30 days of blogging: Day 1

Recent picture and 15 interesting facts about myself. I want to be sure and use the word "interesting" very loosely...facts I can promise but no guarantee they are interesting.

Her I am!!! I would have really preferred to have picked a fabulous picture of myself self (if one exists) but rather I chose to just use the most recent picture I had taken. This was taken on Friday on a hike I went on with the family. If anything, this picture does show my personality a little :) Of course except for the fact that I'm on a hike. Which will lead me right into my first fact!

1) I really am not a big fan of hiking. Though I wish to be and have committed to doing more this year.
2) I love the taste of cold corn straight out of the can
3) I can't wait to be a grandma one day! Seriously, I think about it often.
4) I have very flexible ears and fold them up before I lay my head on the pillow to keep my ear nice and warm.
5) I like to dip pizza rolls in ketchup
6) I would gladly live where it never snows, rarely rains and is almost always sunny.
7) If I could live in anytime period it would be the late 1800's.
8) I love bags! It is a weak spot for me when shopping.  I'd go for a new bag over new shoes.
9) I did not become a reader until my late 20's, in fact I hated reading, until I fell in love with the book Redeeming Love.
10) I would LOVE to run an orphanage one day.
11) My favorite wild animal is a giraffe and I got to feed one once right out of the palm of my hand.
12) Teaching my kids to read stresses me out and feels like a lot of pressure. It is the one thing I wish someone else could teach them.
13) When I was 5 or 6 I climbed 30 feet up in a tree and about gave my mom a heart attack the first time she saw me. I loved to climb so much my Uncle called me monkey woman and when he built his first house it had very high ceilings in the living room with a brick fireplace going all the way up. They were going to have staggered bricks sticking out like little ledges all the way up and decided against it for fear I would climb it when I to visit every summer.
14) I flew half way across the country by myself at 9 years old.
15) When I was back in the mid-west visiting my uncle there was a really bad thunder storm and I was really scared cause I was alone at his house. To conquer my fear I went out side with an umbrella and stood in the middle of the cul de sac. Praise God I was not struck down by lighting. (I think that's more stupid then interesting)

30 days of blogging!

I saw this idea on Kelly's blog, who saw it on Bridget's blog, who saw it on some guy name Ryans blog. I didn't look to see who Ryan got it from but who really cares, it just sounds like fun! I have no intention of doing this everyday for 30 days in a row, but I will commit to doing all 30. I love to blog but don't always know what to blog about so this is a fun way to blog about new things. Join me if you like :)

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind your blog name
day 3- a picture of you as a child
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been
day 6- favorite super hero and why
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
day 11- write a bucket list of things you want to do before you die
day 12- write a poem to someone you love
day 13- your 5 favorite books and why
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- a picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- write about a sweet memory from your past
day 20- write a letter to someone
day 21-a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave a lot
day 24- post your favorite quote or verse of scripture and why
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- list 10 things that you are thankful for
day 27- my day job verses my passion
day 28- cruise a thesaurus and pick out 10 words you like the sound of
day 29 - favorite tv shows and why you like them
day 30 - movies you can watch again and again.

My Lord of the Rings review and why I hate the flesh

After years of hearing all the hype and our pastor being brought to tears at the pulpit while talking about the movie one day, Clint and I decided it was time to finally watch it.

Overall, I have to say its not my kind of movie. I enjoyed the first one quite a bit and really liked finding the ways the characters and story line could relate to the gospel. Frodo was seemingly just an ordinary simple young man and yet, he was chosen to save the world. After the first one ended I looked forward to seeing the second. While watching the second one it was hard not to cover my face with the blanket. The battle scenes were horrible and there was far to many of them. Those nasty creatures coming out of their birth sacks was over the top gross and scary. Clint on the other hand thought it was great how well they depicted evil. I guess evil just really makes me uncomfortable. I experienced much of the same on the 3rd movie but as Frodo was using everything he had to bring the ring up the mountain I was filled with hope. I was waiting for him to over throw evil and toss the ring into the fire. But he didn't! He put it on instead!!! WHAT!?! I thought this was going to be a story of redemption!?! I thought Frodo was going to save the world. Yes, the ring eventually made its way into the fire and the world was saved, but not by Frodos doing. I was very disappointed in that.

After the movie Clint explained to me that its about the battle with flesh until the very end. Okay, so now I get it, but I don't like it! In fact I hate it! Not the movie, but the flesh.

