~redeemed~

I woke up this morning unable to sleep, heavy-hearted and nauseous but not knowing why. (And before you ask, I'm not pregant!)

For some reason Good Friday is not really acknowledged too much in our denomination, so it's been easy to put the thought away in years past.  Just keep busy and the day disappears.  Before you know it, it's Sunday and it's celebration time! 

Some celebrate with baskets of candy and eggs delivered by the Easter Bunny (I haven't figured this one out yet!  Did they miss science class?), others celebrate by going to church then having a  family dinner (which is how we'll celebrate), and still others don't celebrate anything. But in all of the celebrations, will we remember the suffering?

This morning after waking and studying the Book of John, as I have been since September, when I thought of what today represents, I felt sick.  Sick at the thought that 2010 years ago, My sin nailed Christ to the cross.  Sins I hadn't committed yet, but sins that He knew I would. When I think of the soldiers and officials yelling at Him and spitting in His face, I see me doing the same to Him.  When I think of the person who actually drove the nails in, I cringe because I know it could have been me.  Not literally, but with my actions, doubts and denial at times.

I'm thankful today that I am a believer in Jesus Christ and my sins are forgiven.  Thankful that Christ suffered for me, and thankful that, as I heard someone say once, "Sunday's comin'"!  Three days after He gave up His spirit, He conquered death and rose from the grave.


As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "                                                                                                                     Mark 16:5-7


Are you so sorry for the sins of the past that you purpose to not get sucked in by them again?  Or do you say, "It's not that bad!" or "I'll do better later" without true repentance?


Think on what Christ did more than 2000 years ago for YOU  but don't let it get you down, because Sunday's comin'!
Blessings,

~wake up call~

I've been pondering lately on something that happened last week.  I have been struggling with busyness and how to prune activities from our lives without throwing them all out and starting new - which, personally is my favorite option ;-)  A life in the ministry is not a quiet, peaceful life.  It's very busy, but I love our ministry!

Glen was in Washington D.C. last week on a business trip and it seemed like everything had to be done while he was away.  Grayson's best friend was moving to Arkansas and she wanted to give her a party, so I let her (and I'm very glad I did - at 12 years old, it's a BIG DEAL when your best friend moves), a woman from church was having surgery and I wanted to - and needed to be there, basketball practice, filling in for Glen during bible study, my week to teach at homeschool co-op....I began to feel overwhelmed - quickly.

Thursday afternoon, Grayson and Riley wanted to take their friends, who were moving, to the YMCA with them.  I dropped them off at the Y, headed over to help their mom do a little packing (not much, really), then went to the Y and picked them up, dropped Grayson off at home to get ready for her basketball practice and took their friends home.  After I dropped them off, Riley and I were headed home to get Grayson and off to practice.  We had 15 minutes to get there!  We rounded the corner after leaving their street and a very small, bent over elderly lady was rolling her very large garbage can down her driveway.  Riley said, "Mom, pull over so I can help her!" and before I knew it, words were out of my mouth that I couldn't take back.  "Don't you know we're in a hurry?    W  e    d  o  n  '  t    h  a  v  e    t  i  m  e    t  o    h  e  l  p    h  e  r  !  !  !"  As soon as I said it, I pulled the car over to the side of the road.  What kind of mom am I?  Isn't this why we homeschool, to spend time teaching the ways of Christ?  Too busy to help?  Really?

While Riley got out and helped the lady with her garbage, I prayed for forgiveness.  "Oh God, what am I doing?  Thank you for grabbing a hold of me with the words of my son."

By the way, we were only 2 minutes late for basketball practice.  We've been later than that with no excuse before!  Riley isn't just the "baby" anymore.  I'm going to purpose to really listen to him from now on.  Apparently he's learning how to do the right thing from someone ;-)

This week has once again been a busy one, but with purpose.  I'm trying to prioritize and pray over activities.

Thank you Lord for my busy life, and for kids who will speak up to even me about doing the right thing.

