Marvelous Monday: Fun & Easy Valentine's craft for all ages

Looking for a CUTE Valentine's table centerpiece or teacher gift? Look no further and it's something you can do with your kids! All you need is:

• Old pickle, jam, or baby food jar (glass)
• Package of Valentine's Conversation hearts
• Hot glue gun w/ glue sticks

Easy peasy-glue the hearts on the jar and make a presh flower vase!

 And here is the original masterpiece made by a sweet friend, Shawn. We have her to thank for getting these creative juices flowing!

For kicks, here is my hubs' creation. He wanted to give a "ruffle" effect which also made it look like a flower. Can you tell he really gets into family craft time?!??! I love that about him. :)

Get creating and send us pictures of YOUR masterpieces. Most importantly, HAVE FUN with your sweet families.

Love!
Hannah
roofwithaview (at) gmail (dot) com

Be careful little eyes what you see....

In our home, we only subscribe to cable tv service for a few months out of the year- during college football season for my dear husband. And every year, I inevitably face the same struggle: getting sucked in to watching tv programs that are not edifying. In fact, if I’m really honest, they’re not just “not edifying”, they are downright harmful for my spiritual growth.

Something happens each August as our tv fires back up. In the first few weeks, I am appalled at the lewdness of the new commercials and at the baseness of the new tv shows that have begun in the past year. We can all probably agree that the networks are having to push the limits of “drama” in order to outdo each other. But as time goes on each fall, I become a little numb to the sexual innuendo. All of the catfights and materialism on reality tv shows don’t faze me quite as much, and I find my spiritual conscience “tuning out” while I’m tuning in to these programs.

This year, the Lord has really begun to speak to my heart about what type of food I feed my soul. Just like I don’t feed our family junk food for dinner, I shouldn’t be feeding my soul junk either. Whether we see the effects immediately or not, those types of programs do become part of us in some way. Maybe we begin to covet the material goods of the characters on the show. Maybe we begin to obsess about beauty, or we crave the apparent “glitz and glamour” lifestyle portrayed on these shows. Many times, these changes creep in slowly, but before we know it, we find ourselves absent from or resentful of our real life while we are consumed with the apparent beauty of another’s life. I remember one night when the effect took hold of me immediately. After months of not watching tv, I watched a program about the life of celebrities. Within twenty minutes, I remember having the thought, “I need to get new makeup, new clothes and I need to lose weight”. Whoa! Before the program, I was perfectly content with my wardrobe and makeup (I’m still working on accepting my body). But I was shocked at the strength of my desire for these things. I could only imagine how pleased God would have been if I was studying the Bible that night and had a sudden thought that, “I need to forgive so-and-so, and be kinder to my husband and to serve my family more.” What a difference!

As we all go about our lives this week, let’s encourage each other to resist the temptation to watch programs that don’t build us up or shows that glorify evil. Maybe we can make a pact with a friend or our husbands to refrain from certain programs. Not only will we be encouraging each other’s spiritual growth, but we will then have an accountability partner too! In the place of tv programs, we can pick up a book, or listen to an audiobook, or even a podcast. I have found immense treasures on podcasts- and besides lifting me up spiritually, they are free!

Dear Lord,

Be with us all as we go forward this week. Show us ways to resist temptation and help us find ways to serve You and those You have placed in our lives. Speak to our hearts and protect us from the evils around us. Help us to turn our hearts fully toward You. I pray You give us all a distaste for worldly tv and movies, and that we would find them utterly unsatisfying when we do tune in. Help our lives to bring glory to You in all we do. We love You Lord and desire nothing but the best of what You have to offer. Amen

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Savory Smackerel: Heavenly Devil's Food Cake

Since we're on the topic of desserts, I discovered this recipe a few years ago in a cookbook that my Dad gave to me. It's called Capitol Classics and it's by the Junior League of Washington DC. A lot of the recipes in it are "she-she" but most are pretty easy and very yummy. I like to make this cake around Valentine's Day because it is everything you'd want in a good 'ol Valentine's Dessert...rich chocolate, cream and MORE chocolate! Don't be put off by the directions. Making a cake from scratch can be easy and afterwards, you can brag to your family and friends that you made a cake...FROM SCRATCH!

Heavenly Devil's Food Cake

1 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 cups boiling water

2 3/4 cups sifted flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup butter, softened

2 1/2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Filling:

1 cup heavy cream, chilled

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Frosting:

1 6-ounce package semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup light cream

1 cup butter

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

*Combine cocoa and boiling water and beat until smooth. Cool completely.

*Sift together flour, soda, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.

*In large bowl, cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light, about 5 minutes. Add flour mixture alternately with cocoa mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Do not overbeat.

*Grease 3 9" cake pans. Divide cake batter evenly between pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until cake springs back when gently touched. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Carefully loosen sides with knife and remove. Cool completely. (Note: I only had 2 9 inch pans, so I did two at a time and then did the third once the first two came out of the oven).

*To make filling, whip cream until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar and vanilla. Refrigerate.

