The news exploded this week with the revelation that 19 Kids and Counting star Joshua Duggar molested 5 young victims when he was just 14 years old. It was reported that his victims were touched inappropriately while they slept.
When I first read the news a thunderbolt of nausea overcame me. I felt sad and sick and heartbroken.
Because I know all to well the pain of sexual abuse.
And the story was all too familiar.
I hesitate to tell my story, but I know that the Devil dances in the dark and I will not give him that much freedom in my own life.
When I was a child our family lived on the Central Coast in California. We would frequently make trips to my grandparents house in Southern California. I loved going to their house. Grandma was warm and soft. She made the best food. Her love was the sweetest. Grandma was full of compassion and love for everyone she met. Her home was a safe haven for all who entered. Grandpa worked hard at the rock plant making cement. He was full of jokes. He "stole our noses" and "threw fits" on the floor. He built a tree house for us grand kids in the back yard.
The cousins would come over to Grandma's house when we'd come to visit. They were my favorite friends. We'd camp out in Grandma's living room and have slumber parties on those weekend visits.
The front door was frequently left unlocked. My uncles, who where both teenagers at the time, frequently had guests coming and going in the night. It was not unusual for them to entertain guests on the weekends.
Late at night I was asleep in the recliner in the living room. One of the late night guests had stopped to make a phone call on the telephone right beside me. After he hung up the phone he lingered.
And he touched a little girl inappropriately.
And I squeezed my eyes shut and squeezed my legs shut and prayed he'd go away.
And He did.
And I never saw his face.
I was eight years old.
I know all too well the terror of being a victim. Fear takes over. I know all too well the shame that covers like a bucket of ice water poured over your head. Shame is cold. Little girls shiver, but they can't ever get warm.
Nothing is innocent anymore. Everything is dirty, but won't come clean.
In the morning I felt the overwhelming need to come clean. I knew I had to tell someone what happened. I sat at the kitchen island while my Grandma cooked Roman Noodles. Somehow I found the language to tell her someone had touched me.
My memory of what followed is foggy from there.
I remember my Grandma yelling at my uncles who didn't know what had happened. One of them said I was lying.
I remember my mom asking me again what had happened. I showed her how I had been touched and I felt dirty again. Mom told me I didn't have to talk about it to anyone.
I didn't talk about it again for 9 years.
My child mind thought no one believed me.
I buried down my fear and shame. I tried to forget the feeling of strange hands on my body, invading my peace.
I started asking my parents to check the doors at bedtime, to make sure no strangers could come in at night. It is the scar that remains. I still check the doors at night after everyone has gone to sleep. I can't sleep until I know I'm safe.
It wasn't until I was going through a recovery program for compulsive over eaters when I was seventeen that I would feel the need to talk about it again. One of the 12 steps involves taking an inventory of life. I could no longer ignore the shame and fear that kept me cold and dirty for all those years.
One a car ride home from a recovery meeting it all came out like vomit, sick from my stomach.
"I remember," I cried to my mom. I told her about all the memories of eight year old me.
"I thought you forgot about that," she said. I know she hoped and prayed I'd forget.
I told her how I felt like no one believed me.
But mom turned the lights on and helped me see the truth. I heard her story. I felt how grieved she was that she couldn't protect me. She told me about how my dad drove straight there and searched for the person who hurt me. I never knew.
As we talked something strange started to happen. I started to feel warm again. I forgave my parents who I thought didn't believe me. Like a hot shower I was revived to life again.
"I hope that man knows Jesus," I said though hot tears. "I hope he never hurt anyone else again."
When I said those words I felt peace. I forgave the man who had hurt me. I can't explain how it is possible that anyone could forgive such a horrible act on a child. I did forgive. I was set free.
Another thing happened when I was eight years old. I accepted Jesus as my Savior. In the years that followed I had developed a personal relationship with God that changed everything. I had grown in love with Jesus and the gift of Grace I received. It is a love that surpasses understanding.
I know all too well the unbelievable Love of Jesus that helped me forgive beyond understanding.
When I read the news about the Duggar family and their stories of forgiveness because of their faith in God I know it is true. I know because I have forgiven.
And their stories of forgiveness and life change are beyond understanding.
So it is with the Love of God.
Does forgiveness mean the person's actions are accepted or excused? NO! There is NO excuse for such actions. Ever, ever, ever!
My healing came through forgiving the unforgivable. I only hope that others can be healed too.
I pray that the victims in this case have found healing as well.
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. " Ephesians 3:16-19
Friday, May 22, 2015
Monday, January 26, 2015
The Haircut
"I want you to do whatever you want to do. You aren't happy very much. When you aren't happy it is hard on me. I just want you to be happy," said my dear husband in the Walmart parking lot. I was talking abut getting my haircut, but it felt like he was talking about something more.
Could this really be true? Am I an unhappy person?
I hadn't thought about how unhappy I have been. I've been carrying the load of the world on my shoulders for a while. We've had a lot of changes in the past year.
My Beloved Grandmother died.
We moved across the country.
We left our big boy in California and I missed his senior year.
I went back to work at the nations largest retailer and have been promoted up the ladder fairly quickly.
Our younger boy was hospitalized 3 times for his mental health issues. He dropped out of school and moved out as soon as he turned 18 and found a roommate.
My daughter moved out with her boyfriend. That didn't work out. The second boyfriend she lived with didn't work out either.
Lifestyle choices make it impossible to live with either of the twins.
Our big boy joined the Marine Corp in a time of war.
The twins decided to move in with their biological parents.
I feel a little shocked when I start listing it all out. I can't believe I have lived through all of this. Any one of these things are cause for a major mental and physical breakdown.
I forget that these things haven't just been happening to me, they've been happening to my husband too. He hasn't gone mad with the craziness of it all. He hasn't curled up in bed and cried. He hasn't complained about going to work day in and day out.
But I have.
My husband has been a rock through it all and remained positive even when everything has been negative. He's turned towards God while I have been giving God the silent treatment.
I should be following his example. This bad ass, complaining attitude of mine has been hard on my husband. Until now I hadn't realized what a toll it has taken. The man lives to make me happy. Isn't that what we all dreamed of ?
I am reminded once again of Philippians 2:14&15, "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe"
I often go to my husband to complain about work, or the kids, or the house. He's my best friend. Isn't that what best friends are for? But maybe he's heard enough complaining.
Maybe my mom has heard enough complaining.
Maybe my friends have heard enough complaining.
Maybe my facebook status has had enough complaining.
If curbing the complaining means I'll shine like a star in the universe, I'll take it. I'd like to be my husband's star.
I did get a haircut today. I think it looks great.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Italian White Bean Soup
2 T. Olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 pound Italian sausage, without the casings (not the links. If you get the links, just remove the casing before adding to the pot.)
1 large potato, diced
1 T. minced garlic
1 can diced Italian style tomatoes
2 cans Great Northern Beans
1 T. Italian Seasoning
6 cups water
Directions: In a large pot, heat Olive oil over medium high heat. Saute onion, bell pepper and carrot. Add Italian sausage and cook until crumbled and browned. Add garlic and saute one additional minute. Combine the remaining ingredients in the pot and cook until potatoes are tender. Top with shredded Parmesan Cheese. Enjoy with hot, buttered rolls or garlic bread.
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 carrot, diced
1 pound Italian sausage, without the casings (not the links. If you get the links, just remove the casing before adding to the pot.)
1 large potato, diced
1 T. minced garlic
1 can diced Italian style tomatoes
2 cans Great Northern Beans
1 T. Italian Seasoning
6 cups water
Directions: In a large pot, heat Olive oil over medium high heat. Saute onion, bell pepper and carrot. Add Italian sausage and cook until crumbled and browned. Add garlic and saute one additional minute. Combine the remaining ingredients in the pot and cook until potatoes are tender. Top with shredded Parmesan Cheese. Enjoy with hot, buttered rolls or garlic bread.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Armed with Love: Pride
"Love is not proud." I Corinthians 13:4
Pride is thought to be the root of all sin. We lie to protect our pride. We commit adultery to inflate our pride. We covet because we want to feel pride. Many of characteristics listed under "Love is not" in I Corinthians 13 stem from pride. Boasting is using pride in our words. Envy is pride in our desires. Rudeness is pride in our behaviors. The King James version translates "Love is not proud," to, "Love is not arrogant." Arrogance is pride in our attitude.
Arrogance is described in Webster's Dictionary as an "offensive display of superiority or self importance." Nothing is more unflattering than an arrogant attitude. I tend to avoid people with this "self important" attitude. Famous celebrities seem to lose their appeal when they display superiority. Arrogance can also be subtle. Most often I battle arrogance in my family when I get the "eye roll." I now live with three teen age children who have perfected it. I get it when I ask for chores to be done, or homework to be finished. As soon as I look away they do it. I HATE THE EYE ROLL!!! I realised one day where they learned it. From me! I tend to accompany my eye roll with a sigh that says, "I will, but I don't want to!"
