FINALLY...A Slow Week & An EASY Menu

We haven't a slow paced week in quite a while ~~ so since we do I made the menu to be nice and easy too.

MONDAY ~~~~~~~~ Chili and cornbread
TUESDAY ~~~~~~~~ Chili dogs, fruit & veggies
WEDNESDAY ~~~~~ Bacon Sloppy Joes and salad ( a family favorite)
THURSDAY ~~~~~~ Chicken Parmesan and Brocolli
FRIDAY ~~~~~~~~~ Cheddar Chicken spaghetti & French bread (my new recipe for the week)
SATURDAY ~~~~~~ Marinated pork chops, stuffing, and corn on the cob
SUNDAY ~~~~~~~~ Sausage gravy and biscuits

Anyone else want to share their menu for the week????

One of My Favorite Rooms.....

I love my home, I truly do!! Over the years sense we built it we have slowly been remodeling it room by room. Remodeling is something that my wonderful husband absolutely LOVES to do. I love to outcome, but am not a big fan of the overall process and mess that goes along with it.

My favorite room in the house has not been remodeled yet - it will probably be the last one we do. That room is the kitchen. I LOVE to cook. I love hanging out in the kitchen cooking while the kids sit at the counter working on school or visiting with friends. It is probably one of my favorite things to do.

Last night Jeff and I started talking about how I would want to remodel it, once we get to that point. Then we got on the computer and started looking at kitchens. Here is the one I liked the best:I love the layout, the openness, all the work space, and the lighting!!! What is really great is that this type of design and layout will work in our home. So, I think I have discovered my dream kitchen!!!

How about you? What is your favorite room in the house - and why??

I Have It All!!!!

"That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:17

I was thinking this morning about just how Great our God truly is!! According to 2 Timothy, He has "thoroughly furnished" us with everything we need to do good works. We are lacking in NOTHING when it comes to our ability to serve the Lord. Then I started thinking…just what has He given each of us to make us so fully equipped? HE GAVE US HIS SON AND THE LIVING WORD OF GOD!!!

Look at 2 Timothy 3:16…”All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

God has given us ALL SCRIPTURE!! When we hide God’s Word in our hearts we will be "perfect" and prepared unto every good work. How exciting is that?!?!?

Ladies, we (speaking to myself especially here) have no excuse for NOT doing the work of God. We are prepared for it already, and quite able to do it, according to Gods Word. All it takes is taking God’s Word and applying it to our lives – I know we can do this ~~ and even more importantly, so does God!

Look what these verses tell us…ALL scripture is given by...God. He is the Giver, and the Provider, and the One who gives us the power to do His work! He never commands us to do what He does not already prepare us to do! He tells us to do good, but He also makes it easy for us to do it by giving us the "tools" and resources we need to do it. All we have to do is be willing and obedient.

We are without excuse when faced with a decision of what to do. God says we are to do good, at all times, everywhere.

One thing that will hinder our ability to do that is sin in our lives. It will effect our prayers, our walk, our talk, and our attitude. Sin will water down our effectiveness and our desire to do good. We will be much more effective, and see much more fruit in our lives if we will get the sin out. My prayer this morning was…

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

I pray the same for each of you. Have a wonderful day Ladies!!!

I'm such a copy-cat.....

My sweet friend, Tammy, did this yesterday and I really liked it - so I thought, "Why not do it too?"

Ten things you've done today:

Spent time in prayer
Did my Bible study
Fed my cats
Made coffee
Showered
Unloaded the dishwasher
Did some accounting work for a company
Kissed my dear, sweet hubby
Took out stuff for dinner tonight
Put away a load of clothes

Nine things you need to do tomorrow:

Finish the church bulletin
Go to Nick's baseball games
Take my little ones to Fort Lincoln
prepare dinner for the single men at our church
Clean the church
Snuggle up with my hubby and watch a baseball game
Give my cats a bath
Clean the inside of my van
Get clothes ready for church on Sunday

Eight items always in your pantry:

Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
A full pepper mill
Garlic - LOTS of garlic
Pasta
Rice
Flour
Distilled water

Seven things you need to feel "at home":

My family
My Bible
My pillow
My fuzzy blanket
My cats - Elliott and Tanner
My favorite coffee mug
A bath tub

Six things that sum up your childhood:

Time with my Grandad
The tree in the front yard
My dog, Patches
Playing with my cousins
My mom was my best friend
School - I LOVED school

Five items of clothing you wear again and again:

My denim skirt
A baggy sweatshirt
My khaki skirt
A black skirt
My denim jumper

Four places you've lived:

Simi Valley, CA
Eugene, OR
Minot AFB, ND
Bismarck, ND

Three books you've loved reading recently:

My Bible
I'll Love You, Forever (It's a childrens book, but I read it regularly to my kids)
A book called Tornado in a Junkyard

Two heart's desires:

To live my life for Christ
To see my family do the same

One thing everyone reading this can pray about for you:

That I can be a blessing to my family and my church.

