HEALTHY THOUGHTS
My friend Joleen has really got me thinking on the topic of health issues lately. I've been doing some basic research on organic foods, the possiblity that we are being poisoned by things we aren't even aware of as well as herbal remedies for our basic illnesses. I recently found a website that deals with these natural remedies and have been addicted to it since. The Pearls, whom I know by now you know I admire, are the authors of it and offer SO MUCH knowledge on herbal remedies there. (I about went through all my paper printing off their articles and I can't wait to take a trip to the library to get some books!) You can also purchase herbs in bulk through that website as well. (See my links to visit the site.)
Have you ever researched why trans fat is so bad? Did you know that pet birds are dying and it's being linked to the teflon on our pans? What is that doing to us? Did you know that partially hydrogenated vegetable oil is horrible for you and it's in so much of our food? (Like JIF peanutbutter!) I feel so ignorant about so many things that can be harming my family. I'm only beginning to do research on it, but it all definitely has peaked my interest lately! Oh how I wish I had more time to research and learn!
Monday, January 30, 2006
One of my best memories...
...someday when I'm old and gray will be of my children and I dancing around the toys scattered in our living room as we worshipped Jesus! I've been praying for more LOVE, JOY and PEACE in our household, along with LAUGHTER and one of the ways we get smiles out of everyone is to dance to worship music. All of my children love it. I can remember doing it for the first time when Myah was just a baby and I'd dance to the music and sing to Jesus. Now she and Joel are doing their own dancing and Kiana is in my arms! My prayer is that in the midst of the fun, they're really learning to worship Jesus in their hearts. What a wonderful way to spend quality time with my children, focusing on the Lord! It will definitely be one of those memories that will bring tears to my eyes someday looking back, b/c it already does when I'm in the midst of it. I just know Jesus is with us in our living room receiving every ounce of worship we are giving Him.
...someday when I'm old and gray will be of my children and I dancing around the toys scattered in our living room as we worshipped Jesus! I've been praying for more LOVE, JOY and PEACE in our household, along with LAUGHTER and one of the ways we get smiles out of everyone is to dance to worship music. All of my children love it. I can remember doing it for the first time when Myah was just a baby and I'd dance to the music and sing to Jesus. Now she and Joel are doing their own dancing and Kiana is in my arms! My prayer is that in the midst of the fun, they're really learning to worship Jesus in their hearts. What a wonderful way to spend quality time with my children, focusing on the Lord! It will definitely be one of those memories that will bring tears to my eyes someday looking back, b/c it already does when I'm in the midst of it. I just know Jesus is with us in our living room receiving every ounce of worship we are giving Him.
I LOVE THIS QUOTE ON WORSHIP....
...taken from the CD titled, "I Love Your Presence" Live worship from the UK (Vineyard Music)
"The heart of worship is and always has been blessing Him. Coming to intimacy with Him. Giving to Him. He is the center of worship and how dare we ever make us the center of worship. Worship isn't to please me, it's to please Jesus. Worship is for Jesus, it's to Jesus and it's about Jesus."
...taken from the CD titled, "I Love Your Presence" Live worship from the UK (Vineyard Music)
"The heart of worship is and always has been blessing Him. Coming to intimacy with Him. Giving to Him. He is the center of worship and how dare we ever make us the center of worship. Worship isn't to please me, it's to please Jesus. Worship is for Jesus, it's to Jesus and it's about Jesus."
MY FAVORITE BREAD RECIPE
Wheat Braids
(Recipe credit goes to Benita Koeman)
3 packages (1/4 oz. each or 2 1/4 tsp. each) active dry yeast
2 1/4 C. warm water (110-115 degrees)
1/3 C. sugar
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 C. whole wheat flour
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. salt
5-6 cups all purpose flour
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add sugar and oil; mix well. Stir in whole wheat flour; let stand until the mixture bubbles, about 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat eggs and water. Remove 2 Tbsp. to a cup or small bowl; cover and refrigerate. Add remaining egg mixture and salt to batter; mix until smooth.
Add 4 cups all purpose flour and beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes. Punch dough down and divide in half. Divide each half into thirds.
Shape each into a rope about 15 inches long. Place 3 ropes on a greased baking sheet; braid. Pinch ends firmly and tuck under. Brush with the reserved egg mixture. Repeat, placing second braid on the same baking sheet. Let rise until doubled, about 15-20 minutes.
**OPTIONAL: Sprinkle with 2 tsp. sesame seeds OR sprinkle with Garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Remove from baking sheet to cool on a wire rack. Yield: 2 loaves.
Wheat Braids
(Recipe credit goes to Benita Koeman)
3 packages (1/4 oz. each or 2 1/4 tsp. each) active dry yeast
2 1/4 C. warm water (110-115 degrees)
1/3 C. sugar
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 C. whole wheat flour
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. salt
5-6 cups all purpose flour
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add sugar and oil; mix well. Stir in whole wheat flour; let stand until the mixture bubbles, about 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat eggs and water. Remove 2 Tbsp. to a cup or small bowl; cover and refrigerate. Add remaining egg mixture and salt to batter; mix until smooth.
