My blog homepage has not been working for a while now, but we have life now! So, on with the update...
There are many times in a mamma's life when she is so proud of her kids, but few times when her heart gleams with pride and joy for them. I had one of those moments last week. Gis had gone down the street to ride her bike with a few other little girls. Their mom was down there watching them and when I went and picked Gia up she told me she asked Gia what her favorite thing to do was and she said reading the Bible. *Awesome* Then she asked her what her second favorite thing to do was. She said praying. *Double Awesome* I was so proud to hear my little girl's answers that my cup runneth over! She is definitely a bold little girl and I can't wait to see what Jesus does in her life.
On another note, JT took Jerry to go see the Monster Jam monster truck show this past weekend. JT won free tickets to the show. Here's how...(another proud moment). JT was on a field trip with the school and they went to a college fair type thing at a tech school. Well, because the monster truck show was in town, they had grave digger out there and like a whole set up. They ended up doing a spin off of American Idol or something. They needed one more person and all the kids yelled for JT to go up there. He was not sure, because if they asked him to do a secular song he would have had to say no and it would have been real awkward. Come to find out, they told him he could sing whatever song he wants. When it was his turn, he sang, "What can wash away my sins, Nothing but the blood of Jesus" How amazing! After he was done the DJ said, "That is the first time I ever heard that one." LOL! Guess what? HE WON!!! It's pretty cool how God works.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
What are you working for?
I have been wanting to blog about this for quite some time now. Several ladies have talked to me about their convictions and my thoughts on it, what the Bible says, etc. Then I got to thinking, if this handful of ladies at separate times have come to me with questions about it, certainly there are many more handfuls not going to anyone about it. I have even sought counsel on it myself and did Bible studies on it to find out the truth. I came to realize that the Bible holds many more answers we seem to give it credit for...we just have to open it and open our hearts and minds to what it is telling us.
The topic is women working. Should women work outside the home? Here's what the Bible says. Just a disclaimer, most of this is not my own words, this is through Bible study and through a pastor that helped me with the answers I was looking for.
There are some that would teach that women should not work at all outside of the home. However, if you follow the Biblical evidence available to you a much clearer picture is presented.
Women are mentioned throughout the Bible as working outside the home to benefit the home (not for personal ambition or gain but out of necessity). Lydia Acts 16:14; Ruth in Ruth 2:2-3.
Notice the Proverbs 31 woman:
- Her job is within the home (V.13-19, 24)
1. Notice here that this woman is a worker, she helps to support the home by working outside of it
2. But also notice it’s not at the expense of her children and motherly duties
3. What God is trying to tell us here is that, if the mother needs, not wants, to work than that’s fine, but her job should allow her to continue to perform what He requires of her in the home. A woman’s first responsibility is at home.
• 1 Timothy 5:14 “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house”
• Titus 2:5 “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home"
Also if her work is a hindrance in any way to the other traits seen within this chapter it would be more beneficial for the family to quit rather than see your marriage or children damaged or possibly even destroyed simply for the money. A woman’s first priority must be to God, then to her family, with work coming a distant last. The other very important traits that directly effect a woman’s ability (because these traits should be seen before working outside the home is even considered) to work outside the home are:
• Virtuous (V.10) Virtue isn’t just moral goodness it’s strength. It’s a woman who not just knows what to stand for but is able to stand without wavering
• Has the heart of her husband (V.11-12) The heart is talking about that the very center of a man’s being is solely dedicated to her. Not just because he has feelings for her but because he loves who she is as a godly woman
• She is compassionate (V.20) To have compassion on someone means that you suffer with them. This woman sees those around her in need and helps them were she can
• She is a planner (V.21) Notice her life is very structured she sees what will be needed and plans to have that need met
• She is a provider (V.22) She provides the best she can for her family and herself
• She always speaks well of her husband (V.23) This women never speaks ill of her husband to anyone that doesn’t need to know. She does not flaunt his faults but edifies his strength’s
• She portrays great attributes (V.25) Her good attributes are so visible on her that it is as obvious when you see here as the clothes she wears
• She chooses her words wisely and kindly (V.26) This is one of those think before you speak scenarios.
• She is always busy with her family (V.27) We all know that running a household is a full time job. Job- A piece of work; anything to be done, whether of more or less importance. A lot of women look at running a household as little work demeaning but if it is a job that the Lord has given you, no matter how small you might think it is, it’s important to Him
• Her children adore her (V.28) This is the results of a woman who is faithfully serving the family. You may think that your work goes unnoticed, but in the end those you serve will praise you always for the sacrifices you make for them
• She is not concerned with being popular or pretty (V.30a) These are two areas that most women feel inadequate in, but it is two areas that are of the absolute least importance. There is too much emphasis in our society on some specified way to look and on social status. God cares nothing for either of these things
• She fears the Lord (V.30b) this is the key to this woman. This is really the motivation behind this woman’s service and life. If you want to know why she chooses to stay at home rather than go and get a full time job this is it. If you want to know why she does the same laundry, the same dishes, over and over again this is it. It’s the side of fear that is an act of reverence to God. She does it out of love for God not love for her family. It’s because she loves Him first that she has enough love for her family to serve them in such a great capacity.
