tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50703775418163839012024-03-04T23:21:35.190-05:00My Soul WaitsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-9646524570872876452014-07-10T10:54:00.002-04:002014-07-10T10:54:20.018-04:00Losing It For the LordJesus said to His Disciples in Matthew 16:24-25 "<span class="red">Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.</span> <span class="reftext"></span><span class="red">For whoever wants to save their life<span class="nivfootnote"></span>
will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it."</span><br />
<br />
What a weird title...but I couldn't think of anything else-- by that I mean, that title just kept coming back. As well as the possibility of writing on this blog! I know it's been forever-- and so many things have changed in a year's time...and then again, so much has not.<br />
<br />
You know how it goes-- there's a laundry list of things to get done around you and then you have your laundry list of things to get done <i>IN</i> you - and yet year after year the same struggles abound. I think some of this fact is that generational sin that God mentions numerous times in the Scripture and some of it is maybe just our sin- <i>nature</i> - that we're prone to habits- some good, some bad- and they are so hard to break!<br />
<br />
My thoughts this morning are focused in on this verse-- what in my life do I need to deny and lose to follow Christ? Is it an attitude (or two or three or four?!) Is it a thought pattern? A bad (sinful) habit? Laziness? Glutonee? Lack of discipline? Worrying? Prayerlessness? ... See all these things are SINFUL habits-- not just "bad". We're just too easy on ourselves. God expects, rightly so, perfection. "Be holy for I am holy" (I Peter 1:16 - see a great devotional<a href="http://utmost.org/destined-to-be-holy/"> here </a>about this text!) I am ever so thankful this morning that JESUS is my righteousness, my only hope for eternity AND earthly change. It is not having faith that I will someday be changed, but having faith <i>IN CHRIST</i> to change and transform me and bring me closer to HIS righteousness. Though never completely attained here on earth, we MUST strive for this -- and it begins with denying self.<br />
<br />
This morning the "it" I must lose is my desire to gratify self/flesh with the temporary "goodness" of foods and my thoughts that so easily tell me God must not actually want the best for me because He allows such-and-such in my life. Both are wrong. Both are sin. And both must be given up to Jesus-- moment by moment. He IS enough.<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-25523001778803687232013-06-30T17:32:00.001-04:002013-06-30T17:32:25.316-04:00To Fellow Pastor's Wives -- Being In Ministry Will...I think I've only ever written a few ministry related posts. It's not due to lack of things to say reguarding ministry-- but a lack of courage to say them. You know, there are just some things in life you don't talk about-- and usually that's most of life if you are a pastor or a pastor's wife. What will people think? What will people say? What's appropriate? What's not? What will make your husband look bad? Will this or that jepordize his "respect" among the congregation, etc. The questions are really never ending. But, this post is about 10 years in the making so read on if you are a pastor's wife or a pastor's wife to be. Just stop here if you aren't...unless you want to know some of what really goes on within our PW hearts...and perhaps some ways you can be praying for us as well as for our husbands.<br />
<br />
That being said, I want to start a series as a way to get my honest thoughts/advise down on "paper" to those just starting ministry or planning on going in to it. These posts will be a way for me to share just a little of my struggles and what I've learned along the way. Maybe it will help someone-- maybe it will only be therapy for me. I don't know. Please leave a comment though if it helps you in any way. Thanks!<br />
<br />
POST #1<br />
<i><b>1) Being in ministry will not make you rich </b></i>-- no really. I mean that. I used to think "Well, of course not. We minister because we are serving the Lord. That is enough. I don't need to be 'rich' " And, I'm sure this is what most of the congregation members think, too. However, when all is said and done, we still live in a culture (though this is changing rapidly) where retirement is something to be planned for. Purchasing a home is still looked upon as the only investment that can really be counted on. Putting clothes on growing children-- and growing numbers of children-- is still a need-- as well as paying for all that food that they consume! And, if you're like me and have chosen to stay home believing wholeheartedly that God has called you to staying home-- all these things will be struggles to obtain. A much larger challenge than for many in your average congregations. So, a few words of advice that I wish I could say I knew and took to heart at the right time: In no particular order...<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Don't get into school debt.</i> I know, almost an improbability-- especially if your husband has good seminary training. Truth is, there are very few colleges and higher learning institutions that matter by name. Everyone just looks to see if there is a degree on your resume-- and if you plan to stay at home, perhaps looking into other alternative types of training would be a better option for your post-high school education. If you are in ministry, it rarely will pay the amount needed to pay for secondary education. That's just the truth. If it's missions you are interested in, even more so. Remember all those loans will have to be paid before an agency will even look at you-- and you want an agency above you (trust me-- but that's an entirely different conversation.) </li>
<li>(This one is still on debate for me -- too late, ha!) -- <i>If you have large amounts of school debt, consider working longer before having children. </i>Many
on the "conservative" side of Christianity might object to that
statement. I didn't REALIZE the amount of debt compared to the amount
of income we'd have once I was home full-time so I have to say this
really never occurred to me-- I mean, to the extent that it changed our
"plans". I wish none of my children away, but daily I wish my school
loan black cloud away and it's very difficult to do anything about it
now. </li>
<li><i>Find creative ways to make income</i> and talk about those ways with your husband prior to needing the income it would create. Needing income always makes business ventures filled with more pressure and urgency which can lead to not enough "thinking it through and counting the costs". "Creative business ventures" translates into-- lots of extra time out of your current schedule which WILL mean him and you both needing to sacrifice time serving in the church to make it happen.</li>
<li><i>Trust God to bring you your "daily bread"</i>-- and that's all He promises. He does not promise cruise vacations (or even vacations that require a hotel stay, lol) like your congregation members. He does not promise new clothes or weekly date nights at Texas Road House. He does not promise anything aside from daily needs-- so if you are really into certain hobbies/places/events and feel it would be too much to sacrifice, then truly maybe ministry may not be for you. (The first year in seminary we lived on the least amount of money I've ever seen-- I mean, I made more as a single person in a year than we did with three children, baby on the way, and TWO of us adults in the house! That was the most exciting year of our lives...and we litterally had to wait on the Lord a few times so we'd have food for supper or toilet paper for those needs-- which, He sent-- an anonymous gift of hamburger and toilet paper awaited on our front porch the very night we needed it! A complete, exciting George Mueller moment...)</li>
<li><i>Trust God to bless you with material gifts occasionally</i>-- and then enjoy them! My best examples of this are gift cards to the movie theater-- enough to cover the entire family! We NEVER go to the movies. We just can not afford it. (I mean, guys-- it's a $70 dollar trip for a family of 6 and a popcorn and drink!) Neither my husband nor I enjoy movies all that much so we don't lack for not being able to go, but we DO want to be able to give our kids this gift of something fun and different on special occasions. We've been able to do that twice now using a Christmas gift given us by one of our congregation members. This has been so wonderfully unexpected and a joy to our family. <i><b> </b></i></li>
<li><i><b>GUARD YOUR HEART AGAINST COMPARISON! </b></i> Did I write that boldly enough? Probably not. This is so difficult to do in our media driven world. I am literally turning off my Facebook account today and I hardly ever watch TV-- both instances due to not wanting to indulge in comparison. Sometimes it's comparing our lives/homes/opportunities from those in the church-- other times, though, it's comparing them to those also in ministry! For me, this is the hardest. I know God sends rain on the just and the unjust, but in my selfish, dark heart, I somehow believe that He should send the MOST rain to those who are trying to serving Him day in and day out-- dealing with people who many times only come to you with complaints or more things for you to do! We have one set of ministry friends that just continually seem to get "blessed"-- flat screen TVs given to them, a boat, sale of house in weeks time when ours took 2 years and a short sale to finally sell; the list of differences between them and us seems enormous! But, I have to cling to the fact that this world is not my home and He has seen fit to "bless" them in ways that He does not currently see fit to "bless" us. He is teaching me something different...(like, all my life! Phil. 4 anyone???)</li>
</ul>
All this being said, let me take one more moment to encourage you to <b><i>COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS, NAME THEM ONE BY ONE</i></b>. It's not just a song. It's the heart of thanksgiving that will allow you to continue to serve with a right heart attitude. We have a family "Gifts" list that we've started this year and when I find myself getting particularly grumpy about finances, I start listing the gifts God has given me. Here are a few of my recent ones:<br />
<ul>
<li>Husband's job close to our home. The kids get to see him for lunch and usually supper and this is more than many other families get to experience</li>
<li>Husband's flexible job schedule. Oh, there are the "have - tos" for sure (MANY of them-- and many at night) but usually my husband is flexible should a need arise for doctors appointments and other unexpected needs.</li>
<li>Activities that the kids can attend with Daddy-- such as sports meets or various service opportunities. They get to see Daddy's love for others in action and we pray this will become something they will learn to enjoy and do themselves as they grow.</li>
<li>A few generous congregation members that have taken us in as family. We are allowed use of their pool, garden, and family conversation. Their entire extended family have treated us as one of them and we are forever grateful that we have people who have stepped into being "family" for us when ours are too far to see often. This particular blessing encourages my heart continually.</li>
</ul>
I'll write more later...but I'm sure that was enough to read for now! Pray for a content heart. One that is so full it can overflow to those around you as Jesus has called you to love. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-51999001385888437602013-05-18T08:52:00.003-04:002013-05-18T08:53:11.731-04:00The Pain that Precipitates ChangeReally it's only ever pain that gets us to change anything we do in life. I can not think of a moment I changed my route/mind/attitude/diet, etc. without pain being present. In our bodies pain is the God-given source that signals to us that change needs to be made. In our lives, the same is true.<br />
<br />
Recently, I attended a women's meeting during which nutrition was the main theme. Several women brought items I've only thought were crazy...until lately. Items such as <i>fermented vegetables</i> (eww-- doesn't the word "fermented" just kind of make your skin crawl?) and <i>keifer</i> (again, I don't know why we don't give healthy foods a better name like..."Twinkie 2" ;) Anyway, our group that day consisted of some mamas who have been on a health-seeking journey for years and some mamas who had never heard of these items and some mamas who had heard of them...but were still skeptical of their application into their life. The mamas who brought the items to sample and have wholeheartedly embraced the most wholesome eating life-style in our American world made it very clear-- before their pain events, they would have never considered eating this way. They didn't know about the health benefits and didn't know how "do-able" it really would be to their life.<br />
<br />
I have to agree. I am much further away from where they are in the journey, but I too began seeking out a better way to eat due to pain-- very real pain that was inescapable. If I wanted relief, my only option was to change my diet significantly.<br />
<br />
Perhaps that is where you are today. Or, perhaps you, like so many around me, think they can handle the pain and it'd be a bigger upset to have to change their whole diets. I'm not here to say it's been easy. Everyday I find myself at a loss for hours which would aid in more prep for easier meal consumption later on, but it's a fight I have to continue to make. And I encourage YOU to continue today if you have not already begun a journey to a healthier lifestyle. <br />
<br />
Books I Recommend (That I Am Reading On This Journey)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gut-Psychology-Syndrome-Depression-Schizophrenia/dp/0954852028/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1368880296&sr=8-1&keywords=gut+and+psychology+syndrome">Gut and Psychology Syndrome </a>-- by Dr. Natasha Campbell- McBride (great information on how the digestive track can affect so much of your body's functions/thinking/behavior)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats/dp/0967089735/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368880425&sr=1-1&keywords=natural+traditions">Nourishing Traditions </a>-- by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig (great read on the appropriate place GOOD fats, protein, and carbohydrates need to have in your diet.)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trim-Healthy-Mama-Pearl-Barrett/dp/0988775115/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1368880563&sr=1-1&keywords=trim+healthy+mama">Trim, Healthy, Mama</a> -- by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison (the current dietary life-style I am using to lose weight and eat in such a healthy way as never before. "Love me some buttah!")<br />