Today I am......

Your Emoticon Is Smiling

Right now, you're feeling cheerful and content - without a care in the world.

What Emoticon Best Represents You Right Now?

Biblical Thoughts for this Tuesday

ARE YOU WEARY??

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:29-31

Have you ever felt so weak that you felt like you just didn't have the strength to go on? I know I have!! But then God renews my strength and I know I can keep moving forward. That’s what I love about this verse in Isaiah – the thought of mounting up with wings as eagles, running, not being weary, and not fainting!!!! I tell you….just reading that verse energizes me!!!

Things get tough, there’s no getting around that part of life. But we just need to wait upon and trust the Lord. When we do, we will find that time where we are renewed and there really is no feeling that can compare to that moment!

Whatever you're going through right now ~ even if it feels hopeless ~ THERE IS HOPE!!!! There will be a time of your renewing and there will be a time where you will be delivered and when that time comes you will appreciate it.

Think about it, if you were always strong and you never felt weak, would you appreciate it? Would you think about where that strength came from?

When we're weak we hope and wait for that strength that can only come from the Lord, and when we get it we are ever so appreciative for it.

It is the tough times that we go through that brings glory to God. It is when we long for something that we appreciate it the most ~ and when we are most thankful for it.

God wants us to appreciate the things that He gives us. Whether it is strength, food, clothing or anything else, the Lord wants us to thank Him for these things and know where they come from. Whatever trial you're going through, remember…

Romans 8:28 ~~ And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

After years of praying about this

I am FINALLY goes to start a project I have dreamed of. I know this project is going to takes me years to put together, but I am ready for the task (and the challenge.)

I accepted the Lord as my personal Saviour on October 28th, 1989 and ever since then I have loved to hear testimonies from others. Then I began thinking, "Wouldn't it be great to collect testimonies of others?" How many times do you get to hear the testimonies of just ordinary, everyday people? We can read books of famous preachers, missionaries, and such - but what about all the rest?

I know many of you ladies who read my blog have blogs of your own (and many more readers than I do.) So, I am asking for two things

1) I would love for you to send me your testimony of salvation - either as a comment on my blog or in an email.

2) I would really appreciate it if you would put a little something on your own blogs so that your readers could possibly send their testimonies to me as well.

I am also putting out the requests to several of the churches I know and praying that over time this will spread and I will gather numerous testimonies from around the world.

My prayer is that as I gather these testimonies they can be used to encourage the saved and point the lost to Christ.

As the storm passes by......

Last night this was the song we were singing at my house:

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face,

While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place.

'Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more,

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky;

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand,

Keep me safe till the storm passes by.


We had some serious stroms in and around our city last night, but we were so fortunate to not have any damage by them.

Four tornados were spotted on the ground, but only one did any serious damage ~ and that was to a small city about 40 miles north of us, called Coleharbor.

Coleharbor has a population of about 100. It is a farming community right off the highway. All but 2 of the houses in the town were damaged, along with the school (it was completely destroyed) the store, grain elevators, and silos. It was amazing that with all the damage there were only 2 minor injuries.

Don't Worry!!!!!

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13

Last night I was sitting up late talking with my son, Jeffrey. During our conversation he asked me, “Are you worried?” It was such a blessing to be able to say, “No.”

After that, him and I talked about ‘worry.’ We talked about how worrying can’t change anything except our own hearts. It causes us undue stress and takes our focus off of the Lord. It was a great time spent talking together.

You see, I used to be a big worry-wart! Fear and worry would overtake my thoughts. But the more I read my Bible and studied it; I have learned that I shouldn't worry about things because God is in control of each and every situation in my life.

Look at what Isaiah 41:13 tells us…God is holding our right hand!!! He is right there walking with me, leading me when I am hesitant, and comforting me when things are tough. He is telling me that I don't need to constantly battle my fears or worries because that is all they are ~~ they are fears, NOT truths. Fear is the expectation of something bad that I THINK MIGHT happen. Fear is worry about something that hasn't happened and with God on my side there is NOTHING He won’t help me get through.

People live in fear and worry so often that they don't really get a chance to live. Take the Lord's hand and let Him guide you and protect you. Then you can sing the song…..DON’T WORRY!!! BE HAPPY!!!!

We are so blessed.....

