SAVOR THE SAVIOR

Things have been busy here lately...we celebrated Family Christmas here yesterday, and it was marvelous! It was really all I could have dreamed of...family, laughter, relaxation, joy, music, happy kiddos, hubby/wife love, and Jesus!

I'm so thankful to celebrate this Christmas together this year. I want to really stop and SAVOR the SAVIOR!

I love you, Lord!

2 Timothy 1:8-11
"So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher."



JUDE 1:24, 25
"To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

Unexpected Blessings!

We have an arrangement between my sisters and I that our families swap holidays with our in-laws every other year: one year it's Thanksgving down here, but Christmas with the in-laws; then the next year, we swap! This year it was our year to have Thanksgiving day all together, so that means Christmas we will all be in separate places. To make this more bearable, we are having our "Family Christmas" here at my house tomorrow.

I've been having health problems (as mentioned earlier), so my energy levels have been low, and now--in addition to headaches and dizziness/imbalance--I've begun struggling with nausea frequently. Not fun, but I don't want to be a baby, so let's move on...

Three nights ago (that would be Sunday), I was crying out (literally) to the Lord, begging Him to save me and help and strengthen me for all that would need to be done before 17 people were at my house all day on Thursday (tomorrow). My list of un-done jobs has continued to grow lengthier by the day, as I need more breaks for rest, etc.

Monday morning, my littlest sister called me and informed me that she had gotten her little sis-in-law lined up for babysitting, and that they'd be coming over to help clean my house! Tears, I tell you...tears of joy! Not only had God heard my prayer and crying out, but He thought it was valid enough to send a minister! Praise you, Jesus!

This morning, my sister, her two little ones, her little sis-in-law, a dozen doughnuts, a salad, and frozen pizzas showed up at our door! I was overwhelmed (and still am) at her selflessness and love, and God's salvation, care, love, and blessing! Unexpected Blessings are the best kind because they knock you off your feet and remind you in a very special way that our God HEARS and CARES about our burdens and troubles, and He raises up His army to come do battle for His weary soldiers!! I was the humble and grateful recipient of His provision today, and I thank you with all of my heart, Lord! Please bless my sis, and little sis-in-law a thousand-fold!

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY

ECCLESIASTES 8:15~

"Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. " (KJV)

"So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun." (NLT )


"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun. " (NIV )

"So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun." (NAS)


Well, there you have it...from four different versions of the Bible! This holiday season, make sure you take a break from all the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping, cooking, cleaning, and other preparations to RELAX...eat, drink, and be merry! Take joy in the real gifts God has showered us with and ENJOY each one!

By the way--here's a little gem of a book my friend's sister wrote...you need to pick it up--pronto!

REJOICE AND BE GLAD!

This is the day that the Lord has made, we will Rejoice and be glad in it. ~Psalm 118:24

This is one of my very favorite verses, and I need to dwell on it today! Lord, I give this day to you and ask that I would be a good steward of it and do all that You would have me to, according to Your holy plan!

POTLUCKS AND HOSPITALITY

Today we had an impromptu Sunday Brunch potluck with my sister & her family, and our parents. Let's just talk about potlucks for a minute...why are they so overlooked and under-rated in the home? I know all about church potlucks, company potlucks, etc., but wouldn't family & friends get together more often if no one family was bearing all the financial and work burden? How easy is it to throw something in the crockpot and then relax with family or friends that night?! I know we would. Is it guilt? Like I would feel ashamed asking someone to "pitch in" because if it was my idea, I should cover it? Hmmmm....

Since the Bible tells us to "practice hospitality," then practice means to do it continually, habitually, improving all the while. Would it be wrong to potluck while practicing hospitality, or is the provision of all the food for all the people the heart of hospitality? Let's look at the definitions of these words/ideas:

Romans 12:12-14 states:
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."

