Chick Food

Fixer-Upper

2012-02-01T10:38:00.001-06:00

Since we moved to our little Southern hamlet fifteen years ago, we've been thinking how wonderful it would be to fix up one of the old Victorian houses on a certain historic street, and make it our home. Actually, it's been a dream for longer than that. Before we had children, we lived in a grand old Victorian (which had been converted into two 3-story townhomes) in downtown Denver. But when we found out we were going to be parents, we moved to a safer suburban neighborhood, and filed our remodeling dreams under S for "Someday".

Now, our 'someday' is almost here. But, it's not exactly as we imagined it would be... I had visions of a little painting, some new curtains and a doorbell and voila! Home Sweet Home. Ummm.... not so much. Though the house we found has excellent "bones", and lots of endearing qualities, it also has lots of ugly paint. (Exhibit A, the Purple Potty) And rooms and rooms full of seriously ugly wallpaper. Take the kitchen, for instance. It's home to not one, not two, but three kinds of rooster-themed wallpaper. And the stencils! Little roosters just roosting all over the place...ugh! Don't even get me started on the floral nightmares in the foyer and dining room.... This is going to be work. Serious work. But it will be worth it.

All of this talk of scraping and sanding and wallpaper stripping has me thinking about the 'renovation' God has done in my life. Twenty-two years ago March 5th, I invited Him into my life. And the transformation happened just as it's written in 2 Corinthians 5:17: old things passed away. All things became new. I marvel that Jesus looked at me- and you- then at the pain and shame of the Cross, and said It will be worth it. I am eternally grateful.

Today's verse: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Prayer for Today: Dear Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice for me. Thank you for looking across time, seeing my broken life and separation from God, and paying the terrible price of a cruel cross for me. Better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere! In Your name, Amen.

Don't Panic....

2011-12-19T19:44:00.010-06:00

"Don't Panic. It's the first helpful or intelligible thing anybody's said to me all day." - Arthur Dent to Ford Prefect, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Today is December 20th, only five days til Christmas. Advertisers everywhere are attempting to inspire panic among those of us who are not yet finished with our preparations for the BIG DAY. Will you allow me to interject a note of calm, as we hurtle through time toward December 25th? Everything is going to be fine. It really is.

Let me share a little story with you. Go back with me to December 22nd, 1986. Gene and I were expecting our first child, due on January 14th. We had managed to decorate our little tree, but there we were, just three days before Christmas, and not a single gift had been purchased! I wasn't intentionally putting off Christmas shopping. I had been on doctor-ordered bed rest, thanks to pre-term labor that began in my thirtieth week. I would reach the "full-term" benchmark (37 weeks) on December 24th, when I would require no more bed rest or medication. So we decided we would shop then. We didn't have many gifts to buy, we reasoned, and we could stay up late and wrap them in time for Christmas Day. There was only one problem with our brilliant plan: no one told our baby boy.

In the wee hours of December 23rd, we rushed to the hospital in labor. And at 2:05 that afternoon, the most beautiful little boy I had ever seen made his entrance into the world, changing our lives forever. We didn't do our shopping on December 24th. Christmas Day arrived without a single present under our tree. I didn't bring the pie to dinner. But no one minded, because I did bring home our firstborn son, who brought great joy to everyone.

There is another Firstborn Son, who brings great joy to all people of the Earth. The presents, the preparation, the pies...don't let those things become the main thing this Christmas. As you celebrate the birth of the Baby of Bethlehem, may all the things you don't get done fade from view in the light of His glory.

Today's verse: "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." Phil 4:6 NLT

Prayer for Today: Father, please keep me focused on what really matters this Christmas. Help me simplify my plans, so I have time to truly celebrate the Reason for the Season. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Stockings for Kids, Christmas 2011

2011-12-10T11:35:00.001-06:00

The Christmas season is in full swing as I write this, and I'm enjoying every minute of it, aren't you? I love the joyful carols, sparkling decorations, and Starbucks' Peppermint Mocha. Ok, the Skinny Peppermint Mocha. But let's not get so caught up in the festivities that we fail to notice those around us who don't seem to be celebrating. For the person who has lost a job or a loved one, for the single mom who can't afford presents for her kids, for the person who will spend another Christmas alone, the revelry of this season only magnifies their despair.

At Crossroads, one of the ways we help the families of our city is by giving away Christmas stockings for kids filled with candy and small toys. It's a little gift that brings big smiles! So far this year, we've received the names of 86 children from families in need, and we need your help to share the joy of the season with them. If you're looking for ways to keep Christ at the center of your family's Christmas celebration, this is a great place to start! Many Crossroads families let each of their children take a stocking and shop for the candy and gifts themselves. It's a great way to get kids focused on others. Participating is easy:

*Pick up at stocking on Sunday at the festive table in the Lobby.

*Fill the stocking, using the list inside the stocking as a guide.

*Return the stocking to Crossroads by December 18th.

It costs about $20 to fill a stocking, a relatively small amount that most families can manage. Perhaps your small group would like to fill a stocking or two? Thanks in advance for sharing God's love with our community, and making a child's Christmas merrier!

Today's Verse: "but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people." Luke 2:10 NLT

Prayer for Today: Father, make me sensitive to the needs of those around me. Please give me opportunities to share the Good News of Christ's coming with those in my circle of influence. In Jesus name, Amen

Tea for Two

2011-11-28T09:31:00.001-06:00

Saturday night, Gene and I enjoyed tea together as he finished his preparations for Sunday morning's message. As I put the kettle on, I smiled, thinking about twenty years of Saturday night teatimes with my best guy.

When Gene was a young worship leader, our Saturday nights were filled with preparations for church the next day. He travelled for business four or five days of every week, so our weekends together were precious. Many Saturday nights, Gene would put the final touches on the music for Sunday while I tucked our freshly bathed, wiggly children into their beds. Then I would tiptoe down the stairs to the kitchen and put the kettle on. I would bring a tray of Typhoo tea, milk and sugar, and maybe some scones or cookies to the living room, where we would collapse on the couch and enjoy tea and quiet conversation before bed.

The last few months have been very challenging for us, and little things like Saturday night tea bring a little calm in the storm. There is something about choosing a teapot and cups from my collection (started as a new bride almost 31 years ago), setting my tea tray, and brewing a pot of tea that quiets my anxious thoughts, and reminds me the best things in life really are free...or nearly free. In this season of careful spending and budget nips and tucks, it costs about 50 cents for a pot of tea, milk & sugar, and some little tea biscuits. That's a whole lot of comfort and quality time for the money :o)

Leave a comment and share your ideas for thrifty QT with your spouse!

Favorite Chili

2011-10-20T11:50:00.000-05:00

The inspiration for this recipe came from Debdoozie's Blue Ribbon Chili. It's a great recipe that over 80,000 people have downloaded and over 1,300 have reviewed. Here's a link to her original recipe.

I tweaked the original version to make a bigger pot of chili, reduce the fat by using leaner ground beef, and make it heartier and zestier by using more beans, more onions, more chili seasoning, and more salsa. You can make her recipe in just an hour on the stovetop, but I like to let it simmer in my crock pot on low for several hours. I get raves every time I make it!

Favorite Chili
Ingredients:
3 pounds lean (93%) ground beef (could use turkey but I prefer the texture and taste of beef)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp garlic salt (you can make your own using 1 part garlic powder to 3 parts salt, store in a spice jar)
4 1/2 cups tomato sauce
24 ounce jar Medium chunky salsa (I have substituted original Rotel for some of the salsa, if I didn't have enough on hand-not bad!)
2 packages 30% Less Sodium Chili Seasoning
3 cans dark red kidney beans, drain liquid
3 cans light red kidney beans, drain liquid
Original Fritos
Light Sour Cream
Shredded cheddar or cheddar/jack

In a large frying pan or electric skillet, brown the ground beef (seasoned with a little salt, pepper, and 2 TBSP of the chili seasoning) and the onions. Cook til beef is no longer pink and onions are tender. Drain excess fat. While beef is browning, pour all other ingredients into a large crockpot (mine is 7 quarts, I think), and set heat to Low. Stir in beef and onions. Cover and cook for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally, as beans will sometimes stick. Taste chili about halfway through cooking time, adding more seasoning if desired, according to your family's taste. I like to serve it garnished with a little shredded cheese, a dollop of light sour cream and a few fritos, but it's also great served with cornbread. Perfect dish for a cold night, game day or Potluck. Enjoy!

Girl time!

2011-10-10T16:41:00.000-05:00

I can't even explain how excited I am about our new Women's Bible Study starting this Friday, October 14th! Over the years, I've been privileged to lead and be part of many women's Bible studies, but this...this is really special. Maybe it's special because the women of Crossroads are so ready to connect- really wanting to make new friends and grow in their faith. Or maybe it's because of the subject of the study, Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst. Or maybe it's because I'm finally saying yes to the gentle but persistent nudging of the Holy Spirit to get started.

I'm sure it's D.) All of the above! Can't wait for some Girl time..hope you can join us!

Easy Cheesy Breakfast Biscuits

2011-10-07T10:16:00.001-05:00

Here's another super easy, inexpensive breakfast idea that's completely portable if you and your crew are in a rush. Made this way, they have 254 calories and 14 g fat. I figured my cost at 34 cents per biscuit, but you could make them cheaper if you use homemade biscuits, have farm fresh eggs, or buy cheese in bulk. Waaayy cheaper than boxed cereal or frozen breakfast biscuits! If the recipe makes more than you need, let the extras cool and freeze in ziplocs for a quick microwaveable meal later!

Easy Cheesy Breakfast Biscuits

1 can Pillsbury Grands reduced fat biscuits (8)

vegetable cooking spray

8 eggs

3/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place biscuits on a cookie sheet and bake according to package directions, about 13-17 minutes. About half way through the baking time, spray an electric skillet with cooking spray and preheat to medium-high setting (about 3 minutes in my pan). For over-medium eggs, space eggs evenly in the pan (to allow for easy turning), salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 2 minutes or until the whites are firm. With a non-stick spatula, gently flip eggs and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove to plate. When biscuits are done, slice them open and put one egg on the bottom half of each hot biscuit, top with a heaping tablespoon of shredded cheese, and cover with the top biscuit half. In about a minute, the cheese melts and they are ready to eat! If your biscuits have cooled, assemble as above, wrap in a paper towel and microwave for 10-12 seconds to melt the cheese.

*To reheat a frozen biscuit, wrap in a paper towel, and cook for 1 min 45 sec on 50% power. (Remember microwaves vary widely, and you may have to adjust time for your oven's wattage.)

Enjoy!

Lessons from the Run - Finish

2011-10-05T17:21:00.000-05:00

I have loved sharing what God has shown me as I trained for and ran this race. Today is the last post in the series, and I find myself just a little bit sad about that.

