To Be Living Life {Thankful Thursdays}

This week I celebrated another birthday. When I was a young girl I never imagined being in my mid 40’s. As I was thinking about my age, the thought crossed my mind that in a few short years I will be 50 and that caused a knot to form in my stomach. It seems just like yesterday I was attending school with no care in the world, wishing I was an adult doing what I wanted; to be living life.

To Be Living Life

I shared about living a full life in the past; I still feel the same way I did when I wrote that. When the knot in my stomach formed this week, I brushed it aside and would not let woe as me feelings begin because I would not trade who I am today with whom I was thirty years ago.

Life moves on quickly, way too quickly. To be living life in the past gets us nowhere. While there are changes we would like to make in our past, dwelling on them now doesn’t do us any good. The past is where it is, in the past.

To be living life in the future is not even possible – there is no use because we are not guaranteed our next breath. Sure, it’s nice to make plans and it’s probably wise to do so for certain things. But to be living life around a future event only brings disappointment when plans change.

To be living life in the present is where we should be; the moment that is happening right now. Wherever you are, whatever you are called to do, live it. Don’t let fear keep you from living what you are supposed to do. If you are a parent – live it, enjoy the time you have with your children. If you are a writer – live it, make the time to write every day. If you are a salesperson – live it, go that extra mile to make your customers happy.

To be living life brings
all sorts of opportunities and happiness.

Mediterranean Chicken and Pasta

Pasta is a weakness for my family. At one time we ate spaghetti every two weeks with one other pasta dish included in the list of foods. I came across a recipe while searching for another pasta option for my Master Meal Planner. With a few little tweaks I made my version of Mediterranean Chicken and Pasta that suits my family's tastes.

Mediterranean Chicken and Pasta

The changes I made from the original recipe are I left out the olives for my non olive eaters. I used Italian seasoning instead of just oregano. I used 2 cans of diced tomatoes instead of a can of tomato sauce. I think my sauce had more of an Italian flare than I had wanted, boy that Feta cheese took care of it when I topped the dish with it. Another thing, we only eat whole wheat pasta.

The only negative thing I heard about the dish, my son said the zucchini should have been left out because no pasta dish should have a green vegetable in it. This is coming from someone who will eat his weight in fried zucchini during the summer months.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups pasta
• water for cooking pasta
• 1 Tablespoon oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 small zucchini cut in slices
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken breast, cooked in bite size pieces
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 ½ Tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon basil
•  ¾ cup crumbled Feta cheese

 Directions:

Cook pasta according to package.

In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook about 3 minutes, add zucchini and garlic and cook for about 3 minutes. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, and seasoning. Simmer on low for about 10 minutes.

Mix chicken mixture and pasta together and top with cheese.



What's your favorite pasta dish?

The Faithful Witness {Thankful Thursdays}

I have said many times, “I’m glad you told me”. Have you? Some of those situations would have had a different outcome if I had not been told about something. Those people who spoke up, I consider them faithful to the situation. As Christians, we have a faithful witness who shared the Gospel with us; whether we were willing to listen the first time or we were repeatedly confronted by someone, they were faithful. We have a Faithful Witness we can be thankful for today.

The Faithful Witness

When Jesus came to earth, He had one focus – winning the lost. Because of this, He came under fire which was all part of God’s plan.

While Jesus was standing before Pilate, He told him why He was there. To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. (John 18:37) Jesus was faithful to His Father by coming to earth. He was faithful to the promise that was prophesied by the prophets years before. He was faithful to the people of the world at that time when He spoke the truth. Jesus was faithful to the cause even when He was persecuted.

When I think about these words (He could have called ten thousand angels To destroy the world and set Him free) from the song Ten Thousand Angels, I’m humbled. Jesus had the power to destroy the earth long before He was even hanging on the cross, but He didn’t. Jesus was faithful to you and me; He was faithful to the cause.

