good! We ate this with buttered biscuits and honestly, as I sit here typing this......I want more!
The great thing was that while this was baking, I was able to fill 4 quart sized baggies full of (2 cups each) chicken to put in the freezer. That's all from one bag of chicken breasts from Sams!
I still have a few recipes to make from this 4 Weeks to Fill Your Freezer series, but I will make those at a slower pace, over the next week. I have all the ingredients on hand, but I plan on taking it a little slower, as we need to eat some of this stuff first!
Here is a list of what I have in my freezer right now (not including veggies, bread, and a few random cuts of meat):
2 Cowboy Cornbread Meal packs
2 Meatloafs
2 bags of Meatballs
1 Blackbean Enchilada Meal pack
1 Chili Meal pack
1 Shepherd's Pie Meal pack
2 Lasagnas
1 Chicken, Rice, & Broc. Casserole
Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Ham & Cheese Hot Pockets
Beef Enchiladas
8 Cups Cooked Chicken
3 lbs Cooked Ground Beef
The meal packs are from the Meal Exchange we did last Saturday.
Whew! I know I said that before, but filling your freezer all at one time, is a hard job!
The good thing is I won't have to think too hard about meals for awhile. With a little thinking-ahead I can take something out in the morning and have it ready for dinner - right on time.
So - are you embarking on any major cooking sprees anytime soon?
If so, I would love to hear how it's going.
Have a great weekend and happy cooking!
I still have a few recipes to make from this 4 Weeks to Fill Your Freezer series, but I will make those at a slower pace, over the next week. I have all the ingredients on hand, but I plan on taking it a little slower, as we need to eat some of this stuff first!
Here is a list of what I have in my freezer right now (not including veggies, bread, and a few random cuts of meat):
2 Cowboy Cornbread Meal packs
2 Meatloafs
2 bags of Meatballs
1 Blackbean Enchilada Meal pack
1 Chili Meal pack
1 Shepherd's Pie Meal pack
2 Lasagnas
1 Chicken, Rice, & Broc. Casserole
Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Ham & Cheese Hot Pockets
Beef Enchiladas
8 Cups Cooked Chicken
3 lbs Cooked Ground Beef
The meal packs are from the Meal Exchange we did last Saturday.
Whew! I know I said that before, but filling your freezer all at one time, is a hard job!
The good thing is I won't have to think too hard about meals for awhile. With a little thinking-ahead I can take something out in the morning and have it ready for dinner - right on time.
So - are you embarking on any major cooking sprees anytime soon?
If so, I would love to hear how it's going.
Have a great weekend and happy cooking!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Are You Real?
I'm going to take a little detour from my freezer filling posts and just go down a different road for a second, because there is a question that nags me, from time to time.
Are You Real?
Sometimes I want to pose this question to people.
I check FaceBook each morning, while drinking my first cup of coffee, and there are some on there that seem like walking Bibles.
Now, I know that sounds harsh.
I'm a follower, believer, in-love-with-Jesus, Christian and absolutely owe him my life, but I can have a normal conversation without lofty words and scripture references in every sentence.
Some post nothing but passages from the Bible. You don't know what they think; what their interests are; what they believe in, other than Christ, and therefore - you don't know them at all.
Others are like that in speech. You can't have a REAL conversation without getting a lofty answer; full of flowery references to something spiritual.
I just want to scream "Can we have a real conversation?"
I KNOW you're a Christian. I know you love the Lord - So do I! But, I want to know the real you - the one who struggles, who gets frustrated and isn't all roses. I want you to call me up and rant, because your day isn't going as planned. I want to see you post something about a real life situation or (gasp!) a show you watched on TV (gasp again!)
Yesterday my son posted a picture of a Sound Board from Lakewood Church in Houston. Yes, this is the home of Joel Osteen. We all know the controversy surrounding Joel. Does he preach the Word? Does he water it down? On and on, it goes.
