Summer is in full swing around here, which means the Mr. is around home more. I love this, but the side of my brain that thrives on a routine is kind of spinning out of control! I am determined to figure out a better "summer routine" that works for us and helps me to calm down a bit. I guess the part of me spinning out of control forgot to take many pics this week? Which for those who know me know how bizarre that is! I take pictures of everything, all the time. Except for this week?? So I apologize in advance for the lack of pics this Fab Friday post has to offer. You'll just have to hear me ramble more instead:) On to the fab!!!
1.) Summer. I feel like after many "psych out" moment with the weather-hot, cold, hot, cold, hot, cold-it's really, really here now. With Mr. around more, especially in the mornings, I know I'm getting spoiled. Most days start with a walk around our neighborhood and a really good talk, then we return home for Bible study together. He's even helped me out with laundry and cleaning up this week. I know I'm going to have a rude awakening come August but for now I'll just enjoy it!
2.) Grilling out. This week marked the first week of the season for using the grill! When we grill we typically like to make a ton of food, way more than we can eat in one meal, so that we can eat off the leftovers for days. It's also so much healthier that I feel good about doing leftovers for once!
3.) Encouragement. These two songs have been on repeat for me this week and served as big encouragements to me,
4.) You. This one wasn't just this week. But maybe I just realized it more this week? Who knows. Either ways I am so undeniably grateful for the people I've gotten the opportunity to meet through this little blog that I would've never met otherwise. Does anyone else find it amazing to connect and reach out and encourage other people that you would never get to if it wasn't for these blogs? I find it pretty wonderful. Working with youth and students I don't get the opportunity to fellowship and hang out with other women my age in this season of life as much as I'd like sometimes. So even though I've never met you, I really feel like I have these friends that just don't live near me. That probably sounded creepy. But really, I'm just glad to know you:)
Linking up with the lovely Laura, The Pink Mama, and Lauren Elizabeth.
Happy Weekend Friends!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
A heart for home
When the Mr. and I got married we had to skip the honeymoon. There were circumstances out of our control, like college graduation and jobs, that just made it impossible at the time. But after a very long engagement we agreed that it didn't matter, we just wanted to finally be married. After that long period of waiting and what seemed like an even longer period of wedding planning, the image of going home with my husband is what kept me sane some days. Because you see, long before I was ever married with a home of my own, I have been an avid lover of home. Really. I just find something so simplistically beautiful about creating a joyful atmosphere for my family to dwell and grow in.
So right after we were married we happily went to our new home to begin settling in. It was where Mr. had lived for quite a while, and the precious heart of my husband longed to make it our place, not simply the bachelor pad it had always been. So in the midst of finals and preparing for graduation AND a wedding he spent weeks cleaning and making as much room for me as possible. It was a tiny duplex with only room for the necessities. And I do mean necessities. Most of my belongings remained at my parents home in the bedroom I had grown up in. Even our wedding presents had to remain there, except for the few kitchen supplies I carefully chose and deemed absolutely necessary, which had to be stored in the linen closet on the only halfway free shelf. We were cramped to say the least. But I loved every minute-even the ones I almost cried through from frustration. I look back at those moments with such fondness and sweet memories.
We have since been blessed with a little more growing room in a very old house that we have come to love as well. The age of our home mirrors the age of our neighbors, most of whom are original owners. I was cautious moving in about what they would think of the new "young" couple. I remember moving day I told Mr. I wanted to go around and introduce myself and promise that we were God-fearing people who didn't smoke or drink, and weren't loud crazy party people. Promise. It didn't take long before we had a neighborhood full of grandpa's and grandma's who have adopted us and stop in often to say hello. Most day's simply going to get the mail become's an hour long event as someone is sure to yell out a front door and ask us to come in and hear about the "old days". We always comply and happily drink the coffee they serve and gaze at the black and white photos they scoot in front of us. There is something so special about this season of newlywed life living amongst "the pro's". For many reasons, but mainly because maybe I'm an old soul at heart, and they get me. They share my love for home. They get me, and I learn from them. It's a great arrangement.
So with all that said I got to thinking how I'd love to swap home tips and stories with you as well and learn from each other. I am so excited to announce my June Home Life Series! Each Thursday in June I will be going through the 4 most used rooms in our home and will be breaking them down for you. From my favorite products, favorite decorating tips, organization techniques, things that have worked and haven't worked, and even cleaning tips, we will be covering it all! You will also have the opportunity to link up with your own home tips, tricks, and loves so be sure to join up and grab a button down below! And don't forget to check back next Thursday, June 6 for the first installment!
Linking up with:
http://www.allthingswithpurpose.com/2013/05/all-things-thursday-link-up-no-25.html
http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/2013/05/homemaking-party.html
http://judithwholeheartedhome.com/deeper-and-deeper-i-go/
http://blog.jennimullinix.com/what-a-day-in-my-clean-enough-house-looks-like/
http://www.seven-alive.com/2013/05/link-it-up-thursday-72.html
So right after we were married we happily went to our new home to begin settling in. It was where Mr. had lived for quite a while, and the precious heart of my husband longed to make it our place, not simply the bachelor pad it had always been. So in the midst of finals and preparing for graduation AND a wedding he spent weeks cleaning and making as much room for me as possible. It was a tiny duplex with only room for the necessities. And I do mean necessities. Most of my belongings remained at my parents home in the bedroom I had grown up in. Even our wedding presents had to remain there, except for the few kitchen supplies I carefully chose and deemed absolutely necessary, which had to be stored in the linen closet on the only halfway free shelf. We were cramped to say the least. But I loved every minute-even the ones I almost cried through from frustration. I look back at those moments with such fondness and sweet memories.
We have since been blessed with a little more growing room in a very old house that we have come to love as well. The age of our home mirrors the age of our neighbors, most of whom are original owners. I was cautious moving in about what they would think of the new "young" couple. I remember moving day I told Mr. I wanted to go around and introduce myself and promise that we were God-fearing people who didn't smoke or drink, and weren't loud crazy party people. Promise. It didn't take long before we had a neighborhood full of grandpa's and grandma's who have adopted us and stop in often to say hello. Most day's simply going to get the mail become's an hour long event as someone is sure to yell out a front door and ask us to come in and hear about the "old days". We always comply and happily drink the coffee they serve and gaze at the black and white photos they scoot in front of us. There is something so special about this season of newlywed life living amongst "the pro's". For many reasons, but mainly because maybe I'm an old soul at heart, and they get me. They share my love for home. They get me, and I learn from them. It's a great arrangement.
So with all that said I got to thinking how I'd love to swap home tips and stories with you as well and learn from each other. I am so excited to announce my June Home Life Series! Each Thursday in June I will be going through the 4 most used rooms in our home and will be breaking them down for you. From my favorite products, favorite decorating tips, organization techniques, things that have worked and haven't worked, and even cleaning tips, we will be covering it all! You will also have the opportunity to link up with your own home tips, tricks, and loves so be sure to join up and grab a button down below! And don't forget to check back next Thursday, June 6 for the first installment!