Add 4 cups all purpose flour and beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes. Punch dough down and divide in half. Divide each half into thirds.
Shape each into a rope about 15 inches long. Place 3 ropes on a greased baking sheet; braid. Pinch ends firmly and tuck under. Brush with the reserved egg mixture. Repeat, placing second braid on the same baking sheet. Let rise until doubled, about 15-20 minutes.
**OPTIONAL: Sprinkle with 2 tsp. sesame seeds OR sprinkle with Garlic and Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Remove from baking sheet to cool on a wire rack. Yield: 2 loaves.
"IF YOU SAY GO..."
A while back, my sister gave me the new Vineyard worship sampler CD that they give out at Vineyard churches. The whole CD is excellent, but one song in particular always hits me when I hear it. I don't have a copy of the exact words with the CD, but I wrote down what I think they are and wanted to share it. I think this song speaks to me so much since we have moved halfway across the country away from our families, and we also never really know what God has in store around the next bend. Part of me, I think, is secretly hoping to just really settle down and have a "homestead" for our children. But, not MY will, but the Lord's be done...whatever that may be!
If you say go, we will go.
If you way wait, we will wait.
If you say step out on the water and they say it can't be done,
We'll fix our eyes on you and we will come.
Your ways are higher than our ways,
and all plans that you have made are good and true.
If you call us to the fire, you will not withdraw your hand.
We'll gaze into the place and look for you.
If you say go, we will go.
If you way wait, we will wait.
If you say step out on othe water and they say it can't be done,
We'll fix our eyes on you and we will come.
A while back, my sister gave me the new Vineyard worship sampler CD that they give out at Vineyard churches. The whole CD is excellent, but one song in particular always hits me when I hear it. I don't have a copy of the exact words with the CD, but I wrote down what I think they are and wanted to share it. I think this song speaks to me so much since we have moved halfway across the country away from our families, and we also never really know what God has in store around the next bend. Part of me, I think, is secretly hoping to just really settle down and have a "homestead" for our children. But, not MY will, but the Lord's be done...whatever that may be!
If you say go, we will go.
If you way wait, we will wait.
If you say step out on the water and they say it can't be done,
We'll fix our eyes on you and we will come.
Your ways are higher than our ways,
and all plans that you have made are good and true.
If you call us to the fire, you will not withdraw your hand.
We'll gaze into the place and look for you.
If you say go, we will go.
If you way wait, we will wait.
If you say step out on othe water and they say it can't be done,
We'll fix our eyes on you and we will come.
Friday, January 27, 2006
HOT CHOCOLATE NIGHTS
I received Dr. James Dobson's newsletter from Focus on the Family this week in the mail. Inside was an article called, "Once-a-year dreaming" by Steve and Candice Watters. I read it, and then re-read it to Evan last night because I thought they had some good points.
They discussed the importance of getting away as a couple in order to produce a better year together and have greater closeness with the two of you. Well, living as far from grandparents as we do and having 3 small children, going on an overnight retreat is a rare treat for us and was definitely out of the question at this season of our lives. So I called Evan yesterday and asked him to join me on a hot chocolate date last night. He asked where, and I told him, "Terri's Kitchen". He agreed and I could tell he thought I was being cute and wondered what I had up my sleeve. :)
Last night we read through this article and went through the checklist of things that they encouraged us to talk about. (Granted, we were both eating cereal instead of sipping hot chocolate, but it still accomplished the same goal!) The focus was to talk about your priorities for the year so that the year could be productive and time wouldn't be wasted. They used C.S. Lewis' challenged when it comes to prioritizing and said that there are basically 3 things to be done: 1) the ought to dos, 2) the have to dos and 3) the like to dos. Talking about them and having the same goals is so important!
I decided that "date nights" out are important, but "hot chocolate nights" should come at least once a week, preferably more!
I received Dr. James Dobson's newsletter from Focus on the Family this week in the mail. Inside was an article called, "Once-a-year dreaming" by Steve and Candice Watters. I read it, and then re-read it to Evan last night because I thought they had some good points.
They discussed the importance of getting away as a couple in order to produce a better year together and have greater closeness with the two of you. Well, living as far from grandparents as we do and having 3 small children, going on an overnight retreat is a rare treat for us and was definitely out of the question at this season of our lives. So I called Evan yesterday and asked him to join me on a hot chocolate date last night. He asked where, and I told him, "Terri's Kitchen". He agreed and I could tell he thought I was being cute and wondered what I had up my sleeve. :)
Last night we read through this article and went through the checklist of things that they encouraged us to talk about. (Granted, we were both eating cereal instead of sipping hot chocolate, but it still accomplished the same goal!) The focus was to talk about your priorities for the year so that the year could be productive and time wouldn't be wasted. They used C.S. Lewis' challenged when it comes to prioritizing and said that there are basically 3 things to be done: 1) the ought to dos, 2) the have to dos and 3) the like to dos. Talking about them and having the same goals is so important!
