Just One

10 Good Things About This Weekend

2012-01-22T23:19:00.001-06:00

I was able to go to a work event with my husband and enjoy hors d'oeuvres and a lovely dinner. For FREE!
I enjoyed a 4-hour date with my husband while the girls went to a friend's birthday party. We didn't do anything fancy, just some shopping and lunch, but we had so much fun together.
We went to church. I always enjoy this!
I got to take a nap! It was much needed.
We had Family Fun Night. We watched the "American Idol" shows that we had taped, ate popcorn, and laughed together.
Mike was able to finally take the Christmas tree down. It's now by the curb. We'll see if our trash service takes it away. We may be too late. Oh well.
I got all the laundry done, folded, AND put away. Kylie folded one entire load herself. (It's the little things, I guess.)
I got to read a book for a while. So relaxing.
I received a back rub and "chiropractic treatments" from my girls. Also relaxing--mostly. :-)
It's time to go to bed. And yes, that's a good thing. I'm tired--even after my nap.

Mountaintops and Valleys

2012-01-19T22:24:00.000-06:00

Over the last several days I have felt like I just can't catch up. I've felt this way before. The house is dirty and cluttery. The Christmas decorations and tree aren't even down. This is unlike me! But I have a reason for that, at least. Our church just finished performing a drama I was privileged to take part in. Now that it is over, I have no more excuses!

I have come to realize that after an exciting event takes place in my life I feel a kind of let-down. It's over. It's kinda sad. Back to reality. Back to the same old, same old. And I've come to realize that I need to be on my guard. This time of feeling a little down is the perfect time for Satan to take advantage of me. I've come down off of the mountain and re-entered the valley (where most of the living actually takes place). I'm more vulnerable here--an easier target. Therefore, I need to take this opportunity to pray. To pray for protection from the evil one. To pray for strength to withstand his fiery darts. To pray for joy in the midst of the daily.

Anyway, all that to say that life ebbs and flows. There are spiritual mountaintops and spiritual valleys, and they are all a part of the journey. As the old song goes "Love to live on the mountaintop and be fellowshipping with the Lord. Love to stand on the mountaintop, and I love to feel my spirit soar. But I must come down from the mountaintop to the people in the valley below. They'll never know that they can go to the mountain of the Lord."

Jesus didn't always stay up on the mountain, either. He went up on the mountain to pray, to rest. But He always returned to the people to minister and give of Himself to them. I need to do that, too--return to my people (my family) and minister and give of myself to them again.

I feel like I'm rambling, but it's what's been going on in my brain these last few days. And sometimes pounding it out through these computer keys helps it all make a little more sense. So, I'm not caught up with the household chores. I may never be. But spending time on the mountain and in the valley doing what God wants me to do (in both places) is the more important thing. It is.

Detours

2012-01-16T16:27:00.002-06:00

Have you ever been on a trip and encountered a detour? I bet most of you have. Were you glad about it? Did you enjoy the fact that you had to take a different route to your destination--a route that might take you a little bit (or a lot) longer?

I think that most (if not all) of us encounter detours in our lives, too. We think we know the path we are going to take. We think that the path we've chosen is the best one. Then we find out that, nope, God's got something different in mind--something we never imagined for ourselves before. And it's scary.

So what do we do? Do we take this detour? Or do we find an alternate route (which would be a route of our own making--our own way)? This reminds me of a very familiar passage of scripture found in Isaiah 53:6: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Yep. Our natural, human (and sheep-like) tendency is to go our own way.

The cool thing is this: if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we also have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. He is the One Who makes it possible to take the detour and go HIS way. And God's ways are the best ways. (I think I learned that from a Veggie Tales song.) Okay, I guess I learned this from Jeremiah 29:11, too. " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " Ephesians 3:20 also says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."

And about the whole "It's scary!" excuse? Well, we as believers can't use that excuse, either. Because Jesus has already promised, " 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?' " (Hebrews 13:5, 6)

I think it's time to kick Satan to the curb, quit believing his lies, and start really living all-out for Christ! No matter what, it really will be okay, because our final destination involves living with Jesus forever. What's better than that?!

So when you encounter that detour in your life, instead of getting scared and backing away, embrace it with confidence. Jesus goes before you. And you just need to follow the Leader.

The Bare Minimum

2012-01-02T12:43:00.000-06:00

I'm fighting a head cold right now. Not such a fun thing to do. But when viruses invade the home and the life, the home and the life change. Right now I am doing the bare minimum. Like: laying around, drinking plenty of fluids (including water, tea with honey, and yesterday: Coke Zero), blowing my nose like crazy (Puffs Plus with Lotion, my nose thanks you!), using lots of hand sanitizer, eating (I never stop wanting to eat regular meals--even when I'm sick.), sucking on vitamin C drops, brushing my teeth (because sucking on those drops leaves a nasty aftertaste in my mouth), showering (I think the hot steam helps.), and that's about it. Everything else can wait. And if it can't wait, my fabulous husband has taken care of it for me! Thankfully, the girls are able to entertain themselves quite well. They aren't suffering one bit. I guess I might have to make lunch at some point, but that will be a very simple affair. Oh, and while I'm laying around I can spend some time with my Bible and Jesus, too. Now that's a bonus!

2012-01-01T23:13:00.002-06:00

Just testing my new signature to see if it works and if I like the way it looks. :-)

Opportunity Is Knocking on January's Door

2012-01-01T17:09:00.003-06:00

What a new year, a new beginning brings . . .

adventures--life is anything but boring
new chances to do better, to smile more, to love deeply, to worry less
new opportunities to try new things
four seasons to enjoy all over again
another birthday to celebrate another year of life
a new calendar to fill with special events which will, in turn, make new memories
excitement to see what God has in store

A New Year

2011-12-31T23:49:00.000-06:00

I can't believe 2012 is here, but it is! Here are some of my goals for the year:

Finish reading through the New Testament. That was a goal that I had for last year, and I almost made it. I'm in II Peter right now, so it shouldn't take me long to finish. Yay!
Get to know my God more. It'll be a constant thing for the rest of my life. My God is so BIG! (You know that song? Well, it's true.)
Stay in touch with friends and relatives better. I used to be better with this, but I fell off the wagon. It's time to get back on.
Eat healthy food and be more active. (Isn't that on everyone's goal list?)
Love on my husband and kids more. Enjoy the people God has placed in my life more than being worried about things being "just so."
Focus on persistent prayer. That's a toughie. But it's so necessary for me.

I think that's enough to tackle for one year. What's on your list of goals for 2012?

Giving Thanks

2011-11-23T22:47:00.001-06:00

Psalm 34:8
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

Psalm 107:1
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Colossians 3:15
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Friday Family Fun Night

2011-11-21T21:28:00.000-06:00

It's been a while. I guess I had a little bloggy drought. But I've overcome it. Hence, this post.

Lately, we've been having Friday Family Fun Nights. And they've been . . . fun! Some Friday nights we pop popcorn and watch a movie. Some Friday nights we play a game. Some Friday nights we have pizza and watch AFV (America's Funniest Home Videos). But this last Friday night was different.

This past Friday we went to McDonald's for supper. Oh, this is an exciting occurrence. For one thing, the girls were excited about getting Happy Meals and the enclosed Happy Meal toy. Of course, first they had to check to see what the current toy was. Because if it's a yucky toy, it's not even worth getting the Happy Meal. They wondered if the toy was still going to be from the "Puss In Boots" movie. Because if it was, they didn't care about it. But it just so happened to be a Hello Kitty toy. This was acceptable.

So, I placed the meal order while the girls and Mike chose a table to sit at. Apparently, the best kinds of tables to sit at are the high tables with the high chairs. This kind of table and chair set-up was available, so this also was acceptable.

I waited for a while. (Since the fast in our fast food experience was lacking, we ended up just having a food experience.) And while I was waiting I noticed a new sign on the menu. Now all Happy Meals come with fries and apple slices! "This is good!" I thought. No longer do my girls need to decide between one or the other. "I am happy to be able to report this to the girls!" I ruminated.

Finally, we all had our food and drinks. We prayed a blessing over the food and dug in. And I quickly found something out. The Happy Meal with both fries and apples slices does not actually come with more food. It comes with a miniature (and I mean miniature) box of fries. And the apples slices are simply that. Apple slices. No caramel dip in sight. Let down we were. (I just reminded myself of Yoda.) Anyway, I had more fries that I could eat, so I shared. It all worked out. But I kind of felt that the sign misrepresented. And when I see a sign I want it to represent, if you know what I mean.

While we were sitting at our high tables in our high chairs, Mia noticed something. I guess the high chairs do put you closer to the light fixtures. She noticed that the light fixture above the table had little pieces of french fries and lettuce in it. Gross! She pointed it out to us, and after thinking about it, I wasn't surprised. This particular McDonald's is very close to the local community college, and many college students frequent this McDonald's. Picture this: several freshman boys going to McDonald's for lunch in between classes. These freshman boys are tired of sitting in class "listening" to the professor talk about things they feel they have no need to learn. Finally, they are at McDonald's--able to talk and eat. Okay, just eat. They're not that into talking. And somehow, the eating slows down and the tomfoolery begins. Remember, freshman boys are not that mature. That comes later. Much later. Anyway, this is the story I tell myself. And I find it quite amusing.

Anyway, we had a great family fun night. And it was a truly interesting experience going to McDonald's once again. I just might not sit in the high chairs at the high tables next time, though. I'd rather not notice things that I'd rather not notice.

Tasty Fall Fare

2011-10-23T16:18:00.000-05:00

It's officially fall here in the upper midwest. And so I decided that this weather calls for some great chili! We ate this chili today for lunch, and it really hit the spot. My sister-in-law passed this recipe along to me, and it's become one of our favorites. What's even better is that it's a crock pot recipe! So great. So, without further ado, here's the recipe for:

Quick and Easy Crock Pot Chili

1 lb. ground beef, browned
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 c. green pepper, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can chili beans, undrained
1 can tomato soup, undiluted
2 Tbsp. chili powder (or more if you like it spicier)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
shredded cheddar cheese

Brown the ground beef, onions, and green peppers. Drain the meat mixture. Pour meat mixture into the crock pot. Add all other ingredients except cheese. Stir thoroughly. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The longer it cooks the better it gets, too!

I like to top my chili with shredded cheese. I even added some chopped, raw onions to the top of my serving. I liked the crunch. It doesn't hurt to serve cornbread alongside, either. In fact, it just enhances the whole experience! If you really like it, double the recipe like I did for tasty leftovers. Enjoy!

What Do I Really Want?

2011-10-20T23:21:00.001-05:00

I've asked myself this question. What do I really want? I'm afraid that too many times my answers--if I'm being totally truthful--are completely self-centered.

Here are some of my answers:

I just want everyone to be happy. (Sounds noble and unselfish, but it's really not. I'll explain later.)
I just want everything to go right for once.
I just want this (whatever it is) to be easy.
I just want to know what's going to happen . . . or when it's going to happen . . . or how it's going to happen . . .

See?! Self-centered. If I want everyone else to be happy, then I think too much about what other people think about me and about what I do. If I just want everything to go right for once, then I want everything to basically go the way I want it to go. If I just want things to be easy, then I don't want to do work, or make a sacrifice, or give of myself to the point where it's uncomfortable. If I want to know what's going to happen, when it's going to happen, and how it's going to happen then I don't really want to have faith in my God. I guess that answer also shows that I want to be in control, and I (in essence) want to be God so that I can know what's going to happen and when and how.

Here's the answer that I want to be able to give to this question: I want Jesus. I don't want my own way, the easy way, someone else's way, etc. I don't even want Heaven, redemption, forgiveness, freedom, etc. Now I know what you're thinking--she's nuts! What is she saying? I'm saying that I want Jesus. Because having Jesus includes (and is not limited to) Heaven, redemption, forgiveness, freedom, etc.

I want to want Jesus more than anything else. I want to know Him. I want to be like Him. I want to be with Him. I want to be all-consumed with Him.

What do you really want?

This Is a Test

2011-10-17T22:29:00.002-05:00

I'm not very fond of tests. In fact, I really quite dislike those surveys that have a scale of say, 1 to 5. The instructions tell you to mark 1 if you strongly agree or 5 if you strongly disagree. I am so bad at those! If I was allowed to I would mark 3's on all of the questions.

I did fine on tests growing up--as long as I knew what to study. I didn't enjoy them, but I didn't usually get freaked out by them, either. Math tests were more cut and dry. If you knew how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, you would do fine--as long as you checked your answers. If you knew all of the formulas for finding perimeter, area, circumference, etc. you would do fine, too. Essay tests were more tricky. Did I say enough? Did I answer all of the questions thoroughly enough? Did I forget some crucial detail? Also not a favorite.

Driving tests. Do I need to even address these? Nerve-wracking, also tricky, and quite subjective (the behind-the-wheel one, not the computerized one). I passed my behind-the-wheel test by the skin of my teeth!

There's another kind of test that we don't like to talk about very much. I'm talking about spiritual testing--spiritual trials. These are NOT easy! In some ways we can prepare for them ahead of time. We can be in the Word and in prayer. We can memorize scripture that will keep us strong during times of testing. But here's what's harder about these kinds of tests: 1) We never know when the test will be. 2) We don't know what the test will be on. 3) We don't know how long the test will be. 4) We don't know if we will pass the test. and 5) We sometimes don't even know why we had to take the test at all.

Here's what I can tell you about the current test that I am "taking." It's not easy. I don't know when the test will end, but I do know that it is temporary. In the light of eternity every trial is short. I also know that I am not alone in this trial. Others have experienced it before, others will experience it in the future. And my Lord is walking with me through it. Even when I don't feel Him near, He is there.

Another thing that I am realizing about spiritual tests is this: they are allowed by my loving Father for my good and His glory, and many times these tests are spiritual attacks waged against me by Satan and his demons. The spiritual realm is very real, and it is truly a battle. So, instead of getting angry at God, I am getting angry at Satan and his demons for trying to get me down, discouraged, and despondent. How dare he speak lies into my ear about my perfect, sinless Savior! I need to put on the whole armor of God so I can withstand his attacks and remain standing when all is said and done. I cannot do this by myself. Because without Him I can do nothing. I need the power of the Holy Spirit to see me through. And He will remain faithful--even when I am faithless.

I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that God will do something great. I don't know how or when He's going to do it, but with all that is within me, I am going to hold on to the promises that have been given to me in the Bible. And no matter what happens all the glory will go to Him.

I hope I pass this one with flying colors.

10 Good Things

2011-10-05T11:10:00.000-05:00

I got this idea from another blog that I like to read, Soule Mama. She did a Simply 10 post today, and I thought it was a good idea. It's always a good idea to think of things that are good, things that I'm thankful for--especially when I didn't get a good night's sleep due to the fact that one of my girls woke up with a fever in the middle of the night. (Boo!) Anyway, here goes (in no particular order):

blueberry muffins for breakfast
caffeine to go with those blueberry muffins
good books
fall colors
warm, Indian summer days
ibuprofen (for the girl with the fever)
inspiring music to lift the spirit
a loving husband
My Savior, My God
naps (on this afternoon's schedule) :-)

Your turn!

Bound to Happen

2011-09-27T15:05:00.000-05:00

Well, it was bound to happen.

We had a great vacation at a cabin in Wisconsin with our extended family on Mike's side. We enjoyed spending time together talking, laughing, playing games, eating, swimming (the kids--not me!), going to a couple of state parks, making s'mores and shaggy dogs (and, more importantly, eating them), eating popcorn and watching a movie, fishing (although not catching anything big enough to keep), riding on 4-wheelers, and going to bed late every night.

So, it was bound to happen. We returned from our trip, and immediately we needed to get ready for Mia's princess birthday party on Saturday. No time for extra rest! Mia's party went well. All the girls had fun. Mike took tons of pictures that I still need to upload and post.

But it was bound to happen. Because, you know, it just is.

Sunday afternoon Kylie was feeling really tired and had a headache. Sunday evening the headache hadn't gone away, and a stuffy nose began to manifest itself. Monday morning the headache was gone, but the head cold had arrived. Mia is also feeling some of the symptoms of a head cold. I am feeling uncharacteristically wiped out. I may be fighting it, too. Who knows?

But along with the head colds comes the need to take it easy and slow down. And that's okay. We are being a bit more relaxed here. We're still doing school but not all of it. Soup for lunch two days in a row. Tea with honey and lemon. Movies we can watch while resting. Pajamas and comfy clothes to wear while cuddling up with a book and pillow. These are the things you would experience at our house lately.

