tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81281442205721639372024-02-20T20:03:50.038-08:00gleeful.joyful.hopeful.parts of my life as a Jesus-follower, wife, mother and home-educator...and glimpses of the gleeful and joyful person I'm hopeful to becomegleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.comBlogger417125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-3096307552759688522022-06-04T23:28:00.000-07:002022-06-04T23:28:35.260-07:00May I not limit God<p><br /></p><p>I have been pondering the way in which God works lately. With our current living situation, we are paying much more than the recommended 30% of your income on housing. While we were in search of housing, it was pretty clear that God had this housing situation for us. Lately I easily transition into 'let's fix this now' mode, where I begin to think we need to be making a bigger income or we need to be painstakingly searching for cheaper housing.</p><p>While it's more than the recommended amount to be spent on housing, we're able to afford it. It doesn't do any favors for our budget, but we're still able to live within our means each month. So why do I get into these 'we're doing something wrong' mode? I think it's because I do believe the advice is wisdom. I would like to be spending less on housing each month, and giving more. And spending more on my children. And be more generous. But maybe my idea of where the extra money would go isn't best. And while 30% is good advice, and we can strive to model our finances in that direction, God is bigger and wiser than all the advice, and I want what He wants, even if it doesn't make sense to me.</p><p>As I've been seeking God in this matter of my heart, He's shone His light on stories from scripture for me to mull over. Like when Jesus used mud to help a blind man see. That's not the way anyone has ever tried to correct vision, yet when Jesus did it, it worked. Or Namaan in the Old Testament. He was told to wash in a dirty river, and Elisha the prophet didn't even talk to his face, he sent it through a messenger. Not what was expected, and Namaan almost missed the blessing because it didn't look like he thought it should. </p><p> "Sometimes we are limiting our lives because we base it on our limiting experience. We often forget that we serve God with whom all things are possible." (Nadler, 2010,<i> </i>p67)</p><p>Lord, may I not limit what You are doing because it's different from my experience. Help me not miss Your blessings, for me and others, because of a need for it all to 'make sense'. I want to be willing to do what You ask, even when it looks unexpected to me. May I continue to become comfortable with being uncomfortable.</p><p>17 Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ 18 You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 19 And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. 20 Like the nations that the Lord makes to perish before you, so shall you perish, because you would not obey the voice of the Lord your God, (Deuteronomy 8:17-20). </p><p><br /></p><p>https://soundmindinvesting.com/articles/view/gods-will-for-your-finances</p><p>https://seedtime.com/jesus-money/</p><p><br /></p><p>"Biblical faith is based on the truth, the facts about God; spiritual experience is to be a result of that faith not the cause of that faith." (Nadler, 2010,<i> </i>p70)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Reference: Nadler, S (2010). Messiah in The Feasts of Israel. Word of Messiah Ministries.</p>gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-38384048615909088692022-05-02T11:39:00.008-07:002022-05-02T11:39:57.510-07:00strong when weak<p> I often think of my failings, the things I can control, when I read the verse where Paul writes about God being strong in our weakness.</p><p>But I am learning that maybe he is referring more to the things we can't control about our lives - disability, illness, disorders and the like. There is something that changes in us and the environment around us when we are able to exist in and admit our weakness in these regards. When I embrace and exist in my asthma and allergies, I am free to allow God to work as I am no longer trying to control something I actually cannot control anyway. </p><p>When I admit and live in the reality of my introversion, my mental and physical capacity for engaging with others, is God released to work in ways I block when I 'push through' and force things to work? In those instances, instead of existing I become a bulldozer of stress, anxiety and control. Is this what he has for me and those around me? I think not. Maybe this is another layer of what it means to find my rest in God alone - not what I am capable of.</p>gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-68344437450084445862022-04-05T23:15:00.003-07:002022-04-05T23:15:41.856-07:00Joshua 1:8<p> Joshua 1:8</p><p>The Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it, for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful.</p><p><br /></p><p>Lord, please remind me that it is only by Your word that I live and succeed. I've put tasks above seeking you lately in an attempt to 'get everything situated' so then I can have time to seek You. How ridiculous! Seeking You comes first! Remind my heart of this and help me to take time to seek You and not be in a rush. There is plenty of time to get all the things done.</p>gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-24917559769766597332022-03-24T00:11:00.000-07:002022-03-24T00:11:01.645-07:00God is for me<p> Today's scripture focus was</p><p> For the eyes of the Lord are [looking favorably] upon the righteous (the upright), And His ears are attentive to their prayer (eager to answer), But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil.”</p><p>1 Peter 3:12 AMP</p><p>https://bible.com/bible/1588/1pe.3.12.AMP</p><p>Thinking about God being eager to answer my is interesting. I'm eager to answer and give my children what they want and need, so why would God do less for me? I still revert to viewing him as waiting to tell me when I've messed up, rather than waiting eagerly to give me things, talk with me and come to him with everything. He's on my side and while I know that to be true, I often don't act like it's true. </p><p><br /></p><p>Also loving Psalm 37, specifically these verses:</p><p>Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in Him also and He will do it. He will make your righteousness [your pursuit of right standing with God] like the light, And your judgment like [the shining of] the noonday [sun]. Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.</p><p>Psalms 37:3-7 AMP</p><p>https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.37.3-7.AMP</p><p>What does it look like to day to day 'delight' in the Lord? </p><p><br /></p><p>And what in my life needs to change because of Jesus. I'm trying to add this back into my daily rhythm. </p><p>Today was full of more packing. Slowly yet surely it's all getting boxed up. Excited about moving, it'll be so great! Nervous about how much utilities and internet will cost every month. But we need to move this direction and God is faithful. We'll keep being faithful to him. Can't wait for the house to purchase after the rental as well!</p>gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-26155912267223965732022-03-21T23:27:00.002-07:002022-03-21T23:27:22.355-07:00Seriously. Amazing. Whoa.<p> So much has happened in the last few days!</p><p>I will start with Wednesday, 1 day after my last post. Wednesday I was in a pretty peaceful state after draining myself, confronting, and accusing God. It brought me to such a sweet place of peace with Him. We had three tours of prospective rentals set up on Thursday. (I do need to add here that we also saw a rental in Canby on Sunday evening and really liked it. The landlords told us they have a few other families to tour this week and they would make a final decision by Friday.) Wednesday afternoon we find out the tour at 12:30 the next day (in Fairview) is cancelled because the owner has decided to sell the home. We then decide to go to the zoo and enjoy the day. There is a tour scheduled for the evening of Thursday still.</p><p>Thursday we go to the zoo, and have a wonderful break from all the stress of finding a place to live. It was so great and needed. On the way to having dinner with my grandma (who is moving to Arizona as well), we get a text that the tour that evening has been cancelled because a tenant signed a lease that day. Oh well, I figure I'll be up late again and applying to anything new I can find.</p><p>We have dinner with my grandma. Once home, I quickly check my email, and we have an email from the Canby landlords of the house we liked saying we being offered the lease! We are all so excited - I really can't explain to amount of relief I felt. When I looked back at the timelines of the contacts, we received the text of the canceled tour at 4pm, the email offering a lease at 4:22pm, and another update from a rental in Sandy that they are processing our application. It was a great reminder of just how much God has all of this in his hands. </p><p>I'm so excited for the home. Now it's getting through the next two weeks, moving our things out so my mom can get this house on the market. We get access to the garage on March 26th to move most of our belongings in - so great! The big items will move on April 1st, as well as ourselves. Since this should only be a 1 to 2 year rental, I plan to not unpack everything. I'm boxing up items we don't use much/may not need in the next year and labeling well to try to keep as many things is boxes as possible, without feeling like it. When we need something, I'll open it up. I digress.</p><p>I was already convinced God would take care of everything. I now have an even firmer foundation in that. I have learned that my emotions are all valid, and God wants me to take them all to Him. None of 'I shouldn't fell this way if I am trusting God". Trusting God and all the emotions can co-exist. He gave me my emotions to lead me to Him. It's so beautiful. And I can ask for anything I want, knowing He is a good father and will either give me my desires, or show me how my desires could be shifted to line up with what He knows is best. He is so very, very good.<br /></p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Psalm 37:4</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">: Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.</span></p>gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-43995666764814232202022-03-15T23:03:00.002-07:002022-03-15T23:03:10.824-07:00Testing<p> Psalm 139:119 - Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.</p><p><br /></p><p>The phrase 'test me' prior to this seemed more like a school test, as to see where I was lacking and needed to improve. ('this' referring to our journey in finding new housing for 2022. We thought we were going to buy, but it has turned into finding a rental and the surrent unknown state of what our housing will be next month has been stressful [understatement])</p><p>But I'm viewing it differently now.</p><p>The 'test me and know my anxious thoughts' has been more of 'test me so You <i>can know</i> my anxious thoughts; because until this 'testing' was happening I was unable and/or unwilling to fully confront my anxious thoughts. They were there, but I'd swipe them away with a 'don't worry, God's got this'. While that IS TRUE, and I firmly believe it, until I was able to fully bring my anxious thoughts to God, He wasn't able to help me with them. </p><p>Jesus has been walking next to me, patiently waiting for me to allow Him to yoke up next to me and carry the heavy burden with me. The burden isn't gone, but it is much more bearable with Him pulling next to me in all the ways. The picture in my head is of me struggling under the heaviness of an actual oxen yoke (double yoke, with only me on one side) and Jesus walking next to me. He's looking at me and saying "Will you let me help you with that?" as we walk (so slowly, because I'm struggling so much). I respond "Oh, I've got this. You're good, God is good. I know it'll turn out great. You're right there." And Jesus responds, "Uh, yeah I am, but I could be actually, you know, helping you with that." The picture makes me laugh because it's so true, but I couldn't see it until I hit the complete end of myself and cried out to God with in anguish, desperation, tears, accusations. </p><p>Only in being at the end of myself was I able to truly cry out for His help, and He immediately and so lovingly came under the other side of the yoke. The circumstances haven't changed, but WHOA did my perspective and burden change. </p><p><br /></p><p>I was sharing these thoughts with my daughter Addison, who is 15 and so wise. She said something close to: "It's like how dad wants to give me good things. I know he does, and he knows what I need and provides it. But when I actually ask him for something, he not only provides it but is so pleased that I asked him for it. And if it's not something good for me, he says no and explains why it's not a good thing. So there's no harm in asking for things, even if they are my wants and not needs." God totally confirmed in my spirit what she said, and it was a another way He used to show me that not only will all this work out, but that He wants me to come to Him and ask for my needs AND wants in a home.