<br />
<br />
I used to think anyone "natural" (doctors, other health professionals, and everyday people) were crazy and tricksters-- who ever would believe my son's asthma could be healed significantly with food?! Craziness! Schmucks! Turns out...it probably CAN be significantly <i>improved</i> by his diet as well as my children's eczema, my weight issues, irritability...and, of course, stomach pain. And if I can heal from the inside out, starting with good foods, why would I choose another way-- a way filled with medications attempting to do the same thing...only having to overcome an abounding mess of unhealthy diet going in on top of it!? Simply because it's not "easy"? That's no excuse and I personally am leaving that one behind. It will continue to be hard...but anything in life worth having IS work-- and good health, as much as it is up to me, is worth having SO THAT I am able to live an energized life IN ORDER to bring glory to God, love to those He places in my path and bring HIS NAME to the nations. <br />
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<b>Weight Update: 199.6! FINALLY blew that 200 mark!</b> (14 total pounds and counting!)<br />
<br />
NOTE: I DO NOT believe, nor advocate, that food is THE ONLY way to heal anything, including asthma, etc. and I DO NOT believe that regular doctors are "no good". They are just practicing the medicine they have been taught but many personally living healthy life-styles that they know their patients many times are unwilling to live. I also DO NOT believe that seeking out a healthy life-style for the sake of a healthy life-style is the end all. Our health is<b><i> only to serve us in order that we may best serve Christ </i></b>and not be burdened with lack of energy, spending time and money in the drs office, unable to be physically fit to do the tasks to which He calls us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-16183455629041229162013-05-04T15:42:00.000-04:002013-05-04T15:42:23.601-04:00The Journey Continues...Progress UpdateOkay, folks. Here is my progress report--<br />
<br />
In the three weeks since having been eating the "THM way," as many of the people following the plan from the Trim Healthy Mama call it, I have seen several good changes in my body. <br />
<br />
<i><b>Weight-related: </b></i> lost 7.5 lbs (a good, healthy, inspiring amount for 3 weeks' time) and lost 4.5 inches. <br />
<br />
BUT WAIT-- it gets better, as I've just realized going back a bit in my blog. I started in January at 212.8 and am now at 202.6 so I've actually hit the first nice feeling milestone: 10 pounds. This is a healthy beginning. Also, since January I've lost 10.25 inches all around which means that while the scale might not show the most results, all the time my body has been changing shape-- and that, my friends, is what getting healthy is all about. I tried on a skirt that I couldn't wear in January and it fits now! (Never mind I don't want to wear a double-lined black full-length skirt in May that I would've worn in January, that's not the point!=)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Other Changes</b></i>--<br />
<i>I've started waking up earlier.</i> This is weird. I've never been a morning person and I suddenly find myself waking up and being able to start the day without an alarm (or, let's be honest, my husband saying, "I'm going to work now.") <br />
<i>I've started falling asleep without any problems. </i> Also weird because, on average, it took me a good hour of laying down before I'd ever fall asleep. Now I lay down, at the same time as before, but I fall asleep fast-- without any tossing, turning, huffing-puffing, etc.-- it's great! I'm pretty sure that's the result of lack of sugar pulsing through my body b/c I'd been off of caffeine for quite some time without any changes in my sleep patterns.<br />
<i>I've made sourdough bread </i>(a supposedly "safe" food for my IBS-- um, not true for me!) and my family likes it! It's a combo of spelt flour (that I actually ground myself!! Very proud of this!) and oats (that were "properly soaked".) Now, lest some of you think I've gone off the deep end-- I kind of have! <i>I'm also in the middle of reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nourishing-Traditions-Challenges-Politically-Dictocrats/dp/0967089735/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367695940&sr=8-1&keywords=nourishing+traditions">Nourishing Traditions</a></i> and LOVE the information I'm reading. It is freeing; uncomplicating (that's not a technical word, I realize) all the health information I've ever read and it's filled with life-giving information! No wonder so many people eating the typical American diet are so sick, over-weight, and in the doctors office ALL.THE.TIME. I don't want this to be or my family members, so changes are needed! And, thankfully, through the pain that forced me into all this research in the first place, change is happening! I've got a long way to go, but I'm taking the right steps.<br />
<br />
Caveat: My IBS is still flaring up. (Sourdough bread was a complete no-no for me-- said to be easily digestible and good for those suffering with IBS, but it wasn't for me. I still plan on trying to use it for my family though because it has many health benefits for them.) Sometimes it is a matter of eating a food I know I can't handle -- there are just so many yummy recipes from THM that include yummy berries and cream cheese and cottage cheese-- all of which are horribly bad for me right now. But more often than not, the worst attacks come from sources I didn't know where going to bother me. Still learning. My next stop may be the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Syndrome-D-D-D-H-D-Schizophrenia/dp/0954852028/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1367696319&sr=1-1&keywords=the+gaps+diet">GAPS diet</a>...so if any of you have any information on how this has worked for you, let me know. I need my gut to heal and I believe it is possible through the right foods.<br />
<br />
What about you? What changes are you making today that you know you need to make? I'd love to hear about them!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-41127040748370158992013-04-23T16:35:00.001-04:002013-04-23T16:35:16.456-04:00Comments on ComfortJust some thoughts that have been swirling through my mind.<br />
<br />
We all love comfort. I think it must be built into the heart of every human to love to be safe, secure, and feeling like all is well-- in one word this is "comfort," right? When things are out of place, have gone awry, or are unfamiliar to us, we inevitably feel "uncomfortable." And that can cause a complete domino collapse-- I feel uncomfortable so I:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">GET ANGRY</span> <i>get irritable</i> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">quit & give up</span></span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">RUN</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> hide</span> <i> shut down</i> <u>walk away</u> <span style="font-size: x-large;">EAT </span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">drink</span> <i style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">dive into another project</i> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">dive into another relationship</span>) <span style="font-size: large;"><i> spend money</i></span> <span style="font-size: large;">go on a trip</span> <br />
<br />
go to the movies <span style="font-size: large;"><b>get my nails done</b></span> read a book <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>go onto Facebook</i></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> play computer games </span> <b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> WORK OUT EXCESSIVELY</span></b><br />
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Heaven's knows I could go on and on. What we DO when we are uncomfortable says a lot about us. Where we turn is a clear picture of the things we find most comfort in-- our security, our value, our treasure. <br />
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God has a lot to say about this. All throughout scripture He tells us to "have courage" and to "rest in Him." He called himself our "Peace". He said He came so that we might have "abundant life"...and yet I'd venture to say that most of us don't feel like we have abundant life. No, most of us settle for getting through life. Or, we strive for worldly comforts hoping they will get us comfortable enough that one day we'll be able to be so comfortable we can finally escape the feeling of being uncomfortable. Trouble is, the more we chase all these ways of making ourselves more comfortable, the more uncomfortable (unsatisfied) we become. In vain we turn to the things listed above, or something I didn't list above and we look just like our unbelieving neighbors. People aren't attracted to God because those who claim to "know Him" and "love Him" are nothing like Him and don't seek after the things He calls valuable. <span style="font-size: large;"><i>We aren't attracting people to God because our lives AREN'T ATTRACTIVE.</i></span> If they were, our church doors would be flooded by people who want what we have. But, as I watch, in general, no one wants what we have because we don't live like we have anything different than they already have-- weight issues, marriage issues, kid issues, anger issues, spending issues, etc. <br />
<br />
And I don't want to be like that. And I don't think in your very heart of hearts you do either. So, where does this leave us? I read a statement lately that said <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"Everyone wants a movement, but no one wants to move."</i></b></span> This is the problem. We don't want to move because we're COMFORTABLE and being uncomfortable is...well, uncomfortable, right? <br />
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To start we MUST begin on our knees where all great beginnings start. After all, "The fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of wisdom." And that's just our beginning place. We start on our knees and in the Word and we LISTEN. Listen for HIS calling on our lives. We read all about HIS HEART in His Word and we can't miss some clear callings. I could easily list some of those values of God's here today...but I'm not going to. If you want to know God's heart, YOU must seek it. I can not seek it for you. I can not answer His call on YOUR life for you-- I'm too concerned with answering that for me. But you must start. You can not run, hide, eat, shop, etc. your way out of it-- or you'll continue to live on in your pseudo-comfort. The only TRUE comfort, peace, and security, is found in FOLLOWING HIM; the God of the heaven Who created you uniquely to answer His unique call on your life. (Eph. 2:10)<br />
<br />
What are you chasing after today?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-86850687051989042092013-04-13T15:03:00.001-04:002013-04-13T15:04:01.921-04:00THM Recipes, Recipes!Alright, friends. Last I left you I had just received my very own copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trim-Healthy-Mama-Cravings-Energize/dp/193894500X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365879006&sr=8-1&keywords=trim+healthy+mama">Trim Healthy Mama </a>by Serene Allison and Pearl Barrett. (Have I ever told you I wish I could write a book that would be so much needed and so well received? Selfish dream...but there, none the less!) Anyway, I have now spent only 4 days trying to put into practice the words of wisdom in this book and I'm down...2.8 lbs! I've always known that whatever I eat effects my weight one way or the other, but it truly is an amazing thing to realize that <i>every. single. bit.</i> counts-- and when it counts the RIGHT way, I'll be fast on my way to losing what so desperately needs to be lost-- a massive amount of weight!<br />
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So, for today, I just really wanted to share with you two of my favorite recipes I've made thus far. These are two wonderfully tasty recipes that are SUPER low in the glycemic index-- which means no blood sugar spike-- which means no crazy insulin action going on-- which means, proper food digestion and burning of fat that MUST GO!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"Loaded Fotato Soup" </b></i></span><br />
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<i><b>Ingredients:</b></i><br />
Cauliflower (1/2 12 oz bag)<br />
Chicken broth, fat-free (2 cups)<br />
Light Laughing Cow cheese (1 wedge)<br />
Turkey bacon bits (optional-- if you want it "loaded"-- I didn't have any and it was still great)<br />
Glucomannan or xanthan gum (sprinkles of)<br />
Sea Salt, other seasonings as you desire (pepper, garlic, etc.)<br />
Green onion (also optional)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Directions:</b></i><br />
1. Tenderize cauliflower in (simmering) chicken broth. (I did mine in a pan...I'm sure you could use a microwave, but then there are those that are a bit against microwaving so...tenderize however you want!)<br />
2. Scoop out tender cauliflower and place in blender. (I have used my Ninja more in the last week than I had since I got it at Christmas time! I never knew you could use blenders to make meals! I don't get in the kitchen often, obviously.) Blenderize (I like the sound of that) until desired consistency. Put back in chicken broth.<br />
3. Add 1 cheese wedge to broth in pan. Disperse it with a spoon, whisk, whatever. <br />
4. Season with sea salt, pepper, etc. Serene and Pearl add nutritional yeast for its superfood benefits but I've yet to get mine in the mail=)<br />
5. Add in turkey bits if you like/have.<br />
6. Thicken soup with sprinkles of glucomannan or xanthan gum. Do so little by little whisking briskly. Get it to a normal potato soup consistency. (This week I used xanthan gum while I wait for yes, the package in the mail that also contains my glucomannan.)<br />