I decided that "date nights" out are important, but "hot chocolate nights" should come at least once a week, preferably more!
TO TRAIN UP A CHILD
Evan and I started reading through this book again, for at least the second time. He sits in bed tying flies, while I read aloud to him. Our children are all at such different stages, and we were starting to think we needed a refresher course on training. Kiana (our 11 month old) is at the stage of desperately needing some training. I feel like we've started "booty" camp at the Van Order household these past few days again! I know in the long run, we will be so thankful, though!
One of the biggest points this book gives is that, "No amount of discipline can make up for a lack of training. Proper training always works with every child. To neglect training is to create miserable circumstances for you and your child. Out of ignorance many have bypassed training and expected discipline alone to effect proper behavior. It hasn't worked (page 2)."
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Prov. 22:6)." "Train up -- not beat up. Train up -- not discipline up...Parents should not wait until their child's behavior becomes unacceptable before they commence training -- which would be discipline... Training is the conditioning of the child's mind before the crisis arises (page 4)."
I absolutely love the section called "Plant your tree in the midst of the garden" on page 5. It talks about how the forbidden tree was not placed out of Adam and Eve's reach, but they were directly exposed to the temptation. The tree was called the "knowledge of good and evil" meaning that "by exercising their wills not to eat, they would have learned the meaning of "good" as well as "evil" (page 5)." Their whole point is to "Home-proof your child", not "Child-proof your home" (page 6).
So, where do I start? CONSISTENCY! That is the key word, and one in which I struggle with on a daily basis. We have trained Myah and Joel to come the first time they're called and in the next few months, we will work on that with Kiana. Currently, I am working on complete obedience the first time it's asked with M & J, like picking up toys and doing a thorough job of it. (If I would have been consistant all along, I wouldn't need to still be working on this!) Myah and Joel have also recently starting their sibling spats. I am trying to teach them to play nicely and to work through their own issues in a calm manner. (We have had many training sessions on this very thing already this morning and it's only 10am! We have a ways to go on this one!)
Kiana is learning that she cannot go into the bathroom, unless it's bath or potty time. (I want to prevent objects from floating in the toilet, her falling head first into the bathtub and her mouth from sucking on the toilet bowl as well.) She is learning not to touch things when Mommy or Daddy says "no touch". She has been trained to go to sleep when I lay her in her crib and cover her up with her blanket. One thing I need to re-train her in is that she doesn't get picked up everytime she lays at my feet and cries. I have given in to her on this one, and need to teach her that I will pick her up, but not when she does this. This is my own fault, and I often wonder why I have a whiney baby at my feet when I'm trying to make dinner! I have trained her to do just that!
Oh, I have so much to learn! But God gives us wisdom when we ask Him for it, and that is the very first step, I believe, in training our children.
Monday, January 23, 2006
RECIPE: PESTO SAUCE
I received this recipe years ago from my good friend, Sarah D. It's been a while since I've made it, but I hauled it out over the weekend remembering how yummy it is and purchased the ingredients to make it again. There are so many things you can do with Pesto. Sarah's ideas are:
1) Toss with hot cooked pasta (can add chicken strips, diced tomato, torn spinach, Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts)
2) Spread on pizza crust instead of sauce and top with cheese, tomatoes, grilled chicken, etc.
3) Spread on BLT sandwiches with melted Swiss cheese or on grilled cheese with tomatoes
4) Spread on cold wraps (such as tortilla, grilled chicken, cheese and spinach)
5) Can mix with butter for pesto butter for rolls, etc. or with mayo to use as a sandwich topping or as a creamy pesto sauce for a cold pasta salad.
INGREDIENTS
1 c. firmly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 c. firmly packed fresh parsley (stems removed) or torn fresh spinach
1/2 c. grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1/4 c. pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds (opt. toast them first)
1 small clove garlic, quartered
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1/4 c. olive or cooking oil
1) In food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except oil. Blend until a paste forms (scraping sides a few times.)
2) With the machine running slowly, gradually add oil and blend until the consistency of soft butter.
3) Can refrigerate 2 days or freeze up to 3 months in airtight container.
NOTE: For Spinach Pesto, substitute spinach for basil and parsley and add 1 t. dried basil.
I received this recipe years ago from my good friend, Sarah D. It's been a while since I've made it, but I hauled it out over the weekend remembering how yummy it is and purchased the ingredients to make it again. There are so many things you can do with Pesto. Sarah's ideas are:
1) Toss with hot cooked pasta (can add chicken strips, diced tomato, torn spinach, Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts)
2) Spread on pizza crust instead of sauce and top with cheese, tomatoes, grilled chicken, etc.
3) Spread on BLT sandwiches with melted Swiss cheese or on grilled cheese with tomatoes
4) Spread on cold wraps (such as tortilla, grilled chicken, cheese and spinach)
5) Can mix with butter for pesto butter for rolls, etc. or with mayo to use as a sandwich topping or as a creamy pesto sauce for a cold pasta salad.
