In Other Words

"By perseverance the snail reached the ark."

~ Charles Spurgeon ~

How many times do we want to give up? Quit? It is just too hard. I am a snail trying to reach the ark in time, but I know I can only go so fast (or do so much). If I look to the right or the left I will easily be distracted by what may look like an easier road, smooth sidewalks or a cool place in the dirt. It is tempting to stop, not go down this path because it is long and difficult at times but off in the distance I see the ark. I keep my eyes set on that which is before me and I persevere.

In our ladies bible study this morning we looked at "hope". One of the scriptures that was shared was Hebrews 12:1-2, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

In order to make it to the ark the snail had to throw off (or ignore) everything that would hinder or entangle him from reaching his destination. He persevered (persisted in spite of opposition or discouragement) the path that was set before him. The snail's eyes were fixed on the ark.

The ark represented life to the snail. Without it there was no future. Jesus is my ark. Without Him there is no life or hope for my future. As I run (or crawl) through this race set before me (life) my eyes will be fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.

For more In "Other" Words visit Sting My Heart.

Monday Menu Plan

We had a very nice weekend. We took a short trip to a resort with a water park and enjoyed our time away as a family! Our kids spent about ten hours in two days at the water park and loved every minute of it. I (yes me) even went down this huge slide. My kids are still talking about the look on my face when I came shooting out of the tube into the pool.

This week I am planning to grill several times. The weather is so great everyone just wants to be outside. Tonight we grilled smoked brats and enjoyed the 80 degrees.

Here is my menu plan for the week:

Monday: Grilled barbecue chicken, red potatoes, asparagus & corn

Tuesday: Taco Salad

Wednesday: Chicken Salad Sandwiches with fresh fruit

Thursday: Grilled chicken over fettuccine alfredo with salad and garlic bread

Friday: Grilled Hamburgers with teriyaki sauce and pineapple, salad and chips

I posted here a few recipes from last weeks menu.

For more great menu ideas visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie

The Internet Cafe

Today (Sunday) I am over at CWO's Internet Cafe. I am asking a question I addressed here a few months back, but please get dressed and go to church and worship our Lord and Savior first today, than I hope to see you back here or over there later. Blessings on your Sunday.

Thankful for Friends

"A friend," someone wrote, "is one who knows the song in your heart - and can sing it back to you when you've forgotten the words." (quote from Alice Gray)

There is no better gift in all the world than a dear friend who knows you well and loves you still! Acquaintances come and go, but true friendship is like a pathway through a fragrant summer garden. Whether they resemble dearly loved rosebushes, with blooms that seem to grow more lovely with the passing years or a bright new flower that lifts its face to the sun and has arrived with a new season of life, friends are the most delightful garden. How soothing to linger through a long afternoon, to talk and laugh, dream and maybe share a tear or two. It is a garden where pretenses are set aside and we can just be who we are.

I am thankful for a dearly loved rosebush who has been there for years. She is a sweet fragrance and has graced my life for more than a decade. She is now officially a blogger and I am so thankful that even though many miles distance our old familiar walks and talks, she is only a click away from me hearing her heart and smelling the sweet fragrance of her life. Go and visit her at Traveling Light.

For more "Thankful" posts visit Iris at Sting My Heart

Recipes

On Monday several of you requested two recipes. Here they are:

I made these last night and my kids loved them.

Slow Cooker Italian Shredded Beef Hoagies

-Boneless Roast, trimmed of fat (the recipe called for an arm roast)
-2 medium onions sliced into four sections
-1 can (14.5oz) Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes, undrained
-1/4 cup tomato paste

-Hoagie Buns
-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Place onions at the bottom of slow cooker. Place beef on onions. In small bowl, mix diced tomatoes and tomato paste; pour over beef. (I usually will put some Italian Seasonings in mixture or you could just use a small jar of spaghetti sauce)

Cover; cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours.

Remove beef from cooker; place on cutting board. Use 2 forks to shred. Return shredded beef to cooker. Spoon beef onto each bun and top with cheese. (I microwave sandwich for about 25 seconds to melt cheese)


Layered Chicken-Black Bean Enchiladas
(This recipe is super easy if you have your chicken already cooked.
Just open a few cans, layer, and bake. It is great for a crowd!)

-2 cups chopped or shredded cooked boneless skinless chicken breast
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
-1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained, rinsed
-1 can (4.5 oz.) chopped green chiles, undrained
-1 can (10 oz.) enchilada sauce
-8 corn tortillas
-1 1/2 cups shredded colby-monterey jack cheese blend
1 cup sour cream

Heat over to 375 degrees. Spray glass baking dish with cooking spray. In bowl, mix chicken, cilantro, black beans and chiles.

Spread 2 tablespoons of the enchilada sauce in bottom of baking dish. Place 4 tortillas over sauce, overlapping as necessary. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over tortillas; sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the cheese. Spoon half of the remaining enchilada sauce and half of the sour cream randomly over the cheese. Repeat with remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, 1/2 cup cheese, the enchilada sauce and sour cream. (sour cream could be eliminated)

Cover with foil. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until hot. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand before serving. (Optional - top with sour cream)
taken from Betty Crocker-Easy Recipes

Wordless Wednesday - A moment in time

* edited to add a requested close up of the butterfly

For more Wordless Wednesday go here or here

I have left a comment to explain what is taking place in this photo

In "Other" Words

"Busyness is not a spiritual gift."

~ Lisa Harper ~

Tonight after dinner I was headed outside with three of my children for a walk. For the past week, I have been walking in the evenings for exercise and enjoying the nice weather. I was excited to get out tonight and make my way through our neighborhood.

