tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53981499271086411122024-03-28T23:29:40.663-04:00Country Girl in the CityMy meandering thoughts on parenting, home life and what God is teaching me.Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.comBlogger338125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-30871308517072407542024-03-25T09:03:00.000-04:002024-03-25T09:12:58.129-04:00Happy Homemaker Monday 3/25/24<p>Another Monday already. Time marches on. I'm having a slower start to the day today. I did get the kitchen straightened up and kids off to school. I rarely climb back into bed but this morning I decided to bring my coffee and laptop upstairs and warm back up a bit in bed. It's chilly out there! </p><p>Last week was another busy one so it's nice to have a slower start to this week. The kids have Friday off from school for Good Friday so it will be a shorter week for them; which is always nice. We do have a few things going on this week, and of course I need to figure out a plan for Easter dinner but for now I'm taking a few minutes to blog. Jumping on really quick to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. </p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's cold! The sun is trying to peek through the clouds but we're supposed to have mostly cloudy weather today and then cold & rainy weather the rest of the week. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">There's still a bit of snow on the grass, skies are a bit cloudy. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Taking a minute to sit and blog before getting started with my day. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">All that I need to do this week. What to make for Easter dinner. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">I've been listening to David Platt's podcast; Radical. I so appreciate his teaching.
I've also listened to some more American History Tellers recently.</span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Catching up on Blown Away, a glass-blowing competition show on Netflix. It's amazing what they can do with glass. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Either Chicken & Barley Pulao OR Israeli Couscous salad with chicken <span><span> </span></span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><p><span style="font-size: small;">I need to do a full menu plan. </span></p><span style="font-size: small;">The two recipes mentioned above are leftover from last week.<br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading: <br /></span></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Network Effect (Book 5 of the Murderbot Diaries) -This is the first full length book in the series.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Workout <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry (catch up on folding)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blog</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Take A to find a white shirt for her concert<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Weekend cleanup/straighten house<br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p>Catch up on laundry</div><p>Finish a crochet Easter dress for our youngest.</p><p>Continue to research some things for a possible project</p><p>Attend Band Jamboree (all bands from the 5 schools in the district play at this concert)<br /></p><p>Figure out Easter Dinner plans<br /></p><p>Attend Good Friday Service</p><p>Help prep for the Easter brunch at church</p><p>Hopefully meet with school principal about a project I proposed to him.<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span></p></div>Our
youngest requested a crocheted Easter dress. I made her one a few
years ago and it got a lot of wear (for awhile it was the only thing she
would wear to church). She has outgrown that one so she wanted a new
one this year. Most of my "relaxing" time has been spent on that and
thankfully it looks like I'll get it done in time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm
using up yarn that I already had which is a pastel multi-colored yarn.
This yarn worked up in a stripe pattern, which is cute but now that I'm
adding the sleeves it's much more time consuming as I'm trying to
somewhat match up with the dress stripes. I love the pattern but if I
made another one I would definitely use a solid color yarn. I'll be
sure to post pictures when it is done. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm almost done this! I just need to finish weaving in the ends and adding the butterfly appliques. A side-effect of matching the stripes was many more ends to weave in. Don't be like me, use a solid colored yarn, it will go much faster and there will be hardly any ends to weave in. 😀 <br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I didn't take any pictures last week. <br /></p><p></p><br /><p></p><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Helping with the band kids. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having brunch with my sister.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Attending the monthly women's group at church. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="249" src="https://player.slideplayer.com/80/13315341/slides/slide_16.jpg" width="442" /></div><p></p><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom in parenting.</p><p>Direction, time & diligence for a project. <br /></p><p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.</p>Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all! <br /><br /><br />Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-1801512751854205592024-03-20T14:33:00.001-04:002024-03-25T09:05:32.531-04:00What's so great about eternal?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8ZWPf8rW6khXtR9h-zwzTfxLSlEeuzN8VIlDq9FUS32T8PVlFDu1AnVNttv3N4i1MbEIW88uSYlUgqxsJUvRxAS_078nzy6k2u9MU4PPl5DSCURPEdpm_5lv055B_XtypekBnBMfrE6iDg-83skcoqBCmxH0s3mKVk_SIzFcIKvbm6YrHNh04EqVlvL0/s500/Adobe_Express_20240320_1400510_1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8ZWPf8rW6khXtR9h-zwzTfxLSlEeuzN8VIlDq9FUS32T8PVlFDu1AnVNttv3N4i1MbEIW88uSYlUgqxsJUvRxAS_078nzy6k2u9MU4PPl5DSCURPEdpm_5lv055B_XtypekBnBMfrE6iDg-83skcoqBCmxH0s3mKVk_SIzFcIKvbm6YrHNh04EqVlvL0/w349-h265/Adobe_Express_20240320_1400510_1.png" width="349" /></a></div><p></p><p>For many years I lived in a place of thinking that eternal life was something that, while I had it, didn't really "kick in" until after this life. As I've read more Scripture and dug deeper into the original words I've found a much deeper and richer understanding of this word, eternal. So, grab a cup of coffee or tea and sit with me for a minute. Soak in the truth of why eternal is so great!</p><p>In the original language the word for eternal is <b>aiónios</b>, this word means eternal but the deeper implication of this word is that aiónios "does not focus on the future <i>per se</i>, but rather on the <i>quality</i> of the age it relates to. Thus believers live in "eternal life" right <i>now</i>, experiencing this <i>quality of God's life </i>right now as a <i>present possession</i>." (biblehub.com)<br /></p><p>So, let's look at some Scripture to see what we have <b>right now</b>:</p><p><b>John 3:16</b> - We possess eternal life - right now!</p><p><b>Hebrews 9:12</b> - We possess eternal redemption - right now!</p><p><b>Hebrews 9:15</b> - We possess an eternal inheritance - right now!</p><p><b>2 Thessalonians 2:16</b> - We possess eternal comfort and good hope - right now!</p><p><b>2 Peter 1:11</b> - We possess a place in the eternal kingdom - right now!</p><p><b>Revelation 14:6</b> - We possess the truth of the eternal gospel - right now!</p><p><b>Hebrews 5:9</b> - We possess eternal salvation - right now!</p><p> </p><p>I'd encourage you to take some time and meditate on these verses, see if you can find other verses that speak of the eternal things we, as believers, forgiven and accepted children of God, possess. And then share them in the comments to encourage others. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-19751747274511424162024-03-18T09:58:00.000-04:002024-03-20T13:55:27.279-04:00Happy Homemaker Monday 3/18/24<p>Phew! It has been a busy (good) couple of weeks around here. We managed to squeeze in quite a bit of fun while our oldest girl was home on spring break. She needed to visit a couple art museums for one of her classes so she and I checked out a couple local places we had never been to before. We also were able to rent a friends condo last minute so that Matt and some of the kids could get one more ski day in this year. It was a great overnight trip but we both agreed next time needs to be longer. Last week was filled with meetings and visiting a friend along with the normal weekly activities. On Saturday we took a day trip to a Sculpture walk, some of the sculptures were fascinating! This week is looking to be another busy week so I wanted to get this up earlier in the day. Jumping on really quick to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. </p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's sunny again! It's a bit chilly here but sunny today. One thing about such a dreary, gray, rainy winter is it definitely makes me more thankful for the sunny days. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Clear blue skies, some trees budding, most of the wood is cleared from the tree that fell. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Taking a minute to sit and blog before getting started with my day. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">All that I need to do this week. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">I've been listening to David Platt's podcast; Radical. I so appreciate his teaching.
I've also listened to some more American History Tellers recently.</span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>We've been enjoying History's Greatest Mysteries; so we'll probably watch some more of those.<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Brown Rice Salad with Chicken <span><span> </span></span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><p><span style="font-size: small;">I need to do a full menu plan but a couple recipes still on last week's menu are:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Baked Pasta</span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Lentil Soup </span><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading: <br /></span></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Network Effect (Book 5 of the Murderbot Diaries) -This is the first full length book in the series.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Workout <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry (catch up on folding)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blog</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Take kids to library</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vacuum upstairs <br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p>Catch up on laundry</div><p>Work on a crochet Easter dress for our youngest.</p><p>Continue to research some things for a possible project</p><p>Help band teacher 2 days<br /></p><p>Go visit my sister</p><p>Attend and lead this month's Gathering Table (church women's group)<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span></p></div>Our youngest requested a crocheted Easter dress. I made her one a few years ago and it got a lot of wear (for awhile it was the only thing she would wear to church). She has outgrown that one so she wanted a new one this year. Most of my "relaxing" time has been spent on that and thankfully it looks like I'll get it done in time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm using up yarn that I already had which is a pastel multi-colored yarn. This yarn worked up in a stripe pattern, which is cute but now that I'm adding the sleeves it's much more time consuming as I'm trying to somewhat match up with the dress stripes. I love the pattern but if I made another one I would definitely use a solid color yarn. I'll be sure to post pictures when it is done. <br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VGCemUtUZDxDVqw-JgOQ6QofFVB7jDzVztgNhKw7GMhzKWPIXegz5_OeztIZ-DcFLZJ1EDq7vG_CKmKMeBbbblEGsoOo1a6PIH0_gcOFSprBOfHUpS55rqWvV8vK7yXeW6f9VtAQh2iWezWOFkj46SENepNDPRE8BRu3hRWOv0fqHf7lmlBjQaqsuwMT/s4000/20240316_132147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VGCemUtUZDxDVqw-JgOQ6QofFVB7jDzVztgNhKw7GMhzKWPIXegz5_OeztIZ-DcFLZJ1EDq7vG_CKmKMeBbbblEGsoOo1a6PIH0_gcOFSprBOfHUpS55rqWvV8vK7yXeW6f9VtAQh2iWezWOFkj46SENepNDPRE8BRu3hRWOv0fqHf7lmlBjQaqsuwMT/s320/20240316_132147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">A view from the top of the sculpture trail.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz7gSmDbETijJnYjICw4fir1x5U05CcYT62RiF0GHv2yGk6Pq7NApEsrEgdZZNwtKot9cjllLI9YEWBlh0vNQqJ84ypkN-xetjiHTavol1Nen0U47Nr8scJ0NRk1uIwxNNKQezzpT8WtWs244KUNDRNogg1O0en-dDePs64oeYcLzUFbEe9GzfG1QogGv/s4000/20240316_125451.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFz7gSmDbETijJnYjICw4fir1x5U05CcYT62RiF0GHv2yGk6Pq7NApEsrEgdZZNwtKot9cjllLI9YEWBlh0vNQqJ84ypkN-xetjiHTavol1Nen0U47Nr8scJ0NRk1uIwxNNKQezzpT8WtWs244KUNDRNogg1O0en-dDePs64oeYcLzUFbEe9GzfG1QogGv/s320/20240316_125451.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>I found this sculpture so fun. It always amazes me how they can make stone look soft.<p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7ngEayjX5QT2zF6zbq4NV-O__ZeaNgtHoA4h5DgX_XEvcSo-GycSejOECjh2KBGXABjt5JiXWmwo6__hhMlWbwWpeOmiuj5-Oq_roc5-gUyPnP0SmXmq9gLKsLkXGIs7RYRKkEkGQrfTz8UCcJQLRaUcnDEHW3ffQYJKDnLWp1v9Q45SEBxvK7vubrT7/s4000/20240309_140051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7ngEayjX5QT2zF6zbq4NV-O__ZeaNgtHoA4h5DgX_XEvcSo-GycSejOECjh2KBGXABjt5JiXWmwo6__hhMlWbwWpeOmiuj5-Oq_roc5-gUyPnP0SmXmq9gLKsLkXGIs7RYRKkEkGQrfTz8UCcJQLRaUcnDEHW3ffQYJKDnLWp1v9Q45SEBxvK7vubrT7/s320/20240309_140051.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>While the other kids went skiing, I took two of our girls for a little hike near the condo. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>This waterfall was so pretty with all the moss covered rocks.<br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0sVWKrObhfsxLgtEvJ4oViktuPNcMQip7KojWUOAUApux8nZtrvshSaeTEv_L-wKNNET3RN6kqg4z9ue8mPsQ3ybN2RkiwN_RHUVudCJxPI6nKZ7xKUg8il8rY6_8OSKZc66Aa-S8JlOAALNBg2PX0OPhpTF9Y8qz2AfI-KZ4RrzstKgoStWIpmt3IdG/s4000/20240307_114605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0sVWKrObhfsxLgtEvJ4oViktuPNcMQip7KojWUOAUApux8nZtrvshSaeTEv_L-wKNNET3RN6kqg4z9ue8mPsQ3ybN2RkiwN_RHUVudCJxPI6nKZ7xKUg8il8rY6_8OSKZc66Aa-S8JlOAALNBg2PX0OPhpTF9Y8qz2AfI-KZ4RrzstKgoStWIpmt3IdG/s320/20240307_114605.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>These paperweights were at one of the museums. I had watched a documentary about the <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>company that makes them so it was neat to see them in person. <br /><br /><p></p><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visiting a friend, special day trips making fun memories.<br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><p></p><p>Thinking a lot about words and how we use them. I was going to share some thoughts here but it got to be a bit long so if you're interested you can read my thoughts about <a href="https://mamatomykids.blogspot.com/2024/03/quick-thoughts-about-1-peter-34.html">1 Peter 3:4 in this blog post</a>. </p><p>For now I'll just share these guidelines that I often repeat to myself and my kids. Before you speak <b><span style="font-size: large;">T.H.I.N.K.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="hCL kVc L4E MIw" height="414" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/46/af/3d/46af3d176a3a45b7baca43b794feef51.jpg" width="331" /><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <br /></span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom in parenting.</p><p>Direction, time & diligence for a project. <br /></p><p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.</p>Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all! <br /><br /><br />Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-76892155193098352472024-03-18T09:54:00.000-04:002024-03-20T13:54:38.214-04:00Quick thoughts about 1 Peter 3:4<p> A quick thought on 1 Peter 3:4. This verse has always been one I've
struggled a bit with. While I'm quiet around people I don't know, once
I'm comfortable I'm not a quiet person. I love to talk, laugh, have fun,
etc. Growing up I struggled with feeling like my personality was
"wrong" or "less than" in some way because of this. </p><p>Last year I read the book <i>Having a Mary Heart in A Martha World</i>
one of the beautiful things I noticed was that both when Jesus first
met Martha and the last recorded meeting between them, she was serving.