For anyone who has been in the work force, they know how easily these attributes can be stomped out through gossip, being too tired to fulfill obligations at home, missing out on child rearing, vain attempts to keep up socially with other at work, etc., etc.
If all of these attributes can be found in a woman, and the financial situation of the home necessitates it, there is no reason that a woman cannot work outside of the home. However, if you chose rather to step outside of His will for your life, do not expect everything to be easier. In fact what I have seen is the exact opposite, and that is a strained relationship with her husband and with her children. So before a decision is made be sure that you are ready and that God wants you to take that step.
***The question I had to ask myself is, why do I want to work? Money, success, to get out of the house, I can't handle the kids, what is the reason?
My husband just recently just got out of the Marine Corps to go work full time at our church. We knew God was calling Him into the ministry, so when his contract was up, we knew it was time to get out and let God work in our lives. However, with that change came other changes. He was a Staff Sergeant and got a pretty good paycheck, our pay decreased to a fraction of what he was making in the world. I'm not going to lie, I was scared at first and that is where these questions came for me. I didn't want to buckle to this fear, so I sought out answers and found them. God will sustain us. Me going out to the workforce would only pull me away from what God has given me to do first and foremost. I was more worried about money and what we were going to do then what God had in store. So, we said, "We trust you God" and I did not go to work outside the home. I didn't want any financial gain and I did not want to step outside of God's will for my life and cause my home to suffer. People looked at us like we were crazy.
Matthew 6:24 says, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Every time I look at my children, I could not imagine not being with them everyday and seeing the funny and new things that come with every day of their lives. That is enough for me. Every time my husband comes home and I can serve him a warm meal after work and he is so appreciative. That is enough for me. Every time I am available to help someone out because I am home during the day. That is enough for me. Picking my children up from school and going to class parties. That is enough for me. His grace is sufficient.
I was challenged with the question, "Do you NEED to work?" You may have to give up a few amenities, but can you make it without working? Who or what are you putting your trust and comfort in? I thought at one point I needed to, but then we started to empty out all the "extras" and realized I didn't.
I know this Bible study challenged my heart and I pray it does your, as well.
The topic is women working. Should women work outside the home? Here's what the Bible says. Just a disclaimer, most of this is not my own words, this is through Bible study and through a pastor that helped me with the answers I was looking for.
There are some that would teach that women should not work at all outside of the home. However, if you follow the Biblical evidence available to you a much clearer picture is presented.
Women are mentioned throughout the Bible as working outside the home to benefit the home (not for personal ambition or gain but out of necessity). Lydia Acts 16:14; Ruth in Ruth 2:2-3.
Notice the Proverbs 31 woman:
- Her job is within the home (V.13-19, 24)
1. Notice here that this woman is a worker, she helps to support the home by working outside of it
2. But also notice it’s not at the expense of her children and motherly duties
3. What God is trying to tell us here is that, if the mother needs, not wants, to work than that’s fine, but her job should allow her to continue to perform what He requires of her in the home. A woman’s first responsibility is at home.
• 1 Timothy 5:14 “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house”
• Titus 2:5 “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home"
Also if her work is a hindrance in any way to the other traits seen within this chapter it would be more beneficial for the family to quit rather than see your marriage or children damaged or possibly even destroyed simply for the money. A woman’s first priority must be to God, then to her family, with work coming a distant last. The other very important traits that directly effect a woman’s ability (because these traits should be seen before working outside the home is even considered) to work outside the home are:
• Virtuous (V.10) Virtue isn’t just moral goodness it’s strength. It’s a woman who not just knows what to stand for but is able to stand without wavering
• Has the heart of her husband (V.11-12) The heart is talking about that the very center of a man’s being is solely dedicated to her. Not just because he has feelings for her but because he loves who she is as a godly woman
• She is compassionate (V.20) To have compassion on someone means that you suffer with them. This woman sees those around her in need and helps them were she can
• She is a planner (V.21) Notice her life is very structured she sees what will be needed and plans to have that need met
• She is a provider (V.22) She provides the best she can for her family and herself
• She always speaks well of her husband (V.23) This women never speaks ill of her husband to anyone that doesn’t need to know. She does not flaunt his faults but edifies his strength’s
• She portrays great attributes (V.25) Her good attributes are so visible on her that it is as obvious when you see here as the clothes she wears
• She chooses her words wisely and kindly (V.26) This is one of those think before you speak scenarios.