I was standing in the street waiting for my daughter to get her scooter and fastening the buckle to a wiggly two year old in the stroller. My six year old had come racing down the driveway on his bike explaining something about the brakes when I heard the sound of a baby crying. I heard one of my neighbors calling across the street to my next door neighbor who I hadn't noticed sitting on her front porch with her new baby. She asked how she was doing and I heard my neighbor reply, "oh, just ok, my baby is really fussy and we aren't getting much sleep." They chatted for a few minutes when the neighbor who had been doing the inquiring shouted, "you know what that is like don't you Chris?" For a very small second I thought just answer the question, "yes" and be on your way down the street to enjoy the walk. After all I told myself, "you deserve this time alone with your own children and you have been looking forward to this walk all day and don't mess up your routine now," but before I could finish the thought, I heard the nudging of the Holy Spirit to go over and see how she was doing.

I walked up to her yard and asked if I could hold her seven week old son. She explained all about his fussiness, her lack of sleep (I could see it in her eyes) and her own post pregnancy health concerns. I remembered how difficult those early weeks and even months can be when you have a little one who doesn't sleep. For the next hour I stood outside and held her little one. He fussed for awhile, I talked and cooed with him. I patted his back and rubbed his tummy trying to bring some relief. My own children realized mom was no longer going for her walk and had headed off to join some kids in a game of baseball.

Soon the baby's dad who had been visiting with another neighbor came over and we all stood and talked while the little guy finally settled down and was fast asleep in my arms. He was even snoring. I continued to hold the baby while mom and dad were able to enjoy a moment. I stood and listened as they talked about how difficult the days and nights had been and how their three year old was handling the new addition to their family. I was no longer concerned about my own agenda, but truly grateful that for a moment my own busyness (or maybe my own plans might be a better word) had not interfered with an opportunity to share the Love of God through my available arms.

You see my neighbors know my husband is a Pastor. We know they don't go to church anywhere. We don't want to preach at them, but we do want to show the Love of God by how we live our lives. At the moment, I was hoping the other neighbor would stay and visit with her, but she didn't. Busyness is not a spiritual gift. In fact, often times (moms especially) run from here to there all in the name of "good" things and how many truly "good" things are they missing out on because they are just too busy? My home has been my "busyness" measuring stick for many years now. It usually speaks to whether or not I am too busy. Of course, there are always seasons when things get a bit crazy, but that is not where we want to live.

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you Psalm 63:3

For more In "other" Words visit Christine at Fruit In Season

Monday Menu Plan

Here is my menu plan for the week. It was 80 degrees on Saturday, so we were outside grilling. I am hoping to get outside this week and do some more.

Monday: Maple and Mustard-Glazed Grilled Chicken with red potatoes and green salad

Tuesday: Layered Chicken-Black Bean Enchiladas

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Italian Shredded Beef Hoagies

Thursday: Raspberry Glazed Grilled Chicken with asparagus, corn and red potatoes with a honey-mustard glaze

Friday: Tex Mex Chicken Salad

Recipe for Maple and Mustard-Glazed Grilled Chicken

3/4 cup maple-flavored syrup
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

Cook chicken on the grill for about 15 minutes over medium heat; turn chicken, cover and cook 20 to 40 minutes longer turning occasionally and brushing 2 or 3 times with glaze until juice of chicken is clear when thickest piece is cut. Heat remaining mustard mixture to boiling; boil 1 minute. Serve sauce with chicken

For more great menu ideas visit Laura at I'm an Organized Junkie

Your Manners Matter - part 3

Here and here I shared how I use meal preparation and meal time to teach my children etiquette. I explained that the foundation of all etiquette is kindness, which expresses itself by consideration for the people around you. Knowing proper etiquette makes you feel comfortable so that you can reach out to others and make them feel important. If you are concerned about making a mistake or appearing to be foolish, then your thoughts are consumed with yourself. However, when you know how to properly conduct yourself in the presence of others, then you are free to focus on them.

We have taught our kids some simple table conduct. Of course, elaborate instructions or rules are available for every state of a guest's dinner experience in any etiquette book, but following strict rules is not our goal. We are hoping to help them learn how to properly conduct themselves so that they may be a blessing to others.

We have a little one who drops food on the floor and and another who is still learning not to use his fingers for everything. We encourage lots of conversation. We want our meal times to be a time in which we connect with one another and a chance to hear the hearts of our children. Here are some simple etiquette rules made simple for our home:

-Wait for mom (or the hostess)to be seated before beginning to eat

-Put your napkin on your lap

-We encourage the kids not to comment about the food. We have explained that kindness does not embarrass the hostess who may not always know what we like or dislike.

-If you are served something that you do not eat or like, we have explained to just leave it on your plate and eat around it.

-When serving family-style (all the food on the table), pass the food to the person on your right. Hold the dish for the person while they serve their plate. They should then hold it for the next person and so on until it returns to you.

-If I am serving from the kitchen (stove), I will sometimes have one of my kids help me and again everyone waits until each person has been

served.

-Eat with your mouth closed and do not talk with your mouth full.

-If you must leave the table for an important reason, ask to be excused.

-When our kids have finished eating we have them take their plates to the sink. We have taught them to place their silverware in their plate. Even if some food remains on their plate, laying the utensils together and at an angle lets the hostess know you are finished with your meal.

-Of course, there are times when food is passed across the table especially on taco and tostada night. On occasion we have a carpet picnic in which the meal is put on a blanket in the family room and we eat as if we were outside having a picnic.

Most importantly enjoy your family meal time together! This time is given to us each and every day. Treasure it!

Friday's Thoughts... Our Mother Shoulders

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6

Oh, for more of the wisdom of Solomon, we cry, looking at the responsibilities placed on our mother shoulders and then at our limitations! How can we lead our children in straight paths when we ourselves have walked such a crooked road?

But God whose strength is made perfect in our weakness can use our very mistakes to show us a better way. Even Solomon himself uttered this prayer: "Now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties...So give your servant a discerning heart." (1 Kings 3:7,9)

God honored Solomon's prayer, and in Ephesians 1:17 we are told that we today will be given "the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that (we) may know him better." To every believing Christian the Holy Spirit is promised, the Spirit who will lead us into all truth.

