tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8547643253758184552024-03-05T18:25:22.373-08:00ChasingmytaleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.comBlogger121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-13437192039536603152017-09-07T09:17:00.000-07:002017-09-07T09:24:31.445-07:00VIdeo games-the silent killer. I read an article the other day that said something along the idea that more and more kids are having a hard time focusing at school. They are exhausted at the end of the school hour and it isn't because of physical activity, their brains are so tired from thinking. (This is my take away for the article) So many kids are on electronics now days and they don't have to think much past the next level of a game. When the brain does have to work at school it is physically exhausting and exhausted kids can mean cranky kids. We are raising up weak kids and we don't even see it because the results are not immediate.<br />
Parents say- "But my kid cries when I take away the iPad....video game...etc"<br />
That is called an addiction and you are the parent. I 100% believe that you want the best for them and if they were being attacked you would fight with every single fiber of your body to protect them so why not fight for them now?<br />
Prep their hearts and minds before the actual time you take the device away. Prep activities for them to do.β¬
οΈ This is the kicker for so many parents, prepping things for their kids to do. We live in a world that is racing full steam ahead like a raging river and there is no time for a leisurely swim or floating. Maybe we as parents need to set boundaries for our own mind growth and rest.<br />
(Exampleβ‘οΈ) Tell the kids....tell your self...."Starting every Tuesday, we are not doing electronics past 5:00 pm." You might have to set a small goal like this for a couple of weeks. Maybe you are a go big or go home person and just want to rip the band-aid off fast and need to start for the beginning -no electronics past 5 pm every day- Start small or Start big, just start.<br />
Next, put your kids to work π<br />
What I mean is get them active in something creative.<br />
Maybe make a fort in your living room and leave it up for 3 days. I have found that my kid's imagination grows with the more consecutive days they are using it. Video games one day and imagination the next day and back to video games just seems to make them have a bad attitude on the imagination days and that is no fun for anyone.<br />
Buy water colors, cheap plastic cutting boards (to put the paper to paint on), and white printer paper or coloring books and let them go to town on painting. Watercolor is a super easy clean up.<br />
Set up their action figures or stuffed animals in an epic battle or tea party, set the stage for imagination to kick.<br />
Last point: i know we are all busy parents, I have 5 kids so I get it. The idea of sitting with my kids to play, well,I don't sit and play with my kids.<br />
Does that sound mean?<br />
Well I don't.<br />
I don't like playing tea party or Barbies. I don't want to have an epic battle wth the action figures. . I do however, love art and cooking and we do those things together. Pick something fun to do together and do it. But get this...your kids can play without you. It is healthy. So, help you kids learn better, be better, and act better by allowing their minds to grow through imagination play time.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-35315456114139895032017-01-13T08:20:00.000-08:002017-01-13T14:05:27.076-08:00Lessons from a 40 year old mom<div class="m_-8576863241990453930p1">
<span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1"><b><u><i>Lessons from a 40 yr old mom</i></u></b>. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Today, Jan 13, is my birthday. I don't know if it is the age or just the spot I am in with life, but I am really happy and content in who I am now. I have learned so many things along the way and wrote down just a few today. </span></div>
<div class="m_-8576863241990453930p1">
<span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"></span></span></div>
<ol class="m_-8576863241990453930ol1">
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Be
nice to everyone. It is not for them, it is for you. You feel better
when you are kind and feeling better benefits your health is a positive
way.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Always
serve those around you. I promise you, if your heart is in the right
place of simply being a help you will never walk away from a situation
and think "boy, that sure sucked to serve and be helpful"<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space">Snot and boogies wash out....poop...not so much. </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">The
golden rule is 100% a must. *Treat others as you want to be treated*. If
you want to be treated like crap it is simply because you are reacting
from a broken place and deep down you want to be treated with kindness,
love, and respect.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">No
person who is living a Godly life now and wasn't when they got married
would ever say " I am so glad I had sex before marriage." I would
venture out to say that most of them would agree ( if they waited) that
waiting for the one God has for them and being pure for their marriage
night was a million times worth it.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Always
get to a party a moment before and stay after if possible and help set
up and tear down. The host may say no but stay and be available to help when needed.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Never
go to church or your quite time with God without having a notebook and
pen. Without one you are setting your self up to not hear from Him. Go
into his presence expecting to hear him and be ready to write it down.
He likes to talk. We don't like to listen.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Having lots of kids is more fun. It does get easier. I promise.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Always, always, always ask God for help and creative ideas for any and all situations. He comes through every single time.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Forgive. Yes, even that one person, who more than anyone else, in your entire life, doesn't deserve it.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Dream and dream big and then take steps to reach those dreams.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">You will get angry at those precious angels you gave birth to or whoever calls you mom. React slowly.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">If
your child is running in the parking lot and about to be hit by a car,
it is 100% ok to grab her ponytail and yank. Do not feel guilty about
it. You just saved her life.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">File
those infants soft finger nails. If you cut you will almost always, at
least once, make them bleed. It is ok. They won't die....cry yes,
die-no.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">If
you are married and starting to feel hate or dislike, or even a lack of
love for your spouse, ask God to turn your heart toward your spouse.
Talk to God and pray "thank you for ____ help me to forgive, love, etc.
Heal this area of my heart or this area of our marriage and then DAILY
tell God how much you love your spouse. DAILY thank<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span>God for any and all the things your spouse does. If you have zero things you are happy about ask God to show you something.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span>Believe
me, this works. God is for marriages and has a million ideas of things
you can thank Him for concerning your spouse. Simply ask him to show
you.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Do
not accept a life of aches and pain and bad health. God has designed
everyone's body to heal from sickness. He did not forget to include your
body in that. A car runs with proper fueling and your body does too.
You are worth taking the time to research what your body needs to work
the way it was designed.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">God
is real and His Son, Jesus, is the only way to heaven. If you have
trouble understanding that and believing it I encourage you to not take
my word for it, ask God himself.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span>Don't
get to the end of your life and find out your belief was wrong, that
consequence is too much to take, Hell is not a joke or pretend horror
movie.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">God
is bigger than the permanent. He is bigger than the permanent diagnosis
of Multiple Sclerosis, he is bigger than the permanent diagnosis of a
hereditary blood clotting disorder, God is bigger than the permanent
_________ You fill in the blank with your permanent problem. God is
always and will always be bigger than what ever you are facing.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> Your FACT is never bigger than God's TRUTH. </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">If
you give a mom of young kids a gift card to get some sort of massage or
manicure, it better come with the offer to babysit. Many gifts cards
get wasted on moms who never get to use them bc who the heck is going to
watch that sweet baby that they need a break from? Don't say dad, he is
at work.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Words have power. This is true for all religions, it is not just a weird christian<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span>"speak
it and believe it" thing. There are tons of books out there that talk
about the power of positive talk. I tell my kids, speak what you want to
happen, not what is happening. Ex: kid -"I suck at baseball or
math....etc." Me- " do you want to suck at baseball?" Kid-"no" Me- "
than talk to God, tell him you think you are terrible at this and want
to get better then start thanking him on getting better, Thank you Lord
for helping me get better at____."</span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Someone
feeling strongly about their convictions does not mean it has to be
yours. The Bible is the only guide line you need to walk a straight
line.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">No
one enters into marriage wanting to get a divorce so work at it. Don't
give up. Marriage and raising kids is the hardest job and relationships
you will ever have. God is bigger than your crappy marriage and even
your disobedient kids. If you are in an abusive marriage, seek help
immediately. If you enter into a marriage knowing you will want a
divorce before it even starts or you are just in it for the money, seek
help immediately, ask for guidance and prayer.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you feel your<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span>kids are the cause to you losing your mind, seek help immediately.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">You
are not alone. There is not a single thing on this earth that you have
thought, done, had done to you, or thinking about doing, that has not
already been done before. You are not alone. I promise you.<span class="m_-8576863241990453930Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Baby steps in the right direction is better than sitting on your butt moving in no direction. #steponetochange</span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Be
obedient in the small things like coming to a complete stop at stop
signs or putting your shopping cart up in the proper area helps you
practice being obedient in the bigger areas of life that really matter. </span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Stop fighting about the toilet seat not being put down when he is done, he has to lift it up every time, so you having to put it down each time is no different. </span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Using a kitchen timer and setting it for 10 or 15 mins to clean a room before the timer goes off will save your life, your sanity, and being on a episode of Hoarders. </span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">If you think you have food in your teeth you probably do, never assume you don't.</span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Being fat does not make a person ugly, being skinny does not make a person pretty. A kind and genuine heart makes a person beautiful.</span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Not being healed immediately can also be part of God's plan. Having surgery for something does not admit failure or lack of faith, sometimes it takes more faith to go through that then to just be healed. </span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Don't tell someone "Wow, you look so skinny" It is neither a compliment or insult it is just a statement and hard to respond to.</span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">When someone has lost a loved one and you have no idea what to say....say that..."I have no idea what to say but i am here for you" It means the world. </span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">When someone loses a baby (pregnancy), do not say any of the above-" Well at least you have other kids or at least you are young enough to try again or at least you are still alive or at least you were not further along. Losing a pregnancy, no matter how it panned out, is hard and those statements are stupid and do not, ever, in any situation, help the person getting over the hurt. </span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Learn to cook, it will bless you and those around you for years and years to come.</span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Open your home to others and show them what a real, Jesus loving, we have messes, we fight and make up, goofy family looks like. It may be the only one they have ever seen. </span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Tell your family how much you love them and let them know you are proud of them. Imagine a marathon, You are in the race and at certain markers you have water stands to refresh you on this long, hard race. Your kids, your spouse, your boss, you....are all in a race of life and it is exhausting and we need people who can stand along the side lines to provide refreshment to our souls. Let your home and your words be the certain markers for refreshment. Do not dare be the one tearing down your family members with your words because they are a terrible student, they always forget something, they are clumsy...You pray for them and ask God for creative ways to speak to their gentle hearts to learn something new. </span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1">Breast feeding is best. Bottle feeding is best. Your baby being healthy and fed is best. It is more important to give your child what works for you and your family then to try and fit into the - perfect -breast is best- peer pressure. </li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Do not depend on humans to fulfill you, we are all full of crap and will fail you at every corner you turn. We are human and you are designed to fully need God and can only be fulfilled by God. Even if we do every. single. thing. right. it will still be wrong. Remember those kid toys that had square, circle, diamond, and triangle shapes in the top and the toddle had to match up the toy with the right shape to fit it. Remember the frustration the toddle had because as much as they tried, that circle would not, could not, fit into that triangle hole. We do that with our lives, we rely on people to make us happy and we work really hard on trying to fit it into our lives. But, that filling of discontent is meant to only be filled by God and no other shape can fill it. </span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">Dry shampoo is awesome, shaving legs is not. </span></li>
