"It's Okay...I'm in Training"

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."

Proverbs 16: 18-19

I have never owned a decent set of matching pots and pans. When my husband and I got married (almost eight years ago) we were given lots of different items that we hodge-podged together. After five or six years we "upgraded" to a matching set I found at the thrift store. Those lasted a while, but the last time I made a lemon meringue pie, hubby asked why I had used pepper in the recipe. No dearest, that would be Teflon flakes. It took all of ten seconds to realize that we needed new cookware and fast.

A friend of mine has a great set of Belgique cookware that she purchased years and years ago. They still look absolutely brand new and she raved about how well they have held up over time. So, I went on the hunt and found them at our local Macy's! The best part is that they have a lifetime warranty and I found them on clearance! (Did I mention- they are a matching set?)

My husband wished me a "Happy Valentines Day" and off to the mall I went in my trendy little heels. (Nester, you would have been proud). The housewares department is on the first floor and I entered on the second- so down the escalator I went. Click click...clickety click in those cute little shoes. I found my item and lugged the massive box over to the checkout counter. The attentive sales clerk noticed my heels and suggested that I pull up my vehicle to the delivery dock. I smiled sweetly and said with jest, "Oh, it's okay. I'm in training for a triathlon. If I can't carry this box out to my car- I've really got problems!" We all laughed as I turned to carry my box to my awaiting mini-van. Oh, the pride in my little sinful heart.

Then I saw it. It hadn't concerned me before, but now I saw my dilemma in the horizon. The escalator. The ESCALATOR. It was moving like the currant in an angry river... quickly it would swallow me without a second look. I couldn't go back now. I was a triathlon trainer for goodness sake! I persevered. (It's only now that I think about the elevator: helpful and handy. Waiting for the strollers, the handicapped and me- the heeled triathlon participant.)

Have you ever entered an escalator with no hands? And a box the size of TEXAS?! All I can say is it's a miracle I was going 'up'. 'Down' would have been a tragedy I wrote about from my hospital traction bed.

I jumped on. Literally. Jumped. Then...down...down...down I went. Hard. The box caught my forward fall. I teetered and tottered. I tried to look like a lady as I balanced myself in an upright position. Whew. I was on! I had made it! Oh, rats. I have to get off this thing! That was just as much fun. Okay- sidebar. Have you ever seen 'Wild Hearts Can't be Broken?' Do you remember when the poor blind girl decides against all odds to dive her horse and during her horrific training sessions she reaches out for the reigns and... Yeah, that was me.

Pride definitely goes before a fall. But, it certainly doesn't follow it- especially when all the makeup artists of Macy's are watching you fall onto the second floor of their store.

Inspiration & Devotion

(Please pause sonific song spot prior to watching video)

As I've been training for my upcoming triathlon, I was inspired to hear and watch the familiar story of Dick and Rick Hoyt. This father/son team has competed in many races, but with the challenge unparalleled to any other race participants. I dare you to watch without a box of Kleenex.

From the Mouth of Babes

So, first... absolute apologies for the quality of the picture. (All my photo genius bloggy friends are cringing... I just know it). No, it wasn't the victim of a flood. No, it is not from 1978. No, I didn't soak it in orange koolaid prior to scanning it. Just plain old bad lighting. But a super cute kiddo, right!? Alright, enough about the quality of the photograph.

This morning my youngest son (pictured) was frantically searching for his baby doll. (Yes, he has a doll. Usually, Baby, is bungee jumping from his window panes, taking a ride on a bulldozer, or the latest experiment of gravity and the open air staircase. I do, however, believe that little boys have some desire to nurture and show a gentle spirit - on occasion- as little girls do. Thus, the baby doll.)

I was trying to get everybody to the table for breakfast and encouraged him to wait until after we were done eating. With his most sincere and earnest expression he said, "But Baby needs me." (I'm melting as a mother at this point)

I relented and allowed him to continue the search. After a couple of minutes he found the doll and was quite happy to bring Baby to the breakfast table. I smiled and said, "What a good little daddy you will be...taking care of your baby." He shook his head confidently and retorted, "I'm not the daddy... I'm the mommy!" We all giggled as I reminded him that one day he would grow up to be a big strong daddy! I pray that he would continue to have a gentle manner and a desire for loving and protecting his children! What more could a mother pray for!

