P365 ~ Week 4

I have to share this video and I hope Kathy and Paul don't mind.  After devotions one night Paul took out my little song book from Argentina and picked out a song to sing.

Sunday ~ tried to get some cards finished.  I am working on cards with verses on them.  I find they can be used for anything and they are good to have on hand.

Monday ~ Worked on making some more cards.  Today was a focus on thank you cards.

Tuesday ~ I had a stamping buddy to spend the day with.

This is one of Jen's creations for the day.  I have to say she did a wonderful job especially since this was her first time stamping.  I love how her cards turned out.

Wednesday ~ I had finished making dinner and I was getting ready to sit and relax when I noticed that the entire house was orange.  I didn't have any lights on and the fiery orange colors coming through the windows were amazing.  This picture doesn't do it justice.  It colors in the sky were so gorgeous!

Thursday ~ I didn't get to walk very many days this week so I decided to walk longer.  I almost made 6 miles.  I think this is the longest I've ever walked.

 Friday ~ I am back to working at Kathy's office.  It's only once a week but it will help her out and the extra money will be a blessing for me.  This is what I got accomplished on my first day back.  All these policies needed to be bound, policy letters printed and then stuffed in envelopes to mail out.  I didn't take the time to count them all but I would say there are probably around 60.  There is a desk in the back with a pile of papers to file but I didn't get to those.  I guess my next work day I'll be able to work on that.

 Saturday ~ We had a little party with some ladies from church.  We had them over and watched "The Help" movie.  We got fried chicken and we made baked beans, mac and cheese, biscuits and of course a chocolate pie.  It was fun.  The two ladies who were able to make it had never seen the movie or read the book.  We had a good time laughing and crying.

How did you spend your last full week of January?

TSMSS ~ Complete in Thee

Seasons in Life

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
          a time to be born and a time to die,
          a time to plant and a time to uproot,
          a time to kill and a time to heal,
          a time to tear down and a time to build,
          a time to weep and a time to laugh,
          a time to mourn and a time to dance,
          a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
          a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
          a time to search and a time to give up,
          a time to keep and a time to throw away,
          a time to tear and a time to mend,
          a time to be silent and a time to speak,
          a time to love and a time to hate,
          a time for war and a time for peace.

-----------------------------------

I find myself in a new season in life.  No longer being a help meet to Mike and no longer having Mike to lead me, I want my time and my focus to be on God.  A time to focus on deepening my relationship with my Lord.  A time to serve Him and be used of Him.  A time to be molded by Him.  And a time of peace knowing I'm in His will.

  What season of life are you in? 

Ordinary You, Extraordinary God

During my nice long walk today I listened to Walk in the Word broadcast messages.  Very convicting messages of how ordinary I am and how extraordinary God is.
Listen to the message (all three parts) and you too will be blessed, convicted and challenged.

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3

1 Samuel 16:7 ~ But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

A Woman After God's Own Heart ~ Chapter 15

A Heart That Creates Order from Chaos

Responsibility & Accountability

1 Timothy 5:13-14 ~ And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Every day we are called to manage what God has given us, what He has provided through our husbands' efforts and our own.

The woman who manages her house is not the head of the home (her husband is if she is married and God is if she is not).  Instead, she is the householder, the home manager.

What a blessing it is to us when we serve Him well in this capacity.  And what a blessing we are to our family when we properly manage the house.

How?

• Understand that home management is God's best for us
• Home management is His plan, His way.  It's His good and acceptable perfect will for us (Romans 12:2)
• "Good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better, and your better best."
• Choosing to manage our homes is God's best for us
• Decide to take home management seriously
• If we manage our homes effectively, we will have time to be involved in church ministry.
• Luke 16:10 ~ He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
• 1 Corinthians 4:2 ~ Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
• Once I have shown myself to be a faithful manager at home, I am more free to run out the door and do the work of ministry outside my home.
• Order emerges out of chaos when we schedule what's important
• Live as though you will be accountable for the condition of your home and the use of your time... because you will!
• What do people see when they enter your home?  Do they find calm -- or chaos?  Peace -- or panic?  Palace -- or pigpen?  Evidence of preparation -- or procrastination?