However, Ted has friends at that church, working in the music arena. My son is a musician and has a recording business - so he's interested in their sound system. However, from one simple picture posted on FB, he gets a response from a friend, who attends Seminary, about the church, and how they don't preach the gospel. HE'S POSTING A PICTURE OF THE SOUND BOARD!
Sound Boards aren't spiritual dummy! We don't need to debate doctrine everytime we buy an Amish Quilt, do we?
I know we're Christians, but seriously folks.......if we can't have a REAL conversation with people, we will do more harm than good. If we can't relate to people on a human level - without lofty references and super-spiritual words, we will lose the chance to draw people closer to the Lord. That's my opinion.
Living for the Lord is an everyday thing. It needs to look real to the lost world. It needs to look attainable to those who don't know how to get there. It needs to look like you are a person - not a robot; religiously talking in a spiritual language that only a few can understand.
You can be REAL and have fun and have failures and bad days. You can sit in a church you don't attend and maybe don't agree with, and still find it fascinating (ever been to a Cathedral and not been Catholic?) You can even listen to Glen Beck (who some find controversial, since he's Mormon) and gain wisdom from him. You can do all kinds of things and still maintain your values and faith. I love the show Sister Wives and I only have one spouse and don't plan on having another!
All I ask is that you are REAL! I'm not impressed by your loftiness and big words. I'm not impressed that you post ONLY scriptures and nothing about your life, your family, your likes or dislikes. This doesn't help me know you! It doesn't make me want to be a part of your life. It makes me turn to those who live on my level - the real people, with real interests.
So, let me ask you again - ARE YOU REAL?
"Don't be so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good."
Are You Real?
Sometimes I want to pose this question to people.
I check FaceBook each morning, while drinking my first cup of coffee, and there are some on there that seem like walking Bibles.
Now, I know that sounds harsh.
I'm a follower, believer, in-love-with-Jesus, Christian and absolutely owe him my life, but I can have a normal conversation without lofty words and scripture references in every sentence.
Some post nothing but passages from the Bible. You don't know what they think; what their interests are; what they believe in, other than Christ, and therefore - you don't know them at all.
Others are like that in speech. You can't have a REAL conversation without getting a lofty answer; full of flowery references to something spiritual.
I just want to scream "Can we have a real conversation?"
I KNOW you're a Christian. I know you love the Lord - So do I! But, I want to know the real you - the one who struggles, who gets frustrated and isn't all roses. I want you to call me up and rant, because your day isn't going as planned. I want to see you post something about a real life situation or (gasp!) a show you watched on TV (gasp again!)
Yesterday my son posted a picture of a Sound Board from Lakewood Church in Houston. Yes, this is the home of Joel Osteen. We all know the controversy surrounding Joel. Does he preach the Word? Does he water it down? On and on, it goes.
However, Ted has friends at that church, working in the music arena. My son is a musician and has a recording business - so he's interested in their sound system. However, from one simple picture posted on FB, he gets a response from a friend, who attends Seminary, about the church, and how they don't preach the gospel. HE'S POSTING A PICTURE OF THE SOUND BOARD!
Sound Boards aren't spiritual dummy! We don't need to debate doctrine everytime we buy an Amish Quilt, do we?
I know we're Christians, but seriously folks.......if we can't have a REAL conversation with people, we will do more harm than good. If we can't relate to people on a human level - without lofty references and super-spiritual words, we will lose the chance to draw people closer to the Lord. That's my opinion.
Living for the Lord is an everyday thing. It needs to look real to the lost world. It needs to look attainable to those who don't know how to get there. It needs to look like you are a person - not a robot; religiously talking in a spiritual language that only a few can understand.
You can be REAL and have fun and have failures and bad days. You can sit in a church you don't attend and maybe don't agree with, and still find it fascinating (ever been to a Cathedral and not been Catholic?) You can even listen to Glen Beck (who some find controversial, since he's Mormon) and gain wisdom from him. You can do all kinds of things and still maintain your values and faith. I love the show Sister Wives and I only have one spouse and don't plan on having another!
