Friday, February 26, 2016

Square peg, round hole

John 15: 19
" If you belonged to the world, it would love you as it's own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.That is why the world hates you. "


Relationships are hard.  Especially with people you have to be in relationship with. Your family. Hard stuff. First off, I am not (in this instance) referring to my husband (not in this particular post, although there is plenty there I could write about, lol!!). I'm talking about the people you've grown up with, like siblings and cousins, aunts and uncles, etc...you get it, right? I loved being around my family when I was little. I loved my cousins and look back on my childhood (for the most part) as a happy time. As we grow older, we get busier, we have responsibilities, obligations, financial limitations, children, spouses, new families, so many things that prevent us from seeing the people that we love. Sometimes your family understands, sometimes they don't. Boy, does that suck! Today, my feelings are hurt because I have not been included in an upcoming family event, but everyone else in my family (parents and brother and sil) have been. My mother seems to think, it's because in recent years I haven't been to a lot of family functions. Maybe that's true. I want to console myself and think that I probably wouldn't have been able to go anyway. That doesn't seem to be working for me. I feel betrayed and I feel sad. Forgive me, Lord, there I go being human again. Then, in my humanness, I begin to think, "What's wrong with me?, Why don't they like me?, Want to spend time with me?, Want to at least try to see me??".  I am consumed with it, and therein lies problem. What I should be consumed with are things not of this earth. I need to focus and refocus on God. Not on this, and certainly not on myself. That is soooo hard to do, because the pain comes a lifetime of love that now feels unrequited. I want to belong to my family on earth, but I know in my heart, that my Father is in heaven. He wants me to spend time with Him, He has invited me, He not only likes me, He loves me. While I am hurt right now, I know that it's temporal and when the pain fades away (and it will), I will be stronger and closer to my Father. Amen.

I don't want you all to think I go around being a "Debbie Downer" all day because my feelings are hurt. Really, I'm just too busy for that. I have to say, that my behavior is perhaps more sensitive and (just ask my kids and my husband) a bit more grumpy. Sorry guys, I love you!!!

So moving forward, here's what I'm thinking about today...jeans(I'm such a wierdo)!!!

I have to run to Target today to get some milk (they have such good prices!), so while I'm there, I'd like to try on a couple of pair of these bad boys.

Women's Slim Boyfriend Denim - Who What Wear ™
I need a new pair of jeans and I love the comfort and style of "Boyfriend" jeans.
Women's Slim Boyfriend Denim- Who What Wear- Target $34.99

Women's Midrise Crop Boyfriend Jean Dark Wash - Mossimo
I like the frayed bottom of these Boyfriend jeans.
Women's Midrise Crop Boyfriend Jean Dark Wash- Mossimo-Target $29.99
Women's Boyfriend Jean Medium Blue - Mossimo
Here's the pair I currently own (and love), but the tears are starting to be even bigger tears.
Women's Boyfriend Jean Medium Blue -Mossimo- Target- $29.99
I pray today that on the days you think you are a square peg trying to fit into a round hole, that you would remember you are the perfect fit with your Father in heaven. In God alone you will find perfect love and acceptance. Amen.
Enjoy your weekend!!



Thursday, February 25, 2016

Spring Fever

Matthew 8: 15
" He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. "


Jesus touches the hand of Peter's mother-in-law and she feels so great that she resumes her role as hostess to Peter, Jesus and the other disciples. Not only that, upon hearing of her healing, more people end up coming to her home to see Jesus for healing. I don't like people coming to my house unless it looks a certain way, let alone after I've been laid up sick for some time. The other miracle is that she didn't kick everyone out of the house until another day when she was good and ready! That's just how Jesus works, though, ready or not: trials, blessings or sharing blessings with others, get ready, here it comes! Prepare your heart, you will be called to serve someone, someday, in an unexpected way.