7. Garnish with optional green onion. (Which I did because I can't have white onions while dealing with this IBS business so I love green onions now!)<br />
<br />
This made PLENTY for one serving and filled me up! In fact, it was too much. I shared the left overs with my daughter who seems to love eating everything. I even shared a few spoonfuls with my {very picky eater} husband who also enjoyed it. (Wasn't exactly the same consistency, mind you, but he didn't know WHAT it was until I told him. He said he "would eat" it again. Whew! One recipe down...several more to try to convince him of!)<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>"Time Healthy Pancakes"</b></i></span><br />
<i><b>Ingredients</b><b>:</b></i> Old Fashioned Oats, low-fat cottage cheese, egg white, baking powder, sweetener, vanilla<br />
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<i><b>Directions:</b></i><br />
1. Put 1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats into...BLENDER...and blenderize (I know that isn't a word, don't you worry. I just like the sound of it too much...) until it becomes a powder.<br />
2. Add to powdered oats, 1 Cup liquid egg whites.<br />
3. Add 1 Cup cottage cheese.<br />
4. Add 2 tsp. baking powder (they recommend aluminum free, of course), and sweetener (2-3 tsp Truvia), and a dash of vanilla. (I also added some cinnamon.)<br />
5. Blend all of these ingredients well. It will become a thick mess-- but all contained in your blender! (FABulous!)<br />
6. Ladle out onto skillet or pan in desired pancake size. <br />
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These tasted and looked like the "real" thing. I topped them with some yogurt and raspberries and they were delish! This recipe should make 9 medium sized and they call a serving 3 of them. That was plenty for me. Store extras in the fridge separated by paper towels or they will stick to each other. Now I have breakfast ready for the week days when time is more of an essential.<br />
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Try 'em! Let me know how it goes...and buy the book! (Or ask your mom for it for your birthday like I did!;)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-44393030570076087362013-04-13T14:30:00.001-04:002013-04-13T15:04:11.374-04:00Updating BlogJust wanted to note that MANY of the links to my personally design pages (worksheets,etc.) are no longer working-- I know this! When summer hits (just 5 weeks away for me and my kiddos!) I have planned to "correct" this and update the blog. Until then...my visitors will just have to live with blog posts only. Too much to do in life than sit fixing my blog right now! I have things to share with you all...but I will do that as I can and without taking time to fix some of my broken links. (They really aren't that important anyway, right?)<br />
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Thanks for your understanding!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-5808353067110740312013-03-30T14:03:00.001-04:002013-03-30T14:03:16.378-04:00Wednesday Weigh-In, Almost 3 Months Down...In my ideal world, the one I think I like to live in more than not, I am 195 lbs by now. In my ACTUAL world, I am down 1.6 lbs from last week-- and a whopping 4.6 since I started in January. My inconsistencies have wreaked havoc on my "plan" and I'm tempted to give up. Then I went dress shopping last night...and it all floods back REAL easily as to why this is so important. Not only to look better, the sagging weight of post birth 4 times over and inconsistent healthy eating habits is abundantly obvious, and the lack of energy has returned. Though I am exercising more often than Oct-Dec, and kicked my Mt. Dew addiction (once again), I've started to crave salt-- something I've never cared for in my life. <br />
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Now sits in my hands, 4 hours old, a brand new copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trim-Healthy-Mama-Cravings-Energize/dp/193894500X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364666269&sr=8-1&keywords=Trim%2C+healthy%2C+mama"><i>Trim Healthy Mama</i>.</a> A 607 page book written by two sisters-- two sisters who hold 13 children between them, stay at home, and home school. These ladies are accessible to me! The biggest appeal is the great reviews this book has gotten by the way it has helped countless mothers<i> just like me</i> to be naturally and healthfully lose weight and bring light back into their married, motherhood demand-filled lives. If you look for them on FB you'll see great comments about what the information they've shared is doing in normal people's lives. I'm not looking for a lucky ticket-- but I am looking for some shoulder to shoulder help inside my kitchen as I navigate the stormy waters called "healthy eating". Well, I guess I'm also looking for less "storm" in that kitchen of mind-- and more peace in my mental faculties as I work to find food that can nourish and bless my whole family. <br />
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I've been encouraged to just "not eat like my family does, to prep separate foods for myself and by my example they may or may not want to follow"...but that doesn't sit well with my soul. I know I shouldn't find peace and comfort IN food itself...but being able to prepare meals my whole family can enjoy, talk around, learn from, etc. does something to inspire my soul. That is the type of home I want to model for my kids-- not always being in angst about what's coming in or going out of the kitchen! (Which is what it has been for the past 2 years.) I'm anxious to put into practice what I'll be learning and hoping to report back soon about the benefits I'm seeing as a result of what I'm learning.<br />
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So, here's to the next THREE months! May they bring more visible results and energy into my life-- and wherever you are in yours, may the next 3 months bring the same to you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-32943632210301634212013-03-13T11:32:00.002-04:002013-03-13T11:33:01.265-04:00Wednesday Weigh-In, Regrouping=)Well, there's been a bit o time that has past since last we met-- only to be honest, I didn't think I was really meeting anyone so...I sort of didn't keep my appointment! Then I found out I WAS being met...so, I thought I'd show up today!<br />
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Last week I honestly didn't weigh myself. We had company and my scale was in the other bathroom unavailable for the time being...until I remembered AFTER LUNCH and, at that point, I was NOT going to weigh myself! No, no, no.<br />
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<i><b>Today's weight:</b></i> 209.6 (hmmm...)<br />
<b><i>"Ran"</i></b>: 2 miles in 26.30 minutes (my best time yet, but I realize that's not really running for many of you:)<br />
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<i><b>The Journey--</b></i><br />
<i>I've found <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spelt">SPELT</a>-</i>- and it loves me and I love it. Thus far I've made soft pretzels and bread with it for those days when I've needed something to go with my Chicken and broth (lol, no noodles since I haven't made spelt noodles yet!) or a little something more than a chocolate bar - ha. Spelt can be substituted 1 for 1 with flour only if it's a recipe with liquid you'll probably need to slightly lessen liquid or add a little more spelt flour. That said, unless you intend to grind your own spelt "berries" (yes, they are called berries in whole form) then I suggest only using spelt if you have digestive issues or a very large bank account. One 5 lb bag cost me $13.99!!!<br />
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<i>I also love sugar.</i> Too much sugar. In fact, without realizing it, the weeks I lost consistently and fairly easily I had no sugar (and, no gluten, of course) and the weeks I haven't lost any weight (i.e. the ENTIRE month of February!) I added that sugar back in (and only small amounts of gluten-- like that show up in spelt bread.) This, I've realized, is a complete addiction that has got to go for <i>permanent. </i>Who can live all shot up with sugar?!? I also gradually went back to my Mt. Dew for 2 weeks and though I almost can hear some of you laughing now, it is my vice. And I hate it. I have not had any since Sunday now and am closing in on my constant sugar high. I WANT to say I will not have any today...but I already had one of my oatmeal yummies and hot chocolate while enjoying a wonderful morning with just my littlest. I need accountability! Any takers?!?!<br />
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So, there you have it. It's where I am. I am always learning lots...but always falling down. I guess the most encouraging verse for me today is:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b> </b></i><i><b>Proverbs 24:16a, "The godly may trip seven times, </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>but they will get up again..."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Join the conversation! Let me know how YOU are doing on your own journey! (And then I can meet you here again next week!=)</span> </b></i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-56873492265596575792013-03-03T18:28:00.001-05:002013-03-03T18:29:06.527-05:00Lift the Cross, Lift it Up...For the first time ever, my husband and I were able to attend a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOkImV2cJDg">Chris Tomlin</a> (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0-NPPIeeRk">Louie Giglio</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGumE9nkP3o">Kari Jobe</a>, too!) concert. I really wasn't sure what to expect, other than worship music, of course, but I walked away with two main thoughts and I'd like to share them with you today.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>THE CROSS -- We must lift it high!</b></i></span><br />
A few years ago a young man in his early 20s talked with my husband and I and expressed his thoughts on today's "Church". One of his comments struck me as "odd" which was something to the effect of how so many churches were getting rid of their crosses. He said, "Now, I'm not a believer or anything, but, if I was, I mean, I'd have a cross in the church I attended. It's your MAIN symbol and you don't even want it around!" Being part of the Church all my life, I hadn't really thought about it much. I mean, cross, no cross...what was the difference? Even if there was no cross in my church, I still <i>knew</i> my faith was centered around it -- around the sacrifice of the PERFECT, HOLY man/God who DIED was BURIED and the ROSE AGAIN three days later. (The ONLY God to have ever done that-- and SO many witnesses to attest to it!) So...whether it was on the front wall or not didn't really cause me concern.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">. . .</span></div>
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Until recently. There are, in my opinion (and many other church leaders much more well-known than I, lol), two main issues the church must respond to today: <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Salvation found in Christ alone </b></i></span>and our response to the issues of the definition of marriage. (I won't address the latter today.) With the rapid rise in Islam and other religions today, we Believers can not simply rely on a "culture" that understands and accepts the Truth of Christ anymore. Actually, we are seeing more and more "persecution" daily right here on our own dear American soil. I pray constantly that my children will learn while here in our home to love Christ fully and be ready to sacrifice EVERYTHING for Him...because I see a day approaching <i>soon</i> where Christianity in many outlets will not be allowed at all. We will all then be living like so many of our dear brothers and sisters who know what it's like to daily "take up their (own) cross and follow Him." We stand out, if we truly believe that there is only ONE WAY to God-- not through good works, not through Allah, not through Buddah, not through Joseph Smith, not through good health, Mother Earth...etc., ONLY through Christ-- and the cross is our symbol to tell the world. Listen below to this song from Chris Tomlin that made me confirm in my own heart the need to rely on the cross, not the physical symbol but rather what/ WHO it stands for, and convicted me to cherish our religious symbols in a right way.<br />
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"Laying your body down</div>
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You took our rightful place...</div>
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We raise our white flag</div>
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we surrender..."</div>
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"We lift the cross, lift it up, lift it up..." </div>
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Our treasured symbol-- we MUST lift it high for it cost our Precious Savior EVERYTHING!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>PASTOR SAEED -- We must stand by our brother in prayer!</b></i></span></div>
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Do you know this man? Have you heard his name? Have you heard it and then turned the radio channel or the news channel and think, "so what"? Well, he is lifting the cross of Jesus high in the world's most dangerous prison known to humankind. He is AN AMERICAN CITIZEN. He was taken in the middle of the night in a country known to be severely against Christians. He had been legally allowed to enter, to work on an orphanage in this country, assured that he would be just fine. He has a wife and two daughters right here in our United States...perhaps they live in the state in which you live. They could be your neighbors. Pastor Saeed's most recent letter can be read <a href="http://c0391070.cdn2.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/pdf/saeed-letter-from-prison-feb.pdf">here</a>. I beg you to do so. PRAY for this man! He is doing what you and I might imagine we could never do-- but one day we, too, just may be called upon to do this very thing. It reminds me of Paul. Paul wrote from horrible prison cells in which he endured many unspeakable hardships...and continued to praise the Lord Jesus Christ (the very One he'd opposed himself just years before) and lifted the cross high. As I listened to this song being sung out in an arena filled with over 9,000 people, the Lord brought Pastor Saeed to mind and as we sung "lift it up" I couldn't help but pour out more prayers than I have yet to do for this man and his family and thank Jesus over and over for sustaining him, for giving him the grace to respond to his opposers with undeserved love; Christ's indwelling actions pouring out from this man. (You can read more about this story <a href="http://savingourfuture.com/2013/03/imprisoned-pastors-wife-nightmare-is-not-over/">here</a>.)</div>
