Begin Again

Ezra 3: 11
" With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: ' He is good; his love for Israel endures forever. '  And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. "


This portion of Ezra (chapter 3: 1-13) is about the rebuilding of the temple. The people were so thankful and full of praise, there was so much noise that no one knew if people were laughing or crying.  They were overwhelmed at being able to begin again. That's how I feel some mornings. God is so good, I have been given yet another new day. I have been given a new beginning, even after I haven't been a model Christian, a good mother, a respectful wife, or a  loving daughter.  I'm human.  Even in my humanity, I am new every morning. Hold your ears, I may start laughing and crying!

Happy 1st Monday Menus! Yesterday for Mother's Day I didn't have to cook one thing. Yay!! We spent the day in Baltimore at the B&O Train Museum, so by the time we got back in town we were hungry and stopped in a diner to eat.  It it a Greek owned diner so I had to try the Spinach Pie.  It came with a side of Greek Salad and a cup of soup so it was plenty of food and it was delicious.  It reminded me of a Spinach Pie recipe that I tried a few years ago (which was also delicious) that I haven't made since because as much as I enjoyed it, being a mom of younger children, they didn't like it as much as I did.


Here's my Spinach Pie recipe:
(adapted from  "The Chew")

 4lbs spinach (trimmed and washed)
3 cloves of garlic (chopped)
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Salt & Pepper
1/4 cup of Pine nuts
1 cup of fresh dill- leaves only
zest of 1 lemon (don't be heavy handed here)
3 cups of feta cheese (crumbled)
1 box of phyllo dough (thawed)
1/2 cup melted butter

-In a large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach, garlic, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of fresh pepper.
-Saute until spinach is wilted then remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool. 
-Preheat oven 375*
-In saute pan over medium heat, add pine nuts and toast until golden brown and fragrant.  Remove to cool.
-Add pine nuts to spinach along with dill, lemon zest and feta.  Toss until thoroughly combined.
-Butter a 9x9 baking dish. Roll out phyllo dough and line inside of the pan.  Brush with butter and lay down another layer. (8 layers) 
-Spoon 1/2 Spinach mixture, then 3 layers of phyllo, topping each layer with butter.  Add remaining spinach mixture then 3 more layers of phyllo; each with butter. 
-Bake 30-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
-Cool slightly before serving.

Serve with a side of Greek Salad and some Sparkling Water. Delicious!

Spinach Pie- from my kitchen to you! (I wish!!)
(image found on Pinterest)

Mom

Genesis 3: 20
" Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. "


Sometimes I feel like I'm the "mother of all the living"! There are certainly people that have more children than I do, though (Mom!).  I am so blessed to be the mother of these beautiful children that God gave me.  I still remember the excitement, anticipation, and even a little fear nearly 25 years ago when I first became a mom.  Even though I have to admit that every day has not been all rainbows and sunshine, I love my children so much and I am so proud of the gifts and talents each of these wonderful people have. Each a different creation.  Truly a miracle from up above- most days.  And of course as much love as I feel for these beautiful creatures, I know that my mother must feel the same -most days (at least for my brother,lol!).  I love my mother very much, and pray that my children love me as much.  So today, two days before Mother's Day 2015, I pray for those moms out there.  I pray for their children, too. I also pray for those who have lost their moms, that they find comfort in the memories, traditions and legacies that have been passed along from mom to mom.  Thank you, Mom. I love you!

Here are my beautiful creatures.

Me and my "babies".

Happy Mother's Day!

Simplify

Hebrews 12: 1b
" So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin that holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. "


I'm pretty sure I've used this verse before.  It's a good one!  I may even use it again, so get over it, lol. I used it today because of the first part of this section of verse 1, ' So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, '.  I think it means simply: simplify.   I would love to do this in my life.  I get very flustered when something I have taken the time to organize (fold, clean, etc.) gets undone. My poor children.  Simplicity seems to be the answer.  Being overwhelmed by things of this earth, takes me away from much more important things that I'm given from heaven above.  Forgive me, Lord, for the things, and the sins that take me away from you.

I've been trying to organize and eliminate clutter in my home.  We are having a community yard sale this weekend, so hopefully we can have some fun and make a little money getting rid of a few things.  To that end, I've also decided to simplify my blog.  I am going to have a schedule for my posts.  Example:  Monday Menus, Taco Tuesday (stole that from The Lego Movie), you get the idea.  So by next week, you'll hopefully see some fun changes.

Here are a few things I'm mulling over:

Monday Menus

Habitat Tuesday

Wellness Wednesday

Thursday Tots

Fashion Friday

Let me know what you think. Comment below, I'd love some feedback on what you'd like to see on the blog. I will definitely keep the daily inspiration.  Have a blessed day!