As we sat here tonight having family devotions I did some serious thinking of just how blessed we are ~~ especially here in America. During one of the messages we had at Family Camp the preacher talked about the things in our lives that we have a tendency to take for granted. We were talking about some of these things during our devotions tonight ~ an evening of "Count Your Blessings."

Now that my family and I have shared blessings I would love to hear from the sweet ladies that take time to read my blog......share 5 "little things" that are a blessing to you ~ things that you may not ordinarily think of. Here are my 5 OUT OF THE ORDINARY blessings:

1. A home with central air conditioning (it's 95 degrees outside)

2. A Bible cover that my loving husband spent weeks finding so it would be "just right"

3. A special houseplant (long story) that is almost 7 years old

4. Having Godly friends that I have never met face-to-face, but feel as though I have

5. Hearing my children laughing as they play in the pool

A Day at Family Camp

Tomorrow morning we are heading out for the day to Family Camp in Grand Forks. This is a camp that is dear to our hearts. We have been going for the last 15 years. This year will be a little different for us because we are only going out for one day instead of the whole week ~ but God knows the reason it worked out this way and we are just thankful for the day we get to go.

The kids are as excited as we are. They have friends they only get to see once or twice a year there, so this time is special to them too. We are all looking forward to hearing the preaching. We are leaving early enough to make the morning sessions and we won't leave until after the evening message. It will be a long day, but well worth it.

I pray each of you have a blessed and safe 4th of July!!!

Never too old to need their mom....

The last week has been a busy one, with Jeffrey ~ my 20 year old ~ having been sick since last Sunday and ending up in the hospital since Wednesday. Praise the Lord...he is home now and doing better. He even made it to church this morning!!! AMEN!!!!

One thing I have learned from this is that even though he is 20 ~ and an adult in the eyes of the world ~ there are times when a young man (who is not married) still needs his mom. This was one of those times. Even when he was in the hospital, being very well cared for, I know it made him feel better when I was there to help with things.

I know one day God will provide a wife for him and I do look forward to that day. I look forward to seeing him start a family of his own and watching them serve the Lord together. Until then I am thankful for each thing I am able to do for ~ and with ~ my children. I am truly blessed!!!

My Family's favorite cookies.....

A friend of mine on another blog (Tammy's Times) has asked for our favorite cookie recipes. I am adding mine here. If anyone else is interested just check out Tammy's blog - on my side bar - and join in the fun!!

SEVEN LAYER BARS

Ingredients
-		1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick)
-		1 white, yellow, or chocolate cake mix
-		1 cup chocolate chips, more if desired
-		1 cup peanut butter 1 cup butterscotch chips
-		1 1/2 cups chopped cashews, walnuts, or almonds
-		1 1/2 cups sweetened coconut (shredded or flaked)
-		14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Melt butter or margarine in bottom of 9 x 13" baking pan, tilting pan slightly to coat all sides. Mix cake mix and melted butter, pat mixture lightly to make a crust.
• Combine remaining ingredients (except condensed milk) in large bowl, then spread on top of crust
• Pour can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over top and bake 25-30 minutes.
• Remove from oven. Allow bars to cool slightly; cut while still war

I have used this recipe as one of the first desserts I teach my kids to bake. It is so simple - no measuring required - and flexible. They love mixing all the things together and pouring them onto the crust. And to top it all off ~~ they make your house smell wonderful!!!

This Little Light of Mine.....

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

We are getting ready to go to family camp next week and one of the things my kids always make sure they have is a flashlight and extra batteries. The reason for this is that their favorite game at night is flashlight tag. There usually ends up being 30 or more kids out on the baseball field after dark playing tag – but if their light starts to go dim they have trouble seeing and being seen.

The same is true with us – if the light of Christ that we have in us starts to get dim – from sin, being backslidden, being overcome by the cares of this world – we will have trouble following the path God has for us AND it will be hard for us to guide others to Christ.

I personally feel this is an area we can all work on. If we're shining bright, it doesn't hurt to shine even brighter! If people do not see a difference in us, then they will not know the importance of following the Lord.

However, being a bright light isn't something that comes over night. This is something that we have to want and pray for. It is something we have to work on everyday – I guess you could say that each day we have to make sure our batteries for our light are charged!

Being a bright light, isn't just putting on a smile. Being a bright light is helping and encouraging others. Being a bright light is not talking bad about others. It is not sitting outside of your church gossiping about why so and so didn't show up to church this Sunday! Being a bright light, is not trying to act spiritual to impress others! To be a bright light, you must have your eyes off of people and on the Lord! That means don't worry about what someone else thinks of you, worry about what the Lord thinks of you. Once you develop a close relationship, then and only then can you be a light!

I can't be a light if I'm living in sin and neither can you! If you do not have the love of God, in your heart then do not think for a moment that you are being a bright light!