*To make frosting, combine chocolate chips, cream and butter in saucepan. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar. Place ice in a large mixing bowl. Place saucepan over ice and beat until frosting holds it's shape (Note: this will take a few minutes--maybe 5+. When pan comes off stove, mixture will be dark and runny. Beat until it turns a light brown and is more "frosting" looking!)

*To assemble cake, place 1 layer topside down on plate. Spread with half the cream filling. Repeat with second layer. Place third layer on to with topside up. Frost cake and refrigerate at least 1 hours before serving.

Just for kicks, here is a picture of Glenda and her Valentine with her own Heavenly Devil's Food Cake. I got her name in a blog swap and this recipe was calling her name. :)

Enjoy!

Love,
Donna

Free For All Friday: V-Day Sizzles Part II

Happy Friday Ladies! Oh happy day, my husband returns from a week long hunting trip today and I can't wait for him to step off that plane at 4:07 for lots of hugs and kisses. Last Friday I chatted with you about the 5 love languages and what they mean and some ideas on how to become bilingual in these areas. Today, it's about the love of food.

The old adage "The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" is undeniably true. I actually read an old church cookbook when I was dating my husband that mentioned a recipe for Chicken Cordon Blue landed a marriage proposal the following week after cooking this meal. OF COURSE I fixed the chicken. I wanted to see if it worked! Only I didn't just stop at the entree, I made a dazzling dessert to seal the deal. Cheesecake and Strawberry filled Chocolate Cups (oh yes honey, you eat the cup too!). Gaze upon these beauties....don't they look delish?



He was wowed and the dessert has been a show stopper ever since. While some will opt for reservations at a restaurant to celebrate, some of the most intimate V-day dinners can be made at home. One year we grilled steaks and fixed the entire meal together, eating in our formal dining room on our China that only gets pulled out for special occasions and my husband wonders why we have it in the first place. Some things men will never understand, thankfully mine just goes along with the pattern I had my heart set on from the time I was born.

You could fix finger foods - fun and filling appetizers that can be eaten picnic style in front of your fireplace with soft music playing and candles everywhere. Put blankets on the floor and have the food on trays beside you. Helloooo chocolate fondue for dessert to feed each other! Strawberries, bananas, pound or angel food cake bites....oh hold me back!

For those with harried schedules, take out for dinner and a movie in can't be beat. Order pizza, go pick up your favorite barbeque or Chinese (Yum PF Changs!) and eat it on the couch while watching a romantic comedy or (if he'll go for it) chick flick. Cozying up on the couch is so romantic - light your fireplace too. Ambiance. Ambiance! For this sweet ending, think Chocolate Lava Cake - how amazing does this look?!....I whipped it up in 8 minutes. They also sell the already made kind at Trader Joes and it rocks the house.



Another fun touch is chocolates on the pillow. Why must it only be reserved for turn down service in fine hotels? Godiva has fun little ballotins...and I can eat my weight in Lindt Truffles.

Whether it's a steak a Morton's, pizza from the local parlor or your favorite chicken casserole, the right atmosphere you create will make all the difference. Low lights, soft music, candles, sitting in a different room, on the floor, in bed - will all set the mood for a 'lovely' evening.

I enjoyed this post on V-day from Angela and she reminds us of some of the fun peripherals that add the extra spark and sizzle. Check it out for a fun reminder.

Have fun planning your romantic holiday!

XO!
CC

AmyA's Giveaway!

There have been hints about it...small little blurbs here and there to tantalize your giveaway tastebuds and since I happen to be a foodie, AmyA asked me to hold the mixing bowl and wooden spoon on this one.

She has not one, but THREE fun Southern Living mini-cookbooks in paperback that are about to burn a hole on my countertop, I want them that badly. I may just have to sneak a few more peeks at these delicious recipes before we send them off to the blessed beauty who wins them.

Southern Living is a time honored tradition in our household - I get their annual cookbook as a gift from my in-laws each year. There are beautiful color pictures of the recipes (my prerequisite to a good cookbook) and the recipes themselves are always mouthwateringly delicious.

So what are you waiting for? Comment below that you'd like to be included in the drawing or 'LIKE' RWAV on Facebook and we'll toss your name in the KitchenAid, turn it on high and see whose name spins out.

You've got a week - results will be revealed next Thursday.

Have a delicious day!
CC and AmyA

Wednesday in the Word: Bible Study Invitation

If you or anyone you know is looking for a Bible Study with women just like them and having trouble finding one, look no further! You (or they) can join a few of us starting NOW. It is an online study being led by Glenda of  Roof with a View's Wednesday in the Word and she'll be teaching the book of Ruth. The study officially begins tomorrow but she's already posted some homework to give you a jump start. Learn more here and let us know if you're going to be joining us! We'd love to have you.

Love,

Hannah

Restoring Hope

I used to soak up the romantic movies that told the story of a young girl pursing her life’s calling while one day, unexpectedly, her prince charming finds her. Their love, friendship and passion is unmatched and all consuming. She becomes the center of his life and he is driven and inspired by the power of their love to overcome all things.