Linking up with:
http://www.allthingswithpurpose.com/2013/05/all-things-thursday-link-up-no-25.html
http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/2013/05/homemaking-party.html
http://judithwholeheartedhome.com/deeper-and-deeper-i-go/
http://blog.jennimullinix.com/what-a-day-in-my-clean-enough-house-looks-like/
http://www.seven-alive.com/2013/05/link-it-up-thursday-72.html
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Strawberry Jam-Tasty Tuesday (on a Wednesday!)
With the storms last week and the blog hop yesterday I've missed 2 Tasty Tuesdays! I couldn't bear to do it again this week so how about a Tasty Tuesday a day late. A Tasty Wednesday?
A current goal of mine is to learn how to can fresh fruit and veggies. So a few weeks ago, when my sweet dad showed up on my front porch with flats of delicious strawberries I knew this was my first project! That evening I called in reinforcements (my mom) who came over for a strawberry party (because tacking the word "party" on the end of washing, prepping, and cooking 4 flats of strawberries combined made it sound more fun). My mom and I have such a special relationship, I wouldn't trade it for the world. She is one of my very best friends, and we can make just sitting in an empty room together a hillarious time somehow, it's just our personalities together I suppose, and I wouldn't have it any other way. So after a couple of hours in strawberries up to our elbows we started referencing the I Love Lucy candy factory episode with tears streaming down our faces. Such sweet memories. So some of the berries we simply chopped up and froze in freezer bags. But then...in a moment of possible strawberry-induced insanity I decided I neeeded to make jam. I've never made jam in my life. I had no idea how to make jam. Or how to can jam. All I knew was that I had hundreds of strawberries in front of me, and a need for jam. Thanks to google and the combined efforts of my mother and knowledge of canning from my mother in law (thanks for never thinking I'm crazy when I call at 10 pm with a random question of-hey I need to know how to can...right now)I did it.
I'm an official jam-stress.
Well...I made strawberry jam.
Let's get started!!
Beginning with prepping our jars...this is a whole lot less intimidating than you think-trust me! Bring a big pot of water to boiling and drop in (gently) your canning jars and lids
Leave them in the boiling water for 5 minutes. After that grab a good pair of tongs and carefully lift each jar and lid out. (This was the most difficult part for me, fishing for clear glass jars with a steam bath happening on your hands and face. I've heard of a way you can do this part in the oven that I plan on looking in to.) After you've gotten the jars and lids out place them face down on a clean, dry kitchen towel.
This is the important part- do not touch the inside of the jars or lids because that's how you get mold in them. So make sure they go straight from the boiling water with tongs to the towel until you are ready to use them.
Now let's get to jamming. (I've waited so long to say that. Still, I apologize.)
Wash 2 pounds of berries and hull them. I know there are a lot of cool techniques for that but I just used a strawberry hull-er. (No idea if that's the technical name though)
Then simply put the strawberries in a large bowl and grab basically anything sharp that will cut them up. I used a biscuit cutter.
This worked perfectly to give me a rough chop, but I wanted more of the juices as well, so I used my potato masher to finish the job.
Strawberry perfection. Try your best to practice self control and not just sit down with the bowl and a spoon.
Next add to the strawberries 4 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Stir this up and pour it into a heavy bottomed saucepan and turn it on low.
Boil the mixture stirring often until the temperature reaches 220 degrees F. Then pour in your sterilized jars, screw the lid on tightly, and turn the jar upside down for 10 minutes. This is the easiest way to can! (Also the only way I know as of yet. But still, super easy!) When you flip them upright after the 10 minutes make sure the lid is down, like when you buy a product in a jar at the groccery store and the jar hasn't been opened yet and the "button" on the lid is down. If it's not down yet, just flip it upside down again for a few more minutes until it does.
That's it! It's so delicious and actually pretty easy for my first jam experience! I also really like that you don't need pectin for this recipe. With all the great printables on the internet you can make these super cute to give away as well. I love unique homemade gifts like this! I also like homemade strawberry jam for breakfast!
Linking up:
http://www.growinghomeblog.com/2013/05/teach-me-tuesday-homemaking-link-up-96.html
http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/
http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/2013/05/t2t-linky-party-53.html
http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/2013/05/totally-tasty-tuesdays_27.html
http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/05/tasteful-tuesday-528-and-fathers-day.html?utm_source=bp_recent&utm-medium=gadget&utm_campaign=bp_recent
http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/
http://rachelwojo.com/dad-mad-lib/
http://gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/blog/2013/05/rru-kid-friendly-recipes.html
http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/2013/05/make-bake-create-party-9-peaches-foster.html
http://raisinghomemakers.com/2013/homemaking-link-up-124/
http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/05/wfmw-summer-backyard-funspiration/
http://www.lambertslately.com/2013/05/create-it-thursday-4-plus-features.html
A current goal of mine is to learn how to can fresh fruit and veggies. So a few weeks ago, when my sweet dad showed up on my front porch with flats of delicious strawberries I knew this was my first project! That evening I called in reinforcements (my mom) who came over for a strawberry party (because tacking the word "party" on the end of washing, prepping, and cooking 4 flats of strawberries combined made it sound more fun). My mom and I have such a special relationship, I wouldn't trade it for the world. She is one of my very best friends, and we can make just sitting in an empty room together a hillarious time somehow, it's just our personalities together I suppose, and I wouldn't have it any other way. So after a couple of hours in strawberries up to our elbows we started referencing the I Love Lucy candy factory episode with tears streaming down our faces. Such sweet memories. So some of the berries we simply chopped up and froze in freezer bags. But then...in a moment of possible strawberry-induced insanity I decided I neeeded to make jam. I've never made jam in my life. I had no idea how to make jam. Or how to can jam. All I knew was that I had hundreds of strawberries in front of me, and a need for jam. Thanks to google and the combined efforts of my mother and knowledge of canning from my mother in law (thanks for never thinking I'm crazy when I call at 10 pm with a random question of-hey I need to know how to can...right now)I did it.
I'm an official jam-stress.
Well...I made strawberry jam.
Let's get started!!
Beginning with prepping our jars...this is a whole lot less intimidating than you think-trust me! Bring a big pot of water to boiling and drop in (gently) your canning jars and lids
Leave them in the boiling water for 5 minutes. After that grab a good pair of tongs and carefully lift each jar and lid out. (This was the most difficult part for me, fishing for clear glass jars with a steam bath happening on your hands and face. I've heard of a way you can do this part in the oven that I plan on looking in to.) After you've gotten the jars and lids out place them face down on a clean, dry kitchen towel.
This is the important part- do not touch the inside of the jars or lids because that's how you get mold in them. So make sure they go straight from the boiling water with tongs to the towel until you are ready to use them.