All I ask is that you are REAL! I'm not impressed by your loftiness and big words. I'm not impressed that you post ONLY scriptures and nothing about your life, your family, your likes or dislikes. This doesn't help me know you! It doesn't make me want to be a part of your life. It makes me turn to those who live on my level - the real people, with real interests.
So, let me ask you again - ARE YOU REAL?
"Don't be so heavenly minded that you're no earthly good."
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Goober, Anyone?
Any idea what this is?
It's the invention that's going
to transform
my summer.........
That's right!
Goober
Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly
already mixed,
ready to spread.
But
it's not the spreading and making
that's so transforming.......
It's the fact that they are
in the
FREEZER!
This trick was suggested by
Crystal @ Money Saving Mom
and it has
transformed life for Collin,
my 13 year old.
This is the boy that moaned and groaned
when I would suggest he make his own sandwich.
"It's too hard to spread everything!"
Now, he's in love with the fact that he can go to the freezer
and grab a sandwich (or two or three) and have an instant meal.
And, let me assure you.......
I'm in love with this idea,
as well!
These will definitely be a staple in our freezer inventory this summer!
Monday, June 4, 2012
More Meal Prep
Yesterday, while making cookies for my family, an idea hit me........why not prepare some COOKIE packs, just like the MEAL packs I made, on Saturday?
While I love eating cookies, I don't really love having to prepare the mix. The problem is that when I get hungry for a cookie, I want it quick!
So, yesterday, as I gathered all the ingredients for some homemade cookies, I got this great idea to pull out some ziploc baggies and fix a few COOKIE PACKS, so the next time I had a craving, I could just pull out a pack, add the wet ingredients, and have cookies!
With my mixing bowl to the side, each time I would add an ingredient for my batch of cookies, I would add those same ingredients to the baggies (with the exception of the eggs, vanilla, and butter).
I divided up the ingredients, according to the recipe, such as: One bag for the sugars, which need to be creamed with the butter in the first step, then the flour, salt, and baking soda are in another bag, measured out and ready to add to the butter mix. The chocolate chips are packaged and ready to go (this particular recipe calls for an entire bag of chips!)
The beauty of this will be - no measuring or gathering ingredients or wondering if I have everything on hand, the next time I need (or just want) to bake cookies.
This is also a great way to have a mix on hand, to take to someone along with a meal.
Later this week I will be gathering ingredients for some Freezer Meals. Of course, pictures will follow!
Happy cooking, everyone!
While I love eating cookies, I don't really love having to prepare the mix. The problem is that when I get hungry for a cookie, I want it quick!
So, yesterday, as I gathered all the ingredients for some homemade cookies, I got this great idea to pull out some ziploc baggies and fix a few COOKIE PACKS, so the next time I had a craving, I could just pull out a pack, add the wet ingredients, and have cookies!
With my mixing bowl to the side, each time I would add an ingredient for my batch of cookies, I would add those same ingredients to the baggies (with the exception of the eggs, vanilla, and butter).
I divided up the ingredients, according to the recipe, such as: One bag for the sugars, which need to be creamed with the butter in the first step, then the flour, salt, and baking soda are in another bag, measured out and ready to add to the butter mix. The chocolate chips are packaged and ready to go (this particular recipe calls for an entire bag of chips!)
The beauty of this will be - no measuring or gathering ingredients or wondering if I have everything on hand, the next time I need (or just want) to bake cookies.
This is also a great way to have a mix on hand, to take to someone along with a meal.
Later this week I will be gathering ingredients for some Freezer Meals. Of course, pictures will follow!
Happy cooking, everyone!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Meal Exchange - Hmmm. Where can we go with this?
