Since I don't want to pay for a website to advertise my totes, I've decided to create a blog. I must admit that navigating all of the blog features has me frustrated, but at least the layout is cute! Check is out here:
http://www.archandmadetotes.blogspot.com/
I will post any new designs I come up with and use the attached email address (archandbags@yahoo.com) specifically for questions and orders.
Please stop by often (you can even subscribe) and let me know what you think. Send the link to family and friends for Christmas gifts!
Thanks for your support!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
God Amazes Me
Hello blog world! This last week has been an amazing one! If you read this post: (http://myhandingods.blogspot.com/2010/07/part-2-conditions-of-mind) you know that I have been praying about the decision to go to work part-time insead of full-time. WELL......God gave me a job!!!! Yes, that is right, He did it!
I have been searching for months and nothing has worked out. The funniest story I have to tell is that I applied for a part-time teller position and, with over 10 year banking experience, I was told I was not a candidate. Very humerous! I had to take an online assessment test and for some reason I am not any good at those tests. :)
Anyway, I texted a friend I go to church with about the medical practice she manages. She told me she would check and see if she had any part-time work available. On Tuesday, she texted me a few questions and then told me to call her. We talked and she said they need someone for a project that will last till the end of the year and in the mean time I could be trained to work the front desk. At the end of the project, I would transfer into a part-time position as a receptionist for one of the doctors. She told me she would talk to whomever she needed to at work and get back with me. Within two hours, I got a text that the job was a go!
That is amazing in itself because I did NOTHING! I simply asked and God provided. But, more amazing than that miracle, is that God didn't just give me what I needed, He gave me what I wanted! I wanted to work 8 - 2, M-F and make a certain amount per hour. This way I can be off before my boys get out of school and I will be available to pick them up or take them where they need to go. This job will allow me to work those hours and the hourly pay is more than I was asking for. I am beyond excited and am giving God ALL the glory! Thank you God for loving me so much!
Thanks to all my "Ladies Coffee Night" girls who have kept me in your prayers! You are all so precious to me and I am so thankful you are in my life! Love you!
I have been searching for months and nothing has worked out. The funniest story I have to tell is that I applied for a part-time teller position and, with over 10 year banking experience, I was told I was not a candidate. Very humerous! I had to take an online assessment test and for some reason I am not any good at those tests. :)
Anyway, I texted a friend I go to church with about the medical practice she manages. She told me she would check and see if she had any part-time work available. On Tuesday, she texted me a few questions and then told me to call her. We talked and she said they need someone for a project that will last till the end of the year and in the mean time I could be trained to work the front desk. At the end of the project, I would transfer into a part-time position as a receptionist for one of the doctors. She told me she would talk to whomever she needed to at work and get back with me. Within two hours, I got a text that the job was a go!
That is amazing in itself because I did NOTHING! I simply asked and God provided. But, more amazing than that miracle, is that God didn't just give me what I needed, He gave me what I wanted! I wanted to work 8 - 2, M-F and make a certain amount per hour. This way I can be off before my boys get out of school and I will be available to pick them up or take them where they need to go. This job will allow me to work those hours and the hourly pay is more than I was asking for. I am beyond excited and am giving God ALL the glory! Thank you God for loving me so much!
Thanks to all my "Ladies Coffee Night" girls who have kept me in your prayers! You are all so precious to me and I am so thankful you are in my life! Love you!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
A Gift for a Teenage Girl
My boys are invited to a Birthday Party for a friend from their youth group. The Birthday person is a girl and I only have boys so this was a fun opportunity for me to create something fun and girly. She is turning 13 and the fabric below is exactly what I thought of when I was trying to figure out what she would like.
I made her a mini tote with a wristlet band and a larger tote to match. I think they turned out so cute! My DH asked me if I wanted to keep them, but I must admit I am a bit old to have purple skulls with cross bones!
This view shows the inside cell phone pocket. Just what a girl needs, don't you think?
If you are interested in ordering such a gift for a special girl in your life, I will be happy to take orders. The mini tote with the wristlet is $12.50 and the larger tote is $15.00. You can get both for $25.00. Just shoot me an email.
Thanks for stopping by!
Recap Continued
Chapter 11: A Doubtful and Unbelieving Mind
Joyce Meyer explains that doubt and an unbelieving mind are two different things! Matt. 14:31 says: "...O you of little faith,why did you doubt?" This scripture helps me associate doubt with a lack of faith. I think this brings it into perspective for me. I can doubt and not feel too bad, but to know that when I doubt I am lacking faith, that hits me a little harder. How about you?
Joyce goes on to explain that, "doubt causes a person to waiver between two opinions, whereas unbelief leads to disobedience." WOW! That is powerful. So, when I doubt, I don't have enough faith in God and when I have unbelief, I am disobeying God. This is a powerful tool the enemy uses against all of us and we need to do our part to combat it!
The example of Abraham is a great one. He never doubted that God would increase his family. Sarah did, but Abraham didn't. Sarah's unbelief lead to disobedience, but Abraham held onto God's promise and his faith was increased! James 1:5-7 sums it up perfectly. We are to ask God for wisdom without doubt (in faith) and He will freely give. Faith is the key!
Because I am an analytical person, doubt and unbelief comes easy to me. I am not so hard that I don't allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me, but I'm sure I make it harder than others! I am so thankful that God is a patient God and that He loves me so much! My goal is to hide His Word in my heart so that when doubt and unbelief creep in, I can battle them with God's Word, the ultimate weapon! This is the only course of action I can clearly see and I BELIEVE it is the right one!
Joyce Meyer explains that doubt and an unbelieving mind are two different things! Matt. 14:31 says: "...O you of little faith,why did you doubt?" This scripture helps me associate doubt with a lack of faith. I think this brings it into perspective for me. I can doubt and not feel too bad, but to know that when I doubt I am lacking faith, that hits me a little harder. How about you?
Joyce goes on to explain that, "doubt causes a person to waiver between two opinions, whereas unbelief leads to disobedience." WOW! That is powerful. So, when I doubt, I don't have enough faith in God and when I have unbelief, I am disobeying God. This is a powerful tool the enemy uses against all of us and we need to do our part to combat it!
The example of Abraham is a great one. He never doubted that God would increase his family. Sarah did, but Abraham didn't. Sarah's unbelief lead to disobedience, but Abraham held onto God's promise and his faith was increased! James 1:5-7 sums it up perfectly. We are to ask God for wisdom without doubt (in faith) and He will freely give. Faith is the key!
Because I am an analytical person, doubt and unbelief comes easy to me. I am not so hard that I don't allow the Holy Spirit to speak to me, but I'm sure I make it harder than others! I am so thankful that God is a patient God and that He loves me so much! My goal is to hide His Word in my heart so that when doubt and unbelief creep in, I can battle them with God's Word, the ultimate weapon! This is the only course of action I can clearly see and I BELIEVE it is the right one!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Part 2: Conditions of the Mind
I don't think I realized how far I had gone in "Battlefield of the Mind" without posting. I ended talking about chapter 7 and now I am on chapter 15. Here is a recap (it may be long) of Part 2 and how it has affected my life.
First of all, the title for Part 2 is very significant for me. I think the condition of my mind is my main obstacle. As I read these chapters, God is speaking to me and I am just soaking in His wisdom and presence.
Chapter 8: When is my Mind Normal?
Joyce Myer explains that a busy mind is abnormal while a rested mind is normal. Wow, I think I have an abnormal mind! All the things a normal mind should not be filled with (reasoning, worry , anxiety, fear) are the things my mind dwells on WAY too much. 1 Kings 19:11-12 explains that God's voice is a still small voice. If I am to hear His voice, my mind need to be at rest, not busy where God has to compete for a place! My mind should be peaceful and alert so that my mind and my spririt can be in balance. This is my prayer Lord, that you will help me in this area. This is a tough one. Life seems to big at times that keeping my mind at rest is the last thing I think about. I think this is why I love being in the presence of God at church so much, that is a place without distractions where I can put my mind at rest and stay alert to hear God's Spirit filling and speaking to me.
