Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
She Did What She Could.
I am so excited the Lord has allowed me to come back home and be at home with my kids full time. I never fully appreciated that position until I had the opportunity to work outside the home. That drew my heart more completely towards home.
Now, I am here. Excitedly, I can already find myself planning and hoping to be Superwoman and Super Mom, all at the same time. I know me. My heart is so IN IT. I can easily make myself overwhelmed. I put this pressure on myself to pour into my kids lives with well-planned and well-executed daily learning activities, all the while perfectly managing a well-run, clean and frugal household, and serving up perfectly prepared, delicious meals daily, to top it all off. All things working beautifully and synergistically. Sounds crazy as I even say it, doesn’t it?
I wanted to share a beautiful message I heard on Friday by a National MOPs leader, Elisa Morgan, that so profoundly speaks to my heart, at this perfect time in my life.
It’s the story we’ve heard so many times about the night Jesus was having dinner in the home of Simon the Leper. He sat reclining at the table when a woman came in with a very expensive alabaster jar of perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on the head of Jesus.
Some of those present were quite offended by her action, saying it was ridiculous behavior, seeing as that jar of perfume could have sold for more than a year’s wages and the money used to easily take care of the poor.
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why are bothering this woman? What she has done for me is a beautiful thing. You’ll always have the poor around to take care of. You will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on me to prepare me for burial. Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Elisa Morgan was pointing out that one phrase that I’ve read so many times, but obviously read over with no thought to it’s power. She did what she could. This woman loved Christ so much. She wanted to give of herself. She didn’t choose at that moment to make him an elaborate dinner. She didn’t choose to weave him a new tunic. She gave of what she had at that moment, out of pure devotion and love for him. But the Word does NOT say, “she did more than she could”. It also doesn’t say “she didn’t do anything”. It reads, “she did what she could”. How powerful is that?! How freeing is that?!
For me, as a Mom and wife, who long to love my family in such a way that Christ is honored and he is taught to my children, this text is freedom. I do what I can. I don’t do less than I can, but I release myself of the pressure to do more. I will pray each day that God will be glorified in my “doing what I can” today.
Now, I am here. Excitedly, I can already find myself planning and hoping to be Superwoman and Super Mom, all at the same time. I know me. My heart is so IN IT. I can easily make myself overwhelmed. I put this pressure on myself to pour into my kids lives with well-planned and well-executed daily learning activities, all the while perfectly managing a well-run, clean and frugal household, and serving up perfectly prepared, delicious meals daily, to top it all off. All things working beautifully and synergistically. Sounds crazy as I even say it, doesn’t it?
I wanted to share a beautiful message I heard on Friday by a National MOPs leader, Elisa Morgan, that so profoundly speaks to my heart, at this perfect time in my life.
It’s the story we’ve heard so many times about the night Jesus was having dinner in the home of Simon the Leper. He sat reclining at the table when a woman came in with a very expensive alabaster jar of perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on the head of Jesus.
Some of those present were quite offended by her action, saying it was ridiculous behavior, seeing as that jar of perfume could have sold for more than a year’s wages and the money used to easily take care of the poor.
Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why are bothering this woman? What she has done for me is a beautiful thing. You’ll always have the poor around to take care of. You will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on me to prepare me for burial. Wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Elisa Morgan was pointing out that one phrase that I’ve read so many times, but obviously read over with no thought to it’s power. She did what she could. This woman loved Christ so much. She wanted to give of herself. She didn’t choose at that moment to make him an elaborate dinner. She didn’t choose to weave him a new tunic. She gave of what she had at that moment, out of pure devotion and love for him. But the Word does NOT say, “she did more than she could”. It also doesn’t say “she didn’t do anything”. It reads, “she did what she could”. How powerful is that?! How freeing is that?!
For me, as a Mom and wife, who long to love my family in such a way that Christ is honored and he is taught to my children, this text is freedom. I do what I can. I don’t do less than I can, but I release myself of the pressure to do more. I will pray each day that God will be glorified in my “doing what I can” today.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Do you hear crickets??