12 Tips for Time Management

1. Plan in detail
• I've found that the more you plan, the better you manage and the more you active.
• The more detailed your plans are, the better.
2. Deal with today
• Matthew 6:34 ~ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
• Psalm 118:24 ~ This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
3. Value each minute
• How much is a minute worth?  It's priceless or worthless--depending on how you use it.
4. Keep moving
• A body at rest tends to rem in at rest, and a bay in motion tends to remain in  motion.
5. Develop a routine
6. Exercise and diet/way of life
7. As the "half the time" question
• "If my life depended upon doing this task in half the time I have allotted, what shortcuts would I take?"
8. Use a timer for everything
• The timer helps you allow less time
9. Do the worst first
• What is the worst task on your to-do list?  Do it first and you'll keep that heavy cloud of dread from hanging over you all day long.
10. Read daily on time management
11. Say no
• Make your schedule.  Let it be Plan A.  Then follow your plan by saying no to yourself and to others.  Move to Plan B only if God is moving you to Plan B.
12. Begin the night before
• Little steps like these can bring results when it comes to time management and being organized at home

Menu Plan ~ Week 3

Paul started getting sick Saturday night so I decided I better add homemade chicken soup to our menu this week.  So here is what our menu for this week looks like:

• chicken noodle soup
• ham loaves
• fajitas
• macaroni and cheese
• lemon thyme chicken

P365 ~ Week 3

 Sunday

We had Carrie over for lunch and we had such a good time talking that she didn't head out until dark. 

 Monday

Kathy was off work so we were able to start the day off with pedicures.  We spent the entire day running errands.  We got a lot accomplished and I was very thankful that Kathy had the day off.

Tuesday

Ugh... My only day of walking.  This week was not so good but I hope to get back in the swing of things with walking next week.

Wednesday

Two sweet girls at church had their birthday this month so I wanted to make special cards for them.  Gracie is turning 6 and Meghan is 3.

Thursday

I started feeling sick so I tried to take it easy.  I worked on some cards but that was all I really got done.  This is one of the cards I was able to complete.

 Friday

started off making cards and then ended up with a really bad headache so another day of not accomplishing too much.

Saturday

Paul had to go to work in the afternoon so we all took it easy in the morning.  I made waffles and served Kathy and Paul breakfast in bed so they could rest a little longer.

Time to see how everyone else spent their week.

TSMSS ~ I Have Decided

Thanks to Amy @ Signs, Miracles, Wonders for hosting Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Now go check out her blog and all the other participants.

A Woman After God's Own Heart ~ Chapter 14

A Heart That Watches Over the Home

• Watching and Working
• Proverbs 31:27 ~ She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
• Looking Over the Functions of the Home
• safety, health, cleanliness, and security
• money - saving, giving, and stretching it
• take care of clothing needs and maintenance
• food planning and preparation
• as the one who does the grocery shopping and stocks the pantry and refrigerator, I watch over the nutrition, the selection, and the types of foods and beverages available in the house.
• oversee the calendar, keeping an eye open to upcoming events
• all the while intently watching over the attitudes and unexpressed needs of each family member
• What a blessing you can be to your family as you watch, as you keep a lookout over the various functions of the home.
• What a great way to be a helper for your husband as you anticipate, perceive, and act on needs in the home.  Before your husband even thinks of something, you have taken care of it!

How?

Step 1: Understand that this role as helper and guard is God's plan for you

• a woman after God's own heart - married or not - watches over the ways of her household and refuses to eat the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27)
• God calls me to be a "virtuous" woman (Proverbs 31:10).  The word virtuous means moral strength, strength of character.  But a second meaning emphasizes physical ability and psychical prowess.  And Proverbs 31 is all about a virtuous woman in both senses of the word.

Step 2: Begin watching over your home (versus eating the bread of idleness)

• Proverbs 14:23a ~ In all labor there is profit
• God's principles were His solutions to my disorganization and inefficiency in my home.

Step 3: Eliminate idleness

• Time Robbers
• procrastination
• inadequate personal planning and scheduling
• interruptions by people without appointments (this includes interruptions by way of the telephone.  And please note, your children are not interruptions--they are your greatest work and the best investment of your time!)
• failure to delegate
• poor use of the telephone
• reading junk mail
• lack of concern for good time management
• unclear priorities
• Which robber will you corral this week as you become a more alert, better watcher over your home?

We must pray for eyes to see the vision God has for our precious home and for the hearts to understand how important what happens in our home is to Him.  May our goal be that our houses be made into homes that show forth God's desires for the beauty and purpose of those structures.