Her personality, her gifts, were not seen as bad or something she
needed to give up; it was her attitude in doing those things. God has
made us each unique and didn't make a mistake in making some of us with
"louder" personalities.</p><p>So, what does all of this have to do with 1
Peter 3:4? Let's look at the verse and then there are two words I want
to expand on a bit. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="1 Peter 3:3-4 - ESV" class="bibleVerseImage" height="181" src="https://dailyverses.net/images/simple/esv/1-peter-3-3-4.png" width="347" /></p><p>I'm
not sure if I heard preaching this way or if it was something I
inferred from other messages; but I always saw this verse as telling
women to be a bit "mousy" to be small, to not give strong opinions or to
never be boisterous. I don't believe that is what this verse is saying
at all. Let's look at the words gentle (sometimes translated as meek)
and quiet. </p><p>Gentle is translated from the word, <b>praus</b>, this
word means "strength shown with reserve" or as the Biblehub lexicon
puts it "Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to
exercising God's strength under His control. -- i.e. demonstrating power
without undue harshness." </p><p>We are to demonstrate our God-given
strength in a controlled way, without harshness. This verse presupposes
that we are believers so we do in fact have God-given strength. This
is referring to how we live that out, our attitude. Our strength of
spirit! In all this we must submit ourselves to be under God's control.<br /></p><p>The next word I wanted to look at is quiet. Quiet is translated from the word, <b>hésuchios</b>,
this word means "calmly, quiet" being "appropriately tranquil by not
misusing (or overusing) words that would stir up needless friction
(destructive commotion)." There is also the idea in this word of being
calm, still, settled because of a "divinely inspired inner calmness". </p><p>Having
a quiet spirit means we are settled, calm because we have God. For me,
it was a great reminder that I don't need to overuse words trying to
make sure I'm never misunderstood. I'm not to use words, or keep
talking when it would just cause needless friction. </p><p>In both these words there is an understanding that we <i>will</i> talk, we <i>should</i> talk. Have fun, be boisterous, we <b>can</b> share our thoughts and opinions, even if we are passionate about them, <b>but</b>
be very aware of how you use your words. In all things we are to be
seeking God's wisdom for what to say, how to say it and when to stop
speaking or stay quiet. <br /></p><p>Am I expressing my beliefs and opinions in a harsh manner?</p><p>Am
I trying to settle arguments or misunderstanding in my own strength? or
am I relying on God's strength? Should I even be trying to settle this,
or should I hold my tongue and give it to God?<br /></p><p>Am I using harsh words in dealing with my kids? When I exercise my God-given authority?</p><p>Am I overusing words that might "stir up needless friction"?</p><p>This passage is speaking to wives; am I being harsh with my husband?</p><p>Am
I venting all my thoughts just to be heard? Get my own way? Or are my
words helpful, encouraging, under the control of God's strength? <br /></p><p>Two other verses came to mind while writing out the questions:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>"When words are many transgression is not lacking, </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>but whoever restrains his lips is prudent."</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Proverbs 10:19</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>"A fool gives full vent to his spirit,</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>but a wise man quietly holds it back."</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Proverbs 29:11</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b>**</b>my normal disclaimer. I'm not a Bible scholar, I'm still learning. If you've studied this out more and see anything that seems off with Scripture, please comment, I'm always willing to learn<b>. </b>I only ask that you be kind, and that you substantiate your thoughts with Scripture<b> **<br /></b></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-18732977887255089922024-03-04T10:36:00.000-05:002024-03-20T13:55:19.595-04:00Happy Homemaker Monday 3/4/24<p>Happy March! Well, March isn't very "liony" this year. It's been rather warm so far. This week is a bit different as our oldest daughter is home for spring break so I'm looking forward to extra time with her. Jumping on really quick to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. </p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It started out sunny but now is a bit cloudy. Warmer temps today which are always welcome. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">We have a lot of sparrows this morning! Yesterday we saw the turkeys for the first time in awhile. Mr. Tom Turkey now has four lady friends that keep him company. It's always fun to see them wandering through the yard; and especially fun when they decide to take flight. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Taking a minute to sit and blog before heading out with our daughter. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">So very thankful for how God works. Also pondering a project that I feel God calling me to finish. Praying for good time management to work on it and finish it. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">I've been listening to David Platt's podcast; Radical. I so appreciate his teaching.
</span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Not sure, probably some period pieces as my older girls love those (Pride & Prejudice is a favorite!)<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan bread <span><span> </span></span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Chicken Tikka Masala</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Meatballs & Pasta</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Chickpea, Cashew & Coconut Curry with rice & veg</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Lentil Stew</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Chicken with Whiskey Glaze & vegetables <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading: <br /></span></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Network Effect (Book 5 of the Murderbot Diaries) -This is the first full length book in the series.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Workout <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry</span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Lunch with my parents.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p>Catch up on laundry</div><p>Sand and paint archway<br /></p><p>Work on a crochet Kitty Pillow for our youngest.</p><p>Continue to research some things for a possible project</p><p>Spend time with oldest daughter</p><p>Read to youngest daughter's class for Read Across America<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span></p></div>I'm working on a stuffed kitty pillow for our youngest. After I made
the whale she's been begging me to make her a giant stuffy so last week
we found a pattern and I'm using up some blanket yarn from my stash.
I'm simplifying the pattern a bit, as I didn't want to buy any yarn for
this project, but so far she's thrilled. <br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"> I didn't really take any pictures last week.<br /></p><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Highlight was definitely our girl coming home for a visit.<br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><p>I saw these two posts on Instagram last week and saved them as good reminders. </p><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUAKuDI9YB16T0RPToTFiodZwO4RswrdEud3SX_jd2Nptu8iIk86NYAcIwHBT90-Ux-XBAPvPsEPuAjmAechVa1OyBGqP_cXaneVsryPPyxlAp3riAlflOhG2AaTYDTQJ-ZV-RbGoIuqRt4T_8dT4McoOOCwu0ZlB_nX1cASNXAQuxcFXe9CZOLXbEd2M/s1637/Screenshot_20240220_115408_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1637" data-original-width="1059" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeUAKuDI9YB16T0RPToTFiodZwO4RswrdEud3SX_jd2Nptu8iIk86NYAcIwHBT90-Ux-XBAPvPsEPuAjmAechVa1OyBGqP_cXaneVsryPPyxlAp3riAlflOhG2AaTYDTQJ-ZV-RbGoIuqRt4T_8dT4McoOOCwu0ZlB_nX1cASNXAQuxcFXe9CZOLXbEd2M/s320/Screenshot_20240220_115408_Instagram.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHAVnidG9qCqFzryZCOIHeFWmv7EC5zW8vlUqwDpadzbApQUruM44ZdoipBXGSphfd-YuyXCRvfnGneuDeZluP7q__liZS3NGM0CMvvyVqUUwgpftdrq0mhu3SGedk27ZqsKgPC-LQcz58DDZDxVoj86CmxRh1zzHYIV9y2Vz9zVPxMAqOvWBq5Gl4LrB/s1669/Screenshot_20240220_194159_Instagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1669" data-original-width="1062" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHAVnidG9qCqFzryZCOIHeFWmv7EC5zW8vlUqwDpadzbApQUruM44ZdoipBXGSphfd-YuyXCRvfnGneuDeZluP7q__liZS3NGM0CMvvyVqUUwgpftdrq0mhu3SGedk27ZqsKgPC-LQcz58DDZDxVoj86CmxRh1zzHYIV9y2Vz9zVPxMAqOvWBq5Gl4LrB/s320/Screenshot_20240220_194159_Instagram.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom in parenting.</p><p>Direction, time & diligence for a project. <br /></p><p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.</p>Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all! <br /><br /><br />Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-27468397402525094032024-02-26T12:17:00.000-05:002024-03-20T13:55:14.118-04:00Happy Homemaker Monday 2/26/24<p>It's hard to believe this is the last Monday of February. While the winters here tend to be long; it's nice to feel that spring is on the way. Since Easter is in March this year, Spring feels especially close now. Once again,
I'm happy to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. </p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's
sunny!!! It is also a bit warmer than it has been the past few weeks. It's starting to feel a bit like spring. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">The
sun is shining. The trees are budding and I'm starting to get spring fever for some outside time in the yard doing some cleanup. The temps aren't quite warm enough (or ground dry enough) yet; but it's nice to see that it's coming. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Taking a minute to sit and blog while I wait for laundry and banana bread to finish. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">A phrase that has been a comfort to me over the past week or so and especially today. I read a post on Instagram about how the phrase "I don't know" can be a prayer. The phrase "I don't know, But God does, and I choose to trust Him" has been helping me to put things in perspective. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">I'm also pondering some projects; praying over which ones God would have me finish. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">None this week.
</span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>No
idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow. We've also been watching the new live-action Avatar show; while not as good as the animated, it's still been fun to watch with the kids.<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Not sure yet. We may or<span><span>der in or I might make chicken noodle soup. </span></span><span><span> </span></span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">So far just chicken noodle soup and stuffed pepper casserole. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading: <br /></span></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Exit Strategy (Book 4 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Workout <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry</span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Catch up on random things<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p>Catch up on laundry</div><p>Go to a school event for our son</p><p>Work on a crochet Kitty Pillow for our youngest.</p><p>Research some things for a possible project</p><p>Work on the newly installed trim (sand & possibly paint this week)<br /></p><p> Hem a couple pairs of pants<br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></p></div><span style="font-size: small;">I finally finished weaving in the ends on the blanket. So, now I can share a picture! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdYYguGsFEGMUpenglTnQiyOtkezJ6WjbjwBfSw7SbzCk3oCsqyMEe_NgFd1TLHwaQsnF1dn6DiOy-t7MN2Vack7bjMps-I_zqAreqmg2-y42517UnMwe0jsXDCxyUDk39vgE4UOjrzf7cXO989vBW6IwzfN3qYmLd2S4PhKq459lOMForX9fvWCpy7E6/s4000/20240220_152324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdYYguGsFEGMUpenglTnQiyOtkezJ6WjbjwBfSw7SbzCk3oCsqyMEe_NgFd1TLHwaQsnF1dn6DiOy-t7MN2Vack7bjMps-I_zqAreqmg2-y42517UnMwe0jsXDCxyUDk39vgE4UOjrzf7cXO989vBW6IwzfN3qYmLd2S4PhKq459lOMForX9fvWCpy7E6/s320/20240220_152324.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span><br /></span>Now I'm working on a stuffed kitty pillow for our youngest. After I made the whale she's been begging me to make her a giant stuffy so last week we found a pattern and I'm using up some blanket yarn from my stash. I'm simplifying the pattern a bit, as I didn't want to buy any yarn for this project, but so far she's thrilled. <br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">We didn't do too many things during last week's vacation as some of the kids weren't feeling 100%; however, on Wednesday a friend texted last minute to see if we wanted to go snow tubing. We went later in the afternoon and had so much fun. A bonus of going later in the day was watching the sunset. <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><br /><span><br /></span></span></b></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9c-w-M_aR6QIKW34f1vsIKmB_tBlbe9N7a1XVOtxN1Li0Jmh8gwyQMOw468Q0ev_m67vuDhU8-shgVLlitiy4R68RJd-lm7NndHQWd5LPyykWzvIylSjTRAElRw8M8gvPQ-eujBZTcUeN4LoQ08OPreUZIR7Bg-ZAuijd-xXTC8ZgjoeEsC8-cWNl-Iq2/s4000/20240221_172414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9c-w-M_aR6QIKW34f1vsIKmB_tBlbe9N7a1XVOtxN1Li0Jmh8gwyQMOw468Q0ev_m67vuDhU8-shgVLlitiy4R68RJd-lm7NndHQWd5LPyykWzvIylSjTRAElRw8M8gvPQ-eujBZTcUeN4LoQ08OPreUZIR7Bg-ZAuijd-xXTC8ZgjoeEsC8-cWNl-Iq2/s320/20240221_172414.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tubing was definitely a highlight. A couple other fun things were; having breakfast with a friend I don't see too often; Saturday I had an impromptu dinner out with two other close friends. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span><span style="font-size: small;">I've been studying through the book of Hebrews. I love the emphasis on how we can be confident of God, of our eternal salvation and of all of His promises. Hebrews 4:16 speaks of the privilege we have as His children to "with confidence draw near to the throne of grace". </span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-size: small;">The word for confidence here is<b> parrésia </b>- meaning freedom of speech, confidence, boldness. In this verse the idea is "free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage" <b>that's</b> how we can come before God's throne! We can come fearless, cheerful and pour out all of our thoughts to God, we have freedom to speak to Him. What a comfort and privilege prayer is; and a challenge to never lessen the value or take for granted the great honor it is that we can come before the God of the universe. <br /></span></span></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom in parenting.</p><p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.</p>Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all! Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-66937421228174050402024-02-19T14:53:00.000-05:002024-03-20T13:55:07.050-04:00Happy Homemaker 2/19/24<p>Another Sunny Monday here, I hope you all are having a
great Monday. The kids are on winter break this week so it's a bit of a different week. We are enjoying the relaxed mornings and time together. I'm glad to have a few minutes to sit and blog. Once again,
I'm happy to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. </p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's
sunny!!! It is also a bit warmer than it has been the past few weeks. It's starting to feel a bit like spring. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">The
sun is shining. The chicadees are at the feeder. We've had a surprising number of cardinals this year as well. One day I looked out and counted eight cardinals in the magnolia tree next to the feeder. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Taking a minute to sit and blog while I grab a late lunch. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">How I need to make some big changes in my thought patterns and pondering some practical steps to implement immediately. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">None this week.