Jesus was faithful when He died on the cross and rose from the dead on the third day. Stop and think about what all Jesus did and what His earthly body went through. He was the Faithful Witness.

Are we willing to be that faithful in sharing the Gospel?

Gettin' It Done President's Day Week

Another six weeks has passed in our school so we are enjoying this week off from our studies. I’m excited about this week because I have planned to work on nothing but my quilt top when my household duties are completed each day. Believe it or not, I’m staying on track at keeping my paperwork up to date on a weekly basis.

 Gettin' It Done The Week Of President's Day

Saturday my husband and I enjoyed going to North Dakota so I could pick out a bird feeder and grab some bird seed for Valentine’s Day. It’s amazing to see the difference in 90 miles. When we left our house it was in the low 40’s and hardly any snow on the ground. By the time we made it to the state line, the temperatures had dropped to the low 20’s with freezing rain and snow. While I love snow, I was glad to get back into Montana where the weather was much nicer. We’ve been spoiled with beautiful spring like weather for the past couple of weeks.

This is a picture of the sunset on the way home Saturday night, the orange on the clouds was breath taking.

Yesterday, I spent most of the afternoon working ahead on laundry and some cleaning, so I could spend today sewing and enjoy having my husband home for President’s Day without having to do any real cleaning. I normally use our week off to focus on deep cleaning a room, but this time, I can wait until next week since the living room is up next.

As for my quilt top, I bought this fabric for sashing. I’ve learned something from this quilting ordeal – I don’t care for buying fabric online. I knew the fabric would probably be a little dark, but once I opened the package, I was disappointed because it was darker than I had hoped. After it was washed and ironed, I laid it out and placed some of the squares on top of it. After seeing them, I liked it a little. Hopefully, once they are all sewn together, I will love it.

This is also grocery shopping week, so I'll work on my list for Wednesday. I'm almost finished with the baby sweater I'm working on, I knit at night since the light in my sewing room is not too great for night time sewing.

This is what is planned for my week. Do you have plans?

14 Verses I Love In Honor of Valentine's Day

In honor of today being the 14^th day of the month and it being Valentine’s Day, I want to share with you 14 Verses I Love and cling to.

 14 Verses I Love 

1. John 3:16 this verse is at the top of my list because God loved me enough to send His only Son, Jesus Christ to pay my sin debt. Think about it, all the hundreds of past generations and however many future generations not yet here, God loved each and everyone. AMAZING!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

2. Psalm 23:1 we were not put on earth to learn to live through all we face each day on our own. We have a gentle yet strong Shepherd who guides, protects, and provides for us.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

3. Jeremiah 33:3 we all need wisdom concerning situations in our lives. When we call on God, He gives us the answer and much more.

Call unto me, and I will answer thee,
and shew thee great and might things, which thou knowest not.

4. Psalm 19:14 this is my life verse. I chose this verse when I was in 3^rd grade as we were learning the whole chapter for Bible class. I’ll never forget reading the verse at my desk and how I wanted the words I speak and the thoughts I think to please the Lord.

Let the words of my mouth, and the mediation of my heart, be acceptable in the sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

5. Proverbs 8:17 there is something about loving and being loved. What greater love can we have than the love of Jesus? When we seek Christ early, we are showing an interest in Him. When we seek Him early (early in life, early in the day) before other things, we will find Him.

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

6. Psalm 34:4 fear is a real thing especially for a 5^th grader having to give her testimony in church in front of several hundreds of people. Thankfully, my momma taught me this verse when we found out I had to give my testimony. Any time I prayed about it, the Lord took my fears from me. As soon as I stepped up to the microphone and began to speak, the Lord took control because I have no idea what happened after that.

I sought the Lord, and he heard me,
and delivered me from all my fears.

7. Romans 8:28 no matter what comes our way whether it be good or bad, the Lord knows all about it and will work everything out for our good.