Even in the midst of head colds I have still seen the occasional smile, heard a cheerful hum, and felt the comfort that it is to just be home.

It was bound to happen. But in a way, I'm glad it did. I'm thankful for home. I'm thankful for slowing down. And I'm thankful for the togetherness we have as a family.

Oh, and I'm thankful for cough drops and cold medicine. Yes I am!

Different, But the Same

2011-09-11T18:42:00.000-05:00

On this 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks on the United States my mind is thinking about several things. First, I remember. I remember where I was when I heard the news. I remember the images I saw on TV and the sounds of the newscasters' voices. I remember the eerie silence of the skies for several days after the attacks as all aircraft were grounded. I remember the fear and the grief on the faces of the people who lost loved ones that day. I remember being glued to the television, watching the news coverage for days on end.

Today our country is different than it was ten years ago. Our sense of security and invincibility was taken away from us that day. As a country we truly realized that not everyone loves America the way we do. Security in airports was forever changed--tightened up immensely. The regulations for what we pack and bring on airplanes was changed, too. The New York City skyline was changed. A big hole scarred the ground, and only empty space remained where two, grand towers once stood. The Pentagon has been repaired, but the people who were there that day were changed forever. The empty field in Pennsylvania where Flight 93 found its final resting place has since erased the charred, smoking marks left in the earth. But the heroes on Flight 93 preserved the lives of many others by willingly giving up their own.

But there is something, or should I say, Someone Who remains the same today as He was ten years ago. In fact, He's the same as He was 10,000 years ago. It's my God. And what a comfort that is to me in this changing world we live in. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. He knew and He saw what happened on September 11, 2001. And I believe that He cried right along with those who cried and continue to cry today. I was reminded by my pastor today, that even in the midst of the most horrible
circumstances, we can know ". . . that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,whohave been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

I also believe that God will mete out justice. He will be Judge for those who perpetrated those heinous deeds that day. But let not that be our focus. Our focus, our responsibility today as believers is this: "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

Here is the other verse that I think of today, and it is my prayer for myself, my church, and my country:

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.." (II Chronicles 7:14)

Still Here

2011-08-31T11:05:00.000-05:00

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. Life has just been busy. We started school two days ago, and we're starting to get into the swing of things. I do have a post in mind that's been percolating in my brain. It has to do with contentment (brought on by a book I'm currently reading).

The last two weeks of summer were spent trying to squeeze in lots of fun and time with friends. We had 3 different play dates--two at different parks and one at a lake. All were fun! We also went to Bunker Beach which, if you don't live around here, includes a wave pool, water slides, a lazy river, and a kids' water play area. The girls had a blast! We also went to a bonfire at some friends' house with other families from our Sunday school class. S'mores were included in the fun! Yum!

I'll be posting again soon. Don't worry!

New Domain Name

2011-08-19T21:57:00.000-05:00

Right now my blog is in transition from my old blogspot blog address to my new domain name. After about 3 days you will be automatically re-directed. Take note if you check my blog frequently. I may change the look of my blog, too, now that I have my own, new domain name. :-)

In-Store Fun

2011-08-19T21:35:00.000-05:00

Just yesterday we made a Target run. The girls and I had to go to the toy department to buy a birthday gift for a friend whose party they are going to tomorrow. I reminded them to look around for something that they thought their friend would like, but, of course, they ended up spending time looking at the things they liked. In the midst of our looking, we noticed a Ken doll in the Barbie doll aisle. This was no ordinary Ken doll, though. This Ken doll is called "Sweet Talkin' Ken." Just push the button on Ken's chest, and you can record a short phrase. After releasing the button, Ken repeats the phrase in a slightly lower and slower voice. The results were so funny! We all grabbed one and started recording silly phrases. I said, "Where's Barbie? I miss Barbie!" The phrases just went downhill from there. There we were, all three of us girls, standing in the Barbie aisle, laughing out loud. I finally had to put an end to our fun. We still hadn't found a gift for the girls' friend!

The girls decided that they would each get a smaller gift to give their friend. Kylie found a book, and Mia put together a cute, little gift basket from the dollar section.

Toys certainly aren't the same today as they were when I was growing up!

Be Like Wheat

2011-08-07T21:56:00.000-05:00

John 12:24

"Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."

I've heard this verse many times before. You probably have, too. But I've been thinking about this verse lately. These are words that Jesus spoke. These words go completely against the way the world thinks and operates. The world's version would probably go something like this: Unless you protect and preserve yourself, you will never get anywhere in life. Unless you look out for yourself you will never become someone of wealth and/or fame.

But Christ calls His followers to be different. I am a Christ-follower, therefore I should be different. I shouldn't swallow the lines that the world tries to feed me. I should completely and unreservedly follow my Savior and Lord. That means dying to self. That means no self-promotion, no self-protection even.

Many times, Jesus' words didn't make sense to those around Him. He turned things--the world--upside- down! His words are not logical to our way of thinking. But God doesn't ask us to use human logic. He asks us to follow Him no matter the cost and obey.

This world is not my forever home. Many times I lose that perspective. But when I re-gain the proper perspective I realize that I should not be seeking a reward here. I may not even see fruit harvested from what I've done in my lifetime. Abraham received the promise, but he did not see its fulfilment during his lifetime. But he had faith anyway. " 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God’s friend." (James 2:23)

I guess I want to be like Abraham. I want to believe God, and I want to be called God's friend. God will take care of the results.

Tostadas

2011-08-01T15:30:00.001-05:00

This recipe is from my slow cooker Fix It & Forget It cookbook. And it's what we're having for supper tonight!

1 lb. ground beef or turkey, browned and drained
2 cans fat-free refried beans
1 pkg. taco seasoning
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 c. water
10 tostadas
Toppings of choice

Stir together first five ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours. Top tostadas with meat and bean mixture and other toppings. Enjoy!

*For toppings we like shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, green onions, sour cream, and salsa or taco sauce. Yum!

So easy and great for a summer day when you don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Some Serious Thinking

2011-07-19T21:34:00.000-05:00

I'm so thankful for the freedoms we have here in the United States of America! I'm especially thankful for . . .

-the freedom to own and read a Bible
-the freedom to meet in a public place to worship
-the freedom to talk about Who I worship
-the freedom to teach my children the Truth
-the freedom to sing and listen to songs about my Savior

And freedom isn't free! My eyes have been opened to what is really going on in China in 2011. That means right now. Believers are being persecuted. Even though we don't often hear about it, it is happening. The Chinese government wants the rest of the world to think that they have changed--that they are "free" and capitalistic. But they are still very much a Communist country. I have been challenged to pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ who are experiencing persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. We have it so easy in America--so good! And I am thankful for it. But I'm afraid that this easy way is making for flabby, lazy, apathetic Christians. And here's a tough question: Are flabby, lazy, apathetic Christians real Christians? It's a question worth asking, and it's worth some self-examination.

My thoughts have turned down this avenue because of a book I have been reading. I highly recommend it. It's thought-provoking to say the least. Pick up a copy of Safely Home by Randy Alcorn and read it! I needed to be reminded about the persecuted church. And I needed to ask myself some tough questions. I'm still thinking and praying about what I've been reading. And I hope that this is one of those things I never forget.

On the Bookshelf

2011-07-17T17:54:00.000-05:00

What have you been reading this summer? I'm in the middle of reading a few books, but I also have others on the "bookshelf" just waiting to be read. Here's the run-down:

The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias--This book talks about the different learning styles of children. It also gives practical advice/teaching techniques to help children with each different learning style to learn well.
Safely Home by Randy Alcorn--This is a fiction book which is set in modern times. It exposes the reality that believers in China are even today being persecuted for their faith.
The Control Trap by Barbara A. Sullivan--This book was written to help women realize how we often, either consciously or sub-consciously, try to control people and situations. Instead we need to relinquish control to God (since He is already in control anyway). I'm convicted before even reading it!
The Greener Grass Conspiracy: Finding Contentment on Your Side of the Fence by Stephen Altrogge--I think the title explains the book's contents!
The Uncommon Woman by Susie Larson--This book challenges women to move from being common to uncommon--from being ordinary to extraordinary in the arena of our faith-walk.
Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman--my faithful standby devotional book with 365 daily readings
The Bible--I am learning just how precious this book really is. What a blessing it is to have my own, personal copy!

*What books are you in the middle of reading or plan on reading in the near future?

Faith Indeed

2011-07-15T12:05:00.000-05:00

"To trust in spite of the look of being forsaken; to keep crying out into the vast, whence comes no returning voice, and where seems no hearing; to see the machinery of the world pauselessly grinding on as if self-moved, caring for no life, nor shifting a hairbreadth for all entreaty, and yet believe that God is awake and utterly loving; to desire nothing but what comes meant for us from His hand; to wait patiently, ready to die of hunger, fearing only lest faith should fail--such is the victory that overcometh the world, such is faith indeed."

-George MacDonald

Lime-Glazed Pork Chops

2011-07-13T20:58:00.001-05:00

I tried this recipe for the first time tonight, and we really liked it! Just thought I would share:

1/3 c. orange marmalade
2 Tbsp. lime juice
1 tsp. freshly grated ginger root
1 jalapeno pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
cilantro
lime wedges
pork chops

Combine the first four ingredients in a small saucepan. Heat over medium low heat for about 5 minutes until orange marmalade is dissolved. Grill pork chops on a covered grill for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Brush glaze on pork chops for the last five minutes of cooking time. Serve pork chops with cilantro sprinkled on top with lime wedges on the side.

*This recipe was yummy! I think I found this recipe in the Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine, I'm not sure. I served cilantro lime rice as a side and green beans for the vegetable.

Sometimes I Forget to Remember

2011-07-11T22:37:00.003-05:00

I think I have a pretty good memory. And I'm not the only one who thinks so. Others have told me that I do. They've even been known to say, "How did you remember that? I had completely forgotten about that!" I don't want to be proud about it. I'm thankful for it, actually. But, here's something I'm bummed about. It's something that I've come to realize that I need to work on.

I have a pretty bad spiritual memory. If left unchecked it could turn into spiritual amnesia.

Let me explain what I mean. God is working in my life. (If you have a personal relationship with Him, He is working in your life, too!) God does awesome things! God answers prayer. God remains faithful in uncertain situations. But, here's my problem: I often forget about these times! Oh, I praise Him in the moment when I realize that He's done something. I rejoice when He answers one of my prayers. But after a week or two I forget about it. I start to act like God won't ever do it again. I know in my head that God keeps His promises and that God is faithful, but my heart is so fickle that it starts to wonder and doubt.

I believe that this is why the psalmist says, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds." (Psalm 77:11, 12) If I don't consciously make an effort to remember what God has done, I easily forget. Unless I remember what God has done in the past, I will fail to believe that He is able to do it again! And God can and does do it again, and again, and again. Because God never changes. And that's a good thing! Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Another reason why I need to remember what God has done in my life is so I can tell about His awesome-ness to my children and my children's children. Psalm 78:4 says, "We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done." Verses 6 through 8 go on to say, "so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. They would not be like their ancestors—a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him."

If I fail to remember what God has done in my life, and if I fail to praise Him to others, namely to my children, my offspring are more likely to turn away from God. When God is forgotten, we become rebellious and stubborn, thinking that we are self-sufficient, instead of finding our sufficiency in Jesus Christ. Pride rears its ugly head, and our thoughts turn inward, becoming selfish. YUCK! I don't want that!

So how can I stop this from happening?

In Old Testament times the Israelites would set up memorial stones to help them remember something that God had done for them. When they crossed the Jordan River on dry ground Joshua told the Israelites to do just that, so that "in the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." (Joshua 4:6, 7)

Somehow I need to set up "memorial stones," so to speak, so that I and my children will remember what God has done in the past. One way that I can do this is to write down what God has done. It doesn't matter how big or how small the event or the answer to prayer. I need to write it down! All the things that God does are important! They are noteworthy, and they are praiseworthy!

Another simple thing I can do is to talk about what God has done. Tell people what God is doing! He is alive, and He is working! God doesn't always work in outward, obvious ways. But the way He works in someone's heart is a miracle! So, even when God does a work in my heart, I should share it. God is changing me to become more like Christ, and that is praiseworthy as well. But other people will not know about it unless I tell them.

The Israelites also had many feasts, festivals, and celebrations. I say celebrate when God does something! Just yesterday evening, Mia got baptized at our church's annual outdoor baptism service. This was an answer to prayer! And we know that God is at work in Mia's life. We celebrated afterwards by going out for ice cream. Why not? It was an awesome night, and we don't want our children to forget it! When God answered a major prayer for Mike a few months back, we celebrated by having a grilled steak dinner. Make God's works memorable. I think God smiles down on that.

So, one of my goals is to really start writing down every time God does something praiseworthy in my life or in the lives of my loved ones--and to tell someone about it! Looking back at these writings will encourage me in my Christian life, because I know I will face challenging times again. And I'll need God to come through for me again. And He will. And I'll write it down again.

May I not forget to remember.

Homeschool Curricula Re-eval

2011-07-06T19:53:00.002-05:00

Well, it's that time of year for me. It's time to re-evaluate how the last homeschooling year went. What worked? What didn't? What should stay the same? What should change?

Here's what I'm thinking for next fall so far:

Math - We're going to stick with Math-U-See. Although it can get tedious and somewhat difficult at times, it has worked for our girls. And I like the fact that I don't have to do the actual teaching. (They watch a video each week.) I'm there mainly for support and supervision.
Handwriting - We'll continue using A Beka Books for their handwriting. They've both learned how to print and write in cursive, and they're doing well. No reason to change handwriting styles now!
Reading - I love the reading books that Sonlight chooses for each grade level. They use real books, and they really pick some winners!
Language Arts - This is one area where we will be using a different curriculum for this coming fall. I just felt like something was lacking with Sonlight's language arts curriculum. I'm leaning towards switching to Rod and Staff. Their language arts curriculum has more of what I'm looking for, and it's very reasonably priced!
Spelling - Still not sure. But I may switch to Rod and Staff here, too. Or I may continue with Sequential Spelling for Kylie and just switch Mia to Rod and Staff's spelling.
History - We've really enjoyed the history curriculum from Sonlight as well. We'll be continuing on with American history. Looking forward to it!
Science - Last year was our first year using Apologia. We studied astronomy last year and really enjoyed it! This year we will be studying botany. Looking forward to this, too!
Bible - I'm not quite sure what to do for Bible yet. I'm considering focusing on character qualities with verses to go with them for memorizing this year. We have also really enjoyed reading Hero Tales lately. I know there are at least three volumes, and we've been checking them out from the library. I might also have the girls start on their first Bible study. Sonlight recommends this one: Starting Strong by Paula Rinehart.

So, now that I've decided what we're going to use this fall (mostly), I guess I better get crackin' at either ordering it or finding it elsewhere!

*What will you be using for curricula this fall? And what do you like about each one?

Independence Day: Family Style

2011-07-05T15:15:00.000-05:00

Our July 4th was spent doing some very American things . . .

Sleeping in
Eating pancakes for breakfast
Hanging out together (There was no rush to get ready to go anywhere, which was so nice.)
Sliding on the Slip 'n' Slide (Kylie and Mia, that is)
Sitting on the deck in the shade of our big umbrella
Making and eating Caprese salad--YUM!
Making sun tea (Mike)
Drinking sun tea (all of us)
Blowing bubbles
Listening to patriotic music
Grilling and eating a magnificent all-American supper (grilled hamburgers, corn on the cob, watermelon, and potato chips)
Eating popsicles
Watering the flowers
Trimming and climbing our maple tree (Mike did the trimming and then helped the girls with the climbing)
Going to see awesome fireworks
Being thankful for the free country that we live in!

All in all, a very good day.

Hard Work

2011-06-29T21:15:00.000-05:00

I mowed the lawn today. That's hard work! I got sweaty, got bug bites, got hot, got dirty, and got. it. done. I have to say, I enjoy looking at the finished product way better than doing the actual mowing. But it needed to be done, and life isn't about doing only the things we want to do, right? Our lawn was beginning to look like a prairie. Not that prairies are bad, but I don't think our neighbors really want our lawn to look like a prairie right next to their nicely mown lawns.

I came in for a drink break, and Kylie looked at the back of my shirt and said, "Mom, you have bird poop on the back of your shirt!" I'm not sure if it really was, but I wasn't going to change into a nice, clean shirt when I was just going to go back outside to finish the job. It gets worse before it gets better, folks.