As I shared in my last post I have food issues. For me, this is a battle between my sinful desires (the flesh) and the Spirit. My friend Crystal shared in this amazing teaching on gluttony that she woke up every morning for a time and the Holy Spirit was making her food choices for her. Oh, how I longed to experience that for myself. And finally, one day it happened! After repenting of my sin and daily, hourly, sometimes minute by minute seeking the help He has given me, the Holy Spirit as been making my food choices too! I praise God! It actually felt easy to choose good healthy food and to not go back for seconds. It was all credit to the Holy Spirits work in me. For 13 days the Spirit was winning the battle!!!

Then day 14,15 and 16 came. Those 3 days were not the same as the previous 13. When I woke up yesterday (day 16) I new I had been in a funk for a couple days. No, I hadn't binge eaten or anything but I knew my heart and attitude weren't in the right place, so I had to pause and reflect. What I saw was that I started to lean on my own strength. Kind of like Frodo did when he took off up the mountain with out Sam. Just like Frodo, my own strength is not enough. Frodo came all that way and surely he should be able to make it a little ways on his own, right? NO! But that is the thinking I realize I all to often have.

So day 16 when I realize all this... rather then turning to the Spirit to guide me, I wallowed in my mistake. I knew I needed pray, but I didn't. I knew I needed my sista's to be praying for me and that all I would need to do is send a simple text, but I didn't. So what did I do? I ate. I want to hate myself for yesterday. I want to wallow in my self loathing pit and probably end up eating some more, but I can't. Why? Because I am loved! I am chosen! I am accepted! I am adopted! I am forgiven! I am blessed and I am redeemed!!! Like one of my favorite songs by Mary Mary says "I know He didn't bring me this far just to leave me."

Just like Frodo, I often think I can do it on my own. Just like Frodo, I can't. Just like Frodo needs Sam all the way to the bitter end, I need the Holy Spirit until my end on this earth.

Tell the truth Tuesday:The ugly and beautiful truth

The UGLY truth: ...and I mean ugly. I have food issues. I eat for pleasure. I eat for comfort. I eat from boredom. I eat from stress. I eat often. I eat a lot. Worst of all, I eat instead of sitting at the feet of my sweet Jesus. My body is a product of my food issues. I am overweight the the point of being considered obese. I am at higher risk for things like cancer, heart disease and diabetes because of my weight. I feel fat. I look fat. I don't like feeling this way. I don't like looking this way. Most of all, I don't like food sitting on the thrown of my heart in place of my sweet Jesus.

Phil 3:18-19

For many of whom I have often told you and now even tell you with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, and their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

1st Cor 6:20

For you were bought with a price. So glorify God with your body.

The BEAUTIFUL truth:God so gently revealed this sin to me and has already begun an amazing work in me. He has brought me to true repentance and through the Holy Spirit day by day, meal by meal, I am able to make better, healthier, God glorifying choices. To Him be the glory!

2nd Cor 12:9

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 

Gal 5:16

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Heb 12:1-2

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 

1st Peter 5:6-10

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

1000 Gifts: 173-226

 

~173 That Carrie was willing to part with an amazing book so I could read it
~174 This book Made to Crave
~175 That God knew many of his people would struggle with food issues and so he weaved wisdom on this topic all over in scripture
~176 Scripture that are implanted on my heart forvever
~177 I know this is a repeat but, God's constant provision for what we need
~178 Learning the difference between need and want
~179 Another repeat but, my hardworking hubby
~180 Ferry boats
~181 Quiet time
~182 Drew's artwork
~183 School being cancled
~184 ...which made for an awesome day of school at home
~185 watercolors
~186 Patternables
~187 Listening to Lilly read
~188 The smell of bread baking
~189 preschool workbooks
~190 American girl history
~191 Being able to share my sons silly antics via FB
~192 Evie being such a good sleeper
~193 Sex (me too, me too!)
~194 Getting most of the classes we requested
~195 The anticipation of our new and better schedule
~196 Lilly's amazing and generous coaches
~197 Sharing $5 footlongs
~198 The way Evie dances when she realizes I'm about to give her a snack
~199 Clint wrestling with the kids
~200 Lilly's journal entries
~201 Colored pencils
~202 That I have money for gas and a car to put it in
~203 Working out with friends
~204 His grace
~205 The most amazing sisters in Christ in the whole world
~206 Accountability
~207 Hard boiled eggs
~208 Broccoli
~209 Kids playing independently (and not fighting)
~210 My community group
~211 Feeling God's strength
~212 My lap top
~213 Checking things of my to-do list
~214 That my rec room turns into a dance club in a moments notice
~215 For God's help in parenting
~216 Hummus
~217 Cardio
~218 Rice cooker
~219 Organic options (me too, Abbey)
~220 Clint in charge of the schedule (= balance)
~221 5 boys in my Sunday school class (yay for Thomas!)
~222 Creativity in the kitchen
~223 A laid back relaxing weekend full of family time (see # 220)
~224 Holy Spirit
~225 Garlic
~226 Finding 90% off nativity scenes!

