Zizzie Happenings

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...

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...

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 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 per...

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

  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 ...

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 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 some...

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.

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.

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 s...

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 buil...

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 pi...

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

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 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, ...

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 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...

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.

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 h...