Let me start this off by saying that I have nothing against women working outside the home. I believe there are many circumstances where this is fine and even necessary. This post is to respond to society's idea that to be a truly liberated woman we must "do it all" -- have a career, take care of the kids and house and keep up with the men in every area.
God designed men and women differently, not better or worse than each other but simply with different roles. To embrace the roles God gave us as women is not giving up anything it is being free from trying to be happy in roles we were never intended to have or that were never intended to be the "Best" for us here on earth. Here is my "Top Ten" list of why choosing to be a Stay-At-Home-Mom is the highest form of womens liberation.
As a SAHM I am...
1) I am not bound by the stress caused by society's idea that I must do everything.
2) I am free to focus on the people most important to me, to help my marriage & home be the happiest and best it can be...which is also the best thing I can do for my kids.
3) I am free from any guilt that I'm shortchanging or neglecting those most important to me.
4) I am free to pursue any interest that I have.
5) I am free to develop the talents God has given me.
6) I am free to be available for my children to come to with joys, disappointments, hurts, questions, excitement, jokes and all other communications, to play and be silly without feeling rushed...to be spontaneous.
7) I am free to be available to experience my children's firsts.
8) I am free to be the primary caregiver for my children, to not have someone else raising them 40-60 hours a week.
9) I am free to enjoy my accomplishments without worry that they may not "live up" to someone elses expectations or help a company meet their bottom line.
10) I am free to set my own schedule.
and a bonus one....
11) I am free to be hospitable; to meet with friends, to have people into my home, to minister to those around me as best I can.
This is not an exhaustive list but something that has been on my mind lately. What are your thoughts? How do you find being a Stay-at-home-mom or (dare I use the word :) ) Housewife liberating?
Friday, November 5, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
I'm still here...and a few projects
No, I have not fallen off the bandwagon...well not totally anyway. The past few months have been very busy around here, which doesn't leave much time to sit and blog. I'm hoping to get a few different posts up this week. One updating on what's happening with life in general and one to share what I'm studying in God's Word.
I did want to share some of the crafting that I've been doing. We have 21 kids (including ours) that will be receiving gifts from us this Christmas. Six of those kids also have birthdays within a month of Christmas so things can get very expensive very fast. I have a pretty good stash of yarn so I decided to see how many gifts I could make.
I decided to try my hand at making some dolls. Each one will be a bit different. So far I have made two. One for a Christmas gift and the other is actually for Keira's birthday present. She kept trying to take the other one so I decided to just make her her own. I'm also working on some slippers as gifts for a few of the other kids. So far I have 1 1/2 pairs made. They work up very quickly but it's just finding the time to sit down and work on them. Here are the two dolls I've made so far. For the first one I followed the pattern as written. For the second one I made a few changes so that I could change the look of the dress and also gave her some "bloomers" under her dress.
I did want to share some of the crafting that I've been doing. We have 21 kids (including ours) that will be receiving gifts from us this Christmas. Six of those kids also have birthdays within a month of Christmas so things can get very expensive very fast. I have a pretty good stash of yarn so I decided to see how many gifts I could make.
I decided to try my hand at making some dolls. Each one will be a bit different. So far I have made two. One for a Christmas gift and the other is actually for Keira's birthday present. She kept trying to take the other one so I decided to just make her her own. I'm also working on some slippers as gifts for a few of the other kids. So far I have 1 1/2 pairs made. They work up very quickly but it's just finding the time to sit down and work on them. Here are the two dolls I've made so far. For the first one I followed the pattern as written. For the second one I made a few changes so that I could change the look of the dress and also gave her some "bloomers" under her dress.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Reflections on Romans 12:18
"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
This week has been a bit tough here. Keira has been sick, not sleeping well and very demanding when she is awake which can cause me to be impatient and frustrated. God has brought this verse to the front of my mind at various times and as I meditated on it there were several thoughts I had. It was encouraging to me so I thought I would share.
I'll go thru each phrase in this verse but I want to start at the end and work backwards.
"with all men" - this doesn't just mean our neighbors, friends or strangers. It means our children and spouses also; often times there are days when it is hardest to follow God's commands concerning those closest to us. Our children get angry, are demanding, clingy, they can be irritable but they are part of the "all men".
"live peaceably" - one definition I saw of the word "peaceably" is "promoting calm" we are to create a peaceful atmosphere with all those around us thru our attitudes and responses. In relation to my children; my attitudes and whether or not I follow God's commands should not be decided by how my children act. In fact, later in the New Testament we are told to not provoke our children (Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21) I am responsible to promote calm in my relationships with my children, my husband and everyone else I encounter.
"As much as lieth in you" - I've also seen this translated "as much as it depends on you" I like both renderings because to me it brings two different thoughts to mind. In 1 John 4:4 we are told "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." We have the Holy Spirit in us! When I am weak he has promised to strengthen (Phil. 4:13, 2 Corin. 12:9). I am only responsible for my attitudes, reactions and emotions. Which brings the next phrase.
"If it be possible" - Peace may not be possible all the time (and probably won't be) or with every person you meet or have dealings with but we are to make sure we are doing our part to make it as likely as possible.
I know this is rambling a bit and not an exhaustive study of this command but as I said at the beginning it has been a great reminder and encouragement to me so I thought I'd share.
Friday, August 13, 2010
A word about Refinement.
I know I haven't posted much on what I'm studying but I did want to share some food for thought. I've been going thru the minor prophets and have really been encouraged by many verses. Today I was reading in Zechariah and came to this verse...
And I will bring the third part through the fire,
and will refine them as silver is refined, and
will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name,
and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people:
and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.
Zechariah 13:9
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. "This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."
and will refine them as silver is refined, and
will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name,
and I will hear them: I will say, It [is] my people:
and they shall say, The LORD [is] my God.
Zechariah 13:9
I remembered reading about silver being refined in one of the recent books I've read (I admit I don't remember which one it was) but the author shared this beautiful illustration of how silver is refined. I was able to find the illustration online:
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. "This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."
To further study out this idea of refinement I looked up what exactly the definition is. My dictionary defines a refiner as "one who makes free from impurities, vulgarity, commonness". I was intrigued to see the word commonness in the definition. We usually think of refinement being used to draw out and purge from impurities but the refinement that God desires in our lives is more than being free from impurities..it is to be free from commonness too!
In 1 Peter 2:9 Peter says "But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" We are to be a peculiar people, not common! In Christ we are royal, holy, standing in Christ's "marvellous light". Why would we ever settle for commonness when we already have all these things simply by our position in Christ?!
What a challenge! Am I common? Do I desire God's refinement; to be free from commonness? Does He see His image in me?
The last part of Zechariah 13:9 is also such an encouragement. Yes, God refines us thru fire, he tries us as gold but in all of that he hears us. When we are going thru those fires and trials God hears when we call. He makes it known that we are His people, he has not forsaken us...and we can be confident that "the Lord is my God". He is the same God no matter what we face and that His ultimate goal is to see His image reflected in our lives.
In 1 Peter 2:9 Peter says "But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:" We are to be a peculiar people, not common! In Christ we are royal, holy, standing in Christ's "marvellous light". Why would we ever settle for commonness when we already have all these things simply by our position in Christ?!
What a challenge! Am I common? Do I desire God's refinement; to be free from commonness? Does He see His image in me?
The last part of Zechariah 13:9 is also such an encouragement. Yes, God refines us thru fire, he tries us as gold but in all of that he hears us. When we are going thru those fires and trials God hears when we call. He makes it known that we are His people, he has not forsaken us...and we can be confident that "the Lord is my God". He is the same God no matter what we face and that His ultimate goal is to see His image reflected in our lives.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Some simple spiritual analogies
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,
and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:7
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house,
and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down,
and when thou risest up.
Deuteronomy 6:7
Recently, I have been challenged by this verse. Specifically to incorporate spiritual lessons and truths into everyday activities and conversations. While I still have far to grow in this area; I wanted to share a couple of recent analogies that have come up in talking with my kids. I hope these will help you (as they have helped me) to see how truths about God are all around us.
The first analogy is one that I've heard several times before but was recently able to discuss with the kids. While we were baking brownies one day they asked to taste some of the individual ingredients; one being the vanilla and the other being the cocoa powder. After tasting these (and realizing they don't taste nearly as good as they smell) I explained how that sin is like that. Often sin looks and "smells" enticing but once we have taken a taste we recognize that it isn't nearly as fun/enjoyable as we thought. I asked the kids if they wanted another taste, they both said no :) and so I explained how that we should have the same feeling toward sin and not forget the true taste of it when we encounter it in our lives again.
The second analogy happened earlier today and is one that I'm going to share with the kids but hadn't thought about until Hailey left the room. Hailey pulled a glow in the dark eraser (which happened to be cross shaped) out of the cabinet. She asked why it wasn't glowing anymore. I explained that glow in the dark things need to be set in the light so they can absorb the light which, when placed in a dark cabinet, etc, will cause it to glow and that if it is left in the dark the light will fade and it will not glow anymore. After Hailey left the room I was thinking how this illustrates the importance of being in the Light (thru spending time with God) so that we can absorb His Light and have it shine thru us in this dark world. The more time we spend in the dark (without "recharging") the more our light fades and we become like the dark world around us.
I hope these two simple analogies will encourage you to look around and listen for those teachable moments that help to teach God's Truths diligently.
The first analogy is one that I've heard several times before but was recently able to discuss with the kids. While we were baking brownies one day they asked to taste some of the individual ingredients; one being the vanilla and the other being the cocoa powder. After tasting these (and realizing they don't taste nearly as good as they smell) I explained how that sin is like that. Often sin looks and "smells" enticing but once we have taken a taste we recognize that it isn't nearly as fun/enjoyable as we thought. I asked the kids if they wanted another taste, they both said no :) and so I explained how that we should have the same feeling toward sin and not forget the true taste of it when we encounter it in our lives again.
The second analogy happened earlier today and is one that I'm going to share with the kids but hadn't thought about until Hailey left the room. Hailey pulled a glow in the dark eraser (which happened to be cross shaped) out of the cabinet. She asked why it wasn't glowing anymore. I explained that glow in the dark things need to be set in the light so they can absorb the light which, when placed in a dark cabinet, etc, will cause it to glow and that if it is left in the dark the light will fade and it will not glow anymore. After Hailey left the room I was thinking how this illustrates the importance of being in the Light (thru spending time with God) so that we can absorb His Light and have it shine thru us in this dark world. The more time we spend in the dark (without "recharging") the more our light fades and we become like the dark world around us.
I hope these two simple analogies will encourage you to look around and listen for those teachable moments that help to teach God's Truths diligently.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
A busy, fun summer.
When the school year ended I sat down with the kids and asked them what were some things they would like to do this summer. We wrote them down and have slowly been checking them off. So far we've had a busy but fun summer.
On June 19th we went to Battleship Cove with my parents. The kids had a wonderful time running around the ships and learning about life in the Navy. It was also great to have my dad there since he served on two of the types of ships they had (a destroyer and also a submarine). We also toured a Russian built ship and a battleship. As a side note: I found out about this thru the website Family days Out USA. They have listings of fun things to do in each state; you can filter the results by indoor/outdoor activities and by age ranges.
The following week the kids went to VBS (Vacation Bible School) at the church associated with the school they are attending. It was a fun, busy week. They are looking forward to VBS at our church next month. It is always a lot of fun but both churches do their VBS in the evenings so it makes for some late nights.