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If you are a Christ-follower take a minute to examine what your life is saying about Christ. Are you treasuring Him and His sacrifice? Are you "not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ" (Romans 1:16) or has some apathy set in? Let Christ do His work in you...</div>
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If you have a favorite Chris Tomlin song, share it with me!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-64024827939952512772013-02-18T06:00:00.000-05:002013-02-18T08:28:09.459-05:00The Songs of the Sirens...The words "youth culture" and "entertainment" commonly go together, but recently I was listening to a not-so-little-known conservative radio talk show host who asked the question, "Do you ever feel like you are living in two worlds?" I'll paraphrase the rest of the context but he continued something to the effect, "In one, you watch all the people around you going from one amusing thing to the next, always trying to find another dinner to go out to, concert to attend, movie to watch, and it's like they are blinded to the reality of what's really going on. In the other, you live in the reality of what's really happening in the world... this world ... is nothing like what I ever thought I'd see in my lifetime..." This is how I live every day. He may have been talking about some political issues, etc., but I am not. I am talking about the reality that Satan is having an absolute hay-day with people of the "Church." People who say, "That's not me. I'm not like<i> that</i>. At least I _________ (fill in the blank, "go to church," "pray occasionally", etc.)" All the while they live just as godlessly as anyone who doesn't claim the name of Christ. (Because they're under "grace", right?)<br />
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What struck me, is that I used to think it was just the "young people" who were amusing themselves to death...but after thinking about it, I realized that most adults around me are doing the same thing. Going from activity to activity without much meaningful anything in between...always looking for the next thing to make them "happy" and "not bored" and...well, ironically, hoping for some meaning. There is hardly a soul that I know that spends time praying, <i>seriously</i> praying; praying on behalf of their family members, needy neighbors, themselves, missionaries, their Brothers and Sisters In Christ who are dying EVERY DAY for proclaiming the truth of the GOSPEL...no, they are too busy planning their weekends and watching some sort of screen at night to "unwind." There is hardly a soul spending time reading the Word of God, truly studying it to KNOW HIM BETTER. No, that would be boring, wouldn't it? Where are the righteous and God-fearing older women who are supposed to be teaching the younger women how to love their husbands and children? Where are righteous and God-fearing older men who are supposed to be teaching the younger men how to live PURE LIVES? It makes me inwardly weep. It convicts me.<br />
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I am sickened by the lack of awareness, the ungodliness that surrounds me...even me, in my little rural town of rural Indiana, in my own little rural church...we are more than "falling" asleep. <b><i>We sleep SOUNDLY being sung to by the Sirens</i></b>...like the days of the Greeks when people feel into a trance at the sound of their sweet melodies...<br />
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I'm afraid nothing but the fulfillment of the promises of Jesus regarding the end days will awaken us...and perhaps at that, only us who are already watching and waiting...<br />
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Where are you? What breaks your heart? I am the first to say I do NOT have it "all together" spiritually. None of us will this side of heaven. <i><b> But I am hungering for MORE OF HIM and LESS OF THE WORLD more and more everyday. </b></i>For as much happiness this world can bring me-- a loving husband, beautiful children, happy days home teaching them, etc. -- I still resoundingly say from the depths of my heart, "Come, Lord Jesus, Come!"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-40850957005053261202013-02-15T11:10:00.001-05:002013-02-16T22:16:44.507-05:00A Recipe For You; Weigh-in "Wednesday"Today I wanted to share a baked oatmeal recipe that I found online-- but desperately had to tweak because it was SUPER high in calories! Original recipe: 462 calories PER serving! (Too much for my breakfast, folks!) MY recipe: 216 (according to my "spark" online site calorie calculator) !!! Now that is a number my body can live with! Here it is:<br />
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3 C oats (I use Old Fashioned...not instant, not steel-cut)<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ajCVgxDCxPKT-_4qwqx65BVW_8KEUIl40kd82Qfgga-jlWK2-uCA4oUTaReW19WCFiwQe-nC0XW2Bn6-jXN9wOO-588_mFB39oCamr2ytovd8RNV8rSzfaw0KI84XJ3lSeujQGOz6OPl/s1600/FAU_9881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ajCVgxDCxPKT-_4qwqx65BVW_8KEUIl40kd82Qfgga-jlWK2-uCA4oUTaReW19WCFiwQe-nC0XW2Bn6-jXN9wOO-588_mFB39oCamr2ytovd8RNV8rSzfaw0KI84XJ3lSeujQGOz6OPl/s320/FAU_9881.JPG" width="320" /></a>1/2 C brown sugar<br />
1-2 TBSP cinnamon<br />
2 tsp baking powder <br />
Mix these together in one bowl.<br />
1 egg, whole<br />
1 egg white<br />
1/4 C melted butter <br />
1 1/4 C Almond Milk (I've used both sweetened and unsweetened and I can't tell a difference between the two taste-wise)<br />
Whisk these together in a separate bowl. (You CAN mix it all in one bowl, of course, and save yourself a dish BUT I've found that the result is a more "eggy" baked oatmeal at the end...for whatever that's worth=)<br />
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Mix the two bowls together and then the mixture put in a 9 x 9 baking dish OR put in cupcake papers and have divided for fun individual servings. (If you use cupcake papers lessen your cooking time.) Bake at 350o for 30-40 min. until set. For variations sprinkle cranberries, blueberries, almonds, or mini-chocolate chips on top! Serve warm and enjoy!<br />
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<i><b>Weight LAST week: 209.4</b></i><br />
<i><b>THIS week: 208.6</b></i><br />
<i><b>GOALS: </b></i> working out more often and decreasing my time to get to 2 miles! I started on the treadmill again last month and wasn't even able to stay on for 30 minutes! Now I'm up to 30 minutes and running 2 miles in 27.5 minutes. I'm aiming for 3 miles in 35 minutes by the end of April so...we'll see how it goes! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-52592774620575946112013-01-30T19:49:00.000-05:002013-01-30T19:49:50.474-05:00Weigh-In Wednesday; after a month<b>Weight today: 208.8</b> -- not a large loss but I consider it a great success because:<br />
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<li>It wasn't up!</li>
<li>We had a crazy weekend that lent itself to all over the board eating due to traveling/late night ER visits, etc. (I still just basically starved myself through those "out to eat" trips, lol-- I think at least SUBWAY should have gluten free bread!)</li>
<li>I added two workout days AND got myself BACK TO THE GYM for my early am group workout.</li>
<li>I had two people comment to me about how I look "are you losing weight" and "your skin looks good"...and I'll take BOTH of those as complete testimonies to what getting off of gluten is doing for me. </li>
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Still struggling to find my low-gluten groove...really still need to be completely gluten-free and then I'm working to discover the other foods that give me problems. I hope you all are making progress with your own goals this year. Next time I hope to have time to post some of my favorite new recipes!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-72168801809582836262013-01-23T17:09:00.000-05:002013-01-23T17:09:34.695-05:00A Few Of My (Current) Favorite Things(And yes, actually, Sound of Music is one of those...but that's not what inspired me to share these today=)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4pwQ49RNXRcMe3fFZW0egHh2VSCbjjcJ767PyKIabQC9vSsEQiVNQlQB4-UFwtdHcCDitxMfRpFqG_QPLo28D7HtZlIlPgGa36xbg2dfLSSuNsjNOf05elXb1sKNf6jyrkqBTGHuu4CZ/s1600/Edit-9823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4pwQ49RNXRcMe3fFZW0egHh2VSCbjjcJ767PyKIabQC9vSsEQiVNQlQB4-UFwtdHcCDitxMfRpFqG_QPLo28D7HtZlIlPgGa36xbg2dfLSSuNsjNOf05elXb1sKNf6jyrkqBTGHuu4CZ/s320/Edit-9823.jpg" width="320" /></a>As homeschoolers, we are constantly changing things in our home schools in order to fit the needs of our individual children and their growing educational needs. One item I found earlier this year that we've started using on a regular basis is called <span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Logic Links."</b></span> Brain Ware is the maker of these fun cards with 166 "puzzles" that use chips to be arranged in a certain order according to clues. Even our youngest, 4 now, has started being able to use and think through the answers enough to do the beginning cards. The box says ages 6+ but as long as you are working on them together and the child knows his right and left, they can be done at a younger age. (Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/MindWare-Logic-Links-Puzzle-Box/dp/B000NR4BLY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358975540&sr=8-1&keywords=logic+links">here</a> for a more detailed description. Also note: there are leveled workbooks available that contain the same puzzles/concepts. I found the box to contain the same information but rather than purchasing all the levels separately, which cost $12 <i>each</i> themselves, I purchased Logic Links box/game for $12.99 and have all the levels available in one box!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UKMtYEBGEhVspXjOPyCSfpSagiciJLw1D8SlDbY5LmRaea-7trUUArVnpSljt2SQ8DpLpVtq1a4PbUEm4pwbLDNdOJ3gS7WOvWyCyU_E7-FW0PD1Q-7gSrf0fGCy7A6ZBT9D1kwwRtD4/s1600/Edit-9819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2UKMtYEBGEhVspXjOPyCSfpSagiciJLw1D8SlDbY5LmRaea-7trUUArVnpSljt2SQ8DpLpVtq1a4PbUEm4pwbLDNdOJ3gS7WOvWyCyU_E7-FW0PD1Q-7gSrf0fGCy7A6ZBT9D1kwwRtD4/s320/Edit-9819.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Another of my favorite things, and always has been but I find myself at a loss without them, are...(drum roll please!) individual <span style="font-size: large;"><b>white boards</b></span>! It may seem like an obvious thing, but if you have elementary students and are NOT using these items just consider purchasing them and see how "boring writing work" can turn into loads of fun. (Also, lots of fun games can be had quickly and with ease when each student in your home has their own.) (Here you can see my Pre-K using his white board having JUST written his name for the very. first. time. all. on. his. own! I was way more excited than he was!)<br />
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I've talked about these next "extras" before, but wanted to share with you
again another way you can use this EXCELLENT quick, grab and go,
fun-adding, tools;<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.educationcubes.com/">Education Cubes</a></span></b>. Using soft baby blocks with see- through pocket sides, <a href="http://www.mamajennblogs.com/">Mama Jenn</a>,
another homeschooling mom, came up with a creative tool to learn/review
just about any topic you can think of! My kids have done these with
math fact, number words, Spanish words, movement commands, and now our
very own 50 States and their capitols. We became members, a one-time
low cost fee, at Mama Jenn's Education Cube site, ordered the blocks
from Amazon, and then just visit Mama Jenn's Education Cube site when we
need our newest review topic and print and go. I love it because I'm
not so good at adding in the "fun" dimension to homeschooling but after
awhile even I make myself bored!<br />
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(You can tell we have some SERIOUS Cube players!!!)<br />
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Another current "fav" is the iPod. Although it's a blessing and a curse all rolled into one, I have come to find some really neat ways the <b><span style="font-size: large;">iPod</span></b> can be used during school hours. One of my favorite ways, besides the plethora of truly educational games that are out there, is being able to use it to memorize Scripture (or play lines!=) Our kids are a part of the AWANA program which focuses a lot on Scripture memory. By the time kids are fluent readers they do not need the amount of help memorizing that younger ones need. In the mean time, though, I find myself up to my neck-- okay, sometimes just plain drowning, in a sea of "to-dos" not only to maintain a house and help in ministry, but to run actual learning school environment (curriculum, grading, etc.) that I simply can not give the younger ones the time they need helping them learn more Scripture-- no matter how important I think it is! Enter the iPod. We've started recording the verses that the younger ones need to memorize that week on the iPod and then they are able to play it to themselves over and over throughout the week. This has proved to be one of the best ways to use an iPod I could ever think up! (Along with Audio Scripture that can just read the Bible right out loud to me while I fall asleep. =)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYtWklkbun-UEPwsKOxg-aGGEsGDRNb4xRGyrQbHewkLkwePvNzd89kHjtqi9_OwvV5dJvlbUbgniayUoeBM6geOcE0ZBmBFKaSXfxLzKaCEZAXKASl7XreaXh9RQRQABZ8r8Jl3QjsVU/s1600/Edit-9828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYtWklkbun-UEPwsKOxg-aGGEsGDRNb4xRGyrQbHewkLkwePvNzd89kHjtqi9_OwvV5dJvlbUbgniayUoeBM6geOcE0ZBmBFKaSXfxLzKaCEZAXKASl7XreaXh9RQRQABZ8r8Jl3QjsVU/s320/Edit-9828.jpg" width="320" /></a>My last "fav" I wanted to share is just the good 'ol fashion <b><span style="font-size: large;">wipe board
