Risky Business

Matthew 14: 29
"He said, 'Come.'  So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus." (ESV)


The rest of the story here in Matthew, is that Peter began to be afraid because of the wind and started to sink in the water. Jesus pulled him up, and in verse 31 said, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?". The risk that Peter was taking in these verses was not getting out of the boat and walking on the water toward Jesus, it was his lack of faith. Lord, help me to believe and trust in you always. I pray that you would take away my doubts and fears that you aren't enough. I need only to keep my eyes on you, Lord.  Don't let me look down, look back on past mistakes, or allow the wind to blow me off course. Those are the risks, Lord. Belief in You is the safest bet of all, with You I can not fail.

Last Thursday, I took a fashion risk. Boy was it a failure (you will see no picture posted on this blog of that particular outfit). I just pray you won't look in a magazine and find my face blocked out in the "fashion don't" section. I still feel good about this risk though. Without taking a risk here and there and failing, I'd never learn from my mistakes. Hopefully, most of my fashion posts will inspire you to try something new. I follow many fashion bloggers who take risks with their outfit and makeup choices, sometimes I love them and want to run out and give them a try, sometimes I think I won't. "Never say never", is what I always say. Well, that and, "Two wrongs never make a right" (that one I say to the kids, though!).

Here are a few things, I'd like to try...

Mixing patterns is always a bit of a risk.
I love stripes and floral and have done it in the past.
I actually would like to give this a try.
(pic found on Pinterest- here)

Here are stripes and floral again, but a little more classic.

(pic found on Pinterest-here)

A new bathing suit is always a risk.

I like this one piece "high-neck" suit from Target.
I've noticed the "high-neck" trend in bikinis as well, a risk I'm not willing to take!

Tassels...

Tassels are a trend in shoes and clothing.
Personally, I wouldn't go head to toe with this trend, but in moderation, so cute!
Like these beauties from Nordstrom by Rebecca Minkoff!

I think a tear just came to my eye on this one!
Tory Burch- Small Straw Tote
The only risk on this one is how to buy it without my husband knowing about it???

Or maybe this top from Nordstrom by Band of Gypsies.
Showing off some shoulder is another trend for the spring/summer.

Well that's about as risky as I'm going to be right now. I pray today, that when you take a risk, that your faith is not one of them! Have a blessed day!!

Eventless in April!

Deuteronomy 14: 26
" Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine, or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice. "


God wants us to celebrate. He gives us reasons to celebrate. We are to, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice. " (Philippians 4:4). There's nothing wrong with a good party! I pray today, that you would have many reasons to celebrate all the Lord has done in your life. Rejoice, Rejoice!

I was looking ahead in my calendar for April and I didn't see any holidays, so I Googled it. I guess I could celebrate National Tartan Day, which is April 6th. Of course Passover and Orthodox Easter are later in the month, but I'm not Jewish or Orthodox. There's no decoration or theme I can use for April Fools Day (I can't stand that!). What's a girl to do?? Fortunately for me I do have a big reason to celebrate at the end of the month. My husband is going to be 50!! Unlike my children, I probably won't be having a theme party, like Dora, but I'll at least have a plan for a nice meal and a festive cake. What would you do for a fun, festive, 50th birthday?

Here's what I'm thinking...

I think I can use this for a more adult theme.
He loves steamed crabs with extra spice!
(image from Pinterest- here)

No need for an expensive table cloth.
Newspapers and crab mallets for us.
Even though April is a bit early for corn and tomatoes,
I think I definitely need to find some.
(image from Pinterest- here)

My hubby doesn't drink beer,
but he loves a good root beer float!
(image from Pinterest- here)

Here's  fun twist to his traditional favorite, Pineapple Upside Down Cake.
(image from Pinterest- here)

Hopefully this will be enough to keep me going for the month! Have a terrific Tuesday!!