The weekend of July 4th was also busy. Although we didn't make it to any fireworks we did have a fun weekend. On Saturday the 3rd we went to the Roger Williams Park Zoo. We all had a great time. We had never been to this zoo before but had heard great things about it, we certainly were not disappointed. They had a great variety of animals and I really enjoyed the fact that the paths are mostly shaded so despite the weather being in the 90's we were comfortable (even with me having Titus in the carrier).
The 4th was spent at church. We had a great dinner after the morning service and then an afternoon service of singing and sharing testimonies. It was a fun and uplifting day.
This past week has been pretty quiet since we've been staying inside a lot due to the heat. We're hoping to get out this next week for some more fun adventures. Here are a couple pictures from our zoo trip and a recent picture of Titus (since you can't really see him in the zoo picture :) ).
On June 19th we went to Battleship Cove with my parents. The kids had a wonderful time running around the ships and learning about life in the Navy. It was also great to have my dad there since he served on two of the types of ships they had (a destroyer and also a submarine). We also toured a Russian built ship and a battleship. As a side note: I found out about this thru the website Family days Out USA. They have listings of fun things to do in each state; you can filter the results by indoor/outdoor activities and by age ranges.
The following week the kids went to VBS (Vacation Bible School) at the church associated with the school they are attending. It was a fun, busy week. They are looking forward to VBS at our church next month. It is always a lot of fun but both churches do their VBS in the evenings so it makes for some late nights.
The weekend of July 4th was also busy. Although we didn't make it to any fireworks we did have a fun weekend. On Saturday the 3rd we went to the Roger Williams Park Zoo. We all had a great time. We had never been to this zoo before but had heard great things about it, we certainly were not disappointed. They had a great variety of animals and I really enjoyed the fact that the paths are mostly shaded so despite the weather being in the 90's we were comfortable (even with me having Titus in the carrier).
The 4th was spent at church. We had a great dinner after the morning service and then an afternoon service of singing and sharing testimonies. It was a fun and uplifting day.
This past week has been pretty quiet since we've been staying inside a lot due to the heat. We're hoping to get out this next week for some more fun adventures. Here are a couple pictures from our zoo trip and a recent picture of Titus (since you can't really see him in the zoo picture :) ).
Keira taking a rest by the bald eagles
Ethan & Hailey very excited to see the elephants.
Titus napping thru the excitement :)
Titus - two months old
A new book, new lessons, challenges and encouragement
Since finishing "The Power of a Woman's Words" I have been reading thru a book titled "Sandpaper People: Dealing with the ones who rub you the wrong way" by Mary Southerland. This is proving to be another challenging yet encouraging study.
I chose "Sandpaper People" to learn how to better deal with the difficult people in my life; however, God has also used this book to show me the "beam" in my own eyes and how some of my tendencies can be like sandpaper to others. It's been a very humbling experience but also encouraging to see that God does not give up on us...He continues to show us areas we need to change.
While there is a lot I could share about this book (and many lines I have underlined) I want to give you a glimpse by sharing some of the things in one chapter. The chapter is titled "Be Strong: Develop Endurance" while this book is dealing specifically with difficult relationships there is so much wisdom for any difficulty we face. This chapter focuses on the life of Esther and how she endured in dealing with Haman and despite her fears stepped forth in faith allowing God to use her mightily.
I chose "Sandpaper People" to learn how to better deal with the difficult people in my life; however, God has also used this book to show me the "beam" in my own eyes and how some of my tendencies can be like sandpaper to others. It's been a very humbling experience but also encouraging to see that God does not give up on us...He continues to show us areas we need to change.
While there is a lot I could share about this book (and many lines I have underlined) I want to give you a glimpse by sharing some of the things in one chapter. The chapter is titled "Be Strong: Develop Endurance" while this book is dealing specifically with difficult relationships there is so much wisdom for any difficulty we face. This chapter focuses on the life of Esther and how she endured in dealing with Haman and despite her fears stepped forth in faith allowing God to use her mightily.
"In dealing with people who rub us the wrong way, we need to
embrace the truth that while our strength is inadequate, God's
strength is more than enough"
embrace the truth that while our strength is inadequate, God's
strength is more than enough"
She lists four choices we can make that "invite Him to permeate every part of a relationship with His persistent love and regenerating power." These choices are based on Peter's words regarding suffering in I Peter 5:6-10
Choice 1: Choose Humility over Pride:
- "Humility is painful at times but is powerful at all times. Humility chooses total abandonment, a complete submission to God."
- "When we choose humility over pride, we acknowledge the power of God and give Him permission to transform every difficult relationship into a showcase for His transforming love."
Choice 2: Choose Peace over Worry:
- "We need to daily, minute by minute, take those difficult people to God and leave them there, in the palm of His hand."
- "When we live in peace, we are paving the way for difficult people to encounter Peace Himself. Choose peace over worry."
Choice 3: Choose Knowledge over Ignorance:
- "We often assign sandpaper people the role of "enemy", when they are not our adversary but rather, our mission field."
- "Faith is our shield of protection in every part of our spiritual walk; it is the covering for every healthy relationship."
- "misplaced faith is powerless. When it comes to dealing with sandpaper people, we must be careful not to place faith in our own human ability to handle that relationship."
Choice 4: Choose Character over Comfort:
- "all through life, the greatest strength is forged in the broken places."
- "Suffering comes in many ways, but always with the purpose of making us strong enough to endure pain and weak enough to rely upon God."
- "We can insist on comfort and forfeit character, or we can embrace the brokenness, knowing that God will use it to make us strong."
I pray that you have enjoyed this glimpse into what God is teaching me in my life right now thru this book and also that it is an encouragement to you to endure...moment by moment...whatever difficulties you are facing knowing that God is very near and that His Word is "true and righteous all together"
Choice 1: Choose Humility over Pride:
- "Humility is painful at times but is powerful at all times. Humility chooses total abandonment, a complete submission to God."
- "When we choose humility over pride, we acknowledge the power of God and give Him permission to transform every difficult relationship into a showcase for His transforming love."
Choice 2: Choose Peace over Worry:
- "We need to daily, minute by minute, take those difficult people to God and leave them there, in the palm of His hand."
- "When we live in peace, we are paving the way for difficult people to encounter Peace Himself. Choose peace over worry."
Choice 3: Choose Knowledge over Ignorance:
- "We often assign sandpaper people the role of "enemy", when they are not our adversary but rather, our mission field."
- "Faith is our shield of protection in every part of our spiritual walk; it is the covering for every healthy relationship."
- "misplaced faith is powerless. When it comes to dealing with sandpaper people, we must be careful not to place faith in our own human ability to handle that relationship."
Choice 4: Choose Character over Comfort:
- "all through life, the greatest strength is forged in the broken places."
- "Suffering comes in many ways, but always with the purpose of making us strong enough to endure pain and weak enough to rely upon God."
- "We can insist on comfort and forfeit character, or we can embrace the brokenness, knowing that God will use it to make us strong."
I pray that you have enjoyed this glimpse into what God is teaching me in my life right now thru this book and also that it is an encouragement to you to endure...moment by moment...whatever difficulties you are facing knowing that God is very near and that His Word is "true and righteous all together"
"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:37-39
Romans 8:37-39
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Power of a Woman's Words conclusion.
Well, I finished the study "The Power of a Woman's Words" several weeks back but have not had a chance to blog on my final thoughts. This book was such a blessing and a challenge. I find myself thinking over so many things that were mentioned. It has also been a help to me to really think about the words that I'm saying; and help me to recognize when words are better left unsaid. I want to share a portion from the last chapter (it's actually the last page), it's a bit longer but really sums up the book well and brings home just how important the everyday decisions we make of how to use our words, will have lasting affects. I pray that it is a blessing to you also.
"You are going to meet an old lady someday. Down the road 10, 20, 30 years --
she's waiting for you. You will catch up to her. What kind of old lady are you going
to meet? She may be a seasoned, soft and gracious lady. A lady who has grown old
gracefully, surrounded by a host of friends -- friends who call her blessed
because of what her life has meant to them. Or she may be a bitter, disillusioned
dried-up, cynical old buzzard without a good word for anyone or anything --
soured, friendless, and alone. The kind of old lady you will meet will depend
entirely upon you. She will be exactly what you make of her, nothing more, nothing
less. It's up to you. You will have no one else to credit or blame. Every day,
in every way, you are becoming more and more like that old lady. You are getting to look
more like her, think more like her, and talk more like her. You are becoming her. If
you live only in terms of what you are getting out of life, the old lady gets
smaller, drier, harder, crabbier, more self-centered. Open your life to others.
Think in terms of what you can give and your contribution to life, and the old
lady grows larger, softer, kinder, greater. These little things, seemingly so
unimportant now -- attitudes, goals, ambitions, desires -- are adding up
inside where you cannot see them, crystallizing in your heart and mind. The
point is, these things don't always show up immediately. But they will --
sooner than you think. Someday they will harden into that old lady; nothing will be
able to soften or change them then. The time to take care of that old lady is
right now. Today. Examine your motives, attitudes, goals. Check up on her. Work
her over now while she is still pliable, still in a formative condition. Then you
will be much more likely to meet a lovely, gracious old lady at the proper time."
~ Author Unknown
she's waiting for you. You will catch up to her. What kind of old lady are you going
to meet? She may be a seasoned, soft and gracious lady. A lady who has grown old
gracefully, surrounded by a host of friends -- friends who call her blessed
because of what her life has meant to them. Or she may be a bitter, disillusioned
dried-up, cynical old buzzard without a good word for anyone or anything --
soured, friendless, and alone. The kind of old lady you will meet will depend
entirely upon you. She will be exactly what you make of her, nothing more, nothing
less. It's up to you. You will have no one else to credit or blame. Every day,
in every way, you are becoming more and more like that old lady. You are getting to look
more like her, think more like her, and talk more like her. You are becoming her. If
you live only in terms of what you are getting out of life, the old lady gets
smaller, drier, harder, crabbier, more self-centered. Open your life to others.
Think in terms of what you can give and your contribution to life, and the old
lady grows larger, softer, kinder, greater. These little things, seemingly so
unimportant now -- attitudes, goals, ambitions, desires -- are adding up
inside where you cannot see them, crystallizing in your heart and mind. The
point is, these things don't always show up immediately. But they will --
sooner than you think. Someday they will harden into that old lady; nothing will be
able to soften or change them then. The time to take care of that old lady is
right now. Today. Examine your motives, attitudes, goals. Check up on her. Work
her over now while she is still pliable, still in a formative condition. Then you
will be much more likely to meet a lovely, gracious old lady at the proper time."
~ Author Unknown
Sunday, May 9, 2010
My greatest Mother's Day gifts!
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms reading this!!
These are my greatest gifts this mother's day:
These are my greatest gifts this mother's day:
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Our newest addition: Titus Kael
I know I have really slacked on the whole blogging task lately. However, this time I have a good excuse :) Last Friday, April 30th, we welcomed our baby boy into the world. Titus Kael was born at 7:05PM. He weighed 7lbs 14oz and was 21 1/4 inches long. He has a full head of hair (at least all the heartburn I had was for a reason). I know several people love to hear the birth stories so I thought I would share.
On April 29th I went in for my appointment with the midwives. Since Keira had been so late (10 days) I decided to schedule an induction date "just in case". We scheduled an induction for May 7th, it felt good to at least have an end date in sight.
