Freedom

1 Peter 2: 16
" Live as people who are free, not using freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. "


I really like the ESV translation of this verse, although I generally use the NIV translation (that's the one I'm used too).  I think this verse sums up my feelings about living in America today. Isn't it amazing that something written thousands of years ago, is still so current and relevant.  We are a nation of free people, we have free will, we are free to make as many mistakes as we want (as long as they are legal), believe me, I've made quite a few.  Freedom doesn't mean we should live only for ourselves in our "if it feels good, just do it", society. We are free. We are free to follow God, and as Christians we are called to worship Him and serve Him. We are His slaves, His servants. However, He is a compassionate and benevolent Master.  He loves us unconditionally, He cares for us in our times of sorrow and sadness, He comforts us.  He feeds us when we are hungry and quenches our thirst when we are thirsty.  He is always with us, we are never alone. Thank you, Lord, that I am free.

I've been in summer mode since Memorial Day.  In the days preceding Memorial Day weekend, I pull out all of my patriotic accoutrements (say it with a French accent, it's sounds fancy!). Here are some things that I hope will inspire you to celebrate the red, white and blue, this Independence Day and throughout the summer season.

How simple is this? Flowers provide instant color and charm. 

 

Don't forget accessories. Jewelry and even cute fingernails can help complete any look.

These nails wraps are from Jamberry, in "Nautical" and "Mad Mod"

This is what we wore when we saw the Blue Angels air show in May. 

These nautical inspired outfits are appropriate all summer long, from Memorial Day to Labor Day or anyday!

I pray you have a fun and safe 4th of July. Let freedom ring!

The sea

Genesis 1:9
"And God said,  'Let the water and the sky be gathered in one place, and let dry ground appear. And so it was.' "

Thank you God for the oceans and the beaches. I love the beach! It wouldn't be summer without a trip to the beach. We are fortunate to live in a coastal state, so driving a few hours east takes us right there.  Sometimes that's not even close enough. If I could pick up tomorrow and move to the beach, I would. We try to spend at least a few days at the beach every summer, sometimes, we even drive down for the day. The children love it, too. There is no other place (for me) that shows the beauty and power and awesomeness of God than the beach. You are a powerful and mighty God, that you took such care to create such beauty is inconceivable. Thank you, Lord, for the beauty and grandeur of the world around me. Amen.

Last weekend we were in St. Michaels.  It's a beautiful historic town on the eastern shore of Maryland. We go there every year for the Antique and Classic Boat Show at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. What  a wonderful place for a family to visit on a beautiful summer day. Here are some of my favorite pics from our recent visit.

Here we are on the "Winnie Estelle".  She's a real 1920 Chesapeake Bay Buyboat.

This is a great activity we do every year. The children get to make their own sailboats and then try them out in the pool.

Here's my "Baby" and my husband enjoying a sail.

Here's one of my beautiful girls sailing her vessel. What a great day!

Hopefully the next time I write about my family, you'll see lots of pictures on the surf and sand. 

Have a blessed day!

Fitness Update

Philippians 4: 13
" I can do all this through him who gives me strength. "


I believe this. I truly do. Do not look to me as an example of this where fitness is concerned at least.  I have been doing fairly well with the running. Although, I have to admit I've only run about 2 miles in the last 2 weeks. I also have really cut down on the amount of sugar I use.  However, I have not been doing any additional conditioning exercises.  My abs are so flabby right now, I'm sure I look like I'm expecting my next baby (don't worry Mom, I'm not!).  Thank goodness God is looking at the condition of my heart and not my thighs. Lol!  Thank you, Lord for my health. Thank you that I have a healthy appetite, and that I am still physically able to chase after my beautiful family. And, thank you that my husband likes a girl with a little meat on her bones. I am truly blessed.

I wanted to update you on my fitness for accountability's sake and so that you wouldn't consider me a hypocrite. I have shared with you some easy exercises for you to try and some of the circuits that I have used in the past. Heck, I even started a circuit and kept it up for several weeks, things just got a little hectic and most evenings we were out and about. Now that summer vacation has begun, I should have a few extra days to get back into the swing of things.  Here are some circuits that I want to try that I can even share with the children.

