We have been traveling to the Springs every Sunday for 12 weeks to attend a missions course call Perspectives in Missions. It's been great; great lectures, great kids program, great snacks, great time with husband but mostly great being able to worship God 2 times on Sunday! I so love worship. I cry when I sing praise to Him because I am so excited to be in heaven and have the freedom/time to praise Him with song whenever I want. How sweet will that be?!
Anyway, I got off track... Today I am struggling with being tired of being strapped financially. God has provided in amazing ways over the last several years. I am thankful. Sometimes though, I just don't want to have to check the bank balance to see if I can buy yogurt. This day -to-day living is exhausting!
Today I have been laying my burden at his feet. Each time I feel stressed or discouraged I choose to praise Him for what He has done and what He will do. He is faithful.
Matthew 4:4 - "Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."
Today I chose to cling to what He says about my circumstance. My Father knows what I need.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Withdrawal.
Sitting, at my desk I ponder why it is so hard for me to take care of myself. My heart longs to break out of the pattern of care for Chris, care for kids, care for family and whatever is left Tina gets. I struggle because putting others first is Christ-like. I want to be like Christ. However, I know that He took time away in silence for prayer, meditation and silence. That is so hard for me. I make progress in the area and then I fall back into the same dang pattern. It's frustrating.
So, contrary to what I want/need to do right now. I will leave this house in its messy state and get on my knees before Him; pray for wisdom and transformation of my ugly pattern. My prayer is that He will build my faith by continuing His work in me and the gradual transformation will be apparent to me and others. This way, we can catch a glimpse of who He is and how, through Him, we can become more like Him. I need that hope right now.
So, contrary to what I want/need to do right now. I will leave this house in its messy state and get on my knees before Him; pray for wisdom and transformation of my ugly pattern. My prayer is that He will build my faith by continuing His work in me and the gradual transformation will be apparent to me and others. This way, we can catch a glimpse of who He is and how, through Him, we can become more like Him. I need that hope right now.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Recipe for Wellness
I have been feasting on wellness remedies!!!! Here's my recipe for wellness. Results to be determined.
Ingredients -
Oil of Oregano
Emergen-C
Zinc
Cold Eaz Hot Tea
Umcka Cold Care
ETC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Three cheers for health and wellness. Oy.
Ingredients -
Oil of Oregano
Emergen-C
Zinc
Cold Eaz Hot Tea
Umcka Cold Care
ETC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Three cheers for health and wellness. Oy.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Recipe of the Day
On a cold, cloudy day hearty food always seems to hit the spot. Today we sat around the table as a family and had Sunday dinner. Each of us took turns telling silly stories, choosing our favorite things about our house and making lists of the things for which we are most thankful. What fun.
Recipe of the Day - Boiled Dinner
Description - My grandma made boiled dinner for my mom, my mom for me and now I make it for my kids. Boiled Dinner is a great low-budget meal with very little prep and clean-up!
Ingredients -
Kielbasa Sausage (my mom made beef kielbasa, I make turkey kielbasa)
Carrots (1 large carrot per person, peeled and cut into 3 inch sections)
Potatoes (my mom used russet, I use whatever I have on hand; cut into quarters)
Cabbage (peel off 1st layer of cabbage and cut cabbage into 6 wedges)
Water
Directions -
Place cut potatoes and carrots in the bottom of a large stock pot and cover with cold water. (Be sure to just cover the veggies or your cabbage will get too soggy.) Place cabbage wedges so they rest just on top of the carrots and potatoes. Place sausage so it rests just on top of the cabbage and does not touch the water. Put a lid on the pot and bring water to a boil and lower temperature to a medium heat. Allow pot to cook with lid on until potatoes are fork tender and cabbage is steamed to your liking.
To serve - Cover with butter, salt and pepper or use an ungodly amount of ketchup like my husband! My kids enjoy eating the potatoes, carrots and sausage diced and poking it with a toothpick for fun eats. To each his own. Enjoy!
Recipe of the Day - Boiled Dinner
Description - My grandma made boiled dinner for my mom, my mom for me and now I make it for my kids. Boiled Dinner is a great low-budget meal with very little prep and clean-up!