On Friday morning about 7:30AM I started having contractions about 10 minutes apart. After about an hour of regular contractions I sent Matt an instant message letting him know that I thought I might be in early labor. Shortly after I sent him the message the contractions started coming every 3-5 minutes. They weren't too intense but the fact that they were coming regularly and that frequently made me decide to ask Matt to come home so that he would be here rather than 40 minutes away.
I called the midwive's office and let them know what was going on and that I would be laboring at home for awhile. I also called my mom so she could come watch the kids. At this point (about 10:30AM) I was having contractions 4 minutes apart, and while they still weren't too intense they were definitely stronger. I labored at home until just about 2PM. I put Keira down for her nap and then Matt and I headed to the midwives office so I could be checked and see where we were at. When my midwife checked me I was 3-4cm dilated and 100% effaced. I was glad to hear that all the contractions had been productive. We headed over to the hospital to get checked into Labor & Delivery.
Honestly, the next couple of hours were a bit boring, just laboring at the hospital watching some old Law & Order re-runs. A little after 6PM my water broke and then the contractions became much stronger. (Earlier, I had discussed with my midwife how I would like to try standing again to deliver since I had done this with Keira and had felt that it was more productive than being in the bed.) I headed over to the bed and leaned on the bed. Shortly after my water broke I began having pushing contractions, my midwife checked me again and I was fully dilated. I pushed thru the next several contractions and at 7:05PM Titus made his appearance.
Titus' apgars were 9 and 10. We both stayed in the hospital for the full 48 hours and came home on Sunday. Titus did have some jaundice so we were sent home with a biliblanket and had to take him in for heel sticks. Yesterday was the last heel stick and he is doing great now. He has started napping in his crib and has been doing pretty well at night also. He does 2-3 hour stretches at night. He is taking a pacifier for us which has allowed me to get a bit more sleep since he's not using me as a pacifier. He has his one week check-up on Monday
The kids adore him and love to hold and kiss him. Keira has had a few jealous moments but she seems to be figuring out that he's here to stay. This morning she asked for him right away and she loves to hold him and say "mine" baby.
As for me, I'm recovering well. Matt is home this week and next which has been a huge help. This delivery was my most uneventful in that I didn't have to have any medical interventions. With all of the others I had to have an IV (for various reasons) and they had to break my water. This time I had none of that.
We feel very blessed with the four children that God has given us. We would definitely appreciate prayers as we continue to adjust to having a newborn in the house again.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
I admit it...
...I fell off the blogging wagon. I have thought about sitting down and blogging but honestly my mind just doesn't want to work right lately. The overpowering tiredness has returned and I find myself sitting down to watch a movie or just hang out with the kids and wake up a half hour (or more) later. Ethan thinks it's quite funny and a few times I've woken up to him giggling and saying "you fell asleep again!!".
I am still going thru the book "The Power of a Woman's Words" (although not as consistently as I would like...another thing I need to get back into) and when I do sit down to read or work in the study guide I am very blessed.
This weekend is a very busy weekend for us. Our church is having a missions conference so I was at the church last night helping prepare the food for lunch today. Today we were at the church most of the day; then we came home and I made a casserole for the carry-in dinner tomorrow at church. Tomorrow will be another full church day. It is a blessing and also a good challenge hearing from the missionaries that are speaking.
Monday I have my next appointment with my midwives. So far all is going very well, baby and I are both healthy and we have officially started the waiting game. I'm officially due April 28th but since I was late with both of the girls I'm expecting to go late this time also. The kids can't wait to meet their baby brother and we finally have everything ready for him. :)
So that is a quick update on us. Ethan is on school vacation this week so I'm really hoping to sit down and share at least a few quotes/thoughts from "The Power of a Woman's Words".
I am still going thru the book "The Power of a Woman's Words" (although not as consistently as I would like...another thing I need to get back into) and when I do sit down to read or work in the study guide I am very blessed.
This weekend is a very busy weekend for us. Our church is having a missions conference so I was at the church last night helping prepare the food for lunch today. Today we were at the church most of the day; then we came home and I made a casserole for the carry-in dinner tomorrow at church. Tomorrow will be another full church day. It is a blessing and also a good challenge hearing from the missionaries that are speaking.
Monday I have my next appointment with my midwives. So far all is going very well, baby and I are both healthy and we have officially started the waiting game. I'm officially due April 28th but since I was late with both of the girls I'm expecting to go late this time also. The kids can't wait to meet their baby brother and we finally have everything ready for him. :)
So that is a quick update on us. Ethan is on school vacation this week so I'm really hoping to sit down and share at least a few quotes/thoughts from "The Power of a Woman's Words".
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Another "from the pantry" recipe
I thought I'd share another recipe I came up with using "on-hand" ingredients. I used my baked mac & cheese recipe for the basic instructions but changed the ingredients to remove the lactose and make a full meal. It's nothing fancy but was a big hit here.
Baked Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, divided use
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 lb pasta (I used penne)
16 oz frozen broccoli, thawed and drained of any water
2 cups cooked chicken cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups shredded cheese (I shredded some partial blocks of yogurt cheese I had on hand to eliminate the lactose since I can't have it)
1 cup bread crumbs (I used Panko)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta according to package instructions. While pasta is cooking melt 4 TB butter in saucepan. Add flour and stir together for a minute. Slowly stir in chicken broth; bring to boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 2 minutes to thicken. Add all cheese and stir until melted. Add broccoli and chicken to cheese sauce. Drain pasta. Add 2 TB butter and all garlic to pasta. stir until butter is melted. Mix sauce with pasta. Pour into lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Melt remaining 2 TB butter and mix with bread crumbs until all are coated a bit. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of pasta. Bake 30-40 min or until the top is just browned.
Baked Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, divided use
1/4 cup flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 lb pasta (I used penne)
16 oz frozen broccoli, thawed and drained of any water
2 cups cooked chicken cubed
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups shredded cheese (I shredded some partial blocks of yogurt cheese I had on hand to eliminate the lactose since I can't have it)
1 cup bread crumbs (I used Panko)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook pasta according to package instructions. While pasta is cooking melt 4 TB butter in saucepan. Add flour and stir together for a minute. Slowly stir in chicken broth; bring to boil, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 2 minutes to thicken. Add all cheese and stir until melted. Add broccoli and chicken to cheese sauce. Drain pasta. Add 2 TB butter and all garlic to pasta. stir until butter is melted. Mix sauce with pasta. Pour into lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Melt remaining 2 TB butter and mix with bread crumbs until all are coated a bit. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of pasta. Bake 30-40 min or until the top is just browned.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
End of the month check-in
Well, I didn't get much crafting done this month. I did finish the baby's blanket and while I'm still not totally happy with it, it's done and functional. In the past week or so I've started getting things ready for this baby so a lot of my time has been taken up with washing clothes and bedding and making to-do lists.
This past weekend we set up the bunk beds in the girl's room and moved the crib to the boys room. I wasn't sure how long it would take for Keira to adjust to a "big girl" bed but she has done so well. Today was the first day that she didn't cry at all for nap or bed time and seems to really "get it" that this is her new spot. She loves to play on her bed during the day too.
I've also been having fun with the freezer/pantry challenge. It's been fun to see what I can come up with from the ingredients I have on hand. Tonight I did a pasta casserole with chicken and broccoli it was along the lines of an alfredo but using shredded yogurt cheese (which has no lactose so I can eat it) and replacing the milk with chicken broth. It was a huge hit so definitely a recipe that will go into my binder.
Now that my freezer is mostly cleaned out I'm going to start making some of the freezer meals. I'm not sure how many will fit but I figure I'll just make them until the freezer is full. I found this great site which has freezer meals for once-a-month cooking so I'm using her ideas.
I'm also still working my way thru "The Power of a Woman's Words" and am continuing to enjoy this study while also being challenged. So that's the summary for this month.
This past weekend we set up the bunk beds in the girl's room and moved the crib to the boys room. I wasn't sure how long it would take for Keira to adjust to a "big girl" bed but she has done so well. Today was the first day that she didn't cry at all for nap or bed time and seems to really "get it" that this is her new spot. She loves to play on her bed during the day too.
I've also been having fun with the freezer/pantry challenge. It's been fun to see what I can come up with from the ingredients I have on hand. Tonight I did a pasta casserole with chicken and broccoli it was along the lines of an alfredo but using shredded yogurt cheese (which has no lactose so I can eat it) and replacing the milk with chicken broth. It was a huge hit so definitely a recipe that will go into my binder.
Now that my freezer is mostly cleaned out I'm going to start making some of the freezer meals. I'm not sure how many will fit but I figure I'll just make them until the freezer is full. I found this great site which has freezer meals for once-a-month cooking so I'm using her ideas.
I'm also still working my way thru "The Power of a Woman's Words" and am continuing to enjoy this study while also being challenged. So that's the summary for this month.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Promise of Power
Once again I'm getting this up later in the week than I had hoped. One reason is that I really wanted to take some time to think over what to share. This chapter was such an encouragement to me.
The first half of the book has been dedicated to what the Biblical guidelines for our speech are and how much our speech affects those around us. The second half of the book is focused on how we can implement the necessary changes into our speech. The first chapter in this section is entitled "The Promise of Power" and focuses on the fact that despite how hopeless change (in any area of our lives) may seem God has given us His Spirit who does have the power to change us if we yield to Him.
The first half of the book has been dedicated to what the Biblical guidelines for our speech are and how much our speech affects those around us. The second half of the book is focused on how we can implement the necessary changes into our speech. The first chapter in this section is entitled "The Promise of Power" and focuses on the fact that despite how hopeless change (in any area of our lives) may seem God has given us His Spirit who does have the power to change us if we yield to Him.
"While no human being can tame the tongue...God can. It may
be impossible ...for you and for me, but it is not impossible
for God. 'Is anything too hard for the Lord?' (Genesis 18:14)"
"It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we
are able to control this little muscle that rests between
our teeth."
be impossible ...for you and for me, but it is not impossible
for God. 'Is anything too hard for the Lord?' (Genesis 18:14)"
"It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we
are able to control this little muscle that rests between
our teeth."
Philippians 4:8-9 lays out eight guidelines for our speech. We should ask ourselves the following questions about our words before we speak.
- Are they true?
- Are they noble?
- Are they right?
- Are they pure?
- Are they lovely?
- Are they admirable?
- Are they excellent?
- Are they praiseworthy?
*I would encourage you to look up the definitions of each of these words and really meditate on their meanings.
Does this come easy? No, "it takes practice! Practice! Practice! Practice!"
Mrs Jaynes also points out that in Galatians 5:23 we are instructed to have a gentle spirit. This gentleness is to extend to our speech. Many times gentleness (or meekness) is seen as a weakness; however "When Jesus said he was meek and lowly in heart, He was saying that he was submitted to God - mightily powerful but under God's control." "Meekness isn't weakness; it's power under control. It's taming and training our tongues to be under the submission and control of the Holy Spirit."
So we know what to do, but how? In John 15:5 Jesus tells us "I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." We are to be constantly abiding in Jesus, this does not come naturally and I believe that's why it is a command, not a suggestion but something that Jesus knows is hard but necessary for us.
In Ephesians 1:19-20 Paul writes "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places." As believers, who have the Holy Spirit indwelling us, we have access to that same power that raised Jesus from the dead!! We need only to submit ourselves to the Spirit!