books</span></b>. I used to think these were a bit of...twaddle, to borrow a
certain person's words from the past, but I have come to find these are
truly great for learning; a book to use while I read our current Read
Aloud to the older ones, etc. and the younger ones enjoy it, learn from
it, and feel like they are apart of the school day. I am no longer
feeling guilty about using these! (I don't know what kind of absurd
pressure I was putting on myself before anyway...) I highly recommend
any like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wipe-Clean-Flash-Cards-Activity/dp/0312498160/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1358978418&sr=8-4&keywords=wipe+off+board+books">this</a> and<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Phonics-Ages-Write-Slide-Learn/dp/1741815592/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358978526&sr=1-7&keywords=write%2C+slide+and+learn"> this</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Early-Learning-Activity-Pack-Numbers/dp/0312499671/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1358978624&sr=1-3&keywords=priddy+numbers+activity+pack">this</a>.<br />
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<br />
Hopefully this post has given you a few new ideas or sparked your interest in products you hadn't seen before. I think searching around for new ideas/tools, etc. can get a bit unproductive so I just thought you might all benefit from seeing what we use often in our home educating house!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-17970520755466741342013-01-23T11:12:00.001-05:002013-01-23T17:09:10.063-05:00Wednesday Weigh-InHappy to report: 209 even this am! That's almost a 2 lbs loss.<br />
<br />
Tummy issues: have all but subsided on this FODMAPS diet-- only thing is I still have pain every morning upon waking-- so if you have any ideas as to what that could be from, I'd be happy to hear from you! =)<br />
<br />
I have received two bits of info that I'm currently "chewing" over and I thought I'd share them with you briefly. The first is over the debate of "To weigh or NOT to weigh".<br />
<br />
<i>TO weigh--</i><br />
<ul>
<li>It keeps me motivated and knowing that I'm headed in the right direction when I want more of those blasted WONDERFUL Martha Stewart Chocolate Chip cookies the kids and I made the other day (in lieu of formal "math class").</li>
<li>It keeps me accountable</li>
</ul>
<i>NOT to Weigh --</i><br />
<ul>
<li>If you're losing weight you will begin to see it in your clothes/mirror</li>
<li>Weighing keeps the focus on too much that can occasionally fluctuate the WRONG way and then it can upset you to throwing you off/discouraging you away from your previous goals.</li>
<li>We are fearfully and wonderfully made-- and focusing on weight can cloud this TRUTH right out! </li>
</ul>
I'm currently voting for "weighing" for myself because I know I'm focused on transforming my kitchen into a "Real Foods" kitchen...this IS lifestyle change I'm attempting to do because I WANT to, it's GOD-Honoring to treat my body and train my kids in this eating well way, and my body is depending on it in every daily situation to feel well enough to focus on something other than my tummy pains! (Pain is ALWAYS the best motivator, right?=) I also am confident in who God has created me to be. I look in the mirror and see many good things about myself and praise the Lord for the talents He's given me. I'm happy to be me (most days anyways, lol) and I'm happy/content with the life He's given me to live. I feel I am weighing in for good reasons and have the right mind-set not to be dragged down when the scale says someday, as I know it will eventually, that I've gone up .2 pounds.<br />
<br />
Second bit of information I'm not "open" enough to sharing, yet at least, but it's been a good book that shares the idea that weak internal muscles can result in IBS-like suffering as well as other symptoms. I'm working my way through that so, thank you "Reader Friend" for passing that along!<br />
<br />
Exercise Goal: I did NOT complete as much of that as I'd wanted-- but two more days than I had the previous week so I feel good about it. Next week I'm aiming for two more!<br />
<br />
How are YOUR goals coming? I'd love to hear from you.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-67192239022910054892013-01-17T16:47:00.003-05:002013-01-17T16:47:44.821-05:00Weigh-In (Wednesday) er...Thursday!Okay...so I've been gone for awhile...trying to get my life "in order". I'm sure all of you have, too! Well, I decided that wasn't going to happen before I ever wrote again (I mean, come on, it's never going to happen anyway, right?!) So, I thought I choose blogging over laundry because this quiet time doesn't come often! (Two boys at b-ball practice, the others on the Wii...yes, my substitute babysitter when I just need a LITTLE quiet=)<br />
<br />
I have decided to weigh myself in on Wednesday...and YOU all get to "watch" me. Ha-- i'm glad you really don't but I decided to try this type of accountability. It's not so much being accountable to you, as it is to me. To keep this thing going THIS time. I've never written on weight issues on here, I think some may look down their noses at me for doing so-- and that's okay with me. In the happen chance that it helps me AND someone else, though, I believe that enough-- even if it just helps me!<br />
<br />
For my own "notes" I thought I'd start these posts by remembering from whence I came! (Again, for ME!)<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>2008</b>-- had 4th and final child, topped off at 248 lbs!!! (I look at those pictures and can.not.believe. what I'd become)</li>
<li><b>2009</b>-- started a series of "Biggest Loser" challenges with some of my absolute bestEST friends!</li>
<li><b>2009-2010</b> -- dropped 50 lbs with hardly a glance over my shoulder (well, I mean, I worked at it but honestly not that much!)</li>
<li><b>2011-summer 2012</b> -- bobbled up and down, got used to living in a new location, mostly muscle went to fat and began struggle with constant belly pain =(</li>
<li><b>Summer 2012</b> -- still struggling with lots of belly pain, I started a 60 day Challenge at a local small-town gym. I worked HARD with at least 60 minutes of intensive workout (Insanity-type program) and ate REALLY well (spinach, kale, low-carb,etc.) and dropped-- NOT A SINGLE pound! And, before you go on saying, but inches count! You have to know that I didn't even drop a pant size! I dropped fat around my knees-- yes, my knees!-- and a little around my waist-- 1 inch to be exact!</li>
<li><b>Fall 2012</b>-- complete frustration. LOTS of belly pain, LOTS of tests with drs. shaking their heads in wonder...and I added the old habit of drinking Mountain Dew back in...yeah-- that = LOTS OF INCHES back on...and about 2 more lbs.</li>
<li><b>December 2012</b>-- Completed all the tests with the drs. and I'm as healthy as all get out (minus the weight issue) but still have lots of belly pain. Decide to "self-diagnosis" myself with IBS and check out of the mirey muck of self-pity and DO something, yet again, about this weight! </li>
</ul>
<b>CURRENT:</b> Weigh-In Wednesdays! (I'm only a day late in posting-- I've weighed every Wed. in January!)I'm hoping to weigh in briefly and post it here to HELP MYSELF with motivation. I'll also track some of my findings about IBS as I'm just learning about what to do/eliminate to start with a clean slate.<br />
<br />
<b>GOALS: </b><br />
1) Lose 52 lbs. by December 31, 2013-- TOTALLY doable so long as I keep at it<br />
2) Figure out how to maintain LOW belly pain, as it seems like something I'll be working on for a long time.<br />
<br />
Jan. 2nd Weigh-In: 212.8<br />
Jan. 9th Weigh-In: 211.8<br />
Jan.16th Weigh-In: 210.6<br />
<br />
I'm right on track! AND, I've dropped the Mt. Dew again, eating a low FODMAPS diet for elimination purposes (IBS stuff I'll post on later), and began working out this week at home-- aiming for 30 min/day.<br />
<br />
What about YOU!? Do you have any weigh related goals? Share them with me!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-1936615986111540292012-12-09T20:21:00.003-05:002012-12-09T20:23:02.830-05:00Gift #2 You Can Not Afford NOT to Give<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Elephant","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Gift #2
--</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Elephant","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">...A
clear sense of<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> others</i> -- </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">it seems as though the entire (Western) Church has
bought into our culture's idea of living a self-focused lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our own experience, the number one desire
of parents we've asked is that their children grow up to live "happy"
and "healthy" lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While
there is nothing innately wrong about having a life that is happy or healthy, this
certainly isn't the "gold standard" by which a "good life"
is represented in Scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ
followers are continually told to "deny themselves" in order to serve
others, and in doing so they serve Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We see Jesus and his disciples serving in difficult situations, always giving though they've already gave and gave; Christ
was crucified and most of His disciples died a martyr's death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving our children a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">clear sense of others </i></b>will
take intentionality and will not be convenient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh, we can do it while on other journeys, (being kind to the clerk at
the store,
etc.) but it also means we need to teach our children to "give up"
things and "deny" their desires at times. ("Delayed
gratification" is one term that comes to mind...) </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We must <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">teach</i> our children to think of others because it does not come
naturally to any of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is like
teaching them to wash their hands, or get dressed, or make their bed-- they
must <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">practice</i> generosity until it becomes
a habit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generosity that comes out of a
heart of thankfulness is the most pure motive. ("We love because He first
loved us." 1 John 4:19)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Generosity taught for
the sake of looking or feeling good is not the goal nor the motive that pleases
Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Feeling good about the
things you do is not wrong, however, it should be a by-product and not a driving force.)
God looks at our motives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants your
children's hearts-- not just their outward behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Because we have been given MUCH, we know
that life isn't about them-- it's about Christ and being His hands and feet
while on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matt. 25:34-40 gives us a clear picture about the practical ways God wants us to help and serve others. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/25-34.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><span class="reftext"></span><b><i>"34“Then
the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of
My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of
the world.</i></b></a><b><i><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/25-35.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><span class="reftext">35</span>‘For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in;</a><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/25-36.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><span class="reftext">36</span>naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’</a><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/25-37.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><span class="reftext">37</span>“Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?</a><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/25-38.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><span class="reftext">38</span>‘And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?</a><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/25-39.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><span class="reftext">39</span>‘When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’</a><a href="http://bible.cc/matthew/25-40.htm" style="color: #001320; text-decoration: none;"><span class="reftext">40</span>“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’"</a></i></b><span class="brk"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span class="brk"></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">When weserve others here on earth, it is as if we are serving our very King, Jesus Christ.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>are some ways we are practicing generosity in
our home this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are nothing
snazzy or glitzy or even worth mentioning, but it is what we can do this
Christmas time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>( This is not to brag or be looked upon, but simply joted down for us to remember personally and to perhaps give you one idea you might use if you need a few ideas.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* Handed out
Christmas treats made by ladies of our church to elderly shut-ins or church
attendees who have been ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids
sang, read poems, and talked a bit with the people we visited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(We did this with another homeschooling
family and it was a blast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids
really liked this & we reiterated several times the reason we do this
activity is to encourage those who aren't healthy enough to get out very much.)