I do not want to portray arrogance any longer. How can we battle arrogance? By displaying a Christ-like attitude of humility. Philippians 2:5-11 says, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Jesus has every reason to be prideful. He is God! When He came to earth he came to love the world as a servant. He humbled himself and lived a life of obedience that ultimately lead him to death on the cross. Even today the world does not appreciate this wonderful service. It was for love that he humbled himself. He wanted the people he loves to be spared an even greater suffering and death. If I want to battle arrogance I too must follow Christ in an attitude of humble service. Sometimes this means I will have to do humiliating things for people who don't appreciate it. I will do it with a joyful spirit keeping my eyes and my sighs under control.
When I loop my apron over my neck today, I will remember that I wear the uniform of a servant. I will remember the One who humbled Himself and gave an even greater service for me.
Pride is thought to be the root of all sin. We lie to protect our pride. We commit adultery to inflate our pride. We covet because we want to feel pride. Many of characteristics listed under "Love is not" in I Corinthians 13 stem from pride. Boasting is using pride in our words. Envy is pride in our desires. Rudeness is pride in our behaviors. The King James version translates "Love is not proud," to, "Love is not arrogant." Arrogance is pride in our attitude.
Arrogance is described in Webster's Dictionary as an "offensive display of superiority or self importance." Nothing is more unflattering than an arrogant attitude. I tend to avoid people with this "self important" attitude. Famous celebrities seem to lose their appeal when they display superiority. Arrogance can also be subtle. Most often I battle arrogance in my family when I get the "eye roll." I now live with three teen age children who have perfected it. I get it when I ask for chores to be done, or homework to be finished. As soon as I look away they do it. I HATE THE EYE ROLL!!! I realised one day where they learned it. From me! I tend to accompany my eye roll with a sigh that says, "I will, but I don't want to!"
I do not want to portray arrogance any longer. How can we battle arrogance? By displaying a Christ-like attitude of humility. Philippians 2:5-11 says, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Jesus has every reason to be prideful. He is God! When He came to earth he came to love the world as a servant. He humbled himself and lived a life of obedience that ultimately lead him to death on the cross. Even today the world does not appreciate this wonderful service. It was for love that he humbled himself. He wanted the people he loves to be spared an even greater suffering and death. If I want to battle arrogance I too must follow Christ in an attitude of humble service. Sometimes this means I will have to do humiliating things for people who don't appreciate it. I will do it with a joyful spirit keeping my eyes and my sighs under control.
When I loop my apron over my neck today, I will remember that I wear the uniform of a servant. I will remember the One who humbled Himself and gave an even greater service for me.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Armed with Love: Perseverance
I had the most sensual experience of my life recently. It was warm, sexy, filled with emotion and it happened in church. Yes, church. It was a typical Sunday morning for Larry and I. We wake up at about 8:30. Church starts at 9, so we were in a rush to get out the door. We arrive a half hour late. Shortly after we took our seats the sermon started. I reached over to hold the hand of my sweetie. Larry looked at my dry and over worked skin. He whispered, "You need lotion." Larry took some lotion out of my purse and rubbed the cream into my tired skin. It felt glorious. My hands soaked up the moisture. I watched as he massaged my hand. Our eyes met. Larry leaned over and whispered, "I'm always going to take care of you." His simple little message brought tears to my eyes. So much love in such a simple act.
Always. Always is the stuff marriages are made of. No relationship can stand the test of time without the promise of Always. On our wedding days we promise to Always be faithful, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. Always.
As I read through the list of promises, one is missing. It is probably the promise that is most practical for married life. "I promise to always persevere with you through your good days and bad days."
1 Corinthians 13:7 says, "Love always perseveres."
This has been the year of weddings in my community. Even my little sister Elena tied the knot this summer. Watching all the young lovers excitedly make life long promises of "Always" makes me reflect with love on my own "Always." We decorated Elena's wedding with family wedding photos. I looked at photos of my own special day and remembered how happy Larry and I were. I recalled how beautiful I felt as Larry looked at me as I walked down the isle on my father's arm. We promised "Always." Perseverance is implied, but not truly understood.
The perseverance of First Corinthians 13:7 is the Greek word hypomeno. Hypomeno is a verb which means to endure, bravely and calmly: ill treatments. Perseverance bears the ill treatments of another bravely and calmly. Wow! This is a very practical characteristic of love. Perseverance puts up with another when they lash out with ugliness, when they say mean things, when they don't treat us right, when they treat us completely wrong!
I know this may be hard to believe (wink,wink), but I can be ugly sometimes. I say mean things when I'm angry. I waste time and avoid housework. I complain about other's behavior that I tolerate in myself. I overreact and treat my husband with an unkindness he does not deserve. I'm glad for love that perseveres. My sweetie perseveres with my ill treatments and shows love when I'm unlovable. That is perseverance. Showing love when others have been unlovable.
As much as I am glad for "hypomeno," it is harder to give than to receive. Perseverance comes into play in our day to day lives when our loved one's failures are just plain annoying. This is a difficult kind of love. Loving when he's late from work and doesn't call: perseverance. Standing firm with a teen who's language is abusive: perseverance. Staying calm when you come home to a dirty kitchen and a sink full of dishes: perseverance. Reminding someone to do the same chore day after day: perseverance.
Sometimes when we've had enough ill treatments we get angry and we think, "I don't deserve this! I'm done! I've had enough!" James 5: 11 reminds us of Job, "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." If ever there was anyone who didn't deserve the ill treatment he got, it was Job. He was the best man on the planet, yet God allowed him to be tested. He lost everything, yet he "hypomeno." In the end his life was fully restored.
How do we persevere when life is getting the best of us and the ill treatments seem to much to take? Hebrews 12:2-3 gives us the answer, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Endured is the word "hypomeno" in these verses. The joy set before Christ motivated Him to keep persevering the worst treatment known to men. That Joy was the salvation of you and me. We can persevere knowing that it is making us more like Christ and through his example we can endure. Through that endurance we can have hope for the salvation of those who we love.
Romans 5:3-5 says, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
If we persevere, it produces Godly character conforming more into the likeness of Jesus, and through that character we have a hope that will never disappoint us. Is enduring fun? No. Am I joyfully persevering the bad treatment of people who are supposed to love me? No. But God promises that by doing so He will pour out His love into our hearts and we will have a hope which does not disappoint. I need that supernatural love to pour out when I have no more love of my own to give. I can have hope that in the end, it will be worth it. I won't be disappointed that I've persevered.
Today I will tie on my apron and persevere. God's love will be poured into my heart and I will joyfully pour His love out on others.
Always. Always is the stuff marriages are made of. No relationship can stand the test of time without the promise of Always. On our wedding days we promise to Always be faithful, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part. Always.
As I read through the list of promises, one is missing. It is probably the promise that is most practical for married life. "I promise to always persevere with you through your good days and bad days."
1 Corinthians 13:7 says, "Love always perseveres."
This has been the year of weddings in my community. Even my little sister Elena tied the knot this summer. Watching all the young lovers excitedly make life long promises of "Always" makes me reflect with love on my own "Always." We decorated Elena's wedding with family wedding photos. I looked at photos of my own special day and remembered how happy Larry and I were. I recalled how beautiful I felt as Larry looked at me as I walked down the isle on my father's arm. We promised "Always." Perseverance is implied, but not truly understood.
The perseverance of First Corinthians 13:7 is the Greek word hypomeno. Hypomeno is a verb which means to endure, bravely and calmly: ill treatments. Perseverance bears the ill treatments of another bravely and calmly. Wow! This is a very practical characteristic of love. Perseverance puts up with another when they lash out with ugliness, when they say mean things, when they don't treat us right, when they treat us completely wrong!
I know this may be hard to believe (wink,wink), but I can be ugly sometimes. I say mean things when I'm angry. I waste time and avoid housework. I complain about other's behavior that I tolerate in myself. I overreact and treat my husband with an unkindness he does not deserve. I'm glad for love that perseveres. My sweetie perseveres with my ill treatments and shows love when I'm unlovable. That is perseverance. Showing love when others have been unlovable.
As much as I am glad for "hypomeno," it is harder to give than to receive. Perseverance comes into play in our day to day lives when our loved one's failures are just plain annoying. This is a difficult kind of love. Loving when he's late from work and doesn't call: perseverance. Standing firm with a teen who's language is abusive: perseverance. Staying calm when you come home to a dirty kitchen and a sink full of dishes: perseverance. Reminding someone to do the same chore day after day: perseverance.
Sometimes when we've had enough ill treatments we get angry and we think, "I don't deserve this! I'm done! I've had enough!" James 5: 11 reminds us of Job, "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." If ever there was anyone who didn't deserve the ill treatment he got, it was Job. He was the best man on the planet, yet God allowed him to be tested. He lost everything, yet he "hypomeno." In the end his life was fully restored.
How do we persevere when life is getting the best of us and the ill treatments seem to much to take? Hebrews 12:2-3 gives us the answer, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Endured is the word "hypomeno" in these verses. The joy set before Christ motivated Him to keep persevering the worst treatment known to men. That Joy was the salvation of you and me. We can persevere knowing that it is making us more like Christ and through his example we can endure. Through that endurance we can have hope for the salvation of those who we love.
Romans 5:3-5 says, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
If we persevere, it produces Godly character conforming more into the likeness of Jesus, and through that character we have a hope that will never disappoint us. Is enduring fun? No. Am I joyfully persevering the bad treatment of people who are supposed to love me? No. But God promises that by doing so He will pour out His love into our hearts and we will have a hope which does not disappoint. I need that supernatural love to pour out when I have no more love of my own to give. I can have hope that in the end, it will be worth it. I won't be disappointed that I've persevered.
