I've had to say farewell to two very dear friends in 2014 as God saw fit that they relocate to a location far enough away that I can't drive to see them quickly whenever I like. It was difficult to bid them farewell, not knowing the next time that I'd see them. I don't often consider that when I build relationships with people that there is the possibility that we'll have to part ways and break the routine of fellowshipping together. God brings people in and out of our lives over the course of life's journey for reasons that we may not understand for the moment. I'm learning to be thankful for every moment that I have with loved ones that I've been blessed to share life with.
While in the short period of saying farewell, I've been able over the past few months to be able to say hello to new friends which has been an immense blessing. Some people God has seen fit to bring back into my life after years of being separated because of distance and other folks are new people that I'm coming to know. Within this circle of people one amazing common factor that is binding us together is Christ. While I realize that God expects me to be salt and light in this perverse world and I shouldn't strive to exclude myself from the lost, it is encouraging to be surrounded and encouraged by those that are like-minded in their desires to honor God. These new friends and returning friends that God has brought into my life in the past few months recognize God as the supreme head of their lives, though their life journey has been different from mine. Because of the differences in our Christian walk, their life stories, gifts & talents, and prayers are intertwining with my own life and providing a source of encouragement to me.
When I think back to my initial gut reaction of learning that my old friends were moving away, never did I consider the new and returning friends that God would bring into my life to enrich and enhance my life. This is all an example of the compassion of God and how He knows what we need, when we need it. The relationships that we're able to build with God's children never end. At some point we'll all say good bye to this life. If Jesus Christ is our Savior, it will never be good bye, only see you later .... in Heaven.
One of the side benefits of meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends, is being able to glean from their gifts and talents! One of these friends has taught me to knit. Oh boy, what a joy it has been to learn a new skill that results in me being able to make something with my own hands! I must admit, knitting is a little addictive. Once you get started with something its hard to put down. For my first project, I'm attempting to make a basket-weaved scarf. I will post some pictures soon of my progress thus far.
I'm hoping to become confident enough to teach my crafty girls one day...
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
God Made Girls
With each summer that passes, my baby girls turn another year older.
I love to reminisce.
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| Love Turns 10 |
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| Baby Love |
God made the world with its towering trees
Majestic mountains and restless seas
Then paused and said It needs one more thing
Someone to laugh and dance and sing
To walk in the woods and gather flowers
To commune with nature in quiet hours
So God made little girls
With laughing eyes and bouncing curls
With joyful hearts and infectious smiles
Enchanting ways and feminine wiles,
And when He'd completed the task He'd begun
He was please and proud of the job He'd done
For the world, when seen through
a little girl's eyes
Greatly resembles Paradise
Majestic mountains and restless seas
Then paused and said It needs one more thing
Someone to laugh and dance and sing
To walk in the woods and gather flowers
To commune with nature in quiet hours
So God made little girls
With laughing eyes and bouncing curls
With joyful hearts and infectious smiles
Enchanting ways and feminine wiles,
And when He'd completed the task He'd begun
He was please and proud of the job He'd done
For the world, when seen through
a little girl's eyes
Greatly resembles Paradise
Author: Henry Alfred Dixon
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| Lea turns 8 |
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| Baby Lea |
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Adventuring Into Our 2nd School Year
It’s a new year of school for us! Our first week seemed to
just fly by. The girls eased into things each day fairly easy and without
grumbling and complaining. I am praising the Lord for their attitude towards school as I do not take that for granted one minute. I suspect their delightful attitudes may be from the familiarity of routine from us continuing with school
to a certain degree throughout the summer and from the changes in some areas of our curriculum this year.
As I mentioned in this previous post, we're delving into the Sonlight curriculum this year. While the structure of how Sonlight is executed is not drastically different from how we did school last year, there IS a lot of structure and pre-planning provided through the material that is being taught as topics are pulled together like a unit study. This year we're singing during Bible time, reading engaging, living books, watching videos that demonstrate science activities (before we do the activity/experiment so that we don't mess it up), and there are a lot of sensory materials available like maps and timelines that allows the girls to visualize as they learn. I'm thankful that God brought us through our first year and I'm trusting that He will guide us through our second.
My 5th Grader
My 3rd Grader
Here's to another year!
Friday, August 1, 2014
A Lip Smackin', Finger Lickin', Taste Like More Wing Recipe
My Family loves to watch cooking shows. Besides them being pretty "safe" when it comes to there being a plethora of trash television options to watch, we get some great recipe ideas to try. While we were on vacation last week watching cooking shows, we came upon a wing recipe that looked so good we wanted to lick the tv screen.
You may have figured it out from perusing some of my other "Recipes That Even I Can Make" blog entries that my two favorite chefs to cook after are Paula Deen and the Pioneer Woman. The source of this recipe will surprise you because its not from either.