<li class="m_-8576863241990453930li1"><span class="m_-8576863241990453930s1">A vehicle will not run if it is not filled up. You can not function if you are not filled up. Getting in God's word and his presence is 100% for you and not God. If you read your bible and pray every day God loves you so much and if you are miss hoochie mama over there and doing drugs and using the Lord's name in vain with every other word, God loves you so much. Your actions will never change that. Reading God's word is for our benefit, When the enemy wants to attack us, we will be ready for battle when we read the Word. It is a double edge sword. When the enemy attacks and we aren't reading the Word, we crumble at the first punch, we have no weapons to fight with. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-29483434058113567472016-12-18T08:47:00.001-08:002016-12-18T08:47:23.655-08:00Raising kids to win in life. Here in Tn it is in the 20's today and this southern Alabama girl does
not like the cold. So when my son asked to go play in the snow dusting
before church I responding with a quick no. <br />There was very little push back as I walked away thinking "why in the world would anyone want to play in that?" He showed me his toy he wanted to use in the "snow" and I thought about it. I don't wont to get in the cold but he doesn't care, so why am I raising him based on my likes and dislikes. <br />I know my kids will go outside in thin pj pants and a light jacket and I am freezing just looking at them. Each year we argue about the perfect amount of clothes to wear to make playing outside even worth it....in my mind.<br /> I recently read that as parents we should let our kids make the decision to wear the full on winter clothes or the t-shirt and shorts. We, as their parents just need to make sure they have the warm options available to them. Once a child gets past the baby stage they are usually able to regulate their body temperatures and when they are cold they will fix it and get out of the cold or dress appropriately . I decided since we are going to the late service at church that he had plenty of time to play, freeze his butt off if he so chooses, come inside and warm up, and even change and get ready in time for church. I gave him suggestions on what to wear and helped pull it out of the closets where he chose his final attire. I was very pleased with his choice.<br />
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<br /><br />What I am learning is that not everything has to be a struggle, things that I like or don't like are just that ...mine.<br /> <br />As their parents I :<br /><br /><b>raise them in the best way I know how</b><br /><br /> I daily ask God for wisdom on what He wants me to do with these sweet babies<br /><br />* I answer after I have thought it through and not off an emotion. <br /><br /><b>I am willing to change my mind and apologize to them if needed.</b><br /><br /> I treat these little people with respect because how else will they learn to treat others that way if not shown at home..<br /><br />*I trust that God is God and that he cares about my crew more than I do and he speaks to their hearts in a much deeper way than I ever could. <br /><br />*I pray that they hear God speaking to their hearts. <br /><br />Being a parent is the most_<i>_____</i><br /><br />-fill in the blank.....it is the most of every single emotion and job you have ever had. <br />Life is all about battles, you pick and choose what you want to teach your kids and sometimes it feels like a battle in the teaching process. <br />Today this was hardly a battle because I feel like we both won and really isn't that the goal, for us to be the leaders of our kids but they still feel like they have victories and have a say in what goes on in their life. <br />ο»Ώ<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-44093890446918459182016-12-18T08:42:00.004-08:002016-12-18T08:42:51.462-08:00The battle of cookies for breakfast. I LOVE sweets, I mean I LOVE eating it is just sweets seem to be the biggest food group that I like. I also love feeling good and having clear skin and no joint pain. So the biggest question I battle is which do I love more. To be honest sweets seem to sneak their way into my life and by the end of a weekend I realized I went crazy on the eating and I feel like crap. I am trying to find a balance and I thought that eating clean during the week and having the weekend as my splurge would work but it is not. For me and so many people sugar causes inflammation and being that I am 9mths past major back surgery inflammation is something I want to stay far, far away from. We had two Christmas parties this weekend and I did great compared to the me in the past but I still am learning that I have to change things to feel better. This morning as I walk past my kitchen I see cookies that I promise you were calling my name. Yesterday I had an oatmeal cookie for breakfast and so why not have another kind today?? <br />I walked away and thought about is that cookie worth bed rest and a face that breaks out....no, it is not. <br />I made a good decision today and praying I can do this all day and find a balance that works for me. <br />I cant follow what anyone else is doing because God made us unique and that means there is a base line of wisdom we all need for health but the tiny details come into play with each person and their needs. <br />So for now I won the battle of cookies for breakfast or eggs. I did not choose cookies. I may need to remove the cookies all together because the battle gets harder the longer they stare at me.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-42096151111147555492016-12-17T21:03:00.002-08:002016-12-17T21:03:23.535-08:00Poem: Race unknown - heart the same.<u>*Race unknown - heart the same*</u><br />
<br />
Stories on the news causing thoughts to swim in my head.<br />
Another life is gone and it's he said she said<br />
<br />
It's this war of the race with no way to win<br />
Each fighting for a cause unsure of how it will end.<br />
<br />
The color of my skin should not change the words in your mind<br />
It shouldn't make you clutch your purse or to treat me unkind.<br />
<br />
My skin is no different then the crayons in a box<br />
It is simply one color but it screams louder then my walk.<br />
<br />
I am judged for a path that I did not create<br />
and I am born into a time still drowning in hate.<br />
<br />
I want to make a difference but I am confused on where to stand<br />
Can I show love and forgiveness while still supporting my neighboring man?<br />
<br />
The issue is not with authority or any type of race.<br />
The issues is with man's heart and the hurt it has faced.<br />
<br />
Every death that goes down another brick gets put in place.<br />
I now have a wall so high leaving very little space...<br />
<br />
Space to forgive and space to heal,<br />
Space in my heart so I can continue to feel.<br />
<br />
I want to celebrate this life with my fellow man and<br />
no matter the race walk with them hand in hand.<br />
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-written by Charlene Turney. August 31,2016Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-51373644543332273602016-11-28T03:52:00.002-08:002016-11-29T18:27:32.326-08:00Time has changed me I have been giving one body, one mind, and one heart. It is worth the argument to say that I am stuck with this person, it is who I am and who I will always be. I used to say that I am not organized, that I am sporadic, and can't stick to a schedule. While this is hugely true about my natural tendency and my personality it does not mean I have to be stuck in that if I don't want to. I wanted to change. I wanted the comfort of knowing that Thursday is laundry day and Monday is -go through the mail-day. I wanted to know that at 9 I go to the gym and work out. I didn't like getting a phone call that my water would be turned off because I haven't paid the bill in a month, or having no clean laundry because it has been forever since clothes have been washed or put away. I didn't like feeling sore and weak over simple activities because I had no muscles.<br />
Year after year I would sit down and set a schedule only to fall short after 2 weeks. I became the Queen of the 2 week plan.<br />
I planned out days for going through bills. I planned out days for cleaning clothes and cleaning bathrooms. I planned out days for working out at the gym, at home, outside, and even with a friend. I have tied and tired and always failed. It would be safe to ask my self..why keep trying?<br />
Because.<br />
Because I am worth it.<br />
I know that God has giving me the ability to grow in who I am. I wanted to grow and never gave up.<br />
This year I am so far past the 2 week mark of sticking to something that I am patting my self on the back for this small victory. I have prayed for years for things and even when i failed again and again I kept at it. I knew God was faithfully and it would happen, I just didn't know when.<br />
I am still on a path of growth...shouldn't we all be? But I am encouraged because I see tiny changes. Every Thursday I have all the laundry washed now and the kids put theirs away. Every Monday ( mostly) I go through bills and file away papers.<br />
I am still working on the regular gym time but My husband and I do walk every Wednesday and Friday now. This is huge for me.<br />
<br />
What things have you told yourself won't or can't change? Do you get angry like your father and just assume -like father like son?<br />
Do you spend all your money on clothes and shoes just like your mom?<br />
Do you stay so strict to your schedule that you never have spontaneous fun?<br />
Or do you live so spontaneous that your life feels chaotic and you are never on time, always forget dates, and can't plan ahead for your future?<br />
<br />
The point is...that may be how you naturally bend in your personality but it doesn't mean you are stuck.<br />
You are in control of your actions....no matter how out of control you may feel at times. You have the ability to grow into a better you. It may take time, it may even take years but never give up on YOU.<br />
Take a day and write out dreams you have had. If you can't figure out how in the world to reach those dreams, let me know, let someone you know that can help you and pray with you. Having accountability with your thoughts and ideas is the best place to start.<br />
You can do this. Even if you have to take it so slow that the rest of 2016 is thinking about your dreams, planning out your dreams, and talking about your dreams so that you are able to hit the ground running in 2017 than that is A-OK. You work at your pace but just keep moving. Remember a baby step forward is better than no step and sitting on your butt.<br />
I am giving myself and my family a new me.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-3631405168190968222016-11-11T20:58:00.000-08:002016-11-11T20:58:08.235-08:00Walking the fence of this election. You may have strong emotions about this whole election thing or you might care less. You may be wondering " What election?" If that is the case though, I would say you have been hiding in a cave. The election has stirred deep emotions in almost every human on this planet and not a single one of those will change a thing now. The stories that I am hearing of whites being horrible to blacks is mind boggling. I can't even imagine hating another person or race like that. I do know though that Trump becoming president did not cause that. The cruelty and evil that is being displayed was already in the hearts of those individuals way before Trump even decided to run for president and probably even before Obama was in office.<br />