Chapter 9: A Wandering, Wondering Mind
Lack of concentration is caused by a wandering mind. As a mother, this should be normal right? Too many things going on at once. But Joyce Myer explains that this is NOT normal and can be changed with some practice. This chapter made me think of #1 and his issues with academics. After struggling through elementary school, we decided to place him on medicine to help him to concentrate rather than have his mind wander during class. Praise the Lord that he only had to take it for 6 months and now he is in Middle School and is doing great. But it made me think about the fact that the mind is a powerful tool that CAN be trained with God's wisdom and guidance! It isn't easy but it can be done! Joyce explains that instead of wondering, I should think positive about every situation! In Mark 11:23-24, Jesus tells us that whatever we ask for in prayer and BELIEVE (not wonder) that it will be granted to you. Wondering brings forth doubt (that is talked about in another chapter). I want a mind that can concentrate on the task at hand, especially when it comes to godly things; and I want to think positive instead of wondering about things in my life and my families lives!
Chapter 10: A Confused Mind
James 1:5-8 shows me that I have an invitation from God to ask for wisdom and guidance. But, I cannot ask and "wonder" if He will do it! I have to believe or it is for nothing! God does not respect a doubtful, confused mind. This chapter spoke to my situation personally. It explains that reasoning can lead to confusion. I have a very antilitical mind and reasoning comes very natural for me. I do believe this hinders me from receiving from God sometimes! Right now, DH and I are at a place in our lives that is unknown territory. My desire to put my family first has made me want to look for part-time work. We cannot afford for me to work part-time so after much prayer and communication, we have decided to put our house up for sale and I can start looking for part-time work. Our money issues (large amount of debt) are sin that we have allowed ourselves to get in over our heads. We have asked God to forgive us and help us to change our ways. We are trusting God that although this season of our lives will be a trial, we will not be alone and his grace is sufficient!
The struggle for me is wanting to make sure this decision is not a selfish one. I DO NOT want it to be all about what I want! Yes, I am unhappy at my job, but I truely believe that it is more than that. I can try to get another full-time job if that is what I need to do! But when I think about being available to take my boys to their sporting events and fixing my family supper each night, I have a peace. I feel this is what I should be doing as a mother. When I think about the financial implications and reason that this is a crazy idea, I get anxious. This chapter showed me that following the spirit doesn't always make sense in the natural. I believe that in the end, this decision will bring my family closer together, my marriage closer. As I continue to take this issue to God in prayer, I continue to ask God to show me if this decision is purely selfish or a leading of His spirit. Proverbs 3:5 tells me to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct my paths. In this time of change, this is my prayer Lord!
I will continue this later!
First of all, the title for Part 2 is very significant for me. I think the condition of my mind is my main obstacle. As I read these chapters, God is speaking to me and I am just soaking in His wisdom and presence.
Chapter 8: When is my Mind Normal?
Joyce Myer explains that a busy mind is abnormal while a rested mind is normal. Wow, I think I have an abnormal mind! All the things a normal mind should not be filled with (reasoning, worry , anxiety, fear) are the things my mind dwells on WAY too much. 1 Kings 19:11-12 explains that God's voice is a still small voice. If I am to hear His voice, my mind need to be at rest, not busy where God has to compete for a place! My mind should be peaceful and alert so that my mind and my spririt can be in balance. This is my prayer Lord, that you will help me in this area. This is a tough one. Life seems to big at times that keeping my mind at rest is the last thing I think about. I think this is why I love being in the presence of God at church so much, that is a place without distractions where I can put my mind at rest and stay alert to hear God's Spirit filling and speaking to me.
Chapter 9: A Wandering, Wondering Mind
Lack of concentration is caused by a wandering mind. As a mother, this should be normal right? Too many things going on at once. But Joyce Myer explains that this is NOT normal and can be changed with some practice. This chapter made me think of #1 and his issues with academics. After struggling through elementary school, we decided to place him on medicine to help him to concentrate rather than have his mind wander during class. Praise the Lord that he only had to take it for 6 months and now he is in Middle School and is doing great. But it made me think about the fact that the mind is a powerful tool that CAN be trained with God's wisdom and guidance! It isn't easy but it can be done! Joyce explains that instead of wondering, I should think positive about every situation! In Mark 11:23-24, Jesus tells us that whatever we ask for in prayer and BELIEVE (not wonder) that it will be granted to you. Wondering brings forth doubt (that is talked about in another chapter). I want a mind that can concentrate on the task at hand, especially when it comes to godly things; and I want to think positive instead of wondering about things in my life and my families lives!
Chapter 10: A Confused Mind
James 1:5-8 shows me that I have an invitation from God to ask for wisdom and guidance. But, I cannot ask and "wonder" if He will do it! I have to believe or it is for nothing! God does not respect a doubtful, confused mind. This chapter spoke to my situation personally. It explains that reasoning can lead to confusion. I have a very antilitical mind and reasoning comes very natural for me. I do believe this hinders me from receiving from God sometimes! Right now, DH and I are at a place in our lives that is unknown territory. My desire to put my family first has made me want to look for part-time work. We cannot afford for me to work part-time so after much prayer and communication, we have decided to put our house up for sale and I can start looking for part-time work. Our money issues (large amount of debt) are sin that we have allowed ourselves to get in over our heads. We have asked God to forgive us and help us to change our ways. We are trusting God that although this season of our lives will be a trial, we will not be alone and his grace is sufficient!
The struggle for me is wanting to make sure this decision is not a selfish one. I DO NOT want it to be all about what I want! Yes, I am unhappy at my job, but I truely believe that it is more than that. I can try to get another full-time job if that is what I need to do! But when I think about being available to take my boys to their sporting events and fixing my family supper each night, I have a peace. I feel this is what I should be doing as a mother. When I think about the financial implications and reason that this is a crazy idea, I get anxious. This chapter showed me that following the spirit doesn't always make sense in the natural. I believe that in the end, this decision will bring my family closer together, my marriage closer. As I continue to take this issue to God in prayer, I continue to ask God to show me if this decision is purely selfish or a leading of His spirit. Proverbs 3:5 tells me to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct my paths. In this time of change, this is my prayer Lord!
I will continue this later!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Check out this Giveaway!!
http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/07/silhouette-digital-cutting-tool-review.html
Check out the giveaway at Little Birdie Secrets. This is the coolest machine! Check out all the things it can do in the picture above. Enter and let me know if you win!
Check out the giveaway at Little Birdie Secrets. This is the coolest machine! Check out all the things it can do in the picture above. Enter and let me know if you win!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Think About What Your Thinking About
Today, the title above is the title for this chapter. It was full of Scripture so I decided that for this post I would just list the Scriptures I choose to meditate on:
Psalm 143:4-5 (NLT)
"I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done." (David is speaking and in the midst of his trial, he chooses to think on all the good things God has done! What an awesome example of what we should do as Christians!)
Philippians 4:8 (NKJ)
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." (emphasis mine)
Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJ)
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the council of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in His Law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaves also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." (emphasis mine)
Romans 12:2 (NKJ)
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Joshua 1:8 (NKJ)
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Thank you Lord for Your Word and the power that is in it. I pray that everyone who reads this post will be blessed by Your Word! In Jesus Name I pray, amen!
Psalm 143:4-5 (NLT)
"I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done." (David is speaking and in the midst of his trial, he chooses to think on all the good things God has done! What an awesome example of what we should do as Christians!)