Breakfast Cookies

Breakfast Cookies

"Wet Ingredients"

1 cup creamy peanut butter (all natural/organic)

2 fresh eggs

1 /4 cup honey

1/ 4 cup applesauce

"Dry Ingredients"

2 cups whole wheat flour (or white blend)

Pinch sea salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

"Add-ins"

1/2 cup prepared granola
1/4 cup ground flax seed

1/2 cup moist raisins

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Use hand mixer to add wet ingredients one by one. Then add dry one at a time until completely blended overall.

Work "add-ins" in with your hands until absorbed by dough.

Roll out with rolling pin between two saran wrap layers and use round cookie cutter.

Place on cookie sheet and bake 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

Makes approximately 20

Persecution

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Acts 1:8

I have been thinking a lot lately about the persecuted church. Imagine, living in fear that your children or husband might be ripped from you, tortured and murdered...all because they profess the name of Christ as ultimate truth. We should be on our knees in intercession for these brothers and sisters that daily face such attacks. How dare we even consider not bringing up his name in order not to offend. It is in the face of true persecution that one's true character and passion for the Savior is revealed. How much do I love Him?

Follow the links below for information from Voice of the Martyrs and how you can get involved.

Voice of the Martyrs

Persecution.com/ News Articles

Prisoner Alert/ Get Involved

Bible League

I Want to Be One of Them

Have you heard this song yet? I heard it "before" it became a popular play on the radio and just found out who sings it: Sara Groves. I absolutely love the words! Pause sonific songspot before playing youtube video. (I don't know the people in the video, but it was the only one that had the song attached!) Enjoy!






Lord I have a heavy burden of all I've seen and know
It's more than I can handle
But your word is burning like a fire shut up in my bones
and I cannot let it go

And when I'm weary and overwrought
with so many battles left unfought

I think of Paul and Silas in the prison yard
I hear their song of freedom rising to the stars
And when the Saints go marching in
I want to be one of them

Lord it's all that I can't carry and cannot leave behind
it often overwhelms me
but when I think of all who've gone before and lived the faithful life
their courage compells me
And when I'm weary and overwrought
with so many battles left unfought

I think of Paul and Silas in the prison yard
I hear their song of freedom rising to the stars

I see the shepherd Moses in the Pharohs court
I hear his call for freedom for the people of the Lord

And when the Saints go marching in
I want to be one of them
And when the Saints go marching in
I want to be one of them

I see the long quiet walk along the Underground Railroad
I see the slave awakening to the value of her soul

I see the young missionary and the angry spear
I see his family returning with no trace of fear

I see the long hard shadows of Calcutta nights
I see the sisters standing by the dying man's side

I see the young girl huddled on the brothel floor
I see the man with a passion come and kicking down the door

I see the man of sorrows and his long troubled road
I see the world on his shoulders and my easy load

And when the Saints go marching in
I want to be one of them
and when the Saints go marching in
I want to be one of them
I want to be one of them
I want to be one of them
I want to be one of them

That's My Kid!

Today my husband and I went on a date! A real, live, ended with ice cream cones kind of date. We spent an entire five hours of kid free togetherness! Of course, 75% of the time we talked about the kids...

My parents were so kind to watch the boys while we went out. My mom kept our youngest at home and my dad took my oldest to a boys/girls (elementary age) Saturday morning basketball game! Apparently, they stayed for quite a few games and my son was really into it. He loves sports of any kind and can get very wrapped up...

Well, about halfway into the girl's game, one of the players got a hold of the ball and was quickly coming down to the other basket for the score. Bubby jumped up out of the bleachers and dove onto the court, threw up his hands and tried to 'guard' the fast breaking player. The ref blew the whistle to avoid my son from getting trampled and then escorted him back to grandpa!

Yep, that's my kid!

Taste and See

Yesterday we celebrated my husband's birthday. I love birthdays! I like to decorate with streamers, balloons,party hats, annoying bazooka blowers, and other crazy random decor. The wilder, the better. Every year I make my husband wear a large prize ribbon badge that states "Birthday Boy". I love to make a huge dinner, sing ridiculous songs, and capture every moment on film. You may think you are turning 40, but all the dinner guests believe they have arrived to the party of a 4 year old.