</p>gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-6798964206624404032022-03-14T22:46:00.000-07:002022-03-15T22:47:16.742-07:00On Understanding David<p> Today I found a new level of faith. God has been showing me through 2021 and 2022 (so far) that He wants me to be real with Him - like raw real, as in I don't think I should be feeling this way real. Maybe it's just me, but while I know emotions are not bad or wrong, I still can feel guilty for doubting God or not fully feeling like I believe He is who he says. God has been pulling me in deeper to this. He has been patiently, yet consistently, requesting that I give Him ALL of me - including the doubt and anger at what He is, from my perspective, 'not doing'. But here is where it gets good. As I lean into my experience and cry out to Him with how I am truly feeling, He meets me. He has reminded me of David's psalms from Scripture over and over again as I tell Him "I've done what you asked me to do! Why are You not following through?!" And rather than feeling isolated by 'yelling' at God, I feel Him pull me closer. How can that be?! I am at a lose as to how it works, but have a much greater understanding for why David, in many of his psalms, seems to accuse and argue with God for letting things happen. </p><p>It seems like God is opening many more doors for me to have a greater view of His character, and each door that opens is like a kaleidoscope of color and newness. It's humbling and so exciting, in the midst of all the 'testing'.</p>gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-31448548230335700742022-03-12T21:20:00.002-08:002022-03-15T23:10:59.026-07:00<p> Uh...so I did not actually keep up the idea of a journal here. But as I reread that idea, it still appeals to me, so maybe this time it will stick?</p><p>I now have 6 children, and a part time job (what - there is a story there I need to record about God's providence and giving us back the things we offer to him)</p><p>We're currently looking for a rental to live in while a USDA direct loan can be processed for us. We looked at a property in West Linn that I liked the structure, but it has a cliff off the back with no fence and is on the corner of two very busy streets, so it's a no. Tonight a lady that is renting a house in Canby emailed me, so maybe that will work out. It's more that we'd like to pay monthly, but we can make work for 12 months if needed.</p><p>God, please give me patience, wisdom, grace and point me to You. Help me see my children clearly through this, and point them to You as we travel this road together.</p><p><br /></p><p>**added 3/15/22</p><p>About the 'more than we'd like to spend'. The rentals we are now looking at cost more than 28% of our monthly income, which is higher than recommended. I agree with the recommendation, and have been so concerned that we are not honoring God with our finances. Here's the deal He's straightened me out on today:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>We have no debt, so we can afford to spend more on housing per month.</li><li>This is not a long term season. 1-3 years most likely. </li><li>We can afford it every month and it doesn't change our current lifestyle, or our savings. We will even be able to still add some to savings every month.</li><li>He has led us to this place, and is leading us to owning a home again. Just because this piece of the journey doesn't look like I think it should doesn't mean it isn't good.</li><li>When we find the home to own, we will be well within the recommended percentage to spend on housing. This is a step toward that goal.</li></ol><p></p>gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-30726447804735976232019-06-28T22:18:00.002-07:002019-06-28T22:18:55.738-07:00Tonight bedIt is time for bed.<br />
I think I'm going to use this space as a journal/daily reflection. I was fun to rediscover it and read what God was doing in my life 6 years ago - before 3 other children cam along!<br />
I think I'll dump all the notes I've been using google keep for in here, then try to maintain this somewhat. It may be a journal option that works for me.<br />
But tonight, bed.<br />
Goodnight world.gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-56571394645544733302013-05-28T22:12:00.002-07:002013-05-28T22:12:56.703-07:00thoughts from John 6...God isn't bound by His creation - He's bigger, larger and outside of it. He used His creation to show Himself. Creation itself glorifies & praises God. And while creation seems to maintain life on it's own, God can add life more abundantly to it., as in He fulfills it. He is beyond our understanding of time & space, and outside of the natural realm He made.<br />
Examples of this are: manna in the dessert, Jesus feeding 5000+ with 2 fish & 5 fish, Jesus walking on water, the dead being raised, the sick being healed, water being turned into wine, the 10 plagues, the sun standing still, the rain stating & stopping on command, the wet/dry fleece...<br />
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Truly, what if I didn't fear? Nothing is worth worrying/stressing/being anxious about. Lord, help me to fully, truly trust You!<br />