Let's see...where did we stop yesterday? Oh, yes...still on the 5K course. I was hot and dehydrated, and more than a little tired. But catching sight of some other runners put a little zip in my step and I pressed on. As I ran up yet another hill (remember there were no hills in my training?) I saw a sign that said I had just completed two miles. Two miles? Are you kidding me?? Just then, a big shout went up from the crowd as a group of runners crossed the finish line. So discouraging. They were already finished, and I was only 2/3 of the way there! As I plodded toward the race's end (yes, I know it was a race, but I plodded during a lot of it, ok?) with maybe a half mile still to go.... I saw them....my running partners! They had finished the race, and were coming back for me! I tried not to let them see the tears in my eyes as they began running alongside me, encouraging me. "You're almost there!" "Water just ahead!" "Only one more hill, you GOT this, girl!" My friend Kelly put her iphone on speaker and blasted Katy Perry's "Firework" as we got closer to the finish. I literally borrowed their strength when mine was gone.

We crossed that finish line together, we cheered, and the crowd cheered! My friends knew I was nearly last to finish (my time was 39 mins, 10 secs. No, I am not kidding) but they didn't let me finish alone! Isn't that amazing?! I'll leave you with a picture of us, and three things I learned about finishing:

(Ben, Kelly, Caden, Rob, Gene (darling hubs), Chris, Kristi (1st place winner), Natalie (3rd place winner), Will (1st place winner), and me #62)

*Steady is better than speedy. I am not fast, but I didn't quit. Do your best, put one foot in front of the other, and you can finish your race. Maybe not in record time, but... :o)

*Cheer the small victories of those just starting out. This was my first race, just a little 5K, but it was huge to me. My friends made me believe I could achieve this goal. In the same way, those just beginning their faith journey need to be encouraged when they take even the smallest steps toward God. Everyone needs a cheering crowd.

*If you're strong, don't just run YOUR race. Reach back to help those who are behind you. I'm so glad my friends did more than just finish their races. They thought about me, came to where I was, and helped me finish. This is a beautiful picture of discipleship and life in a community. Yes, we run to win our race, but we only fulfill part of God's plan if we don't reach back and help someone else win theirs.

Today's Verse: This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12-13

Prayer for Today: Father, thank You for those You have placed in my life to strengthen and encourage me. But I don't want to just run my race. My life is not my own, but Yours. Please show me those I can help and encourage along the way. In Jesus name, Amen.

Most Influential Books in My Life

2011-10-05T11:41:00.001-05:00

Fellow blogger and Crossroads Student Pastor Chris Brooks posted something today that was such a great exercise, I wanted to give my readers a chance to weigh in: What are the five (or six!) most influential books in your life? Here's my list:

Try as I might, I'm unable to whittle my list down from 6. Here’s my half-dozen, in sequence, rather than order of importance…

1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I love this story because it ignited my passion and appetite for reading. I really did fancy myself Josephine March!

2. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. This timeless tale of life’s hurts, heartbreaks and scars making us “real” and able to experience love is as relevant in my life today as it was when I first read this story. Love, love, love.

3. Collected Poems of Robert Service by Robert W. Service. No book so much as this one sparked my love for words and my desire to write. I am forever indebted to Mr. Service for his artful telling of “The Cremation of Sam McGee”!

4. Improving Your Serve by Charles Swindoll. This book is etched in my heart. In the midst of a generation of people seeking the spotlight (during the 1990′s), Swindoll called for God’s people to revisit the teaching and example of Jesus about living the life of a servant. Powerful.

5. Rediscovering Church by Bill and Lynne Hybels. The story of Willow Creek Community Church. The single most inspiring story I have ever read. I wept through almost the entire book as God gently spoke to me about what my husband already knew…it was time to plant a church. Pivotal.

6. Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones. This one had to make the list! It has changed everything about the way I write!

So...what are yours? Leave a comment and share them with us!

Lessons from the Run - Endure

2011-10-04T06:00:00.018-05:00

Welcome back to Chick Food for more Lessons from the Run. I'm calling this post "Endure" because endurance is exactly what we need in the most difficult part of any race...The Middle.

There is excitement when we start anything. There is satisfaction in finishing. But the middle is actually where races - in sports or in life - are won or lost. The middle is the hardest part! It's true. In a marriage, in a friendship, in a battle, in a life...that dull, difficult trudge toward the finish line is where many people drop out. But sticking it out in the doldrums has life-altering benefits if we just... don't... quit.

If you're new to Chick Food, jog on over to the two previous posts Couch to.... What? and Lessons from the Run - Begin and you'll be up to speed in no time. Here are the life lessons I learned during the middle of my recent 5K race:

*It is unwise to compare yourself to anyone else - run YOUR race. From the very beginning of the race, I was at the rear of the pack. Having run 5K only a couple of times prior to the race, I was pretty sure that's where I'd find myself. I told my running partners "I'm not racing anyone else, I'm racing the old me, the one on the couch!" We run to win our race.

*Even when no one is watching, honor Christ. Because I was at the rear of the pack, I was alone for much of the race. The course was a winding 3.1 miles through a suburban neighborhood with many cul-de-sacs. At one point, several dozen people who were walking the 5K came into view, and I noticed they were omitting all of the cul-de-sacs, cutting off a significant amount of distance... they were cheating! After they passed by, no one would have seen me if I had done the same thing. No one but me...and God. I ran every cul-de-sac, because He is watching, and I want to walk honestly before Him.

*When you run alone, it's easy to lose sight of your goals and get discouraged. After running nearly 2 of the 3.1 miles, most of it alone, I began to get disoriented and discouraged. I couldn't see the finish line, I was overheated and dehydrated, I hadn't seen any other runners for a while, and I began to question whether I was still on course. Then I passed a race official, so I knew I was on the right track. Whew! I was wearing earbuds, so he assumed I couldn't hear him, and I overheard him say into his two-way radio "There's a woman here....#62...uhh...is she walking or running?" Ok, buddy. I get it. I'm slow. More discouragement. But just then, I saw a few other runners, and I re-focused on finishing my race. Which leads me to my next learning....

*Others need to see you running your race. Seeing those runners gave me perspective. It gave me hope and courage. I needed to see them heading for the finish line. They inspired me...if they could finish, so could I! Even though our life-race is an individual pursuit , we need each other. We are not meant to run alone.

And there I leave you. I hope you'll join me tomorrow for Lessons from the Run - Finish.

Today's Verse: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

Prayer for Today: Father, help me to focus on MY race, what You have called me to do. Help me to keep the faith, and run with patience through the "middles" in my life. Help me connect with a community of believers to help me finish strong. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Lessons from the Run - Begin

2011-10-03T06:15:00.006-05:00

There are so many verses in the Bible that refer to the life of a Christ follower as a "race". Here are just a few of them: (Acts 20:24, 1 Cor. 9:24, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 12:1) Though I have studied all of these verses in the past, they really came alive for me the first time I ran an actual race, a 5K on September 24, 2011.

Here are the life lessons I took away about getting ready to run:

*Dream bigger than your current ability. When I decided to run the 5K, I could only run a mile.

*Even if you're unsure, set goals, show up, and do your best. I wasn't sure I would be ready by September. I mean, I just got off the couch, ya know?? But I set a goal, and I worked toward it, and if I wasn't ready by race day, I still would have made great progress. And there's always the next race!

*Quitting is easy when you're accountable to no one. So many mornings, I wanted to sleep in instead of getting up at 4:30. But the thought of disappointing my running partners (I'm married to one of them!) kept me showing up, even on the most difficult days. I borrowed their strength when I didn't have enough of my own.

*Make sure your preparation matches your race. I learned this one the hard way! We trained at 5:00am (when it's cool and dark), on a figure 8 shaped track that was smooth and flat. The actual race was held at 8:00am (about 82 degrees at race time), on roads through a neighborhood, with LOTS of hills. If your race is hard...train hard.

*Before you start, decide you're going to finish. At several points during the race, I felt like quitting. But I had already decided how I would respond when that happened. I. Will. Not. Quit. I told myself I would cross the finish line, even if I was walking, not running.

Making decisions in advance will serve you well in your Christian life. I don't need to decide if I will read my Bible in the mornings, or if I will go to church on Sunday. I've already decided some things!

Join me here tomorrow on Chick Food for Lessons from the Run - Endure!

Today's Verse: You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. 1 Cor 9:24-25 Message

Prayer for Today: Father, help me to train hard for the "race" of my life. Help me to throw off the sin that slows me down, and stay focused on running in a way that brings glory to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Couch to .... what??

2011-09-30T21:25:00.000-05:00

To you fitness buffs or those who are athletically inclined, running may be no big deal, just a part of your normal fitness routine. But there's nothing normal about it for me.

As a kid growing up in Colorado, I loved to ski. Dad was on the Ski Patrol at Purgatory, and I grew up loving the slopes. I also enjoyed riding my 10-speed bike, and that was the sum total of my athletic pursuits. I never played any sports, unless you count the summertime touch football games we played on our street. So when my husband started doing Couch 2 5K with some friends, I thought "That's awesome...for him." He was getting up at 4:20 and running by 5:00am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. After a few weeks, he was losing some weight, gaining some stamina, and really having a great time with our friends. In fact, he was annoyingly chipper and positive. One day, he suggested I join them. "No thank you, I don't run. And I definitely don't do 4:30 in the morning. Good luck with that", I quipped. Undaunted, he continued to invite me. "You don't have to run. You could just walk. It's fun, you'd like it!" he insisted. Finally, I agreed. "But just walking," I told him. "None of this 5K nonsense. And LOTS of coffee."

We met at a track near our house, and it was still dark when we got there at 5:00. The track is near a military base, and while we were there, we heard both Reveille and some nearby roosters. (Roosters??I'm up with the roosters??!) True to my word, I did NO running, just walking, around the track. I did that for a couple of weeks, while my husband and our friends ran. I guess I finally cracked under all that sweaty peer pressure, and early one Thursday morning, I gave Couch 2 5K a try. I quit the very first time! I thought I would die during the 60-second jogging intervals! I remember telling my friend Kelly "That was awful! I'm never doing that again!!" But I came back Saturday. And Tuesday. And pretty much three times a week from July through September, my husband dragging my sleepy self to the track with a hot cup of coffee in my hand.

Somewhere along the way, it was decided that after we completed the nine weeks of C25K, we should all run an actual 5K race. I was pretty sure this was a bad idea, but reluctantly agreed. I started to get stronger. I lost a little weight. I stopped feeling like I would die during the running intervals. I got a water bottle, and an armband for my iphone, but I drew the line at buying any of those silly shoes with five toes on them, or the ones that weigh less than a marshmallow. We managed to talk several friends into training and running with us, until we were nine instead of four. The fellowship and accountability of the group was amazing and powerful. Day after day, we kept showing up, not because we were so dedicated, but because we knew if we dared to sleep in, we'd receive eight text messages taunting us for our lameness. So we finished our training, and on September 24, 2011, we ran our first 5K. But that, my friends, is a story for another blog post. Now find a running buddy, and join me here on Monday for Lessons from the Run!