Now let's get to jamming. (I've waited so long to say that. Still, I apologize.)
Wash 2 pounds of berries and hull them. I know there are a lot of cool techniques for that but I just used a strawberry hull-er. (No idea if that's the technical name though)
Then simply put the strawberries in a large bowl and grab basically anything sharp that will cut them up. I used a biscuit cutter.
This worked perfectly to give me a rough chop, but I wanted more of the juices as well, so I used my potato masher to finish the job.
Strawberry perfection. Try your best to practice self control and not just sit down with the bowl and a spoon.
Next add to the strawberries 4 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Stir this up and pour it into a heavy bottomed saucepan and turn it on low.
Boil the mixture stirring often until the temperature reaches 220 degrees F. Then pour in your sterilized jars, screw the lid on tightly, and turn the jar upside down for 10 minutes. This is the easiest way to can! (Also the only way I know as of yet. But still, super easy!) When you flip them upright after the 10 minutes make sure the lid is down, like when you buy a product in a jar at the groccery store and the jar hasn't been opened yet and the "button" on the lid is down. If it's not down yet, just flip it upside down again for a few more minutes until it does.
That's it! It's so delicious and actually pretty easy for my first jam experience! I also really like that you don't need pectin for this recipe. With all the great printables on the internet you can make these super cute to give away as well. I love unique homemade gifts like this! I also like homemade strawberry jam for breakfast!
Linking up:
http://www.growinghomeblog.com/2013/05/teach-me-tuesday-homemaking-link-up-96.html
http://time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/
http://cornerstoneconfessions.com/2013/05/t2t-linky-party-53.html
http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/2013/05/totally-tasty-tuesdays_27.html
http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/05/tasteful-tuesday-528-and-fathers-day.html?utm_source=bp_recent&utm-medium=gadget&utm_campaign=bp_recent
http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/
http://rachelwojo.com/dad-mad-lib/
http://gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/blog/2013/05/rru-kid-friendly-recipes.html
http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/2013/05/make-bake-create-party-9-peaches-foster.html
http://raisinghomemakers.com/2013/homemaking-link-up-124/
http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/05/wfmw-summer-backyard-funspiration/
http://www.lambertslately.com/2013/05/create-it-thursday-4-plus-features.html
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Tuesday Blog Hop!
I'm so excited to be co-hosting with Britiany's Blog Hop today! If you link up below and follow please be sure and comment to let me know and I will be sure to follow you back!
Welcome to the second week of Link Up Tuesday's Blog Hop! Be sure to come back and join us every Tuesday to link up your Blog, Bloglovin', Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Interested in co-hosting? Contact me at crazycraftiness [at] gmail [dot] [com]. For the time being co-host spots are free so be sure to take advantage of it!
This is a great way to find other blogs to follow and find exposure for yours.
Rules:
1. Follow your host and co-hosts
2. Grab the blog hop button and post on your sidebar or blog hop page to help promote this hop. The more people who join the better!
3. If you're new leave a comment and we will return the favor :)
4. Tweet, Facebook, Pin about this hop. The more people who know the more exposure your blog gets! <not required but would be nice :)
Meet your lovely co-hosts!
Stephanie @ New Mrs. Adventures
Courtney @ Marriage With a Baby Carriage
Krissy @ Hot Commodity Home
Welcome to the second week of Link Up Tuesday's Blog Hop! Be sure to come back and join us every Tuesday to link up your Blog, Bloglovin', Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Interested in co-hosting? Contact me at crazycraftiness [at] gmail [dot] [com]. For the time being co-host spots are free so be sure to take advantage of it!
This is a great way to find other blogs to follow and find exposure for yours.
Rules:
1. Follow your host and co-hosts
2. Grab the blog hop button and post on your sidebar or blog hop page to help promote this hop. The more people who join the better!
<div align="center"><a href="http://craftycrazinessandlife.blogspot.com" title="Crafty Craziness & Living the Hooah Life"><img src="http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z384/codyaldridge/tuesdaylinkupcopy2_zpscf89587a.jpg" alt="Crafty Craziness & Living the Hooah Life" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
3. If you're new leave a comment and we will return the favor :)
4. Tweet, Facebook, Pin about this hop. The more people who know the more exposure your blog gets! <not required but would be nice :)
Meet your lovely co-hosts!
Stephanie @ New Mrs. Adventures
Courtney @ Marriage With a Baby Carriage
Krissy @ Hot Commodity Home
Monday, May 27, 2013
What I'm really doing here
Announcing on your blog that you aren't very "computer savvy" (as my mom lovingly calls it) is probably similar to the looks I often get when I show up to a sporting event (except I don't show up often). Looks and stares flood my direction as people wonder-and most often ask-
what in the world are you doing here?
Sometimes I ask myself that question about being in this wonderful little blogging world.
what in the world are you doing here? you have no idea what you'e doing.
My computer knowledge is basic at best. I much prefer cutting with a pair of pink scissors than cropping and resizing on the computer. When I want something to look differently in real life when I'm creating something...well I just make it differently. Not so in this land. There are proportions and distortions to consider and more jargon than there are letters in the alphabet. (No proof of that yet but I'm willing to bet on it.) I have been raised around computers my entire life, but it's just not my area of expertise.
But you see, I feel led to be here. I feel a calling to minister to you-yes you. God placed a desire in my heart to help people. It's all I've ever really been sure of when asked the question what I wanted to be when I grow up. When I graduated from high school and all of my loving and well-intentioned friends and fellow church members asked me what I wanted to do next I would often smile brightly and say, well I really just want to help people! They always had a blank stare as they waited for me to explain what that would look like in my life. The explanation never came though.
But in bits and pieces it did actually. In my early college years when my naive heart wanted to run from the youth group that I had been raised in the past 6 years (I was too old and cool you know), God told me to stay and help raise up the next generation. So I did. A few years later He told me to visit high schools and mentor troubled teenage girls. So I did. Somehow I thought the desire to help other people would come with a clear road map of what that would mean. I never got that map. I was never good with directions or a gps either. But looking back, He has still led me to some really amazing places with no warning or planning at all. He simply doesn't need my planning.
But I do. But I would like it sometimes.
So when He called me to start this blog I thought it would simply be for me at first. It would be for me to write out our story in the way of just simple days and moments. But that wasn't what He was calling me to do with this at all. He was calling me to encourage other women like me, or completely different from me. He was calling me to point to Him in all that I do and to use my voice to share His love and the way He changed me and saved me not only from an eternity without Him but from myself as well. To share the desire He has given me for leading Godly lives and Godly marriages and families and how difficult that really is to live out day by day. How we really need each other's support, encouragement, prayers, and ideas if we're ever going to really do this thing called Godly living. So I come here to this little page and I try to do just that. No matter how inadequate I feel. Or how many times I stay up until 3 am trying to figure out how to do something on this thing that takes most people minutes. Or how many days I feel as if I'm talking to an empty room. I'm here because God has called me to be. No planning or prerequesite required.