From Webster's Dictionary~
PRACTICE:
1 a : carry out, apply b : to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually c : to be professionally engaged in
2 a : to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient b : to train by repeated exercises
3 obsolete : plot
intransitive verb
1 : to do repeated exercises for proficiency
2 : to pursue a profession actively
3 archaic : intrigue
4 : to do something customarily

HOSPITALITY:
hospitable treatment, reception, or disposition

HOSPITABLE:
Function: adjective
Meaning: showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations

GRACIOUS:

1 a obsolete : godly b archaic : pleasing, acceptable
2 a : marked by kindness and courtesy b : graceful c : marked by tact and delicacy : urbane d : characterized by charm, good taste, generosity of spirit, and the tasteful leisure of wealth and good breeding
3 : merciful, compassionate —used conventionally of royalty and high nobility
— gra·cious·ly adverb
— gra·cious·ness noun
synonyms gracious, cordial, affable, genial, sociable mean markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse. gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration


Here's a clear picture of the meaning of "practice hospitality": To be professionally engaged in, so as to become proficient at showing natural kindness and courtesy, especially in social situations, characterized by charm, good taste, generosity of spirit, and tasteful leisure of wealth and good breeding, demonstrating mercy and compassion.

POTLUCK:
1 a : the regular meal available to a guest for whom no special preparations have been made b : a communal meal to which people bring food to share —usually used attributively
2 : whatever is offered or available in given circumstances or at a given time

Wow! Is all I have to say about that. Practically speaking, the potluck shares the financial/work burden. "Is it authentically 'practicing hospitality'?" is the question of the day...

Naught But Nice "Biggest Loser" Chocolate Cake

For best results: bake (in the afternoon if you care if it cools first), and then eat during airing of "The Biggest Loser" ;)

1 pkg. chocolate fudge cake mix
1 box (6 1/8 oz.) chocolate fudge instant pudding mix
1 bag (12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 eggs
1/2 pint sour cream (1 cup)
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 c. oil
powdered sugar

Directions:
In a large bowl, beat all ingredients except powdered sugar together. Pour into greased bundt cakepan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or until cake springs back when lightly touched on top. Let cool in pan (if you can stand the wait). Invert onto platter and dust with powdered sugar. Enjoy!


(Thanks to my friend S.R., who corrupted me with this deliriously delightful recipe!) :)

Variations: Chocolate mint chips, Andes mints, Reese's peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, etc.

Friday is here!

Since Hunky Hubby will be home in just a few short hours and has the weekend off, we are thrilled at the prospect of possibly getting our Christmas decorations out and up! The Little Women have anxiously awaited this day, and were overheard hooting this morning, as they thought of all the JOY that awaited them! I, however, have a willing spirit and a weak body. I'm tired today. Lord, give me strength to take joy in this preparation and give my body the endurance to do it well!

School is humming along, thanks to Jesus, for I certainly cannot take the credit. He is my portion in every way, and I am just so thankful for His abiding love, care, and patience. I'm also thankful for lessons on the computer that can help with additional tutoring of my LW.

Today, I think we'll attempt homemade bread together. My last attempt at French bread was nearly a year ago, and it tasted pretty good, if I do say so myself...maybe we'll try French bread again for tonight's dinner...or snack...with butter!

I want to leave you with a note that has ETERNAL VALUE:

A friend of ours recently said something that gave me wings: "Success is not just what happens when you cross the finish line...it's every step you take along the way." I am so thankful that God in His loving mercy and wisdom knows we're going to fall and loves us anyway!!

Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Little Did We Know...

Remember that "Life is Fragile" post? Little did we know how the events of our lives would change over the next few days and months!

9/2/09--My husband's step-dad was cleaning the roof and gutters for a friend, and fell from the ladder, hitting his head on the pavement. He sustained a traumatic brain injury, and had to be rushed into surgery. He was put onto numerous prayer chains immediately! He was in a coma for almost a month. When he woke up, his pupils were fixed and dilated, and there was no response to neurological stimuli. Fast-forward....