Ingredients -
Kielbasa Sausage (my mom made beef kielbasa, I make turkey kielbasa)
Carrots (1 large carrot per person, peeled and cut into 3 inch sections)
Potatoes (my mom used russet, I use whatever I have on hand; cut into quarters)
Cabbage (peel off 1st layer of cabbage and cut cabbage into 6 wedges)
Water
Directions -
Place cut potatoes and carrots in the bottom of a large stock pot and cover with cold water. (Be sure to just cover the veggies or your cabbage will get too soggy.) Place cabbage wedges so they rest just on top of the carrots and potatoes. Place sausage so it rests just on top of the cabbage and does not touch the water. Put a lid on the pot and bring water to a boil and lower temperature to a medium heat. Allow pot to cook with lid on until potatoes are fork tender and cabbage is steamed to your liking.
To serve - Cover with butter, salt and pepper or use an ungodly amount of ketchup like my husband! My kids enjoy eating the potatoes, carrots and sausage diced and poking it with a toothpick for fun eats. To each his own. Enjoy!
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Relationship Principles of Jesus, Holladay
"To love God with all your mind, you must put God's words into your mind. If your mind is filled with only your thoughts or the thoughts imposed on you by others, of course you'll be frustrated when trying to have worshipful thoughts. Left to itself, your mind will drift toward anxious or selfish thoughts. The truth of God's Word has the power to change the channel of your thinking."
Phil 4:8
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think on such things."
Phil 4:8
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think on such things."
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Recipe of the Day
Store bought Rotisserie Chicken has become a go-to food in our house. On nights that I cant bring myself to stand in the kitchen I will run to the store and get an MSG-free chicken. We usually eat the 1st half of the chicken with a veggie side and starch of some sort. The 2nd half is usually turned into Chicken Quesadillas; Chicken Noodle Soup; Chicken, Granny Smith Apple, Cheddar Cheese Grilled Paninis and the like.
Once we have scraped the meat off the bone I put the chicken carcass in a large bag (usually recycled bread bags) and freeze it to make chicken stock. When I have a couple chicken carcasses and have gathered enough of my mirepoix discards (leftover celery, carrot and onion pieces from salads or other cooking) in a large plastic bag in the freezer, I will start my day by making chicken stock. The fragrance fills our house and calms my spirit.
Recipe - Home Made Chicken Stock
Ingredients -
2-3 Chicken Carcasses
Bunch of leftover celery pieces (leaves, tips and ends)
Bunch of leftover carrot pieces (root, skins and other pieces)
Bunch of leftover onion (root, skins - add nice color to the stock)
1-2 cloves garlic (smashed slightly)
Bunch of herbs (whatever you have leftover in the refrigerator; sage and rosemary are nice)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste.
Place all ingredients in a large stock pot and cover with cold water. (Warm water will make your stock murky.) Cover pot with heavy lid and heat on medium-high heat. Once water is at slow boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer as long as desired. (I usually simmer it all day and allow it to cool in the refrigerator over night before straining.) When cooled, strain stock and freeze in containers for up to 6 months. Enjoy!
Once we have scraped the meat off the bone I put the chicken carcass in a large bag (usually recycled bread bags) and freeze it to make chicken stock. When I have a couple chicken carcasses and have gathered enough of my mirepoix discards (leftover celery, carrot and onion pieces from salads or other cooking) in a large plastic bag in the freezer, I will start my day by making chicken stock. The fragrance fills our house and calms my spirit.
Recipe - Home Made Chicken Stock
Ingredients -
2-3 Chicken Carcasses
Bunch of leftover celery pieces (leaves, tips and ends)
Bunch of leftover carrot pieces (root, skins and other pieces)
Bunch of leftover onion (root, skins - add nice color to the stock)
1-2 cloves garlic (smashed slightly)
Bunch of herbs (whatever you have leftover in the refrigerator; sage and rosemary are nice)
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste.