INGREDIENTS
1 c. firmly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 c. firmly packed fresh parsley (stems removed) or torn fresh spinach
1/2 c. grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1/4 c. pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds (opt. toast them first)
1 small clove garlic, quartered
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1/4 c. olive or cooking oil
1) In food processor or blender, combine all ingredients except oil. Blend until a paste forms (scraping sides a few times.)
2) With the machine running slowly, gradually add oil and blend until the consistency of soft butter.
3) Can refrigerate 2 days or freeze up to 3 months in airtight container.
NOTE: For Spinach Pesto, substitute spinach for basil and parsley and add 1 t. dried basil.
HOMESCHOOLING...FRUSTRATION, PRAYERS, AND JOY!
We started homeschooling our daughter, Myah, last summer. I think I started in July -- one of the flexibilities of homeschooling! :) We got off to a great start. I spent plenty of money on curriculum (yes, for kindergarten...) and figured with my teaching experience that this should be a breeze. Well, as we approached Christmas, things sort of were dwindling downhill. She had learned so much, but it was becoming such a chore and not fun for any of us. When we got back from our trip over Christmas, things were just plain bad. (I definitely had to swallow my pride!) She didn't want to do school and homeschooling was doing exactly what I DIDN'T want it to do -- giving her a bad taste when it came to learning.
One of my goals for Myah, and all my children, is to teach them to ENJOY learning so it is something they will strive to do for the rest of their life. I wanted it to be a LOVE for her -- something that brought her joy. I had to face it, my methods were not working.
I spent time praying about my frustrations and listened to some wisdom from a friend to take some time off until I felt what direction God was leading us in, so I did.
During this time period, I received an article in the mail from No Greater Joy Ministries that really spoke to my heart on this very subject. It focused on the importance of knowing your child's learning styles. In my selfishness, I realized I had been trying to conform Myah into doing school the way I wanted instead of teaching to meet her needs.
I'm so thankful for fresh starts! We had an amazing day of school today. I give God all the glory for answering my prayers for wisdom. We both had fun with our activities and I can just see the lightbulb turning on in so many different ways! My prayer now is that I won't slip back into my old habits and that we can continue on in this pattern! I'm sure we'll still have bad days, but I feel like we've at least made a huge stride in the right direction!
We started homeschooling our daughter, Myah, last summer. I think I started in July -- one of the flexibilities of homeschooling! :) We got off to a great start. I spent plenty of money on curriculum (yes, for kindergarten...) and figured with my teaching experience that this should be a breeze. Well, as we approached Christmas, things sort of were dwindling downhill. She had learned so much, but it was becoming such a chore and not fun for any of us. When we got back from our trip over Christmas, things were just plain bad. (I definitely had to swallow my pride!) She didn't want to do school and homeschooling was doing exactly what I DIDN'T want it to do -- giving her a bad taste when it came to learning.
One of my goals for Myah, and all my children, is to teach them to ENJOY learning so it is something they will strive to do for the rest of their life. I wanted it to be a LOVE for her -- something that brought her joy. I had to face it, my methods were not working.
I spent time praying about my frustrations and listened to some wisdom from a friend to take some time off until I felt what direction God was leading us in, so I did.
During this time period, I received an article in the mail from No Greater Joy Ministries that really spoke to my heart on this very subject. It focused on the importance of knowing your child's learning styles. In my selfishness, I realized I had been trying to conform Myah into doing school the way I wanted instead of teaching to meet her needs.
I'm so thankful for fresh starts! We had an amazing day of school today. I give God all the glory for answering my prayers for wisdom. We both had fun with our activities and I can just see the lightbulb turning on in so many different ways! My prayer now is that I won't slip back into my old habits and that we can continue on in this pattern! I'm sure we'll still have bad days, but I feel like we've at least made a huge stride in the right direction!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
MORE THOUGHTS ON MARRIAGE FROM DEBI PEARL....
Since I've gotten the most comments on the previous post regarding Debi Pearl's "Created to Be His Helpmeet", I thought I'd add a few more quotes to the pot. Enjoy!
PAGE 37
"Joy begins with thankfulness. Quite often our attitudes hang in the balance; by making a conscious choice, we can tip our souls into dark moods of complaining, or into thankfulness and praise. It is amazing how much your mouth controls your soul. You can smile with your mouth and say, "Thank you, God; thank you, husband; thank you, children," and your spirit is directed into gratitude with joy following. Thankfulness is how you think; joy is the abundance it produces."
"When you catch yourself becoming irritated or disturbed at circumstances, stop and laugh at the little things that steal your peace. Count your blessings and learn to be appreciative."
PAGE 76
"If you fight his (a husband's) inadequacies, both of you will fail. If you love him with his inadequacies and without taking charge, both of you will succeed and grow."
PAGE 101
"Your reactions define who you really are inside and what you really believe at your core level."
Monday, January 16, 2006
FAVORITE RECIPE FOR THE WEEK!