</span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>No
idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Pesto chicken pull apart sliders with cucumbers and carrots on the side.<br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Need to figure this one out. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading: <br /></span></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rogue Protocol (Book 3 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Workout <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry</span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Sand trim</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p>Catch up on laundry</div><div style="text-align: left;">Passport appts for kids</div><div style="text-align: left;">Breakfast/brunch with a friend</div><div style="text-align: left;">Finish sanding and paint baseboards</div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy the extra time with the kids<br /></div><p> <br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></p></div><span style="font-size: small;"> I'm
also almost done with
my daughter's blanket; I just need to weave in all the ends and then
it's done. I've been tempted to post a picture since the front looks
done but I'm using that as incentive to get those ends woven in!
Hopefully this week. (still not done!). I did finally finish painting a hook board that I had put together about a year ago. Now that it's done I have no idea what I will do with it. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">So, my older kids grew up watching Looney Tunes. I had bought a collection of (I think) 6 DVD's and they loved watching them. Over time the DVD's became scratched and we had to get rid of them. Since this happened before the youngest two were born they've never really seen Looney Tunes. My oldest kids joke that I've "neglected" my duties by not introducing the youngest ones to Looney Tunes. So, this week I remedied that. Here is a picture of them enjoying a few of the cartoons.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwBghIlKj30xMANCr4SqnwZQf-ZOzsaxf_iuBGSWzsQyrSY-SGNF1ZXyiSBBxJMsFCRlwWqsab9XIqh15LS7a8XLfhUQnFterx21eGJdQHLJqHdPJtxeI7c7_-_AUbER1gb3Y7MmTKJUNAijCoEu3l2z6-VKpCl930eJDAJPL2KqjB_UDB0MZUGWH_mNg/s4000/20240217_144611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwBghIlKj30xMANCr4SqnwZQf-ZOzsaxf_iuBGSWzsQyrSY-SGNF1ZXyiSBBxJMsFCRlwWqsab9XIqh15LS7a8XLfhUQnFterx21eGJdQHLJqHdPJtxeI7c7_-_AUbER1gb3Y7MmTKJUNAijCoEu3l2z6-VKpCl930eJDAJPL2KqjB_UDB0MZUGWH_mNg/s320/20240217_144611.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><br /><span><br /></span></span></b></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">A special time at The Gathering Table with other ladies from church. Hubby also took the youngest to her school dance. I had helped set up for the dance and was there when they arrived; she was so excited!<br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;">Today I want to share a "new to me" song that we recently sang at church</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vR_sI9lkowA" width="320" youtube-src-id="vR_sI9lkowA"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom in parenting.</p><p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.</p><p>Wisdom for how to deal with difficult things and to trust God with all! <br /></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-90335840088631334402024-02-12T11:49:00.000-05:002024-03-20T13:55:00.855-04:00Happy Homemaker 2/12/24<p>Good Monday Morning! It's sunny here!! I hope you all are having a great Monday. We have another busy week here (and a predicted snowstorm too!) so I'm glad to have a few minutes to sit and blog. Once again, I'm happy to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. </p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's sunny!!! We had the first good weather weekend in awhile; which was wonderful. We were able to get some outside tasks started. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">The
sun is shining. It's hazy but the sun is getting through. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Taking a minute to sit and blog while laundry finishes and the bread finishes it's first rise. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">How I so need God's wisdom each day. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">I listened to a couple of David Platt podcasts last week. They are always both challenging & encouraging and filled with Scriptures. </span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>No
idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>I'm not sure yet. We had a few people over for the Super Bowl last night but didn't end up cooking all I had bought since we had SO much food. So, maybe dumplings & fried rice? <br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Ham Dinner </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Pea Soup (one of the kids requested this so that's why I'm making the ham)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Whatever else I throw together with what's in the freezer & pantry. Oh, I am planning to make a nice steak tip dinner to celebrate Valentine's but it'll be on Friday since we have church activities on Wednesday evenings. <br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading: <br /></span></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Rogue Protocol (Book 3 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Workout <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Bread</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clean up random things around the house</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p>Make Bread</div><p>PTO Meeting</p>Drop off Sewing Machine for Maintenance and Repair<br /><p>Keep up with housework</p><p>Finish weaving in ends on daughter's blanket</p><p>Get older kids packed and off to camp</p><p>The Gathering Table</p><p>Help Setup for K-4 Someone Special Dance (PTO Task)<br /></p><p>Write 2 notes & send out <br /></p><p> <br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></p></div><span style="font-size: small;"> I'm also almost done with
my daughter's blanket; I just need to weave in all the ends and then
it's done. I've been tempted to post a picture since the front looks done but I'm using that as incentive to get those ends woven in! Hopefully this week. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I don't really have any. <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><span><br /></span></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some very sweet time with God in prayer and study. Also spending some time with the Women's Ministry team praying and planning for this year.<br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b>Over the past week I've been focused a lot on the subject of prayer. How Jesus is faithful to hear and answer our prayers, how we can have confidence that <b>how</b> He answers is always best, the privilege of prayer, and also how we are to be persistent in prayer. This morning's Bible reading was from Matthew chapter 26 and the verse below caught my attention. </div><div><br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><div>So often I can feel that taking something to God in prayer over and over shows a lack of trust; and yes, sometimes it probably does. But, we see here that Jesus, fully trusting His Father, still went back, praying the same prayer. It was an encouragement that when things are hard, God knows that trials weigh heavy on us and that we need to keep running to Him. For strength, reassurance and the comfort that comes from being in His presence. While nothing we face will be on the same level as Jesus going to the cross; the example He leaves for us is still true. Our Father loves us, and wants us to always bring our concerns, praise and desires to Him over and over.<br /><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://images.biblewordings.com/wp-content/uploads/Matthew-26-44.jpg" class="shrinkToFit" height="315" src="https://images.biblewordings.com/wp-content/uploads/Matthew-26-44.jpg" width="335" /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom in parenting.</p><p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.</p>Wisdom for how to deal with a difficult person Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-86352457546815608232024-02-05T11:44:00.000-05:002024-03-20T13:54:46.680-04:00Happy Homemaker Monday 2/5/24<p>Phew...Made it! Last week was very busy here and I didn't have any time to sit down and blog. It was a good week filled with good things but very busy! On Monday the kids had a 2 hour delay so they had a shorter school day. I spent the time after they left deep cleaning a room. Tuesday I was blessed to get to visit with my sister; we don't live far apart but it just seems we don't get together nearly as much as we'd like. Wednesday I had some time out with a friend and then another friend and her daughter joined us for dinner. Thursday I was able to be home and Friday was errands and a much needed hair cut. So, again, a great week but busy. I'm happy to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. I hope you all are having a great week and start to this new year.<br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's chilly here but sunny!!! It has been soooo dreary and gray the last few weeks that having sun is such a blessing. I'm very ready for spring and warmer weather. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">The sun is shining. There are buds on the ornamental plum tree and the magnolia tree; which seems very odd for the beginning of February. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Taking a minute to sit and blog while laundry finishes and the bread finishes it's first rise. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">How patient God is with me. He never tires of us bringing our thoughts, praises, requests and concerns to Him. He is always there to listen, teach, guide and correct. I'm so thankful for the relationship He provides through His Son, Jesus. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Haven't
listened to any this week. </span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>No idea. Maybe catch up on some YouTube channels I follow. Oh, and my husband introduced me to a new one called Sandwiches of History. I already follow Tasting History and love that channel so the sandwiches one should be fun...I just really love history. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Tonight is Moo Shu Chicken using <a href="https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/moo-shu-pork/">this</a> recipe and substituting chicken for the pork. I'll cook up some brown rice to go with it since a few of the kids aren't fans of tortillas. <br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Ham Dinner </span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Pea Soup (one of the kids requested this so that's why I'm making the ham)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Beef & Barley Soup<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading: <br /></span></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Artificial Condition (Book 2 of the Murderbot Diaries) -these are short (~150pgs each) books and just a fun scifi read.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Workout <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Bread</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clean up random things around the house</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Women's Ministry Meeting tonight <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p>Make Bread</div><p>Women's Ministry Meeting</p><p>Get Oil Change</p><p>Eye Dr. Appt.<br /></p><p>Keep up with housework</p><p>Finish weaving in ends on daughter's blanket<br /></p><p>Write 2 notes & send out <br /></p><p> <br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></p></div><span style="font-size: small;">I
finished the whale for the fundraiser, both it and the shawlette sold so I'm happy! I'm also almost done with
my daughter's blanket; I just need to weave in all the ends and then
it's done. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><br /> <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4dOka-_Kxak7kF1cbTH82zWxeHcX_8v6NwsASE4R83vlGi8cMfMIXDE_lKj3acYPap3UptDsfg3as555UB3vCZmPJ_BTyPdU-yJRjsw_nIDDz330bYAvSW6M0JgtL2K0dvi5owNbycswyvsHEiH2158UDUfA8Nti8KBQ-0JIPHDJqnXnyGfro3J4n3Td/s4000/20240125_165458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4dOka-_Kxak7kF1cbTH82zWxeHcX_8v6NwsASE4R83vlGi8cMfMIXDE_lKj3acYPap3UptDsfg3as555UB3vCZmPJ_BTyPdU-yJRjsw_nIDDz330bYAvSW6M0JgtL2K0dvi5owNbycswyvsHEiH2158UDUfA8Nti8KBQ-0JIPHDJqnXnyGfro3J4n3Td/s320/20240125_165458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUntO5K9x8STX4C6STO4WiIvYp7uC2mq7nMGfwasgB2ygHxfYQXaSr8NsqlXeUnjIcw8oYxhESAgWrQPxmNz113taSnR8pCkc5DMnzQsVVU-7PW54ej5EfcdENPZ0sZ1BjCnDaoBcwnfLlPZmpey16BhMcAsLd2Erj9WdycceagYpNlIkN7UlZbEzXuTnw/s4000/20240125_165344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUntO5K9x8STX4C6STO4WiIvYp7uC2mq7nMGfwasgB2ygHxfYQXaSr8NsqlXeUnjIcw8oYxhESAgWrQPxmNz113taSnR8pCkc5DMnzQsVVU-7PW54ej5EfcdENPZ0sZ1BjCnDaoBcwnfLlPZmpey16BhMcAsLd2Erj9WdycceagYpNlIkN7UlZbEzXuTnw/s320/20240125_165344.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIef1wyBF4Uj8s_05pFWiGJIKCjOUW4CU_ut11C5uCfxUqkwpLFLGxj0pdx7blE2IuL_8p8wLq3nyl-yG6IxWN1viPrb1mAx9QP2lY-E0BjHsTgHYKZR80s3iz_y87umq1yadhLSJoiHRZBX_VAXFf-r3eGp1ofGJxQaWoSEv0J3Gc9BSS9RYdr9BvNv1s/s4000/20240125_161856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIef1wyBF4Uj8s_05pFWiGJIKCjOUW4CU_ut11C5uCfxUqkwpLFLGxj0pdx7blE2IuL_8p8wLq3nyl-yG6IxWN1viPrb1mAx9QP2lY-E0BjHsTgHYKZR80s3iz_y87umq1yadhLSJoiHRZBX_VAXFf-r3eGp1ofGJxQaWoSEv0J3Gc9BSS9RYdr9BvNv1s/s320/20240125_161856.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is my 6yr old cuddling him.</span> </span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Other than the whale pictures I don't really have any. <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><span><br /></span></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was great to hang out with my sister one day and a friend another day. I'm so thankful for the ladies God has brought into my life. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I'm studying through Hebrews and this verse in particular caught my attention. As my readers know, I love to dig into the original forms and meanings of the words. The two words merciful and faithful are the ones I focused on here. Reading through the original meanings brings so much beauty of this verse into focus. </p><p><b>eleémón</b> - merciful, acting consistently with the revelation of God's covenant. Actively compassionate.</p><p><b>pistos</b> - faithful, trustworthy. Trusty, faithful, of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties. </p><p>This made me think of the verses in 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 where we are told that " For all the promises of God find their Yes in him." Jesus is faithful to fulfill all that God has promised! He always acts consistently with God's covenant. </p><p>**all lexicon information is from biblehub.com<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Humility of Christ" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" height="263" src="https://www.lovinggospel.com/images/humility3.jpg.png" style="height: 374px; margin: 0px; max-width: 640px; width: 374px;" width="263" /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom in parenting.</p><p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.</p>Wisdom for how to deal with a difficult person. Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-81991643064514091262024-01-23T10:25:00.000-05:002024-01-23T16:23:26.876-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 1/22/24 (on a Tuesday)<p>I met a friend for coffee yesterday. We aren't able to get together very often so it was such a blessing to sit and catch up. She is a dear sister and it's always such an encouragement to chat. Running a bit late this week on this post but didn't want to miss out so I