I don't know how she does it, either!!

2011-09-21T12:18:00.000-05:00

I thoroughly enjoyed going to the movies with my husband last night. I always love our movie dates, but this time I got to pick the movie, so it was extra fun.....well...for me, anyway. We skipped the monkeys-take-over-the-world movie, the global plague movie, and the R-rated-everyone-dies-or-blows-up movie, and went instead for "I don't know how she does it", a chick flick featuring a mom who tries to juggle a demanding career and a busy family life. (*yawn* said my husband...) Ok, so he was mostly bored, but I laughed a lot. On our way home, I talked about my takeaways from the film. (My husband noted that he did not have any takeaways from the film, as chick flicks do not make him introspective...) But here's what I got:

*Be truly grateful if you're able to "stay at home"with your kids. (I use that term really loosely because every SAHM knows we don't actually get to spend that much time at home...) My husband and I decided when our oldest child was two years old that my most valuable contribution to our family was not to earn a second income, but to make a home for us. I've never regretted that decision. It was hard trading my briefcase for Blue's Clues and Veggie Tales, but I wouldn't trade that time with my kids for anything!

*If you're a mom who works outside the home, you're a superhero! The mom in the movie nearly lost her family before she figured out what you already know: you can't do/be/have it all. Not really. You make choices. You set priorities. You juggle. You sacrifice. You make the most important things, the most important things. You do an amazingly difficult job, and my hat is off to you!

*Don't fall into the trap of thinking anyone else "has it together". Because the life of a Pastor's wife is very busy, and we have a large family, people ask me all the time how I "do it all". The short answer is "I don't." I struggle just like you do to make the right decisions, and strike a balance between all the things competing for my attention. I focus on one area, and something else falls apart. Yesterday I spent the whole day with my husband, today the house is a disaster. (Don't tell my small group, they'll be here at 6:30!) But I do continually seek God's direction for that balance, and resist the urge to compare myself to anyone else.

*Life is better together. In the movie, the main character had a supportive friend who cheered her on, no matter what. At Crossroads, we're starting our first-ever women's Bible study in October. Over a dozen women, many of them young moms, have signed up. My prayer for them is that they will love growing in their faith, and in the knowledge of God's word. But I also pray they find their "cheering section", other women who can encourage them on their journey, and point them to Christ when they don't know how to do, be, or have it all. Can't wait to get started!

Today's Verse: "I am ready for anything through the strength of the one who lives within me." Phillipians 4:13 (Phillips)

Prayer for Today: Father, help me to recognize that in my own strength, I can't hope to do, or be, or have it all. Help me make your priorities my own and, grant me the strength I need to do all You have called me to do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Manic Monday Breakfast

2011-09-19T14:49:00.000-05:00

Ever wake up on a Monday morning with the cupboard a little bare after the weekend? This recipe is my mainstay for mornings like that! Like today at my house, for instance! I keep a couple of tubes of refrigerated, reduced-fat croissant dough on hand, along with mini-chocolate chips and powdered sugar so I can whip these up in a jiffy. Serve these delicious little rolls with some fruit juice, hot coffee or cocoa and a little fresh fruit, and...voila! A grab-it-and-go breakfast your family will love!

Easy Chocolate Chip Croissants

1 tube refrigerated Reduced-Fat Croissant dough (I like Great Value brand, holds its shape better than Pillsbury)

2 T Nestle Toll House Mini Morsels

1 T powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 375 F. Separate the dough into 8 triangles. Sprinkle a few mini chips down the center of each triangle, being careful to stay close to the center so they will all get rolled up. Roll the triangles from the widest part to the point and shape into a curve. Bake for 10-11 minutes or until golden brown. Remove immediately to serving plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar. (I like to use a tiny strainer to sprinkle the sugar, 1 T is more than enough)

Yum!

He knows.

2011-09-03T20:03:00.001-05:00

I wasn't going to blog again this week, but I really want to share this before the details fade. A few days ago, in a post called "A cup of Friendship", I told you I had plans to have coffee with a sweet friend. We got together on Tuesday, and our time together encouraged and refreshed me so much, I wanted to share it with you all.

My friend Shayla and I arrived at our local coffee house at about the same time. As I got out of my car, I saw that she was carrying a beautiful package, all bright and flowery and tied up with curly ribbon. Hmmm.... We ordered our coffee (her treat!) and settled in at the shop's comfortable couches. We chatted easily, like good friends do, even though it's been a while since we had more than a few minutes to talk. I enjoyed my delicious coffee (you're right, Stephen, the Columbian is the best!) and we caught up on our summers, travels, kids, just life.

I was still wondering why she would bring me a present, when she invited me to open it. Inside the cheery wrappings was the beautiful quilt in the photo above. It's personal-sized, just right for keeping me warm on movie nights at home, and it's my favorite color...purple! She made it just for me, and there's a hand lettered label on the inside. It says:

This quilt was made for

Leslie Oden

Shayla Erskine

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

This was a very personal, very thoughtful gift. But that's not the most amazing part of the story. What Shayla could not possibly have known as she lovingly pieced the quilt together, long before that August Tuesday, was that last week was going to be one of the most difficult in recent memory for me. She couldn't have known how much I needed the comfort of coffee and conversation with her on that morning. She couldn't have known I needed encouragement, almost as much as I needed air. But God knew. And He knew He could inspire my friend to create this beautiful gift, and give it to me on a day when I needed to know He was still listening. As I left the coffee shop and started home, I felt Him whisper to my heart "I know. It's going to be okay. I'm with you." Thank You, Father, for knowing me like no one else does, and for always being more than enough.

Prayer for Today: Dear Father, help me to be sensitive to Your leading when you prompt me to share a word of encouragement. Use me to remind someone You care. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Today's Verse: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

Bloom! (Grow....part three)

2011-09-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

Today is the third in a series of posts about growing in our faith, becoming more like Christ. In the first message we said that making a decision to follow Christ is a great first step, and that God's word is the "food"we need to grow spiritually. Then, in part two we talked about developing the habit of daily Bible reading, and found some resources to help. Today, let's talk about being content, about "blooming" right where we're planted.

Often, we think we need perfect conditions to take next steps in our lives. We say to ourselves "If only we didn't move so much, I'd get more involved." "If only there was a church like back home....If only my husband was a Christian...If only he wasn't deployed..." then I would join a small group." But the truth is, no matter what your circumstances, you can decide to be content right where you are; to bloom where you're planted. Yes, even though you're moving in eighteen months. Yes, even while your husband is deployed. Yes, even in a town with no Starbucks. Yes, even at that funky church in the movie theater!

Listen, I've rocked babies, read stories, baked cookies, sang in choirs, stamped postcards, vacuumed floors, led VBS, and volunteered in women's, youth, college, and music ministry. Why? To build my resume'? No! I just decided that no matter what's going on around me, no matter where I am, I want my life to be fruitful for God. I don't have to wait until everything lines up just right, I can serve Him now. I want to live my life in full bloom, so others see Christ in me, and want this new life for themselves!

What about you? Are you content, right where you are? What has kept you from taking that next step of faith? What does "full bloom" look like for you? Leave a comment and share!

Today's Verse: This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8 NIV

Prayer for Today: Father, I want to live life in "full bloom" for You. Show me how I can serve You, right where I am today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Grow...part two.

2011-08-31T17:13:00.001-05:00

If you're stopping by after reading "Grow...part one", welcome back! If not, just check out the previous post, and you'll be all caught up! Yesterday, we discovered that just like milk to a baby, God's word is the nourishment we need to grow in our faith. Today, I hope to share some things that will help you develop a love for reading your Bible every single day. In my conversations with women, I hear lots of reasons why you don't read the Bible regularly. "I don't know where to start." "I don't understand it." "I'm just not motivated to read it." are some I hear most often. So today, let's start right there.

"I don't know where to start." That's totally understandable! The 66 books of the Old and New Testaments that comprise our modern day Bible can seem pretty intimidating. There are several ways to dive in. I've read through the Bible several times, and one of my favorite methods is The One Year Bible. Available in several different translations, the OYB divides the Bible into 365 daily readings, each including a bit from Psalms, Proverbs, Old Testament, and New Testament. It only takes 15-20 minutes a day...brilliant! When I was a new Christian (and had never read any of the Bible), many people told me to start in the Gospel of John, in the New Testament. The love of God and the story of Jesus are the themes of this book, and will make you want to read more! Finally, visit http://www.youversion.com. You'll find many translations of the Bible there, along with so many reading plans, you're sure to find one that's right for you. It is a truly amazing, totally free resource!

"I don't understand it." I know. Neither did I! Here's what I've discovered: Pray before you read. Just ask the Author of the Book to help you understand what you read. He is well able, by His Spirit that lives in you (if you're a Christian), to reveal His words to you. Get a Bible you like to read. If you find yourself tripping over thees and thous and therefores, for Heaven's sake get a different translation! You can spend a ton of money on a Bible, but you don't have to. Check out online discount sites half.com, amazon.com, biblica.com, or christianbook.com. Join a Bible study group. I have been part of, and led, many study groups over the years, and I have grown so much from hearing other women's insights as we study together. We're starting a daytime study in late September at Crossroads, or try Community Bible study, or a group at your church.

"I'm just not motivated to read it." Rare is the person who is overwhelmed with desire to read the Bible as a new Christian. Discipline doesn't come naturally to any of us! For most people, it's something we grow into. For me, I knew that I should read the Bible, so I did. But the wonderful thing is, the more I read, the more I wanted to read! I think biggest motivator for me was discovering that God's word is no ordinary book. Not at all! The Bible contains the very words of the living God! By His word, God created everything seen and unseen (Genesis 1). His words are life (Proverbs 4:20-22, John 6:63), His word is the power of God that saves us (Romans 1:16), and His word accomplishes everything He desires (Isaiah 55:11). If I want to know Him better, I don't need to look any further than the words He has spoken to me...to us. Knowing that His word is alive and filled with His creativity, His life, and His power changes how we feel about reading it.

Tune in next time for part three of our Grow series. I'm calling it "Bloom".

Today's Verse: The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63 NLT

Prayer for Today: Father, I long to know You better. I pray that as I open the pages of Your Book, You will meet me there, and make me more like Jesus as I read and apply your Truth. In His name I pray, Amen.

Grow...part one.

2011-08-30T10:06:00.001-05:00

Since many Chick Food readers are new or new-ish Christians, I want to share a series of posts on growing in our faith. If you've made a decision to trust Christ as savior, that's a wonderful decision! You have passed from darkness into His light (1 Peter 2:9). Old things are passed away, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). But receiving Christ is just the first step on a life-long journey of following Him. If we're going to grow, there's more to do!

