Life Is Good!!

We were hit with a major blizzard dumping more than 16 inches in the nearby city! We have up to five foot drifts of snow all over the property! What fun!

Our pool is 4 feet high, the drifts, about 3 feet!

It cracks me up to see bare cement and then a 3 foot drift.

It was a blast to try and walk through the deep snow.

We decided to race to the end of the property. I can’t remember the last time I was so out of breath. My lungs ached!!

We were laughing so hard, which made it even harder to run effectively.

Brian eventually tackled me while I squealed with delight! The children were all so excited. What a fun time.

I also baked today! Two beautiful cinnamon raisin sourdough loaves and eight (only 4 pictured) “Stecca" loaves. I put thinly sliced tomatoes and salt on one of them, and sliced Kalamata olives on another. I adapted the recipe from yeast to sourdough. It is delicious. The crust is thin, yet crisp and the inside is tender and full of large holes! Perfect! I would love to make sandwiches with these. Picture thinly sliced Italian deli meats, a sharp provolone and some baby greens! Mama Mia! Delizioso! Oh, wait, how about various Italian meats and cheeses with an olive tapenade! Oh my.

Shepherding My Flock

While reading in 1 Peter 5 today I felt as though the Lord gave me my ‘to-do’ list for the day. Everyday, really, but a sweet gentle reminder to this mama, for today. I quickly wrote it down in my planner, on my Daily To-Do list.

---

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock . . .

and be clothed with humility, for “ God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:2-7: emphasis mine)

---

I understand this is speaking to “elders”, but it speaks to this mama too! So, my “To-Do” list for the day??

• shepherd (feed, nourish, tend) my flock
• willingly serve
• be an example!
• be clothed with humility
• cast ALL of my cares on Him

Certainly there could be much more, but I shall start with this! Have an awesome day ‘shepherding’ your flock today!

It is Well . . .

This week, while I was struggling to contend for joy and thanksgiving, the hymn, “It is Well With My Soul” by Haratio Spafford was bubbling up inside of me.

I went to YouTube to play it and sing along and I stumbled across this version, sung by Brian Doerksen. I sat there with tears streaming down my face feeling quite humbled. I had heard of the history behind the writing of this hymn, but seeing it right there with real photos was quite touching.

I was cut to the heart with shame over the petty things I had let frustrate me and render me barren of thanksgiving. How could someone suffer such horrible loss pen such beautiful words, while I wallowed in self-pity?

I repented. I began to give thanks with new vigor after this.

Continuing on with the counting . . .

• a fresh word
• determination to win this battle
• praise report about Joanne
• playing the ‘Southern Belle”
• giggling children
• heart shaped Salisbury steak
• blessing of training children
• getting organized
• being organized
• being a mom
• snuggly nap
• memorized all of Ephesians 1
• beginning Ephesians 2
• bad dreams that remind me that my life is amazing
• struggles ALL morning
• clean house, for now
• making bread
• sweet children
• teaching “joyful obedience”
• responding with gentleness (surprise!)
• forgiving because they know not what they do
• warm heater at my feet
• a little girl’s halting reading as she learns
• the wonder of being young and learning new things
• the wonder of being old and learning new things
• seeing change in my heart
• doing the ‘to-do’ list
• clean dresser
• 1 John 3
• husband waking me up each morning
• ORDER!!
• worship time each morning
• consistency
• dreams, again
• maybe, sorta understanding ‘coming full circle’
• learning to cry out
• sweet fellowship with sweet family

Delicious, Frugal, Easy Egg Dish

I have made this delicious egg dish three times now, and it has met with rave reviews every time! As usual, I really don’t have the recipe for you, more the method. You would need to adjust it for your family. I make four pie plates for our family, which allows for a few pieces leftover. Last time I made only three and my ‘peeps’ were clamoring for more. I have the ‘recipe’ below the tutorial.

First, I shred potatoes, skin and all and toss them with olive oil and salt and pepper. Press them into a pie plate. It is important to get it thin, if you want them to cook through and be as crispy as you can get them. Bake at 425 degrees for about 15-20 minutes, until beginning to brown, like the picture below.

This one might have been a wee bit thin and a wee bit over done.

In the meantime, chop and sauté onion and red pepper (seasoned with S & P) until tender and beginning to caramelize. This gives it great flavor. Remove from pan.

Sauté chopped spinach until wilted.

Crack enough eggs for your family into a bowl, add a splash of milk and your slightly cooled onions and peppers, and again salt and pepper. ( I snuck in some cayenne here too, shhh) Add shredded cheddar cheese. Or cheese of your choice. Remember to season each layer of your dish, this really helps with overall flavor.

I then sprinkle the spinach in the pans, it seems easier to get even distribution.

Then pour your egg mixture over the spinach and crust.

I like to sprinkle more cheese on top. Some children don’t care for the extra cheese, so I leave it off one of them.

Return to oven and bake until browned and cooked through. When I make four pans I rotate them from top to bottom after about ten minutes to ensure even cooking.

Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to help ‘loosen’ the crust from the pan. When you serve it, make sure you get the crust with it. You might have to run a thin knife around it and use a thin metal spatula to free it from the bottom. This happens because I try to get the crust as crispy as possible, just shy of burnt!

Serve with a small salad, or sliced tomatoes, as I did for myself and enjoy!