A version of CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
(from Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, pg. 466)
4 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tsp. fresh basil or 1/2 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen mixed veggies
1/2 cup pasta of choice
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 14-1/2 oz. can diced italian tomatoes
In large saucepan combine broth, onion, basil, oregano, pepper and bay leaf. Stir in veggies. (I usually add celery and more diced carrots.) Boil; stir in uncooked noodles. Boil; reduce heat. Cover; simmer 8 minutes or till noodles are tender but still firm and veggies are crisp-tender. Discard bay leaf. Stir in chicken and undrained tomatoes; heat through.
HINT: I usually cook a whole chicken in the crockpot. When I de-bone it, I have enough chicken for at least 2-3 meals and the flavor is wonderful. Just throw in some veggies, salt, pepper, garlic and onion with 2-3 cups water. Then, when strained, you have your broth too!
A version of CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
(from Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, pg. 466)
4 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tsp. fresh basil or 1/2 tsp. dried basil
2 tsp. fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
1 10 oz. pkg. frozen mixed veggies
1/2 cup pasta of choice
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 14-1/2 oz. can diced italian tomatoes
In large saucepan combine broth, onion, basil, oregano, pepper and bay leaf. Stir in veggies. (I usually add celery and more diced carrots.) Boil; stir in uncooked noodles. Boil; reduce heat. Cover; simmer 8 minutes or till noodles are tender but still firm and veggies are crisp-tender. Discard bay leaf. Stir in chicken and undrained tomatoes; heat through.
HINT: I usually cook a whole chicken in the crockpot. When I de-bone it, I have enough chicken for at least 2-3 meals and the flavor is wonderful. Just throw in some veggies, salt, pepper, garlic and onion with 2-3 cups water. Then, when strained, you have your broth too!
THOUGHTS TO PONDER REGARDING MARRIAGE...
I'm curious what you think of some of these short quotes taken from a book I'm almost finished reading called, "Created to Be His Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl. I'll keep the quotes short as I know some of the longer ones can be kind of boring to read.
Page 20
"A good marriage, just like anything worthwhile, takes doing the right things every day...every hour...every moment."
Page 21
"If you are a wife, you were created to fill a need......You were created to make him complete, not to seek personal fulfillment parallel to him."
Page 30
"Never demand that a man love you and cherish you because he ought do. Earn every smile and shared moment."
Page 33
"God's will is for a wife to have a merry heart, a cheerful countenance and a glow that will refresh the most stressed and tired husband on the planet. Bubbling cheer goes a long way to maintain or even restore a marriage. Make a decision right now to break the "poor me" habit. Today, put it down as sin and rebellion, and then tomorrow wake up with joy in your heart and home."
Page 34
"If you have reason to be hurt or discouraged and yet you sing with thanksgiving, this is a true sacrifice of worship to God."
There will probably be more of these thoughts to come as these were only from the first 2 chapters! The book is excellent in my opinion and really made me think about how I treat Evan.
I'm curious what you think of some of these short quotes taken from a book I'm almost finished reading called, "Created to Be His Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl. I'll keep the quotes short as I know some of the longer ones can be kind of boring to read.
Page 20
"A good marriage, just like anything worthwhile, takes doing the right things every day...every hour...every moment."
Page 21
"If you are a wife, you were created to fill a need......You were created to make him complete, not to seek personal fulfillment parallel to him."
Page 30
"Never demand that a man love you and cherish you because he ought do. Earn every smile and shared moment."
Page 33
"God's will is for a wife to have a merry heart, a cheerful countenance and a glow that will refresh the most stressed and tired husband on the planet. Bubbling cheer goes a long way to maintain or even restore a marriage. Make a decision right now to break the "poor me" habit. Today, put it down as sin and rebellion, and then tomorrow wake up with joy in your heart and home."
Page 34
"If you have reason to be hurt or discouraged and yet you sing with thanksgiving, this is a true sacrifice of worship to God."
There will probably be more of these thoughts to come as these were only from the first 2 chapters! The book is excellent in my opinion and really made me think about how I treat Evan.
A PRAYER FOR MY CHILDREN...
One of my favorite quotes comes from Stormie O'Martian:
"Being a perfect parent doesn't matter. Being a praying parent does."
This reminds me of the importance of praying for my children on a DAILY basis. I love all her books, but especially, "The Power of a Praying Parent" and "The Power of a Praying Wife". They have truly been a blessing to me and answer to my prayer of, "Lord, teach me to pray!" I use them regularly.
The prayer below is one from my heart for my children. Feel free to use it and plug your children's names in where mine are. (This prayer was taken from various places...Motherwise Bible Studies by Denise Glenn, The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie O'Martian, and also edited to be from my heart. I don't even know which parts are from where anymore, but I do want to give them proper credit.) It just helps bring me into the mode of praying for my kids.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it.” Matthew 21:22
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lord Jesus,
I bind Myah, Joel and Kiana to You today and throughout all of their lives! I loose them from any plans the enemy has for them. I loose them from satanic influences. I loose them from their own fleshy attitudes and actions. I loose them from the world’s pull on their lives.