We are having some typical Maryland, pre-spring weather. Last Monday it was snowing, Saturday was about 70*, yesterday started off in the 40's and then by the afternoon we had thunderstorms and tornado warnings. Typical and yet, unpredictable. Last weekend, gave me a taste for spring. I have officially gotten the fever.  I am also receiving a lot of spring catalogues in the mail.  Land's End, and Talbots have the prettiest spring dresses, and I can't log into my E-mail without seeing countless ads from Target and Kohls, among many other retailers. My spring fever must be coming with a rash because I'm getting itchy just thinking about it!! Momma wants to buy some spring dresses!!! Here are a few things I'm just "itching" to buy!
What a beautiful, feminine dress, form Talbots.
The Dress- $189.00

This is such a pretty dress from Land's End.
Women' Sleeveless Woven A-line Dress-$139.00



Women's Elbow Sleeve Floral Printed Fit and Flare Dress - Melonie T
Are you seeing a trend here?
What a great dress at a great price from Target.
Women's Elbow Sleeve Floral Printed Fit and Flare Dress- $49.99

Women's Chaps Sheath Dress
I am just in love with the ascending/descending floral patterns in these dresses.
This one is from Kohls.
Women's Chaps Sheath  Dress-$75.00
 
I hope you get inspired by some of these dresses to add a beautiful floral dress to your wardrobe this spring. We have an early Easter this year, Sunday, March 27th, so don't be caught unprepared.
Have a blessed day!



Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Tuesday night

Acts 2: 46
" Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, "


Tuesday nights for my family are Bible study nights. We are in a small group that meets at the home of a family from our church. It is a time of prayer, reflection and fellowship. By fellowship, I mean, we eat! I truly look forward to my Tuesday nights. One of these Tuesdays, I'm sure God's going to come right into that living room and perfect my life....I just know it!! (just kidding). Meeting together with other Christians isn't about a group of perfect people becoming more perfect. It's imperfect people, getting together with other imperfect people, sharing all of our imperfections; but also sharing the hope and blessings that we have despite how imperfect we are....and we eat! Thank you, Lord, for the fellowship of others. Amen!

Our "small" group has grown larger this session, so what was just 3 couples before Christmas, has turned into 6 or more couples and some individuals as well. What a great group! To lighten the load a bit for our hostess, we all bring something to share. There's usually a pizza, some chicken nuggets, cookies, cupcakes, etc. I've been bringing cookies the last few weeks. I'm switching it up tonight, though. I'm bringing my favorite cheesecake recipe. I have been using a modified recipe from Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman). As you might know, she's one of my fave bloggers/cookbook authors/Food Network celebs. She cooks real food for real families. I can certainly relate.

Here's the recipe.

Blackberry Cheesecake Squares
Raspberry Cheesecake Squares- Ree Drummond (food network)
(Click above link for recipe)
My youngest has a nut allergy, so I have to change this recipe just a tad. I don't add any nuts to the crust. The vanilla cookies and butter are just fine alone. Also, I don't make the topping, I have some picky eaters, and quite frankly, it makes it so much easier for me. Usually, I just sugar some fruit and let the kids decide if they want some on top or not. Super easy!

Here's my cheesecake fresh out of the oven.
Just a few hours in fridge and look out stomach,  here it comes! 

I hope you have a terrific Tuesday! I'll see you tomorrow, at which time we will begin our new feature, "Work-it-off Wednesdays!!!
 




Monday, February 22, 2016

#Harfordstrong

Psalm 37: 39
" But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their strength in the time of trouble. " (NKJV)




Now that the second funeral service is over, and our Sheriff's Deputies have been laid to rest, will we now be able to carry on as usual? I hope not. I pray that the strength and unity that this community, county and state have shown this last week and a half continues. I pray that the support we are giving to our law enforcement and first responders continues, that daily, we fall down on our knees and pray to God for protection and strength for those that serve us. I pray that we always remember the families who give of themselves as their first responders go off to face another day, another trial, another battle; especially when the ones they love don't return. We should never forget, we should never go back to where we were, but look forward, facing the new day: changed, stronger in our unity. We stand together, and together we are strong. Amen.