Last night was no different...with one exception, okay two... I have a cold and we had to un-invite the party goers. I am missing two very important senses- taste and smell. Lets just say that cooking was a complete challenge. I didn't realize that I use these so much when I'm working in the kitchen! It was indeed a blessing that I purchased the lasagna and french bread already prepared from the store. All I had to make was the cake and ice cream. That's not so hard, right? Oh mylanta...


First, you have to include all ingredients. Strike one. Didn't have any white sugar. If anyone told you there is not difference between white and brown- don't believe them!

Next, I should have known there was a problem when my four year old asked why I hadn't stacked the layers on the cake. (I had). Strike two. They just didn't rise more than 1 inch each. So here we have a beautiful two inch thick cake. Grrrr.

Lastly, my husband cut into the cake after the traditional birthday melody. He cut again. Then grunted. Strike three. Too hard to cut into. It's a shame nobody bought the man a saw- it might have come in handy.

Well, at least the ice cream was good! I tossed the cake after it was apparent that we were all to "full" for seconds.

This morning I've made my second attempt- with a different recipe and oh- did I mention? Sugar.

Life in Christ

Today, January 22nd, is the 35th anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision in which abortion was deemed a legal practice. My heart truly aches for all those children who will never know the sweetness of life or taking their first breath.

My friend, Christina, wrote a beautiful post regarding the body of Christ. I encourage you all to read it and be blessed as we consider our life and breath in Him, our Creator God.

For more information from a Biblical perspective regarding planned parenthood's history and philosophy, please click here.

Just Keeping Tracking... in 2008

As I sat down to prepare for bed last night I was reminded of my 'miles' sidebar that hasn't grown any in the past week. Our family has been sick with the stomach flu, respiratory flu, sinus infections, bronchitis, ear infections, and the plain old cold for the past month. (Yes, I know... you are wondering how you too could contract this and are feeling the urgency to visit.)

Well, as I began thinking about the miles, my mind began to wander. It could have been the cough medicine, but we'll chalk it up to "spiritual reflection". What if we started keeping track of lots of other areas in our life...including all things related to our personal relationship with Christ. Granted, I wouldn't dare compare it side by side with say 'exercising' or 'reading' or 'shopping'. It is interesting, however, to see how our daily time would be spent.

I am reminded as I read Galatians 2 this morning that we are justified through Christ Jesus and not through the law. There is nothing inherently or salvifically wrong with enjoying the pleasures of life, but has it become our focus? Have the things that satisfy the flesh become the primary rule or the exception?

Let us take the challenge to do a little internal inspection. If we were to keep a sidebar like the one below... what would it say?



Just Keeping Track in 2008

Study in the Word/ Prayer/ Evangelism: 0.0

Personal Entertainment/ TV: 0.0

A Homeschool Family

Please Pause Songspot in the sidebar before watching video!

Jelly-O

Okay, so this idea's totally unconventional, but completely yummy! The boys and I wanted peanut butter and jelly sandwiches yesterday, but had no jelly. I rummaged the freezer for my frozen berries and tossed them in to boil. Unfortunately, I didn't have any canning supplies on hand. Not wanting to have runny pb & j sandwiches...we improvised. I found a box of jell-o (margherita lime was all the pantry held- I'd encourage another flavor if at all possible) and in it went! A little fridge time later...voila! We have jelly-o!

Bill Cosby would be proud...or confused.

Recipe:

2 cups fruit sweetened *(boiled down)
2 Tbsp water
1/2 package jell-o

*If the fruit isn't sweetened- add 1/4 cup sugar or 2 tbsp honey (the jell-o has plenty of sugar already in it- so sweetener isn't completely necessary)



Stir all ingredients and place in fridge for cooling. Enjoy!

Celebrating Life

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those who are perishing."

Proverbs 31:8

Back when I was in high school and especially in college, I considered myself quite the pro-life advocate. I jumped at every chance I had to debate the topic and pursue the issue of celebrating life. Most of my term papers included the discussion of human rights, speeches in speech class were all about life...to say the least, my fellow classmates knew where I stood.