-----------------------------------------------------

Dear Heavenly Father,
Give me eyes to see your vision for this home, give me a hear that understands what is important and what I should focus on each day.
May I remember that in all labor there is profit.  May I not eat the bread of idleness and be content.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Far More

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us ~ Ephesians 3:20

The other day I was totally blown away by how God blessed me.  It was far more than anything I ever imagined.

It's a surprise which I should be able to share on my blog in a few weeks.

I am so excited and thankful with how God worked it all out.

Polynesian Roast

1 beef top round roast (I used London broil)
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 medium onion, sliced
1 can (8 oz) unsweetened sliced pineapple
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/2 cup beef broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 tsp minced garlic

Combine the flour, salt and pepper; rub over meat.  Place onion in a slow cooker; top with roast.
Drain pineapple, reserving juice; refrigerate the pineapple.  In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch and ginger; whisk in the broth, soy sauce, garlic and reserved pineapple juice until smooth.  Pour over meat.  Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours.
Add the pineapple, cook 1 hour longer or until the meat is tender.

Serve with rice.

Roads and Paths

I received this from a friend and I just had to share it on my blog.

 There may be some steep hills to climb,

 some times when the road seems treacherous and you aren't sure which turn to take...

 times when you feel like you are on the brink of falling,

 and there may be many curves in the road

 as you make your way through the ups and downs of 2012,

 May you know God's presence with you through each tunnel,

 every steep climb,

 every curve,

 in the beautiful mountaintop experiences with Him,

 and through the slippery storms of life;

 May He walk with you down through the valleys and up the mountains,

 take your hand and guide you through to the light,

 put a hedge around you to keep you safe,

 help you to find joy and excitement in the roller coaster ride,

 and fill you with amazement at the beauty He provides along the way.

 Take time to smell the flowers,

 to admire His handiwork

 along Life's railway;

And may His love flood over you, fill you, and overflow in praise to Him for all He's done!

Amazing.....Isn't He!

A Woman After God's Own Heart ~ Chapter 13

A Heart That Makes a House a Home

Proverbs 14:1 ~ The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

• Creating the atmosphere
• I want the atmosphere inside our house to be warm, cheerful, loving, positive, and constructive.
• God gives us the heart, the wisdom, and the words to create a healthy atmosphere.
• Building a refuge
• build the kind of home which strengthens and renews each family member
• Avoiding the negatives
• anger out of control speaks words that break, destroy, ruin and kill.
• simply failing to work
• never getting around to "it"
• We can slowly erode the foundation of our home by our laziness
• Making a house a home is indeed a matter of the heart.

How?

• Understand that wisdom builds
• We are either about the business of building the home, its atmosphere and its order, or we are pulling it down through destructive attitudes and neglect.
• Decide to begin building
• It's never too late to begin to build your house, to create an enchanted oasis called "home"
• Begin by making a positive decision (or by recommitting yourself) to do  your work in the home "willingly" (Proverbs 31:13) and "heartily" (Colossians 3:23).
• The attitude of your heart is key.
• Each day, do one thing to build your home
• make a l its of the things that need to be added, repaired, set up, etc., so that your area is more of a refuge.  Then do just one item on your list each day-- or even one each week.
• You may also want to deal with one attitude that--if improved, if transformed by God--would enhance the atmosphere of the home.

God--who made us and knows us best--wants us to make a house a home, and He will help us do that.

P365 ~ Week 2

I kept up with my walking goal this week but I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures throughout the week.

Sunday

We spent all weekend cooking and cleaning the kitchen that I just needed a break so I asked Kathy and Paul if they wanted to go to our favorite pizza place ~ Grimaldis.  Along with pizza they make the best cheesecake I've ever tasted... even better than Cheesecake factory. 

 Monday

During my walk today I noticed that two homes are being built in a nearby neighborhood.  It makes me wonder if things are going to start looking up in the housing market. 

 Tuesday

I got a chicken magazine in the mail today and it just made my heart sad...brought back lots of memories of fun times with Mike.

 Wednesday

I went over to my stamping friend's house to stamp the day away with her.  I meant to take a picture of her and her amazing craft room but I got so involved in my stamping that I totally forgot to take any pictures.  This is the card my friend made... isn't it gorgeous?!?