Place all ingredients in a large stock pot and cover with cold water. (Warm water will make your stock murky.) Cover pot with heavy lid and heat on medium-high heat. Once water is at slow boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer as long as desired. (I usually simmer it all day and allow it to cool in the refrigerator over night before straining.) When cooled, strain stock and freeze in containers for up to 6 months. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Book Review - The Penny Pinchers Club
As I wandered through the library looking for anything that caught my eye I came upon a Sarah Strohmeyer book titled, "The Penny Pinchers Club". I often joke about my addiction to the self-help genre and am always looking for a book to carry my imagination to another place now and then. So, having nothing "fiction" on my bed stand (except Tolstoy but we all know that doesn't count as real fiction!) I decided to check out the book.
"TPPC" was entertaining and an easy read while playing to my current obsession with freegan living. The main character is struggling to save money and resorts to penny pinching as her means to accomplish said goal. Dumpster diving only makes the story more interesting.
Ground breaking fiction? No. Enjoyable? Yes.
"TPPC" was entertaining and an easy read while playing to my current obsession with freegan living. The main character is struggling to save money and resorts to penny pinching as her means to accomplish said goal. Dumpster diving only makes the story more interesting.
Ground breaking fiction? No. Enjoyable? Yes.
Tuesday
Woke up. No coffee. Walked viewing God's amazing creation. Cried tears of intimacy as I spoke to Him about my struggles. Stepped in dog poop. Was met by Animal Control at our house after Solomon escaped. Dog got hit on the nose by a very authoritative officer for bad behavior. Humiliated. Willy Wonka found lurking behind my A.V. rack. Costco lady told me I was a liar. Befuddled by my nudist children. It's only 2pm.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Garden Fresh Marinara Sauce
My garden EXPLODED with tomatoes and I have been working frantically to cook up the tomatoes before they shrivel, mold or just lose their appeal. Currently, I am working to freeze enough marinara to carry us over until spring. Here is my recipe.
Recipe: Garden Fresh Marinara -
Makes 2 pints w/ leftover
Ingredients:
1 large yellow onion, rough chop
3 garlic cloves, smashed and whole
4 large carrots, rough chop
10 large tomatoes or combination of smaller tomatoes
Salt, pepper, basil, rosemary and/or Italian seasoning
1/4 cup red wine or 2-3 tablespoons of beef broth (for richness)
1 Small Can Tomato Paste
Olive Oil - 2-3 Tablespoons
Heat olive oil in large sauce pan at medium heat. Add onions, garlic and carrots and saute until onions are translucent and garlic and carrots have softened. Add chopped tomatoes and spices (to taste - I like a large bunch of fresh basil and rosemary (roughly chopped) with a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer on medium-low heat with lid off until tomatoes have broken down. Add red wine and tomato paste. Simmer a bit longer (or all day if you like...) Puree mixture in blender or with immersion blender until desired texture. Allow to cool and store in refrigerator for 3 days or freeze in containers (with 1 inch at top for expansion) for up to 4 months.
Enjoy!
Recipe: Garden Fresh Marinara -
Makes 2 pints w/ leftover
Ingredients:
1 large yellow onion, rough chop
3 garlic cloves, smashed and whole
4 large carrots, rough chop
10 large tomatoes or combination of smaller tomatoes
Salt, pepper, basil, rosemary and/or Italian seasoning
1/4 cup red wine or 2-3 tablespoons of beef broth (for richness)
1 Small Can Tomato Paste
Olive Oil - 2-3 Tablespoons
Heat olive oil in large sauce pan at medium heat. Add onions, garlic and carrots and saute until onions are translucent and garlic and carrots have softened. Add chopped tomatoes and spices (to taste - I like a large bunch of fresh basil and rosemary (roughly chopped) with a sprinkling of Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Simmer on medium-low heat with lid off until tomatoes have broken down. Add red wine and tomato paste. Simmer a bit longer (or all day if you like...) Puree mixture in blender or with immersion blender until desired texture. Allow to cool and store in refrigerator for 3 days or freeze in containers (with 1 inch at top for expansion) for up to 4 months.