Martha:
I have to say one of the most encouraging things in this chapter was the focus on Martha. Martha tends to get all the negative attention, in Luke 10:38-42 we first meet Martha and she is scolded by Jesus for being too concerned with the things of this world and not spiritual things. Martha was trying to do the socially correct things while missing the opportunity to sit under the teaching of Jesus.
Now look at John 11: 1-27; in verse 5 it is said that Jesus loved Martha...despite her wrong priorities he loved her (just as despite our wrong speech Jesus loves us). In verse 20 we see that it was Martha that went out to meet Jesus. Her brother Lazarus had died but she was trusting that "even now whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." (vs. 22) again in verse 27 Martha states "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou are the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world".
What a great picture of the change that can take place when we heed God's instructions for any area of our lives. Martha certainly listened to what Jesus had instructed back in Luke 10:42 when he said "one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
The change in Martha's life did not come from her being good enough, or working hard enough. The power to change came when she yielded herself to the teaching of Jesus and submitted her heart to Him.
Each one of us struggles with different things in our lives but the answer to overcoming whatever we face and the power to make whatever changes necessary come from the same place...God.
Our flesh is weak but 2 Corinthians 4:7 & 10:4 remind us that:
- Are they true?
- Are they noble?
- Are they right?
- Are they pure?
- Are they lovely?
- Are they admirable?
- Are they excellent?
- Are they praiseworthy?
*I would encourage you to look up the definitions of each of these words and really meditate on their meanings.
Does this come easy? No, "it takes practice! Practice! Practice! Practice!"
Mrs Jaynes also points out that in Galatians 5:23 we are instructed to have a gentle spirit. This gentleness is to extend to our speech. Many times gentleness (or meekness) is seen as a weakness; however "When Jesus said he was meek and lowly in heart, He was saying that he was submitted to God - mightily powerful but under God's control." "Meekness isn't weakness; it's power under control. It's taming and training our tongues to be under the submission and control of the Holy Spirit."
So we know what to do, but how? In John 15:5 Jesus tells us "I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." We are to be constantly abiding in Jesus, this does not come naturally and I believe that's why it is a command, not a suggestion but something that Jesus knows is hard but necessary for us.
In Ephesians 1:19-20 Paul writes "And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places." As believers, who have the Holy Spirit indwelling us, we have access to that same power that raised Jesus from the dead!! We need only to submit ourselves to the Spirit!
Martha:
I have to say one of the most encouraging things in this chapter was the focus on Martha. Martha tends to get all the negative attention, in Luke 10:38-42 we first meet Martha and she is scolded by Jesus for being too concerned with the things of this world and not spiritual things. Martha was trying to do the socially correct things while missing the opportunity to sit under the teaching of Jesus.
Now look at John 11: 1-27; in verse 5 it is said that Jesus loved Martha...despite her wrong priorities he loved her (just as despite our wrong speech Jesus loves us). In verse 20 we see that it was Martha that went out to meet Jesus. Her brother Lazarus had died but she was trusting that "even now whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee." (vs. 22) again in verse 27 Martha states "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou are the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world".
What a great picture of the change that can take place when we heed God's instructions for any area of our lives. Martha certainly listened to what Jesus had instructed back in Luke 10:42 when he said "one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her."
The change in Martha's life did not come from her being good enough, or working hard enough. The power to change came when she yielded herself to the teaching of Jesus and submitted her heart to Him.
Each one of us struggles with different things in our lives but the answer to overcoming whatever we face and the power to make whatever changes necessary come from the same place...God.
Our flesh is weak but 2 Corinthians 4:7 & 10:4 remind us that:
"..we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the
excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us"
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty
through God to the pulling down of strong holds;"
excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us"
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty
through God to the pulling down of strong holds;"
Sunday, March 21, 2010
This, that and a tasty treat :)
I've had a few things rattling around that I wanted to write about. First, I have to say that I'm very excited to share about last week's chapter in "The Power of a Woman's Words", I'm hoping to get a separate post up either tonight or tomorrow.
For now, I wanted to give a quick update on how we're doing. I know I haven't posted much about this pregnancy, mostly because (thankfully) there hasn't been much to post. In the words of my midwife I'm having a "nice, boring" pregnancy. I've been fortunate to have another very easy pregnancy. I have had some heartburn and fatigue but I realize these things are SO minor.
The older kids are really excited about the baby. Ethan told me yesterday that he "can't wait" for the baby to be born. He is so excited to finally be getting a brother. It's been a real blessing to me to see their excitement and how much they want to be involved.
Ethan is doing well in K5, he's had some adjustments to being in a classroom but is doing very well with his studies and seems to be making friends well. Hailey is keeping active helping me at home and trying to keep up with Ethan and all that he's doing. She is starting to sound out words some and doing some simple math also. Her birthday is just over a month away and she's very excited about turning 5 and that she will be starting school in the fall.
Keira is learning more and more every day and is very active. She has loved being outside with the "big kids" during the last couple of days of warmer weather. She is starting to talk some, not too clearly yet but she has consistent sounds/words for things. She can now say between 10-20 words and is also learning her body parts.
Life here has been going well. God has truly blessed us this winter. We did have one stomach bug go thru our house but it was mild compared to others we have heard about.
Lastly, I wanted to share a recipe that I came up with yesterday. I had mentioned in a previous post that I was taking up the "shop my pantry/freezer" challenge. Well, one of the things that we ran out of is chocolate chips. I love chocolate when I'm not pregnant and even more when I am, I was really wanting some cookies. I thought about making brownies but it just wasn't what I was wanting. So I decided to look for a chocolate oatmeal cookie recipe. I didn't find any that were what I wanted so I altered a multi-grain cookie recipe and made it chocolate. At first I wasn't sure how they would come out and they were very soft when they came out of the oven but after cooling they firmed up a bit and made a wonderful chewy cookie.
Chocolate Multi-grain cookies:
1 C all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole wheat flour (I used 6-grain flour)
1 1/2 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats
1/2 Cup wheat germ
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup vegetable oil (I used a light olive oil)
2oz chocolate, chopped finely
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. In separate bowl mix together wet ingredients. Stir into dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate and walnuts. Drop by tablespoon onto greased baking sheet, flatten slightly. Bake for 15 minutes or until done. Cool on pans for 1 minute then carefully transfer to cooling racks to cool. Yields: approximately 3 dozen
I made these a bit bigger and the 15 minutes was plenty so if you make them smaller just watch them as they probably will cook faster. Also, if you use the walnuts they do make it more difficult for the cookies to hold together. I ended up just shaping some dough into rounds in my hand which worked well.
For now, I wanted to give a quick update on how we're doing. I know I haven't posted much about this pregnancy, mostly because (thankfully) there hasn't been much to post. In the words of my midwife I'm having a "nice, boring" pregnancy. I've been fortunate to have another very easy pregnancy. I have had some heartburn and fatigue but I realize these things are SO minor.
The older kids are really excited about the baby. Ethan told me yesterday that he "can't wait" for the baby to be born. He is so excited to finally be getting a brother. It's been a real blessing to me to see their excitement and how much they want to be involved.
Ethan is doing well in K5, he's had some adjustments to being in a classroom but is doing very well with his studies and seems to be making friends well. Hailey is keeping active helping me at home and trying to keep up with Ethan and all that he's doing. She is starting to sound out words some and doing some simple math also. Her birthday is just over a month away and she's very excited about turning 5 and that she will be starting school in the fall.
Keira is learning more and more every day and is very active. She has loved being outside with the "big kids" during the last couple of days of warmer weather. She is starting to talk some, not too clearly yet but she has consistent sounds/words for things. She can now say between 10-20 words and is also learning her body parts.
Life here has been going well. God has truly blessed us this winter. We did have one stomach bug go thru our house but it was mild compared to others we have heard about.
Lastly, I wanted to share a recipe that I came up with yesterday. I had mentioned in a previous post that I was taking up the "shop my pantry/freezer" challenge. Well, one of the things that we ran out of is chocolate chips. I love chocolate when I'm not pregnant and even more when I am, I was really wanting some cookies. I thought about making brownies but it just wasn't what I was wanting. So I decided to look for a chocolate oatmeal cookie recipe. I didn't find any that were what I wanted so I altered a multi-grain cookie recipe and made it chocolate. At first I wasn't sure how they would come out and they were very soft when they came out of the oven but after cooling they firmed up a bit and made a wonderful chewy cookie.
Chocolate Multi-grain cookies:
1 C all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole wheat flour (I used 6-grain flour)
1 1/2 cup Old Fashioned rolled oats
1/2 Cup wheat germ
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup vegetable oil (I used a light olive oil)
2oz chocolate, chopped finely
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. In separate bowl mix together wet ingredients. Stir into dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate and walnuts. Drop by tablespoon onto greased baking sheet, flatten slightly. Bake for 15 minutes or until done. Cool on pans for 1 minute then carefully transfer to cooling racks to cool. Yields: approximately 3 dozen
I made these a bit bigger and the 15 minutes was plenty so if you make them smaller just watch them as they probably will cook faster. Also, if you use the walnuts they do make it more difficult for the cookies to hold together. I ended up just shaping some dough into rounds in my hand which worked well.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Our words to God
Last week's chapter focused on our words to God; our prayer life. Once again I was encouraged and challenged. Prayer is one of those things that I think gets minimized in the world. It's easy to say "I'll pray for you" but do we really realize what that means.
About a year or so ago I went thru the book "Becoming a woman of Prayer" by Cynthia Heald. It was also very challenging and also encouraging to see the privilege that God has given us to enter into His presence thru prayer. Before getting into last week's lesson I want to share just a few quotes from this other study. To be quite honest there are so many great insights from many Bible scholars (and of course Scripture) that are shared I had a hard time limiting what to share.
About a year or so ago I went thru the book "Becoming a woman of Prayer" by Cynthia Heald. It was also very challenging and also encouraging to see the privilege that God has given us to enter into His presence thru prayer. Before getting into last week's lesson I want to share just a few quotes from this other study. To be quite honest there are so many great insights from many Bible scholars (and of course Scripture) that are shared I had a hard time limiting what to share.
"The eternal, sovereign, majestic God of the universe
wants to be intimate with us! He wants us to call,
to cry, to sing to Him. He longs to love, to refresh, to
encourage us. He wants to answer our call and to
tell us great and unsearchable thoughts. God
wants us to know that He is always ready to commune;
He is always ready to listen. He wants to be so much a
part of our lives that we would naturally come to
Him at all times. He tells us that we have freedom
to call to Him wherever we are, about anything on our
hearts. He delights in being involved with His children,
and prayer is His gift and His invitation to intimacy" ~ Cynthia Heald
"We look upon prayer as a means of getting things
for ourselves; the Bible's idea of prayer is
that we may get to know God Himself." ~ Oswald Chambers
"To sum it up, if you want that splendid power in prayer,
you must remain in loving, living, lasting, conscious,
practical, abiding union with the Lord Jesus Christ....