Thursday

I wonder how much it costs to go up in a hot air balloon?  I see them several times a week and they always make me think how amazing it must be to go up into the clear blue sky and look down at the majestic mountains.

Friday

Again my intent was to get a picture of a couple who had us over for dinner but I totally forgot so instead I will share a picture of one of several cards I made this week.  

Saturday

This couple just moved out here from South Carolina to help out in our church. We had them over for dinner so we could get to know them.  We're praying their house in South Carolina sells soon so they can start getting settled in here.

How was your second week of the year?  I'm heading over to Sara's to read all about it.  

TSMSS ~ Nothing But The Blood

Thanks to Amy @ Signs, Miracles, Wonders for hosting Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. Now go check out her blog and all the other participants.

Chicken with Mushroom Sauce

2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 cup milk
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
1/2 medium onion, sliced
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup sherry or chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper

In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and milk until smooth; set aside.  Flatten chicken to 1/4 inch thickness.  In a large skillet, cook chicken in oil over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until juices run clear.  Remove and keep warm.
In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms and onion in butter until tender.  Stir in the sherry or chicken brother, salt and pepper; bring to a boil.  Stir cornstarch mixture and add to the pan.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Serve with chicken.

A Woman After God's Own Heart ~ Chapter 11 & 12

A Heart Overflowing with Motherly Affection

Titus 2:4 ~ That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

Phileo love is affectionate love, a love that cherishes its objects.  It is friendship love, a love that enjoys children, a love that likes them!

• A Heart That Prays
• the greatest gift of love you can give children is to pray for them.
• A Heart That Provides
• a heart overflowing with motherly affection lovingly and graciously provides the necessities of life for her precious family-- nourishing food, clean clothing, and a safe home.
• motherly affection puts self aside and loves the people in her home by caring for they physical needs.
• A Heart That is Happy
• Elisabeth Elliot said "You create the atmosphere of the home with your attitudes."
• Mothers are the Number One influence in their children's lives
• A Heart That Gives
• Mark 10:45 ~ For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
• Give because it is your role
• Give generously
• What you sow, that you shall also reap.
• What Mother's put into their children on a daily basis -- seeds of patience or impatience, faith in God or lack of faith, kindness or selfishness -- would be what you gain back in years to come.
• Give expecting nothing in return
• Mothers are to have no ulterior or selfish motives when it comes to giving, just as we do with our husbands
• serve and take care of our children simply because God says to
• don't give love in order to receive praise, thanks, recognition or good behavior
• there are no other options, no conditions, no exceptions, and no fine print when it comes to God's clear command that we are to love our children
• A Heart of Fun
• A Heart That Celebrates
• A Heart That Gives Preferential Treatment
• Don't give away to others what you have not first given away at home
• A Heart That is Focused
• A Heart That is Present
• A Heart That is Quiet
• Proverbs 31:26 ~ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
• Provers 10:12 ~ Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

God's assignment to mothers can sound overwhelming if we don't remember that through His Word, in His power, and by His grace He fully provides all that we need to do what He commands.  

What a privilege to care for the children He blesses us with and to raise them for His purpose!

------------------------------------

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us your holy word so that we may know how to live a life that pleases you.  Thank you for putting older, Christian women in my life that I may learn from them both by their word and by their actions.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

1 lb. fresh carrots, washed and cut into thin round slices
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp brown sugar

Place all ingredients together and cook in skillet until carrots are tender.  Serve and enjoy!

A Woman After God's Own Heart ~ Chapter 9 & 10

A Heart That Values Being a Mother

Proverbs 1:8 ~ Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

There is no greater place of ministry, position, or power than that of a mother.

Four passions that reflect a hear that values being a mother.

• A Passion for Teaching God's Word
• Mother's are on assignment from God to teach His word to their children
• Mom's can do many things for their children, but teaching God's Word must be their passion
• The Word of God has value for salvation and value for eternity
• God uses His Word to draw people to Himself
• Romans 10:17 ~ So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
• 2 Timothy 3:15 ~ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
• God's Word never returns to Him without first accomplishing His divine purpose
• A Passion for Teaching God's Wisdom
• Proverbs 31:1-9 ~  The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
• Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ~ And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down , and when thou risest up .
• The practical wisdom of God is taught in two ways
• we teach by our words, by our talk
• we teach by our walk, by the way we live our lives.