Today I will tie on my apron and persevere. God's love will be poured into my heart and I will joyfully pour His love out on others.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Armed with Love: Hope
1 Corinthians 13:7, "[Love] always hopes."
I got a tattoo. Yes, conservative, frumpy, old me got a tattoo on our last family vacation. You won't be surprised by what it is. An apron with "Love Always Hopes" on the front now adorns my foot. Yes, it hurt A LOT. I regret it just a little, but no use in dwelling on it. Every time I look down I will have a constant reminder that "Love Always Hopes." Sometimes I wish I didn't have that reminder when life is hard and I want to give up. God has a sense of humor sometimes.
My three children are in the wonderful and outrageous world of teenagedom. I prefer to call it "teenage dumb." All three of my kids are very outgoing, which is a wonderful trait to have. They are the life of the party, popular with friends at school, and enjoy the spotlight. (I wonder where they get that from?)
They are incredibly funny. At a restaurant recently, they got me laughing so hard it was embarrassing to my husband. I do not have a little, lady-like laugh, but a loud, obnoxious laugh. We were that awkward table at a restaurant everyone stares at and wishes would be quiet so they could enjoy their dinner. Let me take the time to apologize to each and every one of you.
This outgoing trait does have it's evil dark side. The kids will do or try anything, which means not showing a lot of good judgment. I cringe when the phone rings and I can see that the school is calling.We have been having a lot of, "What have you done now?" moments lately. After my daughter received a two day disciplinary "vacation" from school, I asked her, "What where you thinking?!" Her answer was simple and true, "I wasn't." When they fail to think before they act, I often feel discouraged about my parenting. Haven't I taught them to make wise choices, think before they act and try to honor God and others? My hope is that they become successful adults. My therapist would say I have high expectations. Not high expectations, Mr. Therapist, high hopes.
Hope is often described as a dream, or wish. Hope to some is a longed for desire. Hope in the dictionary is described as, "to desire with expectation of fulfillment." When I am hopeful, what I long for in my heart I expect to happen. I have a hard time with hope. Hope is not a dream unfulfilled. It is a dream I expect will be fulfilled. Hope waits in expectation that my desires will come true. Usually when I say, "I hope so," I am thinking, "That would be nice if that actually happened, but it probably won't." I've been thinking this all wrong! If I say "I hope so," I actually think that it is going to happen! There is a sense of confidence I never considered before.
The Bible actually takes another little spin on Hope. 1 Corinthians 13:7(NIV)says, "[Love] always hopes." Thayer's lexicon says this hope is to "wait for salvation with joy and full confidence." With hope, we joyfully wait with full confidence that salvation will come. Boy, have I been missing it. Hope means joyfully anticipating. When my kids are making mistakes, gigantic or small, I can't say I am very joyful about it. The only thing I joyfully anticipate is that they will some day move out! When my kids make mistakes, I am not joyful. I am usually pretty discouraged about the choices my kids are making and the consequences they will have to face. I have also been learning that when my kids make mistakes, it does not mean I have been a bad parent. The truth is, I've been a good parent! I've been dedicated, attentive, provided many privileges and experiences, brought them up in church and taught them right and wrong. My children still have free will. They make their own mistakes. Their mistakes are not my mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are painful to me. Being joyful it all circumstances is something I still have to work on.
With hope, we also anticipate with full confidence that salvation is coming. When troubles come our way, I think, "That's it! We will never get past this. Everything is ruined." If I love with hope I know that whatever we are going through, God is using it to bring salvation to the people and the situation involved. With hope, I can have the confidence that we will be saved. Sometimes the mistakes are HUGE and carry enormous consequences. I can't imagine how God is going to turn it around. One of my children has stepped far beyond my control and the justice system is now in charge. The mistake has been heartbreaking for my husband and I. I want to give up. I want to blame myself. I want to write my child off and say there is no hope. I have spent many sleepless nights questioning if there is any hope for my child. One thing I know is true. God loves my child. His word says, "Love always hopes." Because I know this, I know I can wait joyfully with expectation that salvation will come for my child. God will use these circumstances to show my child love. My child will be saved.
As you can imagine, the tattoo on my foot carries a whole new meaning for me now. It is a daily reminder that "Love Always Hopes" and God will bring salvation. I can joyfully anticipate the outcome.
I got a tattoo. Yes, conservative, frumpy, old me got a tattoo on our last family vacation. You won't be surprised by what it is. An apron with "Love Always Hopes" on the front now adorns my foot. Yes, it hurt A LOT. I regret it just a little, but no use in dwelling on it. Every time I look down I will have a constant reminder that "Love Always Hopes." Sometimes I wish I didn't have that reminder when life is hard and I want to give up. God has a sense of humor sometimes.
My three children are in the wonderful and outrageous world of teenagedom. I prefer to call it "teenage dumb." All three of my kids are very outgoing, which is a wonderful trait to have. They are the life of the party, popular with friends at school, and enjoy the spotlight. (I wonder where they get that from?)
They are incredibly funny. At a restaurant recently, they got me laughing so hard it was embarrassing to my husband. I do not have a little, lady-like laugh, but a loud, obnoxious laugh. We were that awkward table at a restaurant everyone stares at and wishes would be quiet so they could enjoy their dinner. Let me take the time to apologize to each and every one of you.
This outgoing trait does have it's evil dark side. The kids will do or try anything, which means not showing a lot of good judgment. I cringe when the phone rings and I can see that the school is calling.We have been having a lot of, "What have you done now?" moments lately. After my daughter received a two day disciplinary "vacation" from school, I asked her, "What where you thinking?!" Her answer was simple and true, "I wasn't." When they fail to think before they act, I often feel discouraged about my parenting. Haven't I taught them to make wise choices, think before they act and try to honor God and others? My hope is that they become successful adults. My therapist would say I have high expectations. Not high expectations, Mr. Therapist, high hopes.
Hope is often described as a dream, or wish. Hope to some is a longed for desire. Hope in the dictionary is described as, "to desire with expectation of fulfillment." When I am hopeful, what I long for in my heart I expect to happen. I have a hard time with hope. Hope is not a dream unfulfilled. It is a dream I expect will be fulfilled. Hope waits in expectation that my desires will come true. Usually when I say, "I hope so," I am thinking, "That would be nice if that actually happened, but it probably won't." I've been thinking this all wrong! If I say "I hope so," I actually think that it is going to happen! There is a sense of confidence I never considered before.
The Bible actually takes another little spin on Hope. 1 Corinthians 13:7(NIV)says, "[Love] always hopes." Thayer's lexicon says this hope is to "wait for salvation with joy and full confidence." With hope, we joyfully wait with full confidence that salvation will come. Boy, have I been missing it. Hope means joyfully anticipating. When my kids are making mistakes, gigantic or small, I can't say I am very joyful about it. The only thing I joyfully anticipate is that they will some day move out! When my kids make mistakes, I am not joyful. I am usually pretty discouraged about the choices my kids are making and the consequences they will have to face. I have also been learning that when my kids make mistakes, it does not mean I have been a bad parent. The truth is, I've been a good parent! I've been dedicated, attentive, provided many privileges and experiences, brought them up in church and taught them right and wrong. My children still have free will. They make their own mistakes. Their mistakes are not my mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are painful to me. Being joyful it all circumstances is something I still have to work on.
With hope, we also anticipate with full confidence that salvation is coming. When troubles come our way, I think, "That's it! We will never get past this. Everything is ruined." If I love with hope I know that whatever we are going through, God is using it to bring salvation to the people and the situation involved. With hope, I can have the confidence that we will be saved. Sometimes the mistakes are HUGE and carry enormous consequences. I can't imagine how God is going to turn it around. One of my children has stepped far beyond my control and the justice system is now in charge. The mistake has been heartbreaking for my husband and I. I want to give up. I want to blame myself. I want to write my child off and say there is no hope. I have spent many sleepless nights questioning if there is any hope for my child. One thing I know is true. God loves my child. His word says, "Love always hopes." Because I know this, I know I can wait joyfully with expectation that salvation will come for my child. God will use these circumstances to show my child love. My child will be saved.
As you can imagine, the tattoo on my foot carries a whole new meaning for me now. It is a daily reminder that "Love Always Hopes" and God will bring salvation. I can joyfully anticipate the outcome.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Homemade Jam or Jelly
While cleaning out my stockpile a few weeks ago, I discovered a few jars of Pear Butter and Carmel Apple Jelly I made last year. I decided to post them for sale on a local yard sale and swap meet site. Within minutes, all the jars were sold and I had many requests for more. I spent the next few days trying to keep up with orders. Homemade jam and jelly is easy to make and very satisfying. I love the look of homemade jelly in jars. It is so pretty! When fruit is out of season, I happily used canned fruits and sauces. They work just fine and make flavorful jelly. I hope when you find out how easy it is make homemade jam and jelly you will give it a try.