Delicious, Easy, Frugal Egg Dish

Crust:

• Shredded potatoes
• olive oil
• salt and pepper

Filling:

• chopped and sautéed red pepper and onion
  
• chopped and sautéed spinach
  
• eggs
  
• milk or cream
  
• shredded cheese of your choice
  
• salt and pepper

Press potatoes tossed with olive oil and salt and pepper, thinly, into pie plates. Bake at 425 degrees until beginning to brown.

Mix the eggs, milk, sautéed veggies, cheese and salt and pepper and pour over top of crust. Sprinkle more cheese over the top.

Bake until set and browned.

Let sit for a few minutes, as this seems to make it easier to get the crust loose from the pan. You might need to free it up with a thin knife of thin spatula. Be sure to not leave any of the tasty crust behind. This is Brian’s favorite part.

Let me know if you try it and what you think, or if you have any questions.

Can I Follow Christ’s Example?

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands (1 Peter 3:1).

I am convinced that a lack of ability to submit to one’s husband is rooted in fear, namely, lack of trust in God.  This is true in my own life. . .

. . .  It is not so much about me being submitted to my husband, as much as me being submitted to God.  The level at which I trust God will be in direct proportion to the level I am able to submit to my husband. When I am not trusting or submitting to my husband, it is God I am not trusting!

Join me over At the Well to read the ‘rest of the story’

The Winner Is . . .

Okay, first let me say that I really don’t like only picking one winner. While I am thrilled for the winner, I feel so bad that all the others didn’t win. Maybe I don’t like give aways!

I did procure a number of copies, so I will be looking for other opportunities for others to win! Stay tuned for that, okay?

Brian was a part of the drawing process and had me close my eyes, (he wanted me to spin around twelve times, not going to happen at this age!) and draw a winner.

Ruth! from Thoughts From a Princess . . .

Above and Beyond, That is Our God!!

I don’t know if you all have read the recent updates on Joanne Heim, but they are so awesome!!   Please go read them!  I can feel the joy of her husband in his updates.

This morning when we were praying for her, the verse from Ephesians welled up in my heart . . .

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--

To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20 extra emphasis added )

I also want to let you in on a give-away that looks so good!  Ruth, a dear blogger friend who has a heart of gold is giving away a book that she claims,

“Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick is in the top ten of the most powerful books I have ever read.  This was not a book I devoured or could not put down.  It was a book I had to put down.  Sometimes to wipe tears from my eyes, sometimes to think and chew on his words.  Sometimes, to repent for not having enough faith that He could and would stop the sun in the battles I have fought.”

Go check it out!

Making Thankfulness a Habit

Is it not ridiculous the many things we have to be thankful for in our everyday lives if we just take the time to slow down, to notice, to count?

I have found a way to keep up my ‘Thankful List” everyday, finally. I have tried leaving my beautiful Gratitude Journal out on the counter to record throughout the day. That didn’t work, as that counter NEVER stays cleared off. (I am thankful for that counter though )

I have tried to keep a little notebook with my scripture memory booklet, but for some reason that didn’t work either.

I keep my ‘planner’ (which I hope to show you soon) with me all throughout the day. I have placed a dated, lined paper behind my daily ‘to-do’ list so I can easily fill it in as I notice things. I also put “Thankful List” on the very top of my daily to-do list every day, in HUGE print. This seems to be working. I am practicing every day, it will become a habit. I will ‘relentlessly pursue’ thanksgiving, by His grace.

What have you found that works to make recording your ‘blessings’ a habit? Daily.

I am thankful for:

• the call to corporate prayer and fasting
• receiving “One Thousand Gifts”

• after much patience and diligence, Luke gets a truck
• “I wuv you Mimi”
• working with ‘kitchen helpers’
• Belly and Josiah, best friends
• crying out and being delivered
• tears
• a clean toilet!
• Brian finding me searching the file cabinet
• laughter with the man I love
• BEAUTIFUL snowflakes

(click on picture to enlarge and see beauty)

• I get to do school
• REPENTANCE, and refreshing
• more unraveling of my heart
• scheduled prayer time, daily
• a ridiculously sweet note from Brian

  ---

My Beloved,

I just wanted to thank you for being my bride and the mother to our children. I am so thankful for how much and how you love me. I already thought you were the best Mama in the world, but I am extremely thankful for how God is turning your heart towards our children in a greater way. I am thankful for how you challenge and encourage me in this area as well as many others. I LOVE and am thankful for you passion for the things you believe in, like, or dislike. I am thankful for the helpmate you are and how you fit around me. I am thankful for the unity of life and purpose that God has blessed us with. I love you Michelle!

May God bless you this day and eonian!

Love,

Your adoring husband

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• Lattes and oatmeal
• overnight with Brian
• time with my Maker

• conviction, repentance and deliverance
• quiet, all day
• worship, dancing
• learning contentment
• bright moon, sparkly diamonds on the snow
• warm, cozy bed—sweet sleep
• frosty trees, glistening snow

Guess Where I Am?

I am ALONE at my Mom’s house! (they are in GA) It is totally quiet, the snow is falling gently down.  My dear sweet husband just left me with all my ‘stuff’ for the whole day!

I have several hours of quiet to seek the Lord and soak up His presence and listen for His voice.  Thank You, Father, for a day to spend with YOU!