For the One who calls me is faithful, and HE will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Linking up with these lovelies
http://aproverbs31wife.com/matrimonial-monday-37/
http://www.coveredingrace.com/
http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/
http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/05/mommy-monday-week-7.html
http://www.happywivesclub.com/the-one-thing-every-couple-must-know/
http://joleneengle.com/5-steps-to-an-awesome-marriage/
what in the world are you doing here?
Sometimes I ask myself that question about being in this wonderful little blogging world.
what in the world are you doing here? you have no idea what you'e doing.
My computer knowledge is basic at best. I much prefer cutting with a pair of pink scissors than cropping and resizing on the computer. When I want something to look differently in real life when I'm creating something...well I just make it differently. Not so in this land. There are proportions and distortions to consider and more jargon than there are letters in the alphabet. (No proof of that yet but I'm willing to bet on it.) I have been raised around computers my entire life, but it's just not my area of expertise.
But you see, I feel led to be here. I feel a calling to minister to you-yes you. God placed a desire in my heart to help people. It's all I've ever really been sure of when asked the question what I wanted to be when I grow up. When I graduated from high school and all of my loving and well-intentioned friends and fellow church members asked me what I wanted to do next I would often smile brightly and say, well I really just want to help people! They always had a blank stare as they waited for me to explain what that would look like in my life. The explanation never came though.
But in bits and pieces it did actually. In my early college years when my naive heart wanted to run from the youth group that I had been raised in the past 6 years (I was too old and cool you know), God told me to stay and help raise up the next generation. So I did. A few years later He told me to visit high schools and mentor troubled teenage girls. So I did. Somehow I thought the desire to help other people would come with a clear road map of what that would mean. I never got that map. I was never good with directions or a gps either. But looking back, He has still led me to some really amazing places with no warning or planning at all. He simply doesn't need my planning.
So when He called me to start this blog I thought it would simply be for me at first. It would be for me to write out our story in the way of just simple days and moments. But that wasn't what He was calling me to do with this at all. He was calling me to encourage other women like me, or completely different from me. He was calling me to point to Him in all that I do and to use my voice to share His love and the way He changed me and saved me not only from an eternity without Him but from myself as well. To share the desire He has given me for leading Godly lives and Godly marriages and families and how difficult that really is to live out day by day. How we really need each other's support, encouragement, prayers, and ideas if we're ever going to really do this thing called Godly living. So I come here to this little page and I try to do just that. No matter how inadequate I feel. Or how many times I stay up until 3 am trying to figure out how to do something on this thing that takes most people minutes. Or how many days I feel as if I'm talking to an empty room. I'm here because God has called me to be. No planning or prerequesite required.
For the One who calls me is faithful, and HE will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Linking up with these lovelies
http://aproverbs31wife.com/matrimonial-monday-37/
http://www.coveredingrace.com/
http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/
http://bestlifemistake.blogspot.com/2013/05/mommy-monday-week-7.html
http://www.happywivesclub.com/the-one-thing-every-couple-must-know/
http://joleneengle.com/5-steps-to-an-awesome-marriage/
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
New Look!
Hey guys! The blog was in need of a much needed splash of color so I changed some things up! Notice to the right are still the social media buttons so be sure and add me on your facebook, twitter, and bloglovin! Also, I've recently added a pinterest page specifically for this blog where all of my recipes will be directly added there for easy use. Something else I've begun to and plan to continue to add on that page are my favorite blog tutorials. As a new blogger I cannot tell you how much I've relied on and appreciate all of you who actually know what you're doing and are nice enough to share your knowledge with the rest of us. Seriously-thank you. I wanted to bring some much deserved attention to their sites and help out any other reader's who are in the same boat I'm in trying to figure out this whole thing and who get lost easily!! I will also add my favorite free fonts and printables and other things that inspire me the most and that I think you will love as well. I hope you'll follow me over there and enjoy it!
Have a great long weekend friends!!!
Have a great long weekend friends!!!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Fab Friday 4
Let's be real...I'm kind of glad this week is over. Don't get me wrong, when bad situations arise you can either see them as the bad they appear to be, or as opportunities to see God move and work. I saw God move and work in amazing ways this week. I was stretched. I was far, far out of my comfort zone (like different country without a translator kind of far). So even though I am incredibly physically and emotionally drained at the end of this week, I am humbly grateful for it. So very, very grateful.
And you know what else? When I thought of writing this post my first thought was, it was such a hard week-I woke up with swollen eyes from tear filled night after night-what in the world could I use to say this week was fabulous? But once I sat down and looked through the pics I had snapped on my phone throughout the week I realized through the pain was some pretty great beauty.
1.) First baby green tomato of the season!! One of my favorite moments of vegetable gardening, the very first fruits of your work!
2.) Amazing bubbly foot soak + a bowl of cookie dough + best friend + Gilmore Girls=one of my favorite girl's night in.
3.) Calm after the storm.
4.) Watching people come together after tragedy never fails to move me to tears. I have seen it time after time after time this week and every single time I lose it completely. It's seeing the love of God in action, in human flesh and blood. It's what makes a tragedy beautiful.
And you know what else? When I thought of writing this post my first thought was, it was such a hard week-I woke up with swollen eyes from tear filled night after night-what in the world could I use to say this week was fabulous? But once I sat down and looked through the pics I had snapped on my phone throughout the week I realized through the pain was some pretty great beauty.
1.) First baby green tomato of the season!! One of my favorite moments of vegetable gardening, the very first fruits of your work!
2.) Amazing bubbly foot soak + a bowl of cookie dough + best friend + Gilmore Girls=one of my favorite girl's night in.
3.) Calm after the storm.
4.) Watching people come together after tragedy never fails to move me to tears. I have seen it time after time after time this week and every single time I lose it completely. It's seeing the love of God in action, in human flesh and blood. It's what makes a tragedy beautiful.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Heart of an Okie
Every week I take Tuesday to post a favorite recipe and I love that about Tuesdays. But today, I simply can't bring myself to it.
I have lived in this state of Oklahoma my entire life. No other place has ever been home to me. To say my heart is broken is an understatement. As for my family and I, we are safe, and undeniably grateful and humbled beyond words for the divine safety and protection that God had on us today.
Sadly, my friends and loved ones are living in a nightmare right now. It didn't take minutes for our phone's to start ringing off the hook, either friends checking on us, or hysterically begging us for prayers because they were not ok. It has kept me on my knees all day
A mother of adopted twin little boys, who had been abused in their early years before their new home, whose school was taking a direct hit. As she wept and could hardly breathe we got out the few words we could...she was trying to get to them...they were letting nobody near the schools. Her words cut me in two and stuck with me all night-they're terrified of storms...they've just learned to trust me and find comfort in me...what if they're looking for me. Not long after, dear friends who were married just a little before we were let us know they were ok, but they had just lost everything. My own dad who had arrived in the area to help minister to those who were in need-physically, emotionally, and spiritually- had just arrived in time to take quick cover in a basement of a local college.