(I must also thank the ladies who had the Christmas cookie exchange who plan to
ask people to bring more than they will go home with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would never have been able to bake all
those goodies AND take them!=)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* Gave
homemade gifts to teachers in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they all have a hand in creating gifts simple as "gifts in a
jar" it helps them to connect saying thanks to those in their lives and to
learn to think about what makes someone else happy and encouraged.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* Being
involved in purchasing an animal through the World Vision Christmas
catalog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We're still collecting money so
the kids are excited to see how much they will be able to purchase in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will it be a chicken?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A goat?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A cow?!?...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">* Sorted
through toys/clothes and gave several large boxes to our local shelter for
needy people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a few years of doing
this with them, the kids are really starting to understand their outgrown and
unused can be used by others who need them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, though this is not about "others"
here on earth, we have started a<i><b> Sparkle Box.</b></i>..which you can read about later
this week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What things
are YOU and YOUR FAMILY doing this year to show Christ's love to others and to
teach your children that life for the Believer consists of a full heart of
thankfulness overflowing with generosity?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-65029117746004182202012-12-04T15:42:00.001-05:002012-12-04T15:42:33.613-05:00Gifts You Can't Afford NOT to Give Your Children!This will be a "Days of Christmas" type of series, I hope. My internet has been down at my home and since it's equipment related I'm not sure when it will be back again so...my intentions have already not met with reality from the 1st of December so we'll just all see how this goes.<br />
<br />
Over the last two years, we have begun to get a little more intentionally Christ-centered in our family in regards to Christmas time. We don't have anything against giving gifts to our children, no, in fact, it's quite an addicting thing to do. Once I purchase the first gift on the lift for one of them my mind starts spinning with ideas of all the "wonderful" things I could get them...things they "need"...things I want them to have...oh, and it could get bad...but I have several reasons for not giving into those fun parenting feelings and the biggest at Christmas time is because it's JESUS' Birthday! I don't celebrate my children's birthdays by giving away their gifts to the guests, so why would I celebrate Jesus' birthday this way? Anyway, all this thinking has lead me to a few, (ok, after thinking more about it turned from a "12 Days of Christmas" to a "Days of Christmas" because, after all, who wants to be held back into restrains on these things?=) er, several more than a few, ideas of gifts I HAD to give to my children. Today I'll share with you my first.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I MUST Give My Children The Gift of...</b><br />
<br />
.... a mom & dad that have a <b><i>genuine, personal walk with their Savior, Jesus Christ.</i></b> <br />
<br />
I've written about this before, but it can not be over-stated: being a Christ follower is NOT just about going to church on Sunday mornings and making sure you're children are in church when the church doors are open. That will do little good to help them be interested in having Jesus as their Savior, too. Following Jesus means you personally want to find out what He has for you to live out. You can only do this by reading His Word on a regular basis and by spending time with Him in prayer-- talking to Him. If you are doing this, those around you will see His reflection in you. Like Moses having been with God on Mt. Sinai, people KNEW he'd seen the One True God because his face glowed! Our countenance will shine like the countenance of one having been with the Alpha and Omega, the Creator of all, when we spend time with Him. This will be what interests those around us, especially our children, to want a relationship with Christ. When they observe us going to Jesus in difficult <i>and</i> good days, when they see us responding in ways that only one having been with Jesus could respond, that will be attractive to them and will cause them to know our Savior is alive and real.<br />
<br />
To that end, I fail. <br />
<br />
I fail so often were I to get a nickel for every failed attempt at consistent Bible reading and prayer time, or even a penny for that matter, I'd be filthy rich! As it is, we don't get money for failing that...usually just shame and guilt which Satan aptly uses to keep us from Christ. But Dear Friend, let us remember that God's love and faithfulness for us does not depend on us in any way (can I get an "AMEN"?!). <i><b>Romans 5:8 says</b></i> "<span class="text Rom-5-8" id="en-NIV-28056"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."</span> Another way to put that was even while we were sinning, Christ still loved us enough sacrifice Himself for us. <i><b>2 Timothy 2:13 says</b></i> "If we are faithless, He<i> remains faithful,</i> for He cannot deny Himself." Therefore, we can be sure that <i>when</i> our reflection of HIM gets a bit...fuzzy, we can approach Him with confidence in HIS love and HIS shed blood knowing that "His mercies are new every morning." (Lamentations 3:23) He <i>wants</i> us to spend time with Him, and like a person who has lost great, valuable jewels, when we are lost <i><b>He SEEKS US</b></i> and rejoices when we return to Him. (Just check out Luke chapter 15 for many examples of His great love for lost ones.)<br />
<br />
For those that are moms, DO spend time with Jesus...open His Word at the beginning of your day and even if it's 5 minutes before the cereal is poured and the toasts pops up and the kids start tugging away at you, read His Word! THEN, keep it open and throughout the laundry, the crying fits, the time-outs, the crazy breakfast-snack-lunch-snack-UNhappy hour (4-5 melt-down time)- supper- then-too-long-before-they're-finally-asleep-in-their-own-bed-time, time (whew! It's exhausting, isn't it?) meditate on that verse. Thank Him for your children, for the clothes you are able to wash, the dishes you are able to use, the water you are able to have readily available...Keep Him central throughout your day and He will HONOR your time and not shame you for not being able to have a "quiet" time. After all, He gave you your children and He KNOWS there is no such thing as a "quiet" time for years after they come. Enjoy the blessings He's given you....as you enjoy HIM!<br />
<br />
This was too lengthy, but if you remember one this, remember this: there are some gifts you CAN NOT afford not to give to your children. This is one:<b> the gift of a mom & dad that have a</b> <b><i>genuine, personal walk with their Savior, Jesus Christ.</i></b> <br />
<br />
<br />
More gifts and Christmas traditions to come...another day!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-11612072772947248952012-10-30T10:11:00.002-04:002012-10-30T10:11:31.253-04:00A Little More Personal-- A Look Inside My FridgeHave you ever looked into your fridge and thought,<i> there's definitely a life analogy going on in here</i>. No? Well, I have. This morning. All fall I've been struggling with getting my life back "on-track". (Whatever that is.) <br />
<br />
You see, during the summer I spent 60 days focused on my health...eating better & exercising MUCH more intensely than I have ever done before (for 60 min. a day)-- and all for ZERO pounds down and a few inches. I know, I know-- I should be happy with a few inches, right? But not even my jeans size went down! I've been stuck at this weight (212 to be exact) for the last year and a half trying desperately to see a different number more than just at 4 am, lol. (I mean really, even if you do see a smaller number at 4 am it doesn't even matter because you know after your workout, some water, and a bit to eat it'll just be back up there-- plus, it's 4 am so, I don't know about you, but "happiness" never happens at 4 am for me=)<br />
<br />
So, every week I try to plan out a new menu...one that includes salads, kale, quinoa and sweet potatoes (for me) and one that includes all the wholegrain pasta, cheese, and "yummy" stuff for the other 5 in my family who won't touch the beginning listed items. Well, if you're a mom, you can easily understand that this lasts for all of your inspired 5 minutes and then goes down hill from there very fast. (As well as to waste because after prepping meals for the others you have no ambition to prep your healthy stuff for yourself.) I know what you're all saying. I should teach my family to eat the healthy stuff...and they do to some extent but because I didn't raise them on it it is taking longer than I'd like for them to eat it and enjoy. I AM making most foods from whole-foods and trying to keep out those "no-no" things such as GMOs and chemicals...but it's just plain tough to do and keep up with the rest of life at the same time-- at least for me.<br />
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So, I won't whine anymore but I'll get on with my point. I started last week trying to do something about this issue of discipline...because I know I lack it right now. (I was so discouraged after this summer's experience I've done a complete nose-dive in most other areas.) It's time to change...so when the ebook <a href="http://themarathonmom.com/21-days-to-a-more-disciplined-life-review-and-giveaway.htm">21 Days to a More Disciplined Life </a>a (review here) came along, though I wasn't looking for any miracle, I thought I'd get it (while it was $.99!) and just see what the author had to say. Ok. It's a good book...one woman's successful blogging journey to 21 days to discipline...but as she asks the reader in the beginning, I'm supposed to pick just ONE habit & project to start with. It can be as easy as putting my shoes in the right place every time I come into the house or as difficult as adding a consistent workout time back in everyday. Problem is, when I look at my life I can't find one good area...they are ALL out of sorts and none is "easy" to fix. Which is where my fridge comes into play...it's all out of sorts and I can't even find the left over baked oatmeal I was planning on having the last few mornings for breakfast! In order to do that, I'll need to get into the fridge and make a complete overhaul. Things will start to smell in there soon...and food is certainly rotting somewhere going to waste once again. So, this morning, you can bet you know what I'll be doing during my week of cancelled school-- cleaning out the fridge. But it will take more than a week to clean this life out, however...and really, I have to clean out 5 other lives too in order to make mine less cluttered... I'm not sure how to accomplish that. (I hear you all saying, "one step at a time"...) I know the answers, I've even successfully used those same answers before, but sometimes those answer don't feel sufficient...and like weight loss, in order to keep the momentum, you must first see some sort of tangible results and you need people surrounding you to spur you on.<br />
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Those people are the ones I am pleased to say I will be able to go visit in a few days...I'm hoping to return refreshed and upheld...the work will still be there and mine to do, but it will be easier because of the people who are upholding me. Thank you, Jesus, for true, Godly friends who have the courage to see you inside and out, speak truth in love, and support you through it all.<br />
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<b><i>How about you? What does your fridge look like today?</i></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-63582423339866163152012-10-18T16:23:00.003-04:002012-10-18T16:23:38.239-04:00Life SpaceMy spirits are being refreshed everyday as this autumn time wears on. I see some trees full of brilliant colors and others that have been the "victims" of a harsh, dry summer and are "just" brown. But in all of it, brilliant or brown, I am reminded of God's goodness to us through whatever season we are in-- be it "brilliant" or "brown".<br />
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Recently, my family and I went through an interesting experience leaving us with an unexpectedly more freed-up schedule. What could have been a difficult and thoroughly exhausting semester, though brought on not in a way I would have chosen or desired, has become an absolutely delightful time! I have readjusted my school schedule and lowered my expectations of me so that I can leave <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">SPACE</span>, some call it "<i>margin</i>", for what really matters...like playing learning games with my kids while they are still into playing games with me! <br />
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These are some pictures of what we did as part of our school day today. I am choosing to include the "beautiful" ones and the "not-so-beautiful" ones just to show you that behind my lens is the same thing you see behind yours-- squirmy, wormy, some-times distracted, kids that <i>act</i> like they are not listening...but they are. (And they even declared this book to be their favorite after 20 minutes previously saying, "we read this <i>yesterday</i>! Why do we need to read it AGAIN today?!"=)<br />
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Our book for my Pre-K and Kinder this week (see <a href="http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html">Five in A Row</a> if you are curious as to why a whole week) was<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Bunny-Margaret-Wise-Brown/dp/0060775823/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1350590732&sr=8-1&keywords=Runaway+bunny"> Runaway Bunny</a> by Margaret Wise Brown. The book tells of a little bunny who declares he is going to run away and his momma bunny who won't let him get too far because she'll seek after him in whatever way she needs in order to catch him and love on him. (Reminded me a bit of our Savior when we "declare" by our actions that we are going to run away from Him.)<br />
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Here's my 3rd grader re-reading it for the second time today while the youngers do a hands-on activity created by <a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.com/">Homeschool Creations</a>, Jolathe, provided for FREE on her website found <a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2012/10/the-runaway-bunny-book-unit-bfiar/">here</a>. <br />
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The kids all worked together to put the places in order. Pre-K had the pictures, Kinder had the ordinal numbers, and 2nd grader had the number words.<br />