 

What more does a girl need??

Have to go now, I have an appointment with my Daddy!  Have a wonderful weekend.

Relentlessly Pursuing . . . Him!

Awesome Give Away!!

Don’t forget about the give away I am having. 

  Yep!  It is Ann Voskamp’s

  One Thousand Gifts! 

  See Women Who Shape the Heart for details, they are at  the bottom of the post.

Habitual Repentance

Do you ever feel like the only real habits you are making are the ones where you only deepen the ruts of the very habits your wish to change?

Just days ago I read . . .

. . . the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning

. . . Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

. . . and in his lips there is a burning fire.

. . . moving his lips he bringeth evil to pass.

(yes, all in one day!)

Today I read the words, ‘Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt.’ (Col. 3:)

But my words were not seasoned with grace and salt, but pepper, hot pepper. They sting and hurt and made baby blue eyes run with tears.

Why is it I can make a habit of prayer, scripture memory, and schedule and structure, but my words; my mouth, (my heart, really, for out of the heart the mouth speaks) is so undisciplined, so habitually peppery?

So, I do all I know to do with this seemingly life long battle with harshness, peppery words. I cry out the my Father in repentance. I seek forgiveness from the teary baby blues. I habitually repent, draw nigh, humble myself in His sight. With trembling and faltering hope I believe that He will draw nigh to me. He gives grace to the humble. He cleanses me from all unrighteousness. Whether I ‘see’ it or not, I believe I am being changed from glory to glory.

Ah, this is the habit being formed, not the usual guilt, shame and days of beating myself up, often slipping into hopelessness and despair. But now, since the day He set me free, I run quickly to Him in repentance for grace and mercy and have hope of change.

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.

Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. (Psalm 130)

Women Who Shape the Heart

Many women have touched my life, left their fingerprints on my heart in one way or another.

A few have not only left a print, some have actually shaped who I am and who I desire to be.

There is my mom, of course, wounded and broken, yet strong and courageous.  She loves, and loves hard and deep.  Of all the women I know she is by far my biggest cheerleader.  She believes in me even while I drown in self-doubt.  She has said, more than once,  ‘I wish I had you for a mom.’

There have been three women called Mary, in my life.

My grandmother, who loved and sacrificed and hung on my every word.  Gentle eyes and strong work-worn hands.  She taught me so much, even more since her passing, as I look back through grown up eyes.

Mary, a woman older than myself.  She encouraged and challenged and held my hand as I fell deeper and deeper in love with my God, His Son, and His Word.

Mary, this one is one of those most wonderful girlfriends that you share your whole heart with.  One that knows exactly what page you are on with the Lord and so ‘gets’ your heart.  One that loves your children as if they were her own.

The most recent woman to totally and utterly shape who  I am and who I crave to be.  One God uses over and over again to draw me back to Him, to joy, to thankfulness.  Her name is Ann, “a plain Ann without even the fanciful “e”, a farmers wife, a mama to six.  Most of you know and love her too.  She pours her heart out daily at A Holy Experience.  You simply cannot read her words without leaving changed in some way.

Her words have been gathered into a beautiful book called, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are.  Take a moment to watch the short video below.  Be forewarned, once meeting Ann, you won’t be the same.

One Thousand Gifts

I would like to give away a copy of Ann’s, One Thousand Gifts.  In an effort to support the beautiful message of her book, I would like to make the criteria for getting your name in the drawing be a blog post. Could you feature a picture of her book  and this give away?  Please link back to this giveaway post.  In the event you don’t have a blog, could you email five friends and tell them about her book?  You could comment letting me know that you did, I trust you. I will draw a winner on the morning of January 26, 2011.

Join me in getting the word out about this treasure.

In an Effort to Relentlessly Pursue Thankfulness

It was a couple of years ago, I think, that I stumbled on Ann’s blog. (Forever changed, that’s for sure) I set out right away to make a Gratitude Journal. I did ‘okay’ with keeping up with it.

To be honest, I struggle to stay thankful in all things. I can be disciplined in many areas, but this one eludes me. I will not give up. That is why Thankfulness is something that will be relentlessly pursued, this year, Lord willing.

You see, I believe this principle, being thankful in all things . . . naming your ‘gifts’ . . . seeing Him in every. moment.of.your.life . . . slowing to be present and rejoice in the moment . . . I believe this to be absolutely vital to my victory in this life, maybe yours too?

So, I join the community, the accountability to post online some of the things I am thankful for each week.

• Discovering Doctrine together as a family (I recommend the eBook, as you will want the ability to just print up the amount of pages you need vs. making copies)
• wonderful Saturday working side by side with the man I love with joy ALL day
• family movie night, the WHOLE family Faith Like Potatoes (extremely inspirational!)
• little girls with mama hearts
• sick little boy and his sad baby blues
• frozen pond=happy children

• traditional meals every week; Saturday: burger night, Sunday: Roast Chicken
• schedules, lists, goals, planning
• corporate prayer and fasting
• can’t get enough of “I wuv you Mimi'” and “ I miss you Mimi” (I love you, Levi!)