So be filled with God's Word. Study what Jesus has said,
what the Holy Ghost has left on record in this divinely
inspired book, and in proportion as you feed on, retain,
and obey the Word in your life, you will be a master
in the art of prayer." ~ Charles Spurgeon
wants to be intimate with us! He wants us to call,
to cry, to sing to Him. He longs to love, to refresh, to
encourage us. He wants to answer our call and to
tell us great and unsearchable thoughts. God
wants us to know that He is always ready to commune;
He is always ready to listen. He wants to be so much a
part of our lives that we would naturally come to
Him at all times. He tells us that we have freedom
to call to Him wherever we are, about anything on our
hearts. He delights in being involved with His children,
and prayer is His gift and His invitation to intimacy" ~ Cynthia Heald
"We look upon prayer as a means of getting things
for ourselves; the Bible's idea of prayer is
that we may get to know God Himself." ~ Oswald Chambers
"To sum it up, if you want that splendid power in prayer,
you must remain in loving, living, lasting, conscious,
practical, abiding union with the Lord Jesus Christ....
So be filled with God's Word. Study what Jesus has said,
what the Holy Ghost has left on record in this divinely
inspired book, and in proportion as you feed on, retain,
and obey the Word in your life, you will be a master
in the art of prayer." ~ Charles Spurgeon
Getting back to last week's study; Mrs. Jaynes focused on the power that we have access to thru prayer.
"One of the great mysteries of the Christian life is that God
has given us great power through prayer. ...this power comes
from God. He simply invites us to open the floodgates of Heaven
with our words. ...we are never more powerful than when we use
our words in prayer"
has given us great power through prayer. ...this power comes
from God. He simply invites us to open the floodgates of Heaven
with our words. ...we are never more powerful than when we use
our words in prayer"
Much of this chapter focused on intercessory prayer (praying for others). One passage that the author points to is Ezekiel 22:23-31. God is looking for someone to "stand in the gap" (to intercede) on Israel's behalf, yet He finds no one. We must, as believers, be willing to "stand in the gap" for our brother's and sisters. To pray for them even when we don't know the specifics, to pray that they would have strength, wisdom and to not be discouraged in spiritual battles.
At the end of the chapter Mrs. Jaynes challenges the reader to pray scripture for someone. I have found this practice to be so encouraging. Even when I have no idea what to pray I can always pray scripture. The specific passage she gives as an example is Colossians 1:9-12. Her sample prayer is below:
At the end of the chapter Mrs. Jaynes challenges the reader to pray scripture for someone. I have found this practice to be so encouraging. Even when I have no idea what to pray I can always pray scripture. The specific passage she gives as an example is Colossians 1:9-12. Her sample prayer is below:
"Dear Lord, I pray for (___) today and ask that You fill him
with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom
and understanding. I pray this in order that (_____) may
live a life worthy of the Lord and may please You in every
way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the
knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power
according to Your glorious might so that (____) may have
great endurance and patience and joyfully giving thanks
to God, who has qualified (____) to share in the
inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. In
Jesus' name, amen."
with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom
and understanding. I pray this in order that (_____) may
live a life worthy of the Lord and may please You in every
way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the
knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power
according to Your glorious might so that (____) may have
great endurance and patience and joyfully giving thanks
to God, who has qualified (____) to share in the
inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. In
Jesus' name, amen."
If you have never prayed scripture before I would encourage you to prayerfully seek out passages. This practice has been such a blessing and is always encouraging for me to know that when I am praying scripture and resting on God's promises my prayers are never out of His will. A great place to see this exemplified is in the Psalms. David, when he prays, often "reminds" God of His promises and prays scripture back to God.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
"shopping" my pantry and freezer
A while back Carrie over at Life on a Back Road had mentioned a challenge to eat from the pantry. This means that grocery trips are minimized and random ingredients in your pantry are used up. I've decided to take on this challenge for the next couple of weeks.
Before the baby comes I like to freeze several meals so that I don't have to think about cooking for at least a few weeks after we are home. We don't have an extra freezer so I need to clear out the freezer in the fridge to make room for these dinners. I was also looking in my cabinets the other day and realized that I had several random items in there so I'm looking forward to experimenting with what I have on hand. I will still probably make a small trip out for fresh fruits and vegetables but I'm really hoping to clear out a lot also.
As for making the freezer meals. I usually just do things I've made before that I know freeze well. Some of these include homemade mac & cheese, stuffed shells (or other baked pasta dishes) and shepherd's pie. This time I'm doing things a bit differently. There are many great websites for Once A Month Cooking recipes. I did a quick google search and found this website. I found several recipes (many of which are much easier than what I have been doing) that sound really great.
So what are some of your favorite "from the pantry" recipes?
Before the baby comes I like to freeze several meals so that I don't have to think about cooking for at least a few weeks after we are home. We don't have an extra freezer so I need to clear out the freezer in the fridge to make room for these dinners. I was also looking in my cabinets the other day and realized that I had several random items in there so I'm looking forward to experimenting with what I have on hand. I will still probably make a small trip out for fresh fruits and vegetables but I'm really hoping to clear out a lot also.
As for making the freezer meals. I usually just do things I've made before that I know freeze well. Some of these include homemade mac & cheese, stuffed shells (or other baked pasta dishes) and shepherd's pie. This time I'm doing things a bit differently. There are many great websites for Once A Month Cooking recipes. I did a quick google search and found this website. I found several recipes (many of which are much easier than what I have been doing) that sound really great.
So what are some of your favorite "from the pantry" recipes?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Our words to the world
What are our words saying to those we see each day...to those that we are not aware are even watching or listening to us? I was reminded today (by my 6 year old) how that every word I say is heard whether I realize it or not. It is humbling (but also a good reminder for me) to have to explain that I say things I shouldn't and that I need to work on making sure my words are kind, just as I always tell my kids to make sure.
While I am certainly praying and striving to have every word be glorifying to God I certainly have a long way to go :) Here are a few quotes that I wanted to share:
While I am certainly praying and striving to have every word be glorifying to God I certainly have a long way to go :) Here are a few quotes that I wanted to share:
"It takes more than washing our mouths out with soap to
be a woman of clean lips. It takes the power of the
Holy Spirit and the touch of God. Our part is to
cooperate with Him, submit our words to Him, fill
our lives with Him, and live our lives through Him."
"There are many people in the world who will form an opinion
about God according to what we say about Him and how we
live our lives. We are the first Bible that many people will
ever read. What will they think?"
"The Bible tells us that we are simply visitors here on earth
(1 Chronicles 29:15), and our words,...are also entries in the
Guest Book of Life. What entries am I writing with my
attitudes, actions, and words for all the world to see?"
"True joy will not be found on the grocery store shelf,
the car sales lot, or the department store window.
It cannot be bought with the swipe of a credit card or
cold hard cash. People want to feel they are a part of
something bigger than themselves and that there is
more to this life than accumulated wealth and
accomplishments. We have the power...in our words...
to tell the world about the way, the truth and the life.
We have the power...in our words...to help
change the world one person at a time."
be a woman of clean lips. It takes the power of the
Holy Spirit and the touch of God. Our part is to
cooperate with Him, submit our words to Him, fill
our lives with Him, and live our lives through Him."
"There are many people in the world who will form an opinion
about God according to what we say about Him and how we
live our lives. We are the first Bible that many people will
ever read. What will they think?"
"The Bible tells us that we are simply visitors here on earth
(1 Chronicles 29:15), and our words,...are also entries in the
Guest Book of Life. What entries am I writing with my
attitudes, actions, and words for all the world to see?"
"True joy will not be found on the grocery store shelf,
the car sales lot, or the department store window.
It cannot be bought with the swipe of a credit card or
cold hard cash. People want to feel they are a part of
something bigger than themselves and that there is
more to this life than accumulated wealth and
accomplishments. We have the power...in our words...
to tell the world about the way, the truth and the life.
We have the power...in our words...to help
change the world one person at a time."
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A tasty recipe
In one of my blog posts last week about some favorite websites I had mentioned Tasty Kitchen. I've tried a few recipes (and have several in my virtual recipe box) from there and have been pleased with the results. Today I tried a recipe for Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bread. This was a huge hit here. I've decided that this recipe will now be my go-to recipe for Banana muffins. The big thing that caught my eye was the use of whole wheat flour and oats. While some whole wheat recipes can be dry or crumbly this one is not. These are delicious and moist.
I did alter the recipe a bit so I thought I'd share the changes I made:
1) I doubled the recipe but didn't have quite enough whole wheat flour so I used almost 3 cups of whole wheat and the rest was white.
2) I never have buttermilk on hand so I thought I'd use just regular milk, it worked fine.
3) I added 1/2 cup of wheat germ.
4) I made most of this into muffins and did 1/2 without chocolate chips and 1/2 with chocolate chips. Both versions are moist and delicious.
These were so good I just wanted to share. Enjoy!
I did alter the recipe a bit so I thought I'd share the changes I made:
1) I doubled the recipe but didn't have quite enough whole wheat flour so I used almost 3 cups of whole wheat and the rest was white.
2) I never have buttermilk on hand so I thought I'd use just regular milk, it worked fine.
3) I added 1/2 cup of wheat germ.
4) I made most of this into muffins and did 1/2 without chocolate chips and 1/2 with chocolate chips. Both versions are moist and delicious.
These were so good I just wanted to share. Enjoy!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Power of a Woman's Words to Fellow Believers
This was the chapter I studied last week. Once again this chapter was a good reminder of how much our words affect those around us and also how desperately people long to be encouraged. In the opening pages of this chapter Mrs. Jaynes shows how that even Paul needed and longed for encouragement from other believers. Later in the chapter she shares a plan for growing "God's Garden" (a healthy church)
God's Garden
Plant three rows of squash:
- Squash gossip
- Squash criticism
- Squash indifference.
Plant seven rows of peas:
- Prayer
- Promptness
- Perseverance
- Politeness
- Preparedness
- Purity
- Patience
Plant seven heads of lettuce:
- Let us be unslefish and loyal.
- Let us be faithful to duty.
- Let us search the Scriptures.
- Let us not be weary in well-doing.
- Let us be truthful.
- Let us love one another.
- Robert J. Moran
Plant three rows of squash:
- Squash gossip
- Squash criticism
- Squash indifference.
Plant seven rows of peas:
- Prayer
- Promptness
- Perseverance
- Politeness
- Preparedness
- Purity
- Patience
Plant seven heads of lettuce:
- Let us be unslefish and loyal.
- Let us be faithful to duty.
- Let us search the Scriptures.
- Let us not be weary in well-doing.
- Let us be truthful.
- Let us love one another.
- Robert J. Moran
"How wonderful it would be if we used our words to try to "out nice" each other among our brothers and sisters in the church."
Some craftiness and a few links.
I've had a few blog posts in my head but honestly have just been lazy about sitting down and writing them out. Thanks to a bit of accountability from a friend I'm finally taking the time to get these done.
First I wanted to share a craft project I've been working on. To be honest I'm not thrilled with how it's coming out but since it's not a gift (it's for our new baby on the way) I decided to just finish it. The project is a round ripple baby afghan. As you can see in the picture below the middle has "bubbled" a bit. I'm thinking this is because the white yarn is a bit heavier than the varigated. The other thing I'm not happy with is the amount of "curling" on the ripples. The pattern says to alternate between increasing two rows and then doing two rows of not increasing. I found this was causing a lot more curling so I have just started increasing every row and it seems to be working much better. I have about 5 more rounds to go plus one row of edging. Like I said, if this was a gift I would be more picky but it's for our baby and since it will mostly be wrapped around him or tucked around him in the car seat I'm not going to bother pulling it all out.