As I would start to fantasize about my own life and how the story would continue after the movie was over the script would look similar to what follows. I would play the support and encouragement role in my husband’s, family’s, neighbors’ and friends’ lives. I would be self-sufficient and in need of no one, but able to discern how desperately everyone else needed me. I was called and chosen as a special and unique ambassador for the cross. I was to give entirely of myself and God would supply all I needed without the help of anyone in this world. As the story unfolds I would be blessed with four beautiful, intelligent, charismatic and successful children. I would live to a peaceful old age where I would be surrounded by laughter, a growing family, and life long friends. At my funeral there is only standing room in a beautiful stained glass church where the pastor speaks only words of awe and inspiration based on my life and the legacy I will leave behind. Tears flow from every eye because the memories are tender but laughter also abounds as friends and family reflect on the good times. God is present in the room in a special and moving way. The family I leave behind change the world and my legacy continues on. As the church empties and everyone says their goodbyes, my husband takes a few moments alone to kiss my hand once again and say his tearful goodbyes. My children and their families watch from the back of the auditorium feeling so proud and so loved by their parents, knowing that we will all meet again in the kingdom of heaven.

Rewind to reality... Girl is desperately seeking a man to love her. She is 18 and broken hearted after her high school love has betrayed her and left her heart shattered in pieces. She is on a summer trip with her youth group where she is spending her last summer at home on the beach in Florida for a week. Tall handsome boy sweeps her off her feet after a sand volleyball game and some tootsie pops. He does everything he can to win her love and even moves across the country to be with her. He abandons everything he might have pursued in order to make her happy. In the mean time the years are passing by and she is unsure that he is really the answer to all her dreams. They have an up and down relationship and even a broken engagement. After seven years they finally marry in a fairytale wedding but things quickly decline once the wedding day is over. Expectations are misplaced, roles are unclear, pride, control, selfishness and arrogance are the center of the marriage. Death before divorce she feels strongly in her heart and hopes the Lord will free her from this horrible mistake she has made. He also is so unhappy and feels like he is worthless to her and does everything he can to avoid her manipulation and control. He is faithful, loyal to the death, but also feels trapped. As the years roll by three boys are born to them and they move into a dream home, picture perfect life while achieving outwardly the success of the world and inwardly feeling like complete failures.

Little by little, as her life and marriage are secretly falling apart, the Lord is whispering in her heart. It start with the book Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. A popular book that begins with a simple prayer, “Lord, change me.” A 5:30am prayer group begins and four women get on their knees and pray, “Lord, change me.” After a year of praying together friendships divide and life turns them in different directions but the Lord is still with them all and will not forget their pleas for Him to work in each of their hearts. Babies are born, seasons are changing and a new friend and mentor enters her life. The Lord now whispers through her council, “I can change you, I will change you, you are not stuck in your natural weakness.” He also speaks a profound word that is now not so subtle. Words that changed her life as a young girl now begin to change her marriage and the way she views her husband. The Lord speaks, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made and so is your husband. See him in this way and I will show you how wonderful I created him to be. Let Me mold him and you learn to love him as he is not as you have created him to be in your own mind.” The words pierce through her heart and she prays, “Ok Lord, I don’t know if this will work but I am desperate for change.” She begins to let the Lord change her heart and even as she resist at times He is faithful to pursue her. Difficulties arise and failures occur daily but slowly she starts to see the man he really is, the man God created him to be.

It takes a shocking twist of events in her picket fence world to force her into a surrender mode. The call comes shortly after Christmas right before her ninth wedding anniversary. Her father has been having affair with a woman who called her mother a friend. It is as if his betrayal is so damaging that is pierces not one, not two but three hearts deeply. His wife and two daughters are devastated each in different ways yet painfully united in the hurt of this man they all loved and looked up to as the patriarch of their family. In this moment the Lord spoke to her, “I am all you need, I will never leave you, I am faithful, forgiveness comes by me alone.” The umbilical chord was cut. She didn’t realize how the ties to her family had not allowed her to fully submit and enter into the oneness God desired for her and her husband. The two literally become a new family and she had been blinded up to this moment in her life. Freedom and peace began to cover her as she starts to live in the role God has given her.

Time allows her to forgive her father and herself. Time allows her husband the ability to trust the changes she promises. Nothing happens in a day but slowly over the course of trial and error God is able to mold and shape, to heal the wounds, to use the scars as reminders, and to grow and bear fruit in areas that were dormant or dying. One thing becomes clear: the Lord pursues those who cry out to him with broken hearts and is faithful in all His promises.


You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; 
   
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. 
My sacrifice,
O God, is a broken spirit; 
 a broken and contrite heart 
   
you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:16-17


Free for all Friday: V-day Sizzles

Well ladies, it’s time to let your thoughts linger on an upcoming holiday – V-day is quickly approaching and I have some fun ideas to make it sizzle!