Prayer Requests

UPDATE: There is going to be a time of corporate prayer and fasting for Joanne Heim

Does your heart ever get overwhelmed with the needs of the Body of Christ? There are so many ‘needs’, desperate situations, really, that need prayer. While I know there are too many to list, I thought I would share a few that have come across my path in the hope that you would join with me in lifting these brothers and sisters to our Father.

Joanne Heim suffered a stroke and is in the hospital fighting for her life. Her husband is updating her blog with such courage that it brings tears to my eyes each time I read an update. Please read this post to see how all this started, and here is the main link to her blog, The Simple Wife, where her husband posts updates.

I only came across this dear, brave woman’s blog yesterday and her story, courage and grief tore my heart out. Dana’s precious “Tiggy” died in a horrible accident on December 12th.

Please follow the links and get to know these people and add them to your prayer list.

I have made a ‘prayer card’ for you to print up and possibly keep with your personal or family devotions . . .if you could?

Prayer Card (print on cardstock for a sturdiness)

Italian Quinoa Garbanzo Salad

I recently cooked up a huge pot of garbanzo beans as well as a pot of quinoa. I have made two large batches of hummus that the children have devoured.

When I make quinoa I soak it overnight after rinsing it. I then sauté onion and garlic in a large pan until tender, adding salt and pepper to taste. I add the drained quinoa and some chicken stock or water. (make sure to season well with salt and pepper) Simmer for 15-20 minutes with the lid on and then let sit for awhile.

I try to make a huge pot of it to eat throughout the week. Here is one recipe that we love, well most of us love it.

Italian Quinoa Garbanzo Salad

• cooked and cooled quinoa
• cooked and cooled garbanzo beans
• diced onion
• diced red bell pepper (any color will work)
• diced cucumber
• diced tomato
• chopped black olives
• feta cheese
• opt. chopped fresh parsley and/or fresh basil

Dressing for Italian Quinoa Garbanzo Salad

• olive oil
• lemon juice
• garlic powder, salt and pepper

Many vinaigrette recipes call for 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar or lemon juice. This is way to oily for my taste. I usually stick with 1/2 oil and 1/2 vinegar or lemon juice in this case. I mix the dressing separately in a jar to get the flavor right and then pour it all over the salad ingredients and mix. You will need a fair amount of dressing, as the quinoa will soak some of it up.

I wish I had taken a picture, it is really pretty. We had to fight some of the children off or they would gobble it all up. I make a delicious Mexican Quinoa Salad too. I’ll post that recipe soon. Might as well make a big pot of quinoa and have Italian one night and Mexican another!

Believe!!

“Believe, I am restoring and rebuilding! When things get turned upside down, only BELIEVE. It is part of the process—part of the rebuilding. Believe in My Word. Do not stop seeking Me. Stand fast and BELIEVE!

Ye are My witnesses, saith the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He: before Me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after Me. (Isaiah 43:10)

And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. (2 Chron. 20:20)

Relentlessly Pursuing . . .Believing

Pondering . . . Humility, Prayer, Repentance

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chron. 7:14)

HIS people, that’s you and me.

Humble themselves, one way is fasting. David ‘humbled’ himself with fasting. (Ps. 35:13)

Pray, and seek His face, sounds like a bit more than an occasional ascent to prayer. Pondering ‘seeking His face’.

Turn . . wicked ways. To me, this spells REPENTANCE!

THEN . . when will He hear from heaven and forgive? When His people, you and I, humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, turn!

I know this scripture is used a lot for things like National Day of Prayer and on a broader scale, but could there be a principle or two in there for us personally? We desire healing of our “land”, but do we really hear the first part of this verse?

Want some New Testament scripture?

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:4-10)

Grace for the ‘humble’ (those who recognize their sin)

Draw nigh to God, perhaps, seek His face? Prayer?

Cleanse, purify . . .repent?

Be afflicted, mourn, weep . . . humble yourselves.

These were just some ponderings for the day, any thoughts?

Relentlessly Pursuing, humility, His face and repentance.

A True Mama’s Heart

Recently I ‘stumbled’ on this sweet Mama’s blog.  I fell in love with the following post, called, “Teach Them Well”,  as it speaks right to my heart.  I struggle to keep my heart at home, often times, and this really helps put it in perspective.  (you might also want to read “Loving Channie God’s Way”)  This woman has a way with words and photos!  You will be blessed.

Teach Them Well

by Robin at Just a Family

Her little nose cold and runny from the temperature outside. I wouldn't trade this life of mine for anything. You see I don't have to be a mommy. I could just be a woman with many kids but I'm 100% mommy. I love the wet clothes that pile up by my front door as the kids come in from playing in the snow. The puddles that pile there are from the precious babies that I adore.

I have a passion and my passion is my family. I love keeping home. I love

driving a big red van that has old French fries from last week squished between the seats.

I see him walking and I know that one day he will walk away from this farm and start his own life but for now I get to walk beside him and keep him safe. I get to hold his hand and tuck him in at night. His footprints in the snow on this farm will melt and unless you sell yourself out and just be engulfed by your family you'll miss the small prints they leave behind. Don't miss it. Be their biggest fan... hug them so much that they run from you when they see you coming... then run and hug them some more. Don't let them leave without missing the love that you have poured into their life.

Help them enjoy the small miracles God puts in their life.
Teach them to love God
Teach them to love their daddy
Teach them to love each other
and they will love you.
this takes daily work though.
Working through squabbles without taking
sides and teaching them to be friends that will
last a lifetime.