You moms out there know that in order for your baby to grow and become strong and healthy, you have to feed her! The same thing is true of spiritual babies. In 1 Peter 2:2, we're told "as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby..." (NKJV) Other translations render the word "desire" as "crave". If we're going to grow in faith and Christlikeness, if we're going to discover the new life God intends for us, we need to crave His word, the Bible. God's word is the spiritual "milk", the nutrition we need to grow strong in our faith. Although we hear God's word in sermons at church, in songs of worship, or Christian books, there is no substitute for daily time spent reading the Bible.

If your Bible is written in Elizabethan English, with lots of "thees and thous", you may want to get a more readable translation, one written in modern English, such as the New International Version (NIV) or the New Living Translation (NLT). If you attend Crossroads, you can pick up a free NLT on our Next Steps table in the Lobby. So get your readable translation of the Bible (one you can highlight and write in!), join me here at Chick Food tomorrow, and we'll talk about developing the habit of daily Bible reading.

Today's Verse: Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,³ now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 1 Peter 2:2-3 NLT

Prayer for Today: Dear Father, I long to become a fully devoted follower of Christ. Help me to grow in my faith as I read Your word. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

A Cup of Friendship

2011-08-27T21:03:00.000-05:00

A sweet friend called me yesterday to ask if I had time for coffee, and we chose a day next week to get together. As I hung up the phone, I marveled at what God has done in my heart. Never one to have many women friends, today my life is full of friends of all ages who challenge, sharpen, inspire and support me....and a few who seriously crack me up!

Without a doubt, getting to know the ladies of Crossroads is one of the most most wonderful things about being a pastor's wife. Ironic, because that intimate one-on-one kind of ministry and relationship is the thing I feared most before Crossroads opened its doors. "What if they don't like me?" "What if I don't know how to help?" "I'm not cut out to be a pastor's wife!" were just a few of my objections. But my fears have melted like sugar in my coffee with each new friendship, and I treasure opportunities to connect with women. Over a spiced Chai latte at my favorite coffee house, or a steaming cup of coffee in my kitchen, God has allowed me to share some of the most intimate events in the lives of Crossroads women. A romantic proposal....a new bundle of joy....a broken relationship....the pain of infertility....the heartbreak of loss...all shared over a steaming mug of....anything... it's the friendship that eases the burdens, and multiplies the joys of life.

I don't need to be a Bible scholar, a psychologist, or a perfect wife or mom to share an encouraging word and a listening ear. And neither do you! Who are the women God has placed in your life? Who can you encourage over a steaming cup of....friendship?

Today's Verse: "Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ." Gal. 6:2 NLT

Prayer for Today: Father, help me to open my heart and make time in my schedule for friends. Lead me by your Spirit to those women whose friendship I need, and those who need mine. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Be kind. Rewind.

2011-05-09T13:22:00.000-05:00

Ever wish you could rewind a day and start over? Saturday was like that for me. I wish I had acted more like a grown up, and less like a third grader. I wish I had remembered the words I say so often to my kids: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I wish I had taken my own advice: "You don't have to say everything you think." Fail.  And to make matters worse, Saturday was the day before Mother's Day!  You know, that special day when your husband and children celebrate how fabulous you are? Ugh. Can we talk for just a second? Am I the only one who retraces her mom-steps from the previous year and mentally beats herself up as she opens Mother's Day cards filled with glowing praise? I'm thinking "Geez, I hope they can get a refund on these presents, because I sure don't deserve them...." Nah, it's probably just me.

I've learned that when I feel like that, there's only one thing to do, one place to go for a fresh start...a "rewind". On Saturday night, as I talked to my Heavenly Father about what a mess I am and how much I need Him, a familiar sense of peace washed over me, and the truth of 1 John 1:9 filled my heart. His unchanging words brought cleansing: I admitted my faults and asked for forgiveness, He freely forgave me. Again. Amazing.

Mother's Day has come and gone, and it was a wonderful day. My quick-to-forgive husband overlooked my Saturday meltdown and made a fuss over me with meals and presents from morning til night. My grown and almost-grown kids spent most of the day with me. And I'm reflecting on 1 John 1:9 in the light of my weekend experience. Even though I've made many mistakes as a wife and mom, God's love is always bigger than my failures. He never runs out of mercy.  Like the gifts my family gave me yesterday, my Heavenly Father gives His gift of forgiveness through Christ, even though I will never deserve it. Now that is kind. The ultimate Rewind.

Today's verse:  But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9 NLT

Prayer for Today: Father, thank You for your limitless love and forgiveness. Help me to forgive the mistakes and sins of others the way You have forgiven me. Help me to lean on You more this year for the love, strength and wisdom I need to be the wife and Mom You want me to be. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Easter at Home

2011-04-22T18:25:00.018-05:00

Since 1989, when Gene and I received Christ, Easter has been a HUGE celebration in our home. And even though we've always been super busy with ministry, planning and preparing for Easter services, we have never used that as an excuse to skimp on our family's celebration. It wasn't easy, and took a lot of forethought, but I think all of our children would agree that Easter morning at our house was lots of fun! The day always began with our "Resurrection party" with streamers and balloons and "He is Risen!" banners, Easter baskets overflowing with candy, new Bibles, and Veggie tale videos, and -of course- peeps and cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Don't judge me. I could never seem to get the cinnamon rolls and juice and coffee made before the children dove into their baskets and began gobbling up the squishy marshmallow critters!

I didn't grow up attending church. In fact I never attended an Easter service until I was 28 years old. Not one. So imagine my surprise when I discovered Easter was about more than eggs and bunnies and jelly beans! Now, I'm not knocking eggs and bunnies and jelly beans, but I am saying that for Christian families, our celebrating ought to be about more than that, or we miss a great opportunity to touch the hearts of our children for Christ. Attending church together Easter Sunday is at the heart of our family's celebration!

We've always tried to strike a balance between creating a meaningful remembrance and making fun memories on Easter Sunday. Both are important. If you don't have your own traditions yet, feel free to borrow some of ours! For our children's Easter parties at school, I made bunny cakes. Trust me, girls, this is EASY. So easy, even a domestically challenged girl like me can do it!

Andeven though none of the children really liked hard boiled eggs, there would be a mutiny if we failed to color at least a couple dozen of these.... Egg salad, anyone??

We could seldom afford to eat Easter dinner out (and we were usually too tired, anyway!) so I had to plan and prepare in advance for a yummy, easy, informal, dinner after church. And dessert had better be a Lemon Poke Cake or there would be trouble....

We loved to buy new Bibles, story books, and videos for our kids at Easter. Making a celebration of getting God's word into their hands and hearts has had a lasting impact on our kids.

And of course, there was the Easter egg hunt....bazillions of brightly colored plastic eggs filled with trinkets and treats. We had several hunts indoors when the weather didn't cooperate.

Our kids are nearly grown, but we still celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Savior. Streamers, balloons, and Veggie Tale videos have given way to more grown up celebrating. But we still have big baskets filled with goodies. Still go to Easter services together. Still share a simple but festive meal after church. What traditions are part of your family's Easter celebration? Leave a comment and share!

Today's Verse: The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:5-6 NIV

Prayer for Today: Father, thank You for the gift of Your son. Thank You for raising Jesus from the dead, that we might live. Help us to find ways to keep Christ at the center of our Easter celebrations, that we might lead our children to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Unpopular

2011-03-04T13:15:00.004-06:00

Were you one of the cool, popular kids in your school? If you were, I'm tickled for you, but I didn't share your good fortune. I belonged to a fun, eclectic group of friends. We were singers, musicians, actors, and nerds....definitely not the "A" crowd in my school. So it really shouldn't surprise me that, as a mom, my lack of popularity continues. I've made thousands of decisions my kids didn't like, and they've stomped their feet in disapproval. But they'll thank me later....

When they were small, and I said NO to the gummy worms and yes to the apple, or NO to the scary movie and yes to the funny one, I was not popular. Three of my kids are teens now but, sadly, my popularity has not grown over time. I'm still not cool like that other Mom my kids talk about so much. Maybe you've heard of her? "But Motherrrr, Everybody Else's Mom said they could go!!!" Then I hear myself say (in my best impression of my Mother) "I'm not Everybody Else's Mom!! I'm YOUR mom!!" I mean, who is this woman anyway, and why do her kids always do crazy stuff with her approval?? I would love to be popular, but my kids don't need me to be their buddy. They need me to be a mother who's not afraid to make the decision that's best for them. Because I'm more interested in their character than their comfort.

One of the benefits of growing older is the blessing of history and hindsight. In the rearview mirror of my life, I'm most grateful for the unpopular people- those who made me mad, who weren't afraid to challenge me, who didn't hold back when the words weren't easy or positive. Like the music teacher who wouldn't let me give in to fear, insisting I audition for show choir and musicals. Or the Christian couple who weren't afraid to talk to Gene and I about the need for restraint and a moral Compass in our young relationship. Like my dearest, wisest friend, who's quick to remind me of my need for a Savior in my attitudes and decisions, and gently point out where I'm missing the mark. And especially my husband, who makes me stretch and grow and dream big dreams, even when I'm content with small ones. Each of these people cares more about my character than my comfort.

Isn't God like that, too? Sometimes we're confused or angry about the decisions He makes, when He says no, or asks us to do something difficult. But that doesn't stop Him from making the unpopular decisions that are best for us. He isn't moved by our objections, because He sees the end from the beginning, and has our ultimate good in mind. He knows we may stomp our spiritual feet now, but we'll thank Him later!

Today's Verses: "because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?" Hebrews 12:6-7 NIV 2011

Prayer for Today: Father, help me to humbly receive your decisions, discipline, and correction, knowing You have my character, not my comfort, in mind. Help me to do what is right, not what is popular, and love my children the way You love me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Titus Twosdays: It's Flex Time!

2011-02-15T18:44:00.004-06:00

My kids aren't little anymore, but I haven't forgotten the frustration that comes from "not getting everything done" because of mischievous, super-active, or just plain fussy little ones. Like it was yesterday, I remember the disappointment of getting to the end of a loooong day, having scratched only one or two items off my to-do list because my kids were so needy. You can relate, right? You wanted to spend the morning paying bills, mopping the floor and folding the laundry, and none of that happened because the baby is teething and your two year old can't seem to get this potty-training thing down and spent the day in melt-down mode. Been there?

Listen, I understand that many deadlines are firm, and some plans can't be changed. But the vast majority of tasks on my list were things I could rearrange, if I had to. Looking back, I wish I'd been less rigid about keeping a schedule, and more in tune with the needs of my children. I wish I had known that of all the skills in my parenting tool kit, I would need flexibility the most.

Sometimes, shifting the attention of a toddler is all it takes to turn a fussy day into a happy one. If the potty training is going badly, and the baby is fussy, instead of fretting that your day isn't going according to plan, why not change the plan? Be flexible. I promise, nothing bad will happen if the floor gets mopped tomorrow. No governments will topple if the laundry isn't folded. What if you said to your daughter "This day is not fun. Let's make it fun!" and had a "picnic" lunch in the family room while you snuggle the fussy baby?