Does your heart still go pitter patter just like when you were dating and got that first kiss? I adore my husband more than life itself and will admit that when I see my husband from across the room at any group setting, my heart still skips a beat when he looks up and gives me that winning smile. He can be on the floor playing with kids when we have nursery duty at church, or we can be standing in Banana Republic. I still swoon over the very sight of him. He’s the best part of me, best part of every day and next to my salvation, the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m smitten, can you tell? After 8 ½ years of marriage, we speak each other’s love languages and are more in love than ever.

I’m not greeting him at the door in the latest ‘nothing’ from Victoria’s Secret when he walks in the door from work every day (gracious, the kids ARE running around the house you know!), but we sure are in love and it has a depth that has only increased with time. I never read the book, but at a pre-marital seminar my hubby and I attended while giddy and engaged, they taught us about the 5 love languages:

1. Quality Time
2. Affirmation
3. Gifts
4. Acts of Service
5. Physical Touch

We took a little quiz and found out that we both had the same language strengths, which helped. Not all couples have this, but understanding what the other’s ‘language’ is, will make a huge impact. I’m not a marriage counselor and I’m not going to get super techy on you – here’s a breakdown of what each language is and see if you can identify what you are, what your husband is, and some ways you can speak his language on February 14 (or better yet, year round!).

Quality time – forget all the errands and mile long honey-do list that sends you in separate directions. Spend time together. Alone time. Drive around town, visit a new town you’ve never been (day trip!), try a new restaurant, go to a movie, rent a movie, order a gigantic dessert and eat it together. Send the kids to their grandparents or a sitter – make sure you have time where it’s just the two of you so you don’t forget who you are as a couple.

Affirmation – loving and noticing and telling. Did the hubster fold the laundry? Did he give the kids baths? THANK HIM. Notice and thank. My husband and I both make a point to recognize what the other does and appreciate it. A loving embrace after he comes downstairs from putting the kiddos to bed with a ‘Honey, you are such a good father, thank you for all you do’…goes a long way and he will appreciate it. Who doesn’t enjoy a kind word? ‘Honey – thanks so much for keeping the yard looking so great – I know it’s a hassle and you make it look amazing’….’Honey, thanks for running that errand for me, I’ve been slammed and I appreciate it so much’. There are so many occasions to appreciate…verbalize it!

Gifts – Ok, I love gifts! Giving and receiving them are such fun. As adults, don’t we secretly enjoy unwrapping a gift just as much as a child? We’re more refined in our approach and response, but let’s all admit – it’s so fun to open a present! What about the random ways to say “I love YOU” through gifts? What does your husband enjoy? Sports, working out, golf, reading, hunting? Well, how fun would it be for him to find a present on his pillow or by his sink in the bathroom or on the seat in the car? It doesn’t have to be much – a protein bar or shake or sports drink, sports magazine, candy bar, movie rental gift card, Starbucks gift card good for 1 beverage, batch of cookies, favorite dessert…wrap it up and make it special. Does he take his lunch? Slip something in there! Endless possibilities ladies! Tuck a love note in there too – sometimes you have to spell it out for men.

Acts of Service – some of the best gifts aren’t wrapped, they are shown through an act of service – taking out the trash, folding the laundry, taking shirts to the drycleaners in time for the big business trip or presentation. Take his car in for a wash at Auto-Bell. Basically, find something that your husband normally does or is out of the norm for you and do it as a way to show you care – to take one little stresser off the to-do list. Giving the kids baths, helping rake the leaves. Whatever is out of the norm for you – try it!

Physical Touch – My PG rated version of this will tell you that the Semi-Annual Sale is just days away from ending at Victoria’s Secret…perhaps you should spend a few pennies on some new lip gloss or whatever makes your skirt fly up. Additionally, there is no more comforting gesture than a long embrace after a difficult day or reaching over to the driver’s side and holding his hand as you drive to wherever your destination might be. I love holding hands!

Let’s face it, some days you’re in sweatpants with no makeup on, have cleaned baseboards and wipes noses until you feel like Cinderella BEFORE the ball, no chance of a fairy Godmother in sight and hoping that Calgon will take you away. We all have them. Confess. I’m waiting….you know you don’t wear an evening gown to empty the dishwasher. There. Ahhh HA! There is the humanity. We have a confession. You may not ‘feel’ it every day…the love songs of the 80s don’t magically begin to play when the kids go to bed. Marriage takes effort – so start practicing those languages listed above to start your sizzle. It takes time, it takes effort…but it yields incredible results that lead to an enriched relationship.

Now, you have about 3 weeks to plan and execute perfection to show that man in your life that you love him, are IN love with him and want to SHOW that love. Stay tuned for Phase Two where I’ll show you some desserts that dazzle and some wacky ways to say I LOVE YOU!


XO!
CC

Test

Hi Ladies!

We're in the process of linking our blog page with our FB page so bear with us while we run a couple of tests and we'll be back to normal in no time. Sorry to clutter your inboxes and news feeds and thanks for your patience!

Love,
Hannah

Train Up Tuesday: Cuddlebugs

One of the things I love about having 3 boys is having 3 boys to cuddle with! :) One of the things that's hard about having 3 boys is making time to cuddle with each one. But, I think it's so important (not too mention, just plain precious!).