Homemade Jam or Jelly
8-9 Canning Jars with rings and lids
4c. Fruit, pureed
1 package fruit pectin
2 T. Lemon Juice
cinnamon or other spices to taste
6c. sugar
Preparing the jars:
Put jars, lids and rings in a large stock pot. Fill with water. Bring water to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes. Carefully remove jars, lids and rings from the pot carefully. Keep water boiling
Preparing the Jam:
Mix 4 cups pureed fruit, 1 package pectin, 2 T. Lemon Juice and spices in a medium pot. Allow to sit for 10 minutes with no heat. (This is key in getting the jelly to "jell".)
After 10 minutes, heat to boiling, stirring continually. Add 6 cups sugar all at once. Continue stirring and return to a boil. When jelly comes to a rolling boil, boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. With a metal spoon, skim the foam off the top of the jelly. Ladle hot jelly into hot jars. Wipe the rims of the jars clean. Attach lids and rings tightly. Return jars into the boiling water. Water should cover the jars completely up to an inch over the top of the jars. Boil the jars for 10 minutes. Carefully remove jars from the water. As the jars cool, you will hear the lids make a "pop" sound. This is a sign the jars have sealed properly. Store jars for up to a year. Enjoy!
Homemade Jam or Jelly
8-9 Canning Jars with rings and lids
4c. Fruit, pureed
1 package fruit pectin
2 T. Lemon Juice
cinnamon or other spices to taste
6c. sugar
Preparing the jars:
Put jars, lids and rings in a large stock pot. Fill with water. Bring water to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes. Carefully remove jars, lids and rings from the pot carefully. Keep water boiling
Preparing the Jam:
Mix 4 cups pureed fruit, 1 package pectin, 2 T. Lemon Juice and spices in a medium pot. Allow to sit for 10 minutes with no heat. (This is key in getting the jelly to "jell".)
After 10 minutes, heat to boiling, stirring continually. Add 6 cups sugar all at once. Continue stirring and return to a boil. When jelly comes to a rolling boil, boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. With a metal spoon, skim the foam off the top of the jelly. Ladle hot jelly into hot jars. Wipe the rims of the jars clean. Attach lids and rings tightly. Return jars into the boiling water. Water should cover the jars completely up to an inch over the top of the jars. Boil the jars for 10 minutes. Carefully remove jars from the water. As the jars cool, you will hear the lids make a "pop" sound. This is a sign the jars have sealed properly. Store jars for up to a year. Enjoy!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Armed with Love: Trust
I Corinthians 13:7, "Love always trusts."
I am a mom of three beautiful teenagers. I am often asked if they are triplets. I like to refer to them as "triblings." Two are 15 year old fraternal twins, a boy and a girl. They have a 16 year old brother. All three are 11 months apart. (Yes, that is three children in one year!)My husband and I adopted them eleven years ago. They have kept our hands busy and our hearts full. The topic of trust often comes up with teenagers. Because we are doing our best to bring our children up in a way that is pleasing to God we do not allow our children to participate in some activities other parents would. That means we often say "no" to parties. We have strong limits on dating. We don't allow them to see movies that are inappropriate. Computer time is limited and restricted. We often hear the question, "Why don't you trust me?" None of them understand that trust has very little to do with the choices we make in their regard. Love has everything to do with it.
I Corinthians 13:7 says, "Love always trusts." This sounds scary to me. If I love someone, do I always trust them? What if they have failed me in the past? Do I keep on trusting them? Answering these questions means learning what this verse really means.
I Corinthians 13:7 is translated in the King James Version, "[Love] believeth all things." The word "believeth" is the Greek word "pisteuō." In this verse, it is used in an ethical sense. "Pisteuō" means that I can place my confidence in the goodness of another. If I trust you, it means I believe in you. I love you and I know you are going to make good decisions. I can stand with you knowing you have done your best. I've got your back and I know you've got mine. That kind of trust takes a lot of love. It doesn't happen over night, but it can grow. If trust is broken, it can be rebuilt. It takes commitment, forgiveness and time.
Next time my teenagers ask, "Why don't you trust me?" I know the answer I will give. I'll say, "My lovely, I've got your back. Sometimes that means you won't get to do what your friends are doing. I know you won't like it. The difference between me and you friends is I love you. I love you the way God does. I know God has great plans for your life. I am not going to give the enemy and opportunity to disrupt those plans. Someday you will have to make your own decisions. I have full confidence that you will make the right one. I believe in you."
I love you, kiddos!
I am a mom of three beautiful teenagers. I am often asked if they are triplets. I like to refer to them as "triblings." Two are 15 year old fraternal twins, a boy and a girl. They have a 16 year old brother. All three are 11 months apart. (Yes, that is three children in one year!)My husband and I adopted them eleven years ago. They have kept our hands busy and our hearts full. The topic of trust often comes up with teenagers. Because we are doing our best to bring our children up in a way that is pleasing to God we do not allow our children to participate in some activities other parents would. That means we often say "no" to parties. We have strong limits on dating. We don't allow them to see movies that are inappropriate. Computer time is limited and restricted. We often hear the question, "Why don't you trust me?" None of them understand that trust has very little to do with the choices we make in their regard. Love has everything to do with it.
I Corinthians 13:7 says, "Love always trusts." This sounds scary to me. If I love someone, do I always trust them? What if they have failed me in the past? Do I keep on trusting them? Answering these questions means learning what this verse really means.
I Corinthians 13:7 is translated in the King James Version, "[Love] believeth all things." The word "believeth" is the Greek word "pisteuō." In this verse, it is used in an ethical sense. "Pisteuō" means that I can place my confidence in the goodness of another. If I trust you, it means I believe in you. I love you and I know you are going to make good decisions. I can stand with you knowing you have done your best. I've got your back and I know you've got mine. That kind of trust takes a lot of love. It doesn't happen over night, but it can grow. If trust is broken, it can be rebuilt. It takes commitment, forgiveness and time.
Next time my teenagers ask, "Why don't you trust me?" I know the answer I will give. I'll say, "My lovely, I've got your back. Sometimes that means you won't get to do what your friends are doing. I know you won't like it. The difference between me and you friends is I love you. I love you the way God does. I know God has great plans for your life. I am not going to give the enemy and opportunity to disrupt those plans. Someday you will have to make your own decisions. I have full confidence that you will make the right one. I believe in you."
I love you, kiddos!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Armed With Love: Protection
1 Corinthians 13:7, "[Love] always protects"
I am sitting here today, in my pajamas, thinking about everything I've been through over the last year. God sure has taken me for a wild ride. Today I am not thinking about how I have loved, but how others have loved me. This year I have battled through a struggle with mental illness. Five years ago I lost nearly 100 pounds. I felt healthier and looked better than I ever had before. One of the side effects of the weight loss was major hormone changes which effected my mental health. My emotions began to be unstable. Day to day I was not sure of how I was going to feel. For a long time, it was only my family who knew what I was going through. They just kept putting up with me, walking on egg shells. When my emotional out bursts became public, they continued to stand by me and cover me with their love. Everything came to a peak when I suffered an emotional breakdown. My sadness and anxiety immobilized me. My husband rushed home from work. My mother, out of frustration, screamed at me over the phone that I needed to get help. My family had become exhausted by my unpredictability. My emotions had taken the driver's seat of my life and were driving me into a canyon, "Thelma and Louise" style. Fortunately, my husband was able to make the phone calls I couldn't. I was able to get the medical and mental help I needed. I feel as though I have disarmed the enemy. My emotions can not longer be used as a weapon against me.
My family truly lived 1 Corinthians 13:7 which says, "[Love] always protects." The King James translation says, "[Love] bears all things." The word "bears" is the Greek word "stego" which is defined by Thayer's Lexicon as "to cover with silence; to keep secret; to hide or conceal the errors or faults of others." True love is like a blanket which covers the faults of those we love. It reminds me of being a little child and having a blanket spread out over me at night. Comfort and security covered over me as I lay in my soft bed. My mother would then pray a good night blessing over me. When we love with "stego" we provide the people we love with the comfort and security of knowing that whatever faults they have, whatever errors they might make, our love has got them covered. That security supported me through a very difficult time. It taught me who I can depend on. I know who's got my back.
I want to return the love my family has given me. I want to give them the security to know that when they make mistakes, my love will keep them covered. When they go through times that seem out of control, I've got their back. I want to live by the command of 1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Thank you, family, for covering me with such great love.
I am sitting here today, in my pajamas, thinking about everything I've been through over the last year. God sure has taken me for a wild ride. Today I am not thinking about how I have loved, but how others have loved me. This year I have battled through a struggle with mental illness. Five years ago I lost nearly 100 pounds. I felt healthier and looked better than I ever had before. One of the side effects of the weight loss was major hormone changes which effected my mental health. My emotions began to be unstable. Day to day I was not sure of how I was going to feel. For a long time, it was only my family who knew what I was going through. They just kept putting up with me, walking on egg shells. When my emotional out bursts became public, they continued to stand by me and cover me with their love. Everything came to a peak when I suffered an emotional breakdown. My sadness and anxiety immobilized me. My husband rushed home from work. My mother, out of frustration, screamed at me over the phone that I needed to get help. My family had become exhausted by my unpredictability. My emotions had taken the driver's seat of my life and were driving me into a canyon, "Thelma and Louise" style. Fortunately, my husband was able to make the phone calls I couldn't. I was able to get the medical and mental help I needed. I feel as though I have disarmed the enemy. My emotions can not longer be used as a weapon against me.