By now the storm is over. But really, it isn't. As evening fell upon us the sky turned bright orange as the sky was filled with debris. I just stood in it and wept. Lord, have mercy. As I write this 51 have been killed, with many still missing. My heart aches as I imagine the parents who cannot even find their children tonight. I mean, really, what do you do?
Pray.
It's amazing to me right now how in the midst of utter chaos, and devastation, and loss and sheer panic...He is.
He is the calmer of the storm. Still today.
He is the meeter of our needs. Still today.
He is our refuge in the storm. Still today.
He is our light in the darkness. Still today.
He is mighty to save. Still today.
He is in control. Still today.
He is faithful. Still today.
He is our healer. Still today.
He is our stronghold. Still today.
All of a sudden the scripture that I had set aside to memorize this week hits my heart in a deeper way...
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. -Hebrews 10:23
We covet your prayers. Thank you friends.
I have lived in this state of Oklahoma my entire life. No other place has ever been home to me. To say my heart is broken is an understatement. As for my family and I, we are safe, and undeniably grateful and humbled beyond words for the divine safety and protection that God had on us today.
Sadly, my friends and loved ones are living in a nightmare right now. It didn't take minutes for our phone's to start ringing off the hook, either friends checking on us, or hysterically begging us for prayers because they were not ok. It has kept me on my knees all day
A mother of adopted twin little boys, who had been abused in their early years before their new home, whose school was taking a direct hit. As she wept and could hardly breathe we got out the few words we could...she was trying to get to them...they were letting nobody near the schools. Her words cut me in two and stuck with me all night-they're terrified of storms...they've just learned to trust me and find comfort in me...what if they're looking for me. Not long after, dear friends who were married just a little before we were let us know they were ok, but they had just lost everything. My own dad who had arrived in the area to help minister to those who were in need-physically, emotionally, and spiritually- had just arrived in time to take quick cover in a basement of a local college.
By now the storm is over. But really, it isn't. As evening fell upon us the sky turned bright orange as the sky was filled with debris. I just stood in it and wept. Lord, have mercy. As I write this 51 have been killed, with many still missing. My heart aches as I imagine the parents who cannot even find their children tonight. I mean, really, what do you do?
Pray.
It's amazing to me right now how in the midst of utter chaos, and devastation, and loss and sheer panic...He is.
He is the calmer of the storm. Still today.
He is the meeter of our needs. Still today.
He is our refuge in the storm. Still today.
He is our light in the darkness. Still today.
He is mighty to save. Still today.
He is in control. Still today.
He is faithful. Still today.
He is our healer. Still today.
He is our stronghold. Still today.
All of a sudden the scripture that I had set aside to memorize this week hits my heart in a deeper way...
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. -Hebrews 10:23
We covet your prayers. Thank you friends.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Hello Monday
Hello piles of laundry ready to be conquered.
Hello slow mornings of a good run and Bible study with the hubby. Summer, I love you.
Hello fears. Ready or not-I'm facing you.
Hello garden "round 2" waiting to be planted. I'm dreaming of peppers and squash and cucumbers, and even a few pumpkins for Fall.
Hello dinners on the patio with twinkly lights above.
Hello Netflix-I like you and all, but we need some time apart. It's not you, it's me.
Hello stormy weather. I don't like you too much, but I'm choosing to be grateful for the rain you provide.
Hello getting organized, it's about time.
Hello extra coffee, it's about to get busy this week.
Hello sweet boy who is a few steps closer to home. Read the story and find out how you can help here http://thelarsonlingo.blogspot.com/2013/05/this-i-know.html
Linking up with: http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/family/hello-monday-back-from-st-louis
Hello slow mornings of a good run and Bible study with the hubby. Summer, I love you.
Hello fears. Ready or not-I'm facing you.
Hello garden "round 2" waiting to be planted. I'm dreaming of peppers and squash and cucumbers, and even a few pumpkins for Fall.
Hello dinners on the patio with twinkly lights above.
Hello Netflix-I like you and all, but we need some time apart. It's not you, it's me.
Hello stormy weather. I don't like you too much, but I'm choosing to be grateful for the rain you provide.
Hello getting organized, it's about time.
Hello extra coffee, it's about to get busy this week.
Hello sweet boy who is a few steps closer to home. Read the story and find out how you can help here http://thelarsonlingo.blogspot.com/2013/05/this-i-know.html
Linking up with: http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/family/hello-monday-back-from-st-louis
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
10 on 10- May
The 10th of May turned out to be a simple day at home, catching up on things around the house and enjoying the beauty of this season.
The first and best part of my day.
Breakfast
Lingering morning in pjs
New art for the chalkboard
Laundry. Typical.
Pasta salad for lunch
Gorgeous Spring day required a walk. It was a must.
Strawberry season=prepping, freezing, and making jam. May the delicious-ness last all year.
Chicken salad's and croissants for dinner
Evening check on the garden.
The first and best part of my day.
Breakfast
Lingering morning in pjs
New art for the chalkboard
Laundry. Typical.
Pasta salad for lunch
Gorgeous Spring day required a walk. It was a must.
Strawberry season=prepping, freezing, and making jam. May the delicious-ness last all year.
Chicken salad's and croissants for dinner
Evening check on the garden.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Zucchini Sticks-Tasty Tuesday 4
One of my very favorite things about this time of year is all the fresh fruits and veggies. I've even started a little raised bed full of vegetables in our backyard this year that I'm semi-obsessed about. (Got any tips or tricks? PLEASE share!!!!) I daydream about just stepping out my back door and "picking" our dinner. But until then, there's an adorable little produce stand about 20 minutes away from us in the next town over and I tend to make it a weekly shopping trip. Last week was my first produce stand visit of the season and it practically made my week, but I did admittedly go a little overboard with my purchase. No worries though because that just meant I got to make one of our favorite, favorite side dishes twice last week. And today I'm so excited to share it with you all. It's super easy, super healthy and super delicious. What else could a girl want? (Except to pick it from her own backyard of course...)
Zucchini Sticks
Printable Recipe
Zucchini (The amount will just vary depending on how many you're feeding. For just my husband and I, 2-3 is perfect)
2-3 egg whites, beaten
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Garlic salt to flavor
(All of these amounts will just depend on how much you plan on making. Typically I personally just skip the measuring and eyeball it on this one.)
Preheat oven to 425. Place egg whites in shallow dish and beat with fork until a little frothy. Then in a large ziploc bag combine the dry ingredients and shake well to mix. Get your zuchchini's and chop off both ends, then in half, then cut into wedge-looking "sticks". Line these 3 dishes up to make yourself an assembly line!