A Mother's Prayer

Father in heaven, make me wise,

So that my gaze may never meet

A question in my children's eyes.

God keep me always kind and sweet.

And patient too, before their need;

Let each vexation know its place,

Let gentleness be all my creed,

Let laughter live upon my face!

A mother's day is very long

There are so many things to do!

But never let me lose my song

Before the hardest day is through.

Margaret E. Sangster

God loves to decorate

I sat down this afternoon to begin work on next week's lesson for our Tuesday Morning Ladies Bible Study. We are currently in the middle of a study titled, "Steadfast Love - Finding self-worth through God's truth." We are on Lesson 9, "Love Changes Me". On the first page of this week's lesson the author shares this quote:

"God loves to decorate. God has to decorate. Let him live long enough in a heart, and that heart will begin to change. Portraits of hurt will be replaced by landscapes of grace. Walls of anger will be demolished and shaky foundations restored. God can no more leave a life unchanged than a mother can leave her child's tear untouched." (taken from Just Like Jesus by Max Lucado)

God's been redecorating around here for a long time and just when I get to thinking I like what He has done, it's time to rearrange some furniture, tear down a wall or two and freshen things up with a coat of paint. But just as I would wipe my child's tear away with my own hands because of my great love for them, God's love does and will continue to transform my life.

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:6 (ESV)

Wordless Wednesday - Looking Back

For more Wordless Wednesday visit here

Internet Cafe

Do you ever arrive at a special event only to wish you could slip behind a curtain and change your clothes? In many social settings the message is very clear. To be accepted, you must be clothed according to the “standard”...whatever that is. Join me over at CWO's Internet Cafe as we look at "The Dressing Room".

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Chicken Packets, potatoes and corn (Prepare Chicken for freezer)

Tuesday: Cheese Enchiladas, rice and beans

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes (one of my kids just love these) & pasta salad

Thursday: Lasagna and salad (Make an extra lasagna for the freezer)

Friday: Pizza

Saturday: Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo and salad


It's Monday and we are finally getting some nice weather again. I am ready to change my menu planner from roasts, soups and stews to grilled chicken, shish ka bobs on the barbecue and salads. I sat this morning and reorganized my planner moving some of my soup recipes to the back of the book and inserting some new marinades for the grill to the front. I also moved my cookbooks around so that the ones that are specific to spring and summer cooking are ready to go.
The boys are in the middle of spring soccer season and baseball practice is starting. Our evenings are beginning to be busy again with running kids here and there, so this is a great time to plan ahead so that we don't end up eating too much fast food. A little preparation goes along way. Here are a few things that I have used in the past and have served me well:

• Cook and chop up (I will also shred some for enchiladas) several pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts. I then freeze in 3-4 cup quantities for quick meal preparation.
• Prepare several freezer meals such as lasagna, tamale pie and other casseroles that freeze nicely. For the next two weeks, I plan to cook "double" on two days in order to build my stock of freezer meals.
• Utilize your crockpot!! There are so many great recipes for crockpots from very simple barbecue chicken to roasts.
• Make a menu plan. I make the plan for the week based on what I have on my calendar. Our goal for most nights is to gather at the table, but if I didn't have a plan I am afraid we would miss many opportunities for this important time together. Having a plan as always served me well.

I will finish my post on "Manners Matter" next week. Have a great Monday!

For more menu plans visit Laura at Organized Junkie

Happy Birthday Kelsey!

What has happened? Twelve years has gone by so quickly. The day you were born will be forever etched in my mind. You were the most wonderful baby (and I am not exaggerating). Your toddler years, like most toddlers, were busy and filled with me wondering what happened to the sweet and content little baby I had just held. I love this picture of you at fifteen months in your tiny night gown and slippers. We had just arrived home from a summer camp, I had given you a bath and we were all ready for bed at like four in the afternoon. I couldn't help after a long hot week but snap a picture of you with your sun kissed cheeks.
Finally, as a preschooler your hair began to grow and stayed as a cute brunette bob for years. Elementary school has been full of growth. Your passion for gymnastics and your accomplishments in theatre ballet have helped develop your confidence to perform in front of other people. But it is your love and passion for Jesus that blesses me most.
I love to go in your room and find all the little notes you have left or see the many crafty projects you are creating. You love to read to me what you have written in your journal. I have noticed the extra time you are starting to take in the bathroom. It is a sign of things to come, but most days (weather permitting) you are outside on your bike, roller blading or just exploring with friends.


You have been my adventurous one at times, always curious and yet a very pleasant little girl. Others would not know this about you, but there is a very shy side to you. You are beginning to change into a warm, caring and lovely young lady. April 12th, your golden birthday! I pray that you will continue to love to talk, sip warm tea, and never stop wanting to just be with your mom. Kelsey, I pray that you continue to grow in character, strength and wisdom as a young woman of God. You bring our family great joy and with an older sister and three younger brothers, you hold your position well. (wink) Enjoy your tamales tonight, lots of birthday cake and thank you for waking up this morning with the best smile ever.


I love you so much!
Mom

Twelve Years Old ~ April 12, 2007

Wordless Wednesday - Our Easter

For more Wordless Wednesday go here

In "Other" Words

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12

I love the description that the writer of Hebrews paints for us. I think of the surgeon's knife cutting away at my inner most parts, exposing my heart and dividing (or imparting) that which is truth from everything else and removing that which will bring destruction so that I may be changed for God's glory. Using the Life Journal as a tool for daily reading of God's word imparts truth into my life directly. Each time I sit down to read, I ask the question, "How will I be different today because of what I have just read?" 1 Tim. 4:7 says, "Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness". It is God's word (ancient words) that makes this quote so powerful!

"Ancient Words, ever true

Changing me and changing you

We have come with open hearts

O let the ancient words impart."