Blessings,

~babies~

Grayson and I returned Thursday night from a 6-day mission trip to West Virginia.  We went to a federal women's prison birthing center, where women go to serve up to 18 months of their sentence so they can spend time with their child.  I must say God changed my perception of many things while we were gone.

I thought I had no preconceived notions regarding these women.  They were felons- all related to drugs- but I knew in my heart that God had saved me from situations as bad or worse.  We all need forgiveness and someone to show us the love of Christ.  Honestly, I did  believe that before I met them.

After spending the first day with them, talking and trying to get to know them, I could see how easy it might be to get caught up in that lifestyle.  Each one had a different story, but each one was similar.  I realized I did prejudge!  In my heart I had assumed they were not good moms - that somehow I was doing something really good by spending time with these babies.  Even going so far as to think "if I could just bring them home with me, things would be okay"!  God quickly showed me that I'm no better than these women - only different now because of Him.  Some of these women have actually been saved since coming to the birthing center, and some grew up in Christian homes, but went astray for a while.  Only God knows what we need to go through to turn to Him.  If you knew some of the things He's had to bring me through, you would cringe!

I realized the biggest need was friendship.  They are friends with eachother, but like sisters sharing the same space, in need of outside friends.  Most have families that support them, but they live so far away, they can't see them often.  Most also have older children at home they are away from.  I have 16 new friends!

I really enjoyed the late night talks with Grayson about life and how Satan makes things look good at first, then we get tangled up in sin.  She's twelve now, so she's really got her own thoughts and opinions on things and I'm so proud of how God used her on this trip.  This was definitely and eye-opening experience.  Mostly God opened my eyes regarding myself...

I was in prison and you visited me...Matthew 25:36

Blessings,

~blessings~

Wednesday, Glen and I spent the day in St. Louis at the hospital.  A dear, sweet widow  from our church, Mrs. Sue, had surgery for an aortic aneurism and since she's in her 80's (and secretly one of my favorites), we were concerned.  We left our town at 6 o'clock in the morning and waited and prayed with her children throughout the day.

I took my Bible and my lesson from Bible Study Fellowship to work on, along with a new book I've been reading to help pass the time.  We've been studying the book of John in BSF.  More specifically, chapter 13 when Jesus washes the disciples' feet, and one of the questions this week wanted us to tell how we are blessed when we serve someone else.  I had a pretty vague answer.  Just knowing you've helped them can be a blessing, having a hard time naming specifics.

After many hours of waiting and praying, Mrs. Sue came through surgery just fine.  A few minor glitches, but nothing major.  Praise God!

When we walked into ICU to see her after surgery, she was groggy and talking crazy like we all do after anesthesia:)  She looked up at her son and said, "Do you know Mindy?  She's my friend."  What a blessing to hear.  She continued with a story that blessed my heart.  "One time, Mindy filled in at prayer meeting for her husband when he couldn't be there.  She came up to me beforehand and asked how my day was.   I had a horrible day, but that's just what I needed.  She's my friend."

I left that room in tears.  I had no idea that she'd had a horrible day that day.  I had no idea she considered me her friend.  Who knew that simply showing I cared by asking how her day was would make such an impact?  Imagine the blessing I would've missed had we not been there when she came out of surgery!

Obviously, I have since changed the answer on my BSF lesson.  God is so faithful to provide when there's an opportunity to give glory to Him.  And God continues to bless us in our ministry with friends....young and old.

Blessings,

~yummy recipe~

Okay, I love to cook.  It seems like since our kids have gotten older and into more activities, I end up cooking the same boring things.  I LOVE watching the food channel and could browse recipe books for hours, but when it comes down to it, I cook what's comfortable and familiar.

A few weeks ago I was looking up recipes online and ran across one that sounded good, looked fairly healthy, and - here comes the amazing part - I tried it!  Glen loved it, but that's not saying much - there's not much he doesn't like.  I liked it, which is rare:)

I didn't take a picture (like you, Glenna - awesome, btw!).  We ate it too fast to get the camera out!  I've posted it below and hope you love it as much as we do.