What if, instead of planting the baby in the Exersaucer, and your son in front of a DVD while you try to pay the bills....

you baked some brownies with your little helper, or went outside for a "hike"? I sooo wish I had done more of that.

Sometimes, we rode around in these.....

And sometimes we made cities and towers from these.....

And sometimes, we ate these out in the backyard, or at the park....

But I wish we had done it more.

So take some older-mommy wisdom and apply it to your younger-mommy life:

Be flexible. Go ahead. Ditch the schedule once in a while. You won't regret it, I promise!

Today's Verse: Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD. Psalm 127:3 CEV

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of my children. Help me to let them know how valuable and precious they are by putting their needs before my chores. Help me to hide Psalm 127:3 in my heart, so I always remember what's more important to you. Amen.

Be Mine

2011-02-12T12:06:00.001-06:00

My husband doesn't "do" Valentine's Day. Nope. No chocolates, no flowers, no mushy, gushy, heart-covered cards. And it's totally OK with me. (Husbands, don't try this at home.) Our wedding anniversary is on February 9th, and he always makes a big fuss over our special day, so he gets a pass on February 14th, otherwise known in our house as National Greeting Card Day.

But even if he didn't go all-out on our anniversary (again, husbands, don't try this at home), he shows his love and affection for me every single day. By working hard to provide for our family, by encouraging me to dream big, or by getting up at 4:00am with the crazy Boxer while I sleep soundly, he shows I'm the one for him. By these, and a thousand other kindnesses, he says "be mine". And isn't that the most important thing? How we live our love every day? What good are chocolates and roses on V-Day if we fail to walk out our love the other 364 days of the year?

So by all means, wives and husbands, boyfriends and girlfriends, show your love with hearts and flowers on St. Valentine's Day! Go out to dinner. Do the dishes for her. Recite a poem. Get engaged! But however you celebrate, remember that every day is the day to show love to your Valentine.

Today's Verse: I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me. Song of Solomon 7:10 ESV

Prayer for Today: Father, help me to love my spouse with my words and actions, not just on holidays and anniversaries, but every day. Help me remember that "love" is a verb. Help me to honor you in the way I love and care for my spouse. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Lower Fat Buffalo Chicken Dip

2011-02-10T06:00:00.004-06:00

BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP*

*Thanks to Spark People Recipes for this lower-fat version of this easy, tasty dish!

Ingredients

1 can Chicken (5 oz) (or similar amount of pre-cooked skinless chicken - chopped or shredded)

4 oz. Fat Free Cream Cheese

8 oz. Low fat cream cheese

1/2 cup Wishbone Just2Good Blue Cheese Dressing or Ranch Dressing

1/2 cup Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese, shredded

4 oz. Franks RedHot (original pepper sauce *NOT* the Buffalo Wing sauce)

Note: This is easily doubled to feed a crowd!

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix together Cream cheeses. Stir in salad dressing, Franks RedHot Sauce and shredded cheese until well mixed. Stir in chicken. Spoon into a baking dish. (use a 9 X 13 glass pan for a doubled recipe)

3.Bake 20 minutes or until mixture is heated through. (I like to skim off any grease that has come to the top of the dish before stirring and serving.)

Serve with dry toasted pita or bagel chips, low fat crackers, celery sticks, or other raw veggies.

Note: you can substitute all Fat Free cheeses to lower the calories and fat, but...don't. It doesn't save that much in the way of fat grams and calories, and it dramatically alters the finished taste/texture.

Makes 16 1/4 cup servings

This is a crowd pleaser! Enjoy!!

February 9, 1981. I remember.....

2011-02-09T06:00:00.002-06:00

To Gene, the love of my life, father of my children, partner in everything....

I remember May of 1977, how I felt the first time you held my hand, and the first time you kissed me (I really did see stars!) I remember knowing with absolute certainty that you were the one for me as we talked for hours sitting on the floor in my parents' living room. I remember the Eagles, Boston, and Kansas was the background music of our lives. Carry On My Wayward Son....

I remember you weren't embarrassed to pick me up from work and be seen with me in my Burger King uniform....

I remember how we took a trip to Texas in the Spring of 1980 in your brand new yellow Pinto Station Wagon, windows down, listening to Rush "The spirit of radio" LOUD. I remember building sand castles on the beach at Padre Island, and thinking how lucky I was to be there with you.

And I remember how you asked me to marry you in front of the Mini Mart in Uvalde, and put a cigar band on my finger because you didn't have my ring yet. I still have the cigar band :o)

On our wedding day, I remember how nervous I was, standing with my Dad at the back of St. John's Cathedral, looking at you and Father Pat, thinking how dapper you looked in your black tails and white tie, then thinking "This is the longest aisle I have ever seen in my life!", and wondering if my Dad would catch me if I tripped.

And I remember how silly we felt the next morning, when we realized we had taken a limo from the church to the hotel, and didn't have a car to go home. Your mom was so understanding when we called her for a ride....

And now thirty years have passed....it's February 9th, 2011.... and I love you so much, it takes my breath away. For all the moments we've shared, all the storms we've weathered, the joy of our children, and most especially for God's love and grace and mercy in our lives, I am so grateful.

Happy anniversary, my love. I pray He gives us 30 more years...or more!

Titus Twosdays: Work, work, work, work.....

2011-02-08T11:43:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I'm prone to put tasks before people. Cooking before coloring. Scrubbing before story time. Paying bills before paying attention. We touched on that subject last week at Bible study, and I heard once again that what matters most to God is people. People first. I do know that, it's just that I have a hard time doing it! I'm apt to put off spending time with the people I love until my chores are finished. It's just how I'm wired. If you're a mother of young children, you may struggle with this, too. If you stay home during the day, you spend your time making bottles, changing diapers, washing little faces, doing dishes, folding laundry, making beds, cooking dinner, mopping floors....a marathon of tasks that is never finished! If you work outside of home, add the pressures of work to that list. And it will be exactly the same tomorrow, just like the movie "Groundhog Day", where Bill Murray constantly re-lives exactly the same day, over and over and over.... Right??

So how do we keep a good attitude in the midst of it all? How do we keep from being overwhelmed by the monotony and drudgery of it all? By putting our focus where God says it needs to be: on people. By remembering as I match that basket of clean white socks, the healthy family members who'll wear them. By thanking God for His provision as I pay this month's power bill. By focusing on the wonderful husband I get to share my life with, as I hang up his clothes in our closet. By choosing to focus on the why of our daily chores, instead of the chores themselves, we find meaning and purpose in everything we do.

I better sign off now. Time to make dinner for that awesome family of mine!

Today's Verse: She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Proverbs 31:27 NLT

Prayer for Today: Father, I'm so thankful for all you've provided: my husband and children, food, clothing, and shelter. Help me to focus on the people in my life, rather than the tasks I must do every day. Help me find purpose and joy in all that I do. In Jesus name, Amen.

Titus Twosdays: Company Smile

2011-01-18T11:48:00.002-06:00

I was hanging out with some friends last week after Bible study, and the conversation turned to how frustrated we get with our kids. (I know, that never happens to you.) I shared my mother-in-law's story of the "company smile". One of my friends said "I feel a Titus Twosday blog comin' on"! It's a great story that may help you put your kids' shenanigans in proper perspective. If you've ever tried to clean up your house in a hurry, and your kids ....ehhh... didn't help you with that, you'll relate to the story.

One morning, while at home with her two boys, she received a call from her husband. He would be bringing his boss home for lunch, and could she please have something ready for them? (Let me just stop right here and say Honey, if you ever did that to me, I would have to just go ahead and kill you.) She said "Of course, dear" (this woman is waaayyy nicer than me) and hung up the phone. She frantically glanced at the clock, then at her less-than-tidy house, then at back at the clock. It was 10:35 now, company would be there at noon, that gave her....one hour and twenty-five minutes!?! To clean house, make lunch, and make herself presentable?! She sprang into action, picking up dishes, wiping counters, putting clean dishes away. She moved into the living room, where her two pajama-clad boys were watching cartoons. "Daddy's coming home with company for lunch, and I need you boys to help me tidy up, ok?" " Please turn off the TV, pick up those toys and take them back to your rooms. And make sure you pick up those socks on the floor and take them to the laundry. And when you're done picking up, go get dressed -Frankie, you help Gene- then wash your faces, brush your teeth, and comb your hair. And don't forgot to pick up the bathroom when you're through."

She ran back to the kitchen and quickly made a nice tuna salad, and set the table. After making a pitcher of iced tea, she glanced into the living room to see how the boys were doing. She was mortified to see they hadn't moved from the couch, and were still watching TV. "I TOLD you to pick up those TOYS!" she barked. "We are running out of time, it's after eleven, and I'm really counting on you to help me!" The boys obeyed, taking the toys and the socks to their proper places. Seeing that they were doing their chores, she hurriedly washed her face, changed her clothes, fixed her hair, and put on some lipstick and a dab of perfume.

She returned to the kitchen and made a tossed salad, silently thanking Heaven she had lettuce, tomato, and a cucumber in the refrigerator. She washed some grapes and put them in a bowl on the table. She had make brownies the previous day, that would have to do for dessert, she thought. She looked at the clock-yikes!! Eleven thirty. She quickly made sandwiches with the tuna she had prepared, and glanced into the living room. To her horror, there were the boys, watching TV, still in their pajamas and slippers. "WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU TWO??" she bellowed. "I TOLD YOU TO GET DRESSED AND HERE YOU ARE STILL IN YOUR PAJAMAS!!! HURRY!! GO GET SOME CLOTHES ON, AND DON'T FORGET TO WASH UP AND BRUSH YOUR TEETH AND FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE, COMB YOUR HAIR!!" As the boys hurried off to get dressed, she quickly dusted the living room furniture and sprayed a little air freshener.

Back to the kitchen she hurried, sweeping a few crumbs from the floor and putting the coffee on to brew. Now, just a quick glance at the bathroom before...."WHOSE TOOTHBRUSH IS THIS?? DIDN'T I TELL YOU TO CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELVES?? DO I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING MYSELF?!!" she shouted. She hung up a fresh towel and wiped the bathroom sink. "Okay, ten minutes", she thought to herself, but her thoughts were interrupted by the chime of the doorbell. "Now why would he ring the bell?", she wondered as she walked toward the door. She took a deep breath, smoothed her dress, pasted on her best smile, and opened the door. At first, she didn't see anyone, then looked down to see her oldest son standing there. "WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?!? she snapped at him. "I'm sorry, Mommy", he said. "I just wanted to see your Company Smile."

Can you relate? Do your chores become more important than the people you do them for? I know I need to remember this story the next time I'm running around, getting ready for small group, barking out orders at my kids. I need to just slow down, and give the most important people in the world-my family-my Company Smile.