Be kind and gentle.

Don't raise your voice.

This year, start off by saying what

you have to say calm and loving.

Practice until you get this right.

Love is patient, Love is kind.

Be kind..Be fun...

Be happy and let your

kids see you being happy.

Teach them to carry each other through the day...

Remind them everyone has bad days and when your brother

or sister is having a bad day help them carry their burdens.

Turn them to the Lord in every situation.

Sing. Sing. Sing.

Teach them songs that promote love and harmony

surrender yourself as mother

and have fun.

When you learn to love in color your kids will notice

and you will not mind the puddles on the floor

or the clothes piled up high. The meals will become

a banquet and the mess a safe haven that you get

to be a part of.

Be Thankful..

Enjoy them.

Smile at them.

Tickle them.

Be with them always and when

the day comes and the seasons

change, they will be

with you.

My days are very full. I grow weary. I have sickness,

I have health, I get through a day one day at a time just

like you but I have these beautiful faces

that need me to be happy, thankful, and trusting..

They don't expect me to be perfect and perfect I'm not,

but I'm trusting in the unfailing love

of a Savior that loves us all.

To God be the Glory for such beautiful smiles.

I told you that you would love it!  Have a wonderful, blessed day, and go hug on your blessings!

You have GOT to see this!

It does not matter what you are going through, what you have been through, what you have done, who has done what to you . . . Jesus Christ is the SAME, yesterday, today and forever! Listen to this and be encouraged in your situation today.

Is that not AMAZING!?

Mighty and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God the Omnipotent! Righteous and true are Your ways, O Sovereign of the ages.

Blessed be Thou, Lord God of Israel our Father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven and in earth is Thine; Thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and Thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come of Thee, and Thou reignest over all; and in Thine hand is power and might; and in Thine hand it is to make great,and to give strength to all. (1 Chron. 29:11-12)

Subscribe by Email!

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Please note that the above is just a picture of the actual subscribe feature, thanks to my ‘tech support’   See sidebar for actual Subscribe Via Email.

Relentlessly Pursuing!

I GET To . . .

Thank You, Father, that I ‘get to be a mama today!

I get to train and disciple the next generation.

I get to choose joy—choose smiles

I get to display Your love today

I get to feed and nourish bodies AND souls today

I get to shape children’s hearts today

I get to be a part of who they will become

I get to snuggle and hug and tickle today

I get to pray for future men and women of God today

Yes, thank You Father that I get to be a mama today!!

Putting “Feet” to My Words

After all the fun I had coming up with a ‘words’ for the new year, I am having just as much fun putting “feet” to my words.

For words that had to have ‘teeth’, don’t you think they need feet too? (beyond, silly, right? told you I was having fun)

My poor family, first they had to suffer long with me as I chased them down to come up with their own ‘word’, but now they have me asking them if they have ‘put feet’ to their words yet. Good thing they love me and I make amazing sourdough bread! Right?

What do I mean by feet? There needs to be some sort of plan to carry out my hopes for the new year.

Relentlessly pursue . . . prayer

Putting feet to it:

I purpose to put prayer time in my schedule. I absolutely assign a time of the day, and by His grace seek to keep that appointment as if it were eating or brushing my teeth.

Relentlessly pursue . . . scripture memory

Putting feet to it:

I include the children in on this during our devotion time, it adds accountability. I have copies of the scripture I am memorizing all over the house. I carry my ‘memory booklet’ with me where ever I go. I make sure to practice when I eat, or sit for quiet time, or when I rest, or as I am passing the fridge or washing dishes. If I am not intentional about doing this it will not happen. I know, I have tried haphazardly for years!

These are just a few examples. It does little good to say, “I will exercise more this year”, but then have no plan to make it happen.

So, how are you ‘putting feet’ to your Year of . . . ?

This is part of Ann’s “Walk With Him Wednesdays”

Shaping Words

“All the words I had ever spoken, they are making my children who they are.

What we speak into others, this is what they become.”

Ann Voskamp shares these words today in a very convicting post, go visit, you’ll not be disappointed, neither will you leave the same.

These words cut, cut deep into my heart. I’m a bit shook, don’t know how to press forward. I’m uncomfortable with the conviction, yet I hesitate to move on. I don’t want to leave here unchanged.

These words are incredibly sobering, they won’t stop echoing in my head. I see how words wound, scar and shape. If I could undo all those tearing down words.

“What were you thinking?”

“When are you going to get it?!”

“How many times do I have to tell you?'” (and more, besides)

Wait, I see it, those were not tearing down words. They were ‘shaping’ words. Shaping who they would become! Oh, my heart aches, my mind swirls with the countless ‘shaping’ words I have spoken.

Is this why his head often times hangs when I am ‘correcting’ him? Is that why he is so hard on himself? Why he struggles with accusing thoughts?

Could it be it is not just the enemy of his soul accusing him in his own mind, but the enemy of his soul using MY mouth to accuse him, to shape him?

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Pr. 18:21)

A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit. (Pr. 15:4)

Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body. (Pr. 16:24)

Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands. (Pr. 14:1)

Relentlessly pursuing repentance and reshaping . . .