Enjoy!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Recipe for Sanity
This weekend was not a weekend for cooking or blogging! So, this evening I am posting my own personal recipe for sanity; adjust ingredients to your liking.
Dinner Recipe for Sanity:
Description - AHHHHHH!!!!!!
Ingredients -
1 jug gas station hormone pumped milk
1 bag Cheetos (for mom!)
1 box cereal
Directions -
Shove Cheetos in mouth to keep from screaming your brains out while listening to children whine about dying of hunger on hour long ride home. Promptly upon arrival home, feed children cereal for dinner and send them off to bed. Enjoy the silence and lack of dinner dishes.
Dinner Recipe for Sanity:
Description - AHHHHHH!!!!!!
Ingredients -
1 jug gas station hormone pumped milk
1 bag Cheetos (for mom!)
1 box cereal
Directions -
Shove Cheetos in mouth to keep from screaming your brains out while listening to children whine about dying of hunger on hour long ride home. Promptly upon arrival home, feed children cereal for dinner and send them off to bed. Enjoy the silence and lack of dinner dishes.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Cookbook Craziness!
After a 3 bag trip to the library yesterday I settled into the comfy corner of our enormous man-couch (yep, Chris picked it!) to read my stack of cookbooks. I love reading cookbooks and finding easier ways to accomplish the same delicious dish, learn new ingredients and their uses, or just zone out in the words mix, fold, julienne...
Today's recipe is one that I plan to make in my own Arden Circle test kitchen. I am always looking for a way to make inexpensive pizza from home while maintaining my sanity (kneading! resting! punching! kneading again! resting! ugh!). I'll let you know how it goes and if you get to the recipe before me please let me know how it goes.
Recipe of the Day: Quick Pizza Crust (The $7 A Meal Cookbook, Linda Larsen)
Ingredients:
1 T cornmeal
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup solid shortening (I know! But anything for an easy pizza crust! Put extra veggies on to silence your conscience!)
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup milk
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 12 inch pizza pan with solid shortening and sprinkle with cornmeal. In large bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt and mix well. Cut in shortening until particles are fine. Add water and milk and stir until a dough forms. Press into a prepared pizza pan and bake for 10 minutes.
2. Remove crust from oven and top as desired. Bake at 425 degrees for 15-25 minutes or until crust is crisp and cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Let cool for 5 minutes and slice to serve.
Today's recipe is one that I plan to make in my own Arden Circle test kitchen. I am always looking for a way to make inexpensive pizza from home while maintaining my sanity (kneading! resting! punching! kneading again! resting! ugh!). I'll let you know how it goes and if you get to the recipe before me please let me know how it goes.
Recipe of the Day: Quick Pizza Crust (The $7 A Meal Cookbook, Linda Larsen)
Ingredients:
1 T cornmeal
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup solid shortening (I know! But anything for an easy pizza crust! Put extra veggies on to silence your conscience!)
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup milk
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 12 inch pizza pan with solid shortening and sprinkle with cornmeal. In large bowl combine flour, baking powder, and salt and mix well. Cut in shortening until particles are fine. Add water and milk and stir until a dough forms. Press into a prepared pizza pan and bake for 10 minutes.
2. Remove crust from oven and top as desired. Bake at 425 degrees for 15-25 minutes or until crust is crisp and cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Let cool for 5 minutes and slice to serve.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Recipe of the Day
I have had quite a few requests for recipes and thought my neglected blog would be an effective place to post them for all to utilize and hopefully, enjoy. At times, I will probably ramble on about other things but will make an effort to regularly post the details of what is cooking in the Ferry house.
Food is one of my passions. Any time I feel stressed or like my head is spinning and I am unable to truly accomplish anything that stays accomplished, I head to the kitchen for some good cooking. So, join me in my journey of trying to find inexpensive, healthy, man and kid-friendly meals. Enjoy!
Recipe of the Day -
Kitchen Sink Popsicles -
Background - I am always trying to find a way to pump health fruits and veggies into my kids while utilizing the items left in my refrigerator or found in the discount section of the grocery store. Several recipes lend themselves to this strategy (Kitchen Sink Fritatta, Quiche, Stews/Soups, Blender Lasagna, etc!) but today we will focus on Popsicles.