Philippians 4:8 (NKJ)
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." (emphasis mine)
Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJ)
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the council of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in His Law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaves also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." (emphasis mine)
Romans 12:2 (NKJ)
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Joshua 1:8 (NKJ)
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Thank you Lord for Your Word and the power that is in it. I pray that everyone who reads this post will be blessed by Your Word! In Jesus Name I pray, amen!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Mind-Binding Spirits
In Chapter 6 (Battlefield of the Mind), Joyce Myers talks about mind-binding spirits and how this has affected her in the past. It affected her by making her doubt what God wanted her to do with her life and ministry. Essentially, it equates to DOUBT. Yes, I must admit, I have this problem. I guess I've just never named it. Now that I have a name, I will have a battle plan!
There are times in my life when I even doubt my belief in Christianity. It is crazy, I know! I know Jesus is real, He is in me! I know what He has done in my life and that I couldn't live without Him; however when I am faced with trials or have discussions with those who know theology more than me and I feel inadequately equipped, doubt creeps in. It is part of a sinful world, no doubt (pun not intended)!
So here is my battle plan: I will memorize John 8:31-32 which tells me that if I follow Christ, I am His disciple and that His truth will set me free. If I speak His Word (the truth), then I will be set free from the doubting thoughts and mind-binding spirits! I will memorize Romans 8:26 so that when I do not know what to pray (specifically), I can rely on the fact that the Holy Spirit will intercede for me. What an awesome promise! When I am weak, He is strong!
Thank you God for the truth in Your Word! Thank you that it is my weapon in this battle with my mind. Thank you that you are transforming me and I can already feel the battle taking place. Thank you that the battle is already won and You are the victor! I give You ALL the glory!!
There are times in my life when I even doubt my belief in Christianity. It is crazy, I know! I know Jesus is real, He is in me! I know what He has done in my life and that I couldn't live without Him; however when I am faced with trials or have discussions with those who know theology more than me and I feel inadequately equipped, doubt creeps in. It is part of a sinful world, no doubt (pun not intended)!
So here is my battle plan: I will memorize John 8:31-32 which tells me that if I follow Christ, I am His disciple and that His truth will set me free. If I speak His Word (the truth), then I will be set free from the doubting thoughts and mind-binding spirits! I will memorize Romans 8:26 so that when I do not know what to pray (specifically), I can rely on the fact that the Holy Spirit will intercede for me. What an awesome promise! When I am weak, He is strong!
Thank you God for the truth in Your Word! Thank you that it is my weapon in this battle with my mind. Thank you that you are transforming me and I can already feel the battle taking place. Thank you that the battle is already won and You are the victor! I give You ALL the glory!!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Swimsuit Tote
I completed a new project today and I am very excited about it. The idea has been mulling around in my head for a while and I am very pleased with the result. It is a swimsuit tote. When you are done swimming and need to change, you don't want your wet suit to get everything else wet, so you can put it in this insulated bag. You could fit a towel if you squeeze it in! It measures 17 1/2 in. long and 9 1/2 in. wide.
I cut out individual letters from a stencil kit I purchased, reinforced them with fusible interfacing and then sewed each one on. I love the way it turned out.
The inside is waterproof!
It has a convient handle that you can place on your wrist so it is essentially "hands free"!
I am making these totes available for $30.00 with a week's notice to create. I do not have any inventory as this is my first one but I do plan on working on more so if you will email me, I can send you pictures when I am done. If you are interested in me creating one for you, please email me your favorite colors and we will work something out!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Little By Little
Good morning! Today, Chapter 4 was titled "Little By Little". It was an encouragement against discouragement! Ha, that sounds funny :)
Last night was a test, and I failed miserably! DH called to see if an item he ordered was in because we had time to pick it up and he had received a call the day before that this item would be in today. Well, it wasn't in yet! I know how DH is controlled by his circumstances so right away I shift into gear and try to make the situation seem better than it is. Well, y'all, I crashed and burned!!
You see, he was upset at how the customer service lady handled the conversation while he argued that he had received a call yesterday that the item would be in today. He was not pleased with her attitude and I tried to defend her (even though I was not the one talking to her, can you imagine?). Things went down hill from there!
We went out to dinner since we had no boys (yay!) and I was upset at myself; too upset to enjoy our time together. I had appologized, but still felt very guilty. I prayed this morning that it didn't even occur to me what thoughts I should have taken captive last night, however one thing from the chapter that really did stick out is that my pride was in the way! In Deuteronomy 7:22, God's people learn that God will clear out the land little by little so that the "beasts" of the field will not overcome them. The "beast" for me last night was my pride.
You see, God is so smart :) He clears the way slowly so we cannot let pride rise up and let us take the credit for what is happening in our lives! I do know that sometimes God does spontaneous things but most of the time we, as Christians, have to go through a process. This is the way God makes sure we know it's HIM and not us that is creating the changes. Another Scripture from this morning is James 1:4 - "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." God allows perseverance to mature us!
I have learned that I am not condemned (Romans 8:1) as long as I walk by the Spirit! So, have I learned my lesson? Maybe! I do know that it is a process and I thank God that His mercies are new every morning and for His grace!
Whew, I feel like I have been all over the place in this post! I hope you see that my heart is full and that is a great thing. I am enjoying all the scriptures and am amazed at how the Holy Spirit is bringing them to life so that I can understand and apply them to my life! I am so excited about posting my journey through "Battlefield of the Mind"! Not only to share with you about what God is doing in my life, but to help keep me accountable and to have a reference to look back on in the future!
I pray that God will do something wonderful in your life today :)
Last night was a test, and I failed miserably! DH called to see if an item he ordered was in because we had time to pick it up and he had received a call the day before that this item would be in today. Well, it wasn't in yet! I know how DH is controlled by his circumstances so right away I shift into gear and try to make the situation seem better than it is. Well, y'all, I crashed and burned!!
You see, he was upset at how the customer service lady handled the conversation while he argued that he had received a call yesterday that the item would be in today. He was not pleased with her attitude and I tried to defend her (even though I was not the one talking to her, can you imagine?). Things went down hill from there!
We went out to dinner since we had no boys (yay!) and I was upset at myself; too upset to enjoy our time together. I had appologized, but still felt very guilty. I prayed this morning that it didn't even occur to me what thoughts I should have taken captive last night, however one thing from the chapter that really did stick out is that my pride was in the way! In Deuteronomy 7:22, God's people learn that God will clear out the land little by little so that the "beasts" of the field will not overcome them. The "beast" for me last night was my pride.
You see, God is so smart :) He clears the way slowly so we cannot let pride rise up and let us take the credit for what is happening in our lives! I do know that sometimes God does spontaneous things but most of the time we, as Christians, have to go through a process. This is the way God makes sure we know it's HIM and not us that is creating the changes. Another Scripture from this morning is James 1:4 - "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." God allows perseverance to mature us!
I have learned that I am not condemned (Romans 8:1) as long as I walk by the Spirit! So, have I learned my lesson? Maybe! I do know that it is a process and I thank God that His mercies are new every morning and for His grace!
Whew, I feel like I have been all over the place in this post! I hope you see that my heart is full and that is a great thing. I am enjoying all the scriptures and am amazed at how the Holy Spirit is bringing them to life so that I can understand and apply them to my life! I am so excited about posting my journey through "Battlefield of the Mind"! Not only to share with you about what God is doing in my life, but to help keep me accountable and to have a reference to look back on in the future!
I pray that God will do something wonderful in your life today :)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Don't Give Up
I was blessed (by a member of my monthly prayer group) with a copy of Joyce Myers' book "Battlefield of the Mind" and have begun reading it during my morning devotion time. I am on Chapter 3 and the title is "Don't Give Up". This is perfect for me when it comes to life in general. When I get too overwhelmed or when life gets too hard, I want to GIVE UP! It is my way out, or so it seems.