~ Lynn DeShazo~

For more In "Other" Words go here

It's never too late to say thank you...

I am a little behind with this but it is never too late to say thank you to others for their kind words. Over the past couple of weeks several of my favorite blogs gave me one of these.

Since someone else already beat me to giving each of them this award, I will just say "thank you" again to each of you by sending it back to you and share a bit why each of these blogs bless me and cause me to think.

Cyndi at One Day More challenges me to dig deeper. She encourages me almost daily in the word of God through her posts. She is a powerful writer and definitely causes me to think about my relationship with God.

Susanne at Living to tell the Story is a beautiful Godly woman. Her posts at Faith Lifts are inspiring and full of God's truths. It is her comments at my own blog that often times has caused me to think. She is such an encourager and finds the good in all things.

Kelly at A Spacious Place was one of the first blogs I began to read regularly and hopefully will never stop! We walk in similar paths. I have found her love for mentoring the young women God has placed in her life as well as her love for her husband and children refreshing. She is truly a woman after God's heart.

Deidre at For Such A Time as This is a buried treasure. If you have never read her blog, go now. She is a beautiful writer who expresses what God is doing in her life so powerfully! Her posts not only cause me to think but they inspire me!

Tammy at Family Doin's is brand new to me too! But thank you Tammy for your kind words. She has been leaving such nice comments, but it was reading this post that not only made me think, but made me thankful that I am not the only one at times feeling a bit awkward.

Go read and enjoy!

Monday Menu Plan

Monday: Egg Salad Sandwiches and chips

Tuesday: Ham & Bean Soup with cornbread

Wednesday: Spaghetti & garlic bread

Thursday: Birthday Dinner *It will be mexican her favorite* Cake & Ice Cream

Friday: Teriyaki Burgers, salad, & chips

Saturday: Taco Salad

Your Manners Matter - Part 2

Last week, I shared that the foundation of all etiquette is kindness. Here are three simple ways I have used my preparation of a meal to teach proper etiquette as a host/hostees to my children. I started when my oldest daughter was young. It has never been rigid, but something that fits in with our lifestyle and family.

1. Setting your table - The simplest part of your preparation is to provide your guests with the tools they need to comfortably dine with you. (Remember proper etiquette has to do with others) Whether you are having guests for supper or not, setting the table or placing the table utensils at appropriate locations provides an inviting atmosphere to all who are coming to your table. At a very early age your children can begin setting the table. This is a great time to talk about serving others and preparing a place for them to come and feel special. I have one of my children help me each evening not only with the setting of the table but also depending on their age, I talk about ways we can make others feel welcome including our family members. For example, if Daddy has a special glass encourage your child to look for it and place it at his place. Even If I am serving from the stove, utensils, cups and other items can be neatly placed on the table.
2. Simply Prepare - Simply preparing things ahead of time and planning can free us to be more attentive to others. This is a skill that will make things much smoother when hosting others. Allowing your children to participate in some of the preparations provides the opportunity for them to see what is required in serving others. Talk to your children about how we can ask the Lord to teach us other ways that we can honor our family and guests. With my children, I will walk through all the things that are needed at the table or the serving area so that we can remain at the table during the meal and enjoy our time together.
3. Prepare to lavishly love - The obligation for following the rules of etiquette belongs to those who serve as host and hostess. In the dominion of our own homes we have the awesome privilege and Biblical mandate to represent Jesus Christ to those who walk through our doors. If your children are very young and the thought of entertaining guests just does not seem realistic, (which for many years, I was in this place ) first begin with your own family. By having one of your children work with you in the kitchen, you are teaching him/her to be the host/hostess. Next, start by inviting grandparents or other friends or family members who understand the season you are in with young children. Often times there is not enough seating at the table in our homes for those we may chose to invite, but we can still teach our children about showing kindness to those who have come to our home even if it means they are sitting in the living room or other designated places. Start simple and small, maybe just invite someone for dessert. Our home provides the perfect environment for practicing hospitality. We just need to give our children the opportunity to practice it.

Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ's body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him).

1 Peter 4:9 (AB)

This by no means is an exhaustive list. But please remember, the most important thing in teaching our children manners or etiquette is to teach people are more important than protocol.

Next week I will share some of the specific areas concerning proper table conduct that we have found useful with our children and have provided for enjoyment while we are at the table.

For more great menu plans go to I'm an Organizing Junkie

God's Work on My Behalf

this was taken from the Gospel Primer for Christians, prose version which has been a part of my daily quiet time with the Lord this week.

"However, what I could not do, God did (Rom 5:6) - and in doing it, He did it all, sending His own Son into the world to die on the cross for my sins, (Rom 8:3) thereby showing me unfathomable love. (Rom 5)
God loved me so much that He was willing to suffer the loss of His Son, (John 3:16) and even more amazingly, He was willing to allow His Son to suffer the loss of Him at the cross. (Mark 15:34)
Jesus loved me so much that He was willing to lay down His life for me. No one could ever love me more or better than Jesus. (John 15:13)
On the third day after Jesus' death, God raised Him from the dead, thereby announcing that His death was completely sufficient to atone for every sin that I have or will commit throughout my lifetime. (Acts 13)
God then exalted Christ to His own right hand,(Eph. 1) where Christ now reigns from on high, granting salvation and forgiveness to all who call on Him by faith. (Acts 5:31)

"For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh" Romans 8:3 (ESV)

Have a blessed Easter Celebration!

CWO - The Internet Cafe

Join me today for my first contribution to The Internet Cafe as I share of Christ's redeeming work in my life titled "No greater love..."

I give thanks to you...

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,

and I will glorify your name forever.