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All providence comes from Him God the Provider.gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-52717723887059913102013-05-03T06:54:00.000-07:002013-05-03T06:56:07.328-07:00the enemy is a liarI've been going through Ephesians, focusing on <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206:10-20&version=AMP">Ephesians 6:10-20</a>, with the woman's Bible study group at my church, and God is allowing me to see more clearly that our enemy is a liar. Not just an occasional one, but that is all he does. He lies. He cheats. And he is out to destroy - as in defeat us to the point we don't get up again. That is a big attack. And it is on going. The comparison game I play with my looks, abilities, daily successes and failures - all of it lies. God is the only One I should be listening to. He is where I get my marching orders, my daily list of to-do's. Other's opinions and writings can be inspired, even of God, but as soon as I allow it to be above God in my life, it gets twisted by the enemy as a lie. This is why it is so important to know our God - to spend time with Him daily. To be intimate & vulnerable with God allows Him access to my deepest heart & mind. Then He can change me, mold me, and speak His truth to me. When I am listening to & seeking out God, all other voices are filtered through Him, and it's His truth I get to experience, not the enemy's twisting of things into lies.<br />
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May you experience Gods truth throughout today, as you meditate on things of Him. May you not be detracted by things of this world, but be consumed with how mighty, powerful, strong, great, majestic & over-all God is today.gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-91550873162787839652013-05-02T22:59:00.001-07:002013-05-02T22:59:36.241-07:00the mom I did not anticipate becomingI did not see myself as the mom I am. I never in my life thought I would make most of the bread items we eat from scratch. Or that I would choose (willingly) to homeschool my children (I mean, who needs that added responsibility, right?!). I didn't think I'd be open to, even hopeful that, God would call our family to another country. Didn't think I'd want as many kids as God gives us, trusting in Him no matter what that number will be. So fun, and so much different than what I thought I would be.gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-21633657673246449322013-05-01T21:44:00.000-07:002013-04-30T21:44:44.995-07:00marriage extremesI was thinking over some verses in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205:21-32&version=NLT">Ephesians 5:21-32</a>, and some thoughts led to the idea that<br />
extremes are needed in marriage, as marriage is a reflection of the church/Christ relationship. As the church, it is wrong for us to find approval from anywhere else but in Christ. So, I'm thinking it is also not ok for a wife to find approval from anywhere else other than her husband. Not to say she shouldn't do a good job at whatever she is doing, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2031:10-31&version=NLT">Proverbs 31</a> speaks to that, but that emotionally she should find all her worth first in Christ, than in her husband. This is a lot of responsibility for the husband, but I think is SO important in the function of the relationship. Maybe looking for it elsewhere opens the door for the enemy to get a foothold. Just some thoughts I've been thinking through....how many times have I wanted someone's approval, and where did it get me?gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-75136623509960422312013-04-30T21:31:00.002-07:002013-04-30T21:31:46.079-07:00Love beyond this worldI just held my son while he fell asleep for a nap. Nothing new about that act, I do it daily. But today was different since my husband took our daughter on an outing, so it was just me & the boy. As I was holding him, at first I was of the mindset "let him fall asleep so I can get going on all the things I need to do". Then God reminded me that my daughter wasn't home, so I didn't need to tend to her, and that truly nothing was more important than being fully in 'this moment'. So I let myself. I let myself fully focus on the moment, and God spoke to my heart. As I was holding my boy, I really let myself feel him resting on me. His dependence and desire for me was so clear and so real. And my uncontrollable undeniable love for him was overwhelming. Not in an emotional sense, which I tend to expect when I think about or relate to my kids. But in a 'there are no words to describe this what-so-ever' sense. As in, I love my children no matter what, and it's not even a choice I have to make. I love them beyond my emotion, so much that there are no words for it. I'll never be able to convey this 'love' to them. Not in this life, at least. Until they experience it for themselves, they'll never know it.<br />
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And God reminded me that's how He is toward me. His love is so resoundingly big, so immense it cannot be contained by anything, ever. Makes me think of the scripture in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song%20of%20Solomon+8:6-8&version=NLT">Song of Solomon 8, verses 6 through 8</a>. "..love is a strong as death...many waters cannot quench love..." In my conversation with God in this moment, I started thinking about how I believe love is a choice we need to make. Unlike God, our natural tendencies tend to be self driven, not others driven. My choice to love my husband is what keeps our marriage growing toward what God has for it. My choice to love my husband & children is what reminds me to deny myself and put them first. But there's more to it.<br />
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God gave me yet another glimpse into Himself, that His love isn't about choice, <i>it just is</i>. There is no choice but to love. Now, I've known that God is love and that He doesn't choose whether or not to love us, but I can't fully understand how that works. God is so much bigger than my understanding will ever be, and I love when He gives me glimpses into Himself. By choosing to love, I let God lead me. By allowing God, who <i>is </i>love, to lead me, more & more of my life looks like Him, as in I make loving choices more often. He is able to transform me <i>to be love</i>, as He is love, and not just choose to love. It's beyond emotion and all reason.<br />
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I get to experience a bit of His love in this world through my kids. The love I have for them is a part of me, I cannot separate myself from it.<br />