The scripture that I am holding onto from this chapter is Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." (NKJ)
What encouragement that no matter what live brings, God is with me! He will not let me drown or get burned. This is encouragement for me. I am trying to lean on God's Word more so that I can take control of what my mind wants me to do! My mind is my battlefield and I am confident that with God's Word, I am more than a conqueror! The victory has already been won! Christ has defeated the enemy and I have the power of Christ in me! Praise the Lord!
The scripture that I am holding onto from this chapter is Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." (NKJ)
What encouragement that no matter what live brings, God is with me! He will not let me drown or get burned. This is encouragement for me. I am trying to lean on God's Word more so that I can take control of what my mind wants me to do! My mind is my battlefield and I am confident that with God's Word, I am more than a conqueror! The victory has already been won! Christ has defeated the enemy and I have the power of Christ in me! Praise the Lord!
Monday, June 21, 2010
New Mini Tote
Hello all! I know it's been a LONG time since I've been here and I've missed you. I am happy to announce that I sewed a new project I found in my bloggy search. You can check it out here: http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2010/06/scrappy-clutch.html
This little baby is 7 inches tall, 6 inches at the top and 8 1/4 inches at the bottom. The wristlet is 5 inches. I have many more cut out and will be sewing all week since my big boys are away at camp.
They are available for purchase for $12.50.
Thank you for coming by to visit!
Monday, March 29, 2010
1st Time Playing Soccer
My #3 has never participated in any sports. I think because he is the youngest and his brothers are so active in school sports, this was on over sight on DH and my part. So, this year we asked him if he wanted to play soccer. His oldest brother plays soccer and so #3 knows a little about the game. We signed him up with our local YMCA.
This is #3 at practice. The weather was COLD for me, that is why he is wearing a sweatshirt! Yeah, I'm his mama!
This is him in his uniform. He looks so cute and yet so big!
Getting warmed up on game day with his team. He is #2, but you can't see it in this picture.
This is one of the better moments in the game. Can you see him? Almost, right?!?! This is his first time playing so he really doesn't understand and really doesn't care. But the coach said he has "heart" so I guess that is a good thing! I hope as his team practices more, he will understand the game and really try to play right!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
New Glasses
My #2 recently got glasses. This is a long time coming and I felt very guilty that his eyes were kinda bad due to me not taking him to an Eye Doctor when the school first told me to. Boy, I felt like a bad parent. This time, I got a note from the school again (last time he was in the 2nd or 3rd grade and now he is in 6th) so I told him I was going to take him. The last time we had this conversation, years ago, he was VERY opposed to getting glasses but thankfully this time, he was excited.
He came home from school early due to a headache (he is my headache child and has always had more than my other two! Go figure, that should have told me to get his eyes checked, duh!) so I decided to make him an appointment that day. The doctor was very nice and told me she went through the same thing with her daughter. I told her about the notice from the school years ago but I figured he wasn't doing bad in school so he was ok. She said the same thing went through her mind with her daughter.
Anyways, he is near sided and has a stigmatism, a little bit from both his Father (near sided) and myself (a stigmatism) and she wants to see him again in 6 months. She thinks his sight will improve within that six months. When he picked up his glasses, the Eye Doctor asked him to look at the back of the store (we were in Wal-Mart) and then to take his glasses off and look at the back of the store. He was amazed at how bad his sight is!
Ok, here is the big reveal.....
He came home from school early due to a headache (he is my headache child and has always had more than my other two! Go figure, that should have told me to get his eyes checked, duh!) so I decided to make him an appointment that day. The doctor was very nice and told me she went through the same thing with her daughter. I told her about the notice from the school years ago but I figured he wasn't doing bad in school so he was ok. She said the same thing went through her mind with her daughter.
Anyways, he is near sided and has a stigmatism, a little bit from both his Father (near sided) and myself (a stigmatism) and she wants to see him again in 6 months. She thinks his sight will improve within that six months. When he picked up his glasses, the Eye Doctor asked him to look at the back of the store (we were in Wal-Mart) and then to take his glasses off and look at the back of the store. He was amazed at how bad his sight is!
Ok, here is the big reveal.....
Isn't he handsome?
Monday, March 22, 2010
Menu Plan Monday
My boys had a sports banquet on Friday night and on Wednesday I got home too late to cook before going to church. I really need to work on my Wednesday night meals since I only have a few minutes at home with the boys before either I take them to church or we all go. Any ideas anyone?
Once again, the menu's below may not be eaten in the order listed but we will try to eat them this week :)
Monday - Fajitas, Beans, Mexican rice
Tuesday - Ravoli w/ alfredo sauce, salad & bread
Wednesday - Tamales, corn, beans
Thursday - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, veggie
Friday - Beef roast, pasta, veggie
Saturday - Teriyaki port chop stir fry, ramen
Sunday - Breakfast
For more menu ideas, visit http://orgjunkie.com/
Friday, March 19, 2010
I Feel Safe
During Sunday School last week, we had a discussion about whether or not you would truly rely on God if you were in a tight spot, like losing your job. We often have discussions in Sunday School and although we have been going a while and I am getting to know the other couples, I am still guarded. You see, I attended a woman's small group at another church and on more than one occasion would leave feeling like I wasn't a "good enough" Christian after opening up during a discussion.
On Sunday, one of our leaders expressed how when we, as Christians, are faced with trials, will we really take God at his Word? She said that it's not that we don't believe what the Word says; we just think that we may be the exception to the rule and therefore will not have the faith to rely fully on God. Others agreed and no one chastised her for not having enough faith. It was so refreshing and I was uplifted to know that I can be real here in this class amongst these real people and God can do amazing things in all of our lives. I felt safe!
I sent her an email thanking her for being real and allowing me to feel comfortable in this environment. Because really, isn't that the point of coming together anyways? To uplift and help each other in our walk with Christ? She responded with gratitude for my comments and then told me she was glad DH and I are in the class.
I feel blessed in be involved with a group of people, a body, a church that is here to help this hurting world with love and encouragement. I know that I plan on being more open in the future and look forward to God teaching me and helping me to receive from others while I grow closer to them because of it!
On Sunday, one of our leaders expressed how when we, as Christians, are faced with trials, will we really take God at his Word? She said that it's not that we don't believe what the Word says; we just think that we may be the exception to the rule and therefore will not have the faith to rely fully on God. Others agreed and no one chastised her for not having enough faith. It was so refreshing and I was uplifted to know that I can be real here in this class amongst these real people and God can do amazing things in all of our lives. I felt safe!
I sent her an email thanking her for being real and allowing me to feel comfortable in this environment. Because really, isn't that the point of coming together anyways? To uplift and help each other in our walk with Christ? She responded with gratitude for my comments and then told me she was glad DH and I are in the class.
I feel blessed in be involved with a group of people, a body, a church that is here to help this hurting world with love and encouragement. I know that I plan on being more open in the future and look forward to God teaching me and helping me to receive from others while I grow closer to them because of it!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Menu Plan Monday
DH and I went shopping at ALDI late last week and got a lot for a little :) This was our first time shopping there and we liked what they had to offer. We will definately go back. Tonight we sat down and mapped out two weeks of meals so I can be prepared and ready to cook every night!
Monday - Ravoli w/ red sauce, salad, bread
Tuesday - Asian Meal: Tsotso chicken, egg rolls, fried rice & lomein
Wednesday - (church night) Fish Po Boys, seasoned fries
Thursday - Smothered pork chops, flavored noodles, veggie
Friday - Spaghetti & meatballs, salad, bread
Saturday - Beef roast, rice, veggie
Sunday - Hamburger Helper, veggie
The meals may not be eaten in the order above but we will be eating these meals this week! If you would like to see other menus, visit http://orgjunkie.com/ .