My family truly lived 1 Corinthians 13:7 which says, "[Love] always protects." The King James translation says, "[Love] bears all things." The word "bears" is the Greek word "stego" which is defined by Thayer's Lexicon as "to cover with silence; to keep secret; to hide or conceal the errors or faults of others." True love is like a blanket which covers the faults of those we love. It reminds me of being a little child and having a blanket spread out over me at night. Comfort and security covered over me as I lay in my soft bed. My mother would then pray a good night blessing over me. When we love with "stego" we provide the people we love with the comfort and security of knowing that whatever faults they have, whatever errors they might make, our love has got them covered. That security supported me through a very difficult time. It taught me who I can depend on. I know who's got my back.
I want to return the love my family has given me. I want to give them the security to know that when they make mistakes, my love will keep them covered. When they go through times that seem out of control, I've got their back. I want to live by the command of 1 Peter 4:8, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
Thank you, family, for covering me with such great love.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Armed with Love: Honesty
"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." 1 Corinthians 13:6
I'm about to be honest with you. Our family, like any family, has struggles. Some of our struggles are unique because our family was built by adoption. All of us long to be accepted by one another. We want to feel loved, accepted, and appreciated. We want the security of a loving family. Our fears of rejection hurt us at times. Those fears make us lie to each other about who we really are and what we really want. Those fears make us run away from each other, even when we are standing in the same room together. We act and pretend to gain acceptance. I love my family. I don't want to pretend to be okay when I'm not. I don't want them to act like someone they aren't because they are afraid I won't love them for who they are.
The first part of the verse says, "Love does not delight in evil." As I studied the lexicons I discovered a better translation of this verse would be, "Love does not rejoice exceedingly the unrighteousness of heart and life." To me this verse talks about delighting in the lies we tell in our hearts and lives. We shouldn't be happy when we get our own way, knowing it makes our spouse uncomfortable. We shouldn't be glad when our kids make a choice we want them to even though it makes them unhappy. Living this way is living a lie. Our family has learned in therapy that we all bring a "fake" self to situations in order to find acceptance. If we always bring our fake self, we won't be loved for our real selves.
The second part of this verse says, "[love] rejoices with the truth." The Blue Letter Bible helped me understand that this means that we rejoice with or take part in another's joy in what is true in any matter under consideration. When we rejoice with the truth we celebrate when those we love bring their authentic selves into the relationship. We embrace the truth when they show who they truly are. For me it means accepting my children's likes and dislikes even when they are different then mine. It means listening and understanding my husband's needs even when they are not convenient to me. I want to be intimate with my family. I want to know them. I want to love them for who they really are. I will rejoice in the truth of who God made them uniquely to be.
Don't settle for "fake" relationships. Find out what is real about the family you live with and rejoice in it.
I'm about to be honest with you. Our family, like any family, has struggles. Some of our struggles are unique because our family was built by adoption. All of us long to be accepted by one another. We want to feel loved, accepted, and appreciated. We want the security of a loving family. Our fears of rejection hurt us at times. Those fears make us lie to each other about who we really are and what we really want. Those fears make us run away from each other, even when we are standing in the same room together. We act and pretend to gain acceptance. I love my family. I don't want to pretend to be okay when I'm not. I don't want them to act like someone they aren't because they are afraid I won't love them for who they are.
The first part of the verse says, "Love does not delight in evil." As I studied the lexicons I discovered a better translation of this verse would be, "Love does not rejoice exceedingly the unrighteousness of heart and life." To me this verse talks about delighting in the lies we tell in our hearts and lives. We shouldn't be happy when we get our own way, knowing it makes our spouse uncomfortable. We shouldn't be glad when our kids make a choice we want them to even though it makes them unhappy. Living this way is living a lie. Our family has learned in therapy that we all bring a "fake" self to situations in order to find acceptance. If we always bring our fake self, we won't be loved for our real selves.
The second part of this verse says, "[love] rejoices with the truth." The Blue Letter Bible helped me understand that this means that we rejoice with or take part in another's joy in what is true in any matter under consideration. When we rejoice with the truth we celebrate when those we love bring their authentic selves into the relationship. We embrace the truth when they show who they truly are. For me it means accepting my children's likes and dislikes even when they are different then mine. It means listening and understanding my husband's needs even when they are not convenient to me. I want to be intimate with my family. I want to know them. I want to love them for who they really are. I will rejoice in the truth of who God made them uniquely to be.
Don't settle for "fake" relationships. Find out what is real about the family you live with and rejoice in it.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Armed with Love: Forgiveness
"(Love) keeps no record of wrongs" 1 Corinthians 14:5
After our morning workout, my mom and I headed to the supermarket. When we came out of the store we notice a young man wondering around the parking lot. He was very young, about 18. He was covered with tattoos and dirt. He looked as though he had been sleeping with the pigs. He started to approach our car. When I began to back out he turned away. I started to feel compassion for the young man. I knew what my mom's reaction to him was. My mom has a heart for the homeless. She can't pass a homeless person on the street without giving them money. "Did he need something?" I asked my mom. She emptied her coin purse into her hand. "Pull around," she said, "If it was my son I would want someone to give him money no matter what he'd done to get himself on the street." The young man had sat himself down on a curb under a tree to escape the heat. I rolled the window down as I pulled up. "Did you need something?" I asked. The young man started to explain, "I'm having a really bad day. I was going to ask you if I could wash your windows for a couple of dollars." I reached my hand out the window. "Here you go," I said as I poured the change into his filthy hands. "Do you want my to wash your windows?" the young man asked. "No," I replied, "Do you know why I'm giving you this? Because God cares about you." The young mans face lit up and he smiled. As I drove away I thought about all the things I wish I'd said to him. I wish I'd asked him what his story was. I wish I had taken just a few more seconds to tell him about Jesus. I wish I had told him to call his parents, tell them he was sorry, and ask if he could come home. I wish I'd told him his parents would forgive him. That is what I would want someone to tell my prodigal son.
First Corinthians 13:5 says, "(Love) keeps no records of wrongs." This verse literally means that when we love, we don't keep an account of the bad things done to us. We don't make tally marks in our hearts every time we are hurt or offended. If we do we become hard hearted and resentful towards the people we love. We are bound to offend each other on a daily basis. The key to a happy marriage and family is being quick to forgive and graceful enough to not hold the offence against them.
How much offence are we supposed to take? When have we forgiven enough? Jesus says that we can never forgive enough. In Mathew 18:21-35, Peter asked Jesus this question. Peter wanted to know how much forgiveness was enough. He asked him if seven times was enough. Verse 22 gives Jesus' answer, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Jesus did not mean that we could stop forgiving on the seventy-seventh time, but we should never stop forgiving. Jesus goes on to illustrate this in a parable explaining that we should forgive because we have been forgiven.
I also think about the Prodigal Son when I think about forgiveness (Luke 15:11-32). The most hurtful sin I can imagine is being abandoned by my loved ones. How can a spouse walk away from their partner? How can a child turn their back on their parent? Yet,I am amazed by the Father's response to the son when he returns. The Father welcomes the son back AND throws him a party. I think I would be happy to have my son back, but I don't think I would throw him a party! I would want my son to pay for the mistakes he made. That is the difference between my love, and God's love. My human love has limits, but God's love is limitless. If I want to love the way God wants me to love I have to have limitless forgiveness. The only way I can have limitless forgiveness is to love others through God's limitless love. I must ask Him to give me that love for my family every day. Lord, let me love with your limitless love. Let me forgive with your limitless forgiveness.
After our morning workout, my mom and I headed to the supermarket. When we came out of the store we notice a young man wondering around the parking lot. He was very young, about 18. He was covered with tattoos and dirt. He looked as though he had been sleeping with the pigs. He started to approach our car. When I began to back out he turned away. I started to feel compassion for the young man. I knew what my mom's reaction to him was. My mom has a heart for the homeless. She can't pass a homeless person on the street without giving them money. "Did he need something?" I asked my mom. She emptied her coin purse into her hand. "Pull around," she said, "If it was my son I would want someone to give him money no matter what he'd done to get himself on the street." The young man had sat himself down on a curb under a tree to escape the heat. I rolled the window down as I pulled up. "Did you need something?" I asked. The young man started to explain, "I'm having a really bad day. I was going to ask you if I could wash your windows for a couple of dollars." I reached my hand out the window. "Here you go," I said as I poured the change into his filthy hands. "Do you want my to wash your windows?" the young man asked. "No," I replied, "Do you know why I'm giving you this? Because God cares about you." The young mans face lit up and he smiled. As I drove away I thought about all the things I wish I'd said to him. I wish I'd asked him what his story was. I wish I had taken just a few more seconds to tell him about Jesus. I wish I had told him to call his parents, tell them he was sorry, and ask if he could come home. I wish I'd told him his parents would forgive him. That is what I would want someone to tell my prodigal son.
First Corinthians 13:5 says, "(Love) keeps no records of wrongs." This verse literally means that when we love, we don't keep an account of the bad things done to us. We don't make tally marks in our hearts every time we are hurt or offended. If we do we become hard hearted and resentful towards the people we love. We are bound to offend each other on a daily basis. The key to a happy marriage and family is being quick to forgive and graceful enough to not hold the offence against them.