Going to the $1 store today to get some hula hoops. This one sounds fun!
Click on this link penandkeyboard

Here's a super simple workout, but don't let it fool you, it is challenging.
Click on this link fitbottomedgirls.com

I found both of these workouts on Pinterest (what a great tool).  There were many other workouts to try, so check them out and see if there are some better ones to suit your family. There might even be something that you are currently doing, I'd love to hear about it. Comment below and share your favorite workout. Remember, even if you don't complete a circuit, just getting up and moving with the kids is certainly a step in the right direction. Have fun!

I pray you have a blessed day!

Nation under God

Psalm 33: 12
" Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance. "


Don't worry, I won't get all political on you today (I could, but I won't).  This verse reminds me of times when I went to church on Independence Day and sang "God Bless America" or another patriotic tune. It always brings a lump to my throat to think about how blessed I am to live in this country.  Thank you, God, that I live in this great country, and that I live in Your abundance.  Help me to share and serve with all that I have to those that are suffering and lost. Amen.

I like to change things up in my home depending on the season. As you would decorate for Christmas, I try to add a few things here and there to celebrate the seasons. I don't go overboard, though. This time of year a beautiful hurricane or bell jar with seashells in it or switching out a few throw pillows and some kitchen towels, seem to freshen things up. Here are some things I found on Pinterest that I really want to try in my own home.

I love this website!  Here is a wonderful example of  summer decor. So simple and so elegant.
(pic found on Pinterest via Stone Gable)

I love the simplicity of the burlap table runner. It's great for any time of the year.
Just by putting out some red, white and blue dinnerware and napkins. You've got a table set for the 4th of July!
(pic found on Pinterest via Stone Gable) 

Another beautiful room setting from Stone Gable. I really like the croquet set on the fireplace and the nautical knots on the coffee table. They are simple ways to add a little bit of summertime to a room. 

I hope you've been as inspired by these beautiful pictures as I have. Go try a few of these wonderful ideas, I know I am. Have a blessed and beautiful Tuesday!

See food?

Leviticus 11: 9 (and a little bit of 10)
" ' Of all the creatures living in the waters of the seas and streams you may eat any that have fins and scales. But...' "


Uh oh!  We are about to see in verse 10 if you read on, we are not to eat anything without fins and scales.  Thank you, Lord, that I'm a New Testament kind of girl! I live in Maryland and we eat CRABS!  We'll pretty much eat them anyway they come, too. We eat crab pretzels, crab cakes, steamed crabs, crab salad, crab balls, crab dip, softshelled crabs, crab soup, crabs, crabs, crabs.  This weekend we went to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. They have an annual Antique and Classic Boat Show.  It's our family tradition to go each year to celebrate Father's Day.  The museum is located right next to one of the best crab houses in Maryland, "The Crab Claw".  The wonderful smells that came out of that building....mmmmm. We, however, had the 4 youngest with us, so sitting down in a restaurant and spending a lot of money on crab was out of the question.  We usually do our crab thing at home.  It's messy, and time consuming to eat steamed crabs (and expensive), so in this season of our lives it just makes more sense. I also make my own crab cakes and soups from time to time.  That's the best part of eating at home, you get to use some of the crab to make other delicious things.

I have a great recipe for crab and corn chowder, that I got years ago from an older woman at church. At the time we lived near the water  (on the western shore) where corn and crab are abundant.

This is the iconic Hooper Strait Lighthouse in St. Michaels, Maryland
(image found on Google Images)

Crab and Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

4 Tbls Butter
2  Onions
1 small sweet Green Pepper
3 cups to a quart of Milk (whole or 2%)
2 large Potatoes (russets are fine)
3 cups of Corn (about 6 ears)
Salt and Pepper- to taste
Old Bay Seasoning to taste
1 Tbl Parsley flakes
1 lb of Crab (backfin is preferable)

Directions:

Saute first 3 ingredients until onions are translucent.  Add milk, potatoes and corn salt and pepper. Cook until potatoes are tender, then add crab spice to taste (I personally like a lot!). Add crab meat before serving.

Delicious. Serve with a  nice crusty bread and a fresh salad. Dinner is served!

I pray you have a blessed Monday!