After graduation I continued working in the Ob/Gyn office that I had interned for during my college years. I have always loved the idea of pregnancy, even as a little girl and knew that my career would surround it. I was in the (mostly) ideal office setting- a private practice with a pro-life doctor at the helm. It wasn't, however, as easy as all that. Obstetrics and gynecology are just that: all inclusive women's health. Just because the view of the practice were a 'life-centered' one, didn't mean that our patients felt or lived that same way.

I still remember the first time that I received 'the' call. A patients' husband called with news that they were pregnant, but due to bad timing they would like to proceed with an abortion. I immediately and kindly responded that our office did not practice elective abortions and he would need to search the yellow pages for a practitioner of his choice. And then hung up. I was stunned. A husband was calling. A husband. And I had referred them to the yellow pages. Just months earlier I would have lovingly counseled about the sanctity of life. I was disgusted, both at myself and the caller.

I worked at this practice for five years and every day inundated by immorality, preposterous ethics, and blatant disregard for the 'temple' as God created it. In time I found my boldness again to confront as the situation warranted it. The problem, however, was that I was no longer a concerned citizen or classmate, but rather an employee of the system that faces liability and lawsuits.

One patient, in particular, will always stand out to me. (I still believe this was a divine appointment from the Lord.) She was living in an abusive marriage and found out she was expecting. She was elated, always wanting a child (in her late 30's at this point), but her husband was outraged. He demanded she abort the baby immediately. She came into my office in tears and shared the details of her tragedy. She was an obedient wife and told me through her tears that she has made the appointment for the termination.

After obtaining consent (oh, where have all the good old days gone...thank you HIPPA) I began to pray with her and plead for the Lord to intervene in this situation. Mind you, this was not a Christian woman, but rather a Hindu who had rarely if never heard the name of Christ. I had the opportunity to share the Word with her that day as well. Her hearts' desire was to have this baby, no matter the cost.

She called me a few days later at the office because her husband had verbally and physically abused her when she told him that she hadn't gone through with the abortion. We prayed together again and I began searching for safe houses for her to stay at. She was able to get away for a short time, but due to the pressure of her husband, returned just a week later to him. She, however, held strong to her conviction and continued in the pregnancy.

Every other day we talked. She cried endless tears. I prayed. Day after day I reminded her why she was enduring this pain- because of the life of her child. I encouraged her to return to the safe house, but she refused. Her husband had flown her in-laws in to keep watch over her and she had to sneak away just to make the phone calls to our office.

After months of verbal and physical abuse, a precious little baby girl was born. Beautiful and innocent of everything that her mother went through for her birth. Her celebration of life.

Mama decided to name baby girl after me (middle name). We both had tears in our eyes the first time I held the baby. She hugged me and whispered that her little one was here today because I was brave enough (through Christ) to speak up that day many months ago.




Friends, have we lost our voices? Have we become so consumed with our daily lives that we are forgetting those who have no voice? I pray that this new year, we will remember to evangelize those in this lost and dying world who do not know Christ. Let us pray that their hearts would be changed and their minds would be renewed to know and celebrate the truth of a new life in Christ.


*January 22nd is the anniversary of Roe V Wade. Get out and speak up!

Pick Me! Pick Me!

I was referred to this site: http://www.heartofthematteronline.com for a homeschooling giveaway package! Please refer to the January 9th posting for all the juicy details!

Per the entrance instructions, I would like to refer back to a post regarding my affection for homeschooling... (click here). And...like so many others, this would be a perfect package to kick start our new year and new start for 2008!

So, "Heart of the Matter"... Pick Me! Pick Me!

Yearly Menu Plan

Just wanted to pop on long enough to let you know that I've created my first monthly menu! It is broken down by week and is accompanied by the budgeted food shopping list of $100 weekly. (or less- depending on your use of the "extras"- ie: desserts, side dishes, etc.) This allows you to print off one sheet of meals to use for the entire year!! (Yes, I said year!) Simply start at the top menu at the inception of each new month! With the exception of breakfast, there are no meal repeats on the entire menu! If you would like a copy of either the plan or the grocery list, please email me with your return (email) address and I will send you via word document. I will send by the end of next week.

Blessings my friends!

Angel