Psalm 86:12

Taken from Gospel Primer, Poetic VersionBut wonders of wonders, so great to behold, My God chose to save mewith method so bold. What I could not render,God fully has done,And doing, He rendered itall through His Son.He sent Christ to dieon the cross for my sinTo suffer my anguish my pardon to win.Amazing it is, when I stop to regard,That God would consentto an anguish so hard,Surrend'ring His Sonunto mayhem and death,To torturous writhing'til His final breath. 'Why does God forsake Me?'alone Jesus cried;Yet God left Him hanginguntil He had died.That Jesus was willing His life to lay down,Be scourged and insulted and wear thorny crownFor one such as I who had spited God so,Amazes and blesses and makes me to knowThat greater a loveis no man than He,Who laid down His lifefor a sinner like me.

For more Thankful Thursday posts go here

Wordless Wednesday

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In Other Words

“At the heart of the story stands the cross of Christ

where evil did its worst and met its match.”

~ John Wenham ~

When I read this quote my first thought was "without the cross, there is no story." In John 19:30, Jesus spoke the words, "It is finished". The cross is the finished work. Nothing can stand up against it.

In our ladies bible study on Tuesday morning, we have been writing down three scriptures every week which show "who I am in Christ". As I prepared the three to bring this morning, I found these three verses so fitting for today and this week:

• Healed by the stripes of JESUS He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. 1 Peter 2:24
• Kept by God and the evil one does not touch me We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. 1 John 5:18
• Delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God's kingdom For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves Colossians 1:13

For more "In Other Words" visit Sting My Heart.

Menu Plan Monday

When life keeps our family from gathering at the table for several days in a row, I usually have a longing for us to be together. This evening was one of those times. Due to the busyness of this past week or so we hadn't been able to eat together as a family for several days. Even though my plans tonight were very simple and included leftovers, I went ahead and set the table. Too often in our weariness, especially when our children are young, we fail to sit together quietly and enjoy our meal together. I had explained in this post some of the reasons and the purpose for my meal planning.

Another purpose for meal planning is the teaching of etiquette. But it may not be what you think. I am not looking for my children to become "proper" or be able to walk into a five star restaurant and act like an adult.
But as I mentioned here, our table is one of the best places to teach our children important biblical principles. The place we start from is "Your Manners Matter". Colossians 4:5-6 says,

Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (ESV)

The foundation of all etiquette is kindness, which expresses itself by consideration for the people around you. Knowing proper etiquette makes you feel comfortable so that you can reach out to others and make them feel important. If you are concerned about making a mistake or appearing to be foolish, then your thoughts are consumed with yourself. However, when you know how to properly conduct yourself in the presence of others, then you are free to focus on them.

Next week, I'll share how I have taken these principles and put them into practice everyday with my own family.

Here is what I am planning to serve my family this week:
Monday: Busy Day Beef Stew with Sourdough rolls
Tuesday: Taco Soup
Wednesday: (Cooking Day for my kids - they will make the menu Mon. evening)
Thursday: Swiss Chicken Bake and salad
Friday: Swiss Potato Soup
Saturday: Lasagna, salad and garlic bread
Easter Sunday Dinner


A few weeks ago a few of you asked about the recipe for Chicken Packets. This is one of my kids favorite meals. Several years ago I had tried the "once- a- month cooking" idea in order to save time. This is the only recipe that has lasted since those days.


3-4 cups cooked, chopped chicken
1 package cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons milk
2 or 3 packages refrigerated crescent rolls*

(the original recipe called for chopped chives and salt to taste)


Mix chicken, cream cheese, and milk in a bowl. Unroll crescent rolls. Each tube will contain 4 rectangles of dough with a diagonal perforation. Press dough along each perforation so the rectangle halves will not separate. Place about 1/4 cup of chicken mixture into the center of each rectangle. Fold dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal tightly. Place packets on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown. They are even good cold the next day.

*two rolls make eight packets. If I have extra chicken mixture, it makes a great chicken salad or sandwich too.

For more great menu ideas and other great organizing tips visit I'm an Organizing Junkie.

A heart for the lost

Earlier this year a friend referred me to a little resource titled, "A Gospel Primer for Christians" written by Milton Vincent, Pastor of Cornerstone Bible Fellowship Church in Riverside, California. I have been using this resource to memorize scripture and "experience the gospel more fully by preaching it to myself each day."

He says in his introduction, "God did not give us His gospel just so we could embrace it and be converted. Actually, He offers it to us every day as a gift that keeps on giving to us everything we need for life and godliness."

This morning I was able to sit for an unexpectedly long time in the quiet praying and reading through the "Prose and Poetic Version" of this Gospel Narrative and than I read it again along with all the scripture references.
Wow, what a refreshing time. It was the cup of cold water my soul needed. I am in desperate need of the gospel daily in my life. His great love for me. I want the truths of what scripture speaks embedded on my heart.

He writes in a section of Part I - Reasons to Rehearse the Gospel Daily, "A Heart for the Lost",
"What effect do such gospel meditations have upon Paul? What emotions do they produce in him besides the obvious joy he feels while reciting them? Paul bares his soul at the very beginning of chapter 9: "I have great sorrow," he says, "and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ, for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh."
Coming down from the heights of gospel meditation, Paul's heart was devastated by a burden for his fellow Jews to experience the saving power of the gospel. His burden existed long before he started writing, but it was undoubtedly intensified by his rehearsal of gospel truths in Romans 5-8, a rehearsal which inevitably led his thoughts toward the plight of those outside of Christ.
Hence, if I wish to have a 'Romans 9' kind of burden for non-Christians, I should become practiced at celebrating the gospel as Paul does in Romans 5-8. Over time, my joy in the gospel will become increasingly tinged with grief, and this grief-stained joy will lend a God-inspired passion to my ministry of evangelizing the lost."

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;" Ephesians 2:8

You can obtain a copy of this little resource here.