Easter Monday

 John 21: 25
" Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have enough room for the books that would be written. "


We know that Jesus did a lot of things and lived a life before his ministry began when he was about thirty years old. And of course, through the Gospels, we know of many of the things he did during his ministry here on earth. But, this verse is not about what he did before the resurrection, this verse was written about what Jesus did here on earth AFTER he died and rose again. Pretty amazing if you ask me! And, he still works in our lives today. He is still present, and even though I try to journal every morning, I still don't write down everything that the Lord has done or is doing in my life. Multiply that by all of the other Christians around the world, and that's a heck of a lot of things. Today, I encourage you to take time each day to remember the times of blessing and action the Lord is doing in your life. It's easy to remember to seek him in times of trouble and times of hardship. If you start to look for the blessings in your everyday life, you'll see you are never alone. He truly does so many things in your life, you won't have enough room in your journal for them all to be written.

Yesterday was Easter. What a fun day our family had. My entire immediate family went to my parents house for dinner, and we had bonus friends and family too! There were plenty of aunts and uncles and cousins and friends. We had a terrific meal, an Easter egg hunt, and a ping-pong tournament (my nephew Jeff and I were the grand champions!!!) and, danced the evening away to my dad's jukebox. Before we left we snapped a few pics of my parents with all of their grandkids (most of which were my children). Here's a couple pics of my crazy kiddos.

My parents, my girls, and my niece.

My parents and all of the grand kiddos.

Boy is it hard to get everyone looking in the same direction!
Oh well, there were 3 photographers so I hope someone got a pic with everyone in focus.

I pray you all had a joyous Easter day, and that you keep the hope and joy of Easter in your heart this blessed Easter season!

Feed me!

John 6:35
" And Jesus said to them, ' I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.' " (NKJV)


Today is Good Friday. Today we remember the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on the cross at Calvary. I hope today that you put aside some of your business, and truly reflect on that sacrifice. One that was without sin, took the sin of the world on himself and paid the price of that sin; which is death. We didn't earn it, and we didn't deserve it. This payment was made for us despite ourselves. A gift that was freely given, because of love. Lord, thank you doesn't seem adequate enough for the sacrifice that we remember today.  But we do thank you, Lord, and because you gave us this gift, we need to pass it on in love, as freely as it was given to us.  " For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. " John 3:16 (NKJV)

For the first time today I am going to try to fast. It is an extremely small sacrifice to make given all that God has given to me. But, I have to say, I'm already hungry!! This truly is a challenge for me because I love to eat! The hope is, as in any time of fasting and reflection, that when I do feel hungry (and I know it'll probably be ALL day for me), that it will remind me of WHY I have chosen to fast. Every time I feel the urge to grab a potato chip or even a healthy strawberry, I need to refocus my thoughts on Jesus. Please pray for me, but also my poor family that will have to handle their hungry mom all day!

(Image found on Google Images-click link here)

Pretty dresses for pretty girls

1 Timothy 2: 9
" I also want the women to dress modestly,with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with the elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, "


This letter (or epistle) is from Paul to Timothy, a young church leader in Ephesus. You need to put in context the time in which it was written. however, you can also see how it is still good guidance for today. I don't think that Paul is giving fashion advice here. I think he is trying to help a young pastor with issues he is having at his church. But also, you have to agree that, with some of today's fashions, it's still pretty good advice. Dressing modestly with decency and propriety should be something we strive for daily, especially if we have young daughters that look to us for guidance on how to conduct themselves. As for the expensive jewelry or gold, I think too, that this is all relative. What might be out of the question for me to purchase, might be just fine for you. What is important is that our sole purpose should not be about what we should wear or how we should look, but on how our hearts and minds should be focused on Jesus. If that's good and clear, then everything else is icing on the cake, and you know how much I love a good piece of cake!

So, Easter is less than a week away. I haven't done very much at all to prepare. The Easter baskets are still up in the attic neatly boxed away from last year. I haven't purchased one piece of candy or blade of Easter grass. I only have 3 eggs in the refrigerator, certainly not enough to boil and dye for my big brood. Somehow it will all get done. One thing that I have done (because my husband is on top of things), is that we purchased some cute shoes for our 2 youngest girls and our "baby" has a precious Easter dress. I love it that my girls like pretty dresses (just like their mom!!).