I had a great opportunity to participate in something new this week..........
a MEAL EXCHANGE. (Kind of like a Cookie Exchange, but with an entree, instead.)
This was a great idea and since I was already getting prepared to start some Freezer Meals, this fit in perfectly with my plan.
The idea was to choose a recipe and make an assigned number of Meal Packs, according to the number of women participating. We would then meet at the host house and exchange our meals with one another.
I chose a simple meal called:
Since our magic number was 7 (7 women participating), I made a list of ingredients and multiplied it by 7; coming up with the correct amount of ingredients for 7 meals.
Then I headed to the store for all of this:
I chose frozen veggies (to avoid all the chopping and also because they are less expensive).
We met at the host's house and everyone placed their meal packs on the table, then we each took one of each meal and placed it in our bags to carry home.
The total cost of my 7 meals, was approximately $20.00, which comes to about $2.87 each. When you add about $3.00 of ground beef, one egg, and a little milk, you will MAYBE have a total of $6.00. With 6 servings, you're looking at about $1.00 per serving.
This was a great idea and I will most definitely be doing one of these at my own house - soon! However, the one glitch was that someone backed out at the last minute. This is not cool when you have 6 ladies who have already invested in 7 meals and are expecting to come home with 6 different meals. As it was, I came home with 2 of my own and only 5 different meals.
Another thing I noticed was there was a big descrepency in the amount of prep time each meal required. One lady had her husband chopping onions, celery, and peppers, while someone else simply picked up a box of spaghetti, sauce, and a box of garlic bread (which we had for lunch today!).
These aren't criticisms as much as just observations and brain storming as to what I will do differently when I do this in my circle of friends. When I get to that point, I will share my ideas.
For now, I will just say that I am extremely happy to have a week's worth of meals in my freezer!
This will make my journey into Freezer Meal Prep much easier this week, as I won't have to think too hard about dinner.
Tomorrow I will share more about Meal Prep and what I did today when I was baking cookies.
Until then.......
Blessings everyone!
a MEAL EXCHANGE. (Kind of like a Cookie Exchange, but with an entree, instead.)
This was a great idea and since I was already getting prepared to start some Freezer Meals, this fit in perfectly with my plan.
The idea was to choose a recipe and make an assigned number of Meal Packs, according to the number of women participating. We would then meet at the host house and exchange our meals with one another.
I chose a simple meal called:
Since our magic number was 7 (7 women participating), I made a list of ingredients and multiplied it by 7; coming up with the correct amount of ingredients for 7 meals.
Then I headed to the store for all of this:
(We were to add everything needed, with the exception of eggs or meat.)
I chose frozen veggies (to avoid all the chopping and also because they are less expensive).
You have to make sure to have plenty of baggies on hand. In fact, I calculated these into the cost of the meal (making sure this was truly cost effective).
I bought fresh spices, so I wouldn't deplete what I had on hand. This was also calculated into the cost, although many of the normal spices can be found in most kitchens.
When I had the veggies divided into baggies, as well as the spices, I lined up the remaining ingredients, here, so I could have an assembly line.
Here's the finished product: 7 Meal Packets (minus the ground beef, one egg, and 1/3 cup milk).
We met at the host's house and everyone placed their meal packs on the table, then we each took one of each meal and placed it in our bags to carry home.
The total cost of my 7 meals, was approximately $20.00, which comes to about $2.87 each. When you add about $3.00 of ground beef, one egg, and a little milk, you will MAYBE have a total of $6.00. With 6 servings, you're looking at about $1.00 per serving.
This was a great idea and I will most definitely be doing one of these at my own house - soon! However, the one glitch was that someone backed out at the last minute. This is not cool when you have 6 ladies who have already invested in 7 meals and are expecting to come home with 6 different meals. As it was, I came home with 2 of my own and only 5 different meals.