Recipe -
Fruit - canned, frozen, fresh, wilted, bruised...whatever!
Sweetener (if necessary to your taste) - agave (my favorite), honey, coffee syrups (vanilla, raspberry etc), vanilla extract etc!
Thinner - (if necessary) water, juice, leftover juice from canned fruits, pedialite if the kids are sick etc.
Instructions - Blend the heck out of it and pour it into Popsicle molds (my favorites are those found at Goodwill!) and freeze. I have also frozen Popsicles in ice cube trays with Popsicle sticks for handles; popped them out when frozen and put the Popsicles in gallon size bag for long-term storage in freezer.
Enjoy!
Food is one of my passions. Any time I feel stressed or like my head is spinning and I am unable to truly accomplish anything that stays accomplished, I head to the kitchen for some good cooking. So, join me in my journey of trying to find inexpensive, healthy, man and kid-friendly meals. Enjoy!
Recipe of the Day -
Kitchen Sink Popsicles -
Background - I am always trying to find a way to pump health fruits and veggies into my kids while utilizing the items left in my refrigerator or found in the discount section of the grocery store. Several recipes lend themselves to this strategy (Kitchen Sink Fritatta, Quiche, Stews/Soups, Blender Lasagna, etc!) but today we will focus on Popsicles.
Recipe -
Fruit - canned, frozen, fresh, wilted, bruised...whatever!
Sweetener (if necessary to your taste) - agave (my favorite), honey, coffee syrups (vanilla, raspberry etc), vanilla extract etc!
Thinner - (if necessary) water, juice, leftover juice from canned fruits, pedialite if the kids are sick etc.
Instructions - Blend the heck out of it and pour it into Popsicle molds (my favorites are those found at Goodwill!) and freeze. I have also frozen Popsicles in ice cube trays with Popsicle sticks for handles; popped them out when frozen and put the Popsicles in gallon size bag for long-term storage in freezer.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Love That!!!
Philippians 2:13 - "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him."
Lately my heart and mind are full of personal desires and desires/drive that I know comes from God. Sorting through this pile of desires/ideas/longings can be overwhelming but He is faithful. I choose to believe that He instills the desire and that He will empower me to do what pleases Him. How freeing!
Lately my heart and mind are full of personal desires and desires/drive that I know comes from God. Sorting through this pile of desires/ideas/longings can be overwhelming but He is faithful. I choose to believe that He instills the desire and that He will empower me to do what pleases Him. How freeing!
Friday, February 13, 2009
La La Crazy Post
Warning: Just a silly, nothing post. Skip if you're looking for depth.
Just recently, I have caught myself thinking about some unusual things happening in my life lately and just can't put it together. It's nothing big really just a few things that I can't get my head around. Examples:
1. Why exactly I have been gifted or lent (by several unassociated friends) a stack of Christian fiction/romance books all by Francine Rivers. I don't read much fiction as a whole (being the self-help junkie that I am!) and can't get over the pictures on the cover of the books; a woman standing looking wistfully out to the horizon with dress beautifully flowing in the breeze. I will read one of them (this is for you Nadeen!) but the fate of the other books is yet to be decided. I just don't get it but the fact that I have 5, yep 5, books on my desk that I have received within the last 10 days must mean something right? Maybe once I'm done reading them I'll acquire the same beautiful gaze and flowing dress. Hmmm.
2. I had a dream last night that Chris was blind and my parents wouldn't take us in. Isn't it a theory that if you dream about losing teeth that money is coming your way? Maybe, loss of an eyeball guarantees something even better. We'll see!
3. My pores grew overnight and I'm obsessed about it. Walking to the kitchen, I'm thinking about my pores. Changing the laundry, I'm thinking about my pores. Sitting in church, I'm thinking about my pores. Remember, beauty products and pore size generally are not high on my priority list. Bizarre.
Maybe Chris will have me admitted to the psych ward. If I'm not returning your calls, assume the worst.