Here's my precious 3 yr old with her doll, Addyson.
This year we splurged a little bit (thank you Uncle Sam!) and purchased her an American Girl/Bitty Baby dress and matching doll dress. We got an on-line coupon as well, yay!
This pic should be titled, "Messy hair, don't care!"
Here's where you can purchase one for your favorite girl-  Bitty Baby Dolls/American Girl

This year we got the girls sandals. My 9 yr old picked out a pair a few weeks ago and then we got a similar pair for our 3 yr old with our "Kohl's Cash". I love a good deal at Kohl's!

My 9 yr old loves these.
Candies Girls Gladiator Sandals- Kohl's

My toddler feels like a princess in these.
Jumping Beans Toddler Girls Metallic Sandals- Kohl's

I like that these sandals are versatile to wear all spring and summer long. I can't wait to take pictures with my babies all dolled up. Look for updates later in the week.

I pray that you have a wonderful week!!

Not easy being green

Psalm 52: 8- NKJV
" But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. "


Happy St Patty's Day! I love a good theme, so today is easy for me. In our house we go green. We wear green, we decorate green and we have a menu plan that's semi-traditional. (I do a pot roast instead of a corned beef brisket, because I would be the only one to eat it!). I love this verse in Psalms because I can identify with it. I have always had a child-like faith. A "green" faith mind you. I have questions, but I never question. I am curious, not cynical. I admit, that I always didn't "get it". I grew up knowing about God and going to church, but I just didn't have a personal relationship with Him until I got to college and even then, didn't always walk the walk. I am so blessed that God has gifted me with this strong faith. I know now how important it is to keep it green; growing and thriving. I pray today, that you wear your green not only on the outside, but inside where it really matters. Amen!

I will probably blow this whole "healthy" thing right out of the water today. I started my day with water (good), a few cups of coffee (ok), and a chocolate donut with green sprinkles(bad!)! But it is St. Patrick's Day and I don't drink beer, so...I'll eat a healthier tomorrow.

Here's my breakfast of champions!
Oscar the Grouch donut (for my 3yr old) and chocolate with sprinkles for Mommy!

Here's an Irish blessing for you today,

(Image found on Facebook post)

Enjoy your St. Patty's Day! Remember, eat responsibly.(Lol)

A cup of tea, a cookie, and you

Ezekiel 47: 12
" Fruit trees of all kinds grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing. "


Lord knows I could use some good fruit around here, I'm going to get some of those fruit trees from Ezekiel. I love my family so much, but the bad fruit (impatience, unkindness, harshness, no self-control...) we toss around at each other is so discouraging. I think it's particularly frustrating because we have a higher calling, an example in Christ to follow. We certainly should know better. That is why seeking God daily and refueling your spirit fruit (see fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23) is so important. God doesn't make any bad fruit. When we don't use the good fruit He so abundantly gives us, it turns. Our lack of seeking, praising, praying, rejoicing, and fellowship in the Lord robs us of the bumper crop of fruit He gives us freely. Lord, I pray you bear much fruit in me today. The living water that flows from your sanctuary refreshes me. I need to drink from it daily so I can serve your good fruit to those around me. Amen.

Notice the reference to the leaves in the Bible verse above? It refers to tea that was brewed for healing purposes. God doesn't let anything go to waste. No piece of fruit or leaf will be left unused. I love the medicinal qualities of tea. Since I was a child, a hot cup of  tea seemed to be the comfort I needed when I was ill, had a tummy ache, sore throat or even just a needed a calm ,warm end to my day. I am definitely not a tea snob, however. I shared a tea recipe a few months ago here. I made a similar batch of that last week and really enjoyed having a hot cup of tea in the afternoon. There are lots of great teas out there, I love me a chai tea latte every now and then, and I really miss my favorite tea (Garry's Famous Spiced Iced/Hot Tea) from Garry's Grill in Severna Park. I used to buy it by the gallon when I was expecting baby #6! The great thing about tea is that it's great cold too (coffee is too, but I digress).  I think the British have it right, Afternoon Tea, is a great idea. Now, go and have a nice cup of tea and bear fruit with one another. It's Biblical!!

You've gotta have a little somethin', somethin' with a cup of tea!
These are my grandmother's butter cookies.
 I added green food color and put the dough in my
cookie press for some festive shamrock cookies.

Click here for this spiced tea recipe.
It's number 3 in my list of 7.

Enjoy your Wednesday!!