Spicy Sausage and Peppers Penne

Ingredients:

8 oz whole wheat penne pasta
1 lb hot italian turkey sausage (about 4 links)
1 each - med. green, yellow and red bell pepper, cut into 1/4 inch strips
1/2 cup coarsely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, pressed
1 14.5 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
2 tsp italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese

Directions:

1.	Cook pasta according to package directions in Professional (4-qt.) Casserole; drain and keep warm.
2.	Meanwhile, cook sausage in Family (12-in.) Skillet over medium-high heat 14-16 minutes or until sausage is lightly browned and no longer pink, turning occasionally. Remove sausages from skillet; cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Cut bell peppers into 1/4-inch strips using Chef's Knife. Coarsely chop onion using Food Chopper.
3.	In same skillet, cook bell peppers, onion and garlic pressed with Garlic Press over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until peppers are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Add sausage, tomatoes, tomato sauce and seasoning mix. Cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
4.	Place pasta in large bowl; pour sauce mixture over pasta, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Yield: 6 servings

Enjoy!

Blessings,

~the wonder of christmas~

The week after Thanksgiving always comes with harsh realities: 1) That the year is almost over (where has it gone?) and 2) that I'm not prepared for Christmas - YIKES!

Oh how I love Christmas! The Christmas tree, the twinkling lights, hot cocoa, singing Christmas carols, reading the Christmas story from the Book of John to my kids, explaining the virgin birth - yet again! But UGHH, how I hate shopping! Could this really be? Am I not a female? I'm told most women enjoy shopping, but I'm definitely not one of them!

Guilt and terror smack me in the face as I realize I have NOTHING bought yet! Lots of ideas, but nothing bought. Our kids are of the age that we don't have to fight the crowds on Black Friday anymore. Thankfully, we don't have to pinch and pull hair to get their favorite toys:) The things they want cost a little more than a Cabbage Patch Doll or a new soccer ball and I can usually find them online.

I remember when they were little, the excitement on their faces on Christmas morning when they ran into the living room and saw the presents filling the corner under the Christmas tree. As they've gotten older, it's been my challenge to keep the wonder of Christmas alive for them. It would be easy (though easier for some) to buy everything they want for Christmas and hope they're satisfied, but I know material things cannot satisfy the soul. The TRUE wonder of Christmas is that which DOES satisfy. How amazing that God sent His own Son into a filthy world filled with hate and envy, knowing He would be murdered by the very people He came to rescue, so I would have the opportunity to accept His gift and live a life more abundant than any storybook could portray. Yes, this is the true wonder of Christmas! As my kids get older, I pray that every Christmas they are more amazed by Christ than the year before - just as I am.

Blessings,

~broccoli~

So, can I just say that I have never been a fan of broccoli? Is it legal to utter those words as a mother? I can't even stand the smell of it cooking! Glen has, in the past, bought those Green Giant boil-n-bag things that have broccoli and cheese sauce, and the smell sends me packing every time!

Recently I was invited to a Pampered Chef party. I went because I had heard many friends talk about them, but I'd never been. They made the best recipe - which included broccoli! I couldn't believe I liked it. I still can't believe I liked it! I liked it so much I bought the ingredients and made it for my family - who ate it, but all didn't necessarily like it. What a disappointment this was to me. Glen liked it, but Glen never complains. Riley liked it, and he hardly ever complains, but Grayson didn't like it. Yes, she complains quite often:) I plan to make it again, and hopefully she'll "learn to like it". That's what my mom used to say to me when I didn't like something - obviously, after 20 years away from home, I learned to like broccoli, sort of:)

Ham & Broccoli Calzone

http://www.pamperedchef.com/images/public/us/pdf/calzone.pdf

I used sliced ham instead of diced. Also, no onion for the kiddos.

Blessings,