And I think I'm going to do something I've done in the past. Yes, I am. I'm going to draw a spiritual parallel right here. I'm going to compare our Christian walk to mowing the lawn.

So, we begin our relationship with Jesus Christ. It's wonderful! It's awesome! It's so great to know that our sins are forgiven, our relationship with God is restored, our forever home in Heaven is secure. But that doesn't mean that we will no longer experience any more difficulties. If mowing the lawn is hard work, then living the Christian life is exponentially harder! It's a battle.

Sometimes I get tired, get discouraged, get tempted, get attacked, get weak, get down, get angry, get worried, get . . . you get what I mean. But when that happens I need to get down on my knees, get praying, get up, get going, get believing, get joy, get faith, get strong, get peace, get my armor on, get fighting, get living! ALL through Christ's strength! (Phil. 4:13 and Eph. 6:10)

So, it's going to be hard. The Bible tells me so. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

In fact, it's going to get worse before it gets better. It really won't get completely better until we get to Heaven. Of course, there will be easier times and harder times. But if you're waiting for perfection, then you're going to be waiting until you get to Heaven.

So, today I experienced the hard fact that mowing the lawn isn't an easy job. Living the Christian life isn't easy, either. BUT, I have access to supernatural power in my Savior, Jesus Christ, through the power of His Holy Spirit Who lives within me! I'm so glad I'm not alone in this journey that's often an uphill battle.

It's hard work, but "it will be worth it all when we see Jesus," as the old gospel song says.

Numbers I Am Thankful For

2011-06-21T16:12:00.000-05:00

I just painted 30 toenails.

10 of them I painted pink.

20 of them I painted blue.

10 of them were mine.

20 of them belonged to my 2 girls.

I changed the sheets on 3 beds today.

I put pink sheets on 1.

I put blue sheets on the 2nd.

I put white sheets on the 3rd.

I'm doing 4 loads of laundry today.

2 loads of whites and 2 loads of darks.

I'm taking 2 girls to Vacation Bible School tonight for their 2nd night.

They're still excited about it.

I'm excited about 2 1/2 hours of "me" time while they're there.

I'm leaving on a trip in 2 days.

I'll be gone for 5.

I'll be seeing 3 of my dearest friends.

And their 3 babies.

But I'll be missing those 20 little toes.

And I'll be missing the 1 man in my life.

I'm thankful for the numbers in my life. :-)

"He Knows My Name"

2011-06-19T23:13:00.001-05:00

We sang this song in church today. I absolutely love it, and it was so appropriate for Father's Day. My Heavenly Father knows me better than anyone, and He hears me and He cares. I hope you know Him, too!

In the Classroom of Faith

2011-06-18T23:10:00.001-05:00

I'm still learning. Are you? I know that I'll keep learning until the day I go to Heaven to be with Jesus. I haven't arrived. I fail many times. But my heavenly Father still loves me and keeps tenderly teaching me more about Who He is and what He is like. And from what I've learned about my God so far, He's altogether awesome!

I tend to get overwhelmed when things in my life (or in the lives of those I love) aren't going smoothly or seem out of control. I say seem out of control, but they are never out of my Father's control. I want answers to complicated situations right now, but my Father knows that I need to learn how to wait on Him. I need to be patient, because He's got my back, and He will always come through for me. Maybe not always in the ways that I think He will, but in a better way! 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8)

I'm learning about prayer, faith, and praying in faith. Although I can't fully know the mind of Christ, I do know that I can " . . . approach God’s throne of grace with confidence," and I will "receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) I can call on Him and know that I will receive mercy and help from Him in my time of need.

I'm also learning to rely upon God's promises. One of the things that I want to do in the next day or two is to write down some of God's promises on some 3x5 cards, so I can keep them with me. Then when my mind is tempted to worry, fret, or become overwhelmed I can whip out my trusty verse cards and meditate on God's promises for me. I have a hard time disciplining my mind, and I think this will definitely help.

As I learn to pray and rely on my Father more and more, I am expecting Him to do some amazing things! I don't know exactly what He will accomplish or how He will do it, but I'm going to be watching and waiting. And when He answers (because I know He will), I'll be sure to give a full report!

Yeah, I'm learning . . . but I still have so much farther to go! I'm so glad I'm on this learning journey with the God of the universe.

It's pretty awesome to think that God (Who is all-powerful, all-wise, all-knowing, and possesses unlimited resources) cares about me, and His Holy Spirit is my personal teacher. I want to be a good student.

I'm learning. Are you?

*What are you learning?

Commanded to be a Kid

2011-06-13T12:20:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read that right. We are commanded to remain kids. You've heard the saying, "He's/she's just a kid at heart!" That's a good thing to be! But it doesn't just mean acting like a child. It doesn't mean being immature or foolish.

Today I read to the girls from The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. I highly recommend this Bible storybook! Click on the link to see it or purchase it from Amazon. This Bible storybook is different than others, because every story points to Jesus. All the stories are woven together to show God's marvelous plan to rescue mankind. (Okay, I'm done with my little plug.)

Anyway, today's story was called "The Friend of Little Children." (By the way, we adults are not too old for Bible storybooks, either! We can still learn from them, too!) This story, of course, is about how the disciples didn't want the little children bothering Jesus. Jesus rebukes the disciples, telling them to let the little children come to Him, because they are a great example of how to be. We are to be like children, coming to the Savior, enjoying just being with Him, soaking in His love, trusting Him to take care of everything.

Do I do that? Do I come to Him? Do I enjoy Him? Do I revel and soak in His love for me? That's what He wants me to do. Do I completely trust Him to take care of everything? Unfortunately, I often don't. I need to be frequently reminded to run to Him for everything. Just like little children run to an adult for help or comfort. Or simply for some attention. Because, God does pay attention to His children. But He doesn't force Himself on us. He is simply waiting with open arms for us to come running to Him.

Jesus,

May I always come running to You instead of running away from You. You are my everything!

Thanks that I can be a kid around You! You're awesome!

Your Little Girl,
Holly

Of Stone Masons and Rocks

2011-06-12T14:57:00.001-05:00

Just a few weeks ago we had lunch at my parents' house to celebrate my brother's and my Dad's birthdays. My parents have been going through some of their things to simplify (something I need to do, too), and they found an article from the July 10, 1977 edition of "The Rainy Lake Chronicle" featuring my grandpa. My grandpa is in Heaven now, but when he was still here on earth he was a stone mason by trade. He had an eighth grade education. He grew up in a rather poor family that had come over from Finland. In fact, he didn't even learn how to speak English until he went to school. Finnish was the only language spoken in the home.

He didn't claim to be anyone important. But he had a job to do, nonetheless. Besides being a stone mason, he was also a painter (mostly landscape murals), a fisherman, a hunter, and a musician. He played the harmonica, violin, piano, and accordion. This article focused mostly on his skill as a stone mason. And I learned some interesting things about stone masonry. Things that can also be applied to life--and, more specifically, to the Christian life.

Here are some of the things I learned:

Apparently, it takes a special spirit to split rocks. My grandpa said, "You've got to have absolute faith that you're going to split a rock. You must decide if you're really going to split a rock, or are you just going to give it a pounding or a licking?"
My grandpa also said that if he couldn't get a rock to split after 3 or 4 tries, he would leave that rock and find a "more willing subject."
Rocks for splitting and building don't have to be "special." They can be found anywhere.
My grandpa could envision what a rock would look like after it was split, before he even split it.
One of the fireplaces that he built was destroyed by a train that derailed and ran into it. He re-built the fireplace using some of the same rocks used in the original fireplace.

Above are some of the facts I learned from reading the article. But, after reading the article and thinking about these things more deeply, I think I can apply some of these facts to my own Christian life.

It takes faith to live the Christian life. Sometimes things in our lives seem impossible (like splitting a rock, for instance). But if we have unwavering faith in God, anything is possible! (James 1:6) I am reminded once again of the verse that says, "Be not afraid. Only believe." (Mark 5:36)
Imagine that the stone mason is God. And we are the stones. I want to be a "willing subject," don't you? I don't want God to walk away from me (figuratively, because He has already promised to never leave me or forsake me--Hebrews 13:5), because I am not willing to be used by Him. It may be uncomfortable and painful at times in this life, but I want to yield to His hand working in my life.
Again, we are the rocks. We don't have to be special or have fantastic talents or abilities. We just need to be available and willing for God to be able to use us.
The stone mason can see the potential within the rock that he wants to split. He can envision what the finished product will look like. God, the Master Stone Mason, can see the potential in me and in you! He sees beauty and Jesus' righteousness. He knows what we can be and what we will become. One day in Glory we will be perfect. And He already sees us that way!
Sometimes we mess up. (Surprise!) But God can re-build messes and make them into something even more beautiful! He can use messed up rocks more than once. What a relief! And what an encouragement! God takes the broken and makes it beautiful!

God,

I want You to be the Master Stone Mason in my life! I want to be a "willing subject," submitting to the blows of your splitting maul. Thanks for seeing me as I will be one day, and not as I am right now. Please use me and make my life into something beautiful for Your glory!

Amen.

God Appointments

2011-06-09T11:09:00.001-05:00

Do you have room in your life for God appointments? I'm not talking about a regularly scheduled time that you spend with God in prayer and in His Word. I'm talking about appointments that are made by God--not you! Have you ever experienced a God appointment? They're pretty special. And they're sometimes missed. I mean that God shows up, but we fail to. God always shows up. It's just a matter of us showing up and meeting Him there.

Sometimes a God appointment simply involves God and me. It can be something as simple as listening to a worship song, really focusing on the meaning of the words, and entering into a time of worshiping Him. It can also be a time of enjoying God's creation and realizing that He made it not only for His own glory (because creation truly points to the Creator), but for me to enjoy, too.

Other times a God appointment involves God, me, and some other person (or people). These God appointments can take us out of our comfort zone, for sure, but they are awesome. Often it's in these times that I realize that God is using me for His purposes and for His glory. That's a glorious thought! God wants to use me in someone else's life for His glory.

I experienced what I believe were two God appointments just yesterday. Yesterday afternoon the girls wanted to go to the park, and I obliged. The weather was beautiful! Instead of hitting 101 degrees like it had the day before, the temperatures were in the low to mid-70's. Perfect! We drove to a nearby park--because, let's admit it, the park that we often walk to gets kind of boring after a while. :-)

The girls had fun playing at the park while I walked around the perimeter of the park and talked on the phone to one of my dearest friends. That phone call was one God appointment. God used some experiences in my own life to encourage my friend in her life. Love that!

After walking and talking for a while, I sat down at a nearby picnic table. I let the girls know that we were going to be leaving in about 10 minutes to go back home. But those plans soon changed. Another mother sat down at the same picnic table with me and we began to talk. This lady is a mom of 9 children! Her two youngest girls are close in age to my own two girls, and they were having fun playing together at the park. My conversation with this mom was my 2nd God appointment of the day. Come to find out, this mom is struggling. She's a Christian, but she's not attending church right now. She has no car and no job. I hope God used me to encourage her. I invited her to our church and her girls to attend our VBS. We exchanged phone numbers, so we will see what happens. We ended up leaving the park 1 hour and 10 minutes later! God appointments can be like that, so I also needed to be flexible.

Anyway, to sum it up, God appointments are always a blessing if we show up for them.

Holy Spirit,

Please help me to be sensitive to Your leading in my life. Help me to show up for these God appointments. Because if I don't show up, I know that I am the one missing out on the blessing. May all the glory go to You, because You alone are worthy, Holy Father. I love you!

Your Daughter,
Holly

A Post in Which I Run On About the Weather

2011-06-07T21:33:00.000-05:00

Wow, it got hot out today. According to the weather app on my phone it got up to 101 degrees today! It got hotter here in the Twin Cities than it did in Tucson, Arizona. That's hot, folks. The funny thing is that tomorrow it is supposed to be between 75-80 degrees. And Thursday it's only supposed to get up to 65 degrees.

I chalk it up to the fickleness of Minnesota weather. I'm not really surprised anymore. I grew up here, I should be used to it by now, right? Then why can't I get used to sub-zero temperatures in the wintertime? I don't get it.

The sad thing about today is this: on Sunday afternoon Mike was able to finally plant all of our vegetable seedlings in the garden. As a result of today's temperatures, some of our seedlings did not make it. :-( I watered the garden twice yesterday and twice today. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough. Some of the seedlings were simply overcome by the heat. Is it worth even trying to plant seeds again at this point? I think not. My grand dreams for a proliferation of cucumbers this summer were dashed today. Oh well. (Can you tell I'm really upset? I jest.)

Anyway, I know this is very interesting blog fodder, but it's all I got today.

I'm blaming my lack of creative post-writing on the scorching temperatures. (Of course, I remained inside our air-conditioned house for the bulk of the day, so I guess that excuse doesn't really fly.)

Okay, so I'll blame my dull brain vibes on a vacation my brain is finally taking after finishing up our homeschooling year last Friday. It's going to take at least a week of no school to recover. I do not plan on accomplishing much this week.

I'll write more soon. Or not.

Sum, sum, summertime . . .

2011-06-02T21:49:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the last day of the school year! Whoo-hoo!!! This fact has caused me to think of all the things I hope we can do this summer. Like . . .

Go to a lake (more than once)
Go on a picnic (also more than once)
Go to many different parks
Go to Vacation Bible School (the girls, that is)
Complete several summer reading programs so the girls can earn some FREE books
Go to a family reunion
Go on a family vacation (to a cabin--on a lake)
Participate in a family garage sale
Go out for ice cream (please more than once!)
Go see fireworks on the 4th of July
Go to the zoo
Run through the sprinkler
Slide on the Slip-'n'-Slide
Grow some vegetables in our garden
Grow some flowers
Get tan (while wearing sunscreen, of course)
Go for evening walks
Grill--a lot
Eat out on the deck (if the bugs don't bother us too much)
Soak the wonderful-ness of summer in

*What do you plan to do this summer?

"A Picture of Grace"

2011-06-01T11:37:00.000-05:00

I just love this song, so I thought I would post it here. It's sung by the Gaither Vocal Band. The words of the song really say it better than I ever could. Remember to pause my Playlist music at the bottom of my blog before listening.

Hair Brushing 101

2011-05-29T17:05:00.000-05:00

The other day we were watching TV together as a family when Mia decided that she would like to brush my hair. Who I am to turn that down? I love it when someone--anyone--brushes my hair! Of course, my girls are usually the only ones who ever want to do it (other than me). And my hairdresser--but she's paid to do it! It is so relaxing to me. I close my eyes in bliss. Anyway, she proceeded to get a hairbrush and perch on the back of the couch right behind my shoulders to commence the hairbrushing.

I must preface this with saying that I had a ponytail in my hair that day. And, apparently Mia has never taken Hair Brushing 101, because she started (or at least tried) to brush my hair while the ponytail was still in my hair. I promptly stopped her--because IT HURT--and told her that it might work a little better if we took the ponytail out of my hair first.

After doing that, the hair brushing went much better. Now, those of you who have worn a ponytail in your hair before, you already know this. But this is for those of you who don't understand post-ponytail hair. The ponytail holder (or the hair elastic, or whatever you prefer to call it) is removed from said hair, but a large "hair-bump," let's call it, remains in the hair. You can't just brush out the "hair-bump," either. It remains in the hair until the hair is either washed, sprayed with water, or maybe slept on. So, I had quite a pronounced "hair-bump."

But to Mia it was a built-in wave--a benefit one receives after wearing one's hair in a ponytail. She thought it was quite attractive. :-) She thoroughly brushed my hair and announced to everyone in the room that I looked pretty. (Thank you, child. You know I need to hear that every so often!) Then she said, "Dad! Look at Mom's hair from the back. Doesn't she look like a teenager? She looks like a teenager with her hair like this. Doesn't she?"

Oh, thank you for the miraculous work you performed for me that evening! It boosted my spirits and probably increased blood-flow to my scalp and brain! Love my hair-brushing girl!

True Productivity

2011-05-18T22:38:00.000-05:00

Some days are more productive than others. It just depends on the day. It depends on how energetic I feel. It depends on how that day's school time goes. It depends on if we need to go anywhere that day. Obviously, if we go somewhere I can't be at home getting things done around the house. But, you know what? I've realized that sometimes (actually, a LOT of times) the things that I do accomplish aren't visible to the human eye. And that's okay. Because a lot of times those unseen things that are accomplished are the more important things. I guess this post is unintentionally building upon my last post. I guess it's what my brain has been thinking about subconsciously.