Now simply dredge the sticks in the egg whites first, then drop them in the bag 2-3 at a time and shake well to coat!! Place them on a greased cookie sheet and drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil.
Just pop them the oven for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Now...you can definitely stop there...and be completely satisfied. However, if you want to go extra crazy with these, I suggest a dipping sauce. Our favorites are a little Ranch dressing, or homemade tartar sauce. Which couldn't be easier to make, but just in case you've never made it before...stay with me.
I usually use light mayo to keep this dish on the healthy side, I just didn't have any on this particular day. But by all means, if you want to-try it! As for the measurements? I really just do it to taste. Just add a little of each and taste and adjust until you get the perfect flavor.
And now I give you...
These really are insanely delicious, the breading gives a nice slight bite to the outside, with perfectly cooked zucchini on the inside. Also, a few days later we made them again with both zucchini and yellow squash with the exact same ingredients and methods except we sliced them instead of cutting them into wedges and called them squash chips. Whatever you call them, or however you chop them, just try them.
Printable version found here!
Linking up with these lovelies:
http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/2013/05/tempt-my-tummy-swiss-steak/
http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/2013/05/totally-tasty-tuesdays_13.html#more
http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/05/tasteful-tuesday-link-party-513.html
http://www.growinghomeblog.com/2013/05/grain-mill-giveaway-and-homemaking-link.html
http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/2013/05/titus-2sday-link-up-party.html
http://www.chef-in-training.com/2013/05/tuesday-talent-show-84/
http://www.gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/
http://raisinghomemakers.com/
Zucchini Sticks
Printable Recipe
Zucchini (The amount will just vary depending on how many you're feeding. For just my husband and I, 2-3 is perfect)
2-3 egg whites, beaten
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Garlic salt to flavor
(All of these amounts will just depend on how much you plan on making. Typically I personally just skip the measuring and eyeball it on this one.)
Preheat oven to 425. Place egg whites in shallow dish and beat with fork until a little frothy. Then in a large ziploc bag combine the dry ingredients and shake well to mix. Get your zuchchini's and chop off both ends, then in half, then cut into wedge-looking "sticks". Line these 3 dishes up to make yourself an assembly line!
Now simply dredge the sticks in the egg whites first, then drop them in the bag 2-3 at a time and shake well to coat!! Place them on a greased cookie sheet and drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil.
Just pop them the oven for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Now...you can definitely stop there...and be completely satisfied. However, if you want to go extra crazy with these, I suggest a dipping sauce. Our favorites are a little Ranch dressing, or homemade tartar sauce. Which couldn't be easier to make, but just in case you've never made it before...stay with me.
I usually use light mayo to keep this dish on the healthy side, I just didn't have any on this particular day. But by all means, if you want to-try it! As for the measurements? I really just do it to taste. Just add a little of each and taste and adjust until you get the perfect flavor.
And now I give you...
These really are insanely delicious, the breading gives a nice slight bite to the outside, with perfectly cooked zucchini on the inside. Also, a few days later we made them again with both zucchini and yellow squash with the exact same ingredients and methods except we sliced them instead of cutting them into wedges and called them squash chips. Whatever you call them, or however you chop them, just try them.
Printable version found here!
Linking up with these lovelies:
http://www.blessedwithgrace.net/2013/05/tempt-my-tummy-swiss-steak/
http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/2013/05/totally-tasty-tuesdays_13.html#more
http://www.nap-timecreations.com/2013/05/tasteful-tuesday-link-party-513.html
http://www.growinghomeblog.com/2013/05/grain-mill-giveaway-and-homemaking-link.html
http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/2013/05/titus-2sday-link-up-party.html
http://www.chef-in-training.com/2013/05/tuesday-talent-show-84/
http://www.gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/
http://raisinghomemakers.com/
Monday, May 13, 2013
Blue Tassel Project
Last week I was talking about how God had spoken to me throughMiriam in Numbers on the importance of living intentionally and the dangers that lie before us-and our families-when we don't. I haven't been able to shake that, probably because I'm not supposed to. Still, the day would get hectic as they tend to always do and I felt like I was losing focus. I needed something tangible, something visible, to remind me of what was important, and what was not. To remind me to live out the hours in my day with intention, even when things don't go like I planned. To remind myself of my calling and my purpose, instead of getting caught up in the "me" game.
Fast forward to the next day or so when I came across Numbers 15. As soon as I read these verses, I knew what I had to do.
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’”
-Numbers 15:37-41
a blue cord on each tassel
That was it. I didn't have a tassel to put a blue cord on. But I did have blue yarn to make a tassel out of! So I made a tassel to tie on my key chain to remind me that living my life with Godly purpose meant beginning by living my day with Godly intention.
Before I go further let me stop and say...I don't see this object, this blue tassel, as something with power in itself. I'm not going anywhere near that. It is simply a reminder of HIS power that I need help remembering in the moment to moment of my day. Because when things are going terribly wrong, I know who He is as I hit my knees in prayer and flood my rug with tears.
When things are going wonderful, I know who He is when I realize I simply cannot thank Him enough.
But what about all the moment's in between? Am I still recognizing Him as Lord of all and living my life accordingly?
I don't want to just believe that, I want to live that with every fiber of my being, every second of my day.
So here's where you come in...I'd love to make a blue tassel for you as well. I think it's something we all struggle with as life get's busy, and if it helps me to have a visible reminder, maybe it will for you as well. It's just a small, simple thing that maybe you can just drop in your purse, or tie onto a handle on a cabinet in the kitchen or onto your keys. Whatever works for you. For all who would like to paricipate, I will also be committing to pray for you daily for the next 40 days. If there's anything specific that you would like to share, feel free to email me, but either way I promise to lift you and your life up in prayer daily.
Now for the logistics-there really are none? Everything will be free, no costs for you at all. No strings attatched either. You don't have to follow this site, or anything like that. (Of course if you'd like to, I'd love to have you!) But that's simply not what this is about. This is just about being more intentional about living out our day to day, hour to hour, lives for the glory of God. Because couldn't we all use some more of that?
If you'd like to participate, just leave a comment with your email address and I will be in contact with you shortly.
Linking up:
http://raisinghomemakers.com/
Fast forward to the next day or so when I came across Numbers 15. As soon as I read these verses, I knew what I had to do.
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’”
-Numbers 15:37-41
a blue cord on each tassel
That was it. I didn't have a tassel to put a blue cord on. But I did have blue yarn to make a tassel out of! So I made a tassel to tie on my key chain to remind me that living my life with Godly purpose meant beginning by living my day with Godly intention.
Before I go further let me stop and say...I don't see this object, this blue tassel, as something with power in itself. I'm not going anywhere near that. It is simply a reminder of HIS power that I need help remembering in the moment to moment of my day. Because when things are going terribly wrong, I know who He is as I hit my knees in prayer and flood my rug with tears.
When things are going wonderful, I know who He is when I realize I simply cannot thank Him enough.