This one comes from the Neely's, a sweet southern cooking couple. They are pretty entertaining in the kitchen and the can cook up some pretty fantastic wings, let me tell you. I've attempted in my meek and pitiful attempts to put together hot wings for years like my family loves in the restaurants and I just haven't been able to get there with them.
This recipe got me there. All the way there. There wasn't a wing left in the bowl with this recipe. I had company over when I made these wings and while the kids were eating them they decided to hold a competition to see how many they could eat because they couldn't stop eating them. There was a lot of smacking and humming at the dinner table and you better believe it that I'll be making them again!
Ingredients:
Peanut oil, for frying
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 pounds chicken wings, cut at joint
1/2 stick (2 ounces) butter
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup peach preserves
1/4 cup hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Preheat deep fryer with peanut oil to 350 degrees F.
Mix the 2 teaspoons salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder together in a small bowl.
Add chicken wings and toss to coat.
Cook's Note: Let wings sit out at room temperature while you make the sauce to allow them time to absorb the seasonings.
Melt the butter in medium saucepan over medium heat with the garlic.
Stir in peach preserves, hot sauce, and soy sauce. Cook until syrupy and thick, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add the wings to the deep fryer and fry until cooked through and golden and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. You will need to do this in 2 batches so you don't overcrowd your fryer.
Remove the wings from the fryer and drain on a paper towel-lined baking tray.
Add the fried wings to the large bowl of sauce and toss until well combined and wings are well coated. Using a slotted spoon, remove the wings to a platter and serve immediately.
You may have figured it out from perusing some of my other "Recipes That Even I Can Make" blog entries that my two favorite chefs to cook after are Paula Deen and the Pioneer Woman. The source of this recipe will surprise you because its not from either.
This one comes from the Neely's, a sweet southern cooking couple. They are pretty entertaining in the kitchen and the can cook up some pretty fantastic wings, let me tell you. I've attempted in my meek and pitiful attempts to put together hot wings for years like my family loves in the restaurants and I just haven't been able to get there with them.
This recipe got me there. All the way there. There wasn't a wing left in the bowl with this recipe. I had company over when I made these wings and while the kids were eating them they decided to hold a competition to see how many they could eat because they couldn't stop eating them. There was a lot of smacking and humming at the dinner table and you better believe it that I'll be making them again!
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat deep fryer with peanut oil to 350 degrees F.
Mix the 2 teaspoons salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder together in a small bowl.
Add chicken wings and toss to coat.
Cook's Note: Let wings sit out at room temperature while you make the sauce to allow them time to absorb the seasonings.
Melt the butter in medium saucepan over medium heat with the garlic.
Stir in peach preserves, hot sauce, and soy sauce. Cook until syrupy and thick, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add the wings to the deep fryer and fry until cooked through and golden and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. You will need to do this in 2 batches so you don't overcrowd your fryer.
Remove the wings from the fryer and drain on a paper towel-lined baking tray.
Add the fried wings to the large bowl of sauce and toss until well combined and wings are well coated. Using a slotted spoon, remove the wings to a platter and serve immediately.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
A Gift That Keeps On Giving
I admire people who can quote scripture upon scripture. Not because it just sounds impressive, but because hearing them recite God's Word means that they have the living and active Word of God with them constantly. In a moment's notice they can refer to the Word that is able to save our souls. God's Word is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Heb 4:12). If we believe this to be true, then we hold a powerful book in our hands with the Word. It motivates, encourages, gives hope, calms a weary soul, and ultimately changes our sinful hearts in a way that propels us to act and live a life that glorifies God. When we memorize what it says, we are forced to contemplate the Words of God and in this examination of the text we have no choice but to respond and react.
"Instead of memorizing it, you can just open the Bible and read it", you may say, but that's not the same as having it in your mind and heart.
When you can't sleep at night because you're worried, wouldn't it be nice if this would just come to mind?
Just like that. You could recite it and could meditate on these truths concerning worry.
Many times we run to the bookstore or library shelves to find the next self-help book to fix our problems. The wisdom that we can obtain if we would intently look at God's Word puts every self-help book out there to shame. The One with all wisdom has given us the answer to every problem we'll ever have, all in the Bible.
The James Precept Study that I've been doing has a scripture memorization portion that I've been making a concerted effort to do each week. What I've found in both studying and looking intently at the Word is that as I memorize scripture and recite it back to myself, I am encouraged. Our flesh can be carried away and enticed to become discouraged and defeated in life, but with God's Word we're equipped for all matters in life. How can we combat the problems of life with the Word if we don't know what it says? And, for those that may be pretty well versed on what it may say, wouldn't it be nice to have these Words within your mind to ponder over, wrestle with, and ultimately be equipped with for all matters of life?