I know I haven't posted in a few days. I've been finishing up my job at Starbucks, and coming back home! So I've been working this week and then SPENDING TIME with my sweet husband and babies this weekend. What a treat!
I'm going to fall into bed now...exhausted. I'll be ready to post again tomorrow! I'm looking forward to it.
Good night.....
I'm going to fall into bed now...exhausted. I'll be ready to post again tomorrow! I'm looking forward to it.
Good night.....
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Homemade Pancake Syrup
In light of all things frugal, I wanted to share the recipe for the yummy maple syrup we had on our chocolate chip pancakes this morning.
Pancake Syrup
2 cups warm tap water
1 cup brown sugar
3 cups white sugar
2 T corn syrup
1 tsp maple flavoring
1/3 tsp butter flavoring (optional)
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine the water, sugars and corn syrup. Put the pan on the stove over medium heat. Stir every now and then until the syrup comes to a rolling boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Do not stir it for this ten minutes. Remove the pan from heat. Take off the lid and let it cool on the counter for about 15 minutes. Stir in the maple flavoring (and the butter flavoring, if you are using it) Store the syrup in a clean quart canning jar or a clean ketchup bottle (32 oz). Use the funnel to pour the syrup into the containers because the syrup can get a little messy.
If you're interested in this and other frugal recipe and meal planning ideas, go check out
Molly's blog. Thanks, Molly!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Figuring out gender differences....and the perceptions of others!
My four-year-old's teacher in school sent home a notice that kids could bring a video from home to share with the other kids during nap time. While leaving the house today, here is my conversation with Blake....
B: "Can I take this movie?" (holding up THE SUPER POWERS TEAM: Galactic Guardians)
Me: (Realizing that his teacher at his Christian school would probably think I am a terrible mother for letting my 4-yr-old watch such "violent" cartoons, with cartoons entitled things like THE SEEDS OF DOOM or THE DARKSEID DECEPTION or even, God forbid, THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN!) "No, the girls in your class wouldn't like that one".
B: "Can I take The Incredibles then?"
Me: (Thinking "Now THAT's more like it, even though it is still Super-Power-ish, it's more 4-yr-old appropriate...I wouldn't be considered THAT bad of a Mom) "Sure"
B: "Why wouldn't the girls like the Super Friends?"
Me: "Well, I think they'll like The Incredibles more because it has girls in it (staying one step ahead, I quickly remember Wonder Woman is in the Super Friends, so I add...) and a baby in it."
B: "So the SuperPowers is too grown up for the girls?"
Me: "Yes."
B: Thinking for a minute. "Oohhh Mommy, but I KNOW the girls will LOVE the big spider in The Incredibles!!!"
Me: "Yes they will, Baby"
B: "Can I take this movie?" (holding up THE SUPER POWERS TEAM: Galactic Guardians)
Me: (Realizing that his teacher at his Christian school would probably think I am a terrible mother for letting my 4-yr-old watch such "violent" cartoons, with cartoons entitled things like THE SEEDS OF DOOM or THE DARKSEID DECEPTION or even, God forbid, THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN!) "No, the girls in your class wouldn't like that one".
B: "Can I take The Incredibles then?"
Me: (Thinking "Now THAT's more like it, even though it is still Super-Power-ish, it's more 4-yr-old appropriate...I wouldn't be considered THAT bad of a Mom) "Sure"
B: "Why wouldn't the girls like the Super Friends?"
Me: "Well, I think they'll like The Incredibles more because it has girls in it (staying one step ahead, I quickly remember Wonder Woman is in the Super Friends, so I add...) and a baby in it."
B: "So the SuperPowers is too grown up for the girls?"
Me: "Yes."
B: Thinking for a minute. "Oohhh Mommy, but I KNOW the girls will LOVE the big spider in The Incredibles!!!"
Me: "Yes they will, Baby"
Monday, April 13, 2009
Perfect Imperfection!