I admit, I am a privilege white lady living in the privilege country of America but guess what? Every single one of you who live in the USA are also privileged men and women. I don't get involved in politics and even fasted Facebook the month before the election so I am sure I missed some important information but I am confused as to where this over whelming fear is coming from with Africn Americans. Excuse me, but when did you forget that God is in control? The moment Trump won? It seems to me that the enemy of this world has us exactly where he wants us.....angry, bitter, hurt, scared, and fighting against one another.<br />
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If you as a white person hate blacks then I suggest you move to a place where they do not live. Oh ya, that's right, you can't because God loves them and continues to create amazing people of all cultures and colors and we are ALL equal. If he thought whites were the jam then there has been plenty of generations to wipe out any race but that is not happening and will never happen. God did not make a mistake when he created blacks. He didn't mess up when he created Asians or any other race. He perfectly created each and every person, no matter their skin color. If you only see mean black people then you need to expand your sphere of people you hang out with bc one or two or 100 mean black people do not determind an entire race.<br />
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If you are black and have fear then I suggest you cry out to God or find someone who will cry out for you if you have no relationship with Jesus. I then suggest you ask them how to get a relationship with Jesus and do it quickly. It is the only way you will get peace in your life. If the only white people you are in contact with are spitting curse words at you please don't give up on the whole white race. There are some good ones out there.<br />
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Trump winning the election may be a shock to you but it isn't to God. He allowed it to happen just like he has allowed Obama to be in that seat and the leaders before him. If you know that bible story of King Nebuchadnezzar you know that he was not a great leader. He killed men because of different opinions and forced everyone to serve a god he chose. Daniel was an average man who prayed to God in all situations and he was raised up and made a difference. He didn't rebel in angry, he didn't lash out in hate, and he didn't hide in fear. He prayed for his people and for his leader and God used him.<br />
<br />
You want to change who the president is....pray for the heart of Trump to be changed and you will find that at the end of this four years you will have a different president. Pray for righteous people to be placed around him just like Daniel became the King's right hand man. God has a plan so don't you dare ignore it because you fear, your hate, your rejection you feel towards all your so called friends who voted different than you, gets in the way of what God wants to do though you.<br />
Be the color of your skin to the best ability you can be by showing love, kindness, and most importantly forgiveness.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-22534702064607548862016-10-28T19:43:00.002-07:002016-10-28T19:43:54.900-07:00Why do I have to do it every. single. day???The other day I brought a pot of dirt inside the house. It had been outside for months and I wanted to plant my basil in it to keep inside. The problem is that the dirt was bone dry. I set it in my sink and soaked it with water and let it drain. I did this at least 4 or 5 times so that it would get all the dirt wet. I wanted the basil roots to really flourish once I planted them.<br />
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I grabbed a spoon and started to dig in the dirt to get it moved some for the plant. I was surprised to find that it still had so much dry dirt in it. I had soaked it sooo much and yet, it still had major areas of dryness.<br />
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It was only when I dug deep and up rooted the dry dirt, bringing it to the surface, and than soaked it, was it able to fully get wet. I had to dig, soak, dig, soak, dig, and soak to fully saturated the soil.<br />
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As I was doing this I thought of how this is such a good analogy to so many Christians walk with God. We go to church on sunday. We get soaked. We come home, go about our week, and never water ourselves. We go to church again on sunday and we get soaked in God's presence with scripture and worship. We come home and live another week with a lack of victory in our lives. We do this week after week. We feel that this soaking on sunday was enough to get to all our dry places but just like this pot of dirt, we have to dig deep and uproot <u><b>all </b></u>the areas of our life to get it full saturated. We have to dig, soak, dig, soak, dig, and soak to have long lasting change.<br />
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If you hear a great msg and want change and you go home and make changes and than wonder why it doesn't seem to stick....you may have some dry places in your heart that are killing these newly planted roots.<br />
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<i>How do I practically soak those dry places you ask?</i><br />
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I am so glad you did. Find someone who can walk with you, who can ask the questions about how you are doing. Read your bible daily and then talk with someone about what you are learning. Pray daily. You dont have to be weird, you can talk to God throughout your day as if he is your best friend sitting right next to you. Worship God. Make choices to listen to music that is uplifting.<br />
<br />
To get this pot of dirt fully saturated it took me many times of watering.<br />
<b>Do not think that one time at church or a conference, or revival is enough</b>.<br />
<b>Do not think that one week of daily bible reading is enough</b>.<br />
It is an amazing start but imagine if I got the dirt fully soaked, planted my basil, and than never watered it again.<br />
The basil would dry up.<br />
<br />
<b><u><i>We need to stay watered, stay in God's word, stay in his presence, and dig up those dry places in our heart so that we can heal and live a life of victory. </i></u></b><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-10426916010215959402016-10-27T06:57:00.000-07:002016-10-27T07:11:03.844-07:00"If I can just distract her, I can make her forget"-My youngest child is wonderful in all of her ways and can even be a little dramatic. Years ago she fell down and scraped her knee....scraped....her....knee. She did not break anything and there were no need for stitches and there was hardly any blood but Miss Ava could not walk. She cried so hard and the idea of walking was to much for her little self. I am not joking when I tell you it took half a day to get her up and walking again. She was doing everything she could to avoid using the injured leg. By the end of the day it had gotten so ridiculous that I had to re-train her and distract her. We held hands and "walked" up and down our hall. When I say we walked...what I mean is I walked and she hopped the whole way. I showed her that bending the knee was ok and I had her standing on both legs to teach her that it in fact could work. We started out very slow where I was making her use both legs and by the end of our "training" I was running so that the only thing she could do was use both legs and run along side me or fall and get pulled behind me. She ran. She laughed at finally being healed and being able to use her full body again. Funny enough, this was not the only time we had to distract her, she had to do the running along side me a few more times to learn that a scraped knee was not the end of the world.<br />
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<i><b>This was a good reason for distraction</b>. </i><br />
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-Gabi and I have this joke and any time one of the younger kids have any questions about drugs, where babies come from, or what does a word mean we always say "Who wants ice cream?" I always answer the question but the joke is all about distracting them so they think of something else.<br />
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<i><b>This was a funny reason for distraction.</b></i> <br />
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-Jerry and I love to surprise each other for our birthdays and special holidays. One year I invited lots of friends to come have dinner with us but not to tell Jerry because I wanted to surprise him. I told him part of the truth....<i>because we all know the best lie has some truth to it</i>. I told him that I invited one of his best friends to come into town for dinner and they were not able to make it and that just he and I were going out to dinner. I told this story with tons of conviction b/c it was truth and he believed. We got to the restaurant and walked to a side room near the bathrooms and lots of his other friends were there. The surprise worked b/c of the distraction with the half truth. He never thought to look for the real truths. <br />
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<i><b>This was a sweet reason for distraction</b></i>.<br />
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-A girl was walking down the street and sees someone fall, she stops to help and gets jumped from behind. The person falling was a distraction.<br />
-A car is broken down on the side of the road with a woman standing beside it. Someone stops to help and gets attacked by a person hiding in the woods. The lady was a distraction.<br />
-I made a goal on Monday to not have sweets until the weekend but Ava wanted ice cream after her drs appt and Gabi wanted a starbucks after her appt. So did I. Those things were distractions.<br />
-A person makes a decision on Sunday to do better and spend more time with God but this week was hard, they are exhausted and just want to watch the new episode of Scandal. These hangups are a distraction.<br />
-You used to go to church but haven't in awhile. It is ok though, you still make good decisions and think about God. You don't feel bad, in fact, you feel pretty good about where you are in your walk.<br />
Contentment is a distraction <br />
-You started a new diet and this is the year for you to make changes that matter. But, you got yelled out today by a stranger, your car got a flat tire, and your job just cut back your hrs, and oh ya, you have a cold. You only want comfort food now and so you tell you self it is ok, you deserve it, it was a hard day, except so was the weeks before. Life is a distraction.<br />
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<i><b>These are derailing distractions</b></i>.<br />
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-You are done, your spouse has ignored you one to many time. You vent to your co-worker and a friendship builds and you entertain the thought of a relationship with them. Maybe you married the wrong person and this is your true soul mate.<br />
-You accidentally click on a link and it pulls up porn sites. You explore out of curiosity, until the next time.... when you explore bc you choose to. Now, you are looking at the sites daily and it is the only thing you think about. It is not a problem though b/c you get your work done, you are not cheating on your spouse with an actual person, and it is not hurting anyone.<br />
-You are in charge of the petty cash at work and no one ever uses it. This week you spent your money on a new jacket and you are only borrowing the money until you get payed again so you can pay your water bill.<br />
-Bills are so tight this month and when you have extra money you give some to God for tithing but now it just seems impossible. God understands, I mean you have to eat right?<br />
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<i><b>These are the enemy's distractions.</b></i><br />
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We are ready for a big fight. If someone takes our child, we fight. If someone tries to kidnap you, the natural thing to do is fight back. If someone steals your money, you work at getting it back. If someone stole your identity, you get the authorities involved and clear your name. We are quick on our toes for the -bold, in our face- fights. The enemy knows this and for many situations he doesn't do that. He is slick and a master of distraction.<br />
My last blog was about setting goals, even if they are baby goals. We sometimes need tiny steps to keep us moving in the right direction. <u><b>There will always be distraction</b></u> and many times even with our eyes wide open we fail to see it but the good news is you can start new each day. Each morning wake up with a thankful heart that you woke up and get to try again.<br />
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<b>DO NOT LET THE ENEMY WIN</b>.<br />
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<u><i>Jesus died for you so we have already won </i></u><br />
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The enemy of this world will distract you with every trick of the trade so that you do not know or your forget that we win. If you do not start each day with the mind set to keep your eyes on Jesus and the goals you have for your life than you will always be swayed by life's distractions and never get from point A to point B.<br />
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Do not let distractions prevent you from having victory in your life. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-12504088054643979982016-10-24T10:02:00.002-07:002016-10-24T10:51:56.616-07:00When did we give up?Every year most people start out with goals for their lives. We make big plans to get things back on track and do things better. Many people reevaluate their lives at the start of a new season and even the start of each month or week. We all have big dreams of doing more and doing it better than the year before. So, I ask the question, When did we give up? Why did we quit?<br />
For so many people this thing called LIFE gets in the way. That pesky little thing, it does that from time to time.<br />