12/10/09--It's been just over 3 months, and now he is being moved to a rehab facility! He was able to sit up (with assistance) and put his feet on the floor. He moved his feet on the floor and smiled! That is amazing progress from where he was thought to be neurologically just 3 months ago! He can now look around, squeeze Mom's hand in response to "yes" or "no" questions; he is off the ventilator and is breathing through a trach; he seems to understand all that is being said around him, as well. He will be receiving rehabilitation as he is able to tolerate it up to at least 3 hours per day. At this rate, his recovery will be a miracle each day, and we'll thank the Lord for each breath and each step he takes!

Life is fragile!

We also had a scare for me last month...during the course of discovering I had a Chiari malformation, the MRI revealed what looked to be like a pitutary tumor or apoplexy or both. We were taken so off-guard....what began as a check-up for dizziness to find out if I had an ear infection seemed to be turning into a life-altering situation. I got placed on several prayer chains. Praise God! On Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, we met with the neurosurgeon, who said that he believed what was thought to be a tumor is actually a cyst, and what looked like apoplexy, is probably just a smaller collection of blood that will most likely dissipate on its own. I have a follow-up MRI in February to make sure that they cyst is not growing and that everything looks good. I am seeking a second opinion about the Chiari malformation because the dizziness and headaches can be so difficult to handle some days. I would like to know if there is anything that can be done to manage it better besides a walker/cane, rest, and ibuprofen. We'll see...

Life is fragile!

We have four precious daughters, a husband with a job he loves in the operating room now, and a mommy who can breathe a sigh of relief. Homeschooling has never been such a blessing! These little women are growing into the finest, loveliest daughters I could ever dream of, and we are BLESSED! Lord, may we cherish each minute with these darling girls and with each other, and never take one moment for granted...FOR LIFE IS FRAGILE!

In-A-Hurry Breakfast Sandwich

(LET'S JUST START OUT BY SAYING THIS IS MY MOST FAVORITE COFFEE MUG...EVER!)

In-A-Hurry Breakfast Sandwich Ingredients: (also known around here as "Quickie Eggs", if you skip the "sandwich" part...)
1 egg
Splash of water (no more than 1 Tbsp.)
1 slice American cheese (or shredded, if you prefer)
Salt & pepper as desired
1-2 slices bread, English muffin, croissant, etc. (it might be a little big for an E.m., but experiment)
1 microwave-safe bowl
1 fork
1 paper plate

CRACK egg in bowl.
ADD splash of water.
WHISK together with fork until well-blended.
ADD salt & pepper now, or when cooked.
POP in the microwave and cover with paper plate (eating side down over the bowl).
MICROWAVE on high 1 minute (may vary, depending on strength of microwave).*
LIFT plate, add 1 slice of cheese (or shredded, if you prefer), and replace plate, while you....
TOAST 1 or 2 slices of bread/English muffin, etc.--your choice.
When done, you could BUTTER the toast/muffin if you wish, or leave it dry.
FLIP the plate over. Your cheese is melty now.
USE a spatula or something to scoop out your egg/cheese onto your toast, which you can eat off the plate.
VOILE`! You have a quick breakfast sandwich kids can even make, and it's portable for on the way to school or the office (or in my case homeschool with a warm, toasty breakfast kids can help with or make themselves).

VARIATIONS: Throw in some chopped onion, tomato, peppers, bacon, sausage, ham, etc. Or mix with salsa first...add bacon, sausage, ham...the list goes on...

BEST SERVED WITH A DELICIOUS CUPPA COFFEE!!

BONUS: WAY fewer calories and fat than a drive-thru or store-bought breakfast sandwich, and WAY cheaper, but still with protein!


*Microwave egg-cooking idea brought to me by S.R....my busy homeschool mom friend with 5 kids and a bun in the oven! :)

LIFE IS FRAGILE

Sometimes, when you least expect it, you receive a reminder about how fragile life is. We make our to-do lists, keep up with the grocery shopping, get kids transported to where they need to be, and expect to sit down to family dinner each night. Except for those times when that doesn't happen...