Pink

Zechariah 9: 17
" How attractive and beautiful they will be! Grain will make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women. "


This time of year I am in awe of the beauty in nature.  We have 2 beautiful cherry trees in front of our house that are in full bloom. Pink! In a couple of days instead of a green lawn, I will have a carpet of pink petals (that will inevitably be tracked into the house by my children: but I digress).  God has made everything  beautiful in it's time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).  I certainly am enjoying His beauty.

I love the color pink.  All shades.  I'm keeping the bright pink MAC lipstick I bought (sorry girls!).  I have a neon pink pineapple t-shirt.and, I have a great shade of the palest pink nail polish.  Love, love, love! I'm not sure pink is ever out of style. Here are a few of my favorite pinks.

Here is one of my beautiful trees.

                

                    MAC lipstick Candy Yum Yum- Nordstrom

Pineapple tee- Walmart

Also, one of my favorite pink stores is "The Pink Silhouette".  They just launched a new website, and if you order by May 11th you can get 15% off! 

Follow this link to shop- The Pink Silhouette

I pray you have a beautiful day!

Strike out!

Psalm 89: 23
" I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries. "

It has been a year to this day that my brother-in-law, Tim, was diagnosed with ALS.  A day that has changed the lives of people I love, considerably.  My sister-in-law posted this on FB this morning; what a perfect description of her perspective as a woman of faith.

"May 5, 2014. On that date our lives were changed forever by three letters ALS. What a year it has been. This past year God has showered us with mercies, miracles, blessings, answered prayers and so much love that it is hard to comprehend. This journey is not exactly what we had in mind for our middle age years. I was thinking a condo on a Hawaiian beach would have been a great idea. But God in His goodness and love has allowed this in our lives. We continue to trust God and know that no matter what the circumstances He will never leave us nor forsake us. Thank you to our wonderful friends and family and the tons of people we don't even know for praying for Tim, for me, and for our family. Although this journey is hard, and sometimes scary, Tim and I walk in the strength and peace that God gives us everyday. One day at a time. Cherishing every day that we have and taking nothing for granted. Keep hope in your heart always!! xo

God is preparing you for great things - Faith Radio

Though circumstances may be difficult, God doesn't give up on His plan for us, and...

MYFAITHRADIO.COM"

My hope is that you all continue to support people who are facing the challenge of ALS.  Raising awareness like the "Ice Bucket Challenge" last year, is a good start. But many people need support financially for medical services, equipment and of course research for a cure.  Most importantly there are families that need your support through prayer.  Together we can "Strike Out ALS"!

Here's my fashion statement for today. Eat your heart out Vogue!

Cool Tee from my 5k last week! Wearing it with pride.

Have a blessed day!

Mother's Day wish list...

Matthew 15: 4
" For God said, 'Honor your father and mother' and  'Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.' "

I think this verse speaks for itself: Emily, Charlotte, Ben, Dominic, Mia, Bella and Frankie...just sayin'.  Actually, this verse was used by Jesus to point out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and teachers of the law.  (It was worth a try though, am I right?).

I've got Mother's Day on my mind.  First, it's a good day for me.  I usually get out of cooking and get breakfast in bed. Second,  I have a schedule during the week, and I usually plan the week's activities around a holiday or special day. If you've been a regular reader of my blog, you know I like a good theme.  I also got to thinking that none of my children or my husband have asked me what I would like, if say, they were going to get me a gift.  So here we go, some things I would love to have for Mother's Day!

I like a big roomy bag during the summer. With a big family and a lot of activity, it's a must.
This one I can order from a local shop from my old neck of the woods Whimsicality-  Scout Daytripper Tote Bag.

This bag is from Lands' End. I love the nautical/patriotic flair and I definitely would pay extra for the monogram

You can't go wrong with a great candle. Yankee Candle's- Home Sweet Home is one of my favorite scents.

I really like this Lobster & Lucky Stripes Tee- Talbots.  It's so cute! Talbots has a lot of great classic clothes. I love their "Classic American Summer " collection.

These are a few things I've been eyeing up. Really, what I would like would be a day without cooking, cleaning and children fighting...and maybe coffee in bed! Have a blessed day!!

Our Hope

Hebrews 6: 19
" We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, "


This is my new favorite verse. As a Christian, I wear hope as a badge of honor.  There is hope for me in the cross. Without the cross, I wouldn't stand a chance on my own.  Because I have hope, I cherish each new morning. Even when things seem hard or impossible, I know they are not. When life isn't easy, I know there will be peace and joy for me. Hope is an anchor for my soul, firm and secure.

 I really am enjoying all of the anchor/nautical clothing and home accessories. When I'm out and about and I see an anchor, I am reminded of my faith. I've always liked the nautical trend in summer and resort wear, but now it holds special meaning for me. Here are a few things that I recently added to my collection...

My wonderful husband bought me this garden flag last weekend at The Kite Loft in Ocean City.

I've been picking these items up here and there.  I love the color combinations...maybe in my next house?? 

This dress...what can I say?
Anchor dress- B. Fabulous

I pray your weekend is full of hope! Have a great one.