Friday, March 12, 2010
Home Schooling, Should I?
Home schooling has always been close to my heart. I believe in the concept and think it is great. However, I do not think it is for everyone. I have tried it once and after meeting a wonderful lady a few weeks ago that home schools her 7 children (she currently has a couple that have graduated), it has come into my mind and I cannot get the idea out!
I talked to DH about my desire to be more available for my boys and that the stress of relying on others (and they are truly a blessing!) has been hard on me. We have decided that we would pray about me quitting my full-time job at the end of the summer. I will still need to work to purchase food and gas but DH's paycheck would pay for essentials. I may have the opportunity to nanny a little one but if that doesn't work out, I will look for work outside the home a couple days a week during "Mom" hours.
What does this have to do with home schooling you ask? Well, I have brought up the subject to my boys and we have agreed to attend the Curriculum Fair here in Chattanooga in late July. DH isn't sure if this is a good idea since the last time I home schooled, it was very stressful! I explained that there were many, many, many factors that contributed to that stress. It was my FIRST year, I was miles away from my friends that were home schooling and didn't have the funds to meet up regularly; I did not know the intranet could be such an information outlet as well as a network through blogs, and on and on. Oh, and I was pregnant!!
So in light of all this pondering, I have been asking myself why I want to try this again. The first thing that comes to mind is that home schooling would be convenient. I know, this is NOT a good reason to home school and I am working that out in my mind!! The next thing is that I will be able to focus on my boy’s spiritual growth more. I would be able to schedule structured time for them to study and worship and pray. I will be there to help them when they have questions or are in situations that are confusing. Another reason is the flexibility for them to be involved in activities including volunteering. We recently volunteered (DH and I) at the Creative Discovery Museum and learned that they have a youth volunteering program for home schoolers as well as those in school. I have researched the local home school organization and see all the opportunities that are available for kids and it excites me.
The cons for my boys include being able to participate in sporting activities since they are very involved. But, the local home school group offers sports, just not all of them. They want to see their friends but I know they will have the opportunity to make new friends through scheduled get together’s with other home schoolers. They will miss out on school trips but I see that they will have the opportunity to be more involved in church activities where they can take mission trips which to me is more important anyways.
Ok, I think I'm done for now. I needed a place to write down my thoughts before they drove me crazy. What do you think?
[Oh and Mom if you are reading this, I was going to talk to you about this at some point but I guess now there's no time like the present :)]
I talked to DH about my desire to be more available for my boys and that the stress of relying on others (and they are truly a blessing!) has been hard on me. We have decided that we would pray about me quitting my full-time job at the end of the summer. I will still need to work to purchase food and gas but DH's paycheck would pay for essentials. I may have the opportunity to nanny a little one but if that doesn't work out, I will look for work outside the home a couple days a week during "Mom" hours.
What does this have to do with home schooling you ask? Well, I have brought up the subject to my boys and we have agreed to attend the Curriculum Fair here in Chattanooga in late July. DH isn't sure if this is a good idea since the last time I home schooled, it was very stressful! I explained that there were many, many, many factors that contributed to that stress. It was my FIRST year, I was miles away from my friends that were home schooling and didn't have the funds to meet up regularly; I did not know the intranet could be such an information outlet as well as a network through blogs, and on and on. Oh, and I was pregnant!!
So in light of all this pondering, I have been asking myself why I want to try this again. The first thing that comes to mind is that home schooling would be convenient. I know, this is NOT a good reason to home school and I am working that out in my mind!! The next thing is that I will be able to focus on my boy’s spiritual growth more. I would be able to schedule structured time for them to study and worship and pray. I will be there to help them when they have questions or are in situations that are confusing. Another reason is the flexibility for them to be involved in activities including volunteering. We recently volunteered (DH and I) at the Creative Discovery Museum and learned that they have a youth volunteering program for home schoolers as well as those in school. I have researched the local home school organization and see all the opportunities that are available for kids and it excites me.
The cons for my boys include being able to participate in sporting activities since they are very involved. But, the local home school group offers sports, just not all of them. They want to see their friends but I know they will have the opportunity to make new friends through scheduled get together’s with other home schoolers. They will miss out on school trips but I see that they will have the opportunity to be more involved in church activities where they can take mission trips which to me is more important anyways.
Ok, I think I'm done for now. I needed a place to write down my thoughts before they drove me crazy. What do you think?
[Oh and Mom if you are reading this, I was going to talk to you about this at some point but I guess now there's no time like the present :)]
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Breakfast for Church
DH and I voluntered to cook for our Sunday School class. I had fun spending a day baking! Here is what I did!
4 frozen puff pastry sheets
11 eggs
2 T. fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional)
2 T. unsalted butter
1 C frozen hash brown potatoes (I used fresh potatoes)
1 C red and/or green bell peppers, diced (optional)
1 C sasuage, browned (turkey, pork or beef)
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 T. water
Yield: 4 strudels
Thaw pastry sheets to room temperature, about 30 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, wish eggs and chives (or green onions) together. Set aside. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and peppers; saute 5 minutes. Add sasuage and blend. Add egg mixture to the skillet and scramble just until set. Season with salt and pepper. Take egg mixture off burner and stir in cream cheese. Cool.
Unfold each pastry sheet onto a piece of waxed or parchment paper that has been lightly dusted with flour. Trim the pastry on the left and right corners in a downward angle. Make up to 10 slits at a downward angle on the left and right sheets. Spread the egg filling down the center, dividing the mixture between each pastry sheet. Braid the pastry sheet. Mix remaining egg and water together. Brush each strudel with egg mixture. Wrap each strudel in a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and freeze.
On serving day, thaw strudel. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place strudel on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20 - 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart
From Cooks.com
Make a cookie tart from recipe below
1 8oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1/3 C granulated sugar
1/2 t. vanilla
1 1/2 C fruit
Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a small mixter bowl until smooth. Spread evenly over cooled cookie tart or crust within 1/2 inch of edge. Arrange fruit as desired on top of cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Slice into wedges.
Sugar Cookie Recipe
by allrecipes.com
2 3/4 C all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. baking powder
1 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C sugar
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Roll dough into a tart pan or onto a pizza sheet Bake 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
I hope you try these recipes and enjoy them as much as we did!!
I made a blueberry sour cream pound cake a puff pastry filled with eggs, sasuage, potatoes and cream cheese. I made two of each and froze them for my girl's get together the next weekend (which I posted about before this, sorry!)
This was the star! I made a sugar cookie as large as a pizza. I covered it with cream cheese and sugar combined and then placed the fruit on. It was great! I will definately make this again!
Blueberry Sour Cream Pound Cake
from "Don't Panic: Dinner's in the Freezer" by Susie Martinez, Vanda Howell, & Bonnie Garcia
nonstick cooking spray
3T dry bread crumbs
4 C flour
1/3 t. salt
1 1/2 C light sour cream
1 t. baking sod
3/4 c butter, softened
2 3/4 C sugar
2 t. vanilla
3 eggs
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1 C blueberry, fresh or frozen
Yield: One 10 inch tube cake or two medium loaf pans.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 10 inch pan or two medum loaf pans with cooking spray and dust with bread crumbs. In medium bowl, stir together flour and salt and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream and baking soda; stir well. Place butter in a large mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, beating until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition. Add lemon juice and beat 30 seconds. Add flour mixture alternately with sour cream mixture, beating at low speed. Begin and end this process with flour mixture.
Fold blueberries into batter. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350 dgrees for 70 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack: remove from pan.