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I'm learning from God to have the same type of love for my husband. It's interesting to me that God relates to us as His sons & daughters, and the church/Jesus relationship as husband and wife. Different dynamics, different way for us to learn God's love? The love doesn't change, just our understanding of it? These things I'm pondering lately...<br />
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gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-65333304807360726682013-04-23T22:43:00.001-07:002013-04-23T22:43:08.456-07:00White Bean Vanilla 'Custard'Don't be put off by beans being the main ingredient, this is good stuff!<br />
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White Bean Vanilla 'Custard'</h3>
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<strong>Ingredients</strong></div>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;">3 cups white beans, drained and cooled</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1/2 cup <a href="http://secure.ttpurchase.com/7AD895E1-1E0B-90B3-0E6BEBF8A4D37D94" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">coconut oil</a>, melted</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">1 cup sugar, or other sweetener (a little less makes it less sweet) </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">6 TB ground flax seed</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">12 TB water</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">2 Tablespoons <a href="http://themarathonmom.com/how-to-make-vanilla-extract.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">vanilla extract</a></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<strong>Instructions</strong></div>
<ol style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Pulse cooked, drained, and COOLED white beans in food processor until completely smooth.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Add remaining ingredients, and blend til thoroughly combined and smooth.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Enjoy! Yum!</li>
</ol>
gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-29383938322761434032013-04-23T22:38:00.002-07:002013-04-23T22:38:27.235-07:00gifts #23-#23 - my son turning one<br />
#24 - my daughter losing her first tooth<br />
#25 - my daughter being so happy that she laughed till she cried<br />
#26 - abundant work for my hubby<br />
#27 - friends having babies grow in them<br />
#28 - being able to leave friends with heartbreak in God's hands<br />
#29 - Hebrews 10:19-25 ...'encourage outbursts of love..."<br />
#30 - peace in the midst of a stormgleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-30070503531187155152013-01-28T21:34:00.004-08:002013-01-28T21:34:37.537-08:00gifts #18 - #22#18 - my daughter being able to tell me stories from Scripture<br />
#19 - my son laughing so hard I think he needs to pause & breathe<br />
#20 - my husband who provides so well for us<br />
#21 - a table to do schoolwork at and have meals around<br />
#22 - teaching my children about God's gifts every daygleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-85104455351582614332013-01-28T21:31:00.001-08:002013-01-28T21:31:33.507-08:00so few #2 diapers in eight months...With baby #2 we have been doing something different in the realms of diapering. I wanted to give cloth diapers a try (NEVER thought I'd say that) and while researching them came across a type of baby pottying called by many in the western world 'EC' or 'elimination communication'. (yes, it rhymes).<br />
<br />
It basically consists of offering the potty when your baby needs to go. When I first came across the idea, I thought it was ridiculous. But I read more about it, and decided it was worth a try. I decided to try it for a day when mister t was around 2 months old - in less than 12 hours he was peeing in the toilet. Astounding to say the least.<br />
<br />
So my husband and I have continued this journey. To date mister t uses the potty about 70% of the time, and I'd say about 90% of his #2's go in the toilet. This has been awesome - since we are using cloth diaper & wipes it means less clean up and less laundry. All of it means less money going...well...down the toilet. :) The current challenge is night time, he used to get up and fuss a bit while we took him potty, but as of lately he wants nothing to do with the potty at night. Guess we'll give it a break. But I have noticed him having more control over his pottying, and sometimes I think is just trying to tell us he doesn't have to go. Either way, I don't think I'll ever not do EC again. It seems so natural now, and I like that my baby doesn't have to sit in his own waste if we doesn't want to. We just got new potty seat for him - so far he likes them. He smiled & laughed each time he used them today. And daddy likes that the pee actually goes where it should (instead of everywhere else - it's hard to aim an eight month old while holding them over the potty.) ;)gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-34947464614330848042012-12-08T00:58:00.000-08:002012-12-08T00:58:42.278-08:00i like containers<b>I like containers.</b> From old moving boxes to thrift store baskets to the old salsa jar to the plastic dish that once held my yogurt, I like them all. I like to be creative in reusing them. I peel off labels, scribble out words & cover in contact paper. The large containers are good for organizing closets. The middle sized ones for cupboards, pantries & art/school/office supplies. And the small containers (think Altoid tins & such) for buttons, safety pins, band-aids.... Oh the joys of organizing! And re-organizing again. And again. I know, I have an <strike>issue</strike> obsession.<br />
<br />