Today's verse: Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 CEV

Prayer for Today: Father, make me ever-mindful that although you call me to welcome people into my home, You call me first to be Your servant, and to love and nurture the family You've given me. In Jesus name, Amen

Rock Solid

2011-01-15T16:35:00.005-06:00

In May of 2010, Gene and I had the privilege of traveling to our home state of Colorado to marry two dear friends. It was an 1880's-themed wedding held in a beautiful grove of Aspen trees, near a picturesque old barn. Nearly everyone was dressed in period attire, including my husband, the distinguished gent in the very tall hat.

In between costume fittings and wedding-related activities, we went for a drive in the mountains not far from Denver. We came upon this beautiful stone chapel (pictured above) near Estes Park, Colorado. After a little research, we discovered it was called Saint Malo Chapel on the Rock. Apparently, the little stone church was the dream of one, Monsignor Bosetti, who prayed for twenty years for the funds to build it. What you can't see very well in the photo above is the foundation of the chapel. But in the picture below, you can see what I saw that day: the building is constructed on the rock.

It's hard to tell where the rock ends and the church begins, one just seems to flow out of the other. The story goes that Monsignor Bosetti and two friends saw a meteorite fall toEarth one night in 1916. When Bosetti went to search for the pieces the following day, he came upon this huge rock. He was reminded of the scripture which says "...upon this rock, I will build My church..." (Matthew 16:18 ESV) and was inspired to build this storied chapel.

There is another scripture about building on a Rock, and that's the one I was thinking of today, when I decided to write this post, and remembered the beautiful chapel from our drive through the mountains on that beautiful Spring day. In this passage, Jesus is speaking, and He says that obeying His words (the Bible) is like building our house on a rock. Streams rise. Winds blow. Hearts break. But our house-our life!-stands firm in the worst of times when we are doing the things He asks.

I just want to encourage you today. If you are loving your husband, teaching your children, attending church, studying God's word, serving others....whatever obedience to Christ looks like for you...you are building your life on an immovable, unshakable foundation.

Prayer for today: Father, thank you that You are the firm foundation for my life. No matter what storms may come, my life and my eternity are secure in You. Help me to grow in obedience to Your word, and by your grace, strengthen me when I fail. In Jesus name, Amen.

Today's verse: 24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Matthew 7:24-25 NIV

Chicken....again???

2011-01-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

All of us are expected to use poultry in new and interesting ways, week after week after week.....It's not uncommon to be OUT of ideas! Here's one you might not have tried yet. I made it for a recent staff and leaders dinner, and it got raves! Thanks, allrecipes.com!

Prep Time:
10 Min
Cook Time:
25 Min
Ready In:
35 Min
Servings (Help)
USMetricCalculate

Original Recipe Yield 8 - 10 servings

White Bean Chicken Chili

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 (18.75 ounce) can tomatillos, drained and chopped
1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (7 ounce) can diced green chiles
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seed
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 ears fresh corn
1 pound diced, cooked chicken meat
1 (15 ounce) can white beans
1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Heat oil, and cook onion and garlic until soft.
Stir in broth, tomatillos, tomatoes, chilies, and spices. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Add corn, chicken, and beans; simmer 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 220 | Total Fat: 6.1g | Cholesterol: 40mg

Titus Twosdays: Snow Day Fun

2011-01-11T06:00:00.005-06:00

Today was a "snow" day in our little Southern hamlet. No snow or ice accumulated, but since we're not really equipped down here for icy roads, school was cancelled. My teenagers took this opportunity to sleep late, lounge around, and watch movies. But when they were little, we had lots of fun things we did on days when they couldn't play outside. I'll share three of our faves here today, then please leave your own ideas in a comment!

Building blanket forts was everyone's favorite thing. The kids ate snacks, read stories, played games, even napped in these fun spaces. The only drawback I remember was trying to get them to dismantle the fort after several days of fun! (Ours were just blankets and clothes pins, nothing this cool)

Another favorite was making stuff out of play dough. That provided lots of silly fun! I have a pretty big collection of cookie cutters, and we had a Play-Doh Fun Factory that created ropes, spaghetti and all kinds of other great shapes to make every kind of "food" and creature imaginable! (Homemade play dough is really easy and cheap to make, but only the "real deal" is recommended for the factory.)

One summer, when our younger children were were 3, 5, and 6, they all came down with the Chicken Pox within a few days of each other. Yeah, that was fun.... Even though the weather was beautiful, they were quarantined inside (and pretty itchy) and we needed to keep them busy! I have a wonderful picture (not digital) of our three speckled children having tea (lemonade) and cookies at a little table in Caitlin's room, with her Peter Rabbit tea set. Serving lunch tea party-style is a fun way to add some sunshine to a dreary day, much more fun than PB&J at the kitchen table. :o)

C'mon, share your best ideas for rainy day fun in a comment!

Can we talk?

2011-01-09T16:50:00.015-06:00

It was winter, 1993 and our baby girl, Caitlin, was almost a month old. Our tiny daughter had two big brothers, six year old Max, and thirteen-month-old Samuel. I remember feeling so blessed....and so frazzled. I looked around our small, usually tidy house, and a quiet despair washed over me. Dirty dishes were piled high in the sink, toys were everywhere in the small room that served as our dining/living/playroom, and several baskets of clean clothes graced the dining room table. "How will I ever do this?", I wondered. How will I ever be able to balance home, marriage, children, school, church...?

At church that Sunday, a friend asked how it was going. (She probably didn't need to ask, the dark circles under my eyes told the story pretty well.) I told her I wasn't sleeping more than a couple of hours a night, the house was pretty much upside down, and I couldn't figure out when to take a shower! She looked at me with compassion, and Experienced Mom Wisdom and said "My girls and I would like to come help." "Oh....no, that's not necessary....I'll figure it out" I said, embarrassed at the thought of anyone coming to our house. But she insisted, and a few days later my friend and her girls showed up at my door with buckets, gloves, mops and brooms, and went to work on my much-neglected house. I'll never forget how I felt that day, those precious friends washing my dishes, cleaning my dirty sinks and floors, and folding our laundry. To say I was humbled would be a pretty big understatement. Their gift of a clean, organized house was priceless!

But here's the real "get" from this story: I took a risk, and told my friend what was really going on in my life. What if I had said what women often say to each other when we're too proud to ask for help: "I'm fine"? No help would have been given or received, and we all would have missed a blessing. Are you a young mom struggling to balance all the new demands on your time? Are you hesitant to ask for help? I hope my story lets you know you're not alone. I hope you'll be open with someone-your women's or small group at church, a local MOPS group, a neighbor or friend-about your needs. I hope you won't say "Fine" when someone asks how it's going. Because the moment you admit you can't do it all by yourself, help is on the way. So....can we talk?

Daily Verses:

Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Gal 6:2 NLT

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ¹⁰ If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Eccl 4:9-10 NLT

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, help me to be humble rather than proud, and to ask for help when I need it. Help me connect with other moms, my neighbors, a church family so I can experience the joy of a life lived in community with others, a life where burdens are shared. Help me to encourage someone else in the way I have been encouraged. In Jesus name, Amen.

Five Hundred Twenty-five Thousand, Six Hundred Minutes.....

2011-01-01T16:50:00.009-06:00

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalms 90:12 KJV

One of my all time favorite songs is "Seasons of Love" from the Broadway musical, Rent. This is not a recommendation or an endorsement for this controversial theatrical work. But the lyrics of the song speak to my heart as I think about the New Year before us, and about the scripture above. Teach me to number my days, that's the prayer of my heart today. Listen to these words:

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Six hundred minutes,

Five hundred twenty-five thousand

Moments so dear.
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure, measure a year?

In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights
In cups of coffee
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife.

In five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure
A year in the life?

How about love?
How about love?
How about love? Measure in love

Seasons of love. Seasons of love

Love. That's how I want to measure this year. I don't want 2011 to be marked only by the passing of time, but by the trading of each precious moment God gives me for something valuable. I want this to be a year God can use me to share hope and faith with the people around me. I pray He will show me how to love more deeply, and be more like Jesus in all my relationships. I pray this year will truly be a Season of Love. That's my prayer for you, too. Let me leave you with a prayer, and a link to this song, if you're interested. Happy New Year!

Father, teach me to number my days, the hours and minutes, too. Help me to be more like You in 2011, sharing Your love and grace with the people who cross my path. Help me to trade the 525,600 minutes you give me for something of value. In Jesus Name, Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp5Eyt7knus

Road Map

2010-12-30T13:21:00.007-06:00

I can't wait for 1/1/11. Cannot wait! I don't ever remember being so anxious to tear the December page off my calendar, revealing a fresh January page beneath! Why am I so excited for the arrival of 2011? I like to think it's because the year ahead is filled with possibility....with trails waiting to be blazed, surprises to be unwrapped, and new pages of my life's story begging to be written. But it's just as likely that I'm bidding good riddance to the hurts and failures of the waning year. Maybe in a way, I see 2011 as some cosmic do-over, an opportunity to get right in the new year what I got wrong in the old one.

The reality is that every year stretches out before us like a road, fraught with perils, curves and switchbacks. And we do a much better job of navigating if we pause and ask for directions before we begin a journey. That's one reason I love today's verse. I'm apt to rush off into the new thing I'm excited about without much forethought. But this verse tells me I need knowledge to go along with my desire, or I might miss the way! So this year, I'm going to pause before I dive into the new year. Long enough to celebrate God's goodness in 2010. Long enough to ask for directions for 2011. Because I don't want to miss anything on the Way.

Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way! Proverbs 19:2 NIV (2010)

Prayer for Today: Father, I want to follow You in this New Year. I want to walk in Your Way, in Your plans for me. Thank You for Your love, mercy and grace this year, and next. Please guide my steps as I seek You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Homemade Cocoa Mix

2010-12-30T12:41:00.006-06:00

My daughter and I made this easy, delicious cocoa to put in our Christmas gift baskets this year. It tastes creamier and more chocolatey than any packaged mix we've tried!

Homemade Cocoa Mix

2 c nonfat dry milk powder

3/4 c sugar

1/2 c Hershey's cocoa

1/2 c powdered non-dairy creamer

1 dash (1/8 tsp) salt

Directions: In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients; blend well. Store in a tightly covered container, or package in 2 c portions in bags or jars for gift giving!

Single serving: 1/4 c mix + 3/4 c boiling water + marshmallows = 1 creamy delicious cup!

*Thanks to CDRecipes for this delicious recipe!

Titus Twosdays: Gift giving savvy

2010-12-21T23:43:00.005-06:00

If you're like me, you have LOTS of opportunities to give gifts. Baby showers, weddings, children's birthday parties....not to mention family birthdays and Christmas! If not thoughtfully managed, gift-buying can quickly derail both schedule and budget. Here are a few ideas to help keep you on course.