Last Day!

John 6: 40
" For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. "


Well, here it is (finally!), the last day of school.  Due to the amount of snow we had over the winter, the children had their school calendar extended an entire week. I know the children are overjoyed. I'm looking forward to sleeping in a little bit later, too.  Jesus isn't talking about the last day of school, though. He's talking about the end days of man on earth. It's pretty simple really, " everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him will have eternal life ". BELIEVE.

Here are some cute pics of my children and the neighbors at the bus stop. The first and last day of school this 2014-2015 year.

First day of 3rd grade.

Last day of 3rd grade!!

Enjoy your summer. Live every day like it's your last!

Goodnight

Matthew 11:28
" Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. "


Rest, sleep. I am all for it. I love a good nights rest. And, I'm planning on doing that one night really soon. God wants us to rest, too. We are no good to Him if we are up all night with worry and sleeplessness. We are His hands and we need to be able to function for Him.  Lord, thank you for rest (no matter how elusive it seems at times), refresh me so I can walk in Your ways and serve Your children. Amen.

Here are just a few tips for a restful bedroom.

• Keep work out of your bedroom. No uniforms, no reports, no (work) computers or cellphones. Make your bedroom a sanctuary for rest and relaxation.



These are Jennifer Lopez 600- thread count sheets from Kohl's.
They are currently on sale.

• Buy the highest thread count sheets you can afford ( an absolute minimum of 200). Nothing is more comfortable than nice soft, clean, fresh cotton sheets.
• Add some white noise. My husband and I have an air purifier in our room. It serves 2 purposes: it keeps the air clean of dust and allergens and, it makes a just the right amount of white noise. I have actually woken up when my room was too quiet after one of the children turned it off to hear the television better.  A fan also works well.     



Here are some great oils to try from doTerra.

• Get a diffuser with a great scent. Lavender oil is a great one to start with, but you can also find some great restful oil blends as well.  



These are Supreme Blackout Grommet Top curtains from Country Curtains. 

• Hang some room darkening curtains or shades. There's nothing more restful than a dark room. 
• Clean your room! Clutter stresses me out. I can't stand to walk in my room and see a stack of laundry or the childrens toys.  Sometimes it's even my books or magazines. Clean it up.
• Add flowers. Sounds crazy, but some fresh flowers by my bed make me happy. And, (bonus!) they are beautiful.

This beautiful arrangement is from Blush Floral Design Studio, a local floral designer.

I hope these tips help you get a good nights rest. Have a blessed and restful Thursday!

Chicken

Luke 13: 34b

" ..., how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks beneath her wings , and you were not willing. "


I know Jesus is not talking about KFC here.  I get it.  Forgive me. He's talking about Jerusalem. Often he is foretelling his purpose of being here on earth and he is grieved that the people just don't get it.  I would hope I would be one of the people back then, that would get it.  But, I probably wouldn't.  So count me in with the masses. Unless Jesus came to me, sat me down, and with pie charts and graphs explained it to me clearly, concisely and  very ssslllooowwwlllyyy,  I wouldn't have gotten it.  Sorry, Lord. I am so blessed to have gotten it now.  Thank you Lord, for your faithfulness in my life, even when I'm not. And thank you Lord, too, for helping me "get it".

So of course, I started this yesterday when I was thinking "food", so chicken... that's what I'm writing about (just get over it).  Two of the main men in my life (my dad and my husband) are not fans of Mexican food.  Which is tragic to me and my children.  We tend to sneak it in on nights when they are not home.  A very simple recipe that I prepare even when my guys are home and I just can't stand another day without a taco, is so easy and good for you, you'll use it. I swear.

(Taco image found on Google Images)

Michelle's Simple Chicken Tacos

Serves: Makes 6 (2 taco) servings.

• 1 tablespoon  EVOO
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper.
• 1 small onion, cut into strips
• 1 large sweet green pepper (or red or yellow), seeded and cut into strips 
• 12 flour tortillas
• Toppings: Whatever you use on a taco- tomato, lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, onion, jalapeno peppers, avocado, guacamole, salsa, etc.

Directions.

• Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until no longer pink.
• Add onion and sweet peppers and cook until vegetables are a bit tender (5-7 minutes).
• Serve with your favorite toppings and nacho chips. And, I always heat up a side of refried beans.

Try this recipe tonight and have a great Taco Tuesday!

The eyes have it

Proverbs 20: 12
" Ears that hear and eyes that see- the Lord has made them both. "


When I was in 5th grade my eyesight failed quickly and it failed hard. Coke-bottle lenses all the way baby!  Fortunately for me a few years later, I was able to wear contact lenses for my myopia and have been ever since. Also,  my nearsightedness hasn't changed much. So as bad as it is, it's just consistently bad.  My SIL, Cindy, warned me several years ago that when I turned 40 to be prepared for my farsightedness to decline. I didn't think much of it at the time, but boy was she right on that one!  I think my hyperopia came on as quickly and as hard as my myopia. I have now strategically placed reading glasses all over my house and person. Luckily when I can't find a pair of them (which happens more often than not), I usually have a kid nearby that can read and I use one of them.  Thank you God for my big brown eyes. Give me vision to see what is good and right. Though my eyesight is failing, keep me always focused on You. Amen.

We went to a local Greek festival last Sunday. There were several vendors there selling popular Greek items.  I happen to be a little bit Greek, but sadly do not know anything about Greek culture.  A couple of vendors were selling jewelry and trinkets with a blue, white and black circular pattern.  These were called "Mati" jewelry. The "Mati" bead or bauble is to resemble an eye. The woman selling them called it the "envious"eye, but some people refer to it as the "evil" eye.  You are to wear or display this jewelry or charm to protect your loved-ones or home from people who would want to take them or who wouldn't want you to have the nice things or family you have. Often these charms are pinned to children's diapers or clothing to protect them. What a fun thing to learn. Now, of course, I have a new bracelet and so do 2 of my little girls (more fun!).

 A greek "Mati" or eye bead.
This image was found on Google Images .

Here's a pic of my cute bracelet.

My "Mati" bracelet is the one on top with the tassel.
If you don't own something with a tassel on it this season, go out and get something! Tassels are definitely in.

Find out something fun and new about your heritage this weekend. Make a traditional meal or just talk to a family member about what they know about your family's past. I'd love to hear from you if you've found out or tried something new. Please comment below.

I pray you have a blessed weekend!

Well, it's Thursday

2 Peter 3: 8
" But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. "


 I get it, Lord, completely! Where do my days go? You blink and your baby's going to be 25. You're having a rough day and it never seems to end.  I get it.  But I also understand that God has His own timing. It's not mine (darn it!).  A lesson for me in patience? A lesson in perseverance?  What, Lord, are you showing me today? Lord, give me the wisdom to know. Lead me in Your ways. Thank You for my day.

Yesterday, was story time at our local library.  Our library happens to be right next to a great local park.  So, I took the children about an hour early and we walked around the park, threw pennies in the fountain, and played on the "new to them" playground.  You would think they had never been to a playground before, when in fact, there is one literally right across the street from our court.  I'm so glad we went in the morning, the weather was perfect, it got rather warm in the afternoon. I think next week we'll do the same thing but bring a picnic lunch (or snack) and go right back to the park after story time. It was fun and it was free. I encourage you to look for these treasures in your local community.

My baby and her best bud at the fountain.

One of the fun "new" things to play on in the playground.

Enjoy the day that God gives you, and remember, you get to do it all over again tomorrow!

Blue and White

Esther 1:6
" The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches pf gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of- pearl, and other costly stones. "


Sounds like my backyard! LOL!!!  Ah, to live in a palace.  One day I will, when my Father calls me home. And the beauty of it can not even be described  (I'm pretty sure my wing will be near the beach though).  Well, for now, I don't live in a palace.  I live in a modest townhome in a middle-class area in Maryland.  We are in an excellent school district and my children have plenty of friends nearby to play with.  Not too shabby.

My house is currently decorated in warm earthtones. Colors I have loved for years. But of course now I want to change it all.  My poor husband! My absolute favorite color is blue, but I rarely use it in my home, Another color I rarely use is white. Mu childhood home had antique white walls pretty much in every room of the house, My father believed the neutral white would help with the resale of our home.  Twenty years or so after we bought it, we did sell it pretty quickly so maybe he was right. Needless to say, not a white wall can be found in my house.  Never say never. Here are a few great ideas I've found on Pinterest that I can't wait to try out in my own home.