How bright is your light shining today?

Is this happening to anyone else????

All weekend I have been having a problem with Bloglines and I'm wondering if it's just me. Next to SEVERAL of the blogs I follow there is a [!]. I've read the little explanation that goes along with it and I don't think it is something I can fix on my end.

Since I'm fairly new to using Bloglines I figured I would check with others and see if this is happening with you too.

Trying to keep smiling........

I am discovering I don't care for baseball very much. Now, don't get upset with me....I know it is supposed to be the American past time, but I think I'm suffering from "burn out!!"

Nick has double headers every night (except last night because we had church) this week. They start at 5:30pm and we are fortunate if we get home before 10pm. That is just a little too much baseball for me!!!

Jeff and I have always made it a point to support our kids when they are in activities - band, choir, sports, etc. We make sure we are there in the crowd cheering them on whenever possible. But ~~ this is a bit much. For some reason they have 2 weeks of almost constant double headers and then things calm down a bit. I don't know how those boys do it - I'm exhausted just GOING to all these games!!!

I have to admit (whispering this very quietly) I am really glad that Friday and Saturday's games are AWAY and I get to stay home!! The team will be traveling to Valley City for a tournament and Nick will be staying with the pastor's family there in town and they will go to the games and cheer him on!!! I am SSSOOOOOOO thankful for good friends!!!!

Now or Later?????

Exodus 8:9-10 And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?
And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God.

I'’m sure over the years we have all heard sermons preached about "“another day with the frogs." And I know every time I read this passage I wonder, "“why would Pharaoh want to wait until tomorrow to get rid of something so disgusting when he could have said NOW??"”

As I was reading this yesterday God spoke to my heart and told me to take time and meditate on things in my life. What things am I saying "“tomorrow"” to? And I admit there were some things I needed to repent of.

So, today my hope for each of you is that you will take time to go through your life and your heart. Are there things you are putting off until "“tomorrow?"” Things like having a consistent prayer life, reading your Bible, submitting to your husband, being the wife and mother that God has shown you He wants you to be....the list goes on and on ~ but whatever it is, don'’t keep putting it off. If God has shown you something, NOW is the time to begin to correct it.

2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

A Present For My Readers......

As most of you know, I have little girl (quickly growing up....faster than I would like.) As her daddy says, "she is a true girlie, girl!!!" My girlie, girl loves pretty dresses, but the problem is she just keeps growing. This means I know have a box of pretty dresses that are no longer below her knee.

Last night I had a lady from my church bless me abundantly by giving me a ton of clothes. (Have have lost 50 pounds over the last year and desperately needed things that fit better.) I had been praying that the Lord would provide me with better fitting clothes and He did just that. This got me thinking......a dangerous thing, I know.

I sat thinking last night - what shall I do with these dresses? They are in great condition, they just don't fit her. Then I thought of those who read my blog ~~ many of which have the same standards and convictions regarding dress that I do. I want to be a blessing to others, just as the lady in my church was a blessing to me.

So, ladies, if you have a little girl who likes pretty dresses, let me know. Elisabeth is 9 years old. She is pretty skinny, but about average height. I will gladly mail these dresses to anyone who can use them. (And if my camera was working I'd show you pictures of some of them....sorry!!)

Leave me a comment with your email or email me.

tloinnd@hotmail.com

A Beautiful Evening.....

We got Jeff outdoor furniture for Father's Day ~ and it is wonderful. It is so nice to just sit outside and enjoy the peacefulness and the laughter of the children as they play.

(Disclaimer) That is NOT my deck in the picture. That IS the furniture though. I am having so many problems with our digital camera!!

We are now looking for another piece of furniture for the deck - something that will allow us to sit outside much longer throughout the year. We are hoping to find an outdoor fireplace.

This is similar to what we are looking for. This would be so nice to sit outside during the fall and even later in the year (depending on how bad the winter gets.) I am really hoping we will be able to find one of these by the end of summer.

Take Me Out To The Ball Game.....

This is where I think we will be spending our afternoon (in the bleachers, that is.) Nick has a game this afternoon and the weather is beautiful, so I know we will all have a great time.

I had originally thought he had a double header and we were going to have a picnic in the park across the street in between games ~ but I read the schedule wrong....AGAIN. But I figured the picnic still sounded like a great idea. So, after the game we'll head over to the park for a picnic.

I love summer time in North Dakota!! After being cooped up for so long in the winter months we take every opportunity we can to do outside activities when the weather permits. Lots of picnics, BBQ, bike rides, and evenings on the deck will be in order over the next few months.

I would love to hear from some you ~~ what are some of your favorite things that you like to do in the summertime??