I thank you, Lord, that you have called each of them apart for you. I bind them to the plan you have for them, Lord Jesus! I pray, Lord, that you will use them to impact millions of people for your kingdom, Jesus.
I pray today that the blood of Jesus, the name of Jesus, and the Word of God will save them, protect them and anoint them.
I pray a hedge of protection around them today and every day that they live and breathe. Use them to further your kingdom, Lord.
Help my children to grow up with one passion and that is to serve you. Make them prayer warriors and Bible scholars, but most importantly intimate friends with you. Show them how to be bold in their faith and honor you in everything they do!
Teach Myah, Joel and Kiana to be loving to every person they come in contact with. Teach them to be giving and not selfish. Give them humble spirits, Jesus. Make them quick to obey You.
Bless our relationship with our children. May we always be close and open with each other. May there never be a wall build up between us, Lord, but may our communication and relationship be blessed all the days of our lives.
Where we fail as parents, dear Jesus, please fill in the gaps with your grace.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Stormie O'Martian:
"Being a perfect parent doesn't matter. Being a praying parent does."
This reminds me of the importance of praying for my children on a DAILY basis. I love all her books, but especially, "The Power of a Praying Parent" and "The Power of a Praying Wife". They have truly been a blessing to me and answer to my prayer of, "Lord, teach me to pray!" I use them regularly.
The prayer below is one from my heart for my children. Feel free to use it and plug your children's names in where mine are. (This prayer was taken from various places...Motherwise Bible Studies by Denise Glenn, The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie O'Martian, and also edited to be from my heart. I don't even know which parts are from where anymore, but I do want to give them proper credit.) It just helps bring me into the mode of praying for my kids.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it.” Matthew 21:22
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lord Jesus,
I bind Myah, Joel and Kiana to You today and throughout all of their lives! I loose them from any plans the enemy has for them. I loose them from satanic influences. I loose them from their own fleshy attitudes and actions. I loose them from the world’s pull on their lives.
I thank you, Lord, that you have called each of them apart for you. I bind them to the plan you have for them, Lord Jesus! I pray, Lord, that you will use them to impact millions of people for your kingdom, Jesus.
I pray today that the blood of Jesus, the name of Jesus, and the Word of God will save them, protect them and anoint them.
I pray a hedge of protection around them today and every day that they live and breathe. Use them to further your kingdom, Lord.
Help my children to grow up with one passion and that is to serve you. Make them prayer warriors and Bible scholars, but most importantly intimate friends with you. Show them how to be bold in their faith and honor you in everything they do!
Teach Myah, Joel and Kiana to be loving to every person they come in contact with. Teach them to be giving and not selfish. Give them humble spirits, Jesus. Make them quick to obey You.
Bless our relationship with our children. May we always be close and open with each other. May there never be a wall build up between us, Lord, but may our communication and relationship be blessed all the days of our lives.
Where we fail as parents, dear Jesus, please fill in the gaps with your grace.
In Jesus name, AMEN.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
"The Flavor of Joy"
I was reminded last night about the need for JOY in parenting after a difficult day home with my kids. I must confess I didn't have the best of attitudes yesterday and was pretty grouchy and self-centered much of the day. Attitudes like that obviously seep out onto the children's attitudes as well and before you know it everyone is grumpy, selfish and having a bad day. I went to bed last night, and even though it was very late, I was pretty wired with the events of the day flooding my brain and had a difficult time falling to sleep. I picked up the book on my nightstand and opened to a section called "The Flavor of Joy". (The book is called "No Greater Joy Volume 3" by Michael and Debi Pearl. Published by No Greater Joy Ministries, Inc. Check out my links for their website. I would highly recommend their materials to any parent.) Anyway, I'm going to quote some of the sections that blessed and convicted me all in one.
Parenting, like courtship, must be properly seasoned with joy. Parenting without joy is not only tasteless, it is tiring. Joy is more than the fragrance of the moment; it is the energy required to live life to its fullest. Parenting without joy is like music without rhythm or flowers without color. A joyless parent can no more raise happy kids than a skunk can raise skunklets that smell good....
Some parents are joyless regardless of the circumstances. They may not be angry or unhappy, just joyless. Look at it as a scale, with anger and bitterness on the far left, a stable and sedate personality in the middle, and joyfulness on the far right. Granted, children do far better with deadpan parents who have no joy than they do with angry or bitter parents, but they do best when both parents are known for their joy....
A little girl who gets up with a chip on her shoulder should meet a smiling mother who is undaunted in her expressions of delight. If the child is not soon overcome with joy, don't let her alter the mood of the family. She should be the odd one; she should cut herself out of the fun with her attitude. If a grumpy child can change the atmosphere to reflect her bad mood, then, in her estimation, her grouchiness is justified....