A Heart That Prays Faithfully

• A Passion for Prayer
• learn from godly and praying mothers and grandmothers
• ask God for His insights for your children
• pray for your children's salvation and for their Christian mates
• A Passion for Godly Training
• we must not stop with prayer, we must model a life dedicated to the Lord and train our children to follow His ways.
• take your children to church... Sunday morning, evening and Wednesday night.
• teach priorities - family first, church second and school third

It's God's job to work in our children's hearts, but it is our job to make God;s standards the standards of our own hearts and then to walk by those standards.

Menu for Week 2 of 2012

While I was away dog sitting, Kathy and Paul decided that this new year was going to be a year of less eating out.  I, of course, totally agree with that decision and look forward to cooking.  Kathy had already made up the menu for the entire month.  The first week went well, we changed one thing because we needed to use a ham that our neighbor gave us for Christmas.

What's on the menu this week you ask?

polynesian roast
mini ham loaves
lemon thyme chicken
sausage lentil soup
empanadas
honey soy chicken
grilled salmon
ravioli

If these recipes are voted as "do again" by all three of us then I will blog the recipe and add it to our monthly rotating menu.

P365 ~ Week 1

First of all I want to say "I'M BACK".  I'm sorry I wasn't able to finish out last year but I'm glad I took the break because now I am ready to focus on Project 365 this year.

This first week of the year has been very different for me.  I didn't start a new diet and I feel like I have been released from a huge burden.  I know that sounds strange but every year I would start a diet and New Years Day was always hard sticking to the diet and then it always went down hill from there.  Always being obsessed with what I could and could not eat.  I have lived most of my life on a diet and I can tell you from much experience that the first few days of dieting are horrible for me.  I get really cranky!  Every new year I started dieting because that is what you do... right?  I am overweight, so dieting just made sense.

This year I have a totally different view on food.  I don't know when it changed.  Looking back, maybe it started when I had my day of fasting, or when I started walking, or maybe even just the difference in the food Paul and Kathy like to eat and what I was use to eating.  I don't know the reason, but I can tell you that this first week of 2012 I have felt GREAT.  I haven't obsessed over food, I haven't felt guilty, and I haven't felt deprived or overwhelmed.

Now, on to sharing my week in pictures and I hope you join me in this fun project.

Sunday

I said good bye to Mr Beasley after watching him for 2 1/2 weeks.  He was fun to be with but it was time to go home.

 Monday 

It was nice having Kathy and Paul home from work.  I got into this huge decluttering mood and I started cleaning out the closet, which we use as a pantry.  I decided if we hadn't used something for a year we needed to get rid of it.  We just don't have the space to hold onto everything.  I had my pile of things that I was getting rid of which were items I brought with me from Georgia.  After I made my pile, I told Kathy and Paul that I sacrificed some items and now it was their turn to give some things up.  It was funny, because Paul quickly grabbed the Espresso maker and said he wanted to make a cup.  Since he hadn't used it in a long time he didn't want to get rid of it so he had to quickly use it so it would be safe.  We all had a good laugh about that one! 

Tuesday

I normally make healthy whole wheat bread with my freshly ground wheat but I have lots of bread flour to use up so I made some white bread in my bread machine and it was delicious!  We ate the entire loaf in one day.  Steaming hot bread with a little butter on it.... YUMMY! 

 Wednesday

These are two newly discovered favorite items.  When we went over to our friends house for Christmas lunch they had this Coconut Creme Coffee Mate and it was so good I had to get some for us to enjoy at home.  The clementine is a Cutie.  I always thought Cuties were a type of citrus fruit but it's actually a name brand.  We love Cuties, although we always bought little tangerine Cuties.  We found these clementine Cuties and they are just as good as the tangerines.  Actually, they are even better because they are bigger.  Anyway, if you see Cuties in your grocery store I definitely recommend them.  They are always sweet, easy to peel and seedless.

 Thursday

It felt so good to be back in the craft room with all my stamps.  I was able to get some card packages posted on my Etsy shop last week and now I want to start making more cards to use and some to sell.

 Friday

Last year before the hustle and bustle of the holidays began we had a Pampered Chef party.  One of the items I was able to get was this mini loaf stoneware.  I made some chocolate banana bread and it turned out perfectly.   

 Saturday

I made it the entire week walking 3 miles every day.  I hope to do the same next week.

This completes my first week of 2012.  See you next week!