And it's all for the good of the planet, right? The whole 'reduce, reuse, recycle' thing. Greener living. (side note - I wonder if 'greenliness' is becoming the next 'next to godliness?' Food for thought. At least a bite.) So I save things. Like containers. And paper scraps. And bottle caps. (craft project supplies, right?) And I buy stuff someone else has already 'used'. Like second hand clothes. And toys.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="text Matt-25-14" id="en-NIV1984-24020"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">The Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-25-14"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-24020K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> who called his servants and entrusted his property to them.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-15" id="en-NIV1984-24021"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>To one he gave five talents<sup class="footnote" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV1984-24021a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25&version=NIV1984#fen-NIV1984-24021a" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-24021L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> Then he went on his journey.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-16" id="en-NIV1984-24022"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-17" id="en-NIV1984-24023"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>So also, the one with the two talents gained two more.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-18" id="en-NIV1984-24024"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-25-19" id="en-NIV1984-24025"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-24025M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Matt-25-20" id="en-NIV1984-24026"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’</span></span><span class="text Matt-25-21" id="en-NIV1984-24027"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-24027N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> Come and share your master’s happiness!’</span></span><span class="text Matt-25-22" id="en-NIV1984-24028"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>“The man with the two talents also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’</span></span><span class="text Matt-25-23" id="en-NIV1984-24029"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-24029O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> Come and share your master’s happiness!’</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-25-24" id="en-NIV1984-24030"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup>“Then the man who had received the one talent came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-25" id="en-NIV1984-24031"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup>So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-25-26" id="en-NIV1984-24032"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup>“His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?</span> <span class="text Matt-25-27" id="en-NIV1984-24033"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup>Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Matt-25-28" id="en-NIV1984-24034"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>“‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.</span> <span class="text Matt-25-29" id="en-NIV1984-24035"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-24035P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Matt-25-30" id="en-NIV1984-24036"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup>And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’</span></span></i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent;">I'm living so smart because of all the money I can save by reusing so much! So...why have I been struggling with a gnawing feeling of being suffocated by it all? Reusing is good, right? Saving is wise, right? I been trying to process the feeling with God, and I think I (finally) have an answer. It's a two-parter.</span><br />
<br />
<b>First - I have TOO MUCH STUFF</b>. <i>Much more</i> than I need. Now I don't mean like I live in a 24 bathroom house, have a 2nd house in Hawaii, and have my meals flown in from Paris everyday kind of way. But in my own everyday we-don't-even-own-a-TV life, God is revealing I have so much. I am blessed. And this realization is not to take away God's blessing - no, on the contrary, it's to help me open my eyes and be aware of God's blessings in my life. And count them. Often.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Luke-12-13" id="en-NIV1984-25465"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>The Parable of the Rich Fool, Luke 12:13-14</b></i></span></span><span class="text Luke-12-13"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup>Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="text Luke-12-14" id="en-NIV1984-25466"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup>Jesus replied, <span class="woj">“Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?”</span></span> <span class="text Luke-12-15" id="en-NIV1984-25467"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup>Then he said to them, <span class="woj">“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”<br /><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25467N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup></span></span></i></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="text Luke-12-16" id="en-NIV1984-25468"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup>And he told them this parable: <span class="woj">“The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-12-17" id="en-NIV1984-25469"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup>He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="text Luke-12-18" id="en-NIV1984-25470"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup>“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.</span> <span class="text Luke-12-19" id="en-NIV1984-25471"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup>And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’</span></i></span><span class="text Luke-12-20" id="en-NIV1984-25472"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup>“But God said to him, ‘You fool!<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25472O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> This very night your life will be demanded from you.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25472P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’</i></span></span><span class="text Luke-12-21" id="en-NIV1984-25473"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup>“This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”</i></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<b>Second - I am not trusting in God's provision.