Just recently, I have caught myself thinking about some unusual things happening in my life lately and just can't put it together. It's nothing big really just a few things that I can't get my head around. Examples:
1. Why exactly I have been gifted or lent (by several unassociated friends) a stack of Christian fiction/romance books all by Francine Rivers. I don't read much fiction as a whole (being the self-help junkie that I am!) and can't get over the pictures on the cover of the books; a woman standing looking wistfully out to the horizon with dress beautifully flowing in the breeze. I will read one of them (this is for you Nadeen!) but the fate of the other books is yet to be decided. I just don't get it but the fact that I have 5, yep 5, books on my desk that I have received within the last 10 days must mean something right? Maybe once I'm done reading them I'll acquire the same beautiful gaze and flowing dress. Hmmm.
2. I had a dream last night that Chris was blind and my parents wouldn't take us in. Isn't it a theory that if you dream about losing teeth that money is coming your way? Maybe, loss of an eyeball guarantees something even better. We'll see!
3. My pores grew overnight and I'm obsessed about it. Walking to the kitchen, I'm thinking about my pores. Changing the laundry, I'm thinking about my pores. Sitting in church, I'm thinking about my pores. Remember, beauty products and pore size generally are not high on my priority list. Bizarre.
Maybe Chris will have me admitted to the psych ward. If I'm not returning your calls, assume the worst.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Let The Sun Shine In!
Today has been a go-with-the-flow kind of day. Reese and I were on our way to the library (as we always do on Wednesdays when Georgia is at school) and as we were headed out the door Reese laid down in the snow without snow pants and made the most beautiful snow angel. She didn't seem to mind the sopping wet pants and snow in her pig tails. Instead of rushing to get into dry clothes while attempting to control my frustration, we decided to change into appropriate snow angel clothing, skip the library and play in the snow. She had a blast.
Then, we went to get Georgia from school and instead of trailing directly home for a budget-conscious lunch we went to Noodles and had their favorite Mac. I thought we'd go home after that but nope! We saw geese at the park and HAD to stop. We meandered around at the park, spinning in circles and following bunny tracks in the snow. I thought surely we'd go home after that but...nope! We saw the library and decided to read some books, do a puzzle and drink from the drinking fountain like it was the last water we'd ever taste! The girls had a blast and I completely forgot about my to-do list. Needless to say, a nice break for all!
Wandering though our day brought refreshing and fun. Give it a try!
Then, we went to get Georgia from school and instead of trailing directly home for a budget-conscious lunch we went to Noodles and had their favorite Mac. I thought we'd go home after that but nope! We saw geese at the park and HAD to stop. We meandered around at the park, spinning in circles and following bunny tracks in the snow. I thought surely we'd go home after that but...nope! We saw the library and decided to read some books, do a puzzle and drink from the drinking fountain like it was the last water we'd ever taste! The girls had a blast and I completely forgot about my to-do list. Needless to say, a nice break for all!
Wandering though our day brought refreshing and fun. Give it a try!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
One Step At A Time...
It's been one heck of a ride lately and I'm growing weary. The tears flow more easily and I feel the physical pain of waiting. Seems dramatic but it's true.
I'm clinging to God's promises and most recently am clinging to (parenthesis by Tina):
Phil 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again rejoice! The Lord is near. (I am not alone.) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything (even this circumstance), by prayer and petition, WITH THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think on such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Here's my deduction -
Step 1 - Rejoice in the Lord
Step 2 - Be gentle, You are not alone!
Step 3 - Be thankful and present your requests to the Big Guy
Step 4 - Peace that transcends will fill me, my heart and mind will be safe
Step 5 - Think on right things (see list above)
Step 6 - Put this all into practice (by God's power) and the God of peace will reign in my life.
So, after this long recap, here's my list of gratitude:
1. God is powerful and transcends every circumstance
2. Reese saying "I'll love you happy"
3. Georgia comparing marsh mellow textures
4. A new vacuum cleaner
5. Home made chicken stock
6. $7.99 birthday balloons that last 1.5 weeks!