Breakfast Strudel
from "Don't Panic: Dinner's in the Freezer" by Susie Martinez, Vanda Howell, & Bonnie Garcia
4 frozen puff pastry sheets
11 eggs
2 T. fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional)
2 T. unsalted butter
1 C frozen hash brown potatoes (I used fresh potatoes)
1 C red and/or green bell peppers, diced (optional)
1 C sasuage, browned (turkey, pork or beef)
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 T. water
Yield: 4 strudels
Thaw pastry sheets to room temperature, about 30 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, wish eggs and chives (or green onions) together. Set aside. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and peppers; saute 5 minutes. Add sasuage and blend. Add egg mixture to the skillet and scramble just until set. Season with salt and pepper. Take egg mixture off burner and stir in cream cheese. Cool.
Unfold each pastry sheet onto a piece of waxed or parchment paper that has been lightly dusted with flour. Trim the pastry on the left and right corners in a downward angle. Make up to 10 slits at a downward angle on the left and right sheets. Spread the egg filling down the center, dividing the mixture between each pastry sheet. Braid the pastry sheet. Mix remaining egg and water together. Brush each strudel with egg mixture. Wrap each strudel in a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and freeze.
On serving day, thaw strudel. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place strudel on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20 - 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Sugar Cookie Fruit Tart
From Cooks.com
Make a cookie tart from recipe below
1 8oz. package of cream cheese, softened
1/3 C granulated sugar
1/2 t. vanilla
1 1/2 C fruit
Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a small mixter bowl until smooth. Spread evenly over cooled cookie tart or crust within 1/2 inch of edge. Arrange fruit as desired on top of cream cheese mixture. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Slice into wedges.
Sugar Cookie Recipe
by allrecipes.com
2 3/4 C all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. baking powder
1 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C sugar
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in dry ingredients. Roll dough into a tart pan or onto a pizza sheet Bake 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
I hope you try these recipes and enjoy them as much as we did!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Girl's Saturday Get Together
I am so excited to say that my idea for a girl's get together finally happened! I organized a time of food, fellowship and God's Word and although I invited around 6 women, only 2 showed up and it was amazing. I am so glad that God is in control when I try to do something!
This was the table setting. I wanted to put a table cloth and place mats but I didn't have any so this is the best I could do! I think it turned out well!
Here is the food! I baked two of each of these for our Sunday School class the week before (gotta love the cook it and freeze it cookbooks!). I made a blueberry sour cream coffee cake and a puff pastry filled with eggs, sasuage, potatoes and cream cheese. They were DELICIOUS!
Here were the gifts. I had so much fun sewing these totes and the girls were able to choose the one they wanted. They were excited which made me happy!
I decided to do a devotion on Friendship since this was our first meeting and I knew I was meeting with women I really didn't know that well yet. I decided to open with a candy ice breaker. It was fun and we learned new things about each other. Then we did a "friendship" survey to find out what kind of friend we are. Then I referenced a devotion from the Faith Lifts devotion site about the relationship that Mary and Elizabeth had and how Mary ran to Elizabeth's house when the angel told her she was pregnant with the Lord in Luke 1:38-56. Then she stayed with Elizabeth for three months. The relationship they must have had for Mary to choose Elizabeth to go to at a time when she was even unsure of what was happening tells me that she trusted Elizabeth. I want someone who I can run to when I need a trusting ear and heart.
I believe God has opened a door for the women in this group to grow closer to each other and God. To keep each other accountable and encourage each other in tough times. To celebrate with each other. I am so excited to see what the future holds!!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Relationships
I told my DH that I would not post this story but it is just too good not to!! In the future, this could turn out to be quite embarassing, but sometimes that is just what parents do, right?
Ok, here is the story: I was in my local supermarket one evening this week and I spotted one of the cheerleaders from my boy's middle school. I know this girl because last year she had a crush on #1. As I approached the check out, her Mom told me she needed to ask me a question. She wanted to know if I would allow #1 to go to the 8th grade dance with her daughter. I must admit, I did know a little history of this situation and you will learn it as the story continues.
I told this Mother that #1 did not want to go to the dance with her daughter because he had a girlfriend and did not want to hurt his girlfriend's feelings (I do not condone my boys having girlfriends but have learned that I can not prevent it either. That said, I try to inforce that God created my boys to like girls and that is natural. However, the rules in our home state that my boys are not allowed to talk to girls on the phone, hold their hands or kiss them. In my eyes, then why have a girlfriend????). I was then informed by this girl that #1 and his girlfriend have broken up (WHAT?). I did inform them that I find out all my information through one of #1's friends Mom's and that I did not that #1 and his girlfriend had broken up.
The Mom then asked me again if #1 could go to the dance with her daughter. I did proceed to tell them that I was aware that this girl asked #1 to go. Her response was, "I didn't ask him." Hmmmm...interesting! I asked her if she gave a note to #1 asking him to the dance and she agreed that she had. I then told her that when I asked #1 about this (I learned this information from his friends Mom, remember?) he told me he threw the note away without reading it because he knew what it was going to say and he did not want to go to the dance with her.
The Mom again asked me if I would allow #1 to go (she is very persistant!). I told her that #1's Dad and I had discussed it. I told her that I didn't want him to go but that his Dad thought it was ok so we would have to discuss it some more and #1 would have to let her know. This whole conversation was quite comical!
When I got home, I decided to talk to #1 in private (as not to embarrass him infront of his brother) about his love life. I told him I had seen this girl in the store and about our conversation. I asked him about the break-up with his girlfriend. He confirmed that they had broken up. When I asked why, he said she broke up with him because he was BORING!
HA! I was so excited to hear this I put my hands up for a high five (two of them actually)! At this point, #1 was very confused as to why I was so excited! I told him that I was so proud that he was boring because if he wasn't then that would mean that he was paying too much attention to the girl and probably doing things he shouldn't be doing. He still looked at me kind of funny but it didn't matter because I was so proud!!!
We ended the conversation with me telling him he shouldn't worry about girls anyways and he agreed! He even told his best friend that he didn't want a girlfriend and just wanted to concentrate on hanging out with his friends. Wow, we might actually be doing something right in this game of parenting!!
Ok, here is the story: I was in my local supermarket one evening this week and I spotted one of the cheerleaders from my boy's middle school. I know this girl because last year she had a crush on #1. As I approached the check out, her Mom told me she needed to ask me a question. She wanted to know if I would allow #1 to go to the 8th grade dance with her daughter. I must admit, I did know a little history of this situation and you will learn it as the story continues.
I told this Mother that #1 did not want to go to the dance with her daughter because he had a girlfriend and did not want to hurt his girlfriend's feelings (I do not condone my boys having girlfriends but have learned that I can not prevent it either. That said, I try to inforce that God created my boys to like girls and that is natural. However, the rules in our home state that my boys are not allowed to talk to girls on the phone, hold their hands or kiss them. In my eyes, then why have a girlfriend????). I was then informed by this girl that #1 and his girlfriend have broken up (WHAT?). I did inform them that I find out all my information through one of #1's friends Mom's and that I did not that #1 and his girlfriend had broken up.
The Mom then asked me again if #1 could go to the dance with her daughter. I did proceed to tell them that I was aware that this girl asked #1 to go. Her response was, "I didn't ask him." Hmmmm...interesting! I asked her if she gave a note to #1 asking him to the dance and she agreed that she had. I then told her that when I asked #1 about this (I learned this information from his friends Mom, remember?) he told me he threw the note away without reading it because he knew what it was going to say and he did not want to go to the dance with her.
The Mom again asked me if I would allow #1 to go (she is very persistant!). I told her that #1's Dad and I had discussed it. I told her that I didn't want him to go but that his Dad thought it was ok so we would have to discuss it some more and #1 would have to let her know. This whole conversation was quite comical!