How many of you set a goal to work out more? What about the goal of spending more time with family and friends? Did you set a goal to eat better, make more money, be happier, travel more, read your bible and pray more?<br />
How is that going for you? We are almost done with this year and for so many of us we are back in the same loop as the year before. The same habits that we have done year after year after year we are doing now and our dreams, our goals, are a major thing of the past.<br />
<i>Why?</i><br />
<i> </i>Maybe you know this and can skip this part but maybe you don't know this...you are worth it, you are strong enough to change, and you matter. No matter how crappy you feel b/c another day went by and you didn't do your to-list and no matter how defeated you feel b/c someone keeps telling you that you are a waste, you are worthless, you need to know that <u><b>it is a lie</b></u>. You might have even laughed at that but it is true. If you feel anything less than valuable, worthy, amazing, and wanted, than you are believing a lie. <br />
You set goals and have dreams b/c you want more for your life and everything in the entire world will feel like it gets in the way to keep you from those dreams coming true but keep at it. Don't stop my friend. <b><i><u>A baby step in the right direction is better then sitting on your butt moving in no direction. </u></i></b><br />
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My youngest parked her self on the sidewalk the other day and was done walking. She was mad about something and tired from the long day and was done. She was not going to walk another step. But, just like life does with us, I kept on moving leaving her behind. She eventually got up bc the idea of staying there all alone was not something she wanted to try out.<br />
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How many of you stay there though? How many of you get tired from the long day, the long season? You get mad about how things are going or maybe hurt or scared and you just want to give up, you are done. Life keeps moving though and you have let your emotions stop you in your tracks.<br />
It is ok to pause for a moment to catch your breath, to get your barrens, but DO NOT STOP!<br />
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This fall break we went to Gatlingburg and did the hike Cling man's dome. Once again, this little lady, the smallest of the crew, did not have the strength to hike up this huge hill in one swift walk. Many people around her were giving it their all and reaching their goal way before her. We all had the same goal, get to the top, but for all of us it looked different. Caden, kori, and my self got to the top with little trouble but Ava had to make many, many stops along her journey. The key to her victory is that she DID NOT STOP. <br />
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She made big strides and rested, she made little strides and rested. She stopped all together and had to get motivated by her peers (aka daddy and siblings) and she got back up again and took baby steps. She kept moving and rested when needed but finished her goal.<br />
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What are some goals or dreams that you have set to the side that need to be picked back up again?<br />
Did you want to exercise more, eat better, have coffee dates with more friends, read more books, or just rest more? If setting a huge goal is not working it is ok to set baby goals and hit those. If you are not exercising at all than set a goal of 3 times in a month..it is better then nothing. If you goal is to eat better and you eat out every meal then pick once a mth to plan, prepare, and cook a meal at home.<br />
You can do this with any goal you have. Give yourself the chance to have some victories and don't you dare tell your self that you cant do it. Even if you believe you will fail, don't tell your self that. We all get concerned about what others will think of us but really the opinion that speaks the loudest is our own thoughts. Tell your self you can do it, even if you failed. Get up and keep walking bc you are worth it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-72437276313372603642016-10-05T17:11:00.000-07:002016-10-05T17:11:43.183-07:00My kids just ate brussel spouts and didn't even know it.I know all about how eating healthy can heal the body and I stay on point for a big part of my life.<br />
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But, getting my <i>kids</i> to eat the right things is <u>sooo much easier said than done</u>. Their school provides free breakfast and free lunch for everyone. It is some program with no kid goes hungry and it last for about 3 years, I am pretty sure we are on the last year for the program. I feed the kids breakfast at home but there is still food for them at school that they grab. The free lunches just saves us tons of money so we just let them get that. I am pretty sure I will be starting to make their lunches on tuesday when they go back to school<br />
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<b>Their eating sucks.</b><br />
<b> </b>Miss Ava just finished her 3rd round of antibiotics for strep throat and I am pretty sure it is not gone yet....I am fed up with the way they eat and starting tonight we are cutting tons of things out of their diet. Since they have a few more days on their fall break it will be easier to monitor what they eat. I have giving my kids fair warning that we were changing the way we eat. For example, last week we finished off the last of the sweet cereal and we are not buying more.<br />
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This has been a battle for a long time, Jerry thinks it is fine to have it just on the weekend and I want it gone forever. I am fine with a balance but it seems that there is always something sweet to eat and it blends right into the weekend with crap cereal. I think he is seeing the need for change.<br />
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I wanted to start our healthy eating asap. I do not want to take Ava to the dr one more time. I want to heal her with prayer and food. Tonight's dinner was the start of that. It was a soup packed full of nutrients. <br />
I made a soup because it is one of the easiest ways to get veggies into my kids. I had left over chicken and homemade chicken broth in the fridge. I also found some Brussels spouts and had an idea. They are packed full of vitamin C and we need that right now.<br />
I already took some onions, garlic, and bell peppers and sauteed in a dutch oven. I chopped off the end of the brussel spouts and tore off the top leaves. I, then chopped them in half and threw them into a food processor and added a bit of olive oil.<br />
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I pulsed into it was fully chopped and threw it into the dutch oven and sauteed and stirred into all heated through. I also add one sweet potato and salt and pepper. When it was all heated I threw in about 6 cups of broth and brought to to a boil until potatoes were soft.<br />
I transfer it in batches to my vitamix and pureed until completely smooth. -be careful b/c the steam will be very hot-<br />
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In another dutch oven (bc I still had un-pureed soup in the other) I added about 2tbs of butter, a bit of diced white onion, and diced one white potato (this was simply for texture in the soup) and stirred to heat up. <br />
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All the pureed soup got poured on top (through a strainer) and again brought to a boil to cook the white potato.<br />
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When fully done I added the already cooked (left over) shredded chicken. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, herbs, and/or old bay seasons to your tasting<br />
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I also took some gluten free bread and toasted it and chopped to make homemade croutons.<br />
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Gabi went to the grand parents for the night but all the other kids ate it all!! I told them I don't even care if they eat the chicken and potatoes in the soup but that they had to drink all the broth. <br />
This may be a tiny step but I am happy we are moving in the right direction. I will be updating here on how it goes. Ava and kori will no doubt be my most challenging kids. They are extremely picky eaters and veggies are far from the "yes" list.<br />
Pray it goes well...mmmmkay <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-879385524756577412016-10-04T18:20:00.000-07:002016-10-04T18:22:50.835-07:00Clingman's Dome and views worth any hike.<br />
Today we got a late start and changed our mind a few times on what we wanted to do with our day. We settled on Clingman's Dome because it was closer than other options.<br />
We drove up the mountain and the temperature dropped 20* Say what??? It felt awesome though.<br />
I took lots of pictures with my phone and real camera and will post the best of both.<br />
The hike to the top was 1/2 a mile and a super steep incline. Caden and I got to the top first. I was pretty happy with myself.<br />
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When I pause and think about the fact that I had major back surgery 6.5 mths ago and went a few weeks with some paralysis in my foot and severe nerve pain for mths and now I am hiking up mountains....I am blessed and feeling so much stronger. <br />
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Here are pictures from today. Since I am breaking from posting so much on facebook and instagram I am using this blog as a place to write about our day and post the pictures.<br />
I am so happy we did this vacation this week during the kids fall break. Yes, the kids complained but all in all everyone had fun together and made memories. <br />
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This morning started out great with late sleep ins, worship music playing while breakfast was being cooked and the littles did their devotionals.<br />
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We then packed up and headed out. The drive was so beautiful and we wanted to stop at every single pull over spot..but we didn't.<br />
Here is our day in pics.<br />
Miss ava did not feel so well after the curvy drive.<br />
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My boys....being boys..<br />
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Lots of names signed to mark their place in time. <br />
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You would never know by this picture of me and Gabi that she didnt want to take a picture with her mama...on top of the mountain... </div>
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After our mountain adventure we headed back down and went straight to Pancake pantry. We got there 7 mins before they closed. </div>
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Ava some how managed to eat her chocolate chip pancake without going through the edges. </div>
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We then walked around and looked for a cost efficient place to play with our large family. </div>
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We settled on Treasure island putt putt golf. </div>
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Girls against boys....boys won.</div>
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<b> Winner Winner chicken dinner!!</b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-32136717856450380722016-10-03T19:08:00.001-07:002016-10-03T19:17:25.854-07:00A look at the Turney's on the Biltmore Estates. Miss Gabi, my sweet first born is almost on her own and it breaks my heart. Soon she will be in college and fall break vacations will not work with her school schedule. This could be her last one with us. I pray it is not.<br />
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Caleb, my first son. He is the person who taught me about unconditional love from a male. He is one of the funniest people I know. His ability to mimic accents and sounds is like no other in our family. He should definitely seek out a job using this skill <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgpJYAGeoX-ayiR8js5Q4zi-0gmxAwo4Czs_NLSwm-zCCndoUVPaUc_geowr22PfewaQnd6B7aXi1vWobTTap6_wW4WhUmEJLhRTvkaBkWxP_mHDIiS8zx0VhbnOzvyf2jbZoonpySqs/s1600/IMG_9858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgpJYAGeoX-ayiR8js5Q4zi-0gmxAwo4Czs_NLSwm-zCCndoUVPaUc_geowr22PfewaQnd6B7aXi1vWobTTap6_wW4WhUmEJLhRTvkaBkWxP_mHDIiS8zx0VhbnOzvyf2jbZoonpySqs/s320/IMG_9858.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
Kori, is the most detailed person I know. Her ability to notice things around her and her creativeness is beyond what I could ever do. She sets goals for her self and hits them. I see a bright future for her.<br />
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Caden, my little miracle surviving twin boy. He is the sweetest talker, he tells me daily how amazing and beautiful I am. If a flower is called wonderful, he responds.."like my mommy" What a gift he is to my sou.<br />
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Ava, the cream of the crop, is the perfect add on to our family. She is loved by every single one of us and has a sense of humor to match all of ours. She has big dreams of dancing, singing, and being a gymnast one day. She will do awesome at all those things.<br />
So blessed God gave her to us after 2 losses and major health problems, she has changed us for the best.<br />
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Jerry, my sweetie of 20 years. We are so different and the enemy likes to get it my thoughts and wants me to focus on all those ways. But, when I remind myself that his differences are the very things that I totally suck at and would never thrive at, I am reminded at how blessed I am. God always knows what he is doing when he places you with someone. You will be very different and that is so together you can fill in each others weaknesses and together, with God, can be a strong force. <br />