1. Have a "store" at home. It will keep you from having to dash out to the discount or department store every time you need to purchase a gift, saving you time, money and stress. Take advantage of BOGO or clearance sales as you see them, purchasing items that will make great gifts. Keep items someplace dust-free, where you or your children can "shop" when you need a gift. Stacked, labeled Rubbermaid tubs make great gift storage, and allow you to organize gifts and wrapping supplies. Your "store" should include gifts for many occasions, along with gift wrap or bags, baskets, tape, bows, ribbon, and cards. Also, purchase Christmas cards and wrap, and Valentine cards right after the holiday, to save 50% or more on next year's supply. You may find some great basket deals right after Easter, too!

2. Set spending limits. Sometimes, if we buy a last minute gift, the item we need is not on sale, or not available, and we end up spending more than we planned. If you know in advance that you will spend $15 for baby shower gifts, or $25 for weddings, you'll choose appropriate items at sales and markdowns, and not be tempted to overspend.

3. Standardize. If you have certain types of gifts you "always do", it simplifies shopping, wrapping, and deciding what to give. For example, if you always give a baker's basket (recipe book, cute cookie cutters, wooden spoons and an oven mitt) as a wedding shower gift, you can buy in bulk when those items are on sale. Then when you receive an invitation, choosing a gift is a breeze, and you shop at home! Don't be inflexible, though. You could miss out on some fantastic buys if you don't keep your eyes open for new gift ideas.

4. Some gifts I love to give:

Baby shower: A bath basket for Mommy and baby (hooded baby bath towel, washcloths, baby bath wash, small rubber duckies, and scented bath products for Mom)

Wedding: A beautiful cake platter, chaffing dish or salad bowl (love Ross, TJ Maxx and Target for cool items at good prices). Or buy fluffy white bath towels and hand towels during January white sales (discounted 40-50% in many stores), roll up the towels and tie with ribbons in the brides' bath colors (purchased on sale, of course). Put them in an oval wicker laundry basket she can use later!

Child's birthday party: Lego sets (love to find the larger sets on sale!), art sets (sand painting, LiteBrite, jewelry making), movie basket (micro popcorn, candy and a DVD), princess basket (tiara, lots of beads, wand, ballet slippers or slip on "heels")

Teen birthday gift: Disposable digital camera (watch for sales!), spa or makeup basket (watch for BOGOs on costmetics and fragrance), tool kit, or car wash supplies (chamois, tire shine, armor-all, air fresheners, etc).

Happy bargain hunting! Would love to hear your ideas for fun, frugal gifts. Share them in a comment, if you like.

Prayer for Today: Father, help me to be a good steward of all you've entrusted to me. In your name I pray, Amen.

Chrismas Remix

2010-12-17T09:14:00.016-06:00

I just have to tell on myself a little. Because if I do that, maybe I'll grow a little. Remember Ellie, the psychotic Boxer puppy I blogged about in "Free to Good Home"? (If you missed it, read it here.) Well, the very same pup has wreaked havoc in our home, yet again. Quelle surprise.

This Christmas story begins with our family making our annual pilgrimage to Stinson's Christmas Tree Farm to find the perfect tree. For the third year in a row, our son John picked the winner. As night fell, we sipped steaming mugs of cocoa as the tree was cut down and loaded into the bed of the truck. Once home, my husband put the tree in the perfect spot in our living room, and adorned the beautiful tree with strand after strand of white twinkle lights. We left for Tampa the next morning, and promised that we would finish decorating the tree once we returned from our church planters' retreat.

After dinner Friday night with pastors and church planters and friends, we arrived at our beautiful home away from home in Tampa. Just as we sat down to relax with our hosts, our kids called with the news: "Ellie ate the Christmas tree." "Whaaat??" "Yep, the whole thing. Even the lights." (Deep breath...1....2....3....) We told them to take the de-branched, de-needled, de-lit tree out of the house, so she couldn't eat any more of it, and enjoyed the rest of our much-needed retreat.

When we returned home on Sunday evening, everything looked normal, except for the empty spot where the tree stood, and the guilty look on Ellie's face. Overnight, though, the large amount of pine needles and bark and lights she ingested apparently made their way through her system, and....(Oh Nooooo!) As visions of sugar plums danced in our heads, Ellie deposited steaming piles of poo from one end of the house to the other, at one point becoming so agitated, she actually ran through the piles, through the kitchen and hallway, and into the master bedroom. It was at that point she sat next to our bed and whined, asking to go outside. Really???! So at four-thirty in the morning, I was up cleaning, scrubbing, using the Green Machine, lighting scented candles and Febreezing everything that didn't move. I fell back into bed about six, tired and grumpy.

In the morning, I called our carpet cleaner, who laughs every time I call now. He came, for the fifth time since July, and made the carpets nice and clean, with an extra dose of deodorizer for good measure. We cleaned the house, and put up a new tree, which we're pretty sure Ellie can't eat, since this one is on a three foot pedestal, and is not actually a tree at all, but made out of something fake. I felt oh-so-accomplished, having overcome the dog-carnage in time for our last Wednesday small group meeting of the year.

So, more kerchiefs and more sugar plums for us on Wednesday night and.....she did it AGAIN!!! At five o'clock in the morning, I looked at Ellie's seven month old baby-Boxer face and said "I HATE you, I MEAN it!!! What's WRONG with you?? You are the WORST dog EVER!!" and put her out on the back porch while I cleaned up her latest atrocity. A couple of hours later, still grumpy, shuffling around the kitchen with my coffee mug in hand, I grumbled "Ellie is ruining Christmas....stupid Boxer....grrr...." Our daughter Caitlin overheard me, and said "If you think she's ruining Christmas, you probably have your eyes on the wrong things. Christmas isn't about the clean house and decorations." Doh!! Smackdown!!

Now Caitlin's right, y'all...(cheesy October Sky reference, sorry). If we are claiming to follow Christ, people are watching our lives to see what's different, especially at this time of year! Our kids are watching, too. Are we doers of these precious verses in Phillipians, letting others see our gentleness, sensing God's nearness? Are we trusting Him,not being anxious during this busy Season, but enjoying His peace through it all? I have to say I wasn't....but I want to. I don't know about you, but I'm going to spend the rest of this season celebrating Emmanuel, God with us, and forgive the crazy puppy again.

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:5-7 NIV (2010)

Prayer for Today: Merciful Father, thank you for loving me, in spite of me. You knew all of my faults, fears and failures, and sent Jesus to dwell among us anyway. Help me to keep You at the center of all my celebrating during this beautiful Season, and let the light of your gentleness, kindness and peace shine through me. Amen.

Titus Twosdays: Read to Me

2010-12-14T00:47:00.021-06:00

"Children, come and listen to me. I will teach you to worship the Lord."

-Psalms 34:11 NCV

What activity builds family relationships, inspires, educates, entertains, and enlightens, while costing very little? It's reading to your child! Maybe you already have a regular, spellbinding story time with your children...good for you! If not, it's never to early (or too late!) to start. Perhaps you'll see some titles in this post not already on your shelves or checked out from the library. Statistics show that children whose parents (or caregivers) read to them regularly develop a love for reading and books that will serve them well in the future.

Our family made wonderful memories turning the pages of our favorite books. Here are just a few we love, hope some are new to you:

The classics above were just of few of the favorites in our home. We read with excitement and crazy voices and goofy faces, and we shared so much laughter and fun as a family! When our kids began to read, we let them read to us. Story times before bed were always in two parts at our house: Bible stories and "silly" stories. We read from The Beginner's Bible, Proverbs for Kids, or The Adventure Bible before we read other stories. It was important to us that our kids love not just books, but The Book.

I know you have some favorites. Why not share them with all of us in a comment?

Prayer for Today: Father, I'm so thankful for the gift of my children. Help me to slow down and enjoy these days of sticky fingers and story times. Childhood passes so quickly, and soon they will be grown. Teach me to cherish time with my little ones. In Jesus name, Amen.

Titus Twosdays: Christmas with older kids

2010-12-08T13:49:00.013-06:00

¹⁴What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?¹⁵ If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? ¹⁷So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:14-17 ESV

As the mother of a grown son, and three older kids, I can tell you for sure that if you say one thing, and do another, in ANY area of life, your kids WILL confront the issue. If you tell them it's important to care for the needs of those less fortunate, you better be prepared to do more than TALK about it! Just because your kids are past the age of Christmas story time and dough-ornament making doesn't mean you can't get them to think about someone other than themselves this holiday season. Here are a couple of ways to get your older kids into the spirit of giving this Christmas:

One of the outreaches my church participates in to help us share God's love with our community is Stockings for Kids. I mentioned this in a previous post, but I want to share the finished product with you (see photo above!). My teenaged daughter helped shop for and fill these cute stockings for less fortunate kids in our area. The stockings are overflowing with toys, candy, and more practical items. She loved it!

Another great idea for older kids is Christmas Caroling with friends, perhaps a small group, kids class, or youth group. Several years ago, our after-school Bible Clubs worked together with a local hospice, and did a caroling night for elderly, shut-in, and terminally ill patients. Hospice gave us a list of addresses, and told the people to expect us. We had the kids make homemade cards for each resident, signed up parents to drive the cars full of kids to the various homes, and the groups sang carols of the season with people in need of Christmas cheer. After the caroling, we met at a home for cookies and cocoa. It was such a memorable night!

Senior citizens are often overlooked at Christmas time, especially those who are very poor, or who have no family to care for them. Crossroads participated in SARCOA's Santa for Seniors outreach again this year. Individuals buy household items, clothing, or other items from a low-income senior's wish list, and SARCOA delivers the gifts. Why not let your kids do the shopping? Another good way to touch an older person's heart is through visits to your local nursing home. Be sure to call ahead before your family or group plans a visit, and note that many homes ask that you NOT bring sweets due to many residents' dietary restrictions. A handmade card or ornament is a better bet. Try to get your kids thinking of ways they can help this Christmas!

Prayer for Today: Father, You desire for us to SHOW our children how to care for others, not just TELL them. Give us creative ideas to help them keep their eyes on others during this season when so many kids are focused on themselves. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Titus Twosdays: Sharing Christmas with your children

2010-12-01T07:22:00.008-06:00

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

- Luke 2:10-11 NIV

Today, I want to share several ideas for teaching the Christmas Story to your children through a variety of fun activities. If our little ones are going to really know the Reason for the Season, we need to find ways to share it with them at home. Hearing the story of the Baby in the Manger at church is great, but there's nothing like experiencing Christ-centered celebrations at home to help our children really grasp the meaning of Christmas. Just a few ideas to get you started:

Homemade Star Christmas Ornaments: Talk about the Star the wise men followed as you make these fun star ornaments from homemade dough and star-shaped cookie cutters.

Christmas Countdown or Advent Calendar: This is a great way to create excitement about December 25th!