The second thing I wanted to share were some links to some websites that I really like. I first discovered The Pioneer Woman a couple of years ago. It's a fun blog to follow plus she has sections for cooking, home and garden, photography and even homeschooling, for those that homeschool. An offshoot of the same website is called Tasty Kitchen and is a recipe site where all recipes are user submitted. I love the variety of recipes and also the reviews. Lastly, another cooking site/blog that I've found and really enjoy is FatFree Vegan don't be put off by the vegan part. There are some great recipes on this site. I tend to avoid having a lot of extra soy in our diet so I don't make the recipes calling for tofu and if the recipe calls for soymilk I substitute almond milk (you could also use regular milk but I have to avoid dairy). Just a note: this site is currently under some construction but they do give the link to the old site with all of the recipes.
I hope to have some time later today to do this weeks "The Power of a Woman's Words" post and also share a bit about what's going on in general here at our house.
First I wanted to share a craft project I've been working on. To be honest I'm not thrilled with how it's coming out but since it's not a gift (it's for our new baby on the way) I decided to just finish it. The project is a round ripple baby afghan. As you can see in the picture below the middle has "bubbled" a bit. I'm thinking this is because the white yarn is a bit heavier than the varigated. The other thing I'm not happy with is the amount of "curling" on the ripples. The pattern says to alternate between increasing two rows and then doing two rows of not increasing. I found this was causing a lot more curling so I have just started increasing every row and it seems to be working much better. I have about 5 more rounds to go plus one row of edging. Like I said, if this was a gift I would be more picky but it's for our baby and since it will mostly be wrapped around him or tucked around him in the car seat I'm not going to bother pulling it all out.
The second thing I wanted to share were some links to some websites that I really like. I first discovered The Pioneer Woman a couple of years ago. It's a fun blog to follow plus she has sections for cooking, home and garden, photography and even homeschooling, for those that homeschool. An offshoot of the same website is called Tasty Kitchen and is a recipe site where all recipes are user submitted. I love the variety of recipes and also the reviews. Lastly, another cooking site/blog that I've found and really enjoy is FatFree Vegan don't be put off by the vegan part. There are some great recipes on this site. I tend to avoid having a lot of extra soy in our diet so I don't make the recipes calling for tofu and if the recipe calls for soymilk I substitute almond milk (you could also use regular milk but I have to avoid dairy). Just a note: this site is currently under some construction but they do give the link to the old site with all of the recipes.
I hope to have some time later today to do this weeks "The Power of a Woman's Words" post and also share a bit about what's going on in general here at our house.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The Power of a Woman's Words to her friends.
Once again, I'm a bit late getting this up. Last week was school vacation here so I wasn't on my "normal" routine. Last week's chapter was on how our words affect our friends and also the importance of having Godly friends to encourage and to be encouraged by.
One quote that I really liked from the book was this:
One quote that I really liked from the book was this:
"Jesus could very well have come to earth and lived
in solitude. And yet He chose to be in relationship with
people. He ministered to the masses, but also chose 12 men
with whom He nurtured a spiritually intimate relationship.
Likewise, I believe that God has designed women to develop
godly friendships and encourage each other with our words. We
are much like coals or cinders that die out alone, but burst into
flame when brought together and stirred."
in solitude. And yet He chose to be in relationship with
people. He ministered to the masses, but also chose 12 men
with whom He nurtured a spiritually intimate relationship.
Likewise, I believe that God has designed women to develop
godly friendships and encourage each other with our words. We
are much like coals or cinders that die out alone, but burst into
flame when brought together and stirred."
One verse that she shared is Isaiah 50:4 "The Lord GOD has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to [him who is] weary." This really spoke to me because it is so easy to get caught up in my own life and to forget how desperately we all need to be encouraged and how that an encouraging word can lift someone up and help them to press on.
As part of this chapter Mrs. Jaynes also dealt with 3 areas of speech that can damage relationships, cause hurt and can hinder (and in some cases halt) spiritual growth. These three areas are gossip, slander and deceit. In Romans 1: 28-32 Paul describes gossip and slander as marks of a depraved mind. It is so important to guard our hearts and minds so that we don't give any place to such depravity in our lives. Likewise, in Proverbs 20:23 Deceit or "divers weights" are described as "an abomination unto the Lord" Proverbs 12: 22 also says "Lying lips [are] an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully [are] His delight."
It's easy to read these verses and see how awful gossip, slander and deceit are but unfortunately it is also easy to let these slip into our conversations if we are not continually on guard and prayerfully seeking God's guidance in everything we say.
In Job 40:4 a simple solution is found "Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth" we are to, if need be, literally place our hand over our mouths to keep from speaking wrong. Just the image of placing a hand over my mouth when I'm tempted to say something I shouldn't is a good reminder for me.
As part of this chapter Mrs. Jaynes also dealt with 3 areas of speech that can damage relationships, cause hurt and can hinder (and in some cases halt) spiritual growth. These three areas are gossip, slander and deceit. In Romans 1: 28-32 Paul describes gossip and slander as marks of a depraved mind. It is so important to guard our hearts and minds so that we don't give any place to such depravity in our lives. Likewise, in Proverbs 20:23 Deceit or "divers weights" are described as "an abomination unto the Lord" Proverbs 12: 22 also says "Lying lips [are] an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully [are] His delight."
It's easy to read these verses and see how awful gossip, slander and deceit are but unfortunately it is also easy to let these slip into our conversations if we are not continually on guard and prayerfully seeking God's guidance in everything we say.
In Job 40:4 a simple solution is found "Behold, I am vile; What shall I answer You? I lay my hand over my mouth" we are to, if need be, literally place our hand over our mouths to keep from speaking wrong. Just the image of placing a hand over my mouth when I'm tempted to say something I shouldn't is a good reminder for me.
"A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word
[spoken] in due season, how good [it is]!"
~Proverbs 15:23
"Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the
sweetness of a man's friend [gives delight] by hearty counsel."
~Proverbs 27:9
[spoken] in due season, how good [it is]!"
~Proverbs 15:23
"Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the
sweetness of a man's friend [gives delight] by hearty counsel."
~Proverbs 27:9
Friday, February 12, 2010
Small blessings amid sickness
Let me start by saying that last Friday evening I attended a ladies fellowship at church. One of the ladies shared her testimony, it was such an encouragement and blessing; you see, this lady came to accept Christ as her Savior late in life and not only experienced many trials before her salvation but a little over a year ago was literally run over by an SUV while walking to work. It is a miracle that she is alive today, yet she shared how that even during her recovery she found much to be grateful for. God definitely knew that I would need the reminder to be grateful, even in times of trial. While nothing as devastating as being run over happened, this week certainly took a different turn for us.
Monday night my husband and I both came down with a stomach bug; just as we were starting to feel better our two oldest children came down with the same bug Wednesday night. As I was going thru this week there were several blessings that God gave to once again show his perfect timing and provision. I thought I would share some of these small blessings:
1) While both my husband and I were sick the older two children were huge helpers. They understood that we weren't feeling well and really helped out with Keira and also with doing little tasks for us.
2) The kids played well together and didn't really get at each other.
3) Keira napped exceptionally well allowing us to get extra rest.
4) Wednesday night Hailey showed symptoms of being sick but Ethan was still acting fine. I was praying for wisdom as to whether to keep him home or not on Thursday. At 5AM on Thursday he began showing symptoms, thus giving a clear answer to my prayer (and preventing him from getting sick at school)
5) My husband and I seemed to have opposite bursts of energy which helped with switching off taking care of the kids.
6) Keira did not get the stomach bug.
7) This week was pretty empty. I did have to reschedule a lunch/playdate but other than that my week was free (which is very rare).
8) One of my other prayers was that the kids would be sick at the same time so that we could be done with the bug quicker (rather than having it slowly move from person to person) they both got sick within hours of each other and are both almost back to normal.
These may sound silly to some but it truly was amazing to me to see God moving in this situation, as small as it is in the whole scheme of things.
Monday night my husband and I both came down with a stomach bug; just as we were starting to feel better our two oldest children came down with the same bug Wednesday night. As I was going thru this week there were several blessings that God gave to once again show his perfect timing and provision. I thought I would share some of these small blessings:
1) While both my husband and I were sick the older two children were huge helpers. They understood that we weren't feeling well and really helped out with Keira and also with doing little tasks for us.
2) The kids played well together and didn't really get at each other.
3) Keira napped exceptionally well allowing us to get extra rest.
4) Wednesday night Hailey showed symptoms of being sick but Ethan was still acting fine. I was praying for wisdom as to whether to keep him home or not on Thursday. At 5AM on Thursday he began showing symptoms, thus giving a clear answer to my prayer (and preventing him from getting sick at school)
5) My husband and I seemed to have opposite bursts of energy which helped with switching off taking care of the kids.
6) Keira did not get the stomach bug.
7) This week was pretty empty. I did have to reschedule a lunch/playdate but other than that my week was free (which is very rare).
8) One of my other prayers was that the kids would be sick at the same time so that we could be done with the bug quicker (rather than having it slowly move from person to person) they both got sick within hours of each other and are both almost back to normal.
These may sound silly to some but it truly was amazing to me to see God moving in this situation, as small as it is in the whole scheme of things.
Monday, February 8, 2010
End of January/Beginning of February craftiness.
Well, as far as Christmas gifts go I haven't even started on those. However, I did make two more birthday gifts.
For my nephew I made a color matching game. I crocheted two of each
color fish and personalized a canvas bag to hold them. The original
pattern said to add eyes to the fish; while this would be cute
I didn't want to risk the choking hazard so I left them off.
My niece turned 8 so I wanted to do something
different and fun for her. I decided to make a little cape.
It hits just above the elbow and has a hood.
I used some fleece that I had and was pleased with how it came out.
different and fun for her. I decided to make a little cape.
It hits just above the elbow and has a hood.
I used some fleece that I had and was pleased with how it came out.
For my nephew I made a color matching game. I crocheted two of each
color fish and personalized a canvas bag to hold them. The original
pattern said to add eyes to the fish; while this would be cute
I didn't want to risk the choking hazard so I left them off.
Better late than never :)
I realize I'm a bit late getting up the post for last week. From Friday until today has been very busy around here between a ladies fellowship, a birthday party, church dinner, super bowl with friends and a very congested/coughing 15 month old. I'm hoping that we both get more sleep tonight but from the sounds of her coughing right now, I'm not sure that will happen. One of the silver linings to the cloud is that she was very cuddly today. In general she is too busy to sit and cuddle so it was nice to just sit with her.
Last week in "The Power of a Woman's Words" I went thru the chapter on a woman's speech to her husband. Once again it was a very good chapter. I wanted to share a couple quotes that I had underlined.
Last week in "The Power of a Woman's Words" I went thru the chapter on a woman's speech to her husband. Once again it was a very good chapter. I wanted to share a couple quotes that I had underlined.
"Most Bible translations render the word ezer as "helper", but the word
is packed with so much more meaning than a mere helper.
Author Carolyn Custis James reveals the following:
'Ezer appears twenty-one times in the Old Testament. Twice in
Genesis, it describes the woman (Genesis 2:18, 20). But the majority
of references (sixteen to be exact) refer to God, or Yahweh, as
the helper of his people. The remaining three references appear
in the books of the prophets, who use it to refer to military aid. If
language means anything, the ezer, in every case, is not a flunky or
junior assistant but a very strong helper' ".
is packed with so much more meaning than a mere helper.