Easter was beautiful yesterday. Not only for the most obvious of reasons….Christ is Risen!!
But also, we have some incredible friends that we were blessed to have in our home.
Look at these! Aren’t they lovely??
These are the incredibly thoughtful gift of my dear friend, Connie…and her big-lug husband, John, of course. What a special treat!!!
Look at these! Aren’t they fun??
These are the sweet and thoughtful Easter gift of my dear friend, Colleen, for our kids. What could be better than hot wheels and “Super Chicks” (as they’ve so rightly been named)?! An additional blessing is to have friends that love our kids well.
These ladies, husbands and families are what helped to make our family Easter PERFECT.
The IMPERFECT part was this:
My spiral cut ham, although tasty, was luke warm.
My deviled eggs were horrendous! (Note to self…stick to Mom’s recipe…don’t try new recipe)
My homemade ice cream never “iced”….something went dreadfully wrong.
My house was not spotless clean…in fact, it was quite the opposite!
But in spite of all the hospitality faux-pas, the day was lovely…just BEING with friends. It so didn’t matter. All that mattered was conversation and sweet fellowship.
I did, however, make two really great recipes, shown below.
Have a perfectly imperfect week, full of love and real friendship!
Lemon Bread
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 T lemon juice
1 T grated lemon peel
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk
GLAZE:
2 T lemon juice
1/2 cup powdered sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon peel. In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to batter, alternatively with milk. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until toothpick in center comes out clean. Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle over loaf while still warm.
Recipe courtesy of Lynn. Thanks, Lynn!
Strawberry and Spinach Salad*
3 T sesame seeds
1 T and 1 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
1/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup and 2 T balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 T and 1 1/2 tsp minced red onion
15 ozs. fresh spinach, rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
6 cups strawberries, cleaned hulled and sliced
1/4 cup and 2 T almonds (or walnuts)
crumbled feta
Red onion slices (for top)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour.
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
*the quantity here is a lot...can reduce ingredients.
But also, we have some incredible friends that we were blessed to have in our home.
Look at these! Aren’t they lovely??
These are the incredibly thoughtful gift of my dear friend, Connie…and her big-lug husband, John, of course. What a special treat!!!
Look at these! Aren’t they fun??
These are the sweet and thoughtful Easter gift of my dear friend, Colleen, for our kids. What could be better than hot wheels and “Super Chicks” (as they’ve so rightly been named)?! An additional blessing is to have friends that love our kids well.
These ladies, husbands and families are what helped to make our family Easter PERFECT.
The IMPERFECT part was this:
My spiral cut ham, although tasty, was luke warm.
My deviled eggs were horrendous! (Note to self…stick to Mom’s recipe…don’t try new recipe)
My homemade ice cream never “iced”….something went dreadfully wrong.
My house was not spotless clean…in fact, it was quite the opposite!
But in spite of all the hospitality faux-pas, the day was lovely…just BEING with friends. It so didn’t matter. All that mattered was conversation and sweet fellowship.
I did, however, make two really great recipes, shown below.
Have a perfectly imperfect week, full of love and real friendship!
Lemon Bread
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 T lemon juice
1 T grated lemon peel
1 1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 cup milk
GLAZE:
2 T lemon juice
1/2 cup powdered sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, lemon juice, and lemon peel. In small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to batter, alternatively with milk. Pour into greased loaf pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until toothpick in center comes out clean. Combine glaze ingredients and drizzle over loaf while still warm.
Recipe courtesy of Lynn. Thanks, Lynn!
Strawberry and Spinach Salad*
3 T sesame seeds
1 T and 1 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
1/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup and 2 T balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 T and 1 1/2 tsp minced red onion
15 ozs. fresh spinach, rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
6 cups strawberries, cleaned hulled and sliced
1/4 cup and 2 T almonds (or walnuts)
crumbled feta
Red onion slices (for top)
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour.
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
*the quantity here is a lot...can reduce ingredients.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
He is RISEN!!! Matthew 28: 1-7
After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow....The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said...
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