</b> By holding onto these things (even in the name of being wise by reusing things), in my heart I'm saying I don't trust God. I saying "I might need this someday, so I'll keep it", while God wants me to realize that on 'that someday' when I need 'that thing', He'll provide it. Maybe through reusing something. Maybe through a blessing. However it gets done, He will do it.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Luke-12-22" id="en-NIV1984-25474"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Do Not Worry, Luke 12: 22-32</b></i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="text Luke-12-22"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup>Then Jesus said to his disciples: <span class="woj">“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.</span></span> <span class="text Luke-12-23" id="en-NIV1984-25475"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup>Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.</span> <span class="text Luke-12-24" id="en-NIV1984-25476"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup>Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25476T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup> And how much more valuable you are than birds!</span><span class="text Luke-12-25" id="en-NIV1984-25477"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup>Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life<sup class="footnote" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV1984-25477b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12&version=NIV1984#fen-NIV1984-25477b" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</sup>?</span> <span class="text Luke-12-26" id="en-NIV1984-25478"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup>Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="text Luke-12-27" id="en-NIV1984-25479"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup>“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25479U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> was dressed like one of these.</span> <span class="text Luke-12-28" id="en-NIV1984-25480"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup>If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25480V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Luke-12-29" id="en-NIV1984-25481"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup>And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.</span> <span class="text Luke-12-30" id="en-NIV1984-25482"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup>For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25482W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> knows that you need them.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25482X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup></span><span class="text Luke-12-31" id="en-NIV1984-25483"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">31 </sup>But seek his kingdom,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25483Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> and these things will be given to you as well.<br /><sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25483Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup></span></i></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><span class="text Luke-12-32" id="en-NIV1984-25484"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">32 </sup>“Do not be afraid,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25484AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25484AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Luke-12-33" id="en-NIV1984-25485"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">33 </sup>Sell your possessions and give to the poor.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25485AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25485AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25485AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup></span> </i></span><span class="text Luke-12-34" id="en-NIV1984-25486"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">34 </sup>For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</i></span><span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV1984-25486AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup></span></span></span></blockquote>
<div>
There's a fine line between being wise and hoarding. The line is different for everyone, and based on each individual situation. This is what makes it so important for us not to compare our stuff. God has a different plan and journey for each of us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For me, I have (finally) agreed with God that I would remove from my life the current things I 'cling to' for security instead of Him. This consists of:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li> getting rid of the 2 bins in my garage that contain miscellaneous containers, just in case I need them. </li>
<li>recycling all the cardboard boxes I fold down & store</li>
<li>letting go of excess craft supplies...fabric, paper scraps. It's ok to let garbage be garbage.</li>
<li>cutting down my clothes. I've decided I really only 'need' 4-7 each of long sleeves, short sleeves, pants, capris/shorts, sweaters/hoodies; and 3 sets each of workout clothes, warm & cool pj's. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Writing it here helps it be more final. And reasonable. ;) Reading it, it's still more than I need, so it'll be ok. The fact that it almost makes me have slight anxiety proves to me I need this step. So often in my life I initially resist what God would have for me. But if I can push through, His peace is on the other side. And liking every piece that is in my closet is already making me smile. It also means I get to host a clothing exchange or offer up my articles to hopefully bless someone in truer need than I am. </div>
</div>
gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-6407544477217204822012-11-29T08:00:00.001-08:002012-11-29T08:00:10.544-08:00straight from Philippians 4:8...<span style="font-family: inherit;">wondering if a thought or attitude is ok? Well, is it...</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">true? </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">worthy of reverence</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> honorable</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">just?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">pure?</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">lovely</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">lovable? </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">kind</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">winsome</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">gracious? </span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">full of virtue</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">and</i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">excellence? </span></span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">worthy of praise? </span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;">If yes, then 'think on</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;">and</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;">weigh</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;">and</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">take account of these things' (as in 'fix your minds on them')</span><span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I need this tattooed on my inner arm I think. :)</span></span>gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-18826269012164324222012-11-29T07:37:00.001-08:002012-11-29T07:37:57.569-08:00pumpkin bread...<b>Pumpkin Bread</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">1/2 cup oil</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">1/2 cup pear or apple sauce</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">3 eggs</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">2 cups sugar</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">2 tsp. vanilla extract</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">3 cups flour</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">1 tsp. baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">2 tsp. baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">1 tsp. cinnamon</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">1 tsp. nutmeg</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">1/2 tsp. ginger</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">1 1/2 tsp. salt</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px;">2 cups pumpkin puree</span></li>
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<ol>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">In one bowl, beat your wet ingredients: the oil, apple or pear sauce, eggs, sugar and vanilla extract.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Add pumpkin puree. Mix carefully but thoroughly.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Spray TWO 8" X 4" loaf pans with cooking oil spray, then divide the batter between the two pans.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Place the pans into the preheated oven, and bake for about an hour.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Let them cool for about 10 minutes on the counter, then carefully remove them from the pans and let them come to room temperature.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Eat one loaf, freeze the other for later. :)</span></li>
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PS - you can use almost any type of fruit in place of the pumpkin - chopped pears, apple pieces, peach slices...</div>
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gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-31570392603743219012012-11-29T07:31:00.001-08:002012-11-29T07:33:10.581-08:00don't judge a pumpkin by it's shell...This past October (2 months ago already?!) my sister-in-law & mother-in-law bought me a 'blue' pumpkin. It was more of a grayish tint and on the larger side as far as pumpkins go. They told me it was supposed to be a sweet variety. While cutting it up into chunks to cook it in the oven, I discovered the 'flesh' was pretty thick - about 2 to 3 inches.<br />
<br />
Hmmm....in my limited knowledge of pumpkin the bigger it is = less sweet.<br />
<br />
But I cooked it up anyway, and was SO glad I did. By far the sweetest tasting pumpkin we have ever come by! I was eating it by the spoonful as it was cooling off. My 6 month old son really enjoys it as well. One night we added some coconut milk with a little salt & pepper, heated it all up, and it was a lovely soup. Great as a coconut/pumpkin drink as well, cold or hot. Also great as a smoothie. Or in pumpkin pie. Or in pumpkin oatmeal muffins. Or as pumpkin bread. :) Yup, I've done a lot with my 'blue' pumpkin, and I am very much hoping to grow at least one this next year. I think I've been converted. :)<br />
<br />
<b>Coconut Pumpkin Soup</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Add equal parts pumpkin puree & coconut milk to sauce pan</li>
<li>Add salt & pepper to taste</li>
<li>Heat slowly</li>
<li>Enjoy </li>
</ul>
gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-79827132735851711442012-11-07T06:59:00.001-08:002012-11-07T06:59:04.701-08:00gifts #13 - 17#13 - early mornings<br />
#14 - days of rest<br />
#15 - a warm, dry place to sleep<br />
#16 - God's peace in the midst of any storm you can imagine<br />
#17 - God always teaching & drawing me closer to Himselfgleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-30228763154766410212012-10-22T19:44:00.000-07:002012-10-22T19:44:45.012-07:00seasoning for tilapia...simple, but we like it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>little salt</li>
<li>little pepper</li>
<li>little honey</li>
<li>little chili powder or chipotle</li>
<li>if your feeling fancy, add some shredded coconut on top</li>
</ul>
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Once you have one side cooked, flip the fillets & sprinkle with the above again. Cook till done. YUM!</div>
gleefulgirlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16612235857788196224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8128144220572163937.post-5910986411040223062012-10-17T20:48:00.001-07:002012-10-17T20:50:39.158-07:00what happens when school is a little later in the day than planned...me: "miss a, please write the number 14"<br />
miss a: (writing) "I love the way the number 14 looks like a pirate ship..."<br />
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