thought I'd take a minute to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. I hope you all are having a great week and start to this new year.<br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's a bit warmer today than it has been the last few days. We're supposed to get some more snow and rain in the next few days. I'm so ready for sunny days but it doesn't look like we'll be having many anytime soon. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">It's very cloudy and dreary today. There's still snow and ice covering most things but I expect that won't be the case after the expected rain later this week. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Taking a minute to sit and blog before continuing work on a new crochet project. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">That I really need to get a move on the new project so I can finish before Saturday. Also thankful for a productive morning. I've jumped back into an exercise routine that has worked well in the past and I'm really enjoying it. It's funny how that we can forget the benefits of good habits and focus on just the negatives of "having to do this" but when we jump back in it's so good. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Haven't listened to any this week. Oh...I take that back, I listened to The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey where she interviewed Laura Story. Laura wrote a book titled <i>When God Doesn't Fix It</i>. I've had the book on my to-read list for awhile so it was nice to listen to the interview. </span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Finishing up the miniseries Archie, which is a biopic of Cary Grant. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Tonight is Bao Buns and fruit salad <br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Sausage, Spinach & Potato Soup (this is a copycat recipe for Olive Garden's Zuppa Tuscana)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Bao Buns and Fruit Salad</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Italian Beef Sliders</span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Chicken Caesar Salad<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading: <br /></span></b></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah (about 80% done with this; it's gotten a bit better)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Be Confident: Live by Faith Not by Sight by Warren Weirsbe<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Workout ✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Well-child appts for 2 kiddos ✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clean Bathrooms ✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Work on Crochet project</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Attend a wake for a friend's father</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p>Make Bread</div><p>Meet friend for coffee ✓<br /></p><p>Keep up with housework</p><p>Finish crochet project</p><p>Help with pasta dinner & silent auction fundraiser</p><p>Attend concert </p><p>Write 2 notes & send out <br /></p><p> <br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></p></div><span style="font-size: small;">I finished the shawlette for the fundraiser! I'm also almost done with my daughter's blanket; I just need to weave in all the ends and then it's done. I also started crocheting a giant whale amigurumi to add to the fundraiser auction. I finished the top last night so now I just need to crochet the bottom, sew them together and stuff him. It's working up pretty fast so I should be able to finish in time. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here are a couple pictures of the shawlette. I didn't like how the tassels looked so I added a couple wooden buttons instead. Now it works as a shrug, scarf or shawlette draped over the shoulders. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMafy8NI7GCzd0zodJeRRaFpRyjjsnyEY4J6880VfnKMAaGPQiElIJDmQLY8_mV8Hr4lCXIR9YZ94pEhaFpPUYia9Wt07kV8OVx0peASowEtbxjFb0_2iliufb0YMVDWQ0S0JZPt_UB_XrjN_2ZnUls0PnE4rwU9DxDTJ0NHZmznaOmgeruU2OJYMuiHv_/s4000/20240116_192715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMafy8NI7GCzd0zodJeRRaFpRyjjsnyEY4J6880VfnKMAaGPQiElIJDmQLY8_mV8Hr4lCXIR9YZ94pEhaFpPUYia9Wt07kV8OVx0peASowEtbxjFb0_2iliufb0YMVDWQ0S0JZPt_UB_XrjN_2ZnUls0PnE4rwU9DxDTJ0NHZmznaOmgeruU2OJYMuiHv_/s320/20240116_192715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1PpjWIFhGUCrXwi1dIXkTXUgEuZg2tauPTOgKJ-20yVR08dm7fT5VPNbmWtzKS93AZJ1JX0mc2fpakQrFzK469G1KnHkeBpSUONUAkLqzJGYXK7G_OpgecQx1qbjOJk23d-owzXaYUXwYGhDaeBCv1dl1phqUJLQNGyCN6rwXHB_ffZvggKGVctHZwmM/s4000/20240116_192718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1PpjWIFhGUCrXwi1dIXkTXUgEuZg2tauPTOgKJ-20yVR08dm7fT5VPNbmWtzKS93AZJ1JX0mc2fpakQrFzK469G1KnHkeBpSUONUAkLqzJGYXK7G_OpgecQx1qbjOJk23d-owzXaYUXwYGhDaeBCv1dl1phqUJLQNGyCN6rwXHB_ffZvggKGVctHZwmM/s320/20240116_192718.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaCNcy5gAfytV4USCABUjCqY8ts71tzo-gsuEBFhyphenhyphenVrhnePxphrRYi9wWHsdu25ZDm8kGiNpHTE1I28UWEhSzGPZn8hEafhRb77X2WzGOTNUjJfOF69F0ojPvb5jU2KePHqC9VNgoG49B-M4992_Yi3MyGvm5Jq7Xi9eqDAWIXOQ7ab9nFxmcnPVb9Yj1/s3000/20240116_192754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2013" data-original-width="3000" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeaCNcy5gAfytV4USCABUjCqY8ts71tzo-gsuEBFhyphenhyphenVrhnePxphrRYi9wWHsdu25ZDm8kGiNpHTE1I28UWEhSzGPZn8hEafhRb77X2WzGOTNUjJfOF69F0ojPvb5jU2KePHqC9VNgoG49B-M4992_Yi3MyGvm5Jq7Xi9eqDAWIXOQ7ab9nFxmcnPVb9Yj1/s320/20240116_192754.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I didn't take many pictures this week. <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><span><br /></span></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last week was our monthly ladies meeting at church. We're continuing to study through the Lord's Prayer. This month we discussed the idea of daily bread. We also had a meal of soup and bread together. It's always a great time to connect and learn with these ladies. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="No photo description available." class="x85a59c x193iq5w x4fas0m x19kjcj4" data-visualcompletion="media-vc-image" height="496" src="https://scontent-bos5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/95824409_550972035610668_5223027720560050176_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=dd63ad&_nc_ohc=BArK4dbdF08AX8mgXI6&_nc_ht=scontent-bos5-1.xx&oh=00_AfB_2sXdmlOyVkwaflThCl6bJLy3V_MuhYtd3sbH7QU6FA&oe=65D737DF" width="397" /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom in parenting.</p><p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.</p><p>Wisdom for how to deal with a difficult person. <br /></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-6698677992030303762024-01-15T19:09:00.000-05:002024-01-15T19:10:07.950-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 1/15/24<p>Since today is MLK day our kids had the day off from school and no work for Matt. One of the art museums in the city was also having a free day for state residents so we headed into the city. The line was 3 sides around the Museum when we got there! We decided to walk about 1/2 mile over to a place I knew about for lunch; it's basically an upscale food court with many options. We had lunch and then headed back to see how the line was doing. It was still quite long but by God's grace we were able to get in and spent about 2 hours wandering around. I <b>love</b> art museums and there are pieces at this one I'm always excited to see. I definitely could have stayed longer but the younger girls were getting restless and since they have school tomorrow we decided to head home. It's been a fun, busy day but I have a quiet moment so I
thought I'd take a minute to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. I hope you all are having a great week and start to this new year.<br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's still cold. We went into the city today and walked around. It was cold but sunny so not too bad all in all as long as you kept moving. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Well, it's dark now but all the snow is gone from our yard; although I think we're supposed to get more tomorrow. We also now have tree branches and cut up tree trunk in our front yard that will have to be moved to near the fire pit for burning. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Taking a minute to sit and blog while I have a few minutes before putting the younger girls to bed. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Honestly, it's been a tough week in a few ways. I'm so thankful for how God works and am praying and striving to keep my focus on Him and his faithfulness. Speaking of faithfulness; I chose my word for 2024; you can read all about it in the post titled <a href="https://mamatomykids.blogspot.com/2024/01/word-of-year-2024.html">Word of the Year - 2024</a>. I hope you'll read it and if you have a word share it there. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">I listened to one by Tony Evans and part of one by American History Tellers.</span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Hoping to finally watch the Oppenheimer movie<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>We had leftovers <br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p>We're still working through the menu I wrote last week so some of the meals that we will have this week are:<br /></div><div> </div><br /><div>Taco Soup</div><div>Sweet Potato Bacon Chowder</div><div>20 Minute Moo Shu Chicken with pitas </div><div>Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Chicken Bake<br /></div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah (I'm about 1/2 way through and not that into it but I'll probably push through and finish it)<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spend day with Matt & Kids</span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p>Make Bread</div><div style="text-align: left;">Make a meal for a friend</div><div style="text-align: left;">Gathering Table (monthly women's group at church)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Finish shawlette<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></p></div><span style="font-size: small;"> I'm still working on the <a href="https://fiberfluxblog.com/2014/09/free-crochet-patternphilomena-shawlette.html">Philomena Crochet Shawlette</a> It is working up quickly and coming out nice so far; I'm hoping to finish it this week. <br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I didn't take many pictures this week. <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span><span><br /></span></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last week I was able to take a long walk with our oldest. He heads back to school on Friday so the extra time to just walk and talk was a real blessing. Another blessing was when our oldest girl called me the other night; she was super excited about some things and was excited to call me and chat about it. I'm so thankful for the closeness we have with our kiddos. I know that life stages will come and life will get busy but I'm treasuring these moments. It was also fun to spend the extra time today with our younger kids. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I always enjoy Warren Weirsbe's "BE" series. I recently purchased his study on Hebrews called "BE Confident: Live by Faith not by Sight". I'm looking forward to digging deep into this book. <br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Be Confident (Hebrews), Repackaged - By: Warren W. Wiersbe
" height="273" src="https://g.christianbook.com/dg/product/cbd/f400/767356.jpg" width="183" /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom in parenting</p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-11888603110042792002024-01-12T12:31:00.001-05:002024-01-12T12:31:26.326-05:00Word of the year - 2024<p style="text-align: left;">It's always fun for me to see how God leads each year. Last year I chose the word comfort, you can read about it in<a href="https://mamatomykids.blogspot.com/2023/01/word-of-year-2023.html"> this blog post</a>. As 2023 came to a close I was pondering which word I might choose for 2024. I have a letter board in our entryway and usually change up the verse each month with verses containing whatever my word is for that year. One way that I see if I've chosen the "right" word is if the first verse God brings to mind fits on that letter board; it's a little silly but has worked for me. </p><p style="text-align: left;">There were two words that I was considering for 2024 as they kept coming up over and over last year. One was healing/healed and the other was faithful. The verse that I was considering for healed was Jeremiah 17:14 "<span>Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise." as I was putting it on the letter board I realized I would not have enough of each letter to do the whole verse. As I thought about it more I realized that healing comes when we are faithful to God, when our focus is on Him and we trust Him in all our circumstances. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>Faithful is a word that God had already given me in 2023. So many times I want my circumstances to change, I want others to change, I want my own weaknesses and issues to go away. But God keeps reminding me that so much in life is not mine to carry. This blog post sharing the <a href="https://www.ucg.org/beyond-today/wagon-of-rocks">Wagon of Rocks</a> story was a huge encouragement to me regarding what I am and am not to carry. He has asked me to be faithful to Him, to trust Him, to keep my focus on Him. It's very easy for me to get distracted, to have my thoughts go awry but God has simply asked me to be faithful. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>So, this year I'm focusing on the word faithful. Right now the verse I have on the board is 2 Thessalonians 3:3. According to the lexicon, the original Greek word for faithful, used here, is pistos; meaning faithful, reliable. In this verse more specifically the idea is "trusty, faithful, of God, abiding by His promises"</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>Have you chosen a word for 2024? I love to see what God has laid on other's hearts so drop a comment and share.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil o… | Encouraging bible verses, Bible encouragement, Thessalonians" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/07/a1/b9/07a1b9732380b1ccb9f8814dedbb6f38.jpg" style="height: 374px; margin: 0px; max-width: 736px; width: 374px;" /></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-1156830619016414002024-01-08T12:03:00.000-05:002024-01-12T11:56:04.981-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 1/8/24<p>Happy New Year! It has been a busy two weeks with celebrating Christmas, ringing in the New Year and getting our oldest daughter headed back to college. I'm thankful for the slower pace and relaxed routines we were able to have; although school breaks are never long enough! We finally got some snow; almost a foot of it! So the kids have a snow day today while the city, schools and people dig out. I thought I'd take a minute to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. I hope you all are having a great week and start to this new year.<br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's cold here today, but very sunny. It's pretty to see the sun shining off the snow and the snow covered trees.<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Snowy & Sunny! I still need to clean off my car (again) from all the snow. Speaking of my car, yesterday we had 1/2 of our mulberry tree fall on top of my car! Thankfully there was very minimal damage and no one was outside when it happened. My car is older so I'm not even worried about the dent caused. </span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Taking a minute to sit and blog while bread dough is rising and laundry is finishing. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Many things! What needs to get done this week, how I need to trust God more, how to best honor God in a specific situation, whether or not God is calling me to a specific ministry and what that would look like.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">I listened to a couple by Kelly Minter over on her Cultivate podcast</span><span style="font-size: small;">. I love how God works; last year I read <i>Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, </i>after many weeks of not listening to a podcast I decided to listen to Kelly's podcast from last January about starting a new year. The teaching was from the story of Mary & Martha and was exactly what I needed to hear that day. </span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Hoping to finally watch the Oppenheimer movie<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Chicken Pot Pie. <br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p>I actually sat down this morning (first time in several weeks) and wrote up a menu.</div><div> </div><div>Spinach & Artichoke Pasta</div><div>Fish & Chips with carrot sticks & cucumber slices </div><div>Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas (filling served over brown rice)</div><div>Taco Soup</div><div>Big Mac in a Bowl</div><div>Sweet Potato Bacon Chowder</div><div>20 Minute Moo Shu Chicken with pitas </div><div>Pesto Parmesan Spaghetti Squash Chicken Bake<br /></div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm currently looking for my next book to read. <br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Bread (mostly done) ✓</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vacuum Main Floor ✓ (thanks to daughter doing this for me)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blog </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clean off Car & clean up driveway some <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p>Return some things to a lady we served with this weekend</div><div style="text-align: left;">Run Errands</div><div style="text-align: left;">Get together with friends Friday evening</div><div style="text-align: left;">Work on shawlette for Youth Group fundraiser (silent auction item)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Continue working on daughter's blanket<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></p></div><span style="font-size: small;">With all the holiday festivities I haven't had a lot of time for crafting. I did start crocheting a shawlette using this pattern for the <a href="https://fiberfluxblog.com/2014/09/free-crochet-patternphilomena-shawlette.html">Philomena Crochet Shawlette</a> It is working up quickly and coming out nice so far. <br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I don't have a<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>lot of pic<span style="font-size: small;">tures as I was focused on just enjoying the time with family but here are a few from the past couple weeks.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span> </span></span><b><span><span><br /></span></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KDZgbxmGZ5j4czytbY71KHU794DcTSNsDtdhs-DEHQWzV791kQCI5Dm2YR5Lmfx_gfqgIWWgZUX6pfeE-evKP4KKPDMQph3wLzU9R1EbNt5O-BZ508w4IhwfxtkUMDDfG6LI-8KlO_CKbAOTsOFqYnf27Unh3EH5y-kWWDrl_oBQMdtA97P5DgFXUnjC/s4000/20240107_113133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KDZgbxmGZ5j4czytbY71KHU794DcTSNsDtdhs-DEHQWzV791kQCI5Dm2YR5Lmfx_gfqgIWWgZUX6pfeE-evKP4KKPDMQph3wLzU9R1EbNt5O-BZ508w4IhwfxtkUMDDfG6LI-8KlO_CKbAOTsOFqYnf27Unh3EH5y-kWWDrl_oBQMdtA97P5DgFXUnjC/s320/20240107_113133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The kids had a lot of fun playing in the snow yesterday.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhox8jPiOKbHO6G0xCyJ9ndcRbq8fKcDMBxlSzn-nS4875Z1CKZUxAL2KIqjGugaoANsN8YnrC4CPUjvunmqocRpxdsDxlvebw-Q9M19O5IEwefrZlAr-UkhEJ2SHvdXANc1Q7pxSzzcPSu5wDVLq2Nfw0tjt6wauvcnSvuslcoSyb9ghAmXUXhR5ZXbEXk/s4000/20240105_194935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhox8jPiOKbHO6G0xCyJ9ndcRbq8fKcDMBxlSzn-nS4875Z1CKZUxAL2KIqjGugaoANsN8YnrC4CPUjvunmqocRpxdsDxlvebw-Q9M19O5IEwefrZlAr-UkhEJ2SHvdXANc1Q7pxSzzcPSu5wDVLq2Nfw0tjt6wauvcnSvuslcoSyb9ghAmXUXhR5ZXbEXk/s320/20240105_194935.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On Friday night we went to the city for a date night. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was pretty to see some of the Christmas decorations that were still up.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgNNhg_HSx-jMw4yUH2vNHLI0yEpEX9VKBC4laZT9Niisrfyi9QyP5czqsQfYhU0AdK-8OxnNTUhMqi_pxmOgKb6Slyt8aFqaFP-QaA5lGalIIFVAI686GaCwtIIPP75_CImpDqGRBRHA4O9rLCGshztxrlRTacgOwgnanGfrBp7DxT2T9Sm4JhX-ZS4c/s4000/20240104_194909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgNNhg_HSx-jMw4yUH2vNHLI0yEpEX9VKBC4laZT9Niisrfyi9QyP5czqsQfYhU0AdK-8OxnNTUhMqi_pxmOgKb6Slyt8aFqaFP-QaA5lGalIIFVAI686GaCwtIIPP75_CImpDqGRBRHA4O9rLCGshztxrlRTacgOwgnanGfrBp7DxT2T9Sm4JhX-ZS4c/s320/20240104_194909.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kayson likes being up high so this is his favorite </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">spot to hang out when we are in the basement.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">There have been many highlights over the past week. Celebrating Christmas with family and friends, the beautiful Christmas Eve services at church, extra family time & a more relaxed pace over vacation, getting to go on a fun date night and today having a snow day. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>There are days and weeks where I feel like I'm doing well with trusting God. Then there are other weeks where every day is a struggle and things that I thought I had left in His hands come barreling back and knock my faith to it's knees. The why's and other questions can be so discouraging. Recently I had been having one of those weeks; I was wrestling with God and fighting hard to not fall back into old habits and unhealthy coping mechanisms. I didn't really feel like listening to worship music but Spotify has a Release Radar list that they update with new songs from artists you've listened to, I listen to many different genres of music; however, since much of what I listen to is, in fact, worship music there are often new worship songs. I put the playlist on, half listened to the first song and then this song came on next. As the song played I started smiling and praying. Okay, God, I hear You. It's a great reminder to keep trusting, keep enduring, God <b>does </b>care He <b>does </b>see and He doesn't forget....Don't stop praying!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PXJNWuJvzsE" width="320" youtube-src-id="PXJNWuJvzsE"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom in parenting</p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-49725275537245856462023-12-18T16:38:00.003-05:002024-01-12T11:56:11.121-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 12/18/23<p>Another Monday! This month is flying by, I can't believe that Christmas is only a week away! Both our college kiddos are home and I *think* I'm done Christmas shopping. Tomorrow is a baking day and I'm hoping to finally watch a few Christmas movies this week. I'm thankful to be able to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. <br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>Rainy! It has been warm here (about 60 degrees!) but sooo rainy today. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">It's later in the day so the sun has set. It's still raining outside.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Blogging listening to the kids chatting. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">All the things to get done this week. Tonight will be the start of wrapping gifts.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">Haven't listened to any this week.</span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Not sure. Maybe a Christmas movie. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Broccoli, potato & cheddar soup. <br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p>Soup</div><div>Spinach Pie <br /></div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laundry ✓</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Errands ✓</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Start wrapping gifts <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep up with housework.</div>Wrap gifts</div><div style="text-align: left;">Make cookies</div><div style="text-align: left;">Awana & Youth Group Christmas parties</div><div style="text-align: left;">Prep & facilitate Gathering Table study (we're doing a study on the Lord's Prayer)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Continue decorating & preparing for Christmas<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm excited to share that I actually had time to craft this past week! I'm done the graphic part of my daughter's blanket (she chose the graphic); so now I just need to finish the background to make it the length of a blanket and then add a border.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLNSTIeGjFctQSHYE1RuMlheHR2DZDqAfDXs5otPJNDOV7cpWudWEs-IQXrMKFzoOze0Yp8mc8rxhfa-Fte_OnlhjV6biUZQG2v3VtBoF0sbHqBFCcTlPuztYxdM0EeNUQ-gz7H2KhACKm776yHGtr1YKznTNhyphenhyphen9ZqapwEkS6DfE33fE3rvvJpo54A_m1/s4000/20231215_085647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLNSTIeGjFctQSHYE1RuMlheHR2DZDqAfDXs5otPJNDOV7cpWudWEs-IQXrMKFzoOze0Yp8mc8rxhfa-Fte_OnlhjV6biUZQG2v3VtBoF0sbHqBFCcTlPuztYxdM0EeNUQ-gz7H2KhACKm776yHGtr1YKznTNhyphenhyphen9ZqapwEkS6DfE33fE3rvvJpo54A_m1/s320/20231215_085647.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I also was excited to repurpose some greenery. This swag used to have lights in it but when we plugged them in this year they were dead. The pinecones were also falling out. I went to the craft store but didn't find a good replacement; however, I did find this lovely bow. So, I came home, removed the lights, hot glued the pinecones back on and added the bow. I love how it came out.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a2CfT_LjB9ZSFvqqiZQUbN5RRYp0tcH8Zf0T5buQAZsETDqW07rEPbUAOI2tv75XlJ8ltmazG0mJ6k9NlAR-E2O4Z4TvE9LD-k24mYY0-OoTQ5zcwOIVeBW3vBgAUnyPwvzba0wB7PYzzmHXkSk5NHu-DAZrav_dtVBHc2tEke8BtbSmu0PdgUSh8Tsf/s4000/20231217_205003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0a2CfT_LjB9ZSFvqqiZQUbN5RRYp0tcH8Zf0T5buQAZsETDqW07rEPbUAOI2tv75XlJ8ltmazG0mJ6k9NlAR-E2O4Z4TvE9LD-k24mYY0-OoTQ5zcwOIVeBW3vBgAUnyPwvzba0wB7PYzzmHXkSk5NHu-DAZrav_dtVBHc2tEke8BtbSmu0PdgUSh8Tsf/s320/20231217_205003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">A picture from the middle school c<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">oncert. We were able</span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: small;">to see our girl walk in but unfortunately she was in the back on the other side of the stage. All the kids did a great job!<span style="color: #0b5394;"></span><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span> </span></span><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span><br /></span></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX3MJnAR5jIe0sXEUWfS1KhI3UX0SNMa7jOI7iPO-FhL6j0zhFCSsDTxoVDg3FL3yuWxdyNmfBVgIE7o6233h7OrBcNIc5t-n0Zc3K1WXs1wcgDkj31RIB7mHz6MyFc80cAo6y29EjZt_eYr17E2bveIhtcchkp4Z9_JkA0a2n1J20lcyNJfiUGixafuM/s4000/20231213_180532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWX3MJnAR5jIe0sXEUWfS1KhI3UX0SNMa7jOI7iPO-FhL6j0zhFCSsDTxoVDg3FL3yuWxdyNmfBVgIE7o6233h7OrBcNIc5t-n0Zc3K1WXs1wcgDkj31RIB7mHz6MyFc80cAo6y29EjZt_eYr17E2bveIhtcchkp4Z9_JkA0a2n1J20lcyNJfiUGixafuM/s320/20231213_180532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">It is great to have our older two home. Our oldest and youngest have always had a very special bond. She is very happy to have him home for a few week.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWowi0aMHeaO77nzbobw8-1UdS34Dtj2ll5pcbISTey1BmcjTIZ2we-Yy1b0SkQiUcnsu3DgtBGONMymAxINoXUTlYX3SoIilOepEdSbOlI4rtmrQCH4fONJKOp5voclYtzF4t7GGc0ufx6lH5jAIKXQyOPWIY8sMD2TD4ejFIj01-52hokCvcMSGeST-/s4000/20231215_194257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWowi0aMHeaO77nzbobw8-1UdS34Dtj2ll5pcbISTey1BmcjTIZ2we-Yy1b0SkQiUcnsu3DgtBGONMymAxINoXUTlYX3SoIilOepEdSbOlI4rtmrQCH4fONJKOp5voclYtzF4t7GGc0ufx6lH5jAIKXQyOPWIY8sMD2TD4ejFIj01-52hokCvcMSGeST-/s320/20231215_194257.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">So many highlights; from watching our girl perform her first concert playing the trombone, to our oldest two coming home for Christmas, to helping with a School Festival and book fair. It was a full, fun week. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I recently saw a video of Times Square where Silent night was broadcast and the true story of Christmas was shared. Many people, who said they were believers, were complaining about who sponsored the event. As I watched the video I was reminded of Paul's words in Philippians. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Preaching Christ. Philippians 1: But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance. - ppt download" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" height="218" src="https://images.slideplayer.com/19/5815482/slides/slide_3.jpg" style="height: 374px; margin: 0px; max-width: 1058px; width: 499px;" width="291" /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is the video: <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/INse1lhgZGA" width="320" youtube-src-id="INse1lhgZGA"></iframe></div><br /> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I probably will not post on a Monday until after the New Year so I'd like to wish you all a </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!</span><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.</p><p>Wisdom in parenting</p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-64827758814026513012023-12-11T12:08:00.001-05:002024-01-12T11:56:17.051-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 12/11/23<p>Happy Monday! Getting a slow start this morning but I'm thankful to be able to join in this
week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. <br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>Cold
& cloudy. Hoping for some sun later this afternoon; but definitely makes it hard to get moving with such a cloudy morning.<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Cloudy
and still wet from the rain yesterday. Almost all the leaves are off the trees now so looking a bit bare out there.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Blogging and contemplating what to do next. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">What I need to get done today. How much Christmas decorating I want to do; we got our Christmas tree yesterday and will be decorating that this evening. Figuring out how many bins of decorations to bring down from the attic.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">Haven't listened to any this week.</span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Not sure. Maybe a Christmas movie. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Chili is in the crockpot. <br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p>I went grocery shopping but need to figure out an actual menu for this
week. We have some busy evenings so probably will have a few crockpot
meals. </div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finish Laundry </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clean Bathrooms ✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pay some bills</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Decorate Christmas Tree <br /></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep up with housework.</div>School Band Concert<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Help with School Festival</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pick up two oldest from airport (two different days)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Continue decorating & preparing for Christmas<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm
still slowly working on my daughter's blanket but haven't had much time