I have been touched daily by the show of love and respect our local community and state have shown the Harford County Sheriff's Department and the families of the fallen Deputies. I have to keep a box of tissues with me everytime I look on Facebook or turn on the local news. I have neighbors that have replaced their white porch lights with blue ones, friends that are putting blue lines on the back windows of their vehicles and even many of our local businesses are having fundraisers to support the families of the fallen and all of our law enforcement and first responders. Here are just a few of the local businesses you can support to show your support.



In honor of our local Fallen Heroes, & all of the brave men & women who continue to tirelessly serve our community, LAVISH Salon & Spa will be donating: 

💙FREE HAIRCUTS to ALL POLICE, FIREMEN & FIRST RESPONDERS💙 for the rest of February as a small token of our gratitude & appreciation!

WE LOVE YOU HARFORD COUNTY STAY STRONG!
📞410.692.2688

EmbroidMe of Bel Air
Welcome to the #HarfordStrong store. This site is dedicated to show support for our Law Enforcement Community. We will continue to offer T shirts and a few other items at substantially reduced pricing. So everyone can show HCSO and ALL Law Enforcement agencies we are proud of what they do and thank them for their service. You help to make #HARFORDSTRONG. Thank you for your support and enjoy your visit.

We are offering this decal to anyone interested. 100% of the profit from the sale will be donated to the Benevolent Fund to be divided among the Dailey and Logsdon families equally. The decal is 2" x 6" The cost of the decal is 10.00.
We will be taking orders until 2 March 2016. The cost will cover Shipping via Postal service.
The more we sell, the bigger discount we receive and therefore more $$$ goes to the families of our fallen officers.
You will all receive a copy of the check that will be provided to the benevolent fund for distribution.
You can pay using paypal……..
Email: harcostrong@gmail.com.
Make sure you include your name and mailing address in the comments for this transaction in PAYPAL. paypal.me/harcostrong
Please feel free to share this post.... Get the word out there!
Our county has been rattled down to its core, its residents in total shock, and the emotions can be felt everywhere you go.
To our brave officers in Harford County today,
We see you, we stand behind you, and we support you. WE are Harford County Strong. ‪#‎HarCoStrong‬


There are so many others that aren't even advertised. I was at my local Redner's on Saturday, and they were taking donations at the registers. If you know of any other fundraisers you would like to share, please post in the comments. I'd love to share them too. 

 I pray today that you are moving forward in strength and courage and if you can't do it on your own, you can rely on the strength of God. 
" God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. " Psalm 46: 1(KJV).  
Have a blessed Day!

Thursday, February 18, 2016

It's all about that faith

Hebrews 11: 1
" Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. "


If not for faith, where would you be today? Even on my darkest days, being grounded in the hope and assurance of my faith brings me back into the light. God has a purpose and a plan for me, for you, for my family, for my children. Lord, thank you for the gift of faith. Faith is the sustainer for me while I am still here on earth. Until you call me home, help me to remain steadfast, yearn to grow in, and boldly share my faith.

Sharing your faith can sometimes be a tricky thing. While for some, going around handing out Bible tracts is perfectly fine, that's just not the way I operate. I have shared my faith using a tract before (I got one in college from Campus Crusade for Christ and I still carry it in my Bible), but God uses us all differently.  A great way to share your faith is to wear it. You can choose to wear jewelry or t-shirts that help you to start a conversation with someone that you might not ordinarily talk to about your faith. You know I like a good     t-shirt, and I certainly love me some jewelry!! Here are some really cute conversation starters I've been considering lately.