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Here they are almost in order. (Until brother flipped up that office mat and the cards went flying everywhere. At which point the next few pictures were taken.) <br />
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(And yes, they are unedited, and yes my WB was not to my suiting-- that goes for playing around while taking pictures. I just thought you all could benefit from the "not-so-beautiful_ like I said earlier=) (Kudos to the bloggers who choose to use their very best and edited and cropped photos...I don't have that time! ha.)<br />
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One of my favorites! After it was all completed (for the second time) my Pre-K gave a big "YES!" with an arm gesture as he does after he bowls a strike or catches a ball.<br />
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Here, Kinder is working on her tracing printable, part of the unit package by Homeschool Creations. <br />
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And Pre-K was able to be in on the action too. <br />
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Our day went on to include math, history, science, violin lessons, gymnastics, a trip to the library, (Frostys from Wendys=) and basketball practice. Now, time for dinner prep. (oh, and I did forget to include a quick visit with our neighbor who currently has my kids at her house...she probably thinks I'm doing something important like cleaning...but this blogging outlet is SO wonderful to have! Shhh...don't let her in on our secret time.=)<br />
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I hope you, too, are learning and growing in what <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">SPACE</span></span> is needed in your family. What a joy it is to have a happy wife, happy husband, happy children...happy home.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Post Script:</span><br />
If you've read my last post, you'll know I've been struggling to get my Kinder the time and attention she's been needing. This morning said it all as she was ALL SMILES after our "hide the bunny" activity, sequencing, reading a story JUST for her and M. and then writing and reading (while at violin lessons). When I asked her, "is that what you'd like for Kindergarten?" She nodded eagerly and gave me a ginormous huge. Gotta love Kindergarten. (Note, as a rule I do not ask my children what <i>they</i> think they should be doing for school, but she's been the difficult one to "please" so it was worth it for her to be totally into what I was asking of her.)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-29318347150212664302012-10-11T19:03:00.005-04:002012-10-11T19:03:55.909-04:00TOOTH DAY!It's been a loooooooooong time, hasn't it? Well, we all get into life like that sometimes, right? And now, I just decided, I had to write again. It's a creative outlet, if you will, for many and I'm not ashamed to say I need a bit of that right now for my soul.<br />
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So, I bring you another token of my creative ability (a-hem)-- my <b><i>TOOTH DAY</i></b> plate!!!! Yes, I did use a picture from online-- should I even announce that? (If anyone can find the creator of this picture, please inform them I will pay for it to make it right because it was just handed to me as an option at the store ; ) But, as it was, I went to one of those shops that allows you to purchase, paint, and fire pottery and you walk away feeling like you are a master in the creative realm. (At least that is how I feel about this "piece" I aptly call, wait for it..., "The Tooth Day Plate".) <br />
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In our home I wanted to do something to celebrate the ever so sought after "loosing of a tooth" rite and when I read a post by my cousin in Ohio, I knew I'd found the "thing" I'd been searching for: <i>Tooth Day!</i> Although we still do have a Tooth Fairy come and visit, because that's just part of the fun too, we celebrate for the entire day after the Tooth Fairy has visited (and by now they all know it's "just" us, Mom and Dad, pretending to be fairies. This realization all thanks to the movies that told it all on us.) We usually have one meal selected by the tooth-less recipient and of course sweet treats. I've searched online for a few fun "activity" suggestions but haven't found many yet. That is my next "plan of action" for prepping for this wonderful fun-filled day but getting my plate done is the result of being on a two-year waiting list of "to-do-someday" projects so...activities may be awhile in coming.<br />
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Unless...YOU ALL can help me! If you have a special way you celebrate the farewell and hello of an old and new tooth will you share it with me?? I'd love to hear it and perhaps the next Tooth Day in our home will feature YOU-- or at least, your activity.=)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-3300722504428128112012-07-24T04:00:00.000-04:002012-07-24T04:00:00.401-04:00The Secret of Counting Gifts-- When All You Need Is Family<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Today I have the special privilege of introducing you to a wonderful sister in Christ,<a href="http://heidikreider.com/"> Heidi Kreider</a>. I met Heidi a couple of years ago as I entered my first adult experience of a home school co-op. Heidi didn't know it then, and she probably still doesn't realize today,but God used her in a mighty way to encourage me during my "stay" in the co-op. Heidi was a bright light of welcome-ness (that's not a word-- but it is now!) and easy friendship when I was so close to giving up. She is a gifted and loving daughter of the King, wife, & mother to three-- all of whom are currently in different school settings-- which I LOVE! She has stayed close to the Lord, reliant upon HIS leading for each of her children's educations. Should I get to this place one day, I hope to have half the courage she has exemplified as she's faced critics on all sides...and still is journeying through these waters leaning on CHRIST ALONE & HIS plan for her family/children. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Heidi has recently fulfilled a life-long desire to write and publish a book and I am honored to be a stop a long the way on her</span><a href="http://heidikreider.com/book-tour-giveaway/" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> virtual book tour</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. The book is wonderfully-written and I encourage you to join me as I finish reading it <i>(I'm almost there!)</i>. Now, to give you just a taste..</span>.</span><br />
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<br />
<div align="center" class="Standard" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When All You Need Is
Family...</span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>We stood
together, just the six of us.<span> </span>On a day
when we buried one, we huddled... holding and upholding.<span> </span>When others said...we'll be there.<span> </span>I said... no.<span>
</span>All I wanted, all I needed was my family.<span> </span>I</i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>gathered them around me... my parents, my man, and my kids
together.<span> </span>It was enough.</i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span> </span>Family...
that group of people who are defined by blood lines, and maybe more.<span> </span>Sometimes those closest to our hearts do not
share the same family tree.<span> </span>We cannot
chose our relations but we can choose to redefine the term family to include
those who are closest to us.<span> </span>Those we
live life with... the ones to whom we cling when the storms of life roar and
the winds threaten to overflow us.</i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span> </span>I am blessed
with an amazing family.<span> </span>As I grow older
and slightly wiser, I have learned to count that amazing family as a gift.<span> </span>I now recognize it's rarity.<span> </span>I also know that I have friends who are as
close to me as my sisters.<span> </span>I've learned
to count them as family and as gifts.<span>
</span>They are equal but<span> </span>different
treasures to my heart.</i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span> </span>Recently, I
wrote a novel about family and friendship, life and loss... <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Counting-Gifts-Kreider-Kreide/dp/1477501703/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1341199585&sr=8-1"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Secret of
Counting Gifts</span></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Counting-Gifts-Kreider-Kreide/dp/1477501703/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1341199585&sr=8-1"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span></a>and
an accompanying journal, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Counting-Gifts-Gratitude-Journal/dp/147768056X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1341199654&sr=8-3&keywords=Heidi+Kreider"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">The Secret of
Counting Gifts Gratitude Journal</span></a>. <b><span> </span></b>Both volumes have been released and are
now available through Amazon.com.<span> </span></i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span> </span>The
Secret of Counting Gifts is the story of<span>
</span>Kris McClintock and Liz Bower and their friendship that spans
twenty-eight years.<span> </span>Through marriage,
babies, and infidelity they stand by each other and hold one another up...
until breast cancer delivers the final blow.<span>
</span>A</b><b><span style="color: #262626;">s she sits by Liz, Kris recounts the trials and<span> </span>blessings that made them who they are.<span> </span>She tells their story and recalls the many
"gifts" they have been blessed with throughout the years. She shares
of how Liz taught her to notice the gifts in each day and to live with a
grateful heart. It is through the telling of their story that the secret of
counting gifts is discovered....</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span> </span>Throughout
this month, I'm on a viritual book tour, meeting up with bloggers and talking about
friends and family, life and loss.<span> </span><span style="color: #262626;">You
can see the stops along the way at </span><a href="http://www.heidikreider.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">www.heidikreider.com</span></a><span style="color: #262626;">.<span> </span>Come on over and say "Hey!" and
register for my <a href="http://heidikreider.com/book-tour-giveaway/">giveaway</a>... autographed copies of The Secret of Counting Gifts
and The Secret of Counting Gifts Gratitude Journal in a hand-made
basket, made by my lovely friend, Anne.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<br /></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #262626;"><span> </span><b>All
those years ago, my family stood with me as we buried our stillborn son.<span> </span>Who do you have stand with you when you face
loss?<span> </span>Do you have friends who are as
close to you as family?</b></span></i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #262626;"><span> </span> </span></i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #262626;"> **
Heidi Kreider is a wife, mother, author, and friend.<span> </span>She blogs about life, grace, and gratitude at
<a href="http://www.heidikreider.com/">www.heidikreider.com</a>.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="Standard">
<i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="Standard">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-85323627620579749072012-07-11T15:27:00.000-04:002012-07-11T15:27:02.927-04:00A Birthday BlessingThis is for one of our family's most dearest friends, Katy. She turns TWENTY today & forever says good-bye to those crazy, up and down days of the teenage years. I have a confession, first, that must be made. I have a terrible problem in life-- I'm not a gift-giver. I have a 6 year old son that does a better job than I of seeing what people enjoy and what would be a good gift to give someone-- words are the only thing I can ever seem to come up with so, with that, Kat-Y (with a Y!), this is your present.<br />
<br />
Our family first met Katy at church where she was just known as the girlfriend of someone who attends. That's all I really knew her as for probably 2 months. After that, however, since we enjoy opening our home, we had her and her at-the-time boyfriend over and we were forever changed. You see, Katy LOVES children & having fun and well, we have children--and those children like having fun-- so were we all a match made in heaven right from the beginning! (Not to mention, my husband and I can always use a little help in the area of having fun...we tend to be some SERIOUS people so a little life and light in our lives was really what we needed.) <br />
<br />
Katy began coming over after work and, as any 19 year old needs, started finding in us a "home away from home"-- a place to be her WITHOUT JUDGEMENT (and if we ever seemed to be giving off a judging attitude, she'd let us know and we'd promptly respond-- no judgement is certainly a Biblical necessity!) Katy was attending a local branch of our university system here in Indiana and working several jobs, but she always made time to stop in and visit for a bit a couple of times a week. (It was good prep for those days we anticipate ahead in which the parents stay up late just so the teen can debrief and you find yourself feeling like you are still in high school or college as you are now keeping the same hours as they do! We never minded, though, after all <i>relationships are born of 2 am conversations, right?</i>)<br />
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The rest is really history. She is no longer dating the young man she was in the beginning of our story and where I used to think of so-and-so and Katy, now I only think Katy-- she is her very own person created uniquely by God to shine like a star in this world for His glory! Just like your own children's presence is quickly unimaginable otherwise after they are born, Katy has become a part of our family and we really can't imagine life without her. Here are a list of things we LOVE about Katy (in no particular order)-- let us brag on her just a bit.<br />
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~ <b><i>Katy is seeking the Lord </i></b>& making difficult, counter-cultural decisions to do so-- yet she presses on<br />
~ <i><b>Katy loves people</b></i><br />
~ <b><i>Katy keeps a confidence</i></b>-- I've never heard her say a bad word behind someone's back even once!<br />
~ <i><b>Katy is learning to give up things</b></i> she enjoys but may lead her to wrong paths & decisions that don't fall inline with serving and following Christ<br />
~ <i><b>Katy loves her family </b></i><br />
~ <i><b>Katy loves our kids</b></i>-- even when they kick balls in her face and yell at her (Yes! Gasp-- for the first time one of my children treated Katy like a true sister-- and was quickly set right in that behavior)<br />
~ <i><b>Katy blesses my husband and I </b></i>by helping us to keep our relationship forefront (even though, just like for our own children, if we even think about kissing each other when she's present she just about pukes right then and there.)<br />