Works for me Wednesday: Double Batch

Last week I noticed that canned Chili was on sale at QFC for $1 a can. I thought to myself that's a pretty good price, and I'm sure that would work out nice for Clint to take for lunch on the days I don't have enough leftovers to send for him. Then I thought some more. Hmmmmm, I bet it would be cheaper, healthier and yummier if I just made a double batch of chili myself. I could use all those glass jars I save that I knew would come in handy to freeze some and Clint could grab that and heat it up at work.


So I double batch of chili I made! We ate it for dinner on Friday topped with chips, cheese and sourcream and it was uber yummy! This is what I had left over-

5 individual size jars for Clint to take to work

2 larger jars for me to use for a couple lunches at home for the the kids and me

1 bowl with enough chili for Clint to eat for lunch over the weekend and for the Chili dogs we ate for dinner on Sunday night.

And to make this even sweeter I didn't have to go to the grocery store at all cause I had everything I needed for a double batch of chili in my back stock!!!

Taste and see that the Lord is good

Psalm 34

I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.

Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.
The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.

1000 Gifts: 148-172

 

~148 A fun time ironing with friends
~149 The awesome community of amazing Godly women at EHK-12
~150 The wisdom spoken to me on an area of struggle
~151 I have to admit that part of me is very thankful to be back at the daily grind (just part)
~152 Double deals
~153 Free cleaning products
~154 Hot tea
~155 The fun Drew is having in musical theater
~156 Friends that aren't afraid to ask for help
~157 Cool classes
~158 Someone else making dinner
~159 Evie's pucker
~160 Seeing Drew on stage looking like the cutest little person Ireland ever saw :)
~161 Shilea Corey
~162 That we can be assured that God opens and closes the womb
~163 A night out with the ladies
~164 My uber cozy bed ( I heart Temperpedic)
~165 Pretty flowers
~166 Not just chit chatting but taking the time to go to heart
~167 A relaxing Sunday afternoon
~168 New pots and pans (FINALLY!)
~169 The fact that Drew has been wearing her little person hat all day
~170 Psalm 34
~171 Fleece sheets
~172 2 Cor 3:18
~173 Finding balance in areas that have been very unbalance

1000 Gifts: 101-147

 

~101 Extra counter space
~102 Sour Patch kids
~103 Taking a stroll down memory lane
~104 That God has blesses us with 4 Kids
~105 How well my kids know how to do chores
~106 My backstock
~107 A smooth glass of red wine
~108 Glass bowls
~109 The smell of a cake baking
~110 Watching more and more items I don't need leaving my house
~111 Re-purposed leftovers
~112 That Clint forgives me after I've been less then kind =/
~113 Photographs that bring back a 1000 memories and emotions
~114 Making progress
~115 Having all the kids jump in bed with me and having a laughing good time!
~116 Waking up to snow
~117 How bright snow makes the world
~118 Fried rice
~119 Watching 4 tweens have a super fun girly time
~120 Having fun with them too
~121 Feeling like a "cool mom" cuz they wanted me to hang out with them
~122 Digital cameras
~123 The way the morning sun makes the snow and ice sparkle
~124 That God has blessed Drew with awesome friends
~125 Shopping with a buddy
~126 Matching jeggings (lol)
~127 Gus reffering to his english muffin as a wheel
~128 Finding the perfect present for Drew
~129 total at the register being less then expected
~130 Lunch out with the fam ro celebrate Drew
~131Friends we are very thankful for + delish food + good wine + fun games = a great New Year"s Eve!
~132 Hubby and the kids taking care of me and each other while I had a bad migraine
~133 For thoughtful friends who send kind words
~134 That my headache finally ended
~135 Clint doing the dishes
~136 A phone chat with my mom that reminded me of better times with her
~137 Seeing Drew turn into an amazing young lady
~138 Evie sitting content and playing with her toys
~139 P.B and J
~140 An entire day at home
~141 Movie night
~142 The innocent and curious ?'s of my Sunday school class
~143 An afternoon spent with my Mom
~144 Hubby coming home with good news
~145 That working hard DOES pay off
~146 Having a radio in my car again
~147 Mr and Mrs Wilson