for crafting lately. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;">In January we tragically lost our cat Bennett; we have taken most of the year to let the kids grieve and have a break from having a pet. However, over the past month or so we've decided that it was time to start looking for another cat. We were specifically looking for a longhair cat, preferably male. This little guy popped up on our local SPCA website; we went in the next day and brought him home. He's adjusting well and the kids are thrilled to have another cat to love on. As you can see the noise of the house doesn't bother him at all and he likes being around all of us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrqV4uiVc8AkncOnYaJytDjUS2GCFAITG-R5mTQ3JP9seVmX8nFxNdj1ZGqSv3t2bF35rwVStd6VDZIfCouRlqrDiRyf0fG3I9aZYlHUkXjjbzwJQgFLZSefzxAMJVW6Oj1JH-HTNhIMV3yWSBaonwveug4pqAWY_SxNcSxcNPtDtzP7yVk-Zgb1IAxjC/s1470/20231203_174722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="1470" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrqV4uiVc8AkncOnYaJytDjUS2GCFAITG-R5mTQ3JP9seVmX8nFxNdj1ZGqSv3t2bF35rwVStd6VDZIfCouRlqrDiRyf0fG3I9aZYlHUkXjjbzwJQgFLZSefzxAMJVW6Oj1JH-HTNhIMV3yWSBaonwveug4pqAWY_SxNcSxcNPtDtzP7yVk-Zgb1IAxjC/s320/20231203_174722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6eJTM9tzPfc_9ZOpBbRq9fT-3bPKvuqppMPcqANz-mMwMVwCKoVPLHOP4dTKUhNjfXGQ55_BMnpC8mGAmRnG1PbHBwrxhyI1SwkJBnL_WUbHNvzo4ceIMofoWMaNzf12KN07pnfWOPaWN9bpvRc9304AkRlCjArgIwSrUUu19QgndM9Y36lOZHxOYKzJ/s4000/20231206_170728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6eJTM9tzPfc_9ZOpBbRq9fT-3bPKvuqppMPcqANz-mMwMVwCKoVPLHOP4dTKUhNjfXGQ55_BMnpC8mGAmRnG1PbHBwrxhyI1SwkJBnL_WUbHNvzo4ceIMofoWMaNzf12KN07pnfWOPaWN9bpvRc9304AkRlCjArgIwSrUUu19QgndM9Y36lOZHxOYKzJ/s320/20231206_170728.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Getting a new cat was definitely a highlight. The kids love having him here. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3f/4a/dd/3f4add1d711d89dbe7ca29d971ed6468.jpg" height="285" src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3f/4a/dd/3f4add1d711d89dbe7ca29d971ed6468.jpg" width="428" /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">Loving people can be <b>hard</b>! I recently chatted with a friend who shared how that they had been very hurt by a church they were atttending. It's hard to keep loving other believers, those who should "know better" when we have been so deeply hurt. As I read these verses today I was reminded how that our focus, and where we place our hope, is foundational to being able to keep loving others even when we are hurt. We have a heavenly hope, a treasure stored up for us in heaven, a Gospel Truth that can never be changed. We must keep our focus on these things, keep our faith in God only, and keep loving as He loves. <br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.</p><p>Wisdom in parenting</p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-63377889051772567052023-12-04T12:25:00.000-05:002024-01-12T11:56:24.345-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 12/4/23<p>Welcome December! I'm slowly gathering things for Christmas but definitely not ready yet. I'm thankful to be able to join in this week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. <br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>Cold & cloudy. It' supposed to be pretty chilly all week. I'm not a huge fan of snow but I love to have some for Christmas so it would be nice if we got some in the next couple weeks. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Cloudy and still wet from the rain yesterday. Our neighbors across the street have their house all decorated so it's pretty to see their Christmas lights at night.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Blogging and enjoying a quiet moment after a very hectic couple of weeks. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">What I need to get done today. Whether to cook for dinner or just have leftovers.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">Haven't listened to any this week; although a friend recently recommended the podcast called <i>History that Doesn't Suck </i>so I'm hoping to check that one out soon.</span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Not sure. Maybe a Christmas movie. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Not sure yet; either something quick or leftover chicken pot pie.<br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p>Beef & Barley Soup <br /></div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finish Laundry </span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Errands ✓</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Write note to prayer partner & compassion child & mail them. ✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep up with housework.</div>Parent-Teacher Conferences</div><div style="text-align: left;">Help with Scholastic book fair</div><div style="text-align: left;">Continue decorating & preparing for Christmas<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm still slowly working on my daughter's blanket but haven't had much time for crafting lately. I may make some mug shaped gift card holders (including a gift card of course) as teacher gifts but we'll have to see how the week goes. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;">My husband and I were blessed to get away with friends for a few days. While we did have some pretty significant bumps along the way, God blessed and provided and we were able to enjoy the time away and connecting with friends. When we got home I had to replace my phone and in doing that I lost several of the pictures I took. I'm hoping they are on the memory card from the old phone so I'll have my husband check that this week. This is one of the only pictures that I still have on my phone. <span style="font-size: small;">We were able to have a special dinner at a rooftop restaurant. After eating dinner we were encouraged to go out on the balcony to watch
fireworks. It was such a fun way to spend and evening. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTLrGapxszHPsxT4VKio4mQe4YtA4h_0mdJdzXAMEISqDtqYEnra3niHwYnbUoo01klLXuOkF8-ru3519BYE584UK1If_I3R0hrbG7nMyczZ8gGecml5rvA6WwhvJKsstQCAEJFu7GmlWWVLM_KaqT33ghfNxGL42d9HGm4OTXzVMlTun6RQJd34Uv7ei/s4032/20231125_200312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTLrGapxszHPsxT4VKio4mQe4YtA4h_0mdJdzXAMEISqDtqYEnra3niHwYnbUoo01klLXuOkF8-ru3519BYE584UK1If_I3R0hrbG7nMyczZ8gGecml5rvA6WwhvJKsstQCAEJFu7GmlWWVLM_KaqT33ghfNxGL42d9HGm4OTXzVMlTun6RQJd34Uv7ei/s320/20231125_200312.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><br /> </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were several highlights from last week. Seeing God provide in very special ways was definitely at the top. The second would be the wonderful candlelight processional we watched. The music, the Scripture and the venue were all beautiful. I had pictures of this but alas, they aren't on my new phone.<br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I recently saw a quote that said something to the effect of </p><p>"When we are feeling lonely or overlooked it is often a sign that we have put someone else in the place of Jesus." </p><p>It was a great reminder that we are to find our ALL in Jesus and He promises to never leave us or forsake us. He is El Roi; the God who sees us. We are never left alone or overlooked by Him. Others may hurt or disappoint us but God is faithful to His promises and we can trust fully in His presence and love.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.</p><p>Wisdom in parenting</p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-87545274023237940672023-11-20T13:28:00.000-05:002024-01-12T11:56:30.863-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 11/20/23<p>Taking a quick minute to join in this week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. <br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>Cold & sunny. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Lots of sunshine, a few leaves still on the trees.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Blogging and waiting for the oven to preheat. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">What I need to make for Thanksgiving dinner (not hosting but bringing some dishes). I also need to make a packing list as my husband and I will be away with friends for a few days in the coming weeks.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">Haven't listened to any this week. </span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Not sure. Maybe a Studio Ghibli movie or two since our 15yr old is really into those lately. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Chicken and Rice Soup<br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p>Soup</div><div>Swedish meatballs</div><div>Chicken pot pie?</div><div>Thanksgiving dinner <br /></div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Words we Whisper; haven't gotten very far into this so we'll see how it goes. <br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finish Laundry </span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Errands ✓</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make Bread✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Write note to prayer partner & oldest son & mail them. ✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep up with housework.</div>Thanksgiving Eve Service</div><div style="text-align: left;">Celebrate Thanksgiving w/family</div><div style="text-align: left;">Take daughter to airport (returning to college after Thanksgiving break)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pack for trip<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">I promised pictures of the giant lollipops I was making so here is that picture and also a couple of the parade float. I was hoping to walk in the parade with our youngest two but with iffy weather and a family member needing help last minute, the logistics for walking didn't work out. It was still fun to help decorate the float. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH06862y0dWjzpH93pMN_AEMGhNrkeD-banLDLrF2L67mWQoEtC2i4CqiSXnW1bZGItsMzZJ0SYPQNir3mSL-4Mhu_rg63vnh6xJkdnjX_JIUv9ydqmF4_4-xBw5FNmpQVIjnpfUfbeD_TynVpUBHGYFR16_7JSHnaJwTDhxV0J8U7ql8ylJvwn8wNIro/s3114/20231113_143037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3114" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH06862y0dWjzpH93pMN_AEMGhNrkeD-banLDLrF2L67mWQoEtC2i4CqiSXnW1bZGItsMzZJ0SYPQNir3mSL-4Mhu_rg63vnh6xJkdnjX_JIUv9ydqmF4_4-xBw5FNmpQVIjnpfUfbeD_TynVpUBHGYFR16_7JSHnaJwTDhxV0J8U7ql8ylJvwn8wNIro/s320/20231113_143037.jpg" width="201" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7wly5XHBfLUovBBcsY8xI26AVyBaqy5KEXAISai9BadQInH14L7BoneZxxKeL1iPx2yw2M2arREOQlZ635uQUn90PXL9aA-YDWrF8qpSzmLsOqokFHlM9YaC2RZP73_Vjh73-GcMSyk3OEtQ0oGV3xXcNBfNZJrcJm8Q4ILyr1VCzQSXk27dbM8HkiV2/s4032/20231117_202718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7wly5XHBfLUovBBcsY8xI26AVyBaqy5KEXAISai9BadQInH14L7BoneZxxKeL1iPx2yw2M2arREOQlZ635uQUn90PXL9aA-YDWrF8qpSzmLsOqokFHlM9YaC2RZP73_Vjh73-GcMSyk3OEtQ0oGV3xXcNBfNZJrcJm8Q4ILyr1VCzQSXk27dbM8HkiV2/s320/20231117_202718.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXaCTf3AmggrRMr28JGoUfLHhjQWiWAVFIYAAYoumFpt3rVfNpuUS3rYU0_hLm_Y3c7N9s90la_06733GAspdFx2kGBXVhLraYEeFdxgAoqr1GpAw-t9C-w6OBmci-jH9dLx2AJpRkWJWEBGZUI3PCr5YjbZMK4aIlIh8zSNFJMwfKyfoWianZuKLdMrg/s4032/20231117_203138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXaCTf3AmggrRMr28JGoUfLHhjQWiWAVFIYAAYoumFpt3rVfNpuUS3rYU0_hLm_Y3c7N9s90la_06733GAspdFx2kGBXVhLraYEeFdxgAoqr1GpAw-t9C-w6OBmci-jH9dLx2AJpRkWJWEBGZUI3PCr5YjbZMK4aIlIh8zSNFJMwfKyfoWianZuKLdMrg/s320/20231117_203138.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;">Just the ones from above. <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
highlight from last week was definitely our oldest coming in Saturday night for a visit. It's great to have her home for a few days. Another highlight was celebrating Friendsgiving with the ladies group at church. We are currently going through a study on the Lord's Prayer and the time together was so sweet and encouraging..with yummy food too!<br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="How Do We Fare? And after some days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return now and visit the brethren in every city wherein we proclaimed the word of the. - ppt" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" height="323" src="https://slideplayer.com/slide/6394999/22/images/18/Galatians+1%3A22-24.jpg" style="height: 403px; margin: 0px; max-width: 960px; width: 537px;" width="430" /></div><p>These few verses really stood out to me this week. People had heard of the work God had done in Paul's life and they glorified God. Am I living my life so that if people were to hear about God working in my life they would glorify Him? Is my life one that always, only points others to glorify God and not seeking my own glory? <br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Safe travels over the next several weeks as many family & friends are traveling.</p><p>Wisdom in parenting</p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-15999675229503685022023-11-16T14:07:00.000-05:002024-01-12T11:57:27.953-05:00Thankful Thursday: Countdown to Thanksgiving<p>Seems hard to believe that next Thursday is Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for this month; where many take a more focused look at gratitude. It's easy to focus on what is wrong with this fallen world but oh! the gift of focusing on the goodness of God! How that even in such a fallen world His faithfulness, goodness, and grace are on full display. </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bringing More Than Enough - ppt download" aria-hidden="false" class="sFlh5c pT0Scc iPVvYb" height="294" src="https://slideplayer.com/slide/17294832/100/images/3/Yet+he+did+not+leave+himself+without+witness%2C+for+he+did+good+by+giving+you+rains+from+heaven+and+fruitful+seasons%2C+satisfying+your+hearts+with+food+and+gladness.+%28Acts+14%3A17%29.jpg" style="height: 374px; margin: 0px; max-width: 1024px; width: 499px;" width="392" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> There is SO much for us to be grateful for. So here is my list of things I'm thankful for this week:</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>- I'm thankful for walks & talks with good friends who encourage, pray for and walk life with me.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>- I'm thankful for the energy & time to get tasks done ahead of "schedule".</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>- I'm thankful for Scripture; God's Word to us! That it is always relevant, fresh and living.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>- I'm thankful for God's patience and understanding with me. His timing of giving just what I need when I need it.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>- I'm thankful for talks with my kids, including those unexpected calls from our oldest two as they navigate college and see God working.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><span> </span>- I'm thankful for "car concerts" with my girls! And for new songs shared with me by my kiddos.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The song below was shared with me last night by one of my daughters. I love the message & the sound of this song. The reminder to "put it down" and trust Jesus. Take a minute to listen; I pray you will be blessed and encouraged.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cTYeFipk82M" width="320" youtube-src-id="cTYeFipk82M"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">What are you especially thankful for this week?<br /></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-89671698181557143592023-11-13T13:30:00.000-05:002024-01-12T11:56:40.631-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 11/13/23<p>I almost didn't sit down to blog but the thought of just sitting down and doing something routine was actual a comfort today. Some days are just harder and a Monday after a long weekend seems to be one of them. It's hard (but a necessity) to be reminded over and over that while we, as mamas, can control a lot of things there are certain things we will never be able to control. Resting today in the truth that God does really have all of us. </p><p> I'm happy to say that last week I did get to writing up a schedule for the next two months. So, it's broken down by each week and what needs to be accomplished each week. It's doesn't seem <i>quite</i> so overwhelming to have it all written out. So with that said, I <i>am</i> happy to again