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

8. Hebrews 13:5-6 there will not be a storm we have to face alone. Jesus promises to be there and not leave us. Because of His help, we don’t have to fear what others do to us.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

9. Ephesians 2:4-6  we don’t deserve it, but God loves us enough to give it – mercy! His grace is there to cover the sins we commit, but we need to work on true repentance and the removal of the sin in our life. I’m thankful for grace and mercy.

But God, who is rich in mercy,
for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)

10. II Samuel 22:2-3 many roles of the Lord are listed in these verses. It is a wonderful reminder of who our Lord is for us in our time of need. He is worthy of the praise we give Him.

And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;  The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.  I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

11. Ephesians 2:8-10 thankfully, going to heaven doesn’t depend on how good a person we are. Salvation is a gift given to us by God, it has nothing to do about us, it is all about Him. We can’t work our way to heaven, but we can accept His gift of eternal life .

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

12. Joshua 1:9 we should have courage to take a step of faith in situations because wherever that step leads us, God is there.

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

13. I John 5:13 when we accept the gift of salvation we are promised eternal life. A promise we can believe in.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

14. Psalm 46:1 we don’t have to face troublesome times alone. God is there and He helps us through those times.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 I’m so thankful for these verses, they are very dear to my heart. What are some of the verses you love?

Jesus Christ - The Rock of My Salvation {Thankful Thursdays}

Have you ever watched a brick or block mason work? The extra care in the placement of the first brick is extremely important. If it is off the least little bit, the structure that is being built will not be level or square and in the end, could be disastrous. I’m thankful my salvation is built on Jesus Christ. He is the Rock of My Salvation.

The Rock of My Salvation

There is only one way for salvation to be successful, and that is through Jesus Christ. He was the beginning rock that was placed to pave the way for our eternity with God. Our salvation originated in Him and it was manifested through Him. There are no other rocks our salvation depends on. He is the only way.

The Rock of My Salvation is perfect. He is immovable and unchangeable. Because of Him we have the strength to face the battle of life while He stands with us while we stand on the Rock.

He is perfect, He is immovable, He is unchangeable.

God is the Rock of My Salvation

You are the rock of my salvation,
You are the strength of my life.
You are my hope and my inspiration.
Lord unto You will I cry.

I believe in you, believe in you.
For your faithful love to me.
You have been my help
In time of need.
Lord unto You will I cleave.  - Teresa E. Muller

He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. (Psalm 62:6)

He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.  (Psalm 89:26)

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

I love cookies! Who doesn’t right? Of all the cookies out there my favorite would have to be peanut butter. The softer, the better, there is no such thing as a crunchy peanut butter cookie. And if there is, I’m sorry... Over the years, I have tried many recipes and after a little tweaking, I have what I think is the best Soft Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe ever; at least, for my husband and son it is THE BEST!

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

I have one sweet memory of making peanut butter cookies with my Jamie. He was in preschool and it was Teacher’s Appreciation Day coming up. All week I asked him what he wanted to do for his teacher and all week he said the dreaded words, I don’t know. That Thursday morning when asked again, he said he wanted to make cookies for his teacher. I was excited because who doesn’t like to bake cookies, right? That night after work, I pulled out my cookbooks to find a recipe. There were several choices and I chose a flourless recipe because it made a smaller amount and to my surprise they were really good. After school the next day, I was asked by his teacher about the cookies and the recipe I had attached to the container, she told me peanut butter was her favorite.

While I haven’t made that recipe in years, peanut butter cookies are Jamie’s favorite to make. This Soft Peanut Butter Cookies recipe will always be known in my recipe book as Jamie’s Peanut Butter Cookies.

Before you pass out over a whole tablespoon of vanilla... WE LOVE VANILLA, especially my homemade vanilla. If you are not a vanilla fan, you can definitely cut back on it.

When baking in my oven, I know I have to adjust the time for certain things. Luckily with these cookies, 9 minutes is the perfect time, every time for me.