This room is actually Bill & Jen's form The Little Couple. there is nothing I don't like about their home. 

I love this color palette. The style is a bit more modern then my taste.
I would definitely need a gray or darker colored sofa with my family.
(pinned by homebunch.com)

This is so "my style". I actually found this pic on Beneath My Heart.  Traci and her husband have transformed 2 homes in this terrific blog. I definitely found my decorating "soul mate". Lol!

I love this cozy kitchen corner. So clean and crisp, but also cozy.
(pinned by blessedbeyondmeasure,blogspot.com)

And these are just the tip of the iceberg. Have you recently updated your home or completely changed your decorating scheme? Let me know. I'd love to hear from you. 

Have a blessed Tuesday!

It's Greek to me

Daniel  11: 2
" 'Now then, I will tell you the truth: Three more kings will also arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece.'  "


I'm glad Daniel did not interpret my dreams for me. Not that he always told of doom and gloom, some things are just better not knowing. I'll put my trust in the Lord, thank you! My future (at least) is secure.  I'm going to keep today short and sweet.  I'm running late with my post today.  I'll be sharing more about my afternoon at the Greek Festival later in the week. Today, I'll talk about food: Greek food.

Oh my goodness, Greek food is amazing! My husband and my 3 youngest went to a local Greek Festival yesterday. What fun!  We sampled a bit of popular Greek cuisine.  We had Gyro, Spanakopita (spinach pie), Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), Greek coffee and Baklava.  We also shared a Greek Salad. What could be easier to make than a great Greek Salad. So here you go. (Recipe found on about food)

INGREDIENTS

• 4-5 large, ripe, tomatoes
• 1 large red onion
• 1 cucumber
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1/4 pound (113.5g) of Greek feta cheese, sliced or cumbled
• dried Greek oregano (rigani)
• sea salt
• top quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 dozen Greek olives (Kalamata, green Cretan olives, etc.)
• pickled pepperoncini hot peppers (garnish)
• 1 tablespoon of water (optional)

PREPARATION

Wash and dry the tomatoes, cucumber, and green pepper. Clean off the outer skin from the onion, wash, and dry.

Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized irregularly shaped chunks, removing the core. Salt lightly. Slice the cucumber into 1/4-inch slices, cutting slices in half (whether or not you peel the cucumber is a personal choice). Salt lightly. Slice the pepper into rings,removing the stem and seeds. Salt lightly.

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• Greek Food
• Greek Olive Oil
• Easy Can Chicken Recipe
• Greek Salad
• Greek Cooking

Slice the onion into thin rings.

Combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, green pepper and onion in a large salad bowl. Sprinkle with oregano, pour olive oil over the salad, and toss. Just before serving,place the feta on top of the salad, either as a slice or crumbled (as in photo), and toss in some olives. Sprinkle the cheese with oregano (and pepper if desired), mix the oil and water and drizzle over the top, and serve, garnished with hot peppers.

Yield: Serves 4-6

I looked through several recipes on-line and this was by far the most similar to the salad we had yesterday. We enjoyed another nice salad and some crusty bread with olive oil for dipping, later in the evening at home. What a simple and healthy meal. 

Enjoy your day!

Comforting

Psalm 119: 50
" My comfort in my suffering in this: Your promise preserves my life. "


Sometimes my life isn't very "comfortable".Sometimes it's downright hard.  Sometimes, sadly, it's downright devastating. I want to cry out to God, why, Lord?  Why? This, however, is not one of God's promises to me. He does not promise me a life of comfort, free of hardship and free of sadness. The Christian walk is not a on a road without bumps, curves, detours, and even collisions. What we are promised is that we are forgiven, we are loved and we are held. We are His eternally. That doesn't make me "comfortable", but it certainly gives me comfort. Thank you, Lord for your comfort.