be joining in this week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. <br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's
chilly here with a mix of sun & clouds. This morning it was 25F when I took the youngest out to the bus stop. Brrr...<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">It's sunny right now with lots of blue sky.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Blogging and enjoying the quiet. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">If I will finish the decorations for the PTO parade float today or tomorrow. I'm helping make some giant lollipop decorations. Also deciding what days I'll do other tasks since I have an appt in the city this week and other things that will take up some extra time. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Haven't listened to any this week. </span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Not sure. Maybe a Studio Ghibli movie or two since our 15yr old is really into those lately. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Roasted Pork Loin, Rice & some veggie<br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p>Not sure, might just make extra of meals I'm prepping and freezing.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">The Echo of Old Books <br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finish Laundry </span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Work on float decorations</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Shop for new coat ✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Write note to prayer partner ✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep up with housework.</div>Appt in the city</div><div style="text-align: left;">Walk with a friend</div><div style="text-align: left;">Gathering Table (ladies group at church) Friendsgiving </div><div style="text-align: left;">Start Prepping meals</div><div style="text-align: left;">Help decorate float</div><div style="text-align: left;">Pick up oldest daughter from airport (Thanksgiving break)! <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">Mak</span><span>ing some giant lollipop decorations for a parade float. Not sure I'll get to much other crafting </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <br /></span><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;">So, I checked to see if I'd taken any photos this week and I haven't. <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The highlight from last week was that the kids had two days off from school. Tuesday was election day and Friday they had off for Veteran's Day. We didn't do really anything special but it is always nice to have some more relaxing days. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>This morning as I was reading through Acts chapter 7 I noticed verses 24-25. Stephen is retelling the events of the Old Testament and showing how all of it was pointing to Christ. In verse 24-25 he is speaking about Moses. Moses had killed an Egyptian and it says "He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand." Moses thought that they would see him as their great savior; how wonderful it was that <i>he, </i>Moses, would stand up for them. But God's plan was to glorify Himself & show He was their True Savior...not Moses.</p><p>So often we try to control things and "help" how we think things should go; but God's timing and ways are <i>always</i> best. His purposes <b>will </b>be fulfilled but it rarely, if ever, looks like how <i>we</i> think it should go or in the timing <i>we</i> think is best. </p><p>It was such a great reminder to me, especially on this harder morning, that I don't have to figure everything out, that it's not my job to fix everything for everyone. My job is to <b>pray</b>, serve as God leads and to leave it all in <b>His</b> more than capable hands. <br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Safe travels as oldest girl flies home.</p><p>Wisdom in parenting</p><p>Peace & the willingness to let go of things that are not mine to carry.<br /></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-35946114623863965522023-11-09T13:41:00.000-05:002024-01-12T11:57:21.764-05:00Thankful Thursday: Countdown to Thanksgiving<p> It is getting <b>bu-sy</b> around here! So, I'm especially thankful for a quiet minute to sit and blog. Earlier this week I wrote up a schedule for the next two months and posted it on the fridge. It's broken down by week and the things I need to do each week. Getting things down on paper helps me to put into perspective just how much I need to do (which often feels much less overwhelming once I'm not trying to mentally keep everything straight) and also to feel the accomplishment of checking things off the list. So, in honor of that thinking here is a list of things I'm thankful for this week.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="thankful verses" height="376" src="https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/thankfulverses-1595429338.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*" title="thankful verses" width="258" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image from Country Living Magazine</span><br /></p><p>1) For God's patience and faithfulness! That as I learn and grown He's always there and shows me clear reminders that He's listening and He really does understand and will provide just what I need..when I need it! His grace and timing are perfect!</p><p>2) For godly friends to "do life" with. Such an encouragement and so much fun to have them in our lives.</p><p>3) For cozy homes on cold days.</p><p>4) For the simple things like fun new recipes and cozy books.</p><p>5) For new songs that encourage. I love this song as it combines Scripture truth, an old hymn and new sound.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/taLDKHfpHsE" width="320" youtube-src-id="taLDKHfpHsE"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-74340028225216276382023-11-06T11:16:00.000-05:002024-01-12T11:56:50.313-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 11/6/23<p>Eeekk, it's November already! The next two months are very busy but with a lot of joyful moments planned. Yesterday I was telling a friend that I've reached that time in the year where I really need to focus on just one week at a time so that I can keep everything organized. Some of that weekly focus is on preparing for later things but I find it helps for me to break those bigger plans/tasks into smaller ones and prep a bit each week. So I'm taking a few minutes to blog and then will jump in to the task of breaking up those bigger plans. Happy to again be joining in this week's
Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. <br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>It's chilly here with a mix of sun & clouds. The highs this week are only supposed to be in the 40's to low 50's so definitely feeling more late fall now. The time change and earlier sunsets are also giving that late fall/winter vibe. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Many of the leaves have dropped so the trees are looking a bit bare now.</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Blogging and enjoying the quiet while I wait for laundry to finish. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">How to break up bigger tasks over the next few weeks.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Haven't listened to any this week. </span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Probably will finish the mini series All The Light We Cannot See. I read the book a few years back and have been enjoying the Netflix mini series based on the book. Highly recommend this book!<br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Leftovers<br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p>Don't have all the meals figured out but so far:</div><div>Chicken Pot Pie</div><div>Chicken Parm</div><div>Meatball Sub on a Stick <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">A Slave No More (getting back to this one) <br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finish Laundry </span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Sketch out the week and hopefully next few weeks</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finish planning meals to prep for later in the month<br /></span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep up with housework.</div>Vote in local elections.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Dentist visit</div><div style="text-align: left;">Enjoy extra time with kids on their days off (for voting & veterans day)</div><div style="text-align: left;">Continue working on daughter's blanket <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">So last week my husband and I built a plant shelf. We had seen a similar design on Etsy and decided to recreate it for our dining room window. I really love how the floor is clear and how cozy this corner looks. The shelves swing out so we can still open/close the window and clean it when needed.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnD1DjADlg3F6mWFGxVLhrKMVPjvPmyahRIx-093C8LqzPHHJ6PyvRDp9kE7Mi2ssj0Vx4WHpC5AQZcEJ_CmnNRHXTkveL7UqfjqjiEMGkafDmJbp8g52FbKJCcNe3Gb4jQxgz5Cbg2KgzwjR89HRoljyK5RPOolfxQ_OX5mLy7iI8Anmg8SQ2nmiqV1Li/s4032/20231031_124153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnD1DjADlg3F6mWFGxVLhrKMVPjvPmyahRIx-093C8LqzPHHJ6PyvRDp9kE7Mi2ssj0Vx4WHpC5AQZcEJ_CmnNRHXTkveL7UqfjqjiEMGkafDmJbp8g52FbKJCcNe3Gb4jQxgz5Cbg2KgzwjR89HRoljyK5RPOolfxQ_OX5mLy7iI8Anmg8SQ2nmiqV1Li/s320/20231031_124153.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Daytime photo<br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4BYqxismbMJl2GM4VuLdGTDQ_MLMUFcB2BDxcTBP6uQBOyWndYfATuPExbMviozkdqMmg-sxC8fRoIQYwu5_Tg5ecydTdiU34KYMwIsPNVDXQx5qaqIE2YThVqzHxXaormE8obkq3eeL5YdFpD19Hw07k6SWO7niUAW4em54aLLaxYAPg4Z0h6NuUUzR/s4032/20231030_193440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4BYqxismbMJl2GM4VuLdGTDQ_MLMUFcB2BDxcTBP6uQBOyWndYfATuPExbMviozkdqMmg-sxC8fRoIQYwu5_Tg5ecydTdiU34KYMwIsPNVDXQx5qaqIE2YThVqzHxXaormE8obkq3eeL5YdFpD19Hw07k6SWO7niUAW4em54aLLaxYAPg4Z0h6NuUUzR/s320/20231030_193440.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Nighttime photo (I love how cozy this corner looks)<br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was also able to work on the graphgan for my daughter. So all in all a productive week for crafting.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;">'Tis the season for baking. Last week at Awana the younger kids (Sparks) decorated pumpkins. Our youngest came home and asked me to roast the pumpkin so we could make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. Here she is helping to put the dough on the cookie sheets. <br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdbu5VRxpBsi4Jro3hWMmuihXcNFDcDCy4bgdUmZaQwbdbj5BZIsojjGKdXSXwYiLELMLiw4hfew9GJTqIPuvKizocZnJDDuSXIAuPkMZl7LZWHoKDIHzlI9FOtCLtj-CwfoBSsFpyBVPqnpgYTsd019rkWoSKkW7S2jFS15gqj4TSMOX_9My9D6HKKdx/s4032/20231103_161920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdbu5VRxpBsi4Jro3hWMmuihXcNFDcDCy4bgdUmZaQwbdbj5BZIsojjGKdXSXwYiLELMLiw4hfew9GJTqIPuvKizocZnJDDuSXIAuPkMZl7LZWHoKDIHzlI9FOtCLtj-CwfoBSsFpyBVPqnpgYTsd019rkWoSKkW7S2jFS15gqj4TSMOX_9My9D6HKKdx/s320/20231103_161920.jpg" width="156" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This past week was quite full. From the regular events like, Awana & Youth group, to a PTO meeting, dentist appointments, a church workday, a concert date night, hosting friends for Sunday lunch and an unexpected video call from our oldest girl. There were many highlights and I'm so thankful for each of them. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>In the read through the Bible in a year plan that I am using this year; we read John 13 the other day. This passage has become one that I return to over and over for both encouragement and admonishment. The example Jesus gives of washing feet is rooted in the fact that He is fully grounded in Who He is, Who sent Him, what His purpose is and where He is going. Such a great reminder to keep our focus on God so that we are willing and able to love and serve as He directs.</p><p>I posted more on this passage a few years ago in a blog post titled <a href="https://mamatomykids.blogspot.com/2020/05/thoughts-on-john-13.html">Thoughts on John 13</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill.</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p><p>Wisdom for parenting.</p><p>Wisdom in scheduling and preparing for these busy next few months. <br /></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-38405754593892011912023-11-02T11:08:00.003-04:002024-01-12T11:57:17.165-05:00Thankful Thursday: Countdown to Thanksgiving<p>Yesterday I was thinking how I wanted to do some sort of blog series to focus on gratitude this month. At first I thought I'd like to post each day but realistically that just isn't going to happen. So I'm planning to post each Thursday. So today I'm sharing a verse that I found encouraging and a new-to-me song that was a great reminder and encouragement to me this week. I'm so very thankful for how God brings specific truths into every situation we face and at just the right time. Extend grace, increase thankfulness, glorify God! It is ALL for His sake! Focus on God!<br /></p><p>The graphic at the bottom is something funny I saw on Instagram. Wouldn't it be great to always skip over the panic part...definitely a work in progress in my life. </p><p> What are you thankful for today? <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n-uWik8SYMZ91H0H5Pqdgw9f30Q0RFtSqx4dAixjKsZfCRDHmcZqWRBkQn8-Ed5N3whDCfCH9p9ZDBTcNPEgji4OR3nvWu3JvAgXZPnBETPtEgF0drJQshLFVO2V6GIjU-pwKk5Bvpbk3FYi0mkPziTz_PyjPI6HjJ1zumIjJD1py0Zmf2DHVGXGnpuM/s1080/2-Cor-4-15.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5n-uWik8SYMZ91H0H5Pqdgw9f30Q0RFtSqx4dAixjKsZfCRDHmcZqWRBkQn8-Ed5N3whDCfCH9p9ZDBTcNPEgji4OR3nvWu3JvAgXZPnBETPtEgF0drJQshLFVO2V6GIjU-pwKk5Bvpbk3FYi0mkPziTz_PyjPI6HjJ1zumIjJD1py0Zmf2DHVGXGnpuM/s320/2-Cor-4-15.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-WXi3lGYA6E" width="320" youtube-src-id="-WXi3lGYA6E"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig25HxkgS4z8wdvrP_D1Fb2kdlocy2wiKtHJrNMjv46pwLW7wPx3UagJbjNlFyotbELXIjX3AjZoyHaRX9ZOwcJgVWC8LrPjCbKoy8mQPzGflhXIp96H32GUJiRmDij5mcH_GfaXa_y0WuVnj9cPZkiX6KJ9x10vzqKiYu2kVg9hRFhYO-p72Mh7kS3pDZ/s968/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-02%20at%2011.03.19%20AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="968" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig25HxkgS4z8wdvrP_D1Fb2kdlocy2wiKtHJrNMjv46pwLW7wPx3UagJbjNlFyotbELXIjX3AjZoyHaRX9ZOwcJgVWC8LrPjCbKoy8mQPzGflhXIp96H32GUJiRmDij5mcH_GfaXa_y0WuVnj9cPZkiX6KJ9x10vzqKiYu2kVg9hRFhYO-p72Mh7kS3pDZ/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-11-02%20at%2011.03.19%20AM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-87131956614030114152023-10-30T14:21:00.002-04:002024-01-12T11:56:59.488-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 10/30/23<p>Well, wasn't sure I'd be getting this blog post up today but I do have a few minutes so here it is. I woke up in the night with a migraine (hasn't happened in a very long time). I'm thankful that I was able to rest after the kids were off to school and am feeling better now; still not 100% but much better. Happy to again be joining in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. <br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>Very wet and rainy today. The weather has been a bit crazy here with temps in the 80's on Saturday and in the 40's today. Supposed to stay cool and wet for the rest of the week. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;">Wet, wet, wet. Although the fire bushes in our yard have turned so they are bright red, which is pretty against the wet green. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Blogging. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">What to do for dinners the rest of the week. Thankful for God's promise to provide the wisdom we need each day and the importance of keeping our focus on one day at a time.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">Haven't listened to any this week. </span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Not sure.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Chicken and Green bean stir fry with rice.<br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p>Not sure yet; I didn't make the Swedish Meatballs w/egg noodles and veggies last week so that will be one meal. <br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">A Slave No More (getting back to this one) <br /></div></div><div>Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by JoAnna Weaver<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finish Laundry </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">List some dresses on Ebay ✓</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pay some bills <br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep up with housework.</div>Spend some time with friends. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