So, what's the excuse? It takes time, energy, and brain power to commit God's Word to memory, but for just a few minutes a day it can be done. Some people have the ability to retain large amounts of information at a time and can retain it well. I am not one of those people. It takes time and repetition for me to retain information in my head.
So, if you're like me, find yourself a notecard and jot down a memory verse. You don't have to try to commit a large passage all at once to memory. Start small and write down just one or two verses and spend time everyday reciting it back to yourself. The nice thing about practicing to recite scripture is, you can do it anytime. You can practice on the way to work, while eating breakfast, while changing a diaper, in a business meeting when you're bored, and when you can't sleep at night. Whenever your mind wanders, you can practice. For large passages, as you find yourself being able to recite a few verses at a time, tack on another verse, and then another. The rewards of memorizing scripture are truly priceless. You will gain and retain wisdom that has come from the Lord and be equipped for life.
See, even those of us that use the excuse that we're awful at memorization, CAN memorize scripture.
We have no excuse my friends. So, let's get to work!
"Instead of memorizing it, you can just open the Bible and read it", you may say, but that's not the same as having it in your mind and heart.
When you can't sleep at night because you're worried, wouldn't it be nice if this would just come to mind?
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matt. 6: 25, 30, 33-34)
Just like that. You could recite it and could meditate on these truths concerning worry.
Many times we run to the bookstore or library shelves to find the next self-help book to fix our problems. The wisdom that we can obtain if we would intently look at God's Word puts every self-help book out there to shame. The One with all wisdom has given us the answer to every problem we'll ever have, all in the Bible.
The James Precept Study that I've been doing has a scripture memorization portion that I've been making a concerted effort to do each week. What I've found in both studying and looking intently at the Word is that as I memorize scripture and recite it back to myself, I am encouraged. Our flesh can be carried away and enticed to become discouraged and defeated in life, but with God's Word we're equipped for all matters in life. How can we combat the problems of life with the Word if we don't know what it says? And, for those that may be pretty well versed on what it may say, wouldn't it be nice to have these Words within your mind to ponder over, wrestle with, and ultimately be equipped with for all matters of life?
So, what's the excuse? It takes time, energy, and brain power to commit God's Word to memory, but for just a few minutes a day it can be done. Some people have the ability to retain large amounts of information at a time and can retain it well. I am not one of those people. It takes time and repetition for me to retain information in my head.
So, if you're like me, find yourself a notecard and jot down a memory verse. You don't have to try to commit a large passage all at once to memory. Start small and write down just one or two verses and spend time everyday reciting it back to yourself. The nice thing about practicing to recite scripture is, you can do it anytime. You can practice on the way to work, while eating breakfast, while changing a diaper, in a business meeting when you're bored, and when you can't sleep at night. Whenever your mind wanders, you can practice. For large passages, as you find yourself being able to recite a few verses at a time, tack on another verse, and then another. The rewards of memorizing scripture are truly priceless. You will gain and retain wisdom that has come from the Lord and be equipped for life.
See, even those of us that use the excuse that we're awful at memorization, CAN memorize scripture.
We have no excuse my friends. So, let's get to work!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Summer Vacation... Here's Where I'll Be!
When it comes to taking a vacation, collectively my family is the adventurous type. They love activity, adventure, and lots of physical movement. It could be swimming, zip lining, hiking, biking, you name it. We are the family on the move for vacation.
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| That would be Lea whizzing by |
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| The girls just can't get enough of the pool |
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| Lea at an Adventure Park |
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| The girls surprised us with their strength on the rock wall |
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| Stopping for a Breather on a Bike Trail |
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| Trey on His First Bike Ride |
My sweet dear 9 month old was even in on the action this summer for vacation, just humming along as he tagged along on his Dad's bike for a spin.
While as a family we don't let the sun go down without sweat on our brow, all left to my lonesome here's where I'll be... Curled up pool side with a good book!
Regardless of where the summer may take you with your family, the priceless gift is being "with" your family, having quality time laughing, talking, listening to each other, and being blessed by their company.
Love is spelled, T-I-M-E
Love the Ones You're With
Friday, July 18, 2014
A Simply Divine Cake That We Pretend Is Healthy
Zucchini is apparently plentiful this season among many garden growers. It has been given to us from multiple green thumbs, so we embarked on finding ways to digest it tastefully.
We happened upon a Zucchini & Pineapple recipe that is simply divine. We ate this one up in no time. Its moist, full of flavor, and it can't be too unhealthy with all the zucchini in it! Just don't read the calorie count on the box of cream cheese and confectionary sugar for the icing.
We happened upon a Zucchini & Pineapple recipe that is simply divine. We ate this one up in no time. Its moist, full of flavor, and it can't be too unhealthy with all the zucchini in it! Just don't read the calorie count on the box of cream cheese and confectionary sugar for the icing.
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