When I got home, I decided to talk to #1 in private (as not to embarrass him infront of his brother) about his love life. I told him I had seen this girl in the store and about our conversation. I asked him about the break-up with his girlfriend. He confirmed that they had broken up. When I asked why, he said she broke up with him because he was BORING!
HA! I was so excited to hear this I put my hands up for a high five (two of them actually)! At this point, #1 was very confused as to why I was so excited! I told him that I was so proud that he was boring because if he wasn't then that would mean that he was paying too much attention to the girl and probably doing things he shouldn't be doing. He still looked at me kind of funny but it didn't matter because I was so proud!!!
We ended the conversation with me telling him he shouldn't worry about girls anyways and he agreed! He even told his best friend that he didn't want a girlfriend and just wanted to concentrate on hanging out with his friends. Wow, we might actually be doing something right in this game of parenting!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Being Faithful
I attended church last night, this is not a usual for me on Wednesday nights. You see, I was there to attend a meeting for an outreach I am volunteering for. Unfortunately I missed the meeting but decided to stay so #3 could attend the kids program (it was his first time and he was very excited). I know that in Christ, there are no coincidences!
I walked into the sanctuary late but at just the right time for me. The pastor was talking about how people always want to quit when things get hard. This is SO me. Christians are so easy to quit their marriage, their church, their job when the going gets tough. BUT God blesses faithfulness and will give us the strength to STAY (or stand Eph. 6:13) if we lean on Him.
This message came at a perfect time in my life. Luckly, I am in a good place in my marriage right now so that is not the area I needed encouragement in but I struggle with discontentment and it usually affects the job I am in. There have been lots of changes at my job and it makes me unhappy at times and I tend to try to look for something different. But last night, I realized that if I stay (or stand) that I will receive the blessing that God has for me. I have NO doubt that God has placed me in this job (read this post: http://myhandingods.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-new-adventure.html) so I need to trust that He is in control and that he will get me through my bad days!
God has already begun to bless me in the relationships I am gaining at my job! This is something I could never do on my own, it is all from Him and I am so excited! I thank you God for the women you are placing in my life and what our future holds!
I hope this message touches you the way it touched me. I have already had the opportunity to bless someone with this message and hope that if your reading this post, that you are blessed too!
I walked into the sanctuary late but at just the right time for me. The pastor was talking about how people always want to quit when things get hard. This is SO me. Christians are so easy to quit their marriage, their church, their job when the going gets tough. BUT God blesses faithfulness and will give us the strength to STAY (or stand Eph. 6:13) if we lean on Him.
This message came at a perfect time in my life. Luckly, I am in a good place in my marriage right now so that is not the area I needed encouragement in but I struggle with discontentment and it usually affects the job I am in. There have been lots of changes at my job and it makes me unhappy at times and I tend to try to look for something different. But last night, I realized that if I stay (or stand) that I will receive the blessing that God has for me. I have NO doubt that God has placed me in this job (read this post: http://myhandingods.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-new-adventure.html) so I need to trust that He is in control and that he will get me through my bad days!
God has already begun to bless me in the relationships I am gaining at my job! This is something I could never do on my own, it is all from Him and I am so excited! I thank you God for the women you are placing in my life and what our future holds!
I hope this message touches you the way it touched me. I have already had the opportunity to bless someone with this message and hope that if your reading this post, that you are blessed too!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
What Would You Do With Three Wishes?
If I had three wishes, what would they be? I know the rule is that I cannot wish for more wishes. I remember Solomon in the Bible wished for widsom and he recieved so much more.....
I would wish for all my debt to be gone! I would love to have the opportunity to not HAVE to work to pay bills but rather work to enjoy what I am doing. I would love to be available for my boys and all the activities they are involved in!
I would wish for my husband to be healed and his body to be in good health. This would allow him to exercise the way he wants to and to lose the weight he is trying so hard to lose!
I would wish for my boys to find true love and happiness through God's leading. I want them to have a wonderful life full of laughter and success. That success doesn't need to include money or fame, but love and fulfillment.
Ok, those are my three wishes. How about you? What would you wish for?
I would wish for all my debt to be gone! I would love to have the opportunity to not HAVE to work to pay bills but rather work to enjoy what I am doing. I would love to be available for my boys and all the activities they are involved in!
I would wish for my husband to be healed and his body to be in good health. This would allow him to exercise the way he wants to and to lose the weight he is trying so hard to lose!
I would wish for my boys to find true love and happiness through God's leading. I want them to have a wonderful life full of laughter and success. That success doesn't need to include money or fame, but love and fulfillment.
Ok, those are my three wishes. How about you? What would you wish for?
Creative Writing
I really do have a desire to blog regularly but I just can't seem to think of what to write. That is where this website comes into play: http://www.creativewritingprompts.com/
I found this when I searched for creative writing ideas and I am very excited about where it will take my blog and my writing skills in general. I hope this will help me gain more followers! I would love to hear your comments about what I am writing about!
So, see you soon with my first "Creative Writing" post!
I found this when I searched for creative writing ideas and I am very excited about where it will take my blog and my writing skills in general. I hope this will help me gain more followers! I would love to hear your comments about what I am writing about!
So, see you soon with my first "Creative Writing" post!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Chicken Enchiladas
I mentioned in a previous post that I had the privilege of taking food to a friend of mine that just had a baby. I love being able to give to others and it's just icing on the cake when what I give comes from what I love to do, cook!
I made chicken enchiladas, spanish rice, refried beans and a cappuccino cake with peanut butter frosting.
I don't have any photos to post but I can explain the process in case you would like to try it!
I cooked some chicken I had extra and when cool, I shredded it. I added taco seasoning to the chicken, added some rotel and set aside. I got an enchilada seasoning packet and followed the packet directions. To assemble, I took a flour tortilla, dipped it in the enchilada sauce and placed in a 9X13 baking dish. I filled the tortilla with the chicken mixture and some cheese and rolled it up. This step is repeated until the entire baking dish is full. Then I ladled the rest of the enchilada sauce over the entire dish and sprinkled it with cheese. It bakes in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes or until hot.
The rice was so easy and flavorful! I have to give credit to my bloggy friends for the recipe! I cooked instant rice in 1/2 chicken stock, 1/2 tomato sauce. When it was done, I added corn and seasoning. My DH loved it!
To make the refried beans, I purchased two cans of pinto beans, added cumin and salt and mashed in a electric mixer until slightly smooth. Then I cooked it on the stove in 1/4 c of oil. Season again to taste and eat. This was so easy and delicious that I think I will never purchase canned refried beans again :)
For the Cappuccino Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting, I have posted the recipe below. When I was at Wal-Mart looking for instant espresso powder, all I could find was cappuccino powder so that is what I used and thus changed the name.
Ingredients
For the coffee cakes:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for pans
1/2 heaping teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup instant espresso powder
2 sticks butter, softened, plus extra for pans
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs, plus 2 yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Directions
Special equipment: Stand mixer and 4 (3/8-pound) mini loaf pans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter and flour mini loaf pans. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix together the sour cream and espresso until dissolved.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until well incorporated. On low speed, add half the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Add half the sour cream and mix until combined. Repeat with remaining flour and sour cream. Pour into prepared loaf pans filling halfway with batter. Bake 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on racks.
For the frosting: In stand mixer, mix together butter and peanut butter over medium high speed until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.
Top mini loaves with peanut butter frosting.
I hope you try these recipes and enjoy them as much as my family did! Please let me know by posting a comment.
I made chicken enchiladas, spanish rice, refried beans and a cappuccino cake with peanut butter frosting.
I don't have any photos to post but I can explain the process in case you would like to try it!