But what about all the moment's in between? Am I still recognizing Him as Lord of all and living my life accordingly?
I don't want to just believe that, I want to live that with every fiber of my being, every second of my day.
So here's where you come in...I'd love to make a blue tassel for you as well. I think it's something we all struggle with as life get's busy, and if it helps me to have a visible reminder, maybe it will for you as well. It's just a small, simple thing that maybe you can just drop in your purse, or tie onto a handle on a cabinet in the kitchen or onto your keys. Whatever works for you. For all who would like to paricipate, I will also be committing to pray for you daily for the next 40 days. If there's anything specific that you would like to share, feel free to email me, but either way I promise to lift you and your life up in prayer daily.
Now for the logistics-there really are none? Everything will be free, no costs for you at all. No strings attatched either. You don't have to follow this site, or anything like that. (Of course if you'd like to, I'd love to have you!) But that's simply not what this is about. This is just about being more intentional about living out our day to day, hour to hour, lives for the glory of God. Because couldn't we all use some more of that?
If you'd like to participate, just leave a comment with your email address and I will be in contact with you shortly.
Linking up:
http://raisinghomemakers.com/
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Blue Tassel Project
Yesterday I mentioned a project that God had laid on my heart and that I would be announcing on Monday...well I was always the kid who snuck illegal peeks at Christmas presents early too. So today I come with exciting news!
Last week I was talking about how God had spoken to me throughMiriam in Numbers on the importance of living intentionally and the dangers that lie before us-and our families-when we don't. I haven't been able to shake that, probably because I'm not supposed to. Still, the day would get hectic as they tend to always do and I felt like I was losing focus. I needed something tangible, something visible, to remind me of what was important, and what was not. To remind me to live out the hours in my day with intention, even when things don't go like I planned. To remind myself of my calling and my purpose, instead of getting caught up in the "me" game.
Fast forward to the next day or so when I came across Numbers 15. As soon as I read these verses, I knew what I had to do.
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’”
-Numbers 15:37-41
a blue cord on each tassel
That was it. I didn't have a tassel to put a blue cord on. But I did have blue yarn to make a tassel out of! So I made a tassel to tie on my key chain to remind me that living my life with Godly purpose meant beginning by living my day with Godly intention.
Before I go further let me stop and say...I don't see this object, this blue tassel, as something with power in itself. I'm not going anywhere near that. It is simply a reminder of HIS power that I need help remembering in the moment to moment of my day. Because when things are going terribly wrong, I know who He is as I hit my knees in prayer and flood my rug with tears.
When things are going wonderful, I know who He is when I realize I simply cannot thank Him enough.
But what about all the moment's in between? Am I still recognizing Him as Lord of all and living my life accordingly?
I don't want to just believe that, I want to live that with every fiber of my being, every second of my day.
So here's where you come in...I'd love to make a blue tassel for you as well. I think it's something we all struggle with as life get's busy, and if it helps me to have a visible reminder, maybe it will for you as well. It's just a small, simple thing that maybe you can just drop in your purse, or tie onto a handle on a cabinet in the kitchen or onto your keys. Whatever works for you. For all who would like to paricipate, I will also be committing to pray for you daily for the next 40 days. If there's anything specific that you would like to share, feel free to email me, but either way I promise to lift you and your life up in prayer daily.
Now for the logistics-there really are none? Everything will be free, no costs for you at all. No strings attatched either. You don't have to follow this site, or anything like that. (Of course if you'd like to, I'd love to have you!) But that's simply not what this is about. This is just about being more intentional about living out our day to day, hour to hour, lives for the glory of God. Because couldn't we all use some more of that?
So for the next week, if you'd like to participate, just leave a comment with your email address and I will be in contact with you shortly.
Last week I was talking about how God had spoken to me throughMiriam in Numbers on the importance of living intentionally and the dangers that lie before us-and our families-when we don't. I haven't been able to shake that, probably because I'm not supposed to. Still, the day would get hectic as they tend to always do and I felt like I was losing focus. I needed something tangible, something visible, to remind me of what was important, and what was not. To remind me to live out the hours in my day with intention, even when things don't go like I planned. To remind myself of my calling and my purpose, instead of getting caught up in the "me" game.
Fast forward to the next day or so when I came across Numbers 15. As soon as I read these verses, I knew what I had to do.
The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’”
-Numbers 15:37-41
a blue cord on each tassel
That was it. I didn't have a tassel to put a blue cord on. But I did have blue yarn to make a tassel out of! So I made a tassel to tie on my key chain to remind me that living my life with Godly purpose meant beginning by living my day with Godly intention.
Before I go further let me stop and say...I don't see this object, this blue tassel, as something with power in itself. I'm not going anywhere near that. It is simply a reminder of HIS power that I need help remembering in the moment to moment of my day. Because when things are going terribly wrong, I know who He is as I hit my knees in prayer and flood my rug with tears.
When things are going wonderful, I know who He is when I realize I simply cannot thank Him enough.
But what about all the moment's in between? Am I still recognizing Him as Lord of all and living my life accordingly?
I don't want to just believe that, I want to live that with every fiber of my being, every second of my day.
So here's where you come in...I'd love to make a blue tassel for you as well. I think it's something we all struggle with as life get's busy, and if it helps me to have a visible reminder, maybe it will for you as well. It's just a small, simple thing that maybe you can just drop in your purse, or tie onto a handle on a cabinet in the kitchen or onto your keys. Whatever works for you. For all who would like to paricipate, I will also be committing to pray for you daily for the next 40 days. If there's anything specific that you would like to share, feel free to email me, but either way I promise to lift you and your life up in prayer daily.
Now for the logistics-there really are none? Everything will be free, no costs for you at all. No strings attatched either. You don't have to follow this site, or anything like that. (Of course if you'd like to, I'd love to have you!) But that's simply not what this is about. This is just about being more intentional about living out our day to day, hour to hour, lives for the glory of God. Because couldn't we all use some more of that?
So for the next week, if you'd like to participate, just leave a comment with your email address and I will be in contact with you shortly.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Fab Friday 3
Happy Friday all!!! I have a really big announcement coming on Monday morning! It's something that God has laid on my heart and I'm so excited to share it with you all. Also, on the right side of the page you'll see you can now follow me on facebook and twitter for more fun! Now onto the fabulous that was this week....
1.) The quiet, stillness of the morning after the Mr. goes to work where it's just me and God and what He's showing me and doing in me.
2.) Heart shaped rocks on a perfect evening walk.
3.) Snacks on the go that remind me that summertime is just around the corner.
4.) White cheddar popcorn on sale for $1. I obviously didn't even make it out of the parking lot without digging in. I could live on this stuff.
I'm just now realizing there seemed to be a food trend happening with the fabulous-ness of this week...
One more fabulous thing from this week-it's shameful how many times I've watched and re-watched this clip this week.