I don't need to measure the success of my day upon what my house looks like at the end of it. That's looking on the outward appearance. God looks at the heart. What did I accomplish in my heart and in the hearts of others today? That's the more important question. Did I spend time with my Savior and my God? Always time well-spent. Did I make sure that I showed and told my husband and children that I love them? Important and valuable. Did I seek to know my children's hearts in a certain situation? Intentional, purposeful, and eternal. Did I make a happy memory? Did I smile today? Did I help someone? Did I serve without expecting something in return? Did I seek to glorify my God in all I thought, said and did?

No, these things would not be visible if you came over to my house for dinner this evening. But that's okay. God sees these things. They are visible to Him. And that's all that matters, anyway. He is the only One I should be seeking to please.

So, the living room is dusty. The carpet needs to be vacuumed. The floor needs to be mopped. But I am seeking and striving to love my God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I'm still learning. And I mess up time and again. But that's what makes God's grace and mercy extended to me so amazing!

So, I guess I'll sum it up this way:
1) things that are visible-not always a reliable way to measure productivity
and
2) things that are not visible-still seen by God and oftentimes more important

How productive have you been lately?

On What's Important

2011-05-15T22:47:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I go through the day getting upset, bothered, frustrated, by things that are trivial. Do you? For example: the girls oftentimes leave books around the house that they are in the middle of reading. So, at any one time, there could be as many as 6 or 7 books randomly left around the house, splayed open, without bookmarks in them. Or, the dog is whining to go outside, and I don't feel like getting up to let him out. (One time I decided not to let him out, and I soon realized that I should have when I encountered a rather large puddle in the kitchen.) Or, the house is cluttery. Yep, it bothers me. And instead of enlisting the help of others, I (in my frustration that no one else knows about, because I haven't told anyone) inwardly fume while cleaning and picking up said clutter. (A really Christ-like way to handle it, don't ya think?)

I'm slowly learning (s-l-o-w-l-y) that these things aren't important. Well, my head has realized this for a long time, but my heart is taking longer to receive the message. But, in the larger scheme of things, these things aren't important. When I really think about these annoyances, they are attached to some pretty awesome blessings. So there are books laying around the house. That means I have children who are doing the leaving around. (Children are a blessing from the Lord!) That also means that I have children who love to read--BONUS! So the dog is whining to go outside. That means I have a dog--actually 3. But there's one dog that seems to do more whining at the door than the others. Haven't figured out why yet, though. :-) Anyway, the dogs are a blessing, because when I was growing up, I always wanted to have a dog of my own, and now I have 3! I know, I know, some of you think I am crazy for wanting a dog, let alone 3 of them, but I just love 'em. They follow me around. They want to be with me. They don't talk back to me. They don't get in bad moods. They are always happy to see me. See? A blessing. And they are part of God's creation--so there! And the clutter? Well, that also means that there are people living in this house with me. People I love. I am not alone. I have a family that I love and that loves me. Blessing, blessing, blessing!

So, now when I look around my house and see clutter, hopefully, I will think "What a blessing!" in a sort of turned around kind of way. And I realize that people are way more important than things. People last forever, things don't. So, I can leave the clutter and spend time with my family, because they're truly important to me.

Yeah, they're that important.

To My Mom

2011-05-07T20:55:00.000-05:00

Years ago, when I was quite young, I remember going to a Christian Women's Club banquet with my mom and grandma. There I saw a skit which was quite humorous. It was a take-off on Hans and Franz. And this is how it went (And while you're reading, imagine these words being spoken with an Austrian accent.). :-)

Mother.

M is for the many things she gave me.

O is for the other things she gave me.

T is for the thousand things she gave me.

H is for the hundred things she gave me.

E is for everything she gave me.

R is for the rest of the things she gave me.

Even though it was (and still is, to me) very funny, it has a lot of truth to it! Good mothers give everything to their children. They give their time, their energy, their money, their compassion, their wisdom, their abilities, their dreams, their comfort, their bodies, their possessions, their home, their support, etc. I could go on! And that is how my mom is with me. She gives and gives and gives--not expecting anything in return. She is wonderful! She is a God-given gift to me. And I love her! Mom, if you're reading this (and I know you are), I LOVE YOU! Thank you for everything you gave me and for everything you continue to give me. Happy Mother's Day!

Your Daughter,
Holly

10 Numbers

2011-05-02T15:01:00.000-05:00

1 day of standardized testing done

2 girls who actually enjoy the tests and ask to do more

3 dogs are currently napping

4 green bean plants on the kitchen table are getting big

5 more weeks of school until summer break

6 sharp pencils on the kitchen table (left there from our testing time)

7 months 'til our next winter (sigh)

8 pieces of chicken thawing for supper tonight

9 hours 'til tomorrow (when it's supposed to get up into the mid-60's--can't wait!)

10 shoes by the front door (I guess some should be put away.)

Your turn to post 10 things from your day.

A Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T21:26:00.001-05:00

Today a royal wedding occurred in the United Kingdom between Prince William and Kate Middleton. The footage that I saw contained much beauty, tradition, and ceremony. But there's one royal wedding that I'm really looking forward to, because it's one that I will be in!

I'm talking about the marriage supper of the Lamb. The Father of the groom is the King of kings. The groom will be Jesus Christ Himself, and the bride will be His church.

Today the bride was arrayed in an elegant gown with beautiful lace and a trailing veil. But one day I will be robed in white.

Revelation 19:6-9 says, "Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting: 'Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.' (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.) Then the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' And he added, 'These are the true words of God.' "

I'm sure Price William and Kate were full of joy today as they celebrated their love for each other. But I am rejoicing in the fact that my God rejoices over me in the same way!

Isaiah 62:5 says, "As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you."

Of course, the guest list for Prince William and Kate's wedding was extensive--yet, limited. Not everyone was invited. Almost anyone could observe from afar, but not everyone could be directly involved in the wedding ceremony, the formal reception, or the even more private, personal reception/party that was held later in the evening. But for the royal wedding that I'm talking about, everyone is invited! It just depends on what you've done with the response card. Some people readily receive their invitation and respond immediately with a "Yes!" Others have "other plans" (their own way) and, therefore, say "No." Still others lose their response card, forgetting to respond, or simply waiting until it is too late. Which one will you be?

Revelation 22:17 says, "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let the one who hears say, 'Come!' Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life."

I hope you'll come to the wedding of all time!!! It's gonna be so much better.

A Big Bloggy Shout Out

2011-04-25T21:43:00.001-05:00

I've been interested in knowing who reads my blog out there. I know that several of you who comment regularly read my blog (mostly family members). :-) But today is your chance to let yourself be known! Just leave a comment and let me know who you are, where you're from, and if you want to, how you stumbled upon my blog. I'd like to get to know my readers a little bit. Hey, you know more about me than I probably know about you, anyway.

Over the next week I plan on posting about Kylie's 10th birthday party and our Easter celebration. Another thing that I'd like to once again discuss is homeschooling curricula. Our school year here is winding down, but that means it's just about time to start thinking about what we're going to do next year. Do I stick with all of the same things we used this year? Or is it time to mix things up a little bit? I'm evaluating and re-evaluating. And I'll be wanting your opinions--if you have one. And we all know that we each have one, don't deny it!

So, let the comments roll in. Who's out there? And where are you from? I'll go first. My name is Holly, and I'm from Minnesota. There. The ice is broken.

That's My King!

2011-04-23T11:31:00.001-05:00

In light of Easter tomorrow, I thought this video was a GREAT reminder of Who my Jesus is. Do YOU know Him?

*Before you watch the video, you'll want to scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause the music on my playlist.

Deeper Meaning

2011-04-21T11:12:00.000-05:00

Well, today is "Maundy Thursday." Until recently I didn't even know what "maundy" meant. Now, I know. And I thought you might be interested in knowing, too. Maundy is a Latin word that means "mandate." A mandate is basically a command or an instruction for us to follow. The instruction or command that we follow on Maundy Thursday is the command from Jesus to "do this in remembrance of Me." At the last supper Jesus said this to His disciples as they partook of the bread and the wine. We will do that today, too. We will be having communion at our Maundy Thursday service in remembrance of Him.

The service at our church tonight is also called a Tenebrae service. Tenebrae services started back in the Middle Ages in monasteries. Tenebrae is also a Latin word. It literally means "shadows." So, we will be having a service of shadows--the shadows being the events leading up to and including the death of Jesus on the cross. We will be focusing on seven particular shadows: 1) Weakness-of the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, 2) Betrayal-by Judas Iscariot, 3) Desertion-Everyone left Him, 4) Accusation-by the chief priests and elders of the Jewish community, 5) Suffering-scourged, mocked, crowned with thorns, crucified, pierced . . . 6) Rejection-by His own Father--because He took ALL of our sins upon Himself, and 7) The Cross-He was humiliated, ruined, and bloody--all for me.

It's overwhelming to me. The depth of Jesus' love for me is unfathomable. But I am going to try (with the Holy Spirit's help) to better understand and internalize what Christ did for me that day. It means that I am now forgiven, given a clean record, set free, bought with so great a price, adopted into my Heavenly Father's family, and loved--loved so deeply and without condition. I am so thankful. I am just so thankful.

He's So Kind to Me

2011-04-18T11:02:00.000-05:00

Lately, I've been noticing God's frequent and many kindnesses to me. It's a great thing to notice, and I thank the Holy Spirit for His pointing out these things. Here are a few:

Some clothes were given to us for Kylie to use. Always a blessing when growing children are in the house.
I saw a bluebird the other morning in the small (albeit dead) tree in our front yard. This is a kindness to me just because I really like bluebirds, and we rarely see them around here. It made for a cheerful moment. :-)
I was truly blessed by going to the ladies' brunch at my sister church on Saturday. At first, I didn't feel like going, simply because I was tired and had much to do. But God always knows what's best for me. And He knew I needed to hear what the speaker had to say. It was such a blessing and an encouragement.
I am continually blessed by the worship at our church. It points me to the One Who truly deserves our praise.
God has proven His faithfulness to us time and again by providing for our needs. He is our daily bread.
God has given me the opportunity to help in the worship ministry of our church by partnering in planning this year's Maundy Thursday/Tenebrae service. What a privilege! (As far as what Maundy Thursday and Tenebrae mean, I think I will do a post on that later this week. It's truly interesting.)

As I got up this morning I was just thankful and excited to see what God has in store for me. His ways are always the best and usually exceed my expectations! So, even though this week is going to be a busy one, I'm excited about it! Yay!!!

How has God been kind to you lately?

In the Midst of Busy

2011-04-14T22:25:00.000-05:00

Busy. How do you react when life gets really busy? Usually I get really stressed out and overwhelmed.

Now, I know that this next week is going to be really busy for me. With good things. It doesn't matter if it's with good things, enjoyable things, or not-so-fun things, though. I still tend to get stressed out and overwhelmed no matter what type of action is going on.

But. This time I'm determined to take some steps so I will not fall into the trap of becoming stressed and overwhelmed. And here are the steps:

No matter how busy I am, I am NOT going to let my daily time with the Lord slip. I need Him MORE when I am busy. Psalm 61:2 says, "When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 121:1, 2 also says, "I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth."
I am going to take one day at a time. (That's all any of us can really do, anyway. Remember Matthew 6:34? "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." And it's true--of course.
I'm going to make a list. Or multiple lists. I like to make lists. And then I like to cross things off. I'm weird like that. At least that way I know which things I want to accomplish, and I can see when they are accomplished (hence, the crossing off).
I'm going to allow myself to not be perfect. I know this may sound strange, because we all know that no one is perfect. But I admit that sometimes I want things to seem or look perfect, even though they aren't. It's one of the tendencies of a recovering perfectionist. I'm working on it. So, if I don't accomplish everything on my list, no biggie. Life will go on, and so what if people see that I'm not perfect, or my children aren't perfect, or my house isn't perfect? I'm not, they're not, and it's not. Everyone already knows it anyway.

And so . . . in life's busy seasons I'm going to try to let my ". . . conversation be always full of grace." (Colossians 4:6) And conversation doesn't just mean the words we say, it also means our way of life. I want my way of living to always be full of grace. It's going to take time with my Father, time in the Word, and time in prayer. And it will be time well-spent.

Life These Days

2011-04-11T22:26:00.000-05:00

Life has a way of getting busy. It's been a while since I posted, but not because things haven't been going on. Things have been moving right along. The girls and I are at the tail end of our school year. We only have 8 weeks of school left! Yay! And spring has finally sprung. After some recent rain the grass is finally turning green, and the buds on the trees are starting to open. On Sunday we even enjoyed temperatures in the low 70's. That was refreshing!

This next Sunday (which is Palm Sunday) the girls will be singing in our church's kids' choir. They are excited to dress up and sing two songs. This will be their last performance for the year. They enjoy singing so much.

And the Sunday after that is Easter. But, before we get to Easter, Kylie will be having her first sleepover birthday party! She's invited five girls to come over for an American Girl party and sleepover. I've got to get busy planning a craft and looking for cute (and affordable) party favors. She's decided that she would like to have different appetizers for supper that night, with a yummy, caramel-y cake topped with crushed Heath bars for her birthday cake. I can hardly believe that my first baby is going to be 10!!!!

This past weekend the girls participated in "the great try-on." What is that, you ask? Well, it's when we get out all of the bins of clothing for the next season, and they get to try bunches of clothes on to see what fits. Yep, I changed out the winter clothes for the spring and summer clothes. I don't always enjoy this task, but I love when it's done! Kylie has had a major growth spurt, so she needed lots of things in bigger sizes. These girls are growing like weeds! I'm so thankful they are healthy.

This Friday I think we'll plant some seeds to start growing indoors for our garden. Here are some of the things that we want to grow for sure: cucumbers, tomatoes, tomatillos, green peppers, and jalapenos. Some things I'm thinking about planting are: carrots, onions, and lettuce. What have you grown, and what grows well in sandy soil with a kinda short growing season?

The girls and I have been studying astronomy for science this year. We've really enjoyed it! This past week we went to the library, and I just "happened" to see a poster on the bulletin board there. Last Thursday there was a FREE science day at the local community college that was open to the public. To top it off, there would also be a traveling planetarium there called the "Exploradome." It was fantastic! The science "fair" was in the gymnasium at the college. We went into the Exploradome and laid down on the floor. It was just like a planetarium except it was inflatable and smaller. The girls knew lots of answers to the questions that were asked. I was so proud of them! It was very interesting and beautiful. The other displays included some neat chemical experiments (including liquid nitrogen, which is always fun) and a table of animal skins with tags identifying which animal the skin came from. All in all, it was totally worth it--since it was free! And thanks to my mom for going with us!

So, that's some of what we've been up to. And there's sure to be more to come . . .

A Girl Can Dream, Right?

2011-03-23T15:16:00.000-05:00

It just doesn't seem fair.

I've had my fill of cold weather temps and snow-covered lawns. I'm satisfied with the amount of white stuff, ice, slick streets, slushy parking lots, pothole-pocked roads, frosted windows, cloudy breath, bundled bodies, and rosy cheeks we've had. I could do without soups, crock-pot meals, stews, and comfort food for winter meals. I'll gladly put away the parkas, scarves, mittens, snowpants, boots, and hats. I'll not weep at the melting that I hope will soon commense.

Instead, I'm ready for spring. My girls are ready for spring. My husband is ready for spring. I'm tired of wearing my winter clothes. I'm ready to see slivers of green grass poking their way up into our yard. I'm ready for the buds on the trees to burst open and uncurl their green, baby leaves. I'm ready to see robins poking nosily about the yard. I'm ready to have windows open and, yes, I'm even ready to take my allergy medication!

And we actually had a taste of all that spring means, just a week or so ago. My soul cautiously began to rejoice! Ah, but the rejoicing was premature. I had seen mounds of snow melt in a matter of mere days! Brown grass had been exposed to the sun! We were even privileged to wear lighter jackets for a few days instead of heavy winter coats. My mind had even gone to that place. You know the one. The one where people start to live outside again--grilling, planting, walking, playing, sun-soaking, breathing in the fresh, spring air! (I could go on!) The girls had already played in puddles, made mud, and squished through the spongy yard.

Then . . .

Last night and today we received the lovely gift of, well, it looks like about 6 inches of newly fallen snow!!!