I cooked some chicken I had extra and when cool, I shredded it. I added taco seasoning to the chicken, added some rotel and set aside. I got an enchilada seasoning packet and followed the packet directions. To assemble, I took a flour tortilla, dipped it in the enchilada sauce and placed in a 9X13 baking dish. I filled the tortilla with the chicken mixture and some cheese and rolled it up. This step is repeated until the entire baking dish is full. Then I ladled the rest of the enchilada sauce over the entire dish and sprinkled it with cheese. It bakes in a 350 degree oven for 25 minutes or until hot.
The rice was so easy and flavorful! I have to give credit to my bloggy friends for the recipe! I cooked instant rice in 1/2 chicken stock, 1/2 tomato sauce. When it was done, I added corn and seasoning. My DH loved it!
To make the refried beans, I purchased two cans of pinto beans, added cumin and salt and mashed in a electric mixer until slightly smooth. Then I cooked it on the stove in 1/4 c of oil. Season again to taste and eat. This was so easy and delicious that I think I will never purchase canned refried beans again :)
For the Cappuccino Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting, I have posted the recipe below. When I was at Wal-Mart looking for instant espresso powder, all I could find was cappuccino powder so that is what I used and thus changed the name.
Ingredients
For the coffee cakes:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for pans
1/2 heaping teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup instant espresso powder
2 sticks butter, softened, plus extra for pans
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs, plus 2 yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting:
1 stick butter, softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Directions
Special equipment: Stand mixer and 4 (3/8-pound) mini loaf pans
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Butter and flour mini loaf pans. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix together the sour cream and espresso until dissolved.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until well incorporated. On low speed, add half the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Add half the sour cream and mix until combined. Repeat with remaining flour and sour cream. Pour into prepared loaf pans filling halfway with batter. Bake 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Cool in pans 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on racks.
For the frosting: In stand mixer, mix together butter and peanut butter over medium high speed until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.
Top mini loaves with peanut butter frosting.
I hope you try these recipes and enjoy them as much as my family did! Please let me know by posting a comment.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Coco Krispies
Yes, I am one of those parents who let their children eat sugary cereal. I know it's terrible! So I will appologize up front!
However, the idea for this post is from something my 6 yr old came up with. I have Rice Krispies Cereal at home and he loves chocolate milk so he has decided that when he eats both of these items, he pours the chocolate milk (warm) into the cereal thus creating Coco Krispies. Pretty smart, huh?
Ok, this is my feel good post for today! Oh and the chocolate milk is made with Nesquick so it's kinda nutritional! I think you should try this too :)
However, the idea for this post is from something my 6 yr old came up with. I have Rice Krispies Cereal at home and he loves chocolate milk so he has decided that when he eats both of these items, he pours the chocolate milk (warm) into the cereal thus creating Coco Krispies. Pretty smart, huh?
Ok, this is my feel good post for today! Oh and the chocolate milk is made with Nesquick so it's kinda nutritional! I think you should try this too :)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
101 Things in 1001 Days - Update
It is a new year and so as I was scanning old posts, I remembered my "101 Things in 1001 Days" post and thought an update was in order, so here you go:
5. Grow our own herbs - We did this in the Spring but found that we didn't really use them. The only herb we used reguarly was the garlic chives I got from a friend. I don't know if we are going to plant these again.
36. Get an amazing camera - This I did! I got a Nokia that I love! I really need to post some updated pictures, I know :)
45. Be a blessing to others when I see a need and have the resource to fill it - This is something I want to be on-going, but I was able to provide a meal to a family that just had a baby and it felt so good!
47. Start a simple garden - We planted a garden in the Spring and had plenty of veggies. We were able to cook fresh produce and even give some to our neighbors. I look forward to doing this again this Spring.
54. Celebrate another year of marriage with DH - Marriage is HARD but I am happy to report that my DH and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary in 2009 and will soon celebrate our 17th! God is GOOD!
61. Have a family picture taken - We did this and even our dog was included. I will post soon, I promise!!
73. Make and deliver homemade Christmas gifts to all my neighbors- I did this this year and had SO much fun doing it! DH and #3 helped me! It was great being able to visit our neighbors as we delivered them just before Christmas! This will be a yearly tradition!
76. Keep up with garden for an entire growing season - I have to admit that our garden did get a little over grown at the end, but we kept up with it pretty much until the end. Now we will have to dig up the old when we plant the new this Spring!
86. Take dancing lessons with DH - Well, we took one dance lesson, does that count? It is just too expensive to take private lessons and we never went back to the classes. Life just seems to get too busy and in the way sometimes!
Ok, that is my update. Not bad, but not good either. I need to review these more often and try to complete more this year. The deadline is October 15, 2011.
5. Grow our own herbs - We did this in the Spring but found that we didn't really use them. The only herb we used reguarly was the garlic chives I got from a friend. I don't know if we are going to plant these again.
36. Get an amazing camera - This I did! I got a Nokia that I love! I really need to post some updated pictures, I know :)
45. Be a blessing to others when I see a need and have the resource to fill it - This is something I want to be on-going, but I was able to provide a meal to a family that just had a baby and it felt so good!
47. Start a simple garden - We planted a garden in the Spring and had plenty of veggies. We were able to cook fresh produce and even give some to our neighbors. I look forward to doing this again this Spring.
54. Celebrate another year of marriage with DH - Marriage is HARD but I am happy to report that my DH and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary in 2009 and will soon celebrate our 17th! God is GOOD!
61. Have a family picture taken - We did this and even our dog was included. I will post soon, I promise!!
73. Make and deliver homemade Christmas gifts to all my neighbors- I did this this year and had SO much fun doing it! DH and #3 helped me! It was great being able to visit our neighbors as we delivered them just before Christmas! This will be a yearly tradition!
76. Keep up with garden for an entire growing season - I have to admit that our garden did get a little over grown at the end, but we kept up with it pretty much until the end. Now we will have to dig up the old when we plant the new this Spring!
86. Take dancing lessons with DH - Well, we took one dance lesson, does that count? It is just too expensive to take private lessons and we never went back to the classes. Life just seems to get too busy and in the way sometimes!
Ok, that is my update. Not bad, but not good either. I need to review these more often and try to complete more this year. The deadline is October 15, 2011.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Just A Question?
I am so sorry it has been so long since I've written!! :(
Ever since my "new adventure" (http://myhandingods.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-new-adventure.html), I have just been too busy to do things I would like to. This has prompted me to ask the following question:
Ever since my "new adventure" (http://myhandingods.blogspot.com/2009/07/my-new-adventure.html), I have just been too busy to do things I would like to. This has prompted me to ask the following question:
- How many Christian Women in the Chattanooga area would be interested in starting a monthly Bible Study?
Let me give you some history....when I lived in S. Louisiana, I had a great group of girlfriends and we were not involved in a weekly Bible Study aside from Sunday and Wednesday's. So, we decided to start one ourselves. Now, I am attending a new church and loving it but just don't have time to attend any service except for Sunday and that doesn't give me a chance to make the bonding relationships I long for. Anyways, back to the history. We would come together on a Saturday once per month. The "Hostess" would prepare the lesson, breakfast or snack and a small gift that coinsided with the lesson. We would gather for a couple of hours and study, talk and pray for one another. There were four of us. It was a great time I looked forward to every month.
When I hosted, I prepared cookies for a cookie exchange. I prepared a study on marriage from a book I had in my personal library. I created prayer books out of composition books and scrapbook paper, sewed easy totes, purchased pretty file folders and pretty pens. It was our first meeting so I was setting up these packages to be the "kit" for our future meetings. It was really inexpensive and I had 30 days to prepare.
I shared this idea with one of the women in my current Sunday School class, but she already attends a morning Bible Study during the week. So I decided to put this on my blog and see if I get any comments from women who live in the Chattanooga area that I may or may not know. If I get responses from women I do not know, maybe we could meet at a public place first. Let me know what you think!!
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