• She is always busy with her family (V.27) We all know that running a household is a full time job. Job- A piece of work; anything to be done, whether of more or less importance. A lot of women look at running a household as little work demeaning but if it is a job that the Lord has given you, no matter how small you might think it is, it’s important to Him
• Her children adore her (V.28) This is the results of a woman who is faithfully serving the family. You may think that your work goes unnoticed, but in the end those you serve will praise you always for the sacrifices you make for them
• She is not concerned with being popular or pretty (V.30a) These are two areas that most women feel inadequate in, but it is two areas that are of the absolute least importance. There is too much emphasis in our society on some specified way to look and on social status. God cares nothing for either of these things
• She fears the Lord (V.30b) this is the key to this woman. This is really the motivation behind this woman’s service and life. If you want to know why she chooses to stay at home rather than go and get a full time job this is it. If you want to know why she does the same laundry, the same dishes, over and over again this is it. It’s the side of fear that is an act of reverence to God. She does it out of love for God not love for her family. It’s because she loves Him first that she has enough love for her family to serve them in such a great capacity.
For anyone who has been in the work force, they know how easily these attributes can be stomped out through gossip, being too tired to fulfill obligations at home, missing out on child rearing, vain attempts to keep up socially with other at work, etc., etc.
If all of these attributes can be found in a woman, and the financial situation of the home necessitates it, there is no reason that a woman cannot work outside of the home. However, if you chose rather to step outside of His will for your life, do not expect everything to be easier. In fact what I have seen is the exact opposite, and that is a strained relationship with her husband and with her children. So before a decision is made be sure that you are ready and that God wants you to take that step.
***The question I had to ask myself is, why do I want to work? Money, success, to get out of the house, I can't handle the kids, what is the reason?
My husband just recently just got out of the Marine Corps to go work full time at our church. We knew God was calling Him into the ministry, so when his contract was up, we knew it was time to get out and let God work in our lives. However, with that change came other changes. He was a Staff Sergeant and got a pretty good paycheck, our pay decreased to a fraction of what he was making in the world. I'm not going to lie, I was scared at first and that is where these questions came for me. I didn't want to buckle to this fear, so I sought out answers and found them. God will sustain us. Me going out to the workforce would only pull me away from what God has given me to do first and foremost. I was more worried about money and what we were going to do then what God had in store. So, we said, "We trust you God" and I did not go to work outside the home. I didn't want any financial gain and I did not want to step outside of God's will for my life and cause my home to suffer. People looked at us like we were crazy.
Matthew 6:24 says, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."
Every time I look at my children, I could not imagine not being with them everyday and seeing the funny and new things that come with every day of their lives. That is enough for me. Every time my husband comes home and I can serve him a warm meal after work and he is so appreciative. That is enough for me. Every time I am available to help someone out because I am home during the day. That is enough for me. Picking my children up from school and going to class parties. That is enough for me. His grace is sufficient.
I was challenged with the question, "Do you NEED to work?" You may have to give up a few amenities, but can you make it without working? Who or what are you putting your trust and comfort in? I thought at one point I needed to, but then we started to empty out all the "extras" and realized I didn't.
I know this Bible study challenged my heart and I pray it does your, as well.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Things I do in the name of love
I love my husband very much. I enjoy cooking for him and making him happy. I like his approval of my meals. I have made some very interesting things. I have attempted meals that I know he likes, some good, others failures.
Yesterday's meal takes the cake (no pun intended). JT has a new found love and it comes in the form of a meal. He has been introduced to and now LOVES fried chicken and waffles. So, after much coercing, he talked me into making it for him. I tried it before and DO NOT like it. I am not much a sweet savory type of person (JT is) and I didn't enjoy maple syrup (which coincidentally comes from a maple tree) atop my fried chicken. But I made it for him. I just ate the chicken, though.
Jerry loved it the way JT does...waffles, chicken, syrup, powder sugar. Gia ate them separately. Sophia just ate the chicken, too. I had to document this day, because never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I would make a complete meal for my family out of fried chicken and waffles.
Yesterday's meal takes the cake (no pun intended). JT has a new found love and it comes in the form of a meal. He has been introduced to and now LOVES fried chicken and waffles. So, after much coercing, he talked me into making it for him. I tried it before and DO NOT like it. I am not much a sweet savory type of person (JT is) and I didn't enjoy maple syrup (which coincidentally comes from a maple tree) atop my fried chicken. But I made it for him. I just ate the chicken, though.