Another thing I noticed was there was a big descrepency in the amount of prep time each meal required. One lady had her husband chopping onions, celery, and peppers, while someone else simply picked up a box of spaghetti, sauce, and a box of garlic bread (which we had for lunch today!).
These aren't criticisms as much as just observations and brain storming as to what I will do differently when I do this in my circle of friends. When I get to that point, I will share my ideas.
For now, I will just say that I am extremely happy to have a week's worth of meals in my freezer!
This will make my journey into Freezer Meal Prep much easier this week, as I won't have to think too hard about dinner.
Tomorrow I will share more about Meal Prep and what I did today when I was baking cookies.
Until then.......
Blessings everyone!
Conversations
Have you ever been sucked into a conversation and not know how in the world you ended up there?
This has been my week!
If I believed in wacky, new age stuff, I would say it's some strange karma or something.
Am I putting off a vibe?
If I started it - ok.
But, these were actually instances where I'm talking to people about random things, then all of a sudden, someone turns the conversation toward me, in a negative way, and I'm standing there feeling like "WHAT?"
Makes me want to go hide in the woods or something.
Or give up talking.
Yes, that would be good.
Maybe if I become a listener, only, then I could avoid these awkward moments.
No. My guess is stuff will still happen.
People are fun - aren't they?
This has been my week!
If I believed in wacky, new age stuff, I would say it's some strange karma or something.
Am I putting off a vibe?
If I started it - ok.
But, these were actually instances where I'm talking to people about random things, then all of a sudden, someone turns the conversation toward me, in a negative way, and I'm standing there feeling like "WHAT?"
Makes me want to go hide in the woods or something.
Or give up talking.
Yes, that would be good.
Maybe if I become a listener, only, then I could avoid these awkward moments.
No. My guess is stuff will still happen.
People are fun - aren't they?
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Perfectionism - You are my friend.
This post has been eating at me all week.
It's something near and dear to my heart.......
PERFECTIONISM.
It keeps me from being satisfied.
It keeps me struggling.
It keeps me motivated.
It keeps me doing the same things over and over again.
It's what makes me chunk a whole piece of paper because I made one little mistake.
It's what keeps me working on the budget and scrapping it
if I forget to add something.
It's what keeps me from taking over some of the
household paint projects.
It's what keeps me looking for solutions to things
that I've already figured out, at least once.
It's what hinders some relationships.
It's what drives my family crazy, at times.
It's what keeps my family organized, at times.
It's a friend; yet an enemy.
It is good; but it is bad, as well.
But, this week......
I've overcome.
This week.......
I jumped in to the Good Morning Girls Bible Study on Week 3. This is SO unlike me! I'm one that HAS to start anything new AT THE BEGINNING and ON A MONDAY! Ok, that's compulsive, I know. It is what it is! You call this ridiculous; I call this progress! One small step for someone else. On GIANT leap for me!
I think of the old saying "If you can't do it right, then don't do it." I'm thinking this stupid saying goes down in history with "Eat everything on your plate." One made us paranoid to do anything less than perfect. The other has made us fat!
But, perfectionism has it's place. If inventors weren't perfectionists, nothing we have would work right. If carpenters weren't perfectionists, our buildings and houses would not last.
We could go on and on, listing the benefits of this "disorder" as we like to label things now.
Some see it as a handicap, and I would agree.
But, for the most part, we've been together my entire life and I would hate to see it go.
It's a friend, in a weird way.
It's who I am.
Not perfect - but driven to do things that way.
Have a blessed day:)
***P.S.***I'm wondering if this post is good enough to actually put out there in blog land. I guess I just need to hit "PUBLISH" and quit worrying about it. What do you think?****
Friday, June 1, 2012
Redeemed
Today I want to introduce you
to a song
that is amazing!
I hope you'll listen to the words
and
be blessed.
This song was written by my son Ted
and Darin Sasser,
and recorded at TJS Studios,
with Over Everest.
This is their first single and it is now on iTunes.
Go get it!
Thanks!
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