7. My 2000 Honda that runs great
8. Friends who want honest and meaningful friendships
9. Parents who love and support
10. My husband making coffee and putting a cup by my bed every a.m.
11. A fun part-time job to fill in the cracks
12. The ability to know exceptional people that challenge me
13. The library
14. My deep freeze
15. A God who knows me better than I know myself
16. A husband who knows and seeks Him
17. Georgia cutting paper repeating, "Thumb always up, thumb always up..."
18. My brother buying me flowers
19. A full life that I have to get to now!
I'm clinging to God's promises and most recently am clinging to (parenthesis by Tina):
Phil 4:4 - "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again rejoice! The Lord is near. (I am not alone.) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything (even this circumstance), by prayer and petition, WITH THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think on such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Here's my deduction -
Step 1 - Rejoice in the Lord
Step 2 - Be gentle, You are not alone!
Step 3 - Be thankful and present your requests to the Big Guy
Step 4 - Peace that transcends will fill me, my heart and mind will be safe
Step 5 - Think on right things (see list above)
Step 6 - Put this all into practice (by God's power) and the God of peace will reign in my life.
So, after this long recap, here's my list of gratitude:
1. God is powerful and transcends every circumstance
2. Reese saying "I'll love you happy"
3. Georgia comparing marsh mellow textures
4. A new vacuum cleaner
5. Home made chicken stock
6. $7.99 birthday balloons that last 1.5 weeks!
7. My 2000 Honda that runs great
8. Friends who want honest and meaningful friendships
9. Parents who love and support
10. My husband making coffee and putting a cup by my bed every a.m.
11. A fun part-time job to fill in the cracks
12. The ability to know exceptional people that challenge me
13. The library
14. My deep freeze
15. A God who knows me better than I know myself
16. A husband who knows and seeks Him
17. Georgia cutting paper repeating, "Thumb always up, thumb always up..."
18. My brother buying me flowers
19. A full life that I have to get to now!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Georgia had her kindergarten testing and seemed to really enjoy it. Whew.
Today is a day filled with kids (mine and my niece Finley), baking/cooking and pj's. I actually sat on the couch and watched Nemo with the girls. They were very happy to snuggle.
Chris is spending the day praying about our future. Our verse for today - "I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray." --Psalm 17:6, NLT
What a blessing to have a man who seeks the Lord.
Today is a day filled with kids (mine and my niece Finley), baking/cooking and pj's. I actually sat on the couch and watched Nemo with the girls. They were very happy to snuggle.
Chris is spending the day praying about our future. Our verse for today - "I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray." --Psalm 17:6, NLT
What a blessing to have a man who seeks the Lord.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Pointers?
Georgia has become disenchanted with school and I'm getting nervous. She has her Kindergarten placement testing and doesn't want to go to school let alone cooperate with school testing.
Any pointers on getting your kid back in the groove?!?
Any pointers on getting your kid back in the groove?!?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Today, I choose...
Chris' job, scheduled to start Monday the 19th, has been indefinitely postponed. Yesterday we clung to Psalm 42:11 - "But O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset. Expect God to act. For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help. He is my God."
Today I woke up feeling very discouraged. I feel like I could better cope and slough off the yuck by working out very hard and having some space to breathe but I have two kids, a house, a husband who needs a positive wife and work to do for Linda. I feel trapped and like I can't manage my pain/anger very well today.
So, of course, I do what I can and read Hebrews 12. Check it - "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles (over-eating, drinking, yelling at my husband), and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and PERFECTER of our faith." (not by my power or effort but His).
Today I will discipline my mind and meditate on what's true. Point blank, God has provided for us and blessed us and He will again. Maybe not how we expect him to provide but, really, what He has for us is better than anything we could ever dream up. Jesus take the wheel!
Today I woke up feeling very discouraged. I feel like I could better cope and slough off the yuck by working out very hard and having some space to breathe but I have two kids, a house, a husband who needs a positive wife and work to do for Linda. I feel trapped and like I can't manage my pain/anger very well today.