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We all had a really good time at Biltmore today....except for the end when I thought kids might be lost and spent forever looking for them...and didn't have cell service to call and check. They were not lost...I was apparently.<br />
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These two pictures here are from the gardens. There were tons of mums here. <br />
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And one final shot of the full Turney crew.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-37041865859688448542016-10-02T21:32:00.001-07:002016-10-02T21:32:41.496-07:00Put on the brakes, it is fall time!Fall break is here and we have a full 11 days off, this counts the weekends, the full week, and the extra monday off from school. We are excited about spending time with the kids by doing some fun adventures. Last year for our anniversary Jerry bought two tickets to go to The Baltimore Estates in Ashville and we then used that price and applied it to a year season pass.<br />
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This allowed us to take the kids for FREE! With 5 of those little sweeties I love a good deal and free is about as good as it gets.<br />
The trouble with this season pass is the 5 hour distance it is from our home. This is the reason we are almost back around to our anniversary (nov 1) and have yet to use it......until now. This week is our week to dream of a 1,000 acre farm, a pool and bowling alley in our home, and fireplaces so big we could stand up in them. The kids will learn some history and see things that our pictures from last year did little to show the amazement of this place.<br />
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In my perfect world I would own lots of land that had a creek running through it and lots of trees to climb. I would have a large kitchen with a full window seat and sitting area for friends to chat with while cooking them an amazing meal. I would have a huge stone fireplace and brick walls and an old farm table that was the perfect height for little ones to help make bread. I would learn to make bread and never need a recipe book.<br />
In my perfect home I would still have the kids share rooms but the rooms would be a little bit bigger with Jack and Jill bathrooms. I would have big closets and little hidden nooks to play in. I would have my own art room that never got used for storage and I would paint and sew and create new things often. In my art room there would also be space for a photography studio.<br />
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My perfect world looks very different from my real world. There are times that I get super frustrated that I am a grown woman and have the ability to change my surroundings and yet my two worlds still look so different.<br />
It is during those times that I have to be very purposeful about my words and my thoughts.<br />
I can wake up and see a pile of papers that have been sitting there for a week and it just makes me mad......even though yesterday I was totally fine with it.<br />
I can walk out into my small yard and just be so bummed that it doesnt have trees for climbing and building tree houses.<br />
I walk into the kids rooms and get physically angry at how messy they got it again and that it is too small or that the closets are so tiny b/c its an old house.<br />
I could look at my real life and my real world and hate everything about it because it doesn't match up to the beautiful art I have painted in my head. <br />
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Or, I could thank God for the amazing location of my home and the amazing price we got it for years ago though a miracle of God. I could thank God for the small rooms being big enough for bunk beds and dressers and precious children playing. I could thank God that my yard is big enough for a perfect size garden that my kids and I have truly enjoyed taking care of this year.<br />
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There will always be things in our lives that we would like to change. Some things will be able to look different as we work on them and somethings may never happen. If we live our lives in angry about all the things we can't have or can't change we will be miserable people to hang out with. If all you do is complain than you might not be someone that people want to be friends with. Constant complaining smells like poop and no one wants to sit and listen to poop talk. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. <br />
Changing your mind set may be hard and feel super foolish at first but when we choose to be thankful it opens our hearts up to peace.<br />
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<b><i>I</i><i> look back at the last few years and see things done in my home now that were just dreams back then. I have dreams and goals and they seem so far fetch but I have learned that baby steps to any goal is so much better then the complainers on the side lines taking no steps at all.</i></b><br />
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Are you a thankful person or a complainer. Do your words smell sweet as your talk or more like poop? What are some things in your life that you can choose to be thankful today that maybe you were a bit ungrateful for yesterday? Try putting on some praise music and start thanking God for the very thing that drives you nuts. Ask God for wisdom on how to change it but to have peace while you are in that waiting stage. God is always faithful to help us when we ask.<br />
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I shall leave you today with this pic of my twin and I with our daddy. It was prob our first time in the mountains. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-23325470959164304612016-10-01T20:53:00.000-07:002016-10-01T20:59:17.276-07:0017 times. 17 is at least the number of times that I thought about going to facebook, instagram, or snapchat today. I actually thought it would be closer to 400 times.....so 17 is great. Any time I step back from something it always surprises me how much it comes to the forefront of my mind, how much I thought about it, and how much of a habit it is. This time does not prove to be any different. It was through prayer and the desire to find a balance in my life that I decided to change things up a bit. Some people say I have giving myself too many loop holes by still allowing some media time. But the goal is not about cheating and sneaking social media in, the goal is to find peace, put God first, and minimize things in my life. I have peace about this decision and that is part of the goal. <br />
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I talk big talk about wanting my family to get rid of games and tv, yet when I ask myself, am I ready to do that, I dont have a clear answer. I figured I need to start with me and let it bleed into their lives later.<br />
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I am not posting on Instagram so I figured I would post pictures of our day here on the blog.<br />
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Fall weather is starting to show it's face and the little ones are enjoying playing outside. They made a map and searched for all kinds of treasures and monsters. In our garden we have some old kitchen things for them to play with and they enjoyed making some pretend nature salads.<br />
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Ava and Kori are my chefs in the making and even outside Ava is mixing and stirring up ideas.<br />
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Caden found some berriers (yes, they would told not to eat any of the "food") and those got used for all kinds of meals.<br />
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Today around lunch time we headed out to Centennial Park for the Celebrate Nashville festival. There were tons of people, venders, and great food places to try. <br />
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Our kids have got it so easy, yet they complained about the tiniest things. They were hungry, they dont want that food, they are hot, they are cold, they have to pee (oh wait, maybe that was me) they want to buy this, their feet hurt, and the list repeats.<br />
How many times do we do that with God. He brings us to a place in our day, our life, our walk and wants to bless us and we just complain.<br />
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He gives us a job, we complain about the pay, the co-workers, the hours, or the distance.<br />
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He gives us an apartment, we complain that it is not a house, the neighbors are loud, the rent it so high, or it's not big enough.<br />
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He gives us a house, we complain about the yard work, the house payment, the maintenance, the broken toilet, or the H.O.A fees.<br />
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He gives us a spouse, we complain about their clothes on the floor, their bad habits, their snoring, their inability to read your mind, or all the things you used to love that you now cant stand..for one more minute.<br />
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What if we just took a moment and paused? What would we notice? How would our attitude change?<br />
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What if my kids paused for a moment and took in their surroundings today? What if they accepted the idea that this is a chance to learn about other cultures, that this is a huge part of daddy's job When he talks to someone for 20 mins it is purposefully about making friendships and future connections, which could lead to that person learning about the loving Jesus.<br />
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I am a very -in the moment- kind of gal so I dont have much trouble being thankful for the moments I am in. But what if I looked at each day as little pockets of God planning out fun filled days for me to see new things and meet new friends? I think if I did that, it would change my attitude on a few things.<br />
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How do you see each day? How can you get better at being in the moment and being thankful for the days God plans out for you?<br />
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I will leave you with this pic from the fair last week. Caden, my sweet Asian boy, who is wearing the same shirt today as he was in this picture. This mama might need to do the laundry more or go buy some more clothes. :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-55996508387577143232016-09-30T20:17:00.001-07:002016-09-30T20:27:36.603-07:00Gideon, laziness, and social media3 topics all different, all connected. At the end is the month goal for me<br />
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<b><u>Gideon</u></b> is a man in the bible who's story is recording in Judges. He was a guy who was hiding in fear when an angel spoke to him.<br />
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At our church we are doing a women's fall bible study and this one is by Priscilla Shirer and the topic is Gideon. <br />
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I am not sure I have really read Gideon's story before this study. It is only 3 chapters, it should be easy to read, but some how I have not studied it until now.<br />
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I love how it tells us Gideon was afraid and God still spoke to him. I think so many times people think they have to have their junk in order to be called by God but this story proves that theory wrong.<br />
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<u><b>Laziness</b></u> is kind of my game here. I am sitting in bed on a friday night and it is not even 9:30. I have no plans to get up and no plans to get my bible to write out the exact scripture for this story. I apologize ahead of time and encourage you to read it for yourself...I mean it <i>is </i>only 3 chapters...<br />
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This week's study has been about God narrowing down the many to get to the few. Gideon is called to lead a battle and he sounds a horn (trumpet..something....go read it and let me know) to call the men. 32,000 men show up ready for battle. God says that is too many men and the group gets narrowed down simply by telling those that were scared to go home. 22,000 men scattered. That left Gideon with just 10,000 men. The first number was too low to win the battle but now this number...this was just ridiculous. Then God goes and does the crazy, he tells Gideon that it is still too many men and the group again gets narrowed down to a measley number of 300. This number...now it was just unheard of..it was just stupid...no one could win a battle with just 300 men...This was exactly God's point and it leads me to my last word.<br />
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<u><b>Social media</b></u> is a huge thing in so many lives, mine included. With Gideon God was showing him that something that seemed 100% impossible to do was actually possible with God's help. Even though the first number of 32,000 men it would be hard to win a war but they could take credit if they won. With 10,000 men the battle would be next to impossible to win but they could get victory and take credit. With just 300 men it would be impossible, standing in a pile of poo impossible, surrounding by thousands of bullies who are about to crush you impossible and so when they win there would be NO WAY they could take credit and God would get all the glory.<br />