Author Carolyn Custis James reveals the following:
'Ezer appears twenty-one times in the Old Testament. Twice in
Genesis, it describes the woman (Genesis 2:18, 20). But the majority
of references (sixteen to be exact) refer to God, or Yahweh, as
the helper of his people. The remaining three references appear
in the books of the prophets, who use it to refer to military aid. If
language means anything, the ezer, in every case, is not a flunky or
junior assistant but a very strong helper' ".
Also, as a side note, for a more detailed discussion into your relationship with your husband (and a very convicting look at his wife ;) ). I would strongly recommend Stormie OMartin's book "The Power of a Praying Wife".
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Our words to our children
The focus this week was on how a woman's words can affect her children. It was very encouraging. I wanted to share just a couple quotes from this chapter that really touched me.
"It is an awesome responsibility, this job called motherhood.
We have the privilege of shaping and molding an eternal soul for a very short,
very fleeting moment of time. And one of the primary ways
we accomplish this feat is with the words we speak."
"The most important traits we praise are those that exhibit
godly character....If even a sprout of these fruits peeks
through the soil, a wise mother will fertilize the
sprout with positive words in hopes of a bountiful harvest."
We have the privilege of shaping and molding an eternal soul for a very short,
very fleeting moment of time. And one of the primary ways
we accomplish this feat is with the words we speak."
"The most important traits we praise are those that exhibit
godly character....If even a sprout of these fruits peeks
through the soil, a wise mother will fertilize the
sprout with positive words in hopes of a bountiful harvest."
Mrs. Jaynes also encourages us as mothers (and really any woman who has contact with children) to pray scripture for our children. Also, to make sure and let our children know we are praying for them. One of the Scriptures she suggests is Psalm 97:10 "Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked." I wanted to share an example of turning a verse into a prayer for our children. Below is this verse turned into my prayer for my children.
I pray that my children will love you Lord and hate evil. That
You would preserve their souls; and that you Lord would
deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.
You would preserve their souls; and that you Lord would
deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Casserole Cozy: My experiment :)
Several months ago I began looking for a casserole cozy crochet pattern. I really wanted something that would fit my 9X13 pans to make it easier to transport them to church dinners and other potlucks. I found nothing. I did find several sewn cozies but I really wanted a crocheted one for two reasons: 1) I'm much more comfortable with my crocheting than with my sewing and 2) I have several random skeins of yarn that I am trying to find smaller projects to use them up.
When I didn't find a pattern I decided to try my hand at making up my own pattern. This pattern should work up fairly quickly but because it was trial and error it took me a few weeks (and a few sanity breaks) to finish.
I'll post the instructions but please understand: 1) This is my first time attempting to do a crochet pattern 2) I haven't tested this pattern. I did double check all the stitch counts but I can't guarantee that I didn't make a few mistakes. If you use this and find any mistakes please let me know. Enjoy :)
Materials needed:
Size F hook (3.75mm)
8oz medium worsted weight yarn
2 18 inch zippers
1/8 yd of duck cloth
Sewing machine and pins
Stitches & abbreviations:
CH - chain
SC - single crochet
SL ST - slip stitch
DECSC - decrease single crochet
INCSC - increase single crochet
Chain 41
Row 1: SC in second chain from hook. SC in each stitch across (40 SC)
Row 2: CH 1 turn SC in each stitch across (40 SC)
Row 3-27: Repeat row 2
Begin working in the round. CH 1 (this counts as 1st SC) SC down side of 27 rows just completed place 3 SC in corner and work around the rest of the piece placing 3 SC in each corner. SL ST to first SC, do not turn!
CH 1, 1 SC in each stitch around for 4 rounds.
In fifth round you will again increase. CH 1 SC in each stitch placing 3 SC in each corner stitch. SL ST to first SC.
CH 1, 1 SC in each stitch around until you reach the top of your dish (for me this a total of 15 rounds from start of rounds to top of dish)
Beginning of cover:
CH 1, turn. SC across 45 stitches.
(CH 1 turn. INCSC in first SC, SC in each stitch across INCSC in last stitch.)
Continue ( ) for 6 more rows (59 stitches in last increase row)
(CH 1 turn, SC across each stitch (59 stitches))
Continue ( )until a total of 22 rows has been completed (this row count includes your starting and increasing rows)
(CH 1 turn, DECSC in first stitch. SC in each stitch across DECSC over last stitch)
Continue ( ) for 6 more rows (45 stitches in last decrease row)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Turn cozy inside-out. Attach zippers with pins, making sure they meet up in the front center. Sew to cover and body.
To make the handles I used a 2 1/4 inch by 33 inch strip of duck cloth for each handle. I simply folded the edges into the center (along the long edge) and stitched each side down. I then pinned them to the bottom (over lapping until I had the right amount of handle on top) of the cozy and stitched thru all layers of cloth and yarn.
* I placed each handle 8 stitches in from the side edge of my SC rows on bottom. I also stitched them in a rectangle across the width of the duck cloth handle and down about 6 inches when I attached the handles so they would be well attached and sturdy.
** One thing I made sure of when placing the handles is that I had enough handle to fold over the edge and out of the way when I unzipped the cozy.
You could always skip the zippers and just make a button loop when you did your last DECSC row and attach a button to the front of the cozy body. And of course you can use whatever method you like for making handles..this is just what I came up with.
When I didn't find a pattern I decided to try my hand at making up my own pattern. This pattern should work up fairly quickly but because it was trial and error it took me a few weeks (and a few sanity breaks) to finish.
I'll post the instructions but please understand: 1) This is my first time attempting to do a crochet pattern 2) I haven't tested this pattern. I did double check all the stitch counts but I can't guarantee that I didn't make a few mistakes. If you use this and find any mistakes please let me know. Enjoy :)
Crocheted Casserole Cozy
(fits 9X13 pan)
(fits 9X13 pan)
Materials needed:
Size F hook (3.75mm)
8oz medium worsted weight yarn
2 18 inch zippers
1/8 yd of duck cloth
Sewing machine and pins
Stitches & abbreviations:
CH - chain
SC - single crochet
SL ST - slip stitch
DECSC - decrease single crochet
INCSC - increase single crochet
Chain 41
Row 1: SC in second chain from hook. SC in each stitch across (40 SC)
Row 2: CH 1 turn SC in each stitch across (40 SC)
Row 3-27: Repeat row 2
Begin working in the round. CH 1 (this counts as 1st SC) SC down side of 27 rows just completed place 3 SC in corner and work around the rest of the piece placing 3 SC in each corner. SL ST to first SC, do not turn!
CH 1, 1 SC in each stitch around for 4 rounds.
In fifth round you will again increase. CH 1 SC in each stitch placing 3 SC in each corner stitch. SL ST to first SC.
CH 1, 1 SC in each stitch around until you reach the top of your dish (for me this a total of 15 rounds from start of rounds to top of dish)
Beginning of cover:
CH 1, turn. SC across 45 stitches.
(CH 1 turn. INCSC in first SC, SC in each stitch across INCSC in last stitch.)
Continue ( ) for 6 more rows (59 stitches in last increase row)
(CH 1 turn, SC across each stitch (59 stitches))
Continue ( )until a total of 22 rows has been completed (this row count includes your starting and increasing rows)
(CH 1 turn, DECSC in first stitch. SC in each stitch across DECSC over last stitch)
Continue ( ) for 6 more rows (45 stitches in last decrease row)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Turn cozy inside-out. Attach zippers with pins, making sure they meet up in the front center. Sew to cover and body.
To make the handles I used a 2 1/4 inch by 33 inch strip of duck cloth for each handle. I simply folded the edges into the center (along the long edge) and stitched each side down. I then pinned them to the bottom (over lapping until I had the right amount of handle on top) of the cozy and stitched thru all layers of cloth and yarn.
* I placed each handle 8 stitches in from the side edge of my SC rows on bottom. I also stitched them in a rectangle across the width of the duck cloth handle and down about 6 inches when I attached the handles so they would be well attached and sturdy.
** One thing I made sure of when placing the handles is that I had enough handle to fold over the edge and out of the way when I unzipped the cozy.
You could always skip the zippers and just make a button loop when you did your last DECSC row and attach a button to the front of the cozy body. And of course you can use whatever method you like for making handles..this is just what I came up with.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Two "original" recipes
I know there are many variations to these but this is what I came up with and both recipes were a hit here so I thought I'd share.
Baked Southwest Eggrolls
1 lb ground turkey or chicken
1 green pepper diced small
1 onion diced small
3TB olive oil, divided use
1 envelope fajita seasoning mix
2 TB water
1 can whole kernel corn, drained well
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained well
8oz Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos
33 egg roll wrappers (you'll need 2 pkgs of wrappers)
Salsa
Sour Cream
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat 1 TB oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meat. Add onion and pepper and cook for a few minutes (just until onion starts to soften). Add seasoning mix, water, corn and beans; stir together to coat and let cook. Shred cheese. Turn off heat and allow filling to cool for 15-20 minutes. Working with one egg roll wrapper at a time (keep the other wrappers covered with a damp paper towel) place 2-3 TB filling towards one point, top with about 2 tsp cheese. Wet edges of wrapper and fold up "egg roll" style. Place on greased baking sheet. Continue until all filling is used. Lightly brush rolls with olive oil. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Homemade Fish Sticks
2lbs frozen mild fish (I used flounder)
1 cup flour
Salt
Pepper
3 egg whites
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups coarse corn meal
Garlic powder
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In pie plate mix flour, salt & pepper. In another pie plate place egg whites. In third pie plate mix bread crumbs, corn meal and garlic powder. Cut fish into "stick size" (the flounder fillets I got were small so simply cutting them lengthwise worked great). Pat dry. Dredge each fish piece in flour, then egg white, then bread crumb mixture. Place on lightly greased baking sheet (I used a baking stone which worked great without any oil). Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tomorrow the kids and I are going to try making "dessert" egg rolls with bananas and chocolate chips. I found several recipes online but they all say to fry the egg rolls. We're going to try this baking method. I'll let you know how it works out.
Baked Southwest Eggrolls
1 lb ground turkey or chicken
1 green pepper diced small
1 onion diced small
3TB olive oil, divided use
1 envelope fajita seasoning mix
2 TB water
1 can whole kernel corn, drained well
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained well
8oz Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos
33 egg roll wrappers (you'll need 2 pkgs of wrappers)
Salsa
Sour Cream
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat 1 TB oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meat. Add onion and pepper and cook for a few minutes (just until onion starts to soften). Add seasoning mix, water, corn and beans; stir together to coat and let cook. Shred cheese. Turn off heat and allow filling to cool for 15-20 minutes. Working with one egg roll wrapper at a time (keep the other wrappers covered with a damp paper towel) place 2-3 TB filling towards one point, top with about 2 tsp cheese. Wet edges of wrapper and fold up "egg roll" style. Place on greased baking sheet. Continue until all filling is used. Lightly brush rolls with olive oil. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crispy. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping.