Puddle Jumping

I watched my six year old kindergarten son walk to his classroom this morning. We had left home without his backpack in hand and had to return home to retrieve it. When we returned to the school, he wasn't late yet, but his class had already gone inside. When other kids were hurrying up the sidewalk to find their place in line, my son unaware of those around him or the time, gently jumped over each puddle left on the sidewalk from the overnight rains. I sat watching and enjoying the moment as he carefully and joyfully leaped about the sidewalk even turning around at one point to make sure he jumped a puddle that was almost missed.

I am trying to treasure these days, his skinny little legs, his cheerful delight as he skips, hops, or runs to the building. Kindergarten is such a magical time for kids. Whether I homeschooled my kids in kindergarten or sent them to the public school, I have thoroughly enjoyed each of their kindergarten years.

Motherhood is exhausting at times and the demands are great. Too often I have missed these moments in my hurried state of trying to get to what is next. All of my children have gone through a growth spurt lately, not just in size, but in every area. It is like they are changing right before my eyes and I can do nothing to stop it but possibly stop myself and enjoy the moment.

A Dyson

5minutesformom is giving away a Dyson Slim Vacumm. Go here and sign Mr. Linky and write your own post about the opportunity to win one of these.

A few years back we went on a vacuum research and investigation adventure. We had gone through too many vacuums in a very short period of time and had invested a lot of money in all types. We put forth the money for a Dyson DC 07 original and have no regrets. I have had the vacuum for almost two years now and I know with a much less inexpensive model I was replacing them at least once a year.

Go check out 5minutesformom.

A Balcony Woman

I have a few women in my life who I would love to refer to as a"Balcony Woman". Joyce Heatherly in her book "Special Words" describes Balcony People as those "who by experience, by education in the school of suffering, and by the wisdom gleaned from life is our affirmer. They are people who take delight in honoring one another (a rare commodity these days) Balcony People not only love us but have great respect for us. They listen to us with their ears and hear us with their hearts."

These type of people are rare. They can look beyond the moment and see the heart. I would not be the woman I am today without those who have stood in the balcony of my life and cheered me on. They stood to their feet and applauded with great delight during certain scenes and lingered long after everyone else had gone home.

I too want to be a Balcony Woman to others. It is during those years as a young wife and mommy that we need others who will stand with us, listen to our hearts and affirm us in the role that God has fashioned for us as women. Do you have a "Balcony Woman" in your life?

Wordless Wednesday - A boy, his dog and his little brother

Retreat...

Amazing, wonderful, awesome God! Those are the words that just begin to scratch the surface of what I experienced this weekend with the wonderful ladies who attended our Spring Retreat. We shed a whole lot of tears and received very little sleep. Someone asked me today what my favorite part of our weekend together was and after trying to just pick one I said, "looking around the room hours after our service had ended and seeing women huddled together in corners of the room praying together. No one was ever in a hurry to leave. They stayed and stayed. They blessed each other, encouraged each other, cried with each other, and prayed for each other. I am truly not the same. These precious women have touched my life in a way that is difficult to put into words. We went...just as we were...we heard His invitation..."Come to me" and we responded.

I don't have my menu plan ready for the rest of the week. I was tired today but it was a good tired. Thank you to all those who prayed! Your prayers touched many lives.

Come...Just as you are

I leave early tomorrow morning (Fri.) with 50 plus other women to converge on a beautiful Hotel. I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I am sharing the Word of God Friday evening and Saturday morning. We are having some fun girl type discussions on various topics related to issues specifically for women Saturday evening and then Sunday morning we are having a beautiful worship service.

The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come." And let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:17 (ESV)

I know...I know...

I told you here I would be away for a few days, but this morning I woke up with the stomach flu and was unable to be at our ladies bible study so I missed the time in prayer and study of God's word. I was able to take a nap this morning and I am drinking fluids. The extra rest was good!

I came downstairs to my computer to do my devotions and I have to give a shout out to two posts I read this afternoon which have inspired and challenged me. If you haven't stopped by CWO's new Internet Cafe,

than now is the time. The post is titled "You Can't Have Her!" and be prepared you may find yourself ready to ride into battle with the sword of the spirit, the helmet of salvation, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and your feet covered with the gospel of peace shouting those exact words, "You can't have her!" So many come to mind as I prepare to get down on my knees praying in the Spirit for those who are lost and hurting. I also see that there are those who need my arms to lock with theirs and hear those words, "you are not alone."


And if that isn't enough...then go and read Cyndi at One Day More take some "bread and a few fish" (a $250.00 check and some prayers) and read how God has transformed their lives and thinking when it comes to their treasure. It will change the question from, "Lord, how much do I give?" to "Lord, how much should I keep?

Go, read and be encouraged!

Some time away.....and a few other thoughts

I will be taking the next several days and step away from this blog (hopefully!) to continue preparing my heart for our upcoming Spring Ladies Retreat this weekend. I am very excited about getting away with so many ladies. The team of women putting this together have been fabulous to work with and have carefully tended to every detail with great love. I would appreciate your prayers for our time away together.

It is the end of Jennifer at Snapshot month long challenge to read with our children. One of the questions she asked was, "how did the mission help you actually read more?" Like most things, when I state publicly I plan to do something, it keeps me accountable to my plans. Although reading together is not a challenge for our family at this time, it wasn't always the case. It took discipline to set aside the time to read aloud and patience not to get frustrated with varying listening skills. But the rewards of watching and listening to my husband read to my children is so worth it. Many of the books I posted about here , we are still reading. The kids have finished some of their individual books, but not all of them. So, thank you Jennifer for hosting such a great challenge and encouraging us all to treasure those words, "mommy...will you please read to me."

I may not be here for several days, but feel free to stop in and take a peek around. Not too fancy, but hopefully it is warm and encouraging.

Blessings,

Chris

Menu Plan Monday

Does God care about what happens in our day? Absolutely! Regardless of the tasks we face, without God's assistance, we cannot succeed. We may get the dishes washed, the laundry folded, and the beds made...we may get our work done without accident or incident....we may find what we need at the market and manage to keep a schedule. But without God being first place in our hearts, thoughts, and plans it is all done in vain. When I have added commitments and activities, it is easy to try and do everything in my own strength. It is easy for me not to stop and spend time in worship before the Lord. It is easy for me not to receive proper rest.