~ <i><b>Katy is FUN</b></i>-- she brings a much needed light of life into our home<br />
~ <i><b>Katy is a SERVANT</b></i>-- she gives and gives and gives...to people, to the church, behind the scene and in front when needed-- and never expects in return<br />
~ <i><b>Katy loves simple pleasures</b></i>-- namely all easy things I can actually cook-- homemade mac-n-cheese & pb sandwiches -- and every time she eats them she gives this wonderfully expression thanks to me-- and I must say, getting a verbal reward every time I make mac-n-cheese sure makes it come more often;)<br />
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Here are a couple of favorite pics of Katy with our family. I hope you have, or one day will have, a soul that gets to bless you & your family as much as Katy has blessed ours. If you don't already, maybe the Lord has someone in mind for you to open your life to...you'll never be sorry you did.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga64uWDANckO1yX3WITKA5_iOHBj4nHxz_0BAeZCcyYQv2GQXf8qnALPOQ7s5VCZsgWSSlw4eT2dK4txt5T7ADjbXWAcYKvptonApfG0zprT2IV1w-grPE97EuuQ0yxpQ1_l3YqcT8anW8/s1600/KJH_4519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga64uWDANckO1yX3WITKA5_iOHBj4nHxz_0BAeZCcyYQv2GQXf8qnALPOQ7s5VCZsgWSSlw4eT2dK4txt5T7ADjbXWAcYKvptonApfG0zprT2IV1w-grPE97EuuQ0yxpQ1_l3YqcT8anW8/s320/KJH_4519.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My all-time fav of Kayliah and her "sister," Katy (taken at the boys' ball game).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QrOABxcKGc6gNmzFkmI-teCe2Y6CmYFWiJwEDK7d_CUE9MQV_xwRZWNDzPdcluzMKQP0GAQ7SVE7_KdvbthUH8rQCvKlfRYEYj5TMJaG3tIR1FI_PbznxA2Gu3lA4ErGsi1RWJgGQ8E6/s1600/KJH_3694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QrOABxcKGc6gNmzFkmI-teCe2Y6CmYFWiJwEDK7d_CUE9MQV_xwRZWNDzPdcluzMKQP0GAQ7SVE7_KdvbthUH8rQCvKlfRYEYj5TMJaG3tIR1FI_PbznxA2Gu3lA4ErGsi1RWJgGQ8E6/s320/KJH_3694.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katy and the kids the day we took her to away to college for the first time (January).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq0KNLU0AR5WE6Nw30rJGwGPGJyktNLny26IZOgguxcBZjua7fqT7ShB8tZfDTZYN0wJbXdA-HvR7I55NyVtx2USQonVhCI_61rUwufofzqXhf5GIOJwAqiksj1rUZiSMdRwoIifg_5vl/s1600/KJH_3665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXq0KNLU0AR5WE6Nw30rJGwGPGJyktNLny26IZOgguxcBZjua7fqT7ShB8tZfDTZYN0wJbXdA-HvR7I55NyVtx2USQonVhCI_61rUwufofzqXhf5GIOJwAqiksj1rUZiSMdRwoIifg_5vl/s320/KJH_3665.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katy hanging with the kids...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhrLkS3wOBTfUlfLu-ubFtW-eUORMM9e4m-dbBTmCeCRbBq5x2NE-ol4xpclFyKLAIO5XpyFD50RJIGZaKldzsThhubXFtvBz1OJoR_EdZgAqazpJlUf561VTIKpPrNYrfqFv3auJdm-t/s1600/KJH_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhrLkS3wOBTfUlfLu-ubFtW-eUORMM9e4m-dbBTmCeCRbBq5x2NE-ol4xpclFyKLAIO5XpyFD50RJIGZaKldzsThhubXFtvBz1OJoR_EdZgAqazpJlUf561VTIKpPrNYrfqFv3auJdm-t/s320/KJH_3724.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(GASP! I can't believe I included one with ME!) A fun time as I visited some friends and Katy at college a few weeks after her first days away.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aFFYfiKdUKRJuDIOuAH3XBQ91tOO0vBAVdlahQ2IEUz57TwmKQyKCnFOaGIiOiYlWZF1rmX-T9Ccd2eB18siNZ45FmgbfcpJu7J2pQZI1zWVeAMdj1I6GjTQEV7OAQzVR4MxMhhYHwQY/s1600/KJH_3387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0aFFYfiKdUKRJuDIOuAH3XBQ91tOO0vBAVdlahQ2IEUz57TwmKQyKCnFOaGIiOiYlWZF1rmX-T9Ccd2eB18siNZ45FmgbfcpJu7J2pQZI1zWVeAMdj1I6GjTQEV7OAQzVR4MxMhhYHwQY/s320/KJH_3387.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating M.'s birthday with us as she celebrated all of our kids' birthdays with us-- including activities like roller skating, pin the bow on Hello Kitty, and "how many socks can you put on in a minute"-- which was her favorite=)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-GPP0C9jCo33c07KrkFhwCfaUEUVhk70k8jDhmuEI0DwkKzQGkPkIkIKhQBYKRCOlGqiZOi8iQRCysDNlmFx31h8Wa4uxxlNNjOOH7Lxcta8p22oPAe92oGbkv1H56gGvoMJPKK45wt8/s1600/KJH_2962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-GPP0C9jCo33c07KrkFhwCfaUEUVhk70k8jDhmuEI0DwkKzQGkPkIkIKhQBYKRCOlGqiZOi8iQRCysDNlmFx31h8Wa4uxxlNNjOOH7Lxcta8p22oPAe92oGbkv1H56gGvoMJPKK45wt8/s320/KJH_2962.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also one of my favorites because although she'll probably kill me for having ANY of these pics on here, it shows how much she loves playing with our kids. I've never known anyone to love on kids as much as she does. (And it's not just my kids she loves-- she loves ALL kids this way!!!!)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So, with that all said, <i><b>We LOVE YOU, KATY!!!! </b></i></div>
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<i><b>WE CAN"T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE LORD HAS IN STORE FOR YOU!!!!! </b></i></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! LIVE IT ALL FOR JESUS!!!! </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-60127482993418101492012-06-08T23:25:00.001-04:002013-03-30T14:04:33.150-04:00A Uniqueness of GodI have been reading the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Let-Us-Highly-Resolve-Families/dp/0965651207/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339212072&sr=8-1"><i>Let Us Highly Resolve</i></a> by David and Shirley Quine over the past couple of weeks. The book's sub-title is "Families Living for Christ in the 21st Century" and it gives 7 "resolves" that they, as a family, undertook as they walked through their journey of raising children. I have read this book before and plan to reread it again every so often to return to truths that are foundational to what I value in raising my own children. (Though this book is written by homeschoolers, it is in no way a book just for homeschoolers as it only ever mentions it one time and at that just as a fact of a type of education.)<br />
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Resolve number one is "To build our families upon the Biblical world view" and it covers such topics as what is a world-view, how it is shaped, and how one might be "Biblical" and one might be something of another foundation. In this chapter they say that a Biblical-world view starts in creation and in terms of answering the foundational questions about man, it starts with looking at Genesis 1:26 -- that man is made in the image of God. Now, this is nothing new to me, and I'm sure it isn't to you either. We hear that phrase and we may even have some good answers as to what it means to be "made in the image of God." Now let me jump to another place in my mind and then I'll come back to this point.<br />
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For the past several months, I have had swirling thoughts around the issue of life and its value. What does our world say about life? What does our own country and culture say about life? What does the Church say about life? What does my very own church in rural Indiana say about life without ever even saying a word? <i>What do I say about life</i>-- in not only my words but in my actions and in what I hold to be of importance. Where should our believe/world-view of life even come from? If I say I believe life has value, exactly how far does that go? What about a person who may be in a vegetative state? Do they have "life"? What about a unstable woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant? Do I care what she does to that baby? Do I believe it's okay to just "take care" of her fetus and rid herself of the "extra problem"? What about those millions of woman and children that are destitute-- human trafficking isn't going away and our knowledge of it is only increasing...Do they have "life"? Are they valuable? And if so, how am I to respond to their plight? <br />
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Back to the book. I'm not a very deep thinker...or rather, I'm not very apologetic by nature...I'm just now beginning to learn how to find the root of a presuppositions. So, although I believe I have a very Biblical world-view, I have just begun to learn how to stand that view up to others & be able to truly defend it. In this book, however, a light of Truth began to flicker on inside my mind. <span style="font-size: large;"><b> There is something very deep in the nature of God Himself that reflects this part of His nature and Deity;</b></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>He is the only "god" that values life!</b></span> Perhaps that doesn't surprise you-- after all, it wasn't your own "ah-ha" moment and they are really only "ah-ha" when it happens to us personally. But I had to share. No other "god" worshiped by man values life. Isn't that interesting?<br />
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God is supreme. The ONE, TRUE, EVERLASTING, HOLY, GOD is truly the Alpha and Omega for many reasons...and in this VERY BASIC QUESTION of life, He also proves to reign supreme. Allah doesn't value life (he promotes the very desolation of a human life by promoting woman and
girls to be thought of as property and no more valuable than trash and
that has had far, far, devastating effects on MILLIONS), Buddha doesn't value life (with much striving maybe you'll come back as something better than a bug to be squashed) ...and that leaves many people hopeless. They are of no value because their very life has no innate value in their "world-view". If we as Believers are to think Biblically on the issue of life, we have no other option than to believe that ALL life is of value. And I'm afraid I'm seeing way too many of us, in various ways, devalue what is of God's very nature.<br />
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This deeply saddens me and leaves me with many restless nights of sleep. For so many there is absolutely no hope. No wonder Jesus is referred to as the "light and life" that only in Him we can even find true life-- because only He, in the very nature of Who He is, IS LIFE! This very simple fact brings to life (no pun intended by any means) to many Scriptures about Him.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>John 11:25 "Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies...'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>J</i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>ohn 14:6 "Jesus said, ' I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>John 1:4 "In [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of men."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: orange;">Thank you, God, for BEING life, for CREATING life, for GIVING life, and for sending your Son to be the atonement for sin so that ETERNAL LIFE may be possible to all man-kind! </span></b></i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5070377541816383901.post-4784491821834073752012-05-12T21:38:00.001-04:002012-05-12T21:38:41.502-04:00A Tribute; My MotherIt is yet another Mother's Day...and never have I appreciated Mother's Day as much until I reached the point of motherhood myself. There are so many demands...so many expectations...so many "shoulds" and "need tos" and "wish I would have" and "wish I could have"...so many tugs and pulls and how one manages to make it through some days is only understandable to the God above who made us to withstand all that we go through each and every day. But, the beauty of that, is that, if we allow Him to take us through it, He gives us the joy that makes us <em>want </em>to do it again and again and we can get up and make it through another day. <span style="color: #a64d79;"> <em><strong>That we never regret giving of ourselves and only regret when we don't </strong></em></span>-- only the most Selfless One can give that joy and desire to us. <strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">Selflessness is not a human trait</span></em></strong>-- it's "other worldly" and those momma's that have peace, joy, and love in the midst of the most difficult days can only find it through Christ-- the One that is the essence of giving.<br />
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To my most precious mother ~<br />
How thankful I am that God gave me YOU as my mother. When He formed me inside of you, <em><span style="color: #a64d79;"><strong>He knew you'd be the perfect one for me</strong></span></em> to wipe away my tears, to stop my fights between me and my siblings, <strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">to guide my heart & personhood toward Him and towards the one He was creating me to be.</span></em></strong> Thank you for all the endless hours of...well, endless hours! I'm so thankful you've supported my every step-- and how crazy I think you and Dad must have been for letting me travel half way to the south pole when I was only 16 to allow my eyes to be opened to God working globally and open my eyes to all of His precious children all around the world...<strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">May I have the faith to let my children go when God says it's time. You've done that so well</span></em></strong> and all credit goes to you and Dad for opening your hands at the right time and trusting God to do the rest. Though I am your child, you and Dad have known and demonstrated that I am God's child first and foremost and His plans for me are perfect. What a beautiful model of what I hope to do for my children. <strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">You are my hero for also looking to Him for your "what next" </span></em></strong>as you've grown out of the "parental" stage. <strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">You aren't settling for a selfish life filled with things and travels and gaining of earthly "things."</span></em></strong> Though you could choose to invest your time, energy, and finances in temporal things that would be fun for awhile, <strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">you are choosing instead to do the harder work-- to keep pursuing where God wants you to serve-- and I am praying you now to the otherside of the world</span></em></strong> (and I will pray you back=). You continue to open my eyes to God's global work and love for His children all around the world. <strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;"> You amaze me</span></em></strong> and I hope I can serve Him as faithfully as you've shown me.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">Thank you for all your love, faithfulness, and for loving CHRIST and demonstrating to me a small part of His heart.</span></em></strong><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: large;">"The days are long, but the years are short."</span> </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">(My favorite mother quote that got me through toddlerhood 4 times over! ...um, and that gets me through a lot of other days, too!)</span></em></strong></div>
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<span style="color: black;">How true...I'm so thankful for my four little ones...who are already getting "not so little" anymore! I'm off to spend a bit of time looking at their baby albums to remind me of all I already have...the most precious, greatest, blessings of my lifetime.</span><br />
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Solo Deo Gloria!<br />
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~ Kristen J.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1