Wordless Wednesday ~ Weekend Fun!

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:3-4

Thursday Thankfulness ~ Just a little reminder

You know, the majority of humanity is very selfish. Face it, especially in America, people are looking out for number one most of the time. So, that said, one can become very skeptical of people who do 'nice things' or who act 'too nice'. Trust me on this one. Holding the door for a stranger must cause a second head to grow . . . or at least that's how people look at me anyway.

I have become accustomed to strange looks as it is my second nature to be kind to others. That being said, it's not often that I run into others who share my 'put others before self' mentality . . . at least not out of my circle of friends. Sure my friends are great and think similarly, but strangers usually do not.

Angel and I were walking to check the mail the other day and we ran into a new 'neighbor'. (We live in an apt complex, so neighbor is a relative term) He had a French Bulldog who was just dying to check us out! We stopped chatted for a bit about both of us being new to the complex and he mentioned something about Craigslist and needing furniture. We just bought a new dining set and still had the old table . . . just waiting for someone to bless with it. I mentioned it and he said he had a few other leads to check into first, but if they fell through he would be delighted to have the table.

Long story short, he came and knocked on our door to say that he would indeed need the table after all. We helped him load it in his car and learned that he and his mother just moved here from Florida. We said our farewells, thank yous and you're welcomes and we all went about our evening.

I thought that would be the end of it.

I was wrong.

While doing something in my bedroom yesterday, I heard a knock at the door. Now we still don't know a whole lot of people here yet, so I had no idea who it could be. I got to the door in time to see this 'new neighbor' walking away with his dog. Strange. Fast forward a couple of hours and I'm taking out the trash. I open the door and I'm surprised by a plant on my front stoop with a note attached.

What I saw when I opened the door

The note

Needless to say I was quite surprised. Why? Why was I surprised by the kindness of a stranger? Should I be? God ever-so-gently reminded me that He shows His love and kindness in some of the most unexpected places . . . just like He does through me. Don't be so surprised next time someone does something unexpectedly nice for you. Accept it as God showing you His love. Sometimes we all need a tangible reminder.

Thanks God . . .

This is a pic with my real camera not my phone...aren't they gorgeous?

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Wordless Wednesday ~ What does it mean to you?

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Thoughtful Tuesday ~ Something So Small

You know, sometimes I wonder how something so small can have such a great impact on things. Take an earthquake for example. It all starts as a small shift in the plates of the earth's crust and ends with massive destruction like we've seen recently in Japan.

Or take a neck cramp (because I happen to have one right now) for example. I just happened to move the wrong way and now any time I move I am in excruciating pain. Heck, sitting hurts! But it was just a small movement!

What does the Bible have to say about 'little things'? Well, in the book of James it talks about something along these lines.

Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:4-6

Basically, to me, this says that everything we do has an effect on something! Whether we want it to or not. So, we should watch those 'little things' that don't seem to matter . . . because they do. They matter more than you know.

Think about it . . .

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sleepovers are tiring

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

Monday Meditations ~ Family

I'm pretty sure you all realize how very important family is. I know I do. I don't want to take one minute I have with them for granted.

Which is why my posts this week may be sporadic, at best. My girlies are on spring break this week and, well, I'm busy spending as much time with them as I can. I'll do my best to get a few pics of our fun up, but I hope you understand if I don't. :)

"then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10,12

Foodie Friday ~ Sandwich Bread

I am trying to rely less and less on the grocery store for things that I can make at home. Like bread. Especially since they just shut down the Mrs. Baird's Thrift Store here in town. That is where I would buy my bread several loaves at a time and freeze them. When you can get a loaf of name brand (good) bread cheaper than the store brand, why wouldn't you? My hubby isn't happy about them closing the store because that's his favorite bread...and the only way it's gonna make it into this house...LOL!

Anyhow, I've been wanting to try to make my own sandwich bread for a while now. I've dabbled in baking rolls and specialty breads, but not every day sandwich bread...until this week that is. I pretty much followed this recipe. The Frugal Girl is a veteran baker, so I fully trust her recipes! I subbed some of the white flour with wheat flour and it turned out pretty good! I think my yeast is getting old, but I really don't want to throw out half a jar, so I'm trying to use it up. :)

We had grilled cheese sandwiches made with this bread for dinner on Tuesday and the whole family liked it! I will definitely continue to play with the recipe to find the way my family prefers. Hope you guys enjoy! And don't forget to check out The Frugal Girl...she has tons of great recipes and lots of other great tips!!

Not bad for my first try! It's tasty!