How much offence are we supposed to take? When have we forgiven enough? Jesus says that we can never forgive enough. In Mathew 18:21-35, Peter asked Jesus this question. Peter wanted to know how much forgiveness was enough. He asked him if seven times was enough. Verse 22 gives Jesus' answer, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Jesus did not mean that we could stop forgiving on the seventy-seventh time, but we should never stop forgiving. Jesus goes on to illustrate this in a parable explaining that we should forgive because we have been forgiven.
I also think about the Prodigal Son when I think about forgiveness (Luke 15:11-32). The most hurtful sin I can imagine is being abandoned by my loved ones. How can a spouse walk away from their partner? How can a child turn their back on their parent? Yet,I am amazed by the Father's response to the son when he returns. The Father welcomes the son back AND throws him a party. I think I would be happy to have my son back, but I don't think I would throw him a party! I would want my son to pay for the mistakes he made. That is the difference between my love, and God's love. My human love has limits, but God's love is limitless. If I want to love the way God wants me to love I have to have limitless forgiveness. The only way I can have limitless forgiveness is to love others through God's limitless love. I must ask Him to give me that love for my family every day. Lord, let me love with your limitless love. Let me forgive with your limitless forgiveness.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Indian Tacos
Whenever my grandmother comes from to visit from Oklahoma we look forward to Indian Tacos. Indian Tacos are popular in the southwest and in communities where there is a large Native American population. When my grandparents retired in Oklahoma years ago they discovered Indian Tacos at a fundraiser. My grandmother has been making them ever since. Indian Tacos are like Tostadas. An Indian Fry Bread is topped with all the fixings for a Taco Salad. Indian Fry Bread is easy to make and requires few ingredients. You can also top the Fry Bread with cinnamon and sugar for dessert or salted and used for dipping.This variation on the typical taco is a sure to become a family favorite.
Indian Tacos
1 pound ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning
1 can pinto or black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
Lettuce, shredded
Tomato, diced
Cheddar or Jack cheese, graded
Salsa
Sour Cream
Avocado or Guacamole
Indian Fry Bread, prepared
Directions: Brown ground beef and season with taco seasoning. Mix in canned beans and corn. Layer all ingredients on top of Indian Fry Bread. Eat with great joy.
Indian Fry Bread
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup water
Oil for frying
Directions: Combine flour, salt and baking powder. Add oil. Pour in water gradually and stir until you get a moist, elastic dough. It should almost look like it is too wet. Do not over mix or knead. Let it rest covered for 30 minutes. On a well floured board, take golf-ball sized pieces of dough. Roll in the flour. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out about 1/4 inch thick into 6-8 inch round flat. Don't worry if they are not perfectly round. They can be whatever shape you roll them into. Let rest for a few minutes. Heat oil about 1/2 inch depth in a dutch oven or deep skillet. When oil is hot, gently lay the flat in the oil. Dough will puff up in the oil as it fries. When one side is brown and crisp, turn it over. When both sides are crisp, remove from pan. Top and enjoy while the Fry Bread is still warm.
Indian Tacos
1 pound ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning
1 can pinto or black beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
Lettuce, shredded
Tomato, diced
Cheddar or Jack cheese, graded
Salsa
Sour Cream
Avocado or Guacamole
Indian Fry Bread, prepared
Directions: Brown ground beef and season with taco seasoning. Mix in canned beans and corn. Layer all ingredients on top of Indian Fry Bread. Eat with great joy.
Indian Fry Bread
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup water
Oil for frying
Directions: Combine flour, salt and baking powder. Add oil. Pour in water gradually and stir until you get a moist, elastic dough. It should almost look like it is too wet. Do not over mix or knead. Let it rest covered for 30 minutes. On a well floured board, take golf-ball sized pieces of dough. Roll in the flour. Using a rolling pin, gently roll out about 1/4 inch thick into 6-8 inch round flat. Don't worry if they are not perfectly round. They can be whatever shape you roll them into. Let rest for a few minutes. Heat oil about 1/2 inch depth in a dutch oven or deep skillet. When oil is hot, gently lay the flat in the oil. Dough will puff up in the oil as it fries. When one side is brown and crisp, turn it over. When both sides are crisp, remove from pan. Top and enjoy while the Fry Bread is still warm.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Armed with Love: Anger
"Love is not easily angered," I Corinthians 13:5.
Anger is an emotion that is hard to control. Yet God's word teaches us that anger needs to be under our control.Proverbs 29:11 says, "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." My friend Teresa told our Bible study group about a recent experience she had at a local department store that tested her ability to keep herself under control. Teresa received a excellent coupon from a local department store. She knew a shopping trip was in order. After selecting her items she proceeded to the check out line. She was surprised to find no one in line and proceeded to the register. As she was checking out two women arrived in line behind her and began making bad comments about Teresa accusing her of cutting in line. Teresa began to feel her face get red and her emotions rise. She noticed an open register. Teresa turned to the women and said, "I didn't cut in line, but there is an open register right over there." As they proceed to the register the Drama Queens continued to complain loudly about Teresa. She wanted to give the women a few choice words of her own, but she kept herself under control. When the cashier finished ringing up the items Teresa handed her the coupon. The cashier scanned the coupon and gave it back to her saying, "You should hang on to this coupon. It is good for a few more days." Almost without thinking about it Teresa turned and handed the loud-mouthed, complaining women her amazing coupon. Dumbfounded, one of them responded,"Thank you." When Teresa settled in the seat of her car she thanked God for allowing her to keep her cool. She knew it was only by God's help she did not become a Drama Queen.
Drama Queens. We all know one, live with one, maybe we are one. Drama Queens are not easy to live with. They make mountains out of mole hills. They make little problems into big problems. They turn small disagreements into major fights. They seem to enjoy the craziness that swallows up their lives. Drama Queens do not have control of their emotions. When a wife or mom is a Drama Queen, it makes for a home built on very shaky ground. Her family is never sure where they stand. They are always afraid of the next eruption of emotion. Sometimes her family finds it difficult to be honest because they know what the reaction will be. They hide things for fear of causing chaos to storm. I do not want to be a Drama Queen. I want peace to reign in my home. I must maintain control of my emotions.
I Corinthians 13 says that when we love those around us we are not easily angered. This verse does not make anger a sin. In fact, God has been known to be angry at times. Even Jesus was angry in the temple when it was being misused as a market place. Anger is not wrong. Not being in control of one's anger is. Drama Queens do not control their anger. In fact, they use their anger as a weapon against the people they claim to love. When we are quick to become angry we are putting ourselves and our feelings above those around us. James 1:19-20 gives us some insight on how we should be. It says, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." This verse says we should listen first, speak second, and take our time becoming angry. By being a good listener we can show love to the speaker. If we listen first it gives us an opportunity to understand and sympathize with the speaker. Then we can make a more reasonable response. It doesn't always mean I won't be angry, but it does mean I will be pursuing a righteous life.
I don't want to be a Drama Queen. I want my family to feel free to share their joys and sorrows knowing I will listen without jumping into a volcano of emotions. By listening I will love them better.
Anger is an emotion that is hard to control. Yet God's word teaches us that anger needs to be under our control.Proverbs 29:11 says, "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." My friend Teresa told our Bible study group about a recent experience she had at a local department store that tested her ability to keep herself under control. Teresa received a excellent coupon from a local department store. She knew a shopping trip was in order. After selecting her items she proceeded to the check out line. She was surprised to find no one in line and proceeded to the register. As she was checking out two women arrived in line behind her and began making bad comments about Teresa accusing her of cutting in line. Teresa began to feel her face get red and her emotions rise. She noticed an open register. Teresa turned to the women and said, "I didn't cut in line, but there is an open register right over there." As they proceed to the register the Drama Queens continued to complain loudly about Teresa. She wanted to give the women a few choice words of her own, but she kept herself under control. When the cashier finished ringing up the items Teresa handed her the coupon. The cashier scanned the coupon and gave it back to her saying, "You should hang on to this coupon. It is good for a few more days." Almost without thinking about it Teresa turned and handed the loud-mouthed, complaining women her amazing coupon. Dumbfounded, one of them responded,"Thank you." When Teresa settled in the seat of her car she thanked God for allowing her to keep her cool. She knew it was only by God's help she did not become a Drama Queen.
Drama Queens. We all know one, live with one, maybe we are one. Drama Queens are not easy to live with. They make mountains out of mole hills. They make little problems into big problems. They turn small disagreements into major fights. They seem to enjoy the craziness that swallows up their lives. Drama Queens do not have control of their emotions. When a wife or mom is a Drama Queen, it makes for a home built on very shaky ground. Her family is never sure where they stand. They are always afraid of the next eruption of emotion. Sometimes her family finds it difficult to be honest because they know what the reaction will be. They hide things for fear of causing chaos to storm. I do not want to be a Drama Queen. I want peace to reign in my home. I must maintain control of my emotions.
I Corinthians 13 says that when we love those around us we are not easily angered. This verse does not make anger a sin. In fact, God has been known to be angry at times. Even Jesus was angry in the temple when it was being misused as a market place. Anger is not wrong. Not being in control of one's anger is. Drama Queens do not control their anger. In fact, they use their anger as a weapon against the people they claim to love. When we are quick to become angry we are putting ourselves and our feelings above those around us. James 1:19-20 gives us some insight on how we should be. It says, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." This verse says we should listen first, speak second, and take our time becoming angry. By being a good listener we can show love to the speaker. If we listen first it gives us an opportunity to understand and sympathize with the speaker. Then we can make a more reasonable response. It doesn't always mean I won't be angry, but it does mean I will be pursuing a righteous life.