An unexpected visitor, phone call, or tragedy rumples the plans and sets the world spinning. As you try to gain your footing and remember why you stress out when the "to-do"s don't get done, you remember that life is fragile. It is not a list...it's people that matter!

Next time, stop and consider...is this "interruption" simply intefering with the completion of a list, or does your to-do list interfere with LIFE (loving and serving others first)? The Key to JOY is simple: JESUS first, OTHERS second, and YOURSELF last. Now...we just need to put it into practice, one choice at a time!

CROCK POT INFATUATION

I must say that I've got an infatuation...my crockpot! I've always known of their merits, and enjoyed their usefulness from time-to-time, but last year I finally bought a crockpot cookbook so I could have more than the handful of recipes from the instruction booklet to try. It was love at first bite! I thought of all the hours I'd spent over the years, especially when my husband was a college student and working the night shift, madly getting dinner ready before he'd have to fly out the door again. (My husband is quite fond of hearty meals every night with all the fixin's, especially POTATOES! Good thing he married an Idaho girl!)

New-found freedom and peace was singing to me from every page. I used that cookbook and crockpot almost daily. HOWEVER, it wasn't until the inner liner of mine cracked, and I was suddenly alone in the kitchen again that I discovered my true dependency on this quiet, yet resourceful appliance (the strong, silent type, of course). I had to admit...I was nearly lost without one. Several months went by as I labored along--back to my old ways--until (I pause just a bit to make this more dramatic, but...) I received one from my aunt and uncle for my birthday. YES! Once again, I had a new attitude!

I have made crockpot fajitas, all sorts of roasts, casseroles, soups, crockpot "refried" beans, and my enthusiasm is only growing. Although I'm enjoying writing satirically at the moment, it's a true story. I LOVE MY CROCKPOT and hope you all have discovered the freedom that can be yours because you own one (or should, if you don't). :) God bless you all as you seek to be Keepers of the Home and Hearth, and I hope it relieves some stress to learn of this fabulous opportunity for any of you who haven't fully embraced this appliance-relationship yet! :D

Summer is on it's way...but first, a bit more Rain

June 2, 2009

I woke up this morning on the wrong side of the bed. I had been up several times during the night for different reasons...snoring by my hubby, the restroom calling, restless legs, my oldest daughter with upset stomach, sleeping uncomfortably on the couch, etc. Although initially, I felt I had "justification" for being grumpy and out of sorts, the Lord drew my attention to the way I was affecting my precious daughters...they hesitated before they asked something of me. That was enough to convict me of my attitude and ultimately my wrong heart! Much later, after making amends with my sweet-spirited little girls, I was at the computer doing some work. I looked outside as it started to rain, and I saw the scattered colorful sidewalk chalk on the patio that we had forgotten to pick up last night.

As the rain softly pattered down on the cement, I watched the chalk writing wash away, and I noticed the muted colors of the chalk sticks turning brighter. That got me thinking about us, and our sin, and God. I realized that we are much like the chalk. We are muted in our color...dusty, even. The things we do in this life are pale reflections of what God's brilliant design for each of us is. The beautiful colors He created in us are all different and unique. When we write on the sidewalk of life, we make our mark. The effects of chalk, however, cannot be lasting. It fades with time, it gets scuffed over, and eventually, it vanishes. Our sin is like mistakes we make while chalk drawing. Chalk cannot erase itself, but God's cleansing Living Water washes over the mistakes and they disappear completely. Our colors are dull and faded until He washes away the dust, revealing the brilliant colors He designed us to be in the first place.

How comforted I was to be reminded in such a quiet, innocent way of God's design and forgiveness! I am so thankful to have a God that not only teaches me through the power of His Word, but that He takes the time to love me and teach me through every day things, when I listen to His Spirit! What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!