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So many times in our lives we take credit b/c of our plenty..b/c of our 32,000 and we dont give the glory to God. Many times God is wanting us to decrease the things we have so that he can get the victory, so he can increase in our lives. Sadly we silently scream NO to God's increasing simply because we hold onto the <i>plenty</i> in our lives. Surely God doesn't want me to have less money by taking this other job. How else will I be able to bless others? Surely God doesn't want me to say no to people asking for help, I mean hasn't he called me to serve?<br />
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When we hold onto the abundance we can easily fall into the trap of not giving God glory for victory he deserves. Even if we give God glory, others can take it from him in their own heart. When we win battles in our lives that could happen no other way then a God miracle then no one can take that away even if it is the crazy impossible.<br />
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So with the study this week and through prayer I asked my self what is my 32,000 that God is trying to trim down?<br />
Social Media came to mind and I was like ahhhh no, not that. I know God has called me to teach and speak the Word of God. Social media is a strategic way to make friends and keep in contact. See the problem with that is I can totally take credit and God gets nothing. So starting tomorrow, for 30 days, I am cutting WAY back on things and when I still get to teach God gets the credit..not me.<br />
I will be posting on my blog as my outlet and linking it to my facebook page. I will log in twice a week to check my actual facebook page since I have my photography page and life group pages to check.<br />
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Are there some things in your life that you, in your abundance, are taking credit for when really the victory goes to God? Maybe he is asking you to narrow it down from 32,000 to 300.<br />
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Until next time.....I will leave you with this awesomeness. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-45461170582287048052016-07-09T16:34:00.001-07:002016-07-09T16:34:34.644-07:00What's in your pantry?I have a very well stocked pantry, 2 freezers, and my full fridge, yet, I still go shopping and spend hundreds of dollars on grocerys. So today I decided to trim that down some and save a penny. I went shopping in my pantry. <div>I knew in my fridge was left over hamburger patties from dinner 2 nights ago. Most leftover meals are made into new creations so my family doesn't usually realize it is even leftovers, tonight was no exception. </div><div>I took the left over patties and chopped them into bite size pieces. The patties were full of flavor bc they were made with grass fed beef, turkey meat, and sausage. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Sv-f1-LUaJpRCSrI2vAg4t6ikeqM3eNGMU17nERS1r0V7QG-_6SoD9pKaLItSkGAP20fobAp6cfJut8o6WAXDuTzE018oxsPt7wtj2nGudN7uDNobpZTgf4Ea4rv7HVPqrmFmrzy1TY/s640/blogger-image-1337901397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Sv-f1-LUaJpRCSrI2vAg4t6ikeqM3eNGMU17nERS1r0V7QG-_6SoD9pKaLItSkGAP20fobAp6cfJut8o6WAXDuTzE018oxsPt7wtj2nGudN7uDNobpZTgf4Ea4rv7HVPqrmFmrzy1TY/s640/blogger-image-1337901397.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I then chopped some onions, bellpeppers and jalapeΓ±os I had frozen, and sautΓ©ed them for about 10 mins. I added salt, rosemary, and fresh basil. </div><div>I grabbed a can of diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian herb spaghetti sauce (I am not sure how long it had been in there) and added them to the sautΓ©ed veggie mixture. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhexrtLQSfWfYoX_SiK9BlqCjiOYPC4qnHZlxnYpu9Vk7XonhpCvGxGOLm0W9X4cNU7Qsk1M1YN1VYPpb88t5nAu2CkA9r45t6X3EoTybmCyTQtDiA15mVlN_7gJroWQDUfGuideyW1W0/s640/blogger-image--233838955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhexrtLQSfWfYoX_SiK9BlqCjiOYPC4qnHZlxnYpu9Vk7XonhpCvGxGOLm0W9X4cNU7Qsk1M1YN1VYPpb88t5nAu2CkA9r45t6X3EoTybmCyTQtDiA15mVlN_7gJroWQDUfGuideyW1W0/s640/blogger-image--233838955.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I let this summer and reduce down for prob 30-45 mins. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">During my free time I watched House hunters, called my sister so someone could feel sorry for me since I am not feeling well, and got water boiling for the pasta. I grabbed what ever pasta I had on hand and today chose some gluten free kind that basically rocks in the lack of gluten dept. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJgMvRw_mFwDyijJze-0F0Jnr7CsAOv6K7BUj_MQolUjQ8C-P-wxM-pk2pi8k3NJ7X9noerxnvyp5qcPon-XG7ThPv-MciZqx0A-PrWz0tk5YtFDnGPnnN368OqOL3zdHA4Aky88mrUA/s640/blogger-image-1787633620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJgMvRw_mFwDyijJze-0F0Jnr7CsAOv6K7BUj_MQolUjQ8C-P-wxM-pk2pi8k3NJ7X9noerxnvyp5qcPon-XG7ThPv-MciZqx0A-PrWz0tk5YtFDnGPnnN368OqOL3zdHA4Aky88mrUA/s640/blogger-image-1787633620.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once the sauce was super reduced I added the chopped up hamburger patties. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPXKxgEmbD7s9GofreTGAxvNu1W0FakyhatZqxo3eROlARFb1KM-8aeeg5r8LHe0o8uFvdkZA-jeFxEuCPLj2r8dAanvQEtqYskKn1vqU00fQvrBtr15JthDtUZRwdVkHXodZ-x_3XVk/s640/blogger-image-1682642111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPXKxgEmbD7s9GofreTGAxvNu1W0FakyhatZqxo3eROlARFb1KM-8aeeg5r8LHe0o8uFvdkZA-jeFxEuCPLj2r8dAanvQEtqYskKn1vqU00fQvrBtr15JthDtUZRwdVkHXodZ-x_3XVk/s640/blogger-image-1682642111.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb04u9v8qhzDbpkYJ97VNHNscHf_slPw7xuEFQQKvwO1sjUm2RG_fd5v-Ohw3qOWAIdQZFYEtbMAqWunl5UiaxF5DUcVKv2_HMoU9cSBKWur1b01tfSMznzs1XEQ7QZX64GzdDZ8yycO4/s640/blogger-image-886624475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb04u9v8qhzDbpkYJ97VNHNscHf_slPw7xuEFQQKvwO1sjUm2RG_fd5v-Ohw3qOWAIdQZFYEtbMAqWunl5UiaxF5DUcVKv2_HMoU9cSBKWur1b01tfSMznzs1XEQ7QZX64GzdDZ8yycO4/s640/blogger-image-886624475.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The meat did not need to be cooked of course, so I just heated it up and then yelled at the top of my lungs for everyone to wash their hands and get their booties to the table. π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dinner was served, everyone enjoyed it and I was super pleased with my made up- thrown together- tomato sauce. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was a great meal and the best thing about it was I didn't spend any extra money, I shopped right out of my pantry </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNl78CdgWHBPWPlK0gS_xRx4nM7TPhU_Gtr0eXbR42OeFZ9AtrT8L8G_Ke2O9p3Saww6qMboFbfOn8eNI-Rl3at7ELeAOoqHCYt7OyE7V90imLTVQ4zZEG0eLwhQzNkOhS7ON4u6iPItc/s640/blogger-image--577518091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNl78CdgWHBPWPlK0gS_xRx4nM7TPhU_Gtr0eXbR42OeFZ9AtrT8L8G_Ke2O9p3Saww6qMboFbfOn8eNI-Rl3at7ELeAOoqHCYt7OyE7V90imLTVQ4zZEG0eLwhQzNkOhS7ON4u6iPItc/s640/blogger-image--577518091.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What do your have in your pantry that you can make a meal with? Hashtag it </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">#pantrymademeals on Instagram I would love to see what you came up with! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-58595821098074251472016-06-16T20:03:00.001-07:002016-06-16T20:03:45.915-07:00Working through the book of John.A few weeks ago I decided to post on Facebook that I was going to read John and need accountability to keep me on track. I was doing very well but as with most of my vacations, time gets away from me and word time gets put to the side. We get up early and go all day long to the Disney parks and come home and crash. I don't usually think twice about any kind of reading time. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAfJLiQ4TMhEBVrKxQ1xlA3fVzUcfUffywMJl-g2tsTsYBCjtOwzMkUGcuNeTh23hM008ybPZ7ma1qmeBntaqpZjec1eYxJGwjXJx_05iK3ot8BDiNbLrNN6OAfsU2ajXbRFtqi4i0zk/s640/blogger-image--1759879696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAfJLiQ4TMhEBVrKxQ1xlA3fVzUcfUffywMJl-g2tsTsYBCjtOwzMkUGcuNeTh23hM008ybPZ7ma1qmeBntaqpZjec1eYxJGwjXJx_05iK3ot8BDiNbLrNN6OAfsU2ajXbRFtqi4i0zk/s640/blogger-image--1759879696.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>As I have been posting on Facebook what I am getting from the reading I have also saved those status into my notes on my phone. </div><div>My post today will be adding 5 of the days to this one blog post. </div><div><br></div><div><div>Day 1</div><div>Last night I wrote about needing accountability and wanting friends to join in reading the book of John from the bible. </div><div>I love how when we actually want to make the time, the time is there. So many things can get in the way and a million real excuses can prevent us from reading our bibles. But, when we make a decision and choose to do it...time is there. Today I slept until 7:30. I got up, had my spark and vitamins, talked to my parents and sister, and still have time to start reading John before anyone wakes up. I am loving the summer sleep ins. </div><div>.</div><div>Verse 10 in John 1 makes me sad when I read it from a parent's point of view. "...the world did not recognize him" </div><div>The whole first part talks about who is the true light and that v3, "Through him all things were made" </div><div>How would you or do you handle a situation when someone doesn't recognize something you have created? It might be a great dinner, a clean house, an art piece, organizing an entire event, or a simple hair cut, that no one gave you credit. </div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>Day 2</div><div>For those of you reading in John with me congrats!! π Every excuse gets in your face a screams "I am the most important thing you have to do today....do it NOW" π€</div><div><br></div><div>If you are seeing this for the first time I am reading the book of John from the bible and love having friends joining me for accountability. You can start any time, we are not on a schedule. I am just posting things that stand out and you can join with comments on verses you like too. </div><div><br></div><div>Today I loved how all through John 1:19-34 John always points back to Jesus. When asked who he was he says v23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.' " </div><div><br></div><div>Do our words always point people back to Jesus? I don't mean in an awkward way where people have no idea what you are saying but does our life and our actions and kind words show people that we are set apart. Do they see something in us that says "I want to follow this Jesus?" </div><div><br></div><div>V37 two disciples heard he was Jesus and followed. </div><div>V41 -the first thing Andrew did was find his brother and tell him. </div><div>V45 - Philip found Nathanael and told him " We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law..." </div><div><br></div><div>This is convicting to me because I think -how many people did I tell when I first learned who Jesus was?- </div><div>How many people do I tell about Jesus now? </div><div>It is easy to post about it on Facebook but He is amazing news πand I pray that my daily words and actions show people that I am set apart. </div><div><br></div><div>What did you read about today and did anything stand out? Also how can we lead people to Jesus as we live our normal life?</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>Day 3 </div><div>It is the end of the day posting about it but I did get my reading in with the book of John. I am going to be real honest here today. On Sundays I normally allow my church bible time to be my time to get in the Word, but I decided that today I would keep with the daily reading of John and post in case someone else didn't make it to church. For the confused ones, some friends and I are (at our own pace) reading the The book of John from the bible. I needed accountability and asked friends to help π There are about 7 of us π Anyone can join at any time, just post in the comments and say you want to and you can start reading John chapter 1 at your own pace. </div><div>I am going off memory here so no actually verses but in John chapter 2 Jesus and his mother Mary attend a wedding. The wine runs out and Mary tells Jesus about this. He says (my words so maybe a little off) "why do you concern me with such things" </div><div><br></div><div>I love this for two reason. </div><div>1: I would imagine that he had to of walked some things out in faith in his home because how else would his mom of even know he could do anything if she hadn't seen him at home. (The water to wine at the wedding was his first public miracle if I am correct) </div><div>2: All parents are super proud of their kids and the giftings they have. At parties or around friends we say "......show your aunt here what you can do" </div><div>I wonder if Mary had some of that mama proud moment when asking Jesus to do something about the wine. </div><div>I wanted to keep reading and post this morning but then littlest woke up and needed cuddling so...ya know. </div><div> </div><div>What are your thoughts on these verses? </div><div>Did you get to read any parts of John today your self? </div><div>Also for everyone who said you wanted to join are you ok if you get tagged for accountability purposes on your side? I want this to be fun and in no way condemning. If you say you want to join and go strong for 2 days and known for 3 days that is ok ππ» Just pick back up where you left off. If you are comfortable posting when you miss we can even say a prayer for time to work out so you can get in the Word. </div><div> </div><div>(Please correct my verse words if I messed them up. I am in bed and have no plans of getting up to confirm. π)</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>Day 4 </div><div>It is past the end of the day...I am so glad I got my reading from The Book of John in this morning because there is no way in a million years I would get it in now. I have learned this and said years ago that I never want to get up early to read my bible but I have never regretted doing it and I am always so glad I did! You can make small changes to your life that will make a long lasting ripple effect.