He Will Do Wonders Among You

Last week as I was seeking the Lord for this new year I felt led to read Joshua 3 and then Joshua 1. I believe there was much encouragement for me in the first several verses of each chapter. As I meditated on them all week it became clear to me that they were my ‘verses’ for my Year of Relentless Pursuit. I will share with you how I turned them into a ‘prayer/meditation’ that encourages me as I walk the days out. The Lord went on to give me verses for each are of my focus this year, I will share those in future posts, Lord willing. Below are the highlights and how they spoke to me.

And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you. (Joshua 3:5)

“Wonders” H6381 miraculous, cause wonderful things to happen. It is not merely the unusual act or degree of astonishment, but the clear cut exhibition of God’s capable care of Israel.

And Joshua said, Hereby ye shall know that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail drive out from before you . . . (your enemies) (Joshua 3:10)

And it shall come to pass, as soon as the soles of the feet of the priests that bear the ark of the LORD, the LORD of all the earth, shall rest in the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand upon an heap. (Joshua 3:13)

Prayer/Meditation:

Thank You, Father, that as I sanctify myself, set myself apart for You, You will work wonders among us. I praise You that each day will be a ‘clear cut exhibition of Your capable care of us.

I know that the Living God is among me and He, without fail, will drive out my enemies.

I need only step ‘into the Jordan’ and the waters will be cut off. It is by faith that I step into each day.

“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

A New Baby!!

There is going to be a new baby in our family, probably the end of August!!  We are so excited.

Our eldest son and his lovely wife are going to make us grandparents again.  It was the most wonderful news.  We all squealed, well, maybe that was just me , but we all were so excited.  Matthew had a funny look on his face and immediately I knew something was up. Then, Elisa opened her coat to reveal a bow on her belly!  It was a joyous moment!

Being a grandparent is as much fun as I thought it was going to be.  I knew we would love our grandchildren, but I guess I had no idea how much and how hard we would love them.  We adore Levi, our first grandson, and shower that child with hugs and kisses.  Can’t wait to do that with his brother/sister.

Thank you, Father, for the blessed gift of children, they truly are a gift and blessing. 

Practical Helps For Fasting

I would like to share two links on practical helps for fasting. 

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please do NOT ‘fast’ food! 

You can certainly ‘fast’ media, sweets, words, etc.  For many years I desired to fast food, but I was either pregnant or breastfeeding.  I wasted many years lamenting (complaining and grumbling, really) because I couldn’t fast.  Please don’t do the same.  Embrace the beautiful season you are in and know that the Lord is far more interested in your heart being devoted to Him than you ‘showing’ your devotion through fasting. 

Your Personal Guide to Prayer and Fasting

Fasting Guidelines and Information

Drumroll Please! New WORD for 2011!

Relentless Pursuit

The Year of Relentless Pursuit!

Okay, it is two words. Come on, did you really think I could do just ‘one’ word? You can read the last post if you wonder what in the world I am talking about.

I LOVE it! 2011 begins the relentless pursuit to redeem and reclaim each of the essential or foundational areas of my life. Relentless pursuit of the essentials!

My essentials?

Spiritual Essentials:

• Relentlessly pursue a consistent prayer time (in addition to my regular quiet time)
• Relentlessly pursue fasting 1-2 times a week
• Relentlessly pursue thankfulness
• Relentlessly pursue JOY (daily)
• Relentlessly pursue scripture memory
• Relentlessly pursue a quiet and gentle voice

Wifely Essentials:

• Relentlessly pursue ways to bless and honor Brian
• Relentlessly pursue submission
• Relentlessly pursue serving him
• Relentlessly pursue intimacy

Motherly Essentials:

• be PRESENT in each moment
• be fun, laugh, smile, play
• be gentle (reflect the Father’s love)
• be physical (hug and touch often)
• be consistent

Keeper of the Home Essentials:

• be disciplined with school
• persistent with schedule
• inspect, inspect and inspect
• hold children accountable
• keep my heart at home
• restore structure to our day

Physical Essentials:

• early to bed, early to rise
• back to more nutritious eating
• gently ease into exercising (not obsessing)

As you can see, these really are the basics, the essentials, that should be in place before we are running off playing or serving others. Having been sick for so long and delivered of so much junk, I am relearning who I am and how to do even the basics! If I don’t relentlessly pursue them I will follow the path of least resistance. I have learned over the years to not make this into some type of ‘works’ mentality. While these are the things I will relentlessly pursue, I will do so in His grace, with His leading and with His strength. (not going down ‘that’ road again)

Both Brian and I feel like this is the year to ‘get our home in order’. Perfectly? No, we know better but getting on top of life just a little bit. Like a dear lady recently said, “thriving instead of just surviving”

There you have it. Relentless Pursuit. Don’t you think it is perfect? Brian had suggested the word ‘persistence’ yesterday, and while it seemed nice enough, it was just to ‘steady’ for this radical woman. We laugh, now, as we see that ‘relentless’ is the word ‘persistence’ with teeth!

What about you? What is your word or words? Do you have hopes or dreams for the coming year? Please share!

May the God of hope fill you all joy and peace, in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

I Think I have My ‘Word’ For the Year!