Now, from the serious to the benign.  I like to wear comfortable things. Today, I'm in my running clothes. Not because I'm going to run anytime soon, but because I am not going anywhere on this chilly, drizzly morning and, doggonit, I want to be comfortable!  Fortunately, this season, comfortable footbed sandals (like Birkenstock) are back in style. I haven't owned a pair of them since the 90's.  Yesterday I took a leap of faith and ordered some cute knock-offs from Target.

My comfy running clothes. I purchased the tee at Kohl's (similar style here) in April.
The words on the shirt are absolutely true!

Here are my latest and greatest from Target- The Patrice footbed sandal.
 I had a a little money on a gift card so I got them for under $20! Sandals are on sale this week so they were also 20% off .

I pray your weekend is full of comfort and joy!

The cheeky one

Mark 7: 28
"  'Lord', she replied, ' even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.'  "


I was looking on-line to find if Jesus had a sense of humor (cheeky or otherwise). He seems to certainly appreciate a quick thinker. In this chapter of Mark, a Greek woman (a Gentile), comes to Jesus and asks him to heal her little daughter who is possessed by an impure spirit. His reply to her is ' "First let the children (the Jewish people) eat all they want", he told her, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." '(vs.27).  Sounds a bit harsh, right? In verse 29 He lets her know, that because of her response, her daughter was healed.  He had a plan all along. This verse is important because verses like this and some previous verses in this chapter make following Jesus less about being a devout rule follower and more about being a pure heart follower. Thus, He saves us all. Thank you, Lord, for measuring the condition of my heart and not keeping tally of my many sins.

While I certainly wouldn't call my Savior "cheeky", today's post title is about Thomas the Tank Engine. He's " the cheeky one"! On Mother's Day, my family and I went to the B&O Railroad Museum to see Thomas. We had tickets for "Day out With Thomas" (an annual event at the museum) the week before, however due to the Baltimore riots, it was postponed.  I'm so glad we were able to go. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and my 2 yr old was beside herself with happiness. There were lots of activities in addition to an actual ride on a train. And of course, the tickets gave us access to the entire B&O museum. If you're looking for a fun outing with your family, I highly recommend it. Below are a few of my favorite pics from the day.

There's Thomas!

My beautiful children after our ride on Thomas (the youngest children received a certificate).

This is inside of the "Roundhouse".  This is President Lincoln's funeral train.
One of several interesting trains in the museum.

On the train with my "babies".

My "cheeky" girl and her daddy, riding in Thomas. 

I hope you enjoyed our family pics. We certainly enjoyed our day. We can't wait until next year when Thomas visits again.  I pray your day is blessed!

100!

Psalm 100: 1
" Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. "


I can't believe it, I'm publishing my 100th post today! Shout for joy! Or, like in my house this morning, just shout.  Oh my goodness!! Yes, I don't live in a house of peace and harmony.  If I've led you to believe that, I am truly sorry.  I live with a teenager, a tweenager, an almost 9yr old and a toddler (and a husband, but that's a story for another day!),  there is a lot of shouting in the house.  And I'd love to tell you it's just the children...it's not.  Guilty as charged.  Even with my faith,  and a strong sense of right from wrong.  I continue to sin. I know better, why do I keep doing it? Well, the main reason is that I am human. No getting around that.  And as a human, I was born into sin.  It's not fair! I hadn't even done anything yet, and already at birth I was doomed! But fear not, God has taken care of that for me. Through His son, Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection I am saved. Because of Him I get another chance: a new beginning.  Even if, every morning (mid-morning, afternoon, evening...), I still need to ask for forgiveness, He forgives.  Now that's something to shout about!!

I think even the best of us get aggravated with the people we care about, or situations we find ourselves in, from time to time.  There are a lot of factors that can contribute to our lack of self control (being separated from Christ with our humanness notwithstanding!).  It could be lack of sleep, stress, an unresolved illness, worry, anxiety, pressure from work,  being overworked, even depression.  Certainly (and first), contact you doctor if things are getting unmanageable.  There are also things you can do on your own to help relieve some stress: get some rest, eat better, exercise, yoga, do something fun, get a hobby, take a walk, journal, read, get a massage, listen to music, take some time off.  And for heaven's sake, pray, read your bible, meditate and worship. (I personally would add shopping to the first part of the list, but that might not be a good way to relieve my husband's stress, Lol!).  I am also going to try some essential oils.  I spoke with a friend about a few good blends from doTERRA to add to my daily regimen of diet and exercise. If something as simple as lavender diffuser will help me sleep, I'm there!