Children thrive on joy. They will do anything for someone who enjoys them. Parents have asked me, "What is the first step to recovering what I have lost with my children?" Many times I have answered, and I have never found a need to revise it: "Look into the face of your child and smile." Let your child look into your face and see someone delighting in their presence. Don't withhold your joy on the condition that your child earn your smile. Who deserves a good friend? Who deserves the Savior's love? Smile your children into obedience, and you will find that the rod is seldom necessary. Become the Pied Piper of joy. You won't have to drive them if you give them something worth following. Don't just smile at your kids; smile into them; smile through them. Let joy flow, and your family will be swept along in the current.
Needless to say, I confessed to God and sat my children on my lap this morning and confessed to them my wrong from yesterday. Today hasn't been perfect, but it has been SO MUCH better than yesterday. Instead of anger and frustration spreading, there have been more smiles and yes, even joy, today. Thank you, Lord!
I was reminded last night about the need for JOY in parenting after a difficult day home with my kids. I must confess I didn't have the best of attitudes yesterday and was pretty grouchy and self-centered much of the day. Attitudes like that obviously seep out onto the children's attitudes as well and before you know it everyone is grumpy, selfish and having a bad day. I went to bed last night, and even though it was very late, I was pretty wired with the events of the day flooding my brain and had a difficult time falling to sleep. I picked up the book on my nightstand and opened to a section called "The Flavor of Joy". (The book is called "No Greater Joy Volume 3" by Michael and Debi Pearl. Published by No Greater Joy Ministries, Inc. Check out my links for their website. I would highly recommend their materials to any parent.) Anyway, I'm going to quote some of the sections that blessed and convicted me all in one.
Parenting, like courtship, must be properly seasoned with joy. Parenting without joy is not only tasteless, it is tiring. Joy is more than the fragrance of the moment; it is the energy required to live life to its fullest. Parenting without joy is like music without rhythm or flowers without color. A joyless parent can no more raise happy kids than a skunk can raise skunklets that smell good....
Some parents are joyless regardless of the circumstances. They may not be angry or unhappy, just joyless. Look at it as a scale, with anger and bitterness on the far left, a stable and sedate personality in the middle, and joyfulness on the far right. Granted, children do far better with deadpan parents who have no joy than they do with angry or bitter parents, but they do best when both parents are known for their joy....
A little girl who gets up with a chip on her shoulder should meet a smiling mother who is undaunted in her expressions of delight. If the child is not soon overcome with joy, don't let her alter the mood of the family. She should be the odd one; she should cut herself out of the fun with her attitude. If a grumpy child can change the atmosphere to reflect her bad mood, then, in her estimation, her grouchiness is justified....
Children thrive on joy. They will do anything for someone who enjoys them. Parents have asked me, "What is the first step to recovering what I have lost with my children?" Many times I have answered, and I have never found a need to revise it: "Look into the face of your child and smile." Let your child look into your face and see someone delighting in their presence. Don't withhold your joy on the condition that your child earn your smile. Who deserves a good friend? Who deserves the Savior's love? Smile your children into obedience, and you will find that the rod is seldom necessary. Become the Pied Piper of joy. You won't have to drive them if you give them something worth following. Don't just smile at your kids; smile into them; smile through them. Let joy flow, and your family will be swept along in the current.
Needless to say, I confessed to God and sat my children on my lap this morning and confessed to them my wrong from yesterday. Today hasn't been perfect, but it has been SO MUCH better than yesterday. Instead of anger and frustration spreading, there have been more smiles and yes, even joy, today. Thank you, Lord!
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
BE ENCOURAGED
It is my prayer that something I have journaled in this blog will uplift someone who reads it. That is truly why I decided to do this. Yes, it's fun, but if someone can be blessed by something I shared, then I have been successful. The following passage from Psalm 34 truly blessed me this week. There is so much encouragement in this one passage!
PSALM 34
I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who see the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
It is my prayer that something I have journaled in this blog will uplift someone who reads it. That is truly why I decided to do this. Yes, it's fun, but if someone can be blessed by something I shared, then I have been successful. The following passage from Psalm 34 truly blessed me this week. There is so much encouragement in this one passage!
PSALM 34
I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who see the LORD lack no good thing.
Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
MY NEW FAVORITE RECIPE
Okay, so we all know we need to eat more greens. I did so well for quite a while, and then just got tired of the same thing all the time, and must admit, I passed on my salads way too often. Just the other night, we had dinner with some friends of ours, and she served this dressing with the salad. Let's just say, I've made this recipe two days in a row now, and we are all eating our greens! Hopefully I'll get smart and just make a huge batch at once!
CRANBERRY SALAD DRESSING
1/3 C. sugar
1/3 C. oil
3 Tbsp. chopped onion (or onion flakes)
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. jellied cranberry sauce (I used about 2 Tbsp.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. poppy seeds
Mix with hand mixer or in the blender!
Okay, so we all know we need to eat more greens. I did so well for quite a while, and then just got tired of the same thing all the time, and must admit, I passed on my salads way too often. Just the other night, we had dinner with some friends of ours, and she served this dressing with the salad. Let's just say, I've made this recipe two days in a row now, and we are all eating our greens! Hopefully I'll get smart and just make a huge batch at once!