Cuddling gives special attention to each child. Each night before bed, I used to cuddle with my oldest as his little brother was being put to bed. Shortly before the birth of my third son, I saw the importance of letting the 2 older boys alternate cuddle nights with Mommy as their Daddy put the other to bed. When the newest baby boy arrived 3 months ago, it was hard at first, because that time always seemed to be needed for tending to him and his needs. We are back to our cuddle times now, thankfully, and the boys thrive in it (as do their Momma). They look forward to "their" night with me, and I get to squeeze and kiss them and tell them what I love about them.

Cuddling also helps soothe one who has been wronged and show love to one who has wronged. Sometimes when there has been a squabble (okay, a FIGHT!) between them, the one who has been wronged obviously needs attention (because they are usually the one crying first)....but the one who has wronged needs loving attention, too that speaks forgiveness and provides as close as an expression to unconditional love that we can give as parents.

One other thing I love about cuddling (and there are too many to post!) is the sense of trust that we establish with our little ones and the opportunities to teach that it provides. We all know that when they become preteens they begin to pull away a little, and by the time they are teenagers the mouths that we couldn't get to stop asking questions and talking to us about crazy things as little kids gets quiet and almost refuses to open up! I'm learning to use these quiet moments to verbally express my thoughts to each one, to talk to them about things they may not be ready to hear in the "heat of a moment" (i.e. when they are in trouble), and to hear their own thoughts about anything (as silly as it may be from a 2 and 5 year old).

I'm encouraged by the story of one mom that shared with my sis-in-law who is a hairstylist. They were talking about the struggles of getting little ones to sleep and this mom admitted that she would lay with her daughter each night until she fell asleep. When questioned and challenged by others about this being a potentially bad habit, this mother with emotion of any caring mother said that it was more than just getting her to sleep and having cuddle time with her. It was a time that the daughter felt that safety of being able to be herself and tell her mom ANYTHING. Fast forward about 20 years later, and when the daughter would come home from college for visits, she would lay on her old bed with her mom and tell her of her woes and hopes.

THAT is what I'm hoping for with my babies! They'll be teenagers and then adults soon enough and if I wait until then to get them talking and trusting, it will likely be too late!

One other thing I want to leave you with today that you can ponder over yourself is this: look closely at the paragraphs above and your relationship with your HEAVENLY Father. He is waiting for this time to "cuddle" with you, too ;-) It may even be when your head hits your pillow and you share your own woes, hopes, and gratitude with Him. As you cuddle with your babies, think about how you are mirroring a Spiritual love that you have with your Father and what you can begin teaching your children.

Taking time to cuddle,
Ashlie

Chicken Parm - With or Without Attitude?

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Without fail, my husband gets home at 6:30 each evening – give or take a 10 minute window due to traffic. It’s a routine we’ve become accustomed to, and plain and simple; I plan dinner around that timeslot. I was making Chicken Parmesan last night – one of his favorites. I’d carefully planned out the timing so everything would be ready when he walked in the door.

At 7 o clock, he still wasn’t home and my chicken was going to turn into the Sahara Desert if we didn’t eat soon. I called his cell phone, a weary voice answered to tell me he was just now leaving the office. “Oh”. Was my reply and “I would’ve appreciated a call as my chicken is going to dry out” was what ran through my mind. “What is it?” he asked….and I replied that I had dinner ready. He said he was sorry and would be home as soon as he could and I then had to hang up to rescue the dog from being run over from a yellow Fisher Price dump truck.

I was frustrated. I went through the effort of making sure dinner was on time and fabulous and he hadn’t called to tell me he was running late. In my books, an hour is significant. Grrrrr.

Then I stopped short. I was reminded that he (who leaves at the crack of dawn every morning – before I even wake up) had folded the mountain of laundry on the couch to help me out that very morning…which meant he was folding socks and sheets and towels around 5:30 or 6am. I was reminded that he makes tremendous sacrifice and works very hard to provide for our family. Suddenly, my chicken seemed so insignificant and I felt guilty for having gotten upset.

When he walked in the door a few minutes later to the delicious smells of Italian food, the delightful shrieks of joy from our two little boys and a gentle smile, hug and kiss from me, my response was “Honey, I’m so sorry you had a long day.” I visibly saw the stress in his shoulders relax as I welcomed him into a peaceful home. Now, had I mentioned that a phone call or email would have been nice, it would’ve set the tone for frustration for both of us and potentially ruined the entire evening. I’m so glad I chose the gentle answer.

He told me about his day over dinner and I realized how stressful it had been and a phone call was literally the last thing on his mind as he was working hard to get out the door to come home to all of us. Sure, it would’ve been nice, but life happens and thankfully the Lord helps keep the chicken from drying out, gives peace where it’s needed and helps ease away the stresses with the love of helpmates that He grants unconditional grace to.

Boy am I thankful. Lord please help me as I strive to be a good helpmate.