Sunshine on my shoulders

Ecclesiastes 11: 7
" Light is sweet and it pleases the eye to see the sun. "


What a wonderful couple of days we had last week, sun and 70* weather in March. I love the sunshine!! Today, of course, it's raining, but that's ok. I know more warm weather and sunshine are just around the corner. The Bible is full of references to God and Jesus as the light. We are told, " in Him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1: 5). We know that night will fall and the dark will come, but we don't have to fear, because with a new day the light will break and we will be basking in the sunshine again.

Last week, I made a delicious cake that I thought would be a great Easter dessert. My friend Holly shared it on Facebook. It's called Pineapple Sunshine Cake. I found it on this blog, Belle of the Kitchen. What a great blog for recipes. It's written by a military wife and mother who focuses on eating healthy in a real and sensible way and...she loves chocolate and coffee. A girl after my own heart!

Click here for recipe- Pineapple Sunshine Cake

What a delicious, simple recipe. I will definitely be making this one again. Of course, it was extra delicious in the morning with my coffee!!

I pray your week, is full of new beginnings and sunny days!

Bang Bang!

Joshua 6: 20
" When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city. "


The walls of Jericho went down!! This isn't the only battle in the Bible that God does an amazing act. Another story that comes to mind is the story of Gideon. When he has 22,000 men in his army and God whittles it down to 300 to defeat the Midian army, who could not even be counted because they were as "thick as locusts" (see Judges 7:12). Not only that, the Midianites basically kill each other. They were so confused by all of the trumpet blasts, shouting, and the lights from the smashed jars, they just ran amok. See the story of Gideon starting in Judges 6, it's a good one!

 God just didn't do amazing things back then, He still does amazing things today. I encourage you to keep your eyes, ears, hearts and minds open to the miracles that are happening around you today. Sometimes movies are made about them, like this one I can't wait to see, Miracles from Heaven.

I love a movie I can take my whole family to see.
This one comes out on March 16,2016

Always a faithful person, when Jennifer Garner moved to Hollywood, she stopped going to church regularly.
According to a recent story I read, after filming this movie she started to take her children to church. God is good!
(picture found here- comingsoon.net)

So, I want you to notice Jennifer Garner's hair...(a little off topic, but I'm obsessed!). Last weekend my babydoll (3yr old) was sick, and during an impulsive moment, I cut bangs in my hair. I had just read an article in the dentist office about bangs and I just couldn't help myself! So here I am with bangs now. I just need to grow the rest of it back out. Love long hair with bangs!

Here I am on Monday. Bangs, bangs!!

Here I am Sunday right after I cut it.

I pray that you have a great day today, filled with miracles from heaven!!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Malachi 3: 6
" I the Lord do not change.  So you, the descendents of Jacob, are not destroyed. "


Whew, I'm glad God never changes, because if He behaved at all like me, we'd all be in BIG trouble!! The steadfast of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.". (Lamentation 3:22 ESV) 

I change things up all the time. There are some wonderful changes we can make in our lives. So, change for us mere mortals can be good. My house has gone through a lot of changes lately. Definitely a change for the better. Here are some pics of  good changes around my house...

my kitchen after. (almost done!!)

My kitchen before...

Practically everything has changed! I have new floors, new cabinets, new microwave, new stainless dishwasher, and new concrete counter tops!!! We are waiting on a new stainless stove, my new sink and faucet still need some work, and we need new drawer pulls and handles. I'll keep you updated when it's all done. Good changes, all good!

This is one of my favorite spots in the house.
My husband changed the original coat closet into this nice cubby and behind the wall in my kitchen,
I now have a pantry. Good change!

Here is the after. We're also doing  some landscaping.,and
my husband's installing a walkway to the backyard.  Can't wait!

Notice my front porch
(behind those 2 beautiful girls!)

Certainly these are some wonderful changes. We rely on our God to be never changing,steadfast, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13: 8). He wants us to conform to His image, to change in our hearts and in our minds and in our souls. He is the transformer, the changer. I pray you allow Him to make a great change today!!

Nailed it!