Ah, well. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer for that ever-illusive dream to come true--the dream of the arrival (and the staying) of spring!

Randomness

2011-02-18T22:38:00.000-06:00

It's time for a random post. Not much thinking involved here.

We enjoyed having my sister and brother-in-law over for supper tonight. We ate, we laughed, we talked. Good times.

The girls and I went to Archiver's today to make FREE craft projects. They turned out so cute! They each made a gift tag and a notecard. We could've spent more time there, but the supper hour was fast approaching.

I can't believe February is already halfway over! We're that much closer to spring. Yay!

I need to do some writing. I kind of have a little deadline. I think I'm one of those people that works better under a little pressure--or should I say, accountability.

Kylie and Mia are doing so well with their piano lessons! Tonight, while my sister and brother-in-law were here, Mia sat down at the piano and played, singing along to the songs that had words. So cute! And Kylie already has such a nice touch on the piano keys.

I'm planning on going grocery shopping tomorrow. I need to plan a menu and make a list. I'm in a little bit of a rut. It's time to break out the recipe box and cookbooks and look for some new recipes to try. Any suggestions?

We're supposed to get 5 to 10 inches of snow tomorrow. No, winter is not over yet. We had a nice reprieve for a few days, which I was extremely thankful for. But I didn't get my hopes up, and rightly so.

My husband is currently watching a "boy" movie. Therefore, I am blogging. There are many explosions, car chases, and gun shots. Oh, there are robots, too.

The girls and I have been listening to Focus on the Family's dramatic presentation of Anne of Green Gables on CD during lunchtime. Here's one of my favorite quotes from it (said by Anne): "Gilbert Blythe is a canker sore on the lip of my life." :-)

A quick book recommendation: Fresh Power by Jim Cymbala (He's the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle.). Read it! It's so good! I checked it out from the library, but I may want to own it. It's that good.

Tomorrow morning's breakfast plans: Blueberry Pancakes or Spice Pancakes or Blueberry Spice Pancakes. And sausage. Oh, and juice--or milk. Maybe coffee.

And now, goodnight.

Blast From the Past

2011-02-17T21:45:00.000-06:00

Well, as a homeschooling mom, I get to help my girls learn and do some interesting things. In fact, just a few days ago, I was teaching language arts to Mia. Her assignment involved me telling her a story and her telling the story to someone else to see how many of the details she could remember. I decided to think of a true story from my past to tell her. Here's what I came up with:

When I was in about the 4th grade my best friend, Jeanette, and I decided to have a shoe-kicking competition. We went outside for recess in our jelly shoes and decided to have our competition. We stood in the school parking lot, facing away from the school building. We geared up for the "kick-off" and kicked. Jeanette's jelly shoe rose into the air and landed quite some distance away. Mine, however, rose into the air, up over our heads, and landed on the roof of the school building!!!

I found the teacher on recess duty and told her (somewhat ashamedly) what had happened. She proceeded to tell me that I was going to have to go the rest of the school day with just one shoe. Bummer. (This for real happened! Of course, only to me!) I even had to play kickball for P.E. with only one jelly shoe on--in a skirt, no less.

At the end of the school day the janitor (Mr. Hazewinkle--his real name) hauled out an extension ladder, climbed up onto the school roof, and retrieved my lonely jelly shoe. Sweet reunion!

Lesson learned: Never play "Let's See How Far We Can Kick Our Jelly Shoes." And I did learn my lesson. I've never played that game again.

THE END

Eye-Opening

2011-02-16T21:56:00.001-06:00

Matthew 20:30-34

"And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, 'Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!' Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, 'Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!' So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, 'What do you want Me to do for you?' They said to Him, 'Lord, that our eyes may be opened.' So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him."

I recently read this passage, and it spoke to me in a way it had never spoken to me before. Have you ever had that happen? What I noticed, first of all, was that when Jesus heard the blind men calling out to Him, He stood still. He stopped what He was doing, and He listened to them. By the way, the blind men had called out to Him more than once. They were even shushed by the crowd. But they didn't give up! That's a lesson for me right there. When I call out to Jesus I shouldn't give up! I should keep calling out. Anyway, I love that Jesus stood still.

Then Jesus asked the blind men this: "What do you want Me to do for you?" Do I (or do you) realize that Jesus asks me (and you) this question? What do I want Jesus to do for me? What do you want Jesus to do for you? That's a question worth pondering. The blind men knew what they wanted. They wanted to have their eyes opened.

And I think that's what I want, too. I want to have my spiritual eyes opened. I want my eyes opened to the reality of the continual, pervasive presence of God. I want my eyes opened to the needs of others around me. I want my eyes opened to God's working in my everyday life. I want my eyes opened to what God's will is. I want my eyes opened to His all-encompassing plan for this world. And I want to see where my place is in it. Where do I fit into His plan? Because, after all, it's not about my plan at all.

Well, Jesus answered the request of the blind men. He had compassion on them, and He healed them. They received their sight. And they followed Him. So when we have our requests answered, may we react in the same way the once-blind men reacted: by following HIM.

"Oceans Will Part"

by Ben Fielding

Verse 1:

If my heart has grown cold, there Your love will unfold.

As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand.

When I'm blind to my way, there Your Spirit will pray.

As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand.

As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand.

CHORUS:

Oceans will part, nations come, at the whisper of Your call.

Hope will rise, glory shown.

In my life Your will be done.

Verse 2:

Present suffering may pass, Lord Your mercy will last.

As You open my eyes to work of Your hand.

And my heart will find praise, I'll delight in Your way.

As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand.

As You open my eyes to the work of Your hand.

Winter Thaw

2011-02-15T22:29:00.001-06:00

We here in the upper midwest are experiencing a winter thaw! And I love it! It's giving me a taste of spring right in the midst of a very long winter. And when I say very long winter, I mean a winter that is about 6 months long! I'm not even kidding. Anyway, the temperatures have been in the 40's, which is downright balmy for February here. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and I heard dripping! Dripping means that snow is melting! Music to my ears! I also heard birds singing! I felt like singing! I think the birds were happy about the weather, too. Why wouldn't they be?

To take advantage of this gorgeous spring-like day, the girls and I booted up and headed outside for a walk through the puddles which, not too long ago, used to be snow. The girls enjoyed walking straight through instead of around puddles, watching the water go down the storm drains, and squishing through the soggy grass that dared to peek out from under the edges of very dirty snow. We even wrote words in the snow with a stick and enjoyed watching our wet bootprints trail behind us.

What a mood-lifter some sunny, mild weather is! Best of all, I know Who made this mild weather possible! My God's awesome! Yes, He is! He delights to delight His children. And He did that for me once again today.

A Different Way to Look at I Corinthians 13

2011-02-14T16:08:00.000-06:00

Last night I went to the once a month Vespers service at our church. This service includes worship and prayer. I almost typed worship a second time, and then I realized that I really could have, because prayer is just another way that we worship our God! At this service our pastor challenged us to look at I Corinthians 13 in a different way. (He focused on I Corinthians 13 since yesterday was the day before Valentine's Day.) Most people probably think of this chapter as a great chapter to be read at a wedding--and it is! But our pastor changed my perspective on this chapter. He challenged us to pray prayers of thanksgiving to God for the way that He loves us. And I Corinthians 13 tells us the ways in which God loves us! To look at this chapter and think of it as a description of the way God loves me was moving! God's love for me is patient. It is kind. It does not envy. It is is not boastful or proud. Oh, I'll just post the the verses that describe love for you, so you can read them for yourself!

I Corinthians 13:4-8a

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

I personally love the part that says, "it keeps no record of wrongs." God's love doesn't keep a record of all of the wrongs I've done and how many times I've done them. He holds nothing against me, because He is perfect love! My sins are "forgotten" by God's choosing. He chooses not to remember them. I wish I could do the same for myself and others!

I'm keeping this short, but I'll close with these fabulous words from the great hymn "Amazing Love" (also known as "And Can It Be That I Should Gain").

"Amazing love, how can it be
That thou my God shouldst die for me?"

*What part of I Corinthians 13 speaks to you the most?

Homeschool Perks

2011-02-09T11:48:00.002-06:00

The teacher and students can wear pajamas all day long.
The teacher can fold laundry during school hours.
Schoolwork takes place in a variety of rooms: kitchen, living room, family room, bedroom--even the bathroom!
The school day is sometimes over by lunchtime!
Lunch is served by a really nice lunch lady! :-)
The teacher to student ratio is 1:2.
We get to go on field trips with other homeschooling friends.
Our schedule is VERY flexible.
Our vacations do not have to coincide with the public school district's vacations.
We learn together.
We play together.
We don't have parent/teacher conferences, since the parent and the teacher are one and the same. :-)
We can include the Bible, prayer, and God in our school day!

Stand On Something (or SomeOne) Else

2011-02-01T22:07:00.002-06:00

I am reading through the New Testament this year. It's my one goal. Okay, I probably have more than one goal, but it's one that I've actually put into words. I read Mark chapter 5 today. It's a good one, folks! This is the chapter with the woman with the issue of blood and with the healing of Jairus' daughter.

I love how Jesus just knows each person's heart. He knew that the woman with the issue of blood had faith that He could heal her--even if she just touched the hem of His robe.  Jesus knew that Jairus had faith that He could heal his daughter. Of course, Jesus could have chosen to heal the woman with the issue of blood years before, when her affliction first became apparent. He could have healed Jairus' daughter from her illness before she actually died. Yet, He didn't. He waited until the perfect time--the time when their faith faced the ultimate test. He waited for the right moment--the moment that would bring Him the most glory.

I think I've come to realize (in a deeper way than before) that any faith that any of us has in Jesus is a God-given gift--an incomprehensible grace bestowed freely upon us. My faith to believe in Jesus as my Savior was a gift.   And any faith that I exercise in my Savior today is also a gift.

The woman with the issue of blood and Jairus both had God's gift of faith poured out on them. It's not really something they had to drum up within themselves. They came to the end of themselves and realized that they didn't have what it took to make the wrong things in their lives right.

It can be a scary thing to come to the end of yourself. It means that you have nothing left to stand on that is "man-made."  I guess that means you have to stand on something else. You have to let all the things that make sense in your "logical" mind go. And here's the verse that tells you what to do next: "Don't be afraid; just believe" (vs. 36).

So, that's what I need to do. That's what we should do. Don't be afraid. Just Believe.

Mediterranean Chicken Pizza

2011-01-28T23:27:00.000-06:00

I had a recipe epiphany the other day! I thought, "Hey! I like Greek food--especially a Greek salad. I bet I could incorporate those ingredients into a pizza!" So, I did. Here's the resulting recipe. And, we ALL liked it. (Although, I did hold back a few ingredients on one half of the pizza that I knew were not my children's favorites.)

1 pkg. of your favorite pizza crust mix
1 small can of your favorite pizza sauce
mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
olive oil
salt
pepper
oregano
black olives
red onion
green pepper
feta cheese

Follow package directions to make your pizza crust. Meanwhile, sprinkle the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and oregano. Saute the chicken in some olive oil over medium to medium high heat until juices run clear. Shred your mozzarella cheese, if needed. ( I had the already shredded stuff on hand.) Chop your black olives, red onion, and green pepper. You get to decide how much! It's all up to your personal preference. Chop the chicken breast into bite-size pieces when it's done. When your pizza crust is ready, top it with the pizza sauce, cheese, chicken, olives, onion, and green peppers. Top with a little additional cheese. Sprinkle the entire pizza with more oregano. Bake your pizza in the oven according to the pizza crust directions. Once the pizza is removed from the oven, sprinkle some feta cheese over the top. I know I will make this again--and maybe soon! Enjoy!

Right Now

2011-01-24T20:37:00.000-06:00

I am relaxing in front of the fireplace. It's not nearly as cold out as it's been the past couple of days. It actually made it up into the 20's! But the fireplace still feels good.
Enjoying the quiet stillness that arrives with the tucking in of our precious girls. They're snug in their beds, and I'm snug on the couch (with the dogs). :-)
I'm waiting for my husband to get home. He had a late appointment tonight. That's a good thing, but I miss him when he's gone. Taking this opportunity to visit the blog world.
Thinking about lots of stuff. My mind is full! Thinking about the week ahead, looking forward to Spring, and getting a little stir crazy!

What are you doing Right Now?

You Know You Live in Minnesota in the Winter When . . .

2011-01-20T14:39:00.001-06:00

. . . it's so cold the house is creaking.
. . . it's so cold your nostrils start to freeze on your walk out to the car.
. . . it's so cold that it hurts!
. . . every car is white (because of the salt that is put on the roads).
. . . it takes about 5 minutes or more just to get bundled up to go outside.
. . . you sometimes skip checking the mail for one day, because you simply don't want to go outside and cross the street.
. . . your glass of water can get cold just by sitting near a window.
. . . there are more potholes than you can possibly count!
. . . you can chill a 2-liter bottle of pop by shoving it in the snow on your deck for about 5 minutes.
. . . double-digit temperatures start to feel balmy!
. . . looking at a picture of a tropical beach makes you feel depressed.
. . . 4 inches of the white stuff is no big deal.
. . . you wonder why you still live here every time Winter rolls around.
. . . you know how quiet it gets outside every time it snows.
. . . God frosts your trees and yard with snow, and it takes your breath away!

Unexpected Side Trip

2011-01-16T22:43:00.000-06:00

Over New Year's weekend we went to visit Mike's parents and brother in Wisconsin. We always have a wonderful time together. We celebrated a late Christmas, ate lots of yummy food, talked, and played games. We were able to stay for 5 days. It really was such a blessing.

After we left their place, Mike turned the wrong way--or so I thought. "Where are you going?" I asked. Turns out, we were headed for Cedarburg, Wisconsin, to visit the covered bridge where we were engaged a mere 14 years ago. :-)

It was very cold (just like it was the day we got engaged). There was snow on the ground (I think there was snow on the ground that day, too!). The only difference this time was that we had two little girls with us who had never seen where Mommy and Daddy had gotten engaged.

We tramped through the cold snow and ice to the opening of the bridge and entered, looking for our initials which Mike had carved into the wall of the bridge with a key. We might have found them. We really should have carved our whole names and not just our initials. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of initials carved into the walls on the inside of the covered bridge!

Mike took a few pictures with his phone, because we forgot our "real" camera at home.

The covered bridge in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. It's the last one in Wisconsin!

Mike didn't know this, but I always thought it would be cool to get married on a bridge. Well, we didn't get married on a bridge, but we did get engaged on one! Isn't it neat how God does things like that for us?!

Here you can see the inside of the bridge. I am cold!!!

Our two cuties on the bridge!

Thanks, Honey, for letting us re-visit the place of our engagement! I'll never forget that day, or this one!

Christmas Eats

2010-12-27T12:27:00.000-06:00

This year we had Christmas with just the four of us. We'll celebrate with our extended families later on. On Christmas Eve we went to a beautiful Christmas Eve service at our church, and after supper the girls opened their Christmas stockings. On Christmas Day we opened presents first thing and had cinnamon rolls for breakfast. After lounging around for a good part of the morning and into the afternoon, we finally decided it was time to get Christmas dinner going. Here's what was on the menu:

Baked Ham w/ an optional Orange/Pineapple Glaze
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Baked Corn
Dinner Rolls

And for dessert, Ginger Snaps and Ice Cream

It makes me hungry just thinking about it!

What did you have for your Christmas dinner?

Enjoying Life

2010-12-16T20:57:00.000-06:00

Do you enjoy life? I do. And I was just sitting here thinking about some things that I really enjoy at this time of year (and, with some of them, all year 'round!). Life here on earth is a gift from God. It is to be enjoyed, although we are not to store up treasures on earth, because this world is not our forever home.

Anyway, here are some things that I have enjoyed, I am enjoying, or I soon will be:

Christmas music (I love it! I started listening to it after our first snow, which was before Thanksgiving.)
scarves (They just make me feel warm and comfy.)
a good book
white, fluffy snow (when I'm safely holed up at home if front of the fireplace)
checking the mail and receiving Christmas letters, cards, and family photos
celebrating Christmas with our families and with our church family
banana pecan bread
a nice, hot cup of coffee with flavored creamer
fellowshipping with good friends
receiving good news from and rejoicing with friends
my Savior Who loves me, forgives me, and never leaves me

Super Easy Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

2010-12-03T15:32:00.000-06:00

Just yesterday I was wondering what I should make for supper. I wanted it to be something easy to prepare. Then I realized that I had the makings for chicken noodle soup. What if I made it in the crock pot? I wonder how that would turn out? Here's what I did. And, yes, it turned out!