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9

Thursday Thankfulness ~ Muscle Soreness

Yeah, you read that right. I'm thankful for muscle soreness. Why? Well, I just started Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred again and well, it's kicking my butt. But all these sore muscles means that I have the ability to exercise...I can still move my body. That's nothing to laugh at! I could lose it all tomorrow.

But I haven't yet, and for that, I am thankful!

Thanks God...

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect 1 Peter 3:15

Wordless Wednesday ~ Still Tastes Good

“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” – Genesis 3:4-5

Thoughtful Tuesday ~ Mountain vs. Molehill

How many times do we make something of nothing? I know I do . . . and often. Now, I'm not really a worrier about most things, but I tend to have thoughts about worst case scenarios when it comes to my kids. Not sure if I just fear failing them or what. Either way, I hate it . . . it sucks!

Since the move, my Angel has had some behavior issues at school. I know, in the beginning, most of this was a result of the move. She's only 7 and basically had her world turned upside down . . . and her personality doesn't tolerate change very well. So I expected some issues.

Here we are over halfway through the year and she's still coming home almost every week with conduct cuts. (misbehavior) Ok, well, I can't be there the whole day, so I don't know what's going on. Is she really being as bad as it seems? Everyone else (friends, people at church) tells me she's always well behaved and is very sweet . . . basically the opposite of what I'm getting from school. What!?!? She spends 7 hours a day there . . . and I am not ok with her misbehaving there.

What to do? We've punished her, talked to her about it, tried rewards, and still nothing. Finally I got fed up and scheduled a conference, if for nothing else than to see how bad her behavior actually is. Well, that was this morning and, well, apparently I was making a mountain out of a molehill, because the teacher doesn't seem concerned at all. Um ok? Well, I guess we'll just trudge along through the rest of the year and pray for a better personality match for next year.

Such is life, right? :)


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Monday Meditations ~ Jesus' Words

Right now, I'm rereading the book of John. I love the gospels because we get to read so many of Jesus' actual words that He spoke while here on earth. That's pretty amazing.

Anyhow, I love how simple, yet profound His words are. Today, we Christians tend to try and complicate the Gospel, when in all actuality, Jesus made it very simple. "Come follow me." "Go back home, your son will live." "This is the only work God wants from you. Believe in the One he has sent."

Some of His other messages are more wordy, but still with a simple concept: Love Me, Love God, Love others. It couldn't get much easier than that. Why do we make it so difficult? Why do we try to pray these ridiculously long prayers when He tells us exactly how to pray? Why do we try to do life on our own instead of leaning on Him?

My prayer for myself is that I get back to the basics with God . . . to try and uncomplicate my relationship with Him.

Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” Luke 10:26-28

Thursday Thankfulness ~ Blessings

This may sound completely cliche, but I don't care. I am so incredibly blessed by all of the blessings God has chosen to bestow on me and my family. We have some amazing friends, an awesome church family and a family that is beyond anything we deserve. All these things are what I am thankful for today.

Thanks God . . .

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Wordless Wednesday ~ He's Not a Reader . . .

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:25-26

Thoughtful Tuesday ~ Seriously?

Ok, so this post isn't going to be very . . . um . . . well, you be the judge.

I know that when people choose to live a public lifestyle, they are inviting all kinds of stuff into their lives. Stuff like fans, fan mail, critics, hate mail . . . just to name a few. I also know there are people out there I like to call drama magnets. You know them. The ones who, if they can't find any drama to smear all over, they will create some. Yeah, those. I'm not one of them, so I don't really understand the logic behind their thinking.

Ok, take a public figure like, say, Kate Gosselin. I'm not a huge fan of some of the choices she's made, but hey, it's her life, not mine! I began to follow her blog for a while because I thought it was interesting. I mean come on, she's got 8 kids. Nothing is normal with that many people! I also followed it because it kinda gave a glimpse into her human-ness. Sometimes we forget that others are human just like we are.

Anyway, on several of her blog posts, people would talk all kinds of trash! I mean stuff that wasn't even on topic with the blog. It's like they just wanted the whole world to know how much they hated her. Really!?! Can anyone explain this to me? No really, can you? It makes no sense to me. Me personally, when I dislike something, I tend to stay away from it. Um, duh. If something causes dis-ease within me, why would I continue to subject myself to it?

Well, there are a few blogs that I follow now that I love to read. Do I agree with everything the author posts . . . uh, no. But am I going to make sure they (and the rest of the world) know how much I loathe them and the things they write about? Um, no. I would rather stop reading all together and save myself the torture. Wouldn't you? (I'm not saying that I loathe anyone's blog or any person for that matter! It's just a 'for example' kind of thing.)

I would love to hear what you think. But know this, if there are ever any comments posted that I find derogatory (non-constructive) or disparaging in any way, I will NOT approve them. What's the point?

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7