Homemade Fish Sticks
2lbs frozen mild fish (I used flounder)
1 cup flour
Salt
Pepper
3 egg whites
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups coarse corn meal
Garlic powder
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In pie plate mix flour, salt & pepper. In another pie plate place egg whites. In third pie plate mix bread crumbs, corn meal and garlic powder. Cut fish into "stick size" (the flounder fillets I got were small so simply cutting them lengthwise worked great). Pat dry. Dredge each fish piece in flour, then egg white, then bread crumb mixture. Place on lightly greased baking sheet (I used a baking stone which worked great without any oil). Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tomorrow the kids and I are going to try making "dessert" egg rolls with bananas and chocolate chips. I found several recipes online but they all say to fry the egg rolls. We're going to try this baking method. I'll let you know how it works out.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Some Sunday Scriptures :)
Catchy title, huh? :)
This weeks chapter in "The Power of a Woman's Words" focused a lot on encouraging vs. discouraging and how our reactions to situations can profoundly affect those around us. At the end of the chapter she talks about how God encourages us thru His Word. I thought I would share some Scriptures that have been encouraging to me thru many phases of my life:
Joshua 1:9 - "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest"
2 Corinthians 12:9 - "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness"
Isaiah 41:13 - "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not, I will help thee"
Psalm 62:7-8 - "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us."
John 14:18 - "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you"
These are just a few. How about you? What are some the verses you turn to for encouragement?
This weeks chapter in "The Power of a Woman's Words" focused a lot on encouraging vs. discouraging and how our reactions to situations can profoundly affect those around us. At the end of the chapter she talks about how God encourages us thru His Word. I thought I would share some Scriptures that have been encouraging to me thru many phases of my life:
Joshua 1:9 - "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest"
2 Corinthians 12:9 - "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect in weakness"
Isaiah 41:13 - "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not, I will help thee"
Psalm 62:7-8 - "In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us."
John 14:18 - "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you"
These are just a few. How about you? What are some the verses you turn to for encouragement?
Friday, January 22, 2010
DC Pictures
Here are a few of the pictures from our DC trip:
In front of the Washington Monument
The White House
The Museum of Natural History
The Capital Building
The Air and Space Museum
The Lincoln Memorial
Looking down the mall from the Lincoln Memorial
The Korean War Memorial
The Vietnam War Memorial
The WWII Memorial (the entire center is a fountain
but of course it was not turned on this time of year)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
DC Hits & Misses
This past weekend my husband and I went away for a couple of nights. We had been wanting to get away for some kid-free time before baby #4 arrives and, thanks to some credit card miles, were able to do so with free airfare.
Washington D.C. in January might sound like a strange place to pick but we chose this for a few reasons. 1) I had never been before and he had not been since high school 2) Most of the sights & museums are free 3) I had no interest in going someplace warm where I might have to get into a bathing suit at 6 months pregnant ;)
We arrived in D.C. on Friday night and took a taxi to the hotel. This I'll count as a miss because I should have done more research on the Metro stops and rather than spending almost $17 to go about 4 miles we would have only had to spend about $1.65 since there is a Metro stop at the airport with a direct line to the block where our hotel was.
As for the hotel, this was definitely a hit. We stayed at The Sofitel Lafayette Square. The staff was very friendly, concierge was helpful and the room was great. It wasn't overly fancy but nice. The biggest "point-getter" for the hotel is definitely it's location. We were one block from the White House and about 3 blocks from the National Mall plus within walking distance to many restaurants and most of the museums.
After checking into the hotel we walked to a nearby restaurant called "Mezza Luna". It was more of a tapas bar, which was great because neither of us were very hungry.
Saturday we spent the day walking...pretty much everywhere. We started with seeing the White House (we did not take a tour inside), then went to the National Aquarium. The Aquarium would be another miss. It is not free ($9/pp for ages 12 and up) and is very small. We spent about 1/2 hour there, did not rush and still saw everything. It is literally a room in the basement of the Dept. of Commerce where they have tanks around the edges and a few tanks around a central block. It was very disappointing for the money we spent.
Our next stop on Saturday was the Museum of Natural History. This was free and was very interesting...and huge. We spent 3 hours here and more browsed than really looked at everything. We did see the "highlights" such as the hope diamond and the dinosaur fossils. My favorite room was probably the mineral room. It's fascinating to see how each one naturally forms so different. Some form in cube shapes, others in "V" shapes and others form small "hairs" on them. The minerals were beautiful and yet another example of God's creativity.
After the Natural History Museum we walked a block or so to the National Archives. This was another of my favorite stops. It was amazing to see the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and other historical documents. When looking at these it is easy to see the care and time that went into drafting these documents and why they are still so important today.
I'll pause here to say that one of the advantages of going to DC in the winter is that the crowds are much smaller. We waited about 1/2 hour in line to see the documents at the Archives and, while still very busy, the museums were not over crowded and it was easy to see everything we wanted to see.
After the Archives we walked across the street to one of the National Art Galleries. Since most of the museums close around 5PM we didn't have much time here but still enjoyed looking at the paintings and sculptures. Another interesting display they had here was the original scale model cast of the Lincoln Memorial. It was interesting to read the thought process and planning that went into making this monument. After the museum closed we walked the rest of the distance to the Capital building and were able to get some nice outside shots before heading back to the hotel.
Our last stop Saturday night was Levante's for dinner. This Mediterranean restaurant was nice, the service was pleasant and the portions were huge. We could have easily fed both of us with one dinner, needless to say neither of us finished our dinner but it was good.
Sunday was another day of walking. It was drizzling when we headed out so we decided to take advantage of the Metro. The DC Metro is a hit/miss. The pricing is crazy and while you can get an all day pass it's confusing that they don't have set rates. Each stop is a different rate so you have to sort of plan out your stops to figure out how much you need to put on a fare card. Once this is done; however, it's very easy to use and find your way around town. As a side note, my husband enjoyed the fact that the game "Fallout" got the graphics for the DC Metro correct :)
We started out on Sunday taking the Metro to the Air and Space Museum. We were here for about 4 hours and didn't go to any of the shows or see some of the exhibits. It's just that big, you could easily spend a full day at each of the National Museums. Again, this was free admission and would be a great place to take kids as there are several interactive displays.
After the museum we took the Metro to a stop closer to the other end of the National Mall so that we could see the monuments. We started at the Lincoln Memorial and this was by far my favorite. Not only is it beautifully constructed but the quotes on the walls are inspiring and the view down the mall is stunning. The other monuments we walked to were the Korean War Memorial, The Vietnam War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. All of these were very touching and it was humbling to really get a sense of the sacrifice that our Veterans have made over the years. We ended with the Washington Monument, which is just big!
For our last dinner in DC we went to Georgia Brown's Restaurant. This was a favorite for both of us. The atmosphere was great; it was relaxed, yet elegant, not pretentious at all. As my husband put it: "they're not trying to be more than they are". The staff was extremely friendly without being fake and the food was delicious.
Monday morning we did take the Metro to the airport, which was very easy and much less expensive than a taxi ride.
I know this post is long and if you've read this far I hope you have enjoyed it. I wanted to write this all down while it is fresh in my memory to look back on in the future and see what we did and didn't like. I'll be doing another picture post of some of the sights we saw.
Washington D.C. in January might sound like a strange place to pick but we chose this for a few reasons. 1) I had never been before and he had not been since high school 2) Most of the sights & museums are free 3) I had no interest in going someplace warm where I might have to get into a bathing suit at 6 months pregnant ;)
We arrived in D.C. on Friday night and took a taxi to the hotel. This I'll count as a miss because I should have done more research on the Metro stops and rather than spending almost $17 to go about 4 miles we would have only had to spend about $1.65 since there is a Metro stop at the airport with a direct line to the block where our hotel was.
As for the hotel, this was definitely a hit. We stayed at The Sofitel Lafayette Square. The staff was very friendly, concierge was helpful and the room was great. It wasn't overly fancy but nice. The biggest "point-getter" for the hotel is definitely it's location. We were one block from the White House and about 3 blocks from the National Mall plus within walking distance to many restaurants and most of the museums.
After checking into the hotel we walked to a nearby restaurant called "Mezza Luna". It was more of a tapas bar, which was great because neither of us were very hungry.
Saturday we spent the day walking...pretty much everywhere. We started with seeing the White House (we did not take a tour inside), then went to the National Aquarium. The Aquarium would be another miss. It is not free ($9/pp for ages 12 and up) and is very small. We spent about 1/2 hour there, did not rush and still saw everything. It is literally a room in the basement of the Dept. of Commerce where they have tanks around the edges and a few tanks around a central block. It was very disappointing for the money we spent.
Our next stop on Saturday was the Museum of Natural History. This was free and was very interesting...and huge. We spent 3 hours here and more browsed than really looked at everything. We did see the "highlights" such as the hope diamond and the dinosaur fossils. My favorite room was probably the mineral room. It's fascinating to see how each one naturally forms so different. Some form in cube shapes, others in "V" shapes and others form small "hairs" on them. The minerals were beautiful and yet another example of God's creativity.
After the Natural History Museum we walked a block or so to the National Archives. This was another of my favorite stops. It was amazing to see the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Bill of Rights and other historical documents. When looking at these it is easy to see the care and time that went into drafting these documents and why they are still so important today.
I'll pause here to say that one of the advantages of going to DC in the winter is that the crowds are much smaller. We waited about 1/2 hour in line to see the documents at the Archives and, while still very busy, the museums were not over crowded and it was easy to see everything we wanted to see.
After the Archives we walked across the street to one of the National Art Galleries. Since most of the museums close around 5PM we didn't have much time here but still enjoyed looking at the paintings and sculptures. Another interesting display they had here was the original scale model cast of the Lincoln Memorial. It was interesting to read the thought process and planning that went into making this monument. After the museum closed we walked the rest of the distance to the Capital building and were able to get some nice outside shots before heading back to the hotel.
Our last stop Saturday night was Levante's for dinner. This Mediterranean restaurant was nice, the service was pleasant and the portions were huge. We could have easily fed both of us with one dinner, needless to say neither of us finished our dinner but it was good.
Sunday was another day of walking. It was drizzling when we headed out so we decided to take advantage of the Metro. The DC Metro is a hit/miss. The pricing is crazy and while you can get an all day pass it's confusing that they don't have set rates. Each stop is a different rate so you have to sort of plan out your stops to figure out how much you need to put on a fare card. Once this is done; however, it's very easy to use and find your way around town. As a side note, my husband enjoyed the fact that the game "Fallout" got the graphics for the DC Metro correct :)
We started out on Sunday taking the Metro to the Air and Space Museum. We were here for about 4 hours and didn't go to any of the shows or see some of the exhibits. It's just that big, you could easily spend a full day at each of the National Museums. Again, this was free admission and would be a great place to take kids as there are several interactive displays.
After the museum we took the Metro to a stop closer to the other end of the National Mall so that we could see the monuments. We started at the Lincoln Memorial and this was by far my favorite. Not only is it beautifully constructed but the quotes on the walls are inspiring and the view down the mall is stunning. The other monuments we walked to were the Korean War Memorial, The Vietnam War Memorial and the WWII Memorial. All of these were very touching and it was humbling to really get a sense of the sacrifice that our Veterans have made over the years. We ended with the Washington Monument, which is just big!
For our last dinner in DC we went to Georgia Brown's Restaurant. This was a favorite for both of us. The atmosphere was great; it was relaxed, yet elegant, not pretentious at all. As my husband put it: "they're not trying to be more than they are". The staff was extremely friendly without being fake and the food was delicious.
Monday morning we did take the Metro to the airport, which was very easy and much less expensive than a taxi ride.
I know this post is long and if you've read this far I hope you have enjoyed it. I wanted to write this all down while it is fresh in my memory to look back on in the future and see what we did and didn't like. I'll be doing another picture post of some of the sights we saw.
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