Warning: only watch this commercial if you're in a place where you can laugh louder than appropriate.
Thank you Sonic guys, for always being so stinking hilarious.
1.) The quiet, stillness of the morning after the Mr. goes to work where it's just me and God and what He's showing me and doing in me.
2.) Heart shaped rocks on a perfect evening walk.
3.) Snacks on the go that remind me that summertime is just around the corner.
4.) White cheddar popcorn on sale for $1. I obviously didn't even make it out of the parking lot without digging in. I could live on this stuff.
I'm just now realizing there seemed to be a food trend happening with the fabulous-ness of this week...
One more fabulous thing from this week-it's shameful how many times I've watched and re-watched this clip this week.
Warning: only watch this commercial if you're in a place where you can laugh louder than appropriate.
Thank you Sonic guys, for always being so stinking hilarious.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Before I become a "Miriam"
Hey all!! I start today with a request of my own-God has laid a special project on my heart recently that I am wanting to see played out in this little blog! I'm still prayerfully figuring out the details and logistics but am very excited to see what God does with this! So if you would say a prayer for that endeavor I would greatly appreciate it! Hopefully early next week I will be able to share some more specific details on how you can get involved!
Now on to the real importance...as a wife I am called to be my husband's help mate. With that new role in my life has come a new urgency and greater call for purity in my life, because without that I am doing my husband a disservice. I'm not being the help mate I could be and not living up to my calling in our marriage. The only way that will I will ever prevent that and continue on to be what God has called me to be in our marriage that we seek to be a God-honoring union will be my prayerful and purposeful intentional living. We will never do it haphazardly or by coincidence, and we will certainly never do it without the power of God in our lives. So I surrender daily. I seek Him daily.
One of many examples of what happens when we don't surrender and seek Him to transform us daily? Check out Numbers 12:1-15 when Miriam (who's name means rebellion), the sister of Moses and Aaron, starts to seek herself instead of her Creator. While reading the story I felt irked at Miriam. Her brother is Moses for crying out loud, the most humble man than anyone else on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3), who sees the Lord like nobody else. Miriam should be happy to even be blood-related to this man! But instead she stirs up an argument because she doesn't agree with who he's married to and because the Lord speaks through Moses instead of her. Anybody else thinking-get over yourself Miriam...who do you think you are to say how the Lord chooses to speak. But then my heart started softening. We've all had our "Miriam" moments right?
We've all been there, we all have moment's of "shifty eye syndrome", when we stop seeking God, when we stop seeing what's crucial to our purpose on this Earth, and we all of a sudden shift our view to the non-important, the "fluff". But isn't that how Satan is gaining victory in our lives and our marriages? These times that our eyes shift away from Him may not seem huge, maybe we're still aiming for things that aren't bad. We're not going after an inappropriate relationship, we're just not seeking Him as much we should. We're not hurting anyone, we're just not living as God-honoring as we should. We're not getting sucked into a life of addiction, we're just not maintaining a life of complete purity. But little victory by little victory, Satan is pulling the wool over our eyes by convincing us that these things aren't "big deals". He's winning. And we're letting him.
At the end of the story of Miriam she turns "leprous like snow" (Numbers 12:10). This may seem like something that affected only her, but it didn't. Because of her unclean state she was confined outside the camp for seven days. What's the big deal about that? Because of her impurity, the entire camp that was traveling from Sinai to Kadesh Barnea was stuck. Her sin, that appeared "little" at first, held up everybody until she was considered clean again. All of a sudden I saw myself in Miriam. The areas of imperfections, sins, issues in my life didn't seem so little anymore. They had the potential to hinder my entire family-I had the potential to hinder my family.
If there's ever been a time to seek God with every fiber of my being, it's now.
If there's ever been a time to put aside the sin that so easily entangles (Hebrews 12:1), it's now.
If there's ever been a time to live every day of my life with intention and purpose all the while humbling asking God to further my feeble efforts, it's now.
Before I become a Miriam and prevent not only myself, but my family from being who God has called us to be.
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Now on to the real importance...as a wife I am called to be my husband's help mate. With that new role in my life has come a new urgency and greater call for purity in my life, because without that I am doing my husband a disservice. I'm not being the help mate I could be and not living up to my calling in our marriage. The only way that will I will ever prevent that and continue on to be what God has called me to be in our marriage that we seek to be a God-honoring union will be my prayerful and purposeful intentional living. We will never do it haphazardly or by coincidence, and we will certainly never do it without the power of God in our lives. So I surrender daily. I seek Him daily.
One of many examples of what happens when we don't surrender and seek Him to transform us daily? Check out Numbers 12:1-15 when Miriam (who's name means rebellion), the sister of Moses and Aaron, starts to seek herself instead of her Creator. While reading the story I felt irked at Miriam. Her brother is Moses for crying out loud, the most humble man than anyone else on the face of the earth (Numbers 12:3), who sees the Lord like nobody else. Miriam should be happy to even be blood-related to this man! But instead she stirs up an argument because she doesn't agree with who he's married to and because the Lord speaks through Moses instead of her. Anybody else thinking-get over yourself Miriam...who do you think you are to say how the Lord chooses to speak. But then my heart started softening. We've all had our "Miriam" moments right?
We've all been there, we all have moment's of "shifty eye syndrome", when we stop seeking God, when we stop seeing what's crucial to our purpose on this Earth, and we all of a sudden shift our view to the non-important, the "fluff". But isn't that how Satan is gaining victory in our lives and our marriages? These times that our eyes shift away from Him may not seem huge, maybe we're still aiming for things that aren't bad. We're not going after an inappropriate relationship, we're just not seeking Him as much we should. We're not hurting anyone, we're just not living as God-honoring as we should. We're not getting sucked into a life of addiction, we're just not maintaining a life of complete purity. But little victory by little victory, Satan is pulling the wool over our eyes by convincing us that these things aren't "big deals". He's winning. And we're letting him.
At the end of the story of Miriam she turns "leprous like snow" (Numbers 12:10). This may seem like something that affected only her, but it didn't. Because of her unclean state she was confined outside the camp for seven days. What's the big deal about that? Because of her impurity, the entire camp that was traveling from Sinai to Kadesh Barnea was stuck. Her sin, that appeared "little" at first, held up everybody until she was considered clean again. All of a sudden I saw myself in Miriam. The areas of imperfections, sins, issues in my life didn't seem so little anymore. They had the potential to hinder my entire family-I had the potential to hinder my family.
If there's ever been a time to seek God with every fiber of my being, it's now.
If there's ever been a time to put aside the sin that so easily entangles (Hebrews 12:1), it's now.
If there's ever been a time to live every day of my life with intention and purpose all the while humbling asking God to further my feeble efforts, it's now.
Before I become a Miriam and prevent not only myself, but my family from being who God has called us to be.
Linking up with:
content/uploads/2012/10/Thriving-Thursdays1.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />
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