I found this pic on Pinterest, pinned by my friend Lori. Click on this link for more info (ancestral-nutrition.com)

What kinds of things do you do to make it through those tough times? I'd love to hear from you. Sharing is caring!! Please comment below.

I pray your day is full of shouts of joy!!

A nursery for Frankie

Luke 2: 7
" and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. "


In no way am I suggesting that my daughter is the second coming. I know this birth in Luke, is about the fulfillment of the prophecy of the humble beginnings of our Lord.  But I have to chuckle because, being the mom of 7, you just don't always have room available for your babies.  My 3 oldest children no longer live in my home, so that makes it a little less complicated, but we still do not have a designated nursery for our youngest. She's actually now grown out of the "nursery" stage and into toddlerhood. They grow up so quickly! But I am dreaming of a day, not too long from now (Lord are you reading this?) when she has a little girl room of her own.

Here are some very cute ideas that I have gotten from Pinterest (love Pinterest!).

My first thought for a nursery was this color scheme of grey and yellow.
I love the bright touches of yellow in this more modern nursery.
(pic pinned from Pinterest via Some Like it Southern blogspot)

I could even go nautical with this color scheme.
(pic from Pinterest via etsy.com)

I love this color combination too, adding in the pretty aqua color.
(pic on Pinterest via fitmommydiaries)

Or...I could forget the yellow all together and put in touches of navy and hot pink (still nautical).
(pic found on Pinterest via hellobee.com)

Here's another cute pic of a room for a little girl that uses the same pink and blue (and a touch of nautical),
and it transitions nicely as she grows.
(pic found on Pinterest via projectnursery)

These are just of few of the precious pins I've found. I can't wait until she finally has a room of her own (or at least can share with one of her big sisters and not her mom and dad!). I pray you have a good day! 

Breakfast for dinner

Exodus 16: 4
" Then the Lord said to Moses, ' I will rain down bread from heaven for you . The people are going to go out each day and gather enough for that day.  In this way I will test them and see if they will follow my instructions. ' "


Manna from heaven. This verse in Exodus comes after the Israelites have been out of Egypt for over two months and are now wandering in the desert.  A journey that should have taken them anywhere from a week to a month (depending on what theologian you're referencing), but it took them 40 years! There were definitely some things God wanted the Israelites to work out before they entered the promised land. Only 2 of the original 2 million or so did enter.  Do you feel that you are wandering in the desert? I think we all feel lost from time to time.  Know that God is acting in your life. It may not be your timing, it may not even be in your time, perhaps it will be a generation or two (or more!) from now. But God is always present; always constant. God is always. Believe, trust and hope. The work that God is doing in your life is meant for His good.  His plan is greater than we could ever imagine. So, sit back and "set a spell" and know that He is God.

God provides. I know that from experience. In the morning, I look in the pantry and am convinced that we have absolutely nothing in the house for dinner. Miraculously, by dinner time, my family is sitting down to a respectable meal.  Sometimes we have breakfast for dinner.  Some of my favorite dinners are breakfast foods.  A nice omelet, a quiche, a french toast casserole: so simple and easy to do.

Here is one of my favorite breakfast casserole recipes from Southern Living.

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) Hawaiian bread loaf, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

2 cups (8 ounces) finely shredded Mexican four-cheese blend 

1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled (8 slices) 

8 large eggs 

2 1/2 cups milk 

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon dried mustard 

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salsa or sliced fresh tomatoes 

Preparation

Arrange bread cubes in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, pepper, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over prepared dish; press down bread cubes with a spoon to allow bread to soak up liquid. Cover and chill 8 hours. Let stand 30 minutes before baking.

Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until set and golden. Serve with salsa or sliced fresh tomatoes.

Note: Hawaiian bread may be found in the deli section of supermarket. Ten to 12 white bread slices, cubed, may be substituted for Hawaiian bread.

Southern Living

JULY 2003

                                                        Enjoy your breakfast!