3 small, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, still frozen
about 6 c. chicken stock
1 bay leaf
about 3 or 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves stripped into the pot
carrots, diced
celery, diced
onion, diced
(The amounts for the above 3 things are according to your personal preference.)
freshly cracked black pepper
wide egg noodles

Throw all of the ingredients into the crock pot, except for the egg noodles. Turn the crock pot on high and let cook for about 6 hours. After 6 hours, remove the chicken breasts, shred them, and return them to the pot. Boil the egg noodles according to package directions. (Again, the amount of noodles is up to you. We like ours pretty noodle-y.) Add the noodles to the pot. Remove bay leaf. Serve. Add salt on an individual basis. The chicken stock can sometimes be pretty salty, but if you have the reduced sodium kind, you may want to add some.

Hope you enjoy it. We sure did!

Just One

Thanksgiving and the "In Between"

2010-11-29T21:36:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It was so fun to cook up some yummy food and bring it over to my parents' house where we celebrated with them, my brother and his son, my sister, my brother-in-law, and their daughter, and of course, our own little family. We spent the whole afternoon and into the evening there. We ate, talked, laughed, tried to knit (me), watched the Peanuts Thanksgiving special, watched football (the guys), looked at newspaper ads, went through the alphabet and around the kitchen table sharing what we are thankful for, ate pie, and more.

Now we are in the midst of getting ready for Christmas. This time can end up being really busy, but I am determined to take time to reflect and live in the moment. I don't want this season to be stressful, because that's certainly not what it's all about. Already I've enjoyed listening to Christmas music. We put up the Christmas decorations on Saturday, but we haven't gotten our tree yet. Last year we got our tree too early, and it ended up being quite dry and prickly by the time we took it down. Nothing like taking the ornaments off and having oodles of pine needles falling off at the same time. :-)

This Thursday we are planning on enjoying a Christmas concert at Orchestra Hall downtown. The girls will enjoy dressing up. And I will just love the beautiful orchestra playing familiar Christmas tunes. It's sure to be quite festive.

Next Sunday the girls are in the children's Christmas program at church. Kylie has a speaking part this year as well as two solos. Mia also has a little solo. They are both doing so well practicing their lines and songs.

I'm debating about whether I will write a Christmas letter this year. I usually do, but that's one thing I could eliminate (but still send out cards) in order to simplify this Christmas season. I would like to make some homemade crafts this year for some gifts. I guess I better get a move on, though, if I'm going to do it.

What do you do to celebrate the Christmas season?

Just One

Reading Rainbow (without the song and without LeVar Burton)

2010-11-16T14:43:00.000-06:00

So, I thought a fun post for today would be to share what I've been reading lately, and to find out what you've been reading lately, too. Here goes . . .

Of course, my (almost--I'm trying) daily reading is in the Bible (going through Proverbs right now) and Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman. I've been going through this devotional with 365 daily readings for a few years now and just keep getting blessed, encouraged, and challenged; so I just keep reading it!

I'm also in the middle of reading The Gospel According to Jesus by Chris Seay. It's been an interesting read. I've learned more about the meanings of the words "righteousness" and "justice." I'll share more later once I've finished reading the whole book.

I just started reading Experiencing God by Henry T. Blackaby and Claude V. King. I found this book for sale at the public library for $1.00! It came without it's dust jacket, but that didn't bother me. I've heard good things about this book, and it fits in well with a lot of things I've been thinking about, which makes me excited! I feel like God will really use this book in my life. My husband and I plan on each reading a chapter and then discussing it afterwards. I better slow down, though. I've already read the first two chapters, and Mike hasn't even started yet!

I have to say, that I usually have a Christian fiction book going, too. I don't read all deep subject matter. I like a little fluffy, feel-good story from time to time. It helps me unwind. Just so happens that I don't have a fiction book to read right now, since I finished the ones I have and still need to make another trip to the library.

Oh, and when do I find time to read, you wonder? Seeing as I homeschool the girls and all? Well, I usually read before going to bed until I get so sleepy I can't even focus. Then the book gets put down, my head hits the pillow, and it's off to dreamland I go!

So, what's on your reading shelf? Do share.

My A B C's of Thankfulness

2010-11-15T12:07:00.001-06:00

I'm thankful for . . .

A bundant life through Jesus Christ
B ible in my own language
C hildren (Kylie and Mia, I love you!)
D ogs (We have 3!)
E yes to see God's creation and ears to hear music and laughter
F amily who loves me
G od, my Creator and Redeemer
H ouse to live in
I ncredible grace and mercy
J okes to laugh about
K isses
L ove
M ichael--my husband and best friend!
N eighbors who are thoughtful
O rdinary people used by an extraordinary God
P iano--for me and my girls to play and learn on
Q uiet moments to read and reflect
R ainbows that remind me of God's promise
S now that blankets the ground
T urkey on Thanksgiving Day
U mbrellas when it rains
V alleys that draw me closer to Him
W arm clothes to wear
X tra-special people (i.e. friends)
Y ou!
Z ippers (Just imagine life without them. You'll get why I'm thankful!)

First Snow

2010-11-13T11:55:00.002-06:00

Well, we woke up to snow-covered trees with branches bowing low with the weight of it. Flakes are swirling and clumping together, dancing their own peculiar dance. And a nice cup of hot tea with honey was my beverage of choice for this snowy morning. In "honor" of this first snow, you will notice that I changed my blog background. What do you think?

The girls bundled up to play outside after breakfast, but their outdoor play was short-lived. They got too cold too quickly! I guess we are softies after the unusually mild Fall weather we experienced this year. We also need to get some warmer gloves or mittens for these girls. They've outgrown the warmer ones that we used last year!

Subsequently, we are holed up in our warm, little house enjoying the first Christmas CD of the season. It seemed appropriate somehow. :-) I'm not quite sure what they are doing at the kitchen table right now--some sort of crafty creation, I suspect.

I don't have any lofty goals or ambitions today. I've been battling a scratchy, sore throat and trying not to let it become a full-blown head cold. So far, so good. I'm just laying low and doing non-stressful things like folding laundry and running the dishwasher.

We might even have to watch a movie later today. That seems appropriate somehow, too.

I CAN'T DO IT!

2010-10-27T10:23:00.001-05:00

I can't do it! I really can't.
I can't accomplish everything I need to in a day.
I can't be the mom I'm supposed to be to my two precious daughters.
I can't be the wife I'm supposed to be to my fabulous husband.
I can't do this.
I can't read my Bible and pray effectively.
I can't be loving in my words and actions.
I can't have the right motives in everything I do.
I can't control my emotions.
I can't rejoice always.
I can't.

And it's true. I can't. In John 15:5 Jesus even agrees with me when He says, ". . . apart from me you can do NOTHING."

BUT . . . "NOTHING is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37)! "I can do EVERYTHING through him who gives me strength" (Phil. 4:13)!

God doesn't want me to do things on my own, by myself. That's why He gives me seemingly impossible tasks--so that I will HAVE to rely on Him! Isn't that great?! No, I can't do it on my own. And I don't have to do it alone. Why do I even let myself get to the point when I say (out loud or internally), "I can't do this! I'm so overwhelmed! It's too much!"

God did not create me (or you, either) to walk through this life alone. He wants us to reach out to Him like a little child saying, "Daddy, will you hold my hand? Will you walk with me? Will You help me? I don't know how to do this. I don't think--no, I know--I can't do this by myself."

And He readily and willingly says to me (and to you), "Yes, daughter, I will hold your hand. I've been walking right beside you all this time. I'll help you. I know you don't know how to do this. But I do. And if you keep asking me, I'll keep giving you the wisdom you need. (James 1:5) You don't have to do this by yourself." (Isaiah 41:10)

My problem is that I so often lose my focus on Jesus and, like Peter, start focusing on the storm going on around me. I just need to keep my eyes on Him! If I do that, all else fades away, and things aren't so overwhelming, because Jesus is all-sufficient. And when I look at Him, I see that, and I no longer worry about the "everything else." He is able. I am not. I can't do it by myself. And I don't want to. But I don't have to. He doesn't want me to.

And that's beautiful.

Gettin' the Bug

2010-10-14T19:34:00.003-05:00

I'm gettin' the bug--the writing bug. Sometimes I'm not in "the mood," if you know what I mean. But recently I've been thinking more and more about writing another drama. I had been thinking and wondering if I ever would write another drama. For a while I couldn't imagine coming up with a story line different than the first; but one day, a few months ago, I was in the middle of talking to God when He gave me an idea! Immediately I was excited about it! I shared it with our worship pastor, and he said, "Let's do it!"

"Wow!" I thought. "Here we go again!"

So, I've had some ideas rolling around in my head for a while now. I'm not quite sure how to get it all out on paper or how it will all translate into action, but it will happen with God's help (and with the help of others on the creative team). We meet next week to discuss and brainstorm. Please pray with me that God would be all over this. I don't want to do something without meaning or frivolous. I want it to have lasting impact for the glory of God.

I Really Recommend Retreats!

2010-10-11T15:28:00.003-05:00

This past weekend I was able to go on the women's retreat that our women's ministry plans every year for the 5th time! I was NOT disappointed. If your church has a women's retreat, or if a friend of yours invites you to one, GO! For some reason, when I get away from my normal surroundings and responsibilities it seems like I am more able to hear God's voice speaking to me. And if you ask some of the other women that went to the women's retreat I think they will agree with me, too.

The theme this year was "Extreme Makeover: Heart Edition." It was a fun theme but also a theme which encouraged a subject matter that was quite deep. My heart was "made over." My focus was sharpened. My priorities were re-aligned. My relationships with some of the women were deepened. My spirit was encouraged, challenged, and refreshed! Was there any one thing that I listed here that you wouldn't want to experience?! I thought not.

Anyway, God always uses these weekends in my life to draw me closer to Him. For that I am the most thankful!

A Post in Which I Admit That Fall Is Here

2010-09-17T11:02:00.008-05:00

Well, I've been in denial about the arrival of Fall. But I have to admit that it is here to stay. I'd been hoping for some more warmer days, but they may never come. So, in this post I'm going to focus on some positive things that I really like about Fall.

. . . leaves changing color
. . . sweatshirt and jeans weather
. . . apple orchards
. . . Women's Retreat!
. . . pumpkins (for carving and for decoration)
. . . hot chocolate and hot apple cider
. . . the smell of woodsmoke in the air
. . . going for a drive to see the Fall colors
. . . Thanksgiving
. . . the crunch of leaves under my feet
. . . watching the girls jump into piles of leaves
. . . making comfort foods that didn't sound good during Summer (like soups,
stews, and crock pot meals)
. . . seeing frost on the leaves and grass
. . . seeing God's hand all over creation!

What do you like most about Fall?

Campfire Beans

2010-08-31T16:01:00.003-05:00

I am making these beans to go along with supper tonight. I found the recipe on the Food Network website, and I believe it's one of Bobby Flay's recipes. Enjoy! (We sure do!)

4 lbs. pinto beans, picked over and rinsed (I half the recipe. It makes A LOT!)
1 lb. bacon, chopped
1 lg. onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 Tbsp. chili powder
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. salt
2 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 12-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles
3 whole jalapeno peppers

Place beans in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid and add enough water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat. Meanwhile, place bacon, onion, and garlic in a medium frying pan and brown the mixture, while stirring, over medium heat. Add bacon mixture to the beans. Reduce heat and simmer until beans are soft, about 3 hours total cooking time, adding more hot water if needed. Add chili powder, sugar, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and jalapeno peppers. Simmer for another 10 minutes and serve.

Psalm 103:1-5

2010-08-31T15:58:00.001-05:00

1. Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2. Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3. who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4. who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5. who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Who wouldn't want to serve a God like this?!!!

Only a Branch

2010-08-16T14:19:00.002-05:00

*I came across this poem in a book I just started reading called The True Vine by Andrew Murray.

"I am the vine, ye are the branches." John 15:5

"'Tis only a little Branch,
A thing so fragile and weak,
But that little Branch hath a message true
To give, could it only speak.

'I'm only a little Branch,
I live by a life not mine,
For the sap that flows through my tendrils small
Is the life-blood of the Vine.

'No power indeed have I
The fruit of myself to bear,
But since I'm part of the living Vine,
Its fruitfulness I share.

'Dost thou ask how I abide?
How this life I can maintain?--
I am bound to the Vine by life's strong band,
And I only need remain.

'Where first my life was given,
In the spot where I am set,
Upborne and upheld as the days go by,
By the stem which bears me yet.

'I fear not the days to come,
I dwell not upon the past,
As moment by moment I draw a life,
Which for evermore shall last.

'I bask in the sun's bright beams,
Which with sweetness fills my fruit,
Yet I own not the clusters hanging there,
For they all come from the root.'

A life which is not my own,
But another's life in me:
This, this is the message the Branch would speak,
A message to thee and me.

Oh, struggle not to 'abide,'
Nor labor to 'bring forth fruit,'
But let Jesus unite thee to Himself,
As the Vine Branch to the root.

So simple, so deep, so strong
That union with Him shall be:
His life shall forever replace thine own,
And His love shall flow through thee.

For His Spirit's fruit is love,
And love shall thy life become,
And for evermore on His heart of love
Thy spirit shall have her home.

-Freda Hanbury

Back to School--Almost!

2010-08-05T10:27:00.003-05:00

The start of a new year of homeschool is just around the corner, and we are getting ready for it. Over on Angie Smith's blog, Bring the Rain, people are sharing what they do for their homeschool, so I thought I would share, too.

This will be our 4th year homeschooling, but our 3rd year of using Sonlight. We love it! I love that they have a strong missions emphasis, a great world view (not centered on the United States at all--after all, it's really not all about us!), not to mention that they use real books, not textbooks.

For math we are using Math-U-See. The girls are doing really well with it. I will be honest and say that at the end of last year we were all feeling really burned out. But I think it had more to do with the teacher's attitude, which in turn was spilling over onto the students and affecting their attitudes. That's something I'll be working on more this year! :-)

For handwriting we are using ABeka. Kylie started out with it when she went to Kindergarten, so we decided to stick with it. I had ABeka growing up, so I am already familiar with it, too. This year Mia will be starting cursive, which she is excited about.

It's hard to believe that Kylie will be in 4th grade, and Mia will be in 2nd! Time is going by so quickly! Before we know it, these girls will be teenagers. Aaaah! I'm not ready for that!

I am coming to realize that I need to be more relaxed in my homeschool approach. I tend to be a rule-follower/letter of the law kind of person. I am slowly getting better than I used to be. I am also realizing that homeschooling does not just involve teaching academics to my children. It involves character-building for the teacher as well as the student! God is at work. It's not easy, but it's His best for our lives! And I want to want what He wants. Does that make sense?

BE STRONG!

2010-08-03T12:01:00.006-05:00

"Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Ephesians 6:10

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (and women) of courage; be strong."
I Corinthians 16:13

As soon as August 1st hit, the reality that school starts in less than one month hit! I've got a lot to do, and soon I found myself overwhelmed and questioning if I am really cut out to do this whole "homeschool thing." Then I opened my devotional book today (my copy of Streams in the Desert), and found that God had the perfect message just for me. It's funny how God does that, seeing as He knows what I need before I even tell Him. :-)

Here's how the reading began: "Do not pray for easy lives! Pray to be stronger men (or women--I added that.). Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle."
-Phillips Brooks

Too many times, I wish my life were easier. And that's not what I should be wishing for at all!!! God wants to make His power evident in my life, and how is that going to happen if I only take the easy way? Then I will be doing everything in my own strength, and that's not what God wants for me. I was encouraged by this reading. I will accept the hard along with the easy, because I have access to supernatural, Holy Spirit power! WOW! How amazing is that?!

The reading ended with this poem:

"Be strong!
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do, and loads to lift.
Shun not the struggle; face it.
'Tis God's gift.

Be strong!
Say not the days are evil--Who's to blame?
And fold the hands and acquiesce--O shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely,
In God's name.

Be strong!
It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long,
Faint not, fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song."

-Maltbie D. Babcock

He Did It Again

2010-07-27T20:21:00.001-05:00

Well, He did it again. Mere days after I posted about Mia's new desk, my mom told me about a chair they found at their rental property that got left behind. Did we want it? For free? SURE! Thanks, God!