I don't want to be a Drama Queen. I want my family to feel free to share their joys and sorrows knowing I will listen without jumping into a volcano of emotions. By listening I will love them better.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Homemade Dog Food
Recently I started making dog food. We are dog lovers at our house. Currently we have three dogs. Lady is a Yellow Lab mix. She is the oldest at 11 years old. We picked her up at Petsmart when the animal shelter was doing adoptions. The youngest is a little Chijuajua mix named Zoey. She is 7 months old. We adopted her from my good friend Tanya. Her dog had three puppies who all look different. It looked as though she had gone all over town adopting puppies. Zoey was the cutest and the littlest. It was love at first sight. In the middle is our Basset Hound, Ozzie. We adopted him from a friend who is a breeder. No body wanted to buy him because he is a "lemon." He doesn't have the markings that most Basset Hounds have. He is all brown with white on his chest. We always get a lot of attention when we take him out because he is so cute. His personality is always happy and friendly. Because he is a pure breed he has a lot of allergies. He has spent his six years of live chewing and scratching. The vet recommended we put him on hypoallergenic dog food. It cost us $90 a bag! When I looked at the ingredient list the main ingredient was rice. I couldn't believe it! $90 for a bag of rice. Even premium dog food cost $50 a bag. I figured I could make it. It has helped Ozzie's allergies considerably. He also quit waking us up in the night to take him out. I only wish I had done it sooner. I buy the 5 pound chub of turkey at Winco for about $7.50. This lasts me a week. I buy the other ingredients once a month at Costco. The 20 pound bag of rice costs about $7. I also get a giant bag of carrots and a huge bag of spinach for another $8. You can see this is a considerable savings over buying the hypoallergenic or premium dog food. I make it twice a week. Here is my recipe.
Homemade Dog Food
5 pounds ground turkey, browned and chopped in the food processor
10 c. dry rice, cooked according to the directions
12 carrots, chopped in the food processor
6 c. spinach, chopped in the food processor
Directions: Cook and combine all ingredients. I cook all the rice in a large pot. Then I divide the rest of the ingredients and cook it in batches. Frozen, chopped spinach is good to use. Store or freeze in containers in the fridge.
I hope you have happier and healthier dogs. Don't forget your apron!
Homemade Dog Food
5 pounds ground turkey, browned and chopped in the food processor
10 c. dry rice, cooked according to the directions
12 carrots, chopped in the food processor
6 c. spinach, chopped in the food processor
Directions: Cook and combine all ingredients. I cook all the rice in a large pot. Then I divide the rest of the ingredients and cook it in batches. Frozen, chopped spinach is good to use. Store or freeze in containers in the fridge.
I hope you have happier and healthier dogs. Don't forget your apron!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
One Pot Macaroni
I got this recipe from my friend Julie Bodenbender. She says, "It is a little like Hamburger helper but homemade and much better." I am always looking for quick and easy meals. I am a big fan of Hamburger Helper, so this recipe is right up my ally. I hope you all will give it a try.
2 pounds hamburger or ground turkey
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/2 c. bell pepper, chopped
2 1/3 - 3 cups macaroni
16 oz. tomato sauce
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. garlic powder
water
Instructions: Brown 2 pounds of hamburger(we use turkey) with an onion and green pepper, chopped. When brown and drained add 2 1/3 to 3 cups macaroni, 16 oz. tomato sauce, teaspoon of salt, 1/4 of pepper, tbsp of Worcestershire sauce and tsp of garlic powder. You can add 16 oz can of tomatoes if you like. Add enough water cover. Simmer, covered for 25 minutes, or until macaroni tender. You might need to add water, if necessary.
Julie says her kids love this dinner. Thank you, Julie for this great recipe. It sounds delicious! Happy cooking, and don't forget your apron!
2 pounds hamburger or ground turkey
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1/2 c. bell pepper, chopped
2 1/3 - 3 cups macaroni
16 oz. tomato sauce
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. garlic powder
water
Instructions: Brown 2 pounds of hamburger(we use turkey) with an onion and green pepper, chopped. When brown and drained add 2 1/3 to 3 cups macaroni, 16 oz. tomato sauce, teaspoon of salt, 1/4 of pepper, tbsp of Worcestershire sauce and tsp of garlic powder. You can add 16 oz can of tomatoes if you like. Add enough water cover. Simmer, covered for 25 minutes, or until macaroni tender. You might need to add water, if necessary.
Julie says her kids love this dinner. Thank you, Julie for this great recipe. It sounds delicious! Happy cooking, and don't forget your apron!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Cola Pot Roast
The thought of a pot roast can be over whelming. The scrubbing and peeling the vegetables, and the hours of cooking time can make pot roast a dish only served on special occasions. This Cola Pot Roast is incredibly easy to make. It requires only 4ingredients. It is made in the crock pot, which makes dinner a snap. I make this quite often. The roast cooks in its own creamy onion gravy. It can be served over potatoes or rice. You can also eat it on a bun. Your family will be very satisfied.
Cola Pot Roast
1 3lb. roast (I like pork loin roast. It's lean and I can find it on sale regularly.)
1 can diet cola
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 packet dry onion soup mix
Place roast in the slow cooker. Combine next three ingredients. Pour over roast. Cook on high 4 hours or low 8 hours. Shred and enjoy!
Cola Pot Roast
1 3lb. roast (I like pork loin roast. It's lean and I can find it on sale regularly.)
1 can diet cola
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1 packet dry onion soup mix
Place roast in the slow cooker. Combine next three ingredients. Pour over roast. Cook on high 4 hours or low 8 hours. Shred and enjoy!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Armed with Love: Self Seeking
"Love is not self-seeking," I Corinthians 13:5
Before my children arrived, I was a very busy part-time Children's Minister at a Southern California mega church. Anyone who has ever worked in ministry knows that there is no such thing as a part-time minister. My husband also worked part-time in the same ministry. We lived and breathed for the weekend when we were serving at our church. It was a fun and exciting job. It was truly one of the best times of my life. I enjoyed it for a number of reasons. I enjoyed working with the kids. Children can make you feel important. I put on comical productions. There is nothing like an audience laughing and enjoying my work. I liked the way it felt to have my peers and bosses tell me, "Well done." I constantly wanted to out do my last production. After a while I had begun preforming the job for very selfish reasons. Ministering became less about serving the Lord and more about serving me.
During the height of this we adopted our three children. They got sucked into the tornado that was our lives. We spent the entire weekend at church. They noticed the extra attention I got. They asked me, "Mommy, are we famous?" My answer was, "Yes, of course we are!"
Although I loved my job at church, I was very overwhelmed with my new responsibilities at home. I wanted nothing more to become a mother, but mothering was much more difficult then I had anticipated. I struggled to find a way to put myself and my children first. I felt like a plate spinner in the circus. I was constantly trying to keep all the plates spinning at once.
One weekend a mentor I respected called me into her office. She had noticed that my kids were in child care every service, every weekend. It was taking a toll on them. They had begun acting out in the class and being disruptive to the teacher. She told me that I could not continue having them spend so much time at church. At first I was very angry. I thought, "How dare she suggest such a thing? Doesn't she know that I can't continue working at church if they aren't in child care? Doesn't she know that the children's ministry can't function without me?" I was so prideful and arrogant. I left the meeting very angry and frustrated. I had a good cry about it, and the Lord started speaking to my heart. I had to put the needs of my children ahead the job I loved. My friend was right. I returned to her office in tears. She listened as I told her how overwhelmed I felt. I had to make some changes. Over time I gave up more and more responsibilities. God began braking me of my prideful attitude and renewed a desire to serve Him above all others, including myself.
"Self-seeking" in I Corinthians 13:5 does not require a complicated explanation. It simply means seeking after yourself. The Message Bible says, "(Love) Isn't always 'me first.'" Being self-seeking is looking out for "number 1." I was not loving my children when I put my self ahead of their needs.
Don't get me wrong, I do not think life needs to revolve around the kids. This can produce very self-centered kids. However, life doesn't need to revolve around me either. It does need to revolve around God. I have to measure my choices against what God would have me do. I trust that He will keep our family in balance. Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." This is a pretty tall order. I can't do anything out of selfish ambition. The decisions I make must not be based on my own selfish desires, but on what will benefit those in the world around me. Sometimes it does benefit my children to take a "mommy time out." Taking some time for me can refresh me and make me a better mom. Balance requires me to take my eyes off me and put them on God.
Lets tie our aprons tightly, girls. This battle requires selflessness.
Before my children arrived, I was a very busy part-time Children's Minister at a Southern California mega church. Anyone who has ever worked in ministry knows that there is no such thing as a part-time minister. My husband also worked part-time in the same ministry. We lived and breathed for the weekend when we were serving at our church. It was a fun and exciting job. It was truly one of the best times of my life. I enjoyed it for a number of reasons. I enjoyed working with the kids. Children can make you feel important. I put on comical productions. There is nothing like an audience laughing and enjoying my work. I liked the way it felt to have my peers and bosses tell me, "Well done." I constantly wanted to out do my last production. After a while I had begun preforming the job for very selfish reasons. Ministering became less about serving the Lord and more about serving me.