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Psalm 127:2

I need to be reminded of this more than ever this week as I prepare for our Spring Ladies Retreat.

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1 (ESV)

Here is my menu plan for this week:

Monday: Chicken packets, baked potatoes, salad
Tuesday: Tortilla Soup with chips
Wednesday: Lasagna, garlic bread and salad
Thursday: Leftovers......
I am leaving Friday morning for our Ladies Retreat (yippee) and my husband will take care of the weekend. I have stocked the freezer with plenty of options.

For more great menus go to Organizing Junkie

The Source of my Life

I love scripture prayers. Kelly at A Spacious Place wrote a beautiful prayer using Ephesians 6:10-20. Beth Moore in the introduction to her book Praying God's Word says, "I am utterly convinced that the two major weapons with divine power in our warfare are the Word of God and Spirit-empowered prayer."

This morning in my Life Journal I wrote out a prayer from 1 Corinthians 1:26-31:

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called.

Lord, I was the quiet one, the one that was easily forgotten and searched high and low for real value in this life.

Not many of you were wise by human standards;

Lord, I was referred to as the "nice" one, average, hardly noticed by others.

not many were influential;

Lord, I often wondered if others even remembered my name.

not many were of noble birth.

Lord, I was born to a nineteen year old girl forced to leave her young husband due to substance abuse and facing a very uncertain future

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;

Lord, in the world's eyes I know I was thought of as foolish. By their standards I did not have a chance.

God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Lord, thank you for choosing me.

He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

Lord, today I know where my strength and hope comes from. It comes from you and you alone. I do not boast in anything, but only in the blood of Jesus that covers my sin.

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

Lord, your word says in Psalm 139, "My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.before the foundations of the earth you knew my form and what I would face when you placed me here on earth."

Lord, you are the source of my life. I have been sanctified, made righteous, and redeemed through Christ Jesus. Amen.

Everyone makes mistakes sometime

Today I was busily pounding away on my keyboard preparing for an upcoming ministry event. I was keeping an eye on the clock and trying to make the best use of my time while my two year old napped. What I failed to remember was that for some reason the time on my computer was still wrong and I hadn't bothered to change it yet. I was startled when the phone rang and caller ID displayed the elementary school. Nancy, the ever so sweet school secretary told me Hunter was waiting for me. I yelped in disbelief that I had forgotten my kindergarten son. There he was standing at the office window waiting for me. When we got into the car I apologized profusely and he said, "Mom, it's ok. I forgive you. Don't you know everyone makes mistakes sometime?" I marveled at his tender willingness to forgive so quickly. I wondered if I would have been forgotten, would I have been so quick to say, "everyone makes mistakes sometime?"

Wordless Wednesday - Cowboys

In "Other" Words

As a young bride at twenty two, married to the man who had prayed for me at the tender age of fifteen, I had a very limited understanding of what God's design for marriage was. I knew I was to "leave" and "cleave" and that we were "one flesh", but beyond this, I began a life hoping to find joy and fulfilment only to discover that I struggled deeply within myself. I had a husband who loved me immensely, I was a born again Christian and it just seemed everything should be fine. I found the unfulfilled expectations I had seemed hopeless. Most of my struggles did not stem from my husband, but from my own fears and insecurities. I did not believe that I was capable of being loved. I struggled to accept God's unconditional love for my life and all of this only spilled over into my relationship with my husband. Over the years God has stretched our relationship to the very core. Our love for each other never wavered but the storms of life pounded against us one right after another at times.

James 1:2-8 (ESV) says,

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

As the years went on I sought the Lord with everything in me. I did not want all these trials and troubles wasted. I asked the Lord for wisdom and understanding on His plan for marriage. I lived to this point in my plan for marriage and it was not working for me. Slowly, the Lord moved me down a path showing me not only His plan for marriage but brought healing and deliverance from the struggles that had entangled my life. God brought people and put me in places where biblical truths were taught and this changed my life dramatically. One truth in particular sticks out in my mind that changed my course for good. "Marriage was not designed to make me happy, but to bring God glory!" My marriage was to bring God glory! What a enormous relief this was to me. My joy (happiness) could only come from the Lord and Him alone, and therefore the joy I experienced in my marriage was a result of following God's plan for a biblical marriage. I live each day hoping my marriage will continually bring glory to God!

"One of the secrets to a happy marriage is remembering the source of our joy, which is not one another. The source of our joy is the Lord. Yes, we share tons of joyous moments, but we don't expect, let alone demand, endless joy-filled moments from each other. "

~ Liz Curtis Higgs ~from the devotional: Rise and Shine

For more "In Other Words" visit Darlene Schacht here

Menu Plan Monday

A new week! And there is a plenty to keep me very very busy throughout this week. My menu is intentionally simple with familiar recipes. The next couple of weeks will be busy and I recognize that if I am going to serve my family warm home cooked meals, they must be simple ones.

Spring Cleaning is on the horizon and for many years I used the same plan. Since moving in the past year and a half (twice) and now living in a new home, I am creating a plan that best meets my current needs. I try (notice the word "try") to deep clean my home twice a year. I will allow myself four weeks to completely move throughout my home. Every cupboard, drawer, closet, and corner is touched. It is more than cleaning. It is tossing, organizing and just plain tackling those hidden spots which have been ignored all winter (or maybe for the past nine months). My first stop is the kitchen. Since I will be busy with other ministry work over the next couple of weeks, I will allow myself two weeks to complete. I go through every cupboard. This is the time to throw out those items which have been unused for the past year, take inventory of spices and seasonings and reorganize my recipes and cookbooks. I will spend only thirty minutes each day "Spring Cleaning".