Women's I Can BOLD
I ran across this Christian sports apparel company on my Facebook feed.
Active Faith has a great selection for men, women and children.
Check them out here

Apparel
NG by Natalie Grant is a great site to shop for T's and jewelry (and music).
Natalie Grant is one of my favorite Christian artists.
I own the White Cross T-shirt. Love it!

close
Here's a great necklace from NG.
They have some really great, faith inspired jewelry.
This one is Faith Over Fear, and it's only $28!!

Not only can you find something fun to further your faith, but some of these companies donate some of the proceeds of their sales to help others. "Fashion with purpose"! Sounds like a win-win to me!!

Have a wonderful day!

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Stripes

1 Peter 2: 24
" who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness- by whose stripes you were healed. " -NKJV


In this Lenten season, I hope you are taking time to examine the sacrifice of Christ's death for us. Of course we truly remember his sacrifice on Good Friday (this year it's Friday, March 25th), but daily we need to come to God and appreciate how our Lord, a sinless man, took upon himself the sins of the world and paid the ultimate price. The wages of sin is death. Through his death our payment has been made. Through his stripes we are healed! 

Stripes, when I hear this word, I immediately think of the movie starring Bill Murray from 1981. Not very biblical, I know. Certainly not a Christian flick, so irreverent and funny in it's time. I also think of...you guessed it...clothes. I own a loft of striped tops and dresses. They remind me of the nautical look that I love. I was recently running (literally running, the family was out in the car waiting) through my local Target when I spotted an adorable striped dress that I had to have. What I like about this particular dress is the 3/4 sleeve that I can wear now in the cooler months, and feel comfortable well into spring or even a cool summer evening. Wear it now with tights and booties, in the spring and summer with some strappy sandals. So versatile!
Women's A Line Long Sleeve Striped Swing Dress Black/White - Le Kate
Womens A Line Long Sleeve Swing Dress Black/White- Le Kate- Target

Here's what I'm wearing today, an oldie, but a goodie.
Classics never go out of style!
similar top here- Talbots
And...stripes from the past!!!




I pray you have a terrific Tuesday! 

Monday, February 15, 2016

Just another snowy Monday

Philippians 4 : 4
" Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! "


Because today is President's Day, and nobody has anywhere they have to be, the snow is actually quite lovely. It's even getting warmer. A balmy 28* instead of yesterday's 8*.  Rejoice! Not only that, but yesterday we had a lovely Valentine's Day full of chocolate, some fun gifts...and love. I will say it again: Rejoice!!

Here are some cute pics from yesterday...Rejoice!!!

My day started with some breakfast in bed.
My favorite 9 year old made me coffee and waffles with strawberries.
Here's what I found on the dining room table for my girls!
And then I found this on the other side of the table!
Yay, Daddy!! Mommy likes.






I think my new mug sums up my family. We are all different, but together we are the perfect blend.
Happy Belated Valentine's Day and
Happy President's Day!

I pray today, that in all things, you rejoice. And when you think you might be done, rejoice again!
Rejoice in the Lord always.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Blue line

John 15: 13
" Greater love has no man than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. "


Today we are in shock here in my little town. Two of our very own brave deputies were taken by gunfire yesterday. Nothing like this has happened in our county in over 100 years. As the wife of a law enforcement officer, it really hits home. While I realize the danger that my husband puts himself in everyday, it hasn't been since the Baltimore riots last year, that I have felt so anxious about what my husband does. I know he would do whatever it takes to come home to his family, but I know too, that there are people out there that don't put any value on life and wouldn't hesitate to take away the life of my husband, one of his brothers or sisters in blue, or for that matter, anyone else. It is a miracle that no one else was injured yesterday, as this tragedy took place in a busy local shopping center.  While tragedy could befall any one of us on any given day, most of us do not have jobs like our military, police, fire, and EMT's; a job where you are literally running towards danger to help those in need. Today I would specifically ask for prayers of comfort for the families and friends of these brave men who laid down their lives for their fellow man. I ask that you would also pray for the Harford County Sheriff's Department in this time of tragedy. Lord, protect and sustain these brave men and women who serve our community, and for all of those who go out everyday to protect and serve our state, our great nation, and the world. Amen.