During the height of this we adopted our three children. They got sucked into the tornado that was our lives. We spent the entire weekend at church. They noticed the extra attention I got. They asked me, "Mommy, are we famous?" My answer was, "Yes, of course we are!"
Although I loved my job at church, I was very overwhelmed with my new responsibilities at home. I wanted nothing more to become a mother, but mothering was much more difficult then I had anticipated. I struggled to find a way to put myself and my children first. I felt like a plate spinner in the circus. I was constantly trying to keep all the plates spinning at once.
One weekend a mentor I respected called me into her office. She had noticed that my kids were in child care every service, every weekend. It was taking a toll on them. They had begun acting out in the class and being disruptive to the teacher. She told me that I could not continue having them spend so much time at church. At first I was very angry. I thought, "How dare she suggest such a thing? Doesn't she know that I can't continue working at church if they aren't in child care? Doesn't she know that the children's ministry can't function without me?" I was so prideful and arrogant. I left the meeting very angry and frustrated. I had a good cry about it, and the Lord started speaking to my heart. I had to put the needs of my children ahead the job I loved. My friend was right. I returned to her office in tears. She listened as I told her how overwhelmed I felt. I had to make some changes. Over time I gave up more and more responsibilities. God began braking me of my prideful attitude and renewed a desire to serve Him above all others, including myself.
"Self-seeking" in I Corinthians 13:5 does not require a complicated explanation. It simply means seeking after yourself. The Message Bible says, "(Love) Isn't always 'me first.'" Being self-seeking is looking out for "number 1." I was not loving my children when I put my self ahead of their needs.
Don't get me wrong, I do not think life needs to revolve around the kids. This can produce very self-centered kids. However, life doesn't need to revolve around me either. It does need to revolve around God. I have to measure my choices against what God would have me do. I trust that He will keep our family in balance. Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." This is a pretty tall order. I can't do anything out of selfish ambition. The decisions I make must not be based on my own selfish desires, but on what will benefit those in the world around me. Sometimes it does benefit my children to take a "mommy time out." Taking some time for me can refresh me and make me a better mom. Balance requires me to take my eyes off me and put them on God.
Lets tie our aprons tightly, girls. This battle requires selflessness.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Armed with Love: Honor
"Love is not rude," I Corinthians 13:5.
We are a family who loves to laugh at each other. With three teenagers in our home, we are very familiar with the foul odors that can be made by a person. We tend to make light of it. Some people would consider this incredibly rude. I consider this making the best of a very bad (smelling) situation. My grandmother used to call this "bathroom talk." My cousins and I used to tease her by going into the bathroom and having pleasant conversation when she would reprimand us for our poor choices in humor.
I Corinthians 13:5 tells us, "Love is not rude." The word "rude" in this sentence is the Greek word "aschēmoneō" which means, "to act unbecomingly." My Today's New International version says it this way, "Love does not dishonor." To dishonor someone is to treat the person as if they had no value. If we want to battle dishonor we must learn honor. To honor a person is to understand their value. In the Bible the words for honor and respect are the same Greek word, "timaō." Timaō is defined, "to honour, to have in honour, to revere, venerate." In I Peter 2:17 we see this command, "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." The word respect in this verse is the word "timaō." If I love someone with honor and respect then I revere them. Webster's Dictionary defines revere as, "to regard with respect tinged with awe." This sense of awe I must have brings something new to the mix. I must look at those I love with a new sense of awe. These creatures I live with are created uniquely by a loving God for His purpose. That is awesome.
I forget sometimes how awesome my children are. I neglect to consider my children's feelings when I am frustrated or overwhelmed. I am annoyed when they express the way they are uniquely made by God when it doesn't appeal to my sense of purpose for their lives. I sometimes say things that can be down right rude. I must learn to love them as God loves them realising that He has made them each for a special purpose. I must stand in awe and respect His creation.
Sometimes I forget how awesome my husband is. Truth be told, the dogs are the most excited creatures in the house to see my husband come home. They leap up when they hear the key slide into the lock. They jump and cheer as he enters the door. The dogs can't wait until they each receive their pet. The dogs should not be the only ones glad to see him come home. I should leap from my chair ready to greet him. I should show my appreciation for the sacrifices he made to provide for our family. I must show him the honor due him.
Domestic Warriors, we must fight our battles with honor. Prepare for battle with aprons on.
We are a family who loves to laugh at each other. With three teenagers in our home, we are very familiar with the foul odors that can be made by a person. We tend to make light of it. Some people would consider this incredibly rude. I consider this making the best of a very bad (smelling) situation. My grandmother used to call this "bathroom talk." My cousins and I used to tease her by going into the bathroom and having pleasant conversation when she would reprimand us for our poor choices in humor.
I Corinthians 13:5 tells us, "Love is not rude." The word "rude" in this sentence is the Greek word "aschēmoneō" which means, "to act unbecomingly." My Today's New International version says it this way, "Love does not dishonor." To dishonor someone is to treat the person as if they had no value. If we want to battle dishonor we must learn honor. To honor a person is to understand their value. In the Bible the words for honor and respect are the same Greek word, "timaō." Timaō is defined, "to honour, to have in honour, to revere, venerate." In I Peter 2:17 we see this command, "Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." The word respect in this verse is the word "timaō." If I love someone with honor and respect then I revere them. Webster's Dictionary defines revere as, "to regard with respect tinged with awe." This sense of awe I must have brings something new to the mix. I must look at those I love with a new sense of awe. These creatures I live with are created uniquely by a loving God for His purpose. That is awesome.
I forget sometimes how awesome my children are. I neglect to consider my children's feelings when I am frustrated or overwhelmed. I am annoyed when they express the way they are uniquely made by God when it doesn't appeal to my sense of purpose for their lives. I sometimes say things that can be down right rude. I must learn to love them as God loves them realising that He has made them each for a special purpose. I must stand in awe and respect His creation.
Sometimes I forget how awesome my husband is. Truth be told, the dogs are the most excited creatures in the house to see my husband come home. They leap up when they hear the key slide into the lock. They jump and cheer as he enters the door. The dogs can't wait until they each receive their pet. The dogs should not be the only ones glad to see him come home. I should leap from my chair ready to greet him. I should show my appreciation for the sacrifices he made to provide for our family. I must show him the honor due him.
Domestic Warriors, we must fight our battles with honor. Prepare for battle with aprons on.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Simple Oreo Truffles
This is another great recipe from my friend, Shelly Brown. If you love Oreos you will love this one. I think you could use a small scoop to make these. I am going to make these for my next girls night. Yum!
Simple Oreo Truffles
16 oz package of Oreos
8 oz package cream cheese, softened
16 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted
Directions
Completely crush Oreos and place in a bowl. Add cream cheese. Mix until blended. Roll cookie mixture into 1-inch balls. Dip in chocolate and place on wax paper to cool. Decorate truffles as desired.
Refrigerate until firm, about one hour. Eat them all. Or cover and refrigerate.
Simple Oreo Truffles
16 oz package of Oreos
8 oz package cream cheese, softened
16 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted
Directions
Completely crush Oreos and place in a bowl. Add cream cheese. Mix until blended. Roll cookie mixture into 1-inch balls. Dip in chocolate and place on wax paper to cool. Decorate truffles as desired.
Refrigerate until firm, about one hour. Eat them all. Or cover and refrigerate.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Oatmeal Fudge Nut Bars
At our Valentine's Day Tea my friend, Shelly Brown, made this delicious dessert. She was kind enough to let me share it with you. These bars are delectably delicious. Warning to those watching their weight: Make these only for company. That way you won't have any leftovers to gobble up later.
Crumb Mixture:
1 cup marg/butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. Salt
3 cups quick oats
Cream together butter & sugar. Add eggs & vanilla. Mix together flour, soda, salt, oatmeal and add. Mix till crumbly and set aside.
Fudge Nut Filling
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 14oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Tbsp. butter
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup walnuts partially chopped
Heat first 3 ingredients in microwave until smooth, add vanilla & nuts. In bottom of greased 9x13 pan spread 2/3 of the crumb mixture.Spread filling over crust, then drop spoonfuls of remaining mixture on top of the chocolate. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
Thank you, Shelly Brown! If you would like to submit a recipe e-mail it to apronarmor@yahoo.com.
Happy baking and don't forget your apron!
Crumb Mixture:
1 cup marg/butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. Salt
3 cups quick oats
Cream together butter & sugar. Add eggs & vanilla. Mix together flour, soda, salt, oatmeal and add. Mix till crumbly and set aside.
Fudge Nut Filling
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 14oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 Tbsp. butter
2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup walnuts partially chopped
Heat first 3 ingredients in microwave until smooth, add vanilla & nuts. In bottom of greased 9x13 pan spread 2/3 of the crumb mixture.Spread filling over crust, then drop spoonfuls of remaining mixture on top of the chocolate. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
Thank you, Shelly Brown! If you would like to submit a recipe e-mail it to apronarmor@yahoo.com.
Happy baking and don't forget your apron!
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