God's Protecting and Providing Hands

2010-07-21T16:23:00.003-05:00

I realize that many of us know that God protects us and provides for us, but it's really great when we can see how God protects and provides for us in tangible ways. I have been able to see His kind hand and strong arm recently in several different ways.

First of all, I want to say that God has never failed us yet! And I know He never will! Mike has been working for Thrivent Financial for about 3 years now, and it's not been a road without bumps and twists and turns. He loves what he's doing, but the income is sporadic, to say the least. This has forced us to TRUST God--a good thing, for sure, but not easy. But every time a need arises, God takes care of us in good ways.

I was just thinking the other week that Mia was going to need a bigger school desk this coming Fall. She is growing as every normal little girl does, and her current table and chair would be too small for her to sit at very shortly. I wondered where we would get a desk and how much it would cost. On our drive home from church a week and a half ago, I noticed that a neighbor was having a garage sale. I also noticed a desk close to the curb and wondered if it might work for Mia. After lunch the girls and I walked over to take a look at the desk. It looked like a suitable desk for her, and with a price tag of $10, I thought we could swing it. :-) I told the lady I was interested in the desk, and she only asked $5 for it!!! Thank you, God! Now we need a chair for the desk, but I know He will provide that, too. Not only did we get a desk at this garage sale, but we also met another neighbor that is also a Christian homeschooling family! We will definitely have to make some more connections with them in the coming weeks!

This past weekend I had 3 of my precious college friends come visit for a long girls' weekend. It's always such a refreshing time together! While they were here we experienced some severe weather. We were in the basement for a while during the storm, and the electricity went out. We talked and sang songs with the word storm in them like "'Til the storm passes over . . . " Eventually the storm was over, and the electricity came back on (at 1:00 a.m.). In the morning, I looked out of my bedroom window, and lo and behold, our neighbor's tree had a big chunk taken out of it, and it was laying in their yard. Later that afternoon, I also noticed that our neighbor on the other side of us also had a big chunk of tree down in their yard! I realized that God's hand of protection was surely cupped around us and our home, keeping us safe through the storm! We only had sticks, leaves, and small branches down in our yard.

Just yesterday I drove my friends back to the airport so they could return home. The airport is about 45 minutes away, so I did a good bit of driving yesterday. This afternoon when I went outside to check the mail, I noticed that our Pathfinder has a flat tire!!! And not only a flat tire, but a flat, almost shredded tire! I am so thankful that God protected that tire from going flat and shredding while I was driving! We've known for a while that our Pathfinder needed new tires, but the money just wasn't there. Well, in mid-June Mike's parents were in a boat/car accident (God's hand of protection was on them when that happened, too!). Mike drove out to where they were to help get them and their boat home (Their vehicle was totalled!). As a thank-you for Mike's help, Mike's parents sent us a check to pay for new tires for our truck! Again, God provided (through Mike's parents) for what He knew we would need.

I just praise God for His wonderful works in our lives! "How can I help from singing Your praise? I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing!"

God Has Done a Marvelous Thing

2010-07-04T17:52:00.004-05:00

I was able to go down to Rochester to be with my sister while CaJuan had his transplant surgery. CaJuan's best friend Terrell was also able to come down. I arrived on Thursday night at around 9:30 p.m. CaJuan's surgery started at 5:30 Friday morning, and the surgeons finished the surgery at around 10:30 a.m. The surgeon said that the surgery went well and the kidney and pancreas looked like they were good ones.

Now CaJuan is recovering, and his new kidney and pancreas are already working! We are so thankful to God for this miracle that He has performed and for this new lease on life for CaJuan!!! The recovery process will be long, but with God in control, we know that CaJuan is in the best place possible. What we need to pray for now is pain management, that there would be no infection, and that his body would accept these new organs and not reject them.

CaJuan has already been out of bed and walking down the hall. He is still VERY tired and in pain, but what a fighter and trooper he is being! Marcy is with him every step of the way, and family members have been coming and going.

I will keep you updated as I know more. We are still in awe of God's mercy and great love for His children!

"Our God is a great God and worthy to be praised!"

The Power of Prayer

2010-07-02T04:07:00.002-05:00

I believe in the power of prayer. Yesterday my brother-in-law and sister received a phone call telling them that a match had been found for CaJuan to have a kidney and pancreatic transplant. Just the night before, CaJuan had been praying with his prayer group at church about this very thing, and yesterday God answered. Coincidence? I think not.

I also believe that God has perfect timing. How could He not? He's God, after all. First of all, this week was Marcy's last week to nanny for this current family full-time. Secondly, CaJuan and Marcy just finished emptying out and cleaning their old apartment. The day they had to be completely out of there was June 30th. They received the transplant call July 1st. Thirdly, CaJuan and Marcy's original wedding date was June 26th. If they had gotten married on June 26th, they would have been on their way to Florida (far, far away) instead of being home in Minnesota when they received the call. And who wants to spend their honeymoon in a hospital, anyway? God knew, He goes before, and His plans are ALWAYS good!

I received the call from Marcy while I was bagging up my groceries at Aldi (love that store!). I gave a little cheer, not caring who heard me. :-) This is exciting--but also scary! But "Ask great things of God. Expect great things from God." And that's what we're doing. We've asked for a great thing to be done in CaJuan's (and Marcy's) life, and we expect that God will do it! We will not be surprised. Instead, we will be rejoicing, because God has done--and is doing--a marvelous thing!

Worship Today

2010-06-06T13:12:00.010-05:00

Today we sang the song "Son of God" in church, and it was so moving. I can't get the words or the melody out of my head, and that's a good thing! I hope you enjoy the lyrics and worship our great God right along with me.

"Son of God"
by Starfield

Son of God
Shaper of the stars
You alone
The dweller of my heart
Mighty King
How beautiful You are, how beautiful

Son of God
The Father's gift to us
You alone
Were broken on the altar of love
Precious Lamb
Our freedom's in Your blood, It's in your blood

Jesus, Oh Holy One
I sing to You
Forgiven
Savior, I'm overcome
With Your great love for me

Son of God
Strength beyond compare
You alone
The darkness cannot bear
Lord of love
Your kindness draws me near, it draws me

Son of God
Prophecy of old
You alone
Redeemer of my soul
Come again
And lead your people home, come lead us home

You are worthy
You are worthy
You are worthy of all my praise

You are beautiful
You are beautiful
I will lift up my hands and sing

Where I Live

2010-05-22T21:19:00.011-05:00

This week on Kelly's Korner is Show Us Your Life: Home Towns. I live in a suburb of Minneapolis, MN. What I like about it is that we live very close to the Mississippi River. We can go to a regional park that's just a few minutes away and walk across a dam that spans the width of the river. It's beautiful!

We also like to drive to a cute shopping area about 25 minutes away. It's where we gravitate to lots of times when we go on a date.

We also like to go to the zoo. We've got two that aren't too far away, and we enjoy them both.

The Como Zoo has a beautiful conservatory! Lots of people get their wedding pictures taken there. It's so fun to walk through. I enjoy the beautiful flowers and plants so much.

Yes, we also have the Mall of America nearby, but we really don't go there all that much. It's a pretty busy place.

Another fun place to go is Snuffy's Malt Shop. They have yummy burgers and the best shakes and malts!

Sometimes we just like to go for drives through the older (rich) parts of town. I love the tree-lined streets and old homes that have so much character.

Come visit sometime! I'm sure you would enjoy it! :-)

Favorite Children's Books

2010-05-14T20:40:00.021-05:00

This week on Kelly's Korner Blog is Show Us Your Life: Favorite Books or Kids' Books. I'm going to go with favorite kids' books this time. There are so many that I love! As far back as I can remember, I've always loved to read. Here are some that I think every child should either have read to them or read for themselves. Note: some of these books I have just recently read because of reading them to my own children.

Ramona Quimby books by Beverly Cleary

These are a must! They are so funny and true to life. You and your kids will love them!

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

Within the past year or year and a half I have started reading these to my girls, and we all really like them. There are some great parallels between the Bible and the Chronicles of Narnia.

The Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder

These should be a staple in every home that has children. They are true stories about Laura and her family during pioneer days.

Blueberries for Sal and One Morning in Maine by Robert McCloskey

These stories are both about Sal, and they are so cute and well done. The illustrations are great, too.

The Betsy and Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace

These are charming stories about young girls who are friends. Every young girl should read these humorous, heart-warming stories.

Growing up I also remember reading a series about a nurse named Sue Barton. This is a great older series for upper elementary children.

My girls have both loved all books by Kevin Henkes. Some of their favorites of his are Chrysanthemum and Julius, the Baby of the World.

Of course, what children don't like Curious George, Clifford, Berenstain Bears, or Dr. Seuss?

If you want to read some true stories that will impact your children's lives as well as your own, try reading some missionary biographies! These are inspiring stories about real people. We've read some great ones using Sonlight homeschooling curriculum. Here are just a few examples:

I could go on, but I think I'll stop now. If you decide to read any of these books, let me know what you think. Happy reading!

My Favorite Potato Salad

2010-05-11T10:28:00.003-05:00

On Mother's Day we went over to my parents' house, and the guys grilled for us moms. We each brought a side dish to share, and this way, no one had to do too much. :-) I decided to bring my favorite potato salad that I made ahead the day before. I thought you might like to try this recipe, too.

7 medium potatoes, boiled, with skins removed, and diced
5 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and diced
1/2 c. onion, diced
1/2 c. celery, diced
1/2 c. dill pickle, diced
3/4 c. light mayonnaise
1 tsp. mustard
3/4 tsp. celery seed
3/4 tsp. sea salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Boil potatoes until fork tender. Cool in refrigerator. Boil eggs until firm. Place in ice water in the refrigerator to cool. When the potatoes and eggs are cooled, remove skins and shells and dice. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix together mayonnaise, mustard, celery seed, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add dressing to potato mixture and stir until well coated. Return to the refrigerator to chill or serve immediately. Enjoy!

Show Us Your Life: Baby Names

2010-05-07T20:58:00.003-05:00

This week on Kelly's Korner blog, she is doing "Show Us Your Life: Baby Names." I've always liked thinking of names for my children and even dreaming about what I would name another child--if we were to ever have one.

Our older daughter's name is Kylie Maddison. Up until the end of my pregnancy I really liked the name Brooke Alexia, but when my mom gave me a small town local paper that printed the photos and names of newborns born in their local hospital I ran across the name Kylie, and I absolutely loved it! Mike loved it, too! I just liked the name Maddison, but I didn't want it to look like the name of the city "Madison." Thus, the extra "d." Kylie, I found out later, is a Celtic name which means lovely, which she is!

Our younger daughter's name is Mia Taylor. When looking through baby name books for a name for our second-born, I really liked the name Mia. It's an Italian name which means mine. I loved that meaning. She is my baby! We also liked the name Natalie Morgan (for both girls), but once I saw Mia face to face, she looked like a Mia! Taylor is just a name that we liked and thought went well with Mia. I also like the Christian meaning for the name Mia--belonging to God. Because, after all, she doesn't really belong to me!

As for other names that I like, here they are:

Ava
Eden
Courtney

Miles Andrew
Michael
Trey

Different

2010-04-29T21:41:00.003-05:00

Just sitting here wondering what to write. Hmmm . . . The girls painted today. I told them that I wanted them to paint a pretty Spring picture. And after that they could paint whatever they wanted. They both chose to paint rainbows. Of course, their rainbows each look different, but they both look beautiful. Isn't it interesting that a lot of times people think that different is bad. Who teaches their children that different=bad? I don't think people even need to be taught that. It's just a part of our sin nature. And different doesn't mean bad. Different simply means . . . different. Not the same. And just because someone doesn't look the same as you or talk the same as you or have the same opinion that you do, that doesn't mean that they are bad.

Now, hold on, I know what some of you are thinking. You're thinking that this is a little tolerance speech. Well, it's not. I'm not saying that there are no absolutes. I'm not saying that we each need to create our own "right." I believe the Bible is absolute truth, and we all need to follow it.

But, I am saying that we need to accept differences in people. Differences like "I like this color of dress, and it's okay that you like that color of dress." And like "Your black hair and brown eyes are beautiful, just like my blonde hair and blue eyes are beautiful." And "You are special for being you, just like your sister is special for being herself."

Yeah, both of the rainbow paintings are pretty awesome. And I'll be hanging them both up so I can admire them (and their differences) every day.

He's Been Faithful to Me

2010-04-19T16:11:00.003-05:00

Have you ever had a moment when you stopped to look around, and suddenly you were overwhelmed with gratefulness for what God has done for you?! Well, I have. And it happened just recently. I was in my car, driving to church for the final rehearsal of a drama/musical production that our church presented last Sunday evening.

Let me try to set the "stage" for this moment, if you will. (Pun intended!) In February our worship pastor presented an idea to the choir. He wanted to have a drama/musical presentation in April that was produced totally in house. He wanted this drama/musical to focus on reaching out to lost people in our community, and he asked for anyone interested in being on the creative team to come talk to him.

I went home and thought about this. I didn't know what being on a creative team entailed, but I was interested. I took a step of faith, and a week or so later, I talked to our worship pastor about being on the creative team. This started me on an adventurous course of which I have never been on before! When God chooses you for a task, it will NOT be boring, folks! The creative team ended up being our worship pastor, myself, and another college-aged girl who sits right next to me in choir.

I'm telling you, when God decides to use you, it's EXCITING! If you've ever been used by God--in any way--you know what I'm talking about! It's a high like no other! Sometimes you can't sleep, because you're so excited about what God's going to do! In fact, when God finishes what He's started, you want Him to use you again . . . and again . . . and again . . . and--you get the idea.

The next several weeks were filled with a flurry of meetings, brainstorming, writing, collaborating, researching, asking questions, re-writing, etc., etc. Now, I have always liked to write. But I've never written anything like this before. I've written letters, poems, on my blog (of course), and even an article for a church publication, but NEVER something like this! What did you write? I mean, what was it like, you ask? I'm glad you asked, and I'm glad to tell you.

It's the story of an unsaved man who has recently lost a loved one. This starts him thinking about eternity, and he starts grappling with and asking some pretty hard questions, like: Is there life after death? If there is life after death, where do people go when they die? How does God decide who goes where? Why is there so much evil and tragedy in the world? And if God is a God of love, then why doesn't He just let everybody into Heaven? More questions than this were addressed, but one of the key questions of the whole drama/musical is "Why does it matter?" In fact, this question became the title of the whole thing: "Why Does It Matter?"

I'll not go into all of the details here, but it was really exciting to see how God helped the creative team, cast, choir, musicians, and sound/light guys pull this production together in a relatively short time.

So, back to the moment where I experienced an overwhelming sense of gratefulness to God. I'm in the car, on the way to church. I'm so close to church, and the sun's rays are shining down out of the clouds (I know, it sounds hokey, but I've always loved how the sun's rays look when they shine through the clouds. God does it just for me, I'm convinced.). And then, it hits me. An overwhelming sense of gratefulness to God for using little ol' me. Gratefulness for His hand working through His children to do something to glorify Himself and bring others to Him. I know in my heart He's in it, and He will show up.

And, guess what? He did. He was there. He showed up. The drama/musical production went smoothly. There were many faces present whom I did not recognize, which is what I was hoping and praying for. And God worked.

This past Sunday I was able to hear the story of at least one salvation through the drama/musical. And one salvation is worth it all. All the praise goes to God!

Upcoming Excitement

2010-03-21T18:00:00.004-05:00

Well, in only 6 days, my sister will be Mrs. Wright! That's right, my little sister, Marcy, is getting married! Now, you can just imagine what excitement has been generated in this house of three girls! Kylie and Mia are looking forward to being Auntie Marcy's flower girls. They've got beautiful dresses, shoes, barrettes for their hair, and cute little baskets that will be filled with flowers. They will be in their glory!

Of course, I've had fun helping my sister with whatever she needs help with--going wedding dress, bridesmaid dress, and flower girl dress shopping, putting together the reception favor boxes, playing around with make-up, helping her friends pull off a surprise bridal shower for her last week (She was VERY surprised!), and just sharing in the excitement and anticipation of it all!

Although Mike is not in the wedding party, rest assured that he will be there to join in all of the festivities, too! Since I'm in the wedding, too, he will have to be our family's resident photographer and chauffeur. He will be the stabilizer to this family of emotional girls. (I'm praying, however, that I will be calm and serene--not stressed, hurried, and harried!)