CRANBERRY SALAD DRESSING
1/3 C. sugar
1/3 C. oil
3 Tbsp. chopped onion (or onion flakes)
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. jellied cranberry sauce (I used about 2 Tbsp.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. poppy seeds
Mix with hand mixer or in the blender!
Devotional Thought for the day!
I recently received a new little devotional for Christmas from my grandparents. It's called "In the Kitchen With God." (Honor Books Publishing). I do have a love for cooking, so this little book fit me well. I'm only partway through (pg. 16), but am already enjoying the little thoughts given. I hope to pass a few of these along to you as well.
This one is called "Apple Pie Problems":
Peel. Core. Season. Mix. The steps for making Marilyn's favorite apple pie rolled from her fingertips without a pause. The piecrust lay trimmed and ready in the pie pan, awaiting the seasoned filling. Everything looked just fine. Yet as she added a sprinkling of walnuts and placed the top crust in position, a heavy sigh escaped from her lips.
It was probably a good thing that this was a familiar recipe. Marilyn's mind was not on the the pie but rather on a troubled relationship with a close friend. No matter how she tried to solve the problem, things only seemed to grow worse. "What do I do now?" She wondered.
As she slid the pie into the oven, Marilyn remembered a speaker at a seminar who encouraged her listeners to keep a prayer journal. The speaker said she usually prayed aloud as she wrote her concerns in a journal, and that simple exercise clarified her problems and helped her keep track of God's answers.
Marilyn picked up a blank book she had been given for Christmas. Sitting at the kitchen table, she began to write a letter to God, pouring out her heart and her hurt about this troubled relationship. Before she knew it, the oven timer sounded, and she sniffed the familiar warm scent of apples filling the room. She closed the cover on several pages of scrawled script.
Surprisingly, her heart felt lighter. She was struck by the similarity between the pie and the prayer journal. Wrapped between two piecrusts and left to time and the work of the oven, the apples were still apples, but their taste and texture had changed from tart and crisp to sweet and smooth. In the same way, Marilyn had wrapped her concerns between the covers of prayer. As she set the pie on top of the stove, God reassured her that all she needed was to give Him time to work. He would change that soured relationship and make things sweet again.
I recently received a new little devotional for Christmas from my grandparents. It's called "In the Kitchen With God." (Honor Books Publishing). I do have a love for cooking, so this little book fit me well. I'm only partway through (pg. 16), but am already enjoying the little thoughts given. I hope to pass a few of these along to you as well.
This one is called "Apple Pie Problems":
Peel. Core. Season. Mix. The steps for making Marilyn's favorite apple pie rolled from her fingertips without a pause. The piecrust lay trimmed and ready in the pie pan, awaiting the seasoned filling. Everything looked just fine. Yet as she added a sprinkling of walnuts and placed the top crust in position, a heavy sigh escaped from her lips.
It was probably a good thing that this was a familiar recipe. Marilyn's mind was not on the the pie but rather on a troubled relationship with a close friend. No matter how she tried to solve the problem, things only seemed to grow worse. "What do I do now?" She wondered.
As she slid the pie into the oven, Marilyn remembered a speaker at a seminar who encouraged her listeners to keep a prayer journal. The speaker said she usually prayed aloud as she wrote her concerns in a journal, and that simple exercise clarified her problems and helped her keep track of God's answers.
Marilyn picked up a blank book she had been given for Christmas. Sitting at the kitchen table, she began to write a letter to God, pouring out her heart and her hurt about this troubled relationship. Before she knew it, the oven timer sounded, and she sniffed the familiar warm scent of apples filling the room. She closed the cover on several pages of scrawled script.
Surprisingly, her heart felt lighter. She was struck by the similarity between the pie and the prayer journal. Wrapped between two piecrusts and left to time and the work of the oven, the apples were still apples, but their taste and texture had changed from tart and crisp to sweet and smooth. In the same way, Marilyn had wrapped her concerns between the covers of prayer. As she set the pie on top of the stove, God reassured her that all she needed was to give Him time to work. He would change that soured relationship and make things sweet again.
A New Experience!
Well, this whole blog thing is quite new to me. Not sure how well I'll keep it updated, or what I'll say for that matter, but I thought it might be fun to share some of my thoughts. I first learned about blogging through some good friends. Evan & I visit their site occasionally to keep updated on what's going on with them. When I told my sister I was thinking about having my own blog, she kind of laughed at me and told me I was "getting hip". Guess some junior high girls in their youth group (her husband was their youth pastor at the time) talked her into getting one. We'll see how this goes!
Well, this whole blog thing is quite new to me. Not sure how well I'll keep it updated, or what I'll say for that matter, but I thought it might be fun to share some of my thoughts. I first learned about blogging through some good friends. Evan & I visit their site occasionally to keep updated on what's going on with them. When I told my sister I was thinking about having my own blog, she kind of laughed at me and told me I was "getting hip". Guess some junior high girls in their youth group (her husband was their youth pastor at the time) talked her into getting one. We'll see how this goes!
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