I have been having great fun seeking the Lord for a ‘word’ for the new year. I have read many other women’s words and it has been inspiring. Ann, from A Holy Experience usually gets off to a great start. I have literally been giddy over it. I think even making my sweet husband crazy at times. I was asking his help, and being the ‘steady man’ that he is he came up with more ‘steady’ words, you know, middle of the road words. None quite fit the passion that is bubbling inside of me. I told him I wanted a word with ‘teeth’. It almost had to be violent. Possibly have a growl to it. (do you think I am crazy yet?)

Having been sick for so long, and actually feeling like I have just been set free from about a ten year battle, there are many things that have been left undone over the years. So many areas of my life have been in ‘survival mode’ for a long time. The Lord has been gently convicting and revealing them to me over the last several months. We have certainly been ‘surviving’, but now it is time to thrive!

For me, they are the ‘basics’, the essentials, the foundation. I have been robbed of fully obeying and even living out the ‘essentials’ for too many years. Whether it was illness, bondage, circumstances, people, my own complacency, rebellion, and the raging pull of this culture, it matters not anymore. It has been revealed and I am pressing in to redeem the time, take back the land, get the life I am called to live back!

Here are the ‘words’ that have lingered in my mind these last days.

Year of . . .

• prayer (I want to pray way more)
• conquest (conquer what has been stolen)
• moments( cherish the moments)
• fighting (fight to take my life back)
• discipline (get back to some order and routine)
• basics (re-establish the ‘basics’)
• joy (fight for joy, daily)
• violence (be violent in redeeming my life)
• practice (do over and over until I get it)
• intention (be very intentional with every decision)
• purpose (live with great purpose)
• radical (be different and radical with every area)

None of these quite fit . . . more in part two . . . the big reveal!

Starting the New Year Submitted

We are about to begin a new year. I want to encourage you in something the Lord has recently brought about in my heart.  If you were to look at our marriage and study me, you would think that I was a pretty submissive wife.  And I was, to a certain degree.

Recently the Lord showed me areas in which I was not submissive. Areas that I was living in fear and therefore trying to control my husband.  It was painful and sort of scary to see the control, because, don’t you just hate the thought of someone thinking you are the dreaded ‘controlling wife?’  I sure do.

After some wrestling with my Father, lots of tears, and a giant gulp of humility, I went to my dear husband and repented for trying to control him in certain areas. . .

                  Read the rest of the story . . . At The Well

What Are You Going To Leave Behind

As we are fast approaching the end of the year, or the beginning of a new year, depending on how you look at it, I wanted to share some thoughts with you.

First of all, I LOVE this time of year! I love reflecting. I love praying and planning for the new year. I love fresh new starts. There is so much hope and promise for the future.

This year I have been contemplating what things I want to leave behind more so than what do I want to change in the coming year. There is a lot of ‘baggage’ I want to leave behind. A couple of months ago I began to really seek the Lord on what changes He would have me make. A few things that I have already purged are:

• Deactivating Facebook (so utterly freeing, and I didn’t really ever post on it)(don’t even get me started on my opinion of some of this social networking!)


• Dumped my Yahoo email account, which after ten years had accumulated way too much spam!


• I put all my favorite blogs into an RSS reader so as to not have to wait for them to load fully before I can start reading them. And, I only have to check when they are updated.


• I ruthlessly purged blogs that I check almost daily. There is so many encouraging blogs out there, but I cannot follow them all. I have to only take the time to read the ones that really minister to me. I encourage you to do the same. Please don’t waste your time reading my blog or any others if they do not encourage or edify you.


• I deleted folders full of favorites (I found when I would have filled time with Facebook or blogs I started to go visit blogs I had saved for whatever reason in my favorites. Kind of a ‘cold turkey’ method)


• I am sure it is against all blogging etiquette but I simply cannot comment on all my favorite blogs. Also, I love a comment like the rest of you, but I would rather you spend your time being a wife or mama than making me feel good. (did I say that out loud? )


• Limit even more the phone calls I answer during the day.


• Set boundaries around how I spend my time. Timers come in handy here!


• There are also things like fear, fear of man, anxiety, grumbling and complaining, doubt, rejection, harshness . . . all things I’d like to leave behind here in 2010.

Some things I am seeking to establish as part of my daily or weekly routine are:

• Additional time of prayer. I have had a regular ‘quiet time’ for many years, but feel the need to ‘kick it up a notch’ with my prayer time. I am currently able to fit this in during our lunch time.


• I also have been working way more diligently than ever in the past on memorizing scripture. I have always ‘tried’ to memorize scripture, but honestly, not whole heartedly. I have been memorizing the book of Ephesians since the first of November. I stumble, but I am seeking to persevere in this.


• Another thing that I stumble so often in and am seeking to establish as routine is ‘give thanks in all things’ and/or keeping up with some sort of gratitude list/journal. I desire that this be as routine as eating or brushing my teeth.


• QUIET voice! See, I am shouting even telling you about wanting to have a quiet voice. Oh, to speak quietly, softly and gently.


• Being a very good steward of my time. Being very purposeful with my minutes. Just how much of my day should be spent sowing to the flesh? Just how long do I have to look into the eyes of these children and show them the Father’s heart? I would like to hear by the Holy Spirit many times throughout the day, ‘is this what the Father would have me doing right now?’

Whew, there you have it, my year end/year beginning thoughts. Picture a ‘threshold’ in front of you. What do you wish to leave behind you as you step over that threshold? What would you like to pick up on your way through?