want to finish up a hook board that I started some time ago. I'm hoping
to hang it in the kitchen for aprons (still haven't done this). I
started the graphgan for my daughter but haven't had much time to work
on it. Still these; I'm thinking I need to give myself "permission" to actually schedule time for working on these. (Yes, same as last week. Although we did start another project that is almost done)<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't really take any pictures in the last week. There were a couple times that I specifically chose to just be in the moment and not take pictures. <span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Celebrated a family birthday by taking a day trip to a favorite bike path. The kids rode bikes while the adults walked. It was a beautiful day of fresh air, 80 degree temps, picnic, playground and laughs. <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I thought it would be nice to share a song this week, so here is one of my favorites:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pH7_SoveFQ8" width="320" youtube-src-id="pH7_SoveFQ8"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p>Wisdom for parenting.Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-35234267948694068932023-10-23T12:10:00.002-04:002024-01-12T11:57:04.569-05:00Happy Homemaker Monday 10/23/23<p>Two weeks in a row! Happy to again be joining in this week's Happy Homemaker Monday with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Diary of a Stay At Home Mom</a>. <br /></p><div><p><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The Weather:</b></span></p><p>Sunny today! A bit chilly but that's expected for it being almost November. The rest of the week is supposed to be in the 70's which is unseasonably warm here. <br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outside my Window:</span></b></span></p>The leaves have really started changing this last week so it's very colorful outside. Earlier we had a blue jay land on the outside of one of our windows, so that was a fun way to start the morning.<br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Right Now I am:</span></b></span></p><p>Blogging, relaxing a bit before tackling the rest of the housework. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thinking and Pondering: </span></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;">Whether or not it's too late to decorate for fall</span><span style="font-size: small;">. It's been so busy and time has gone by so fast that the only decorating I've done is adding a fall/apple placemat to the table with a fall candle; and filled a bowl with some fall decorations from Target. Also, really praying for wisdom this week to use my time wisely. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>I often blog something and then second guess it because I'm not an expert in really anything but I do like to share what I'm learning because so much of life is a process. I may look back someday and cringe at things but that's also an encouragement because I can see the growth. This is often how I feel about marriage; God has taught me so many things (that I often still forget 😌) and I know I still have a long way to go. I'm thankful that I had time last week to blog about some of these things in the post on <a href="https://mamatomykids.blogspot.com/2023/10/seasons-of-marriage-best-advice-i-have.html">Seasons of Marriage</a></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Podcasts I'm listening to this week:</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">I listened to one by Tony Evans this morning on Moving Mountains and the importance of examining our hearts before God for any sin that might be causing other issues/symptoms (physical, mental, emotional) in our lives. </span><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my T.V this week:</span></b></span></p><p>Not sure.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Dinner Plate:</span></b></span></p>Sweet Potato, Bacon Chowder - seems like Mondays are for sweet potato soups since I made one last Monday as well. I chose this for tonight since it's the coolest day this week and I have a very busy afternoon.<br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On the Menu this week:</span></b></span></p>J<a href="https://katu.com/amp/amnw/am-northwest-cooking-recipes/christopher-kimballs-milk-street-jerusalem-style-mixed-grill-chicken">erusalem-Style Mixed Grill</a> w/mango on the side</div><div>Ground Beef & Vegetable Stew</div><div>Swedish Meatballs w/egg noodles and veggies<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Reading:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Bible</div><div style="text-align: left;">A Slave No More (getting back to this one) <br /></div></div><div>Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by JoAnna Weaver<br /><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">On my To-Do list today:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finish Laundry </span></div><span style="font-size: small;">Help at school this afternoon for PTO</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pick up kid after they're done with an afterschool Club</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pick up from weekend ✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Make needed phone calls ✓<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Plans for this week:</span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;">Keep up with housework.</div>Work on blanket</div><div style="text-align: left;">Help with PTO things</div><div style="text-align: left;">Work on project with my husband <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">What I'm Creating:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
want to finish up a hook board that I started some time ago. I'm hoping
to hang it in the kitchen for aprons (still haven't done this). I
started the graphgan for my daughter but haven't had much time to work
on it. Still these; I'm thinking I need to give myself "permission" to actually schedule time for working on these. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the Camera:</span></b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">We have a family birthday coming up so last week we took a</span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: small;">special trip into the city to spend the day celebrating them. This picture shows a bit of the color there. As usual</span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: small;">the picture doesn't do it full justice.</span><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizylTVLpVOiEsA0e-hhqf6o8GopCPTGW0H3fD96QwQrCakRFJJ5iycbbd6Ty7gokUs_qHq66oeIIYwx2HAxKW3S0K7Y3_AeJZ82ePhLXMSETeVHSYpj1cRFx9x8CKmNi4LHn5zjDVTc9yqH0d-Q_w0KTohJwQ1D3UYORSOHrB93EzIgXsQZT2-Tnw-K-k8/s4032/20231019_122714.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizylTVLpVOiEsA0e-hhqf6o8GopCPTGW0H3fD96QwQrCakRFJJ5iycbbd6Ty7gokUs_qHq66oeIIYwx2HAxKW3S0K7Y3_AeJZ82ePhLXMSETeVHSYpj1cRFx9x8CKmNi4LHn5zjDVTc9yqH0d-Q_w0KTohJwQ1D3UYORSOHrB93EzIgXsQZT2-Tnw-K-k8/s320/20231019_122714.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Highlight from Last week:</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taking a special family member to the city for the day. They had a short list of things that they wanted to do and we were able to do everything and still make it home before the kids got home. It was a whirlwind trip but still so fun! <br /></span></p><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></div><div><b style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bible Verse/Devotional Quote:</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">I've mentioned before that I'm reading through the Bible with a group of people using a plan on YouVersion. One day last week our reading took us to the account of the transfiguration (Found in Matthew 17, Mark 9 & Luke 9). Despite reading this account many times it struck me a little funny this time. Here's what I wrote:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"I love that Jesus chose Peter because it's so easy to relate to him. During the transfiguration I noticed; for the first time, how that Peter just starts talking and trying to come up with something to do when he's afraid. One of the passages says he didn't even know what he was saying. They are literally having a mountaintop moment with Jesus and Peter's just talking and planning! God breaks into this event and says "This is my Son. Listen to Him!" There's a time to serve and a time to speak but there are also times when we just need to listen!"<br /></div><p><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">On My Prayer List:</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Family & Friends who are ill</div><p>Kids away at college and kiddos here this school year.<br /></p>Wisdom for parenting.Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5398149927108641112.post-48390376638028676712023-10-20T16:11:00.002-04:002023-10-20T16:11:38.544-04:00Seasons of Marriage: Best Advice I have been given/learned over the years. <p>Awhile ago I wrote a post titled <a href="https://mamatomykids.blogspot.com/2022/09/seasons-of-parenting-best-advice-i-have.html">Seasons of Parenting: Best advice I have been given</a> since then I've had some notes on marriage jotted down on my phone so I thought I'd share them. I'm certainly no marriage expert and have days when I fail miserably; I'm thankful for the grace extended to me by both God and my husband. In a world where emotion and self are often elevated to the highest priority let's remember the beauty of dying to self as we choose to rely on God, His wisdom and truth, and rejoice in the beauty of marriage!<br /></p><p><b>10 Tips for Building into your Marriage:</b></p><p>1) <b>Pray for your husband!</b> - You are uniquely positioned to pray for your husband. Not only to pray for challenges he might face but also to express your gratitude for him and pray blessing over him. Praying for your husband refocuses your mind on the unique person who you have been joined to by God. (side note: I highly recommend the book The Power of A Praying Wife) (Philippians 1:3-6)</p><p>2) <b>Remember you are NOT the Holy Spirit! </b>- This truth is one I heard more recently and has really shaped how I pray. We need to leave everything in God's hands. We were never meant to act as the Holy Spirit to our spouses...we can pray for them, support them, and love them dearly but we can't and should never try, to control them or change them. We are responsible to live before God faithfully and commit our husbands & marriage to Him and His will. (John 1:20, 1 Peter 3:1)</p><p>3) <b>Don't gossip about your husband!</b> - It is so common today to see wives posting all sorts of things about their husbands on social media. This is so harmful! If you are in a dire situation in your marriage and need counsel then yes, absolutely find a trusted, godly confidant to share and get counsel. Blasting your husband and airing all on social media tears down your husband and your household. If you have children it also breeds disrespect. (Proverbs 14:1, Ephesians 5:33, Proverbs 11:13)</p><p>4) <b>Communicate clearly, Ask Questions!</b> - I think this is one that is a lifelong learning process. Communication can be hard in any situation! It can be so easy to misunderstand or be misunderstood; give your husband the benefit of the doubt. Be clear, be direct, don't hint. Find the right time to speak. Be respectful of both privacy (don't air everything in front of your kids) and timing (is your spouse tired, overwhelmed); especially with hard conversations. (Ephesians 4:29, also see how Esther handled communication in Esther chapters 5 & 7)</p><p>5) <b>Get out alone together/ plan dates! </b>- This will definitely look different at different stages of marriage but it's SO important to have time out without the kids. Time to talk, to do activities you enjoyed before kids. Even if you have to stay at home there are numerous ways to just set aside time to prioritize each other. Your kids will grow up and move away; remember to prioritize your marriage! (Romans 12:9-10)<br /></p><p>6) <b>Remember your vows were before God...commit to stay faithful to Him!</b> - Marriage is a holy covenant made before God. Just as in any relationship there will be mountaintop moments and there will be times of conflict. Your number one priority in your marriage; as in every area of life, should be to stay faithful to God. He will lead you through any circumstance just keep your eyes on Him! (Hebrews 10:23)</p><p>7) <b>Love is a choice & commitment; not just a feeling!</b> - So often we hear "I just didn't love him anymore", "I just wasn't feeling it anymore", "I need to go find my happiness." as justification for women leaving their marriages. As I often tell my kids "feelings are real but it <i>does not</i> mean they are true!" Feelings come and go; our hearts can be deceitful...we <b>must </b>rely on God for He is greater than our hearts. (Jeremiah 17:9, 1 John 3:20)</p><p>8) <b>Your husband is NOT your enemy!</b> - This one goes with the previous point. Our feelings can be deceitful and the devil loves to breed conflict within our marriages. After all, marriage is the closest earthly picture we have of Christ and His great love for the church. The devil wants to destroy that! We need to remember that our enemy is always prowling and that our enemy is not flesh & blood/ a person. (1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:12)</p><p>9) <b>Have fun! Be Silly!</b> - Do you remember when you first started dating your husband? How you had fun, talked for hours, laughed, were spontaneous and did silly things? Keep doing that! Yes, it will change a bit over time and seasons of life but keep having fun! Don't let the cares of this world steal your joy. We can rejoice every day because God has made that day! If marriage is the closest earthly picture of our relationship with Christ; then we certainly shouldn't be miserable or joyless! In John 15:1-12 Jesus tells what it means to abide in Him, to bear fruit for Him. As we live for Him and abide in Him He brings joy to every aspect of our lives....including our marriages! </p><p>10) <b>Marriage has seasons!</b> - Just like every area of life, marriage has seasons. Learn from the challenges, enjoy the beauty, and rest in the Sovereignty of God in each season. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)</p><p>Do you have any tips or advice that you have found helpful in marriage? <br /></p>Elishahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04337518806677680445noreply@blogger.com0