</div></div><div><br></div><div><div><br></div><div>Day 5</div><div>Look at this, today is day 5 of my daily reading from the bible in John. See people, accountability works!! Just the simple act of setting my mind to something and posting about accountability has helped me get in the word every day since that decision. That is so huge and awesome. Today has been my favorite reading so far. John 2:12-25 talks about men using the temple courts for a market and Jesus was ticked to say the least. The part that I really looked at was the very end and I would love to hear your thoughts on it too! Verse 23-25 check it out and comment. β€οΈ</div></div><div><br></div><div>It is great to go back and even read what I posted not so long ago. God's word is always exciting and always alive and powerful. If you get in a funk where reading the bible is about as fun as walking through a pond of mud, that is OK. ππ» </div><div>Before you start reading ask God to open your eyes to see his word in a new light. Pray for your heart to be open to what he is saying. Maybe pick a common section of scripture and study it. Look up the meaning of words and see if new insight comes with the well rounded definitions. Always push though the dry spells because blessings come when we push though those times. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Syk1gOM0Kp837lLYT7zhAzugwnDFjleoMIO7KGOakE1jtja_ve-FnwNa9i5txidwMKWCL5Bl3Kbg_vxo2DMOkG9d9SKLbvKXFAA5QNYHOx43BNxDvwGoeRV9is8PZJW_duttOe5VbcY/s640/blogger-image--709291651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Syk1gOM0Kp837lLYT7zhAzugwnDFjleoMIO7KGOakE1jtja_ve-FnwNa9i5txidwMKWCL5Bl3Kbg_vxo2DMOkG9d9SKLbvKXFAA5QNYHOx43BNxDvwGoeRV9is8PZJW_duttOe5VbcY/s640/blogger-image--709291651.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-25238079492996290732016-05-04T20:00:00.000-07:002016-05-05T07:09:59.757-07:00To be or not to be content, that is the question.There are many places in the bible that talks about being content in all areas of our life. I have learned this and lived this many times over the years and I am finding myself walking through it again.<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> This time I am learning that there is a good side and a bad side to being content.</span><div>
14 years ago when Jerry and I stepped out into full time ministry we went from having a job that payed Jerry 6 figures a year to making about $400 the first few mths. We had just built a new beautiful house and lived there 3 mths before deciding to rent it out to save money. We needed a cheap place to stay and found ourselves in the upstairs rooms of this older woman's house that Jerry knew from his real estate office. We had just Gabi and Caleb at the time and they slept in one of the rooms that was half full of storage and half cleared for their beds. Jerry and I had our room, another room was packed to the roof with our boxes and the last room became our living room, kitchen, playroom, and office all combined. The bathroom was not only for the obvious but it was also where all the dishes got washed.<br>
Did we love it? No, not at all. Were we content? Yes, most definitely. This was our situation and complaining about it did not change the fact that this is where we were. We were content in our situation, we knew it was not forever and were doing our best to change it. We had joy in the waiting. <br>
This is an example of good contentment.<br>
<br>
This week I realized that contentment had settled in with my pain since back surgery but it was not the right kind of contentment.<br>
<br>
This is how I see the two being different. This is not a dictionary version of the definition.<br>
<br>
See the difference is good contentment is having joy and peace in the situation you have been giving all the while continuing to seek God for guidance on what to do next.<br>
<br>
Bad contentment is possibly having joy/peace in the situation but then staying where we are because we are good. It is being so content that we stop seeking God about what to do next. We might get a little freedom from some problem so we forget about it. We might get a little raise at work and it is just enough to pay the bills. There could be some freedom from the physical pain or even the emotional pain and it be just enough that we forget just how bad it was in the first place. We have just enough light at the end of the tunnel that we forget that the goal is to get to the end. Our eyes adjust so well to the little bit of light that pretty soon it seems good enough to stay right there.<br>
That is the problem, God does not want half way for his children. If you are a parent you would never want you child to get half way unstuck and than stay there because this way is not as painful as the last spot. You would want full freedom for your children. God wants the same for you!<br>
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Last friday April the 29 I went to my physical therapist in a overall bad mood. She worked on my back and I left there feeling so much better. In fact my mood only went uphill from there, I even noticed that my pain level was decreasing by the slightest amount. I was a happy camper. </div><div><br>
Today is Wednesday, only 4 days later and this is when I realized I had slide over into the bad area of contentment. I was unstuck just enough that I was happy. I was content because it was way better than the last spot I was in.<br>
When I was in the horribly painful place I was praying so often throughout the day and thanking God for my healing. I had joy and peace while I was there but I was always seeking God's word and heart about what to do next. Now that I was finding myself in less pain I stopped seeking God as often. I did thank him for my healing but it was not as much as before. I was going about my day happy because for the first time since surgery pain was not my constant thought. I was finally able focus on more things that blinding pain. <br>
Why is it that most of us only heavily seek God when our walls are caving in? How much better would our lives be if we sought God with that same passion even when our walls have support beams up?<br>
<br>
I want to be content in all circumstances but I want to also seek God passionately in all circumstances.<br>
Let's make it a goal to not be a people that get half of what we are praying for and than drop God like a bad habit.<br>
Let's seek God and find out what is his heart for all of the todays and where he wants to take us for all of the tomorrows. <br>
<br>
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<br></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-6108732082820848502016-03-16T04:25:00.001-07:002016-03-16T05:19:43.597-07:00The day I was thankful for painThe other day I woke up feeling good. I had minimal back pain and to be honest the past week and a half I have felt ok. For the most part I know what triggers my back pain and I was being careful to avoid it. I began to doubt my need for the back surgery. I knew what the X-ray and Mri showed. I remembered being in so much pain that it put this level of depression over me that I was not used it. Yet, here I was walking the kids to school, going grocery shopping, cooking dinner, and even hosting parties. On the outside everything looked fine, a stranger would never know I was about to have or need back surgery. Even when answering the questions about what pain medication I am on and I answer "nothing more then ibuprofen" I start to question is surgery really needed? <div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Then the other day I woke up and threw in some laundry, I carried some more clean clothes to my room, I folded and put away towels, and I even ironed some clothes. All normal activities and the laundry it's self I have done a million times but adding in the ironing and folding was too much twisting, turning, and bending of the back that it ended up causing terrible pain. I had to lay down, take some medicine, and cancel all evening plans.</div><div> I daily live with pain in my lower back and I daily live with the sore muscles because they are over worked trying to protect the injured part but this day....like so many in the past...was above and beyond pain. Pain I can deal with, heck I have naturally given birth to 6 babies (5 earthly, 1 heavenly, in case you read this thinking "wait, she only has 5") </div><div>but pain that makes me angry, changes my whole out look and I lose my joy, pain the cause me to miss out on time with my family because I can't get up or I am to cranky to pretend I want to hear a story, that pain is why I am having the surgery. </div><div>I laid in bed so thankful for the pain, so thankful for the reminder of why I was doing this. Yes, I am sure I could go though life and never have the surgery and I would survive but isn't thriving so much better then just making it? </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I want to be the best mom God has called me to be, I want to be the best wife I can be and dealing with the root of the pain is so much better then finding ways to work around it. </span></div><div><br></div><div>I realize that we do this with so many areas of our lives, we may get an emotional injury and it hurts but we figure out ways to work around it so it doesn't get inflamed. We are fine, we have no physical scars for people to see, we are not taking any pain medication or getting counseling because we are "fine" </div><div><i><b>yet</b></i>, one wrong activity, one wrong movement can bring back all the pain. One wrong word or memory can inflame the emotions and we remember why we are angry, hurt, rejected, bitter, or lonely. So many people do this but they quickly try to get back to the avoiding the pain. They don't use the pain as a reminder that the root of something is still there, they don't take the steps to get the emotional surgery they need. People then live life without joy, they are surviving and they may have moments of happiness but the pain out weighs everything. A wall is put up to protect, memories or activities or even people are avoided to not spark the pain. </div><div><br></div><div>I am on the front side of dealing with the root of my back pain. You may be at the front end of dealing with your emotional pain. The idea that "surgery" is about to happen or needs to happen is scary. What if something goes wrong, what if I dealt with the root only to walk away more Injured then I was when I went it? </div><div>I know my surgery will be long (3 hours) and the recovery even longer but the idea of being on the other side of full healing is well worth it. The idea of dealing with the root so that I can thrive in life is worth the jump. </div><div>So yes, I am so thankful for that day (days) of pain. I am thankful for the reminder of why I am doing this. </div><div>6 days and counting until I start my healing process. How many days until you start yours? <br><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><div> <div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-65679207845891510152016-03-07T19:59:00.000-08:002016-03-07T19:59:18.998-08:00Journal entry #1. 2 week count downI, on purpose, bought a new journal to capture my thoughts in during this next season. I know the Lord will teach me things and I don't want to forget one minute of it. I want to be able to go back and see how I was feeling during this time. I have asked a few people about their own surgery but as time does best, it fades the memories. I don't want them to fade. This will be a really good season because God will be smack dab in the middle.<br />
I am writing some of my journal notes in here. They will be choppy, they may not make sense, but this is me. <br />
<br />
3-7-2016<br />
journal entry #1<br />
<br />
Today marks 2 weeks until my back surgery.<br />
*I am excited that it is almost time.<br />
*I am nervous that the time is almost here.<br />
*I wonder - did I miss out on God's super natural healing for me because I went ahead with the surgery-<br />
*I wonder if this is God's healing for me and that through this other lives will be blessed.<br />
*I have no fear of things going wrong.<br />
*I am concerned I will feel this major need to get up too soon and help.<br />
*I have thoughts (not concerns or even fears...just thoughts) that if I were to be paralyzed that this is my last chance to walk.....so I enjoy every single step like it is my last.<br />
*I have thought that if i were to die this would be my last 2 weeks with my family....so i always make every moment count.<br />
*I am <u><b>not</b></u> going to be paralyzed or die but the enemy likes to throws us a bone to see if we grab it and chew. I see the thought (the bone) and I move on, this is life. This is having victory. Losing is when we grab the bone the enemy threw and we make a full meal out of it.<br />
*I love my bed now but I imagine I will be more then ready to leave it when the time comes.<br />
*I have lost about 7 pounds the last few months from all my walking. I DO NOT want to gain it back while in slow motion life.<br />