Friday, February 5, 2016

Love you!

Psalm 18: 1
"... I love you, Lord, my strength. "


Pretty simple isn't it? I think God makes it so simple that even I understand it. "... Love the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind...".(Luke 10:7) . I love you, Lord!

I can't keep the joy away from me today. I am just overflowing with joy! You get some joy, you get some joy, everybody gets some joy! (a little take on Oprah, lol!). I can't explain it any other way, except I just have the love of Jesus in my heart. So look out for me today, you're going to get some joy!

My favorite 9 year old photographer took some pics of me in my new T-shirt from For Keeps Clothing Co.
I love it! So here are some pics and here is a pic of the cutest little photographer I know!

This was our favorite pic.
I took a picture of my photographer.
What a cutie pie!!


OK, so I took a selfie too!
Love You!
I pray you have a terrific, wonderful, joy filled weekend!!!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Super food

1 Corinthians 9: 25
" Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that does not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. "


I didn't remember this Bible verse (the context, not the verse)!! I love it! I would love to wear a crown around the house for a while, just to let the people I live with (you know, the commoners) get a real appreciation for my "forever" status. Of course it would only be temporary, I probably couldn't wear it to the grocery store or to the library. It might confuse people. Oh well, such is life for accolades here on earth. For every trophy I've earned or every award I've won, they are truly temporary. I will wear my forever crown when I go home to Jesus. Can I get an Amen?!

If you were looking at the title of this blog post to see some super healthy menu, I am so sorry. You have come to the wrong post. I have football on the brain, and even though I won't be at a big party, I love a good theme. This Sunday won't be any different. It's football party food all the way, baby!

For starters...

 Chipped Beef Cheese ball

2- 2 oz pkg air dried beef
1- 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened
2-4 tbsp of prepared horseradish (depending on the amount of heat you like)

Chop the beef into small pieces. Set aside. In a bowl combine cream cheese horseradish and half of the chipped beef. Mix until well blended (this is when I taste it to see if there is enough "heat"). Refrigerate the cream cheese mixture and the other half of beef for at least an hour. When set, roll cream cheese mixture into ball (or football shape). Roll cream cheese ball into remaining beef. (For football shape, you may have to press the beef into the cheese ball. Serve with some tasty crackers.

This is, by far, my favorite cheese ball. My mom and I have been making it forever. We don't even use a recipe. For this Sunday instead of a ball shape, I'm going to shape it like a football.

Main Course.

Ham, Apple and Cheddar Sliders
Ham, Apple and Cheddar Sliders
I saw this episode of "Valerie's Home Cooking" a couple of months ago, and have made this for my family already.
My 14 year old son loves it!
I'm going to bake a ham and slice some up thin for the sandwiches, that way I'll have plenty of ham leftover for another meal or two.

Dessert.

No-Bake Sweet-and-Salty Cereal Bars
Sweet chocolate candies and salty peanuts and pretzels make these no-bake cereal bars the perfect snack.:
I found these cereal bars scrolling through Facebook yesterday.
I made them right away, but with some modifications for my little one with peanut allergies.
See recipe here- http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/no-bake-sweet-and-salty
First off, no peanuts! Also, I substituted semi-sweet chocolate morsels for the candy-coated chocolate (these aren't safe because they are processed with other products that have peanuts). The chocolate morsels will melt a little bit, but they were still delicious. And finally, I took just a pinch of sea salt and sprinkled it the top to add a touch more salt to my "salty" because I had eliminated the salty peanuts.
   
Here's my version. Delicious!
I'm looking forward to a super Sunday! What team are you rooting for? I'm torn this year, my team's not playing and there are reasons I like both of the teams that are (I like the uniform color of the Panthers!). Please comment below and let me know your team or even your menu, I'd love to know what you have planned.
Have a blessed day!





Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Groundhog Day

James 5: 16
" Therefore confess your sins to each other and  pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. "


Just like in the movie Groundhog Day, I find myself in the predicament of having to ask for forgiveness every day: over and over again!.  Fortunately, I don't have to relive the same day over and over again (although sometimes it feels like it!).  Usually confessing my sins and asking for forgiveness either to God or to someone that I have erred against, makes me feel better and sets things right. In a perfect world, once you've done your part in the repentance/forgiveness role, everyone should have a nice hug and move on in joy and peace, right? Unfortunately we don't live in a perfect world. With God, if you are truly repentant you're good, but not always with people. We cannot expect to be forgiven in the way we would like to be forgiven. Forgive doesn't mean forget. While we can be truly sorry that we have hurt someone that we love, that doesn't mean they will forget our error. Sometimes that is healthy, especially if you are in an abusive relationship, but sometimes it means we truly aren't forgiven. What can we do? Just keep praying, just keep praying, what do we do we pray!! Don't let the bitterness in someone else's heart pull you off of your knees. We still need to pray for reconciliation, and seek it when appropriate, but we can't  allow ourselves to be consumed with guilt, regret, sadness, or self loathing. Forgive others as God forgives you, but remember to forgive yourself as God forgives you, too.

Today I'm sad. I won't give up the fight (the battle is already won!), but I'm just a little melancholy. "Weeping may tarry in the night, but joy comes in the morning. " (Psalm 30: 5b- ESV).  Probably tomorrow morning...
It really is Groundhog Day today, and good news, an early spring!! That certainly is something to find joy in. Here are some other things that bring me joy...

Coffee!
I got one of these little guys for Christmas.
What a wonderful way to have a hot cup of coffee in the afternoon without brewing an entire pot.
Keurig K10 MINI Plus Brewing System

New clothes!
I think I need another scarf!
An elephant scarf with pom poms and it's blue...need I say more?
Navy Elephant Pom Pom Infinity Scarf- The Pink Silhouette

Food!
Salted Pretzel Brownies
Salted Pretzel Brownies-Ree Drummond
food network- The Pioneer Woman

The Beach!
I need this!!
Ocean City, MD

I pray you have a terrific day. 
Remember, Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind and compassionate to one another,forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."









Monday, February 1, 2016

Self-ie


Luke 9: 23
" Then he said to them all: ' Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ' "


In this era of "selfies" this is probably a tough verse to wrap our minds around. Does that mean, I don't take care of my physical appearance or try to look nice? No. On the contrary, my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (see 1 Cor 6: 19). I am charged by God to take care of it. And, when I balk at putting pictures of myself on my social media, I need to remember this, "He has made everything beautiful in it's time." (Eccl. 3: 11).  We have to walk the fine line of putting ourselves first, and putting God first. He alone can see our hearts. I pray today that as you see your reflection in the mirror or in a "selfie" you've taken, you see how beautiful you are in your Father's eyes. Deny yourself, but don't deny who God made you to be. After all, we are precious in his sight.

Even though we've been cooped up for months (well, maybe days,but it feels like months!), I do try to look presentable.  I don't want to scare away my husband, the children, or the neighbors, after all! So here are a few things that I liked enough to take a picture of, and something I thought would be cute for a casual Valentine's Day.
This top is Macbeth Collection- Margaret Josephs
The BFF Blouse Margarita Casablanca.
I really liked the splash of color on a cold, gray winters day.

I LOVE this nail pen!
Sally Hansen- I Heart Nail Art Pens are easy to use and comes in lots of great colors.
Definitely use a clear top coat when you get your desired design.

ONLY A FEW LEFT!! 💛 I LOVE YOU A LATTE 💛
I can't wait to add this Tee to my collection.
How perfect for a coffee lovers Valentine!
For Keeps Clothing Company

I pray your week is full of beauty and love. Happy February!