Have a great weekend,
CC

Wednesday In The Word

What do you do when you feel unjustly accused, misunderstood, or when you are doing all you know to do and the deck just seems to stack up against you? I talk to many women that have retreated from relationships with others because they have been misunderstood one to many times or so they think?

If God is all about our lives being used to build His kingdom here on this earth, it can not be a healthy move on our part to isolate ourselves. There are times when brief periods of isolation are needed and are healthy, I know when our son died I spent quite a lot of time by myself for almost year. However, Christians can't get stuck there and we have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and moving down the path that God alone has laid out for each one of us individually.

I came across this passage in my devotion the other morning and it helped me, perhaps it will help you:

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.

Psalm 37:1-8

From the rooftop:

Fret means worry: Do not worry when people scheme against you

Do not be envious when it seems they are succeeding in their schemes

God's eyes are on YOU and if you have put your trust in Him, then He will make all things right

God's perception of the situation is perfect and He will move on your behalf perfectly

Be patient, wait on Him

Do not act on your own

I know that all of this takes great faith and discipline in our life but I have seen God work enough in all kinds of situations to know that His plans are perfect. I am praying for all of us that we will grow strong in our faith as we look to God to handle our problems instead of man.

I love you and hope you have a blessed week.

Glenda

Train Up Tuesday: Divine Interruptions

Ah, "time with God"...waking up early before the kids after, of course, a wonderful solid night's sleep; sipping some hot cocoa or hot tea, while leisurely reading my Bible as I watch the sun break over the horizon (preferably over an ocean or a mountain peak). Yeah, that's my ideal "God time" picture. Has it ever happened?....um, I could count on one hand...and one of those times my now sis-in-law kinda arranged it while she watched my son and a couple times while at the beach (DEFINITELY before going to the beach was "work"...with kids ;-)

If you are like me, you've had those moments when you beat yourself up for not having that quiet, serene time with God. I know that after the birth of my first son, I was really going through some time like that - feeling guilty for not plugging into my "prescribed readings" and wondering when I would ever get to "hear from God." It was during one of those moments that God led me to Psalm and reminded me of a favorite verse of mine in Psalm 127..."Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." God gently reminded me that this new family was His divine plan...a divine interruption into my interpretation of almost everything!

"God time" for me has never looked quite as picturesque as maybe as I had hoped (and read about for others). Most days, once all of us are awake (and usually when the boys are eating breakfast!), I open my daily email to read my Scriptures for the day. Some other time throughout the day, I'll pick up one of my fave Scripture devotionals.

Inevitably, though, at some point most days, one of my boys will come by my side wanting to know what I'm doing. Honestly, this use to agitate me. "I'm trying to have my blessed time with my Savior! Can I just go into a 'prayer closet' and be left alone?!" Being reminded, though of Psalm 127, I gained new perspective...these blessings...these little guys are divine interruptions. Deuteronomy 6 & 11 remind us of the importance of teaching God's commands to our little ones. Sure, we can have family devotion time, but what about inviting them into "your time", allowing them to see what you are learning from His Word. Allowing them to see you take in His Word shows them It's importance to you. It allows them to see you rejoicing, being encouraged, maybe even working through your own questions. They see the Bible as Living in you. They can see that you enjoy it. We all know that modeling behavior is more effective than just giving suggestions!

This also can lead to opportunities for them to see you minister to others by phone or in person. I was so blessed recently when my precious middle son (2 1/2 y.o.) was playing in the same room when I was talking on the friend with a "sister", trying to encourage and counsel her. I asked if I could pray with her. My son had not really engaged in my conversation. I thought he had "tuned me out" as I had him. But, when I said the words "Dear Heavenly Father"...he stopped. He came over to my lap and laid his head upon it and held my hand (he's my hand holder, btw). It was precious. I had to almost stop mid-sentence to thank God for this beautiful illustration of a child and parent relationship. Priceless.

Why do I say all this? Because I have heard others say and know for myself that sometimes, we as Christians think that if the environment and circumstances aren't right or are heart isn't all into it, we can put off reading God's Love Letter to us hoping for an ideal time or for when our hearts and minds can be completely focused. We don't wanna "just read" if we can't really get something "out of it." Well, guess what? Sometimes you gotta do "hard things"....like practice the exercise of reading or praying in less-than-ideal environments. But you know, you may get much more out of it than you EVER intended...but exactly what your Father has in mind. ;-)

So, if you haven't already, start today...right now, even. Check out last week's post to find a great reading plan. And, be flexible ;-)

Much love,
Ashlie

Marvelous Monday: It's a VistaPrint Valentine's!

You've been introduced to VisaPrint here. Meanwhile, I have a busy month coming up and am trying to dot my "i"s and cross my "t"s. This includes getting ready for Valentine's Day!

When I think of getting ready for Valentine's for my child, I automatically remember those little Valentine's cards that you pass out to your classmates. Instead of getting a pack for $5 at the drugstore, why not get them personalized (even better) and for FREE from VistaPrint?!??! I took VP up on their free premium business cards and ordered my daughter the cutest little Valentine cards w/ cupcakes AND her name printed on them. It so happens they come in quantities of 250 cards so I guess we'll be blessing boookooos of peeps this year OR I'll be set with Valentine notes for several years to come. Nothing like planning ahead!