Our Letter to Family & Friends (That includes you!!)

Dearest Family and Friends, 2010

Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Jesus came to preach the gospel to the poor; to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. (Isaiah 61 and Luke 4)

God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. (Acts 10:38)

While Jesus walked this earth, He healed all who were brought to Him and cast out evil spirits. He did! Read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. One account after another Jesus healed all who came to Him.

So, why do I start our year-end letter with the verse,

Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, today and forever?

I have mentioned in our past annual letters that I have battled, off and on, with my health. In July of ’09 my health got really bad. From July of ’09 – May ’10 there were many days that I was unable to get out of bed, unable to take care of our family, barely able to function.

The end of May of this year Jesus healed and delivered me from many symptoms that have increasingly plagued me over the years. When I say healed, I mean HEALED! One day sick in bed, the next doing cartwheels in the yard, HEALED! One day in bondage to the enemy physically and mentally to the next day delivered and set free!

Family and friends, Jesus still heals, He still delivers, He still sets people free, and He still binds up the brokenhearted! He is the same!!!

I don’t know what you are going through, but I can unequivocally tell you that Jesus

Christ is your answer.

Are you uncertain of your future?

Are you sick physically?

Does depression plague you?

Are you constantly anxious and worried?

Is your heart heavy with bitterness and unforgiveness?

Does fear rule your heart and mind?

Do you know where you will spend eternity!???

Let me say it again, Jesus Christ is your answer

Family update:

Brian, well, you know I think he is awesome, right? He continues to be an awesome Godly leader and it is so amazing to watch his heart grow in love for the Lord and us. He continually lays down his life, striving to follow the example of his Savior.

Matthew (23) married the sweetest young woman we could have ever hoped for. Her name is Elisa. Immediately we loved her as our own and are so thankful for her

Our precious two year old grandson, Levi, continues to hold our hearts captive. He spends just about every Sunday with us.

Luke (20) – Is in his second year of college, doing well. He is still at home with us and we are so thankful for that!

Joshua (18) – Graduated High School this year, and is starting violin lessons and possibly college in January.

Victoria (14) – Continues to far exceed me in all things handiwork, knitting, sewing, and crocheting. We have discovered that she has a beautiful voice with which she loves to sing hymns. Often times I find her with a hymnal in front of her and knitting needles in her hands.

Isaiah (13) Is all boy, he loves forts, sports, building things and continues to have a passion and growing knowledge of the Word of God. He is also branching out from piano, where he has been arranging his own songs, into playing the guitar and singing.

Sarah Grace (9) – Is an apprentice sourdough artisan bread baker to mama, she loves to help in the kitchen. She also continues in her gift of scripture memory.

Isabella (8) –Loves to play mama to Elijah, she gives the best hugs and is just learning to play the piano. She also is developing a beautiful singing voice.

Josiah (6) –Loves to be playing with siblings, he doesn’t care what it is. Just let him in on the fun and he is there! His big blue eyes continue to melt my heart.

Elijah (3) –Is unbelievable adorable and so smart, and knows it and uses it to his advantage, trust me!

You ladies are an amazing encouragement in my life!  I thank God for you.  This is one of the last posts of the year.  I may have a post coming to challenge us for the coming new year.  Blessings to you!

Yeah But . . .

So many very clear commands in Your Word. Simple, one sentence commands. Are they there for a reason? Could You possibly expect us to obey them?

A few that come to mind . . .

• do all things without complaining or grumbling
• give thanks in all things
• Love the Lord your God with all your heart
• meditate on My law day and night
• do nothing out of selfish ambition
• rejoice always
• watch and pray
• let no unwholesome talk ever come out of your mouth, but only that which is good . . .
• wives submit to your husbands
• pray always
• be anxious for nothing
• count it all joy when you fall into temptations
• be ye not conformed to this world
• speak not evil one of another

Yeah but . . .you don’t know ‘my’ life, or ‘my’ husband or ‘my’ children, or ‘my’ circumstances.

Yeah but . . . I have a life, you know, like it really means ‘all my heart’ or ‘day AND night’.

Yeah but . . . there is no way it means NO unwholesome talk, try spending a day in my house.

Yeah but . . . isn’t that ‘legalism’? He knows we aren’t perfect and can’t be so He doesn’t really expect us to obey ‘every’ thing.

Yeah but . . . it is NOT easy.

Yeah but . . . the law killeth, but the Spirit giveth life.

Yeah but . . . Christ set me free from having to obey everything.

Yeah but . . . Jesus said, “if you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)

Have You Been With Jesus?

I have to confess that there was a time when I avoided the Book of Acts. I have no idea why, but I always opted for the Epistles and seemed to just glance over Acts. Boy, was I missing out. I am now reading through it again for the third time in the last year and I am finding it one of my favorite books.

One verse that has convicted me each time is Acts 4:13

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus."

Do you see it? First of all Peter and John had a boldness that was perceivable!

Secondly, it was obvious that they 'had been with Jesus'!

I pray that when people see me they see 'boldness' for Jesus and that they marvel because it is so obvious that I have been with Jesus. Not because I want them to see 'me', but that they will see JESUS!

Do my children perceive I have been with Jesus when I come out from my quiet time? Or, do they get a mom with a mission to get things done today?