There is still all the normal housework to be done and I find if I don't tackle it all at once I get more accomplished. Here is my super simple menu for this week:

Monday: Roast Beef & Gravy(Crock pot) potatoes and steamed veggies

Tuesday: Burritos

Wednesday: Chicken packets and salad

Thursday: Spaghetti, salad and garlic bread

Friday: Kid's Night Out!

Saturday: Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

For more great menus go to Organized Junkie

A blog note

Dear One and Many,

Wish I could just drop in for a face-to-face visit. I can see us now, sitting outside on a deck watching the sun sink over those western hilltops and taking in all the beauty.
My heart is focusing on that scene, and I cling to the hope and peace of God I sense whenever I'm with you.
Thank you for your prayers! They mean more than words can say!

Love,

Your Friend

A son's words to his father

This morning I read John Piper's beautiful and moving journal entry narrating his father, William S. H. Piper's death giving God glory for his father's life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Piper family.

As a parent I am so moved by these words spoken from a son,

"Thank you, Daddy. Thank you for 61 years of faithfulness to me. I am simply looking into his face now. Thank you. You were a good Father. You never put me down. Discipline, yes. Spankings, yes. But you never scorned me. You never treated me with contempt. You never spoke of my future with hopelessness in your voice. You believed God’s hand was on me. You approved of my ministry. You prayed for me. Every day. That may be the biggest change in these new days: Daddy is no longer praying for me."

I did not know this man in life, but in death his life has impacted mine to press on and finish the race that is set before me that the Gospel will be revealed in my own life and many will come to know our Savior.

Wordless Wednesday - Ice

S.O.A.P.

Yesterday my Life Journal entry was from

Mark 12:44:

"For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

These were the words Jesus spoke of the poor widow woman after she has placed all that she had in the offering. She gave out of her poverty, her whole livelihood. She did not put any value or trust on what she had.

I wonder how often I come to the Lord willing to give of my life out of abundance? Jesus compared her gift as greater than all those who gave before her in total. Jesus could see her heart.

When I come to the Lord in my poverty, my lack, my need, my insufficiency and insecurities, I have come offering everything I really am. It doesn't matter what it looks like to others. God sees my heart. I have given Him the whole of my life.

Just in case you were wondering....

Just in case you were wondering and to keep me very humble, this afternoon I found myself very tired. I had trouble sleeping last night and I am still fighting a cold. This morning I posted my menu plan for the week. I cooked several pounds of boneless chicken breasts today for several meals this week and to freeze for future dishes. At about 4pm I talked with my husband. He came home unexpectedly for a short time and then headed back to the office deciding to pick up a sandwich on the way. So I did what every other well organized woman would do. I asked the kids what they wanted from McDonalds, got into my car, drove up to the black box, ordered 3 chicken bacon ranch salads for us girls and 3 chicken meals for the boys. I brought it home and we enjoyed a carpet picnic on the family room floor. I picked up all the trash and was thankful that although I posted my well intended plans today and just in case someone saw me driving away from McDonalds, when mom doesn't feel well the plan can change!

Menu Plan Monday

I was asked recently about menu plans and the benefit they provide for my family. Besides the obvious, knowing ahead of time what I am going to cook just seems to make my week go a little smoother, I have also found many other blessings and a much greater purpose for doing this.

Several years ago my husband and I decided to capitalize on this time we spend together at the table. We realized that gathering together for a meal was our opportunity to not only feed our children's physical body, but also one of the few times in the day that we could gather together as a family and talk about our spiritual bodies. We also realized that we are sitting next to or across from one another and it was our opportunity to teach them how to serve, show kindness and compassion towards one another. We can sense when someone has had a difficult day and needs encouragement from those who love them most.
My plans and preparations for our family meal time have taken on a high and holy purpose. We always try and celebrate one another! When someone has had a difficult day, this is the place where they can receive restoration. Several years back some of the networks ran a "family table" advertisement. Even the world recognizes the reality of how seldom families were gathering at the table. As I shared a few weeks ago, the plan serves me. We don't always eat together and life sometimes totally interrupts my well intended plans. But our goal is to come to the table as often as we can.
Here is what I have planned to serve my family this week:

Monday: Chicken in Alfredo sauce with penne pasta Salad and bread
Tuesday: Tacos with rice and beans
Wednesday: Stove top Pot Roast with vegetables and rice
Thursday: Chiken Tetrazzini Salad and rolls
Friday: Southwestern Chili and Corn Bread
Saturday: Chicken Quesadillas with leftover chili

For more great menus go to I'm an Organizing Junkie

Walking with God

" A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

I have been asking myself lately how much of my life is directed by God and how much do I direct in my own ways, thinking that I have let God direct my steps (or plans)? Or do my own plans, cares and concerns crowd out God's ability to speak to me?

Noah didn't just decide one day that it would be a good idea to build a boat and then, after he was finished, ask God to do something really great with it. NO! Gen. 6:9 says, .. "Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God."

Abraham didn't one day decide to take his wife and wander around the desert, and then ask God to lead him somewhere. NO! It says in Gen. 12:2, The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you." And God promised, "I will bless you."

Moses didn't just decide one day to go back to Egypt and ask Pharaoh to release the Hebrew people in order for them to leave all at once. NO! Moses was quietly minding his own flock as God had instructed him to do, when suddenly the Lord spoke to him from the middle of a burning bush telling him to go. Moses followed God's plan and the Lord blessed everything he did.

There is so much here I can learn from these three friends in scripture. Oh, to be as Noah found blameless in the sight of God and walking with him. Or, to be as Abraham willing to pick up and go as God directs and believe what He has promised. Or, to be Moses and actually hear and see God speak to me while I am tending to the business of the day. All three were going about their day walking with God.

God speak to me! Show me your ways in the midst of preparing meals, kissing chubby cheeks, changing diapers, listening to a teenager, making brownies, scrubbing toilets, and grocery shopping. I want to be found walking with you!