I also created and ordered this cutie patootie banner to go on our mantle (again...for free)! I've ordered a birthday banner from VistaPrint before and their banners are a nice,durable vinyl that you can keep for multiple occasions.

You can also remember teacher's gifts! I know Teacher Appreciation is coming up at our school so I ordered some great personalized items for my daughter's teachers along w/ the set of 25 magnets as a treat to go along w/ the Valentine cards.

Share some of your VP creations with us! We can never have tooooo many helpful ideas.

Happy Monday, ya'll!

Love,

Hannah

Safeguard your Spouse Sunday: Write You Husband a Thank You Letter

"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10

"How good and pleasant it is when fellow believers live in unity." Psalm 133:1

"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else" 1 Thessalonians 3:12


As I think back on the last year, I realize how thankful I am for my husband! I am getting ready to write thank you cards to everyone for all the gifts they blessed my family with and I had this thought.

Your husband is your help mate and your best friend. It is so hard at times to see past the daily routine we have in this life of a mom and I tend to take him for granted. I think that he has to be here and he has to provide. But what a privaledge to have husband who cares.

By the sacrifices and decisions that he makes for us is really why I am here today. He is the leader of this family and I so often forget to thank the one I love the most.
There are so many good things in both of your lives that sometimes by taking this step back it helps me see what God has provided for me and my family. How his grace and salvation for me is better than anything on this earth.

I pray for all your families will have a great 2011! How fun would it be if we all commented on one thing that we are thankful for about our husbands!

Free-for-all Friday: Praying through Christmas Cards

In years past; I made a Christmas scrapbook where I placed all the photo greeting cards received, however, in all honesty, that scrapbook is on a shelf and the photographs have not received the attention they deserve for the thought that went in to the family photographed, printing and mailing of each. It is no small time commitment or cost to send them out and we so appreciate each one we are honored to receive. As I have two young boys I know it is no easy feat to get a family ready for a portrait.

Here are a few ways to pray for those friends and family that send you a card:

1. Place all the photograph/cards in a basket and each night at dinner have someone in the home select a card. This is a wonderful way to share with your children or spouse the history of the relationship, trials the family may be facing currently or in the past prior to uplifting them in prayer. Then place that specific card in another basket as a symbol that you have prayed for that family/individual. When the basket is empty you can place them all in again and start over if you wish.

2. Number each photograph/card on the back with a number. This would work well with small children that are learning their numbers and dates. For the day of the month you pray for that special family/individual with the number that correlates with the calendar month (months of the year that don't have 31 days families with those numbers will be prayed for the last day of the month). When you have numbered your cards through 31 just start numbering over again (you will have several families to pray for each night depending on the volume of cards received).

3. This same idea can be used by last name. Place all last name A's together etc. through Z and place them in order and pray for those last names one initial per evening.

4. Lastly, if the above ideas are too overwhelming for you I would encourage you to place the cards in a large manila envelope and put aside. In a few weeks I will be sharing how to establish a Prayer Basket and you may want to utilize the Christmas photograph greetings received for the Basket if you opt to implement one for your personal use.

Let's pray for each other in 2011.

I John 5:14-15
"This is the confidence that we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him".

Luke 1:37
"For nothing is impossible with God".

Thrifty Thursday: Make that gift list and check it twice!

Time to start your new budget for 2011! Here are some helpful hints for dealing with this year's holidays and birthdays.

Make a lists of...

1....anything you did not have this Christmas that you may want next year. You will find these things 80% off this time of year. We always drive around and see all the lights and get new ideas for our house. So we make a list and go to the store a couple days after Christmas and use some of our Christmas cash to get the supplies. We are getting them at their best price and not cutting into our budget.

2...the birthdays you will have in 2011. I did a post last year on how you can save a bundle by shopping all year long for birthdays and next Christmas. Last year Walmart had their Christmas toys 75% off. You bet I bought ten craft packs and gave them as presents through the entire year. I can not wait to see what they will have this year!:) Keep in mind, though, I've found online specials are the best mid year for toys.

Make sure that you note on your list what months your girlfriends have birthdays. There are usually magazine specials for around $3 for a year subscription on all kind of magazines but will take 12 weeks to start delivery, http://www.tanga.com/products/christianity-today-magazine-subscription--2. Example: my sister has a birthday in April, I will wait for a fun one she will enjoy and order in January.

3....teacher gifts. This is another time to stock up! Bath and Body Works will usually have lotions for $3. They retail for $9. I have two kids that will be in school next year and I will get 4 of these and they will provide a holiday cello bag at no charge. How fun, simple, and budget friendly!
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2279332&cp=3157625.11101891

Think ahead on your purchases. Another great gift for anyone are books. Make sure to see what movies are scheduled to come out in 2011. Most people who like to read love to read the book before they see the movie. How thoughtful! You can get gently used to 75% off and most of the time you can not even tell. I gave a couple of this for Christmas presents this year and they had no idea. I guess they will now if they read this!