Psalm 144: 1
" Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. "


I love it when the word rock is used in the Bible. That means that something or someone is immovable, steady, a solid foundation, constant, unchangeable. When someone says to you that you are their rock, it's a compliment. God is a rock, Jesus calls Peter a rock (see Matthew 16:18). If you are a rock to someone you couldn't be in better company. Let's go out there today and be a rock for someone. Be their source of strength, their sure and steady foundation, their solid, unchangeable friend.

My fingers are ready for battle today, let me tell you. I put on my quick dry nail color and I even put on a top coat! I just don't feel completely pulled together unless my nails are pretty. Here are a few of my latest and greatest picks for nails this spring.

I chose this dark blue because it's formal enough to look like black, but I love navy blue in the spring.
This is AVON Speed Dry+ nail enamel in Navy (color no longer available).
Blues are very popular again this year.
 I love quick dry nail polish for a quick, out of the door coat of polish.
Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel- AVON - $6.00

Here are some cute Jamberry's that are sporting some of this seasons hottest colors, blue and pink.
I love this pattern because it reminds me of a beach towel.
Bayside- Jamberry - $15.00

Oh my!!! I just perused the new Jamberry catalog and found these fun wraps.
They are calling my name (and making me want another cup of coffee!).
Love Latte- Jamberry - $15.00

  

Here are Essie's latest colors for spring 2016

Click here to these great new shades.

I hope you've seen a few things you'd like to try. I know I have (yes, I'm going to have to get more nail polish, Honey!). Taking a few extra minutes to paint or apply wraps to your nails is a great confidence boost, and will help your hands to be ready certainly for any fashion battle you'll encounter today, lol.

I pray your day is a good one!

Healthy

Proverbs 25: 19
" Like a broken tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble. "

I went to the dentist yesterday for a checkup. I got a whole series of x-rays and my teeth cleaned. My hygienist gave me a good report. Love that! (I don't love the scraping!) It's miserable when your teeth aren't healthy. There have been times in my life when I have suffered from toothaches, I've even broken a tooth. Before you can get to the dentist you have to rely on those teeth in your mouth to get you through a meal or two, and that makes it even more miserable. Maybe you even skip a meal because of the pain. This verse in Proverbs is likening our reliance on people without faith to these times in our lives. We need to be aware of the people we rely on in life. Should we not associate with some people because they don't know God? No. Jesus clearly ministers to all people. We are called to bring comfort  to others and give them hope. However, we do need to watch who we associate with on a regular basis, lest we be led astray. Fellowship with other believers is critical for edification so that we grow spiritually healthy. I pray today that as you take the time to go to the doctor and dentist to be physically healthy, that you would also take the time to have fellowship with other Christians to maintain your spiritual health. Amen.

Last week, I showed you the cheesecake that I made for our Tuesday small group. Delicious! But I ended that post feeling sort of guilty. I do love to eat, however, I sometimes overdo it a bit, especially after baking and eating said baking all winter long (I love to eat!!). I've picked up a few pounds, or more...and I really need to fit back into my spring and summer wardrobe. I can't afford to go out and buy all new clothes, especially bigger clothes. So, I have started to run again and last night for small group, I took a tray of strawberries and vanilla Greek yogurt to share. I'm not going to go on a big "diet", but I do need to be more active and watch what I'm eating. We all do. So here are a couple of fun things that I've started to do in the last few weeks.

This is my choice at  Chick-fil-A these days. A side salad.
Instead of my usual sandwich, fries and lemonade (still so delicious),
 I have been sharing a grilled nugget meal with my daughter .
I just use some of her nuggets for my salad and she gets the rest!

Thanks to President Kennedy, I will forever have this song in my head.
Chicken Fat!!
We used to exercise to this song in Gym class in the 1970's.
I pulled this tune up on YouTube a couple of weeks ago, and my 3 year old and I do it all the time now.

Of course this is not all of the changes I'm trying to make. I drink a mug of water every morning before I drink my coffee, to help to fill me up and to hydrate me. I mentioned earlier that I started to run again (weather permitting, it was nearly 70* yesterday and now they are calling for snow again on Friday!). Running helps me to regain focus and it's a great stress reliever, too. 

Let me know what healthy things you are trying. I'd love to hear about them. Please take a moment and share a comment below.

 I hope your Wednesday is full of healthy, wonderful things!