*I am excited to see how God will show up in this time. I know he has heard my prayers for super natural healing and bc it didn't happen like I wanted, I know he has got a great plan. I am thrilled to be in the middle of it. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-4909580768378358082016-03-03T08:44:00.001-08:002016-03-06T06:57:20.598-08:00Snack over load.<div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">One of the (many) things I am trying to get done before the surgery is food prep. I know that people will bring meals and that is a huge blessing. I won't have to think about dinners. </span></div><div>What I <i>am </i>thinking about is after I am up and can cook. I LOVE cooking and I know it will be something I want to do as soon as I am allowed. I am trying to make things easier for me by pre-prepping meals now and freezing them. </div><div><br><div>I am also thinking of snack ideas for the family. I want quick snacks that are yummy but not full junk food. No need in teeth rotting out bc mom ain't in the kitchen. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKJQJki4Iru6RNRPGo1gkTC80qaTrz80mbqrfijrb276_G6XT_AvcSg_HD9by1zufVgJIo4-0VS-Y9pDqpjqEkIGOYaLn40RLMDSoFPIPv1mHaoWkYzHHIwJguuzpHtoUVPknmH0LkzE/s640/blogger-image--1483765394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKJQJki4Iru6RNRPGo1gkTC80qaTrz80mbqrfijrb276_G6XT_AvcSg_HD9by1zufVgJIo4-0VS-Y9pDqpjqEkIGOYaLn40RLMDSoFPIPv1mHaoWkYzHHIwJguuzpHtoUVPknmH0LkzE/s640/blogger-image--1483765394.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>My mother in law (who is Korean) has this dipping sauce she makes. Jerry and Gabi love it and will dip cucumbers in it. </div><div>I called her today so she could remind me how to whip some up. </div><div>Being the true, amazing cook that she is she just gives a list of ingredients. </div><div><br></div><div>Hot Korean paste. </div><div>Vinegar</div><div>Sugar</div><div>Sesame seeds and oil. </div><div>She said mix to taste but here is the problem. I am white, did not grow up ever eating this, and don't really eat it now. So mixing to taste is a no go. </div><div>But I gave it a shot and will let my peeps be the ginny pigs. </div><div><br></div><div>I did try it on eggs bc I was starving and why not....Just an FYI it is amazing on eggs. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9031XPo2pohjrGc191JaFDP7xTsoo91pSWzhWKSzQdhy-8X-Zz0eEd3XOXm_fBSh44fa_h2Zm2Hyxxa8dphWI_mkodh9yETaWrATwLbChU8ssxuzeRBuHqzeGtS2Ps7-bLlcVSQH36A/s640/blogger-image--820373448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9031XPo2pohjrGc191JaFDP7xTsoo91pSWzhWKSzQdhy-8X-Zz0eEd3XOXm_fBSh44fa_h2Zm2Hyxxa8dphWI_mkodh9yETaWrATwLbChU8ssxuzeRBuHqzeGtS2Ps7-bLlcVSQH36A/s640/blogger-image--820373448.jpg"></a></div>This will definitely happen again. </div><div><br></div><div>Do you have any nice snack ideas that can be made ahead of time and even re-filled easily that work for your family? </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzBiDQIqq9qNEU2B5iI9ZMF5K_FN6fmEtislBKBtkVlYcgbyckoF5wUTowtMxiVTOkn7xNdjIEvE1c8mH535AZY3Zb5LuT0Yd0mxOTYhrNcg6rnbnTZCVhxA0-wPCYsCalUInRuGnRBo/s640/blogger-image-2010850914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzBiDQIqq9qNEU2B5iI9ZMF5K_FN6fmEtislBKBtkVlYcgbyckoF5wUTowtMxiVTOkn7xNdjIEvE1c8mH535AZY3Zb5LuT0Yd0mxOTYhrNcg6rnbnTZCVhxA0-wPCYsCalUInRuGnRBo/s640/blogger-image-2010850914.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><br></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-29178485063674186532016-02-29T18:36:00.001-08:002016-03-01T04:54:03.416-08:00Start the count down.The 21 days until I wake <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">up with a new back. </span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">To say I am having to pray about a ton of things is an understatement. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHvHqoO5jzu3Ibor55AGpZKbxFMLpzVfJea9WkQI1NlTsHbJ5FpYRPBSN-uqHnBV_IfyN_Is7U56Zo-KFSje8nCCunea-gEQGl0KHfTreC3kKJb69a27meFzX9NK5l3bjUXcKmLVKqcg/s640/blogger-image-168158040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHvHqoO5jzu3Ibor55AGpZKbxFMLpzVfJea9WkQI1NlTsHbJ5FpYRPBSN-uqHnBV_IfyN_Is7U56Zo-KFSje8nCCunea-gEQGl0KHfTreC3kKJb69a27meFzX9NK5l3bjUXcKmLVKqcg/s640/blogger-image-168158040.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I am <i>not</i> nervous about the actual surgery per-say, I am more nervous that it will be for nothing. I do not want to go through it all only to have pain years from now. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I also think a big challenge for me will be the resting after. I have been going non-stop for 18 years and to come to a screeching halt seems impossible. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have pushed through so much pain for years that to teach my self not to push through this too fast is going to take some leaning on the Lord. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have terrible sitting and standing habits and I know ALL of that needs to change to heal properly. I need major prayer in this area because almost 40 years of habits can be hard to break. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My house. My family. Where do I even start? My kids are often saying that they have to do so many chores and yet they have no idea everything that I do to help them with their measly chores. <i>They will soon find out.</i> I want and I am praying for peace in my home during the next two months. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I want accomplish a list before hand that is a mile long yet sometime this kind of thing puts me in bed rest to help the back. I am praying for an efficient pace to finish strong without hurt. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I love to serve and find it very hard to accept help in return. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I will have to accept help. I may even have to ask for help. Lord help me. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I will be writing more to document my thoughts thought out the month as the date gets closer. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Please say a prayer as you think of my family. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-12261222660945089412016-02-25T16:19:00.001-08:002016-02-25T16:40:56.813-08:00Why I won't go fully gluten free.This meal right here is one of my all time favorite meals ever! <div><b>Jumbo pasta</b> stuffed with meat and cheese. </div><div>This time I cooked hamburger meat and ground turkey. In the past I have also added ground pork to add more flavor and that taste amazing too. I mix the hamburger and turkey meat because it is more cost efficient for my family of 7. I would like to only buy the grass fed organic beef but that cost a lot so added the ground turkey still is a healthy option that spreads the meal out more. </div><div><br></div><div>Today I cooked both meats in the same pan ( about 1 lb each, it makes two large serving..remember....large family) and added salt and pepper to taste and a sprinkle of dried herbs. I just use whatever I have on hand. This time it was rosemary, oregano, basil, and parsley. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgk49If14ylqzYVZom3BUdENuZnCMIZjQLUG6gfRpcpxJuDFXebK69wNdAiddppLo8a8uAFmue5OJVMVrRfUddXh0OdaEHSzP0waS6Ro0nzILDwGsQQ4EcFuBshGD0vpfk1UWnEpVEddg/s640/blogger-image-11669737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgk49If14ylqzYVZom3BUdENuZnCMIZjQLUG6gfRpcpxJuDFXebK69wNdAiddppLo8a8uAFmue5OJVMVrRfUddXh0OdaEHSzP0waS6Ro0nzILDwGsQQ4EcFuBshGD0vpfk1UWnEpVEddg/s640/blogger-image-11669737.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once it was fully cooked I drained the grease ( hardly any bc leans meats) and added the meat into another pan so it could cool completely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the meantime I shredded a few different kind of cheese. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt4gA6P8OW13Yd5ejAwexS93A5_eeYitUZkWsf-HHN6qiyNxxyvx708GraduQWUiG2WIiaTicdewBCiqQQqHscPp0LJUChPRTEEXf71DZGGtPjGe3VKn7gF9SwpoNsHRjD7luzifgZrM/s640/blogger-image--1671040986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrt4gA6P8OW13Yd5ejAwexS93A5_eeYitUZkWsf-HHN6qiyNxxyvx708GraduQWUiG2WIiaTicdewBCiqQQqHscPp0LJUChPRTEEXf71DZGGtPjGe3VKn7gF9SwpoNsHRjD7luzifgZrM/s640/blogger-image--1671040986.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I also started a large pot of water and added a pinch of salt. Once it was boiling I added my jumbo pasta. When it was cooked al'denta I immediately put it in ice cold water to stop the cooking and to completely cool it down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYerBpQLc2C6vNm7le6qj90_LhcC1095gsMl-HGJoqqCY7cLwOSl5eXwz-QCK9lS7EzR5Qpdcojl0xrf4hy7dpvW6e7kzTOY_6IPIuyN-MP9qv0sgofOE9vZ8v66TmfiNb_wubGpONjo/s640/blogger-image--1054278493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYerBpQLc2C6vNm7le6qj90_LhcC1095gsMl-HGJoqqCY7cLwOSl5eXwz-QCK9lS7EzR5Qpdcojl0xrf4hy7dpvW6e7kzTOY_6IPIuyN-MP9qv0sgofOE9vZ8v66TmfiNb_wubGpONjo/s640/blogger-image--1054278493.jpg"></a></div>You do not want to fully cook it because it will go into the oven to finish cooking. After a couple of mins drain out water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When the meat has cooled and the pasta is drained you can start the stuffing process. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS8s-urhyD3Wbzk6r9su5AWoTFFQvNx0l7MI7osLJfigT96NXIWdwe9jKl3-ma1ADy6NrHW3yg1v3ZhDS_-0G9rWTL_WMNwsGyb8KWxCgZTosqKz5YoktKoHlYd_-qd0oTK6aNPC1IXc/s640/blogger-image--1581633881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS8s-urhyD3Wbzk6r9su5AWoTFFQvNx0l7MI7osLJfigT96NXIWdwe9jKl3-ma1ADy6NrHW3yg1v3ZhDS_-0G9rWTL_WMNwsGyb8KWxCgZTosqKz5YoktKoHlYd_-qd0oTK6aNPC1IXc/s640/blogger-image--1581633881.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A spoon works great but using your (clean) hands works even better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Layer the pasta into a casserole dish and sprinkle cheese on top </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHrpWnya8nXt5uhCBn4Tprn3qK-BHH3OlCy5BBgd_NpheLGwQ0HOYPJFatl6SEXFB5J_jNIF3bLa6n8ej791IgPGmy3VrnwwcxjS1tOBlaXOnZMjcMDssQbE3az2nBPqyGbIe4iV75NI/s640/blogger-image--752426426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHrpWnya8nXt5uhCBn4Tprn3qK-BHH3OlCy5BBgd_NpheLGwQ0HOYPJFatl6SEXFB5J_jNIF3bLa6n8ej791IgPGmy3VrnwwcxjS1tOBlaXOnZMjcMDssQbE3az2nBPqyGbIe4iV75NI/s640/blogger-image--752426426.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And then pour spaghetti sauce. I just used a jarred one from Aldi's and only used half the jar. My kids do not like a lot of sauce. You can add the full jar of you like. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DkPJyWTiNp4l668CvaPuEIsZJOetojnPPy_g_iTYKAw8MUY1juy3uN9mgnylDAIalDbkwJcHBo0Do-HJcVBUP_oBCzpQkfgomVX-DVdHoFIrkLGBStU5ue8ktI4eZkNT2i5pvUPjObA/s640/blogger-image--365963262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DkPJyWTiNp4l668CvaPuEIsZJOetojnPPy_g_iTYKAw8MUY1juy3uN9mgnylDAIalDbkwJcHBo0Do-HJcVBUP_oBCzpQkfgomVX-DVdHoFIrkLGBStU5ue8ktI4eZkNT2i5pvUPjObA/s640/blogger-image--365963262.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lastly cover with lid or aluminum and place in a 350* pre-heated oven for about 20 to 30 mins until cheese is fully melted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I made an extra batch to freeze because of my up-coming back surgery. I have not frozen it before so I am hoping it works perfectly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once it is fully heated through take out and serve it up </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjya9tOY8Dv6YwFVk8aenEgUl6AvFBBNn05_CqnU6fY-qdrj0ibY1rbHa4D9pYCcqxW6nVrE3BFuudLO0vP9HUvDiLrB6qk71UBv798MIHWkNGUv6o8IoxPw-eSVahR5AVqBPowpejxDjY/s640/blogger-image--1969837804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjya9tOY8Dv6YwFVk8aenEgUl6AvFBBNn05_CqnU6fY-qdrj0ibY1rbHa4D9pYCcqxW6nVrE3BFuudLO0vP9HUvDiLrB6qk71UBv798MIHWkNGUv6o8IoxPw-eSVahR5AVqBPowpejxDjY/s640/blogger-image--1969837804.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This meal is so yummy and such a hit in my house that it is why I can't fully go gluten free</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If they ever make these jumbo noodles gluten free then I would be one more step closer. </div><br></div> </div> </div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-854764325375818455.post-63610241417626670612016-01-12T04:51:00.001-08:002016-01-12T06:12:53.595-08:00Speak to my eyes.I have 30 % hearing loss in both of my ears and so it makes hearing my kids talk to me from across the house sometimes difficult. I hear them yell for me and I answer to acknowledge I heard but everything past that is a jumbled mess of words. I yell back to them "come see my face" <div>I even said the other day "come talk to my eyes, they hear better then my ears ". My husband said that sounded so odd but it is true. I am not a fan of phone calls because being in someone presence is so much better then just hearing words. You are able to see the person body language and even read their lips to help get the full picture of what that person is saying. </div><div><br></div><div>Today during my morning bible time I was reading Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding" </div><div>I was praying and asking God to help me not be at a place that I assume I am trusting him, show me areas that I need to grow in. I then asked for wisdoms on raising my babies to always seek His face. </div><div>I immediately thought about the saying that I wrote above....that I always tell me kids. Come see my face. I thought about how for me it is because I can't hear you. I thought about how, of course, God can hear us so seeking His face is not for him....it is for us. <i><u>When we seek his face it does a huge thing...it puts us into His presence</u></i>. When we seek the Lord's face it prevents us from just yelling out our request hoping that someone heard them, or throwing out a wish and never seeing if the answer was yes. When we seek God's face we get close to him, we learn his body language, we learn his mannerism, we hear his heart and we are BLESSED by it. </div><div><br></div><div>So if you have been throwing out prayer request in a drive by prayer session know that God still hears them and can fully answer them but <b><i>you </i></b>are missing out on so much. God wants to 'have coffee' with you, he wants to hear about your day, he wants to hear the cries of your heart, he wants to hear the funny stories that happen today. He already knows the stories but God loves you so much and enjoys being with you. </div><div>So take some time and -Seek his face- you won't regret it. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18196137317850424635noreply@blogger.com0