The Beginner's Bible The Beginner's Bible has most of the stories of the old and new Testaments, including the story of the very first Christmas. Read this as a bedtime story, or have your new readers read the story aloud. Maybe memorize a verse or two from Luke 2, and give a little prize when they can recite it to you!

Birthday Party for Jesus To remind children that Christmas is a celebration of Jesus' birth, have a birthday party for Jesus! Let your children help with special refreshments and decorations, and maybe invite a few friends to start a fun annual tradition!

Prayer for Today: Father, help me to teach my children the true meaning of Christmas. Help me to find creative ways to share the Story of the first Christmas, so my children will one day trust Jesus as Savior. In His name, Amen

Titus Twosdays: Smoke and Mirrors

2010-11-21T21:32:00.018-06:00

She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.

Proverbs 31:27 AMP

This is what your laundry room looks like, right? Yeah, mine too....

Remember last week, we talked about balancing all the things that compete for a slice of our day? We established some priorities to help us build a solid foundation: God first. Husband second. Children third. Now that we've got the Top Three where they belong, let's spend a few minutes looking at ways we can put housework in its place, in light of the fact that it's not the most important thing! We're not going to cover this in an exhaustive way, there are lots of books out there on this subject. I just want to share a way of approaching it that has helped me along the way.

Let me start by saying that my house gets messy. Sometimes really messy! We live here, my husband and I, our three teenagers, two Boxers, three gray cats, and a Beta fish named Spike. So I'm not speaking from a world that's always pristine and polished. After years of beating myself up for all the stuff I don't have time to do, I've discovered something that works, and I hope it will help you too.

Now, I know you have high standards for your home. I had them too. I don't have low standards now, just different ones. I've adjusted them to match my real life, not the life in my head, where sheets are ironed and DVD's are alphabetized. I used to fret because, in between getting the eight year old back and forth to school, feeding and changing the baby, and chasing the toddlers through the house, I couldn't manage to get everything done. I felt like a failure, like I was the only mom who couldn't keep it together. Comparison and isolation are common tools the enemy uses to discourage moms, by the way. Don't buy it.

Here's something that worked for me when the kids were little, that I still use today. I call it "smoke and mirrors" because the public areas of the house will look clean and tidy, but it only takes about ninety minutes, and can be accomplished a task at a time, as my day allows. It doesn't replace "real cleaning" but will make your home much more livable in between times, and you'll have a sense of accomplishment when it's done.

Some guiding principles before we get into specifics: Try thinking of your day as a suitcase, putting the big important things in first, and tucking small items into the small spaces. Start by putting a simple dish in the crock pot in the morning. (Get one of my favorites here), or check out www.sparkrecipes.com for more easy, healthy dishes. The pressure of "what's for dinner?" will vanish, and your house will smell of home cooking. Start a load of laundry then, too. You already know moms don't have time to do one thing at a time! Stuff that's hard to do with toddlers underfoot, like mopping the floor, I saved for nap time. Don't be shy about involving your kids in this process. Matching socks or putting away toys can be a fun counting or sorting game with your little ones.

So here's what I do in about ninety minutes, usually not all at once. Sprinkle a little baking soda on the living room carpet (makes it smell fresher and baking soda is cheap!) Let it sit for a few minutes while I do the following: Pick up anything out of place in the living room. Spray fabric refresher on the upholstered furniture and area rugs in the living and dining rooms, 5 minutes. Quick clean the first bathroom (wipe sink, counter, and potty with disinfecting wipes, clean toilet bowl, windex the mirror, hang fresh towels, empty trash, stock paper and soap), 10 minutes. Vacuum living room carpet, 5 minutes. Swiffer-dust living room and dining room furniture, 5 minutes. Sweep floors in foyer, dining room, and kitchen, 10 minutes. Clean up kitchen-quick wipe the stove, frige, counters, sink, and table with a clean damp rag and some multi-purpose cleaner, throw a few dishes in the dishwasher. 15 minutes. Make my bed, put clothes and books away, 10 minutes. Quick clean my bathroom, 10 minutes. Quick clean bathroom number three, 5 minutes. Mop tile floors in kitchen and hallway, 10 minutes. Damp mop wood floors in dining room and foyer, 5 minutes. Total: 90 minutes. What about those messy teenager rooms? I close the door, they can do it later!

No, the baseboards and ceiling fans aren't dusted with this method. No, the windows don't sparkle. Yes, there is still plenty of laundry waiting for my attention. But when my husband comes home from work, and kids from school, or a friend drops by, at least there is a sense of order, and we can enjoy being here. Now, because I have an especially demanding schedule, I do have help with my house once a week. But the other six days, it's on me, and this method makes my house livable, so I can focus on things that are really important. Leave a comment on this post and share your time saving tips with us!

Prayer for Today: Father, help me to use my hours wisely. Help me to remember that my children are only small for a short time, and house work will always be there. Surround me with encouraging friends who can help me on the journey of home and family. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Free To Good Home

2010-11-20T21:44:00.012-06:00

"He does not punish us for all our sins;

he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve." Psalm 103:10 NLT

Don't let this adorable face fool you. When she wakes up from this nap, she'll be into some new mischief before you can say "free to good home". We've never had a puppy quite like Ellie before. We have given her the same care our other Boxers have enjoyed: a loving home, a big yard, good food, lots of chew toys....Chew toys will be featured prominently as our story continues. It's not an exaggeration to say that Ellie is the most willful and disobedient pup we have ever had. "Oh, she can't be that bad", you say. Oh, yes she can.

Just a few highlights, by the numbers. She has dug six holes in the back yard. Destroyed five pair of shoes. Four is the number of times she has broken out in full-body hives from sticking her face in, or sitting in, a pile of fire ants. It's also the number of dog toys she has dismembered, de-sqeakered and de-stuffed. Coincidentally, four is also the number of times I have had our carpets cleaned since her arrival. She has destroyed three pieces of very nice patio furniture, including shattering a glass tabletop. She has eaten two pair of rather expensive eyeglasses. Leaving me with one nerve, which she is sitting on.

A couple of weeks ago, I came home to find Ellie sitting in a pile of feathers, which she had extracted from a cushion on our living room sofa. With feathers in her mouth, her head cocked to one side, she looked at me as if to say "What?". I looked down at her and said "I will not be hypnotized by your cuteness!" I have four words for you! Free. To. Good. Home!" She curled up at my feet and looked up at me with sad eyes, a look which the Boxer breed has perfected. My heart melted. In spite of all of her faults and failures to live up to my expectations, she is part of the family, and she is here to stay.

I love how God uses events in my life to teach me about Him. In that moment, He showed me how very much like Ellie I can be. I make a mess of things, fail to live up to expectations, and fall at His feet asking for mercy. Again. And He is full of forgiveness and compassion. No matter how I mess up, I'm part of His family. I'm here to stay. And so are you.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, thank You that You are rich in mercy. You do not punish me as I deserve when I'm willfully disobedient. Help me to be gracious and forgiving to people in my life, as You are gracious to me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Titus Twosday

2010-11-16T10:06:00.008-06:00

Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD.

-Psalm 127:3 CEV

Sunday at Crossroads, we had a Baby Dedication service. (For more on the biblical reason we do that, see 1 Samuel 1:11-28.) It's one of the sweetest things we get to do as pastors. The darling little girl in the photo at right is our goddaughter, Emery Grace. Her mother was among the parents who pledged before family, friends, and congregation to raise their children in a home where God's love and grace are modeled, to give these precious little ones every opportunity to trust Christ as Savior. As I looked at all the babies on the platform with us, I reflected on just how difficult that assignment is when our children are small.

Last week, when I asked what you'd like to hear about on "Titus Twosdays", many of you said you need to know more about balancing the responsibilities of being a mom with other demands on your time and energy. So we'll dive into that just a little bit today, with more posts to come in the future. Let's start today with priorities since everything else will flow out of that.

If you've ever traveled by air, you're familiar with the safety instructions given at the beginning of every flight: make sure your seatbelt is low and tight across your lap, seat backs and tray tables in the upright and locked position, turn off all electronics, etc. Then there is the instruction that perfectly illustrates our point today: if you see oxygen masks drop, please secure your own mask first, then assist your child. Why? Because you must first take care of you to be able to help anyone else. A mother who is spritually, emotionally and physically drained is in no position to lovingly care for her family. But how do you take care of you when the baby is up all night, the laundry is piling up, and romance is a hazy memory? I'm so glad you asked!

I am not a psychologist or counselor, but I am the mother of four children, 3 of whom are very close in age. I remember feeling like I would always be pregnant or nursing! I speak from the trenches of childrearing, having survived the baby and toddler years and lived to tell the story. One of the most valuable things I learned was the oxygen mask lesson. I was no good as a wife or mom without making sure I put first things first. Here are a few practical things you can do today to start taking better care of you, and get your priorities straight so you have more to give as a wife and mom.

1. God first. Stay spiritually full. Make time every day to read your Bible and pray. Even if it's only a chapter or two, thanking Him for your blessings, and asking for strength and wisdom for the day, it will give you hope and encouragement like nothing else can. When my kids were 8, 3, 2, and newborn, the only time I could find for this was in the afternoon when they napped. I had tea and time with God. Sometimes it only lasted 15 or 20 minutes, but that time with God that was my "oxygen". It helped me do everything else.

2. Husband second. Your husband comes before your kids. Putting the kids first is a huge mistake. I can't say that enough! Even though your children's cries for attention are louder than his, a strong and happy marriage is the best gift you will ever give your child. Try to have a "date" every week. On purpose. Put the babysitter and the movie tickets in the budget. If money is tight, take a walk in the park, have Chinese food by candlelight after the baby is in bed, or a plan a romantic night "in". Your husband needs to know he hasn't been replaced by your child, that he is your priority!

3. Kids third. Notice that children come before the house. I know the house and laundry are screaming for your attention. But your laundry you will have with you always, and your kids are only little for a short time. You will never regret choosing to snuggle your baby, play Duplos with your toddler, or color with your kindergartner, over having a perfectly clean house.

Everything else: house, job, church comes after these three. We'll talk about managing those...next time.

Prayer for Today: Father, I know that my children are blessings from you. Please show me how to take care of me, so I can care for my family in a way that honors You. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Lower Fat Buffalo Chicken Dip

BUFFALO CHICKEN DIP*

Ingredients

Directions

February 9, 1981. I remember.....

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Prep Time:10 MinCook Time:25 MinReady In:35 MinServings (Help)USMetricCalculateOriginal Recipe Yield 8 - 10 servings

Prep Time:10 Min

Cook Time:25 Min

Ready In:35 Min

Servings (Help)

White Bean Chicken Chili

Ingredients

Directions

Nutritional Information

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Titus Twosday

Prep Time:
10 Min
Cook Time:
25 Min
Ready In:
35 Min
Servings (Help)
USMetricCalculate

Original Recipe Yield 8 - 10 servings

Prep Time:
10 Min

Cook Time:
25 Min

Ready In:
35 Min