When looking at clearance sections always have your gift list in mind. When you purchase an item, go ahead and mark the person off of this list. Trust me that you will get items at best prices with the least amount of stress. I cut my gift budget by 75% last year by doing this.

Wrapping: save comic papers from your papers for wrapping! Budget and Earth friendly. Kids love reading them as well!

Have fun!

I hope to continue through this year with fun and thoughtful gift ideas for you and your family this year!

Love,

Imogene

Brownies, anyone?

In honor of it being National Whipped Cream Day, I promptly went to the frig, pulled out my can of Reddi Whip and threw my head back as I filled my mouth with unending squirts of Grade A Pasteurized Sweetened Whipped Creamy Deliciousness. It was a liberating moment- you should mark your calendar for next year.

Since I’m on the subject of sweets, let’s chat Brownies – shall we? Now, let me advise you in advance that there is no spiritual lesson or encouragement in this – just a fun little chat about one of America’s favorite desserts. Brownies! The chocolatey goodness of a pan of fresh baked brownies delights even the faint of heart and pads the thinnest of waistlines. Whether purchased from a bakery, made from scratch if you have all the time in the world, or slightly Sandra Lee’d with a premade box (ah-hem, that’s my category!) brownies are simple and delicious and I want to eat 5 of them right now with some vanilla ice cream just typing this. I have, however, just downed the daily caloric intake of a family of 4 based on the amount of whipped cream I just consumed, so I’ll try to hold myself back.

I’ve tried many a box and brand and Betty Crocker is one woman you just don’t want to neglect. She’s a tried and true woman of consistency, flavor and quality since before I was born. To honor that hallmark (or just to take advantage of the coupons I normally have on hand) I make sure to keep a few boxes of her chewey, fudgey brownie mixes in the pantry for weak moments and last minute ‘Oops, what’s for dessert?’ forgetfulness. (Her cousins - Duncan Hines and Ghirardelli are winners too).

Bake them cake style, bake them fudgey style – whatever floats your boat, you just can’t go wrong. I have a nifty way of dolling them up a bit if you need to get rid of excess Halloween candy (yes, we still have some milling about) or just an excuse to add some pizzazz. CANDY BARS! I take my brownie mix and follow the fudgey style directions (which is either the omission or addition of an egg…I’m too full of whipped cream to haul myself down to my pantry to check).



When it’s all said and done and spread in the pan, add crushed candy bars and bake as normal. What emerges from your oven is nothing short of a chocolate miracle. You’ll love it - trust me. My all time favorites involve either Butterfinger or Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups. Feel free to go whip up a pan yourself.




Have a delicious day!
CC

Train Up Tuesday: Crack Your Spine this Year!

Okay, not THAT spine...as in don't crack and pop your back! Yuck, I hate the sound of someone twisting and popping their back. Not to mention, I think it's actually pretty horrible for you!

I'm talking about the spine of your Bible. :) It's January, and with that many Christians resolve to read through their Bible in a year (or at least read some of the Bible each day). I've attempted it in the past only to make it through Leviticus and say..."um, yeah, whose gonna know if I don't read THAT"....and then never feel like I can make up for what I've skipped or missed. I've also "made it through" in a year a few times. Unfortunately, more often than not, I end up not really "soaking it in", rather, I just check off my "list" for that day that I read my prescribed chapters. Then, with motherhood, I've wondered, "will I get to have that real 'in-His-presence' time ever again?".

Well, I'm here to encourage you as a mother. Even this morning, I was reminded of how hard it is to really read through the Bible (PLEASE check out this great article on this very thing and to download a reading plan for "Slackers and Shirkers"). The hardest thing really is to just get started. To open your Bible.

You CAN do this (read daily). Don't get bogged down in just completing a reading assignment. Ask God to speak to you and lead you to and through His Word. Leave an open Bible out. I also like to leave a couple different Scripture heavy devotions (like "Daily Light for Every Day" and "Jesus Calling") on my couch, kitchen table, or bedside (heavy traffic areas for me personally).

Another thing that I've opted for this year is signing up on a site like this one where you choose the plan that's right for you and it is emailed to your inbox each day (how many of us often open our laptops before we do our Bibles....guilty!).

How does this relate to Train Up Tuesday, you may ask? Well, for one, reading your Word will equip you with truths that are important for you as an individual relating to God. Growing in Him so that you can live in Him.

It also equips you in relating to others (your spouse and children as well as your friends and strangers). How many times has it happened to you - a friend or loved one shares something with you and the Word of God speaks through you to them and gives them exactly what they need at that moment...all because you've been IN His Word? I'm sure you've experienced the receiving end of it at some time, as well.

But next week, we'll talk more about attempting to spend time with God in the midst of a busy household (ah! THAT'S what I'm talking 'bout!).

Happy New Year!
-Ashlie

(Looking for something on new traditions for this year? Check out this from 2010. Or maybe you are overwhelmed by a new year and a calendar full....check this out from last year.)