So, of course, I do what I can and read Hebrews 12. Check it - "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles (over-eating, drinking, yelling at my husband), and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and PERFECTER of our faith." (not by my power or effort but His).
Today I will discipline my mind and meditate on what's true. Point blank, God has provided for us and blessed us and He will again. Maybe not how we expect him to provide but, really, what He has for us is better than anything we could ever dream up. Jesus take the wheel!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Insane in the Membrane!
Funny day today. Not funny "ha-ha"; funny "weird".
I've gone from praising God for Chris' solid start date with the new job (yep, you read right, he officially starts the 19th at 8am!) to crying from my gut and being so frustrated with my life, back to praising God for a 2000 Honda that still runs without any problems.
Today I've become friendly with tears. They're like my evil, pride-killing twin. (Example? - Crying while talking to G's pre-K teacher...yikes!)
So, now I'm heading to bed to read a vegan cookbook and reflect on my inner-most need and desire to purchase spelt flour and nutritional yeast.
Now don't you feel sane?
I've gone from praising God for Chris' solid start date with the new job (yep, you read right, he officially starts the 19th at 8am!) to crying from my gut and being so frustrated with my life, back to praising God for a 2000 Honda that still runs without any problems.
Today I've become friendly with tears. They're like my evil, pride-killing twin. (Example? - Crying while talking to G's pre-K teacher...yikes!)
So, now I'm heading to bed to read a vegan cookbook and reflect on my inner-most need and desire to purchase spelt flour and nutritional yeast.
Now don't you feel sane?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Food for thought...
...Interesting to think about.
The Stranger
A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to oursmall Texas town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with thisenchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. Thestranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.
As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my youngmind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementaryinstructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey.But the stranger...he was our storyteller. He would keep usspellbound for hours on end with Adventures, mysteries and comedies.
If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, healways knew the answers about the past, understood the present andeven seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to theirfirst major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry.The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind.
Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushingeach other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to thekitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for thestranger to leave.)
Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but thestranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example,was not allowed in our home... Not from us, our friends or anyvisitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got away with four-letterwords that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush.My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol. But the strangerencouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes lookcool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished.
He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments weresometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.
I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influencedstrongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values ofmy parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... And NEVER asked to leave.
More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with ourfamily. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating ashe was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today,you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting forsomeone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.
His name?.... .. .We just call him 'TV'.
He has a wife now...We call her 'Computer.'
The Stranger
A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to oursmall Texas town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with thisenchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. Thestranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.
As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my youngmind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementaryinstructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey.But the stranger...he was our storyteller. He would keep usspellbound for hours on end with Adventures, mysteries and comedies.
If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, healways knew the answers about the past, understood the present andeven seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to theirfirst major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry.The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind.
Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushingeach other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to thekitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for thestranger to leave.)
Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but thestranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example,was not allowed in our home... Not from us, our friends or anyvisitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got away with four-letterwords that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush.My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol. But the strangerencouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes lookcool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished.
He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments weresometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing.
I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influencedstrongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values ofmy parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... And NEVER asked to leave.
More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with ourfamily. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating ashe was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today,you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting forsomeone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.
His name?.... .. .We just call him 'TV'.
He has a wife now...We call her 'Computer.'
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Woo Hoo!
God is on the move! We have received our first bit of good news about Chris' contracting job (not the full-time job but the job that will bring significant financial relief before starting the steady job) and he will start working on the 3 day job end of this week. Now that we have this news, we can (and have) contacted King Systems (the full time job) and requested they solify Chris' start date some-time in mid-Janauary.
Keep praying for Chris to have confidence and wisdom with this short-term job and for King Systems to confirm Chris' start date sooner than later!!
God has proved himself faithful yet again. He is faithful to complete that which He has begun. We're holding on for the ride of our lives and today we're smiling.
Keep praying for Chris to have confidence and wisdom with this short-term job and for King Systems to confirm Chris' start date sooner than later!!
God has proved himself faithful yet again. He is faithful to complete that which He has begun. We're holding on for the ride of our lives and today we're smiling.
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