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• ½ cup butter
• 1 ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 ½ cup peanut butter
• 1 large egg
• 3 Tablespoons milk
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla
• 1 ¾ cup flour
• ¾ teaspoon soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°.

In mixing bowl, cream butter, sugar, and peanut butter until smooth. Add egg, milk and vanilla, mixing well. Add dry ingredients, mix until incorporated. Drop by rounded spoonfuls on cookie pans.

Bake 8-10 minutes. Let cool for about 2 minutes and then remove them to a cooling rack.

Do you like soft peanut butter cookies? What's your favorite cookie?

Parenting: Raising An Introvert

We live in a social, outgoing culture. People who have “more fun” are those who put themselves out there and are the life of the party. The same thing goes for children; the more social they are, the more other children gravitate around them. Being social and the life of the party is not the life of an introvert. For those looking from the outside in on the life of an introvert, it may seem they are shy and possibly depressed; that is far from the case. I’m an introvert and I’m Raising an Introvert. Knowing what my child goes through is easy for me to understand, but for those who are extroverted and Raising an Introvert, it can be hard.

I shared Living Life as an Introvert last year and having this personality, I have had to learn to work through some of the struggles that come with it. Because of who I am, I can help my son work through what he struggles with. If you are extroverted and Raising an Introvert, I hope these six things will help you in helping your child.

6 Tips to Help in Raising an Introvert

1. Love and Respect Them for Who They Are: everyone is created differently and your introvert needs to feel loved and respected. Let them know you are trying to understand how they feel. Talking with them helps get their feelings out in the open. Don't be harsh, it only hinders them working through these things. Whatever you do, DO NOT TELL THEM THEY NEED TO COME OUT OF THEIR SHELL! I heard that phrase until I was married and it DOES NOT HELP the situation. Would you believe I even heard it once when my husband and I were looking for a new church? (And it wasn’t from my husband.) I heard now’s the time for you to come out of your shell and be a new person, the people there won’t know the real you.  Let’s just dig that hole  I want to hide in a little deeper .

Love them for who they are. Respect them for who they are.

2. Encourage Your Child: it’s hard to face large gatherings  when you feel you are totally alone in the midst. Encouraging your child to face their fears not only helps them to get over that moment of fearfulness but it also helps them to know they cannot run from the hard things in life. They will face things they do not want to do in life at one point or another and now is the time for them to learn this.

Encourage them to face life’s difficulties.

3. Arrive and Leave Early: being late is not an option for me or my son. Where ever we are going, we arrive early. It is easier to wait for the crowd to arrive than it is to walk into an already full room. While all eyes are necessarily not on the door when it opens, it sure feels like it to an introvert. Early arrival helps if you need to leave early.

It’s good to arrive early

and there is nothing wrong with leaving early if needed.

4. Praise Them: don’t forget to praise your child after they have made an effort to face the death march of a crowd. Let them hear how proud you are of their effort in attending the gathering or facing a difficulty they deal with.

Children need to hear praise for things they have done.

5. Allow them time: If they are content with playing by themselves or being alone, don’t force other children on them if they are not ready for it. It is possible for introverts to have good relationships with others.  Allow them to seek friendships on their own creates opportunity to put themselves out there but on their terms.

Allow your child to act as a bloom and open on their own timing.

6. Teach RESPECT for others: when your child is downright rude and disrespectful to people, nip it in the bud. This quirky personality is no excuse for being rude. The slumping of the shoulders with the head down, not looking at people when they are being spoken to, that is disrespect. When a handshake is being presented and refusing to follow through with it that is disrespect. If you allow disrespect to continue, your introverted child will grow up to be one of the most disliked and avoided adults. Their co-workers will avoid them and they will more than likely be served up as the main dish at the lunch table.

Teach them to respect others so they will receive respect.

Remember, your child is not in a shell, they are not shy, and they are not weird. They are who they are and they are an introvert.

Are you Raising An Introvert?