Jerry loved it the way JT does...waffles, chicken, syrup, powder sugar. Gia ate them separately. Sophia just ate the chicken, too. I had to document this day, because never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that I would make a complete meal for my family out of fried chicken and waffles.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Whatcha Eating? Wednesday
Today's recipe is one of my favorites! It is from the Cooking Light Chicken recipe book again. My kids don't eat it, because of the black beans, so I usually make them cheese quesadillas and JT and I enjoy it!
Cuban Chicken Pizza
4 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas
1 (11-ounce) can no salt-added whole-kernel corn, drained
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 cups diced roasted chicken breast
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers
4 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
Preheat oven to 350°.
Place flour tortillas on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until edges are light brown. Remove from the oven; stack and press down to flatten. Set aside.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; coat pan with cooking spray. Add corn to pan, and cook 1 minute or until lightly charred. Add cumin seeds; cook 5 seconds, stirring constantly. Add chicken, black beans, and garlic; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in lime juice.
Place tortillas on baking sheet. Spoon 3/4 cup bean mixture onto each tortilla; top each with 3 tablespoons of cheese. Bake at 350° for 2 minutes or until the cheese melts. Sprinkle each pizza with 1 teaspoon cilantro.
Cuban Chicken Pizza
4 (8-inch) fat-free flour tortillas
1 (11-ounce) can no salt-added whole-kernel corn, drained
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 cups diced roasted chicken breast
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers
4 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
Preheat oven to 350°.
Place flour tortillas on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until edges are light brown. Remove from the oven; stack and press down to flatten. Set aside.
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat; coat pan with cooking spray. Add corn to pan, and cook 1 minute or until lightly charred. Add cumin seeds; cook 5 seconds, stirring constantly. Add chicken, black beans, and garlic; cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat; stir in lime juice.
Place tortillas on baking sheet. Spoon 3/4 cup bean mixture onto each tortilla; top each with 3 tablespoons of cheese. Bake at 350° for 2 minutes or until the cheese melts. Sprinkle each pizza with 1 teaspoon cilantro.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Pillowcase Dress and Crayon Roll
Today, I attempted a pillow case dress...made from a literal pillow case. It turned out so cute and Sophia loved it and danced around in it.
Then the crayon roll, I found on a website called Skip to My Lou http://www.skiptomylou.org/. It is basically just a crayon holder that rolls up. It will be nice to bring to waiting rooms and much cuter than a box. :-) This attempt was not perfect AT ALL, but it is a start.
Pillowcase: Before
Pillowcase: After
Matching hair bow with leftover fabric.
Sophia loving it!
Then the crayon roll, I found on a website called Skip to My Lou http://www.skiptomylou.org/. It is basically just a crayon holder that rolls up. It will be nice to bring to waiting rooms and much cuter than a box. :-) This attempt was not perfect AT ALL, but it is a start.
Unrolled
Rolled and tied and ready to go.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Whatcha Eating? Wednesday
What's that?...Thursday?...No, it is Wednesday...no...you're crazy....let's just move on....
Ok, this recipe is not really a "recipe" per se. I have been making it for a while and made it last night so thought I'd share it. I have used store bought crust and made my own. My mom and brother both have really good pizza crust recipes I've used. Like I said, this is not a recipe, so there is no measurements, you can adjust to your liking.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
1 pizza crust
Bell pepper
Onion
Minced garlic
BBQ sauce
Cheese (Mozzarella, cheddar, or combination is good)
Chop chicken into bite size pieces, salt and pepper. I saute it up in a pan real quick with a little olive oil. Saute minced bell pepper, onion, and garlic, salt and pepper with some olive oil. Spread BBQ sauce on pizza crust. Add cheese. Add toppings. Cook according to pizza crust directions. YUMMY! You can defintely make this healthier by using a thin crust, whole wheat crust, a healthier BBQ sauce, and light cheese.
Ok, this recipe is not really a "recipe" per se. I have been making it for a while and made it last night so thought I'd share it. I have used store bought crust and made my own. My mom and brother both have really good pizza crust recipes I've used. Like I said, this is not a recipe, so there is no measurements, you can adjust to your liking.
BBQ Chicken Pizza
1 pizza crust
Bell pepper
Onion
Minced garlic
BBQ sauce
Cheese (Mozzarella, cheddar, or combination is good)
Chop chicken into bite size pieces, salt and pepper. I saute it up in a pan real quick with a little olive oil. Saute minced bell pepper, onion, and garlic, salt and pepper with some olive oil. Spread BBQ sauce on pizza crust. Add cheese. Add toppings. Cook according to pizza crust directions. YUMMY! You can defintely make this healthier by using a thin crust, whole wheat crust, a healthier BBQ sauce, and light cheese.
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