On Friday morning we will hit the road for Rockford, Illinois. The rehearsal will be on Friday evening, with the big day taking place on Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. The reception will follow at 1:00. Then after the bride and groom have set off on their honeymoon, we will be making our way up to visit with Mike's parents and brother for a couple of days. Might as well make the most of the long weekend, eh?

Then we move on to Easter and all that entails! It's my favorite holiday, I think! I love celebrating Jesus' resurrection! I love that it's Spring! I love the sense of re-birth and renewal! Of course, the girls will want to color Easter eggs and wear their Easter dresses (which will be their flower girls dresses this year).

What an exciting couple of weeks we have coming up! I'll give you an update after it's all said and done. Enjoy your Spring and Easter, too!

Eye Opening

2010-03-07T17:30:00.003-06:00

Last Sunday was the second Sunday of our annual missions conference. Our guest speaker was David Carroll from Gospel for Asia. What a compelling message he had! He also mentioned a free book at their book table in the lobby called Revolution in World Missions by K.P. Yohannan. So I picked up a copy. Also, in our Sunday school class last week we watched a DVD of K.P. Yohannan preaching. I believe it was called Christ's Call. WOW! After hearing the message given by David Carroll, watching the DVD of K.P. Yohannan, and after starting to read K.P. Yohannan's book, Revolution in World Missions I have had my eyes opened!!! What a self-centered, self-seeking, comfortable, apathetic, lukewarm, RICH, country we live in! I was convicted of my own lack of concern for the lost in my own neighborhood, as well as in other parts of the world. I knew that India is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, but I guess I didn't realize that its population is 3 times that of the United States, and it's a much smaller country! Over two thirds of the world's population is located in Asia, and many of these peoples are as yet unreached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Most of these Asian countries are closed to foreign missionaries. But we who live here in the U.S. can pray and support national, indigenous missionaries through Gospel for Asia. To learn more about Gospel for Asia go here.

All of us can pray for these national missionaries, but not all of us can support them financially. But, ALL of us can reach out to those living near us. I'm ashamed to say it, but I have not witnessed to any of my neighbors, and we have lived here for 10 years! This needs to change! I hope that God will allow me the chance to share Christ with many of my neighbors. I am going to start by inviting many of my neighbors to a drama that we are putting on at our church this April. It is geared toward reaching the lost, and I am praying that God will prepare their hearts so that when I do invite them, they will be willing to come. I also want to have a cookie exchange this next Christmas season. I want to invite different women in my neighborhood to my home for this, and I somehow want to incorporate the Gospel into that time.

This is not easy for me. In fact, it feels scary! But I know that it is what God wants me to do; and so, with His help, I will do it!

Notch Yo' O-dinary Chinee Chick'n Salad

2010-02-19T16:27:00.005-06:00

Have you ever gone to a restaurant and ordered their version of Chinese chicken salad? Well, I have. And I thought, that could be pretty easy to make on my own at home. I have since made my own version of Chinese chicken salad a couple of times, and we all really like it. In fact, I made it just last night. And again, I liked it!

Holly's Chinese Chicken Salad

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1-2 Tbsp. canola oil
reduced sodium teriyaki sauce
1/2 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 head bok choy (a kind of mild Chinese cabbage), chopped
cilantro, chopped
1 large can mandarin oranges, drained
1 small can sliced water chestnuts, drained
3 or 4 green onions, chopped
1/4-1/2 c. slivered almonds, toasted
crunchy chow mein noodles
Kraft Light Toasted Asian Sesame salad dressing

In a non-stick pan saute the chicken breasts in the canola oil until chicken is completely cooked through and juices run clear.

Meanwhile, chop the lettuce, bok choy, desired amount of cilantro, and green onions. Set the green onions aside. Toast the slivered almonds in a 375 degree oven for 4-5 minutes. Toss the lettuce, bok choy, and cilantro in a large bowl.

After chicken is done cooking, remove from the pan and chop into bite-size pieces. Return chicken to pan. Pour several tablespoons of teriyaki sauce over the chicken and cook until heated through.

Now, I like to serve this salad "buffet style." That way each person can top their salad the way they like! I put the green onions, toasted almonds, mandarin oranges, water chestnuts, and chow mein noodles in small dishes. I put the lettuce/bok choy mixture into individual bowls, top the salad with the chicken, and then let each person garnish their salad as they like.

Top the salad with Kraft Toasted Asian Sesame dressing. It is so good! I also like to serve bread sticks on the side.

Enjoy!

Olympic Fever

2010-02-14T21:27:00.007-06:00

I love watching the Olympics. I missed the opening ceremonies, however. How could I have done that? I love watching the impressive show the hosting country puts on. I love watching each country walk in with their flag preceding them. I like to talk about each country's "uniform." Ah, well. Instead, my husband and I watched "Julie and Julia." It was actually a really good movie. But how could I have spaced out about the opening ceremonies? I still don't understand.

I love the patriotism that I feel and can SHOW for our country! I like that my girls can watch the Olympics and somewhat understand them now. I like cheering for our athletes and hearing our national anthem played when one of them wins a gold medal. I like the background stories they do on some of the athletes. I love watching victorious competitors. I cringe and feel bad for those who fall. The commentators, well, they make me laugh sometimes. Their use of modifiers is . . . interesting. "Stunningly beautiful!" Oop! One of the Canadian pair skaters just fell. Bummer! "A bit of a shaky throw there!" "It's like the ice becomes glue!" What?! How can that be? "Beautifully landed!" "They tend to make sloppy mistakes."

Anyway, guess what we'll be doing a lot of in the next two weeks? Watching the Olympic coverage. Go USA!

Styling and Beauty Products I Use

2010-02-05T11:44:00.018-06:00

I am going to do a McLinky to Kelly Stamps' blog today about what styling and beauty products I like to use. So, here goes.

I am a faithful user of ProActiv. I've always struggled with acne, and this is the only topical solution that really works for me (most of the time!).

I also really like my good ol' Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara in "very
black."

I also like Mary Kay products. I especially like their mineral cheek color in "cherry blossom."

I also like their mineral eye color in "moonstone." I just brush it on my brow bone to highlight it. I already have dark lids, so this is the only color I use, and I really like it!

For lips I've been using mentha lip shine in peppermint. It's a lip gloss and also a lip balm. It tastes great, too!

When I want some color for my lips I'll combine the lip gloss with some Burt's Bees lip shimmer in "raisin."

I also really like Mary Kay lipstick in "raisinberry."

Let's see . . . as far as hair products go, I use Pantene Detangling Spray along with the conditioner that I use in the shower. It really helps me with getting all of the tangles out!

I also like to use Redken Extreme Anti-Snap. It really helps with the prevention of split ends, which I used to get--often!

I also use a vent brush like this when blow-drying my hair. I've tried the round brushes, but this one is still my favorite.

I use a flat iron to smooth my hair. I have a weird little wave going on in my hair near the nape of my neck, so this is necessary! :-)

That's it for now. I think it's enough, don't you? It takes work to be
beautiful! "No pain, no gain." That's how the saying goes . . .

More About Me

2010-02-01T21:19:00.004-06:00

I saw this list of questions on someone else's blog. I was lacking an interesting topic to blog about, so here you go!

1. What is your current obsession?
sitting up straight, doing a back stretch, and having my new easyspirit shoes on (I've been having a few back problems.)

2. What are you wearing today?
jeans and a sweatshirt

3. What’s for dinner?
We had a tasty Greek salad with a side of baked pita wedges brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and oregano.

4. What’s the last thing you bought?
my new easyspirit slip-on tennis shoes

5. What are you listening to right now?
my husband playing Super Mario 3 on the Wii

6. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
somewhere warm year-round and near the ocean

7. What is one thing you want to change about yourself?
how much I worry

8. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
to a spa to relax and be pampered

9. Which language do you want to learn?
Spanish

10. What’s your favorite quote?
Psalm 37:3-7a "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him."

11. What would you cook for me?
some rockin' beef stew with some freshly baked bread (made from frozen bread dough, however)

12. What is the right way to avoid people who purposefully hurt you?
Hmmm . . . I guess I would purposefully avoid them and pray for them instead of being confronted by them on a regular basis.

13. What are you afraid of the most?
losing my husband or one of my children

14. Who do you want to meet right now?
Beth Moore--I would like to just talk to her about her journey--how she ended up where she is today.

15. What is your favorite color?
blue

16. Give us 3 styling tips that work for you.
a. I always use conditioner in the shower that you rinse out AND a spray leave-in conditioner in my hair after towel-drying it. It helps so much with the tangles!
b. I love my Maybelline Great Lash waterproof mascara in very black. I've tried other kinds, but I always end up going back to it!
c. I try to buy classic styles that aren't too trendy, so they don't go out of style by next year.

17. What is your dream job?
singing in an all girls quartet with my 3 "besties" from college--I would love it!

18. What’s your favorite magazine?
Hmmm . . . I like the Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine, but I haven't really used too many recipes from it. In the past I really liked Quick Cooking and Cooking Light.

19. If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
an overnight date with my husband (using priceline.com, of course!)

20. What do you consider a fashion faux pas?
wearing anything made out of spandex when your body type clearly says you shouldn't!

21. Who, according to you, is the most over-rated writer?
I don't know how to answer this one. Oh, yes I do! There are many children's books out there that seem so pointless to me! No specific author, but I know I could write a better children's book than some of the ones that are out there!

22. What brings a smile on your face instantly?
my doggies greeting me at the door when I come home from being gone

23. What is one word that you say a lot?
"Girls!" ('cuz I have girls!)

24. What kind of haircut do you prefer?
On myself? a shoulder-length, short, sleek bob

25. What are you going to do after this?
get ready for bed and read a book

26. What do you do when you are feeling low or terribly depressed?
Not much. I get really tired and bummed. I don't accomplish much. :-)

27. What makes you go wild?
a whole day of family fun doing something special together

28. What are your favorite movies?
The Wedding Planner, Ever After, You've Got Mail--I could go on!

29. What inspires you?
God's Word and people who have triumphed over heartache or tragedy in their lives

30. What do your friends call you most commonly?
Holly or Hol

31. Would you prefer coffee or tea?
coffee, please, with cream and sugar!

32. Which other blogs do you love visiting?
I have been following Bring the Rain by Angie Smith, MckMama by Jennifer McKinney, Kelly's Korner by Kelly Stamps, and Another Ordinary Miracle by Adrienne.

33. What is your favorite dessert/sweet?
I love a great ice cream sundae (Culver's has a great turtle sundae!), especially the Kahlua brownie sundae from Famous Dave's BBQ! I love French silk pie and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with a glass of cold milk. Not much of a cake person, I've gotta say.

34. How many tabs are turned on in your browser right now?
2--this one and one for cnbc.com that my husband has open to check the stock market

35. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
I should really put on some make-up, but I'm too tired and I don't feel like it.

36. What is your favorite season?
SUMMER! No school and hot, sunny days!

37. What is one wish that you really want to see come true?
I want my husband's business to "take off" so he doesn't feel the burden to provide for us so much.

38. What breaks your heart?
People losing their loved ones to illness or tragedy

39. What's one thing you really want to do in life?
make a difference for Christ

When Sleep Won't Come

2010-01-25T11:33:00.002-06:00

Last night I COULD NOT fall asleep for what felt like a very long time! Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I took a nap in the afternoon. So, I grabbed my MP3 player and started listening to some worship music. Guess what?! That just made me even MORE awake. Not helping . . . (me to go to sleep, that is!) But it was helping me worship! (Picture me, laying in bed on my back, MP3 player laying on my chest, ear buds in my ears, hands raised straight in the air--in pitch blackness. 'Nuf said.) :-) So, I put that away and tried to go to sleep again. I tossed and turned and maybe dozed off for a while, but then I was awake again! What?! So, I turned on the T.V. You know what's on in the middle of the night? Paid programming. How riveting. Actually, that was good, because I got very sleepy, turned off the T.V. and finally went to sleep. Paid programming is good for something after all! And I'll end my post with that.

Walking As Jesus Walked

2010-01-20T15:38:00.006-06:00

I John 2:5, 6 says, "But if anyone obeys His Word, God's love is truly made complete in Him. This is how we know we are in Him: whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did."

Now that's a tall order! To obey everything said to me in His Word?!!! "How's that even possible?" you may wonder. I, too, wondered this. So, I guess the first thing I needed to know was how Jesus walked.

Then Matthew 20:28 came to mind: "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Okay, so Jesus came to SERVE. Therefore, I need to SERVE. Serve whom? Myself? NO! God? YES! Others? YES, again!

But my human (fallen, sinful) instinct is for self-preservation. What if my own needs don't get met? What if I am unhappy because I am always serving others and never have time for myself?

Now this doesn't mean that I never need to take time to be away from others. Even Jesus did that. Times of rest and refreshment are needed. In Matthew 14:23 it says that "After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone."

Then I ran across John 12:26 which says, "Whoever serves Me must follow Me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." If I serve and do the Father's will (and not my own), the Father (God the Father, my Heavenly Father) will honor me! I don't have to worry about my own needs/desires being fulfilled, because He will take care of that! Phew! What a relief, because I wasn't doin' so hot making that happen on my own.

Mark 9:41 says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward." I will be rewarded for the simplest of things if I do it in service to and for Him. I think being a servant is sounding a little more desirable right about now. :-)

God's ways definitely are NOT my ways, and that's GOOD! Sometimes--a LOT of times--when we do the opposite of what we want, it's really what God wants, and the outcome is SO much better!

Let's serve God together. Let's serve each other! Let's obey God by walking the way Jesus walked. Then we will bring glory to Him, and He will be pleased with us!

Chicken Enchiladas

2010-01-12T21:31:00.003-06:00

Tonight was Mexican night! The girls broke out their sombreros, and I broke out my tried and true recipe for Chicken Enchiladas.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
your favorite Mexican spices/seasonings for rubbing onto the chicken
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 small can mild diced green chiles
1 large can red enchilada sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 soft taco-size flour tortillas
sour cream, cilantro, and black olives for garnishing

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Preheat your pan and add the olive oil. Rub the two chicken breasts with your Mexican spices/seasonings. Saute chicken breasts in the olive oil for about 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Take the chicken out of the pan to rest for about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix the green chiles, 3/4 cup of the enchilada sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese in a medium bowl. Then dice the chicken and add it to the bowl. Stir. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the enchilada filling into a flour tortilla. Roll and lay seam side down in baking dish. Continue filling the rest of your tortillas. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over all. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until enchilada sauce is bubbly. Garnish individual servings with sour cream, cilantro, and sliced black olives. Enjoy!

Vintage Foods

2010-01-04T19:24:00.005-06:00

Just recently I was reminiscing with my mom and mother-in-law about foods that we loved growing up. This prompted me to use some of our leftover turkey to make creamed turkey on toast this evening for supper. I was the only one who wanted it. No matter! All the more for me! Here are some other foods that bring me back to my childhood when I hear about them, smell them, or eat them!

1. My mom's goulash (It's not technically goulash, but that's what my mom called it. It's actually cooked elbow noodles, hamburger, and onions mixed with tomato soup and topped with Parmesan cheese--the kind out of a can.)
2. Chipped beef on toast (This is basically a simple white sauce with Buddig thinly sliced beef sandwich meat served over toast.)
3. Tuna open-face sandwiches (Tuna mixed with Miracle Whip, spread on hamburger buns, topped with a slice of Velveeta cheese, then broiled in the oven.)
4. Fried bologna (YES! You read that correctly. I haven't had it in YEARS, but it was good. And it was so fun to watch it puff up in the pan as it cooked!)
5. Bologna sandwich spread (This is something my grandma made. It was ground up bologna mixed with some kind of pickle relish and mayonnaise or Miracle Whip. Spread on rolls or sandwich bread made for a tasty lunch!)
6. Tater tot casserole (No need to explain this one. You knew it was bound to show up sometime in my list!)

I may add more later as they come to mind. What foods bring you back to the good ol' days?

Winter

2010-01-03T11:02:00.003-06:00

A little more than a year ago I wrote a little poem about winter. With the temperatures being below zero it's applicable today, too! Read it here if you want to.

New News

2009-12-29T10:53:00.003-06:00

This Christmas we headed down to Iowa to celebrate with my mom's side of the family. We had such an enjoyable time! But there's one exciting event that occurred while we were there that I would like to share. My sister got engaged!!!! Her now fiance, CaJuan, proposed to her right in front of the whole family. It was so sweet; and, of course, she said, "Yes!" The ring is beautiful, and I am so happy for them!