3 Oct 2015

Billy Graham Devotional for Children

by | posted in: Books, parenting, Shepherding Children | 1

If there was one name that most of the world knew, both Christians and non-Christians, it would be Billy Graham.

Billy Graham, nearer to the end of his earthly life than at the beginning of it, has ministered to millions with the truth of the Gospel.  He has no doubt had such an impact on so many children throughout his ministry.  And now there is a devotional for grade school children that bears his name.

What I like about God’s Good News Bible Storybook is that variety of Bible stories included in it.  There are some that aren’t included in other story books for children.  I wonder how often people get to the battle of Jericho or David and Goliath and don’t know anything in the Bible after that until you get to the birth of Jesus.

In the stories you are given nicely illustrated photos which will especially help keep the attention of younger children, if you are attempting family devotions with a variety of ages of children (aren’t most of us?).  In each, you are given the Bible passage, and I would encourage you to open up a real Bible and read it out of there with your children – and let them read it for themselves.  And in most, you are given a short devotional from BIlly Graham – encouraging devotion to God and the telling of the Gospel.

This would be a great addition to your books for family devotions.  Great for school age children.

If you would like to win a copy from Tommy Nelson (who sent me this book in exchange for this blog post and review, all opinions are my own), then all you have to do is answer the question: how would you like to encourage your kids in evangelism?  Might be with their kids at school, or taking them on mission trips when they get older, or doing neighborhood activities that engage other kids with the gospel.

 

3 Oct 2015

31 Days: The Who God Shows Tender Mercies

by | posted in: 31days, Bible | 1

The God Who Shows Mercy

Parenting has taught me a lot about this idea of mercy.  I think children need both discipline and mercy.  Of course they need to learn obedience, but they also need to be shown mercy sometimes when they fail.  They need to be shown mercy if for no other reason that to get a fuller picture of the God that created them.  Mine need mercy so they won’t spend 4 hours in time out each day.

I am a daughter.  I have a merciful heavenly Father.  I am so thankful that he shows me great mercy every day.  How often do I speed without getting a ticket?  How often do I say something out of anger or spite to a family member only to be shown radical mercy and not what I deserve?  How often do I sin and am not struck down dead like some in the Bible?

I think if we realized the holiness of God and the sinfulness of our hearts than we would always start every prayer with mercy pleas.

David knew a trusted communion with God and he know he had sinned greatly.  That communion was broken.  The only was David was going to be in a right relationship with God again was if that just God showered mercy down on him. So, he opens his heart wrenching psalm with this plea.

This mercy that God showed to David didn’t stop there.  All of God’s mercy toward us was brought to completion on the cross.  Christ took all of the wrath of God for us – in other words – he got no mercy from his just Father.  He got penalty, he got death, he got the absence of His Father’s presence.

In Christ, let us also rejoice and plead for great mercy.

Psalm 51:1 ” Have mercy on me, O God.”

Other readings: Psalm 86:5; Psalm 145.9; Ephesians 2:4-5, Hebrews 4:16

2 Oct 2015

Cookbook Review: Sugar & Spice

by | posted in: Books | 0

I don’t think I’ve ever had and loved this type of cookbook – and I know now what I’ve been missing.

Cardamom.  Pepper.  Cinnamon.  Cloves. Nutmeg.  Etc.

All bound together in a photo-medium (only downfall, I love photos and the ones in it are amazing), story and explanation rich and colorful (a huge bonus), recipe infused cloth that is begging me to get a mortar and pestle.  I don’t have one but if I were to have one I would want this one or maybe this one.

Like I said, the photos are gorgeous, I just wish there were more.  I love the voice of this cookbook.  The recipes would stretch me out of my comfort zone in what I usually cook – but it makes me want to.

I’m thankful for Blogging for Books for sending this to me for the review, and to Samantha Seneviratne for writing it.

And just possibly – I might be making the Coffee and Cardamom Shortbread for this wknd.  Why not?

2 Oct 2015

Creamy White Chicken Chili

by | posted in: food, The Charming South Kitchen | 0

Creamy White Chicken Chili

This is probably my favorite Fall recipe.  I got it more than 10 years ago, and I finally decided to change it up, write it down, take more pictures, and have it more often.

I got this recipe from friends of mine – so really, food is all about community.  My Mister can tell you how much this is true in my life.  I love cooking for people – if people don’t like what I cook or don’t eat it at all I am really hurt (I know, I gotta get over that), and food is such a comfort for me.  Really the saying is true that everything important happens around the table.  The other night as we were picking out a place to go for our anniversary dinner, I got all mushy as we talked about restaurants.  He definitely knows one of my love languages is food.

Homemade Guacamole

This is probably one of the first recipes I ever wanted to go on my old food blog.  I always shared it with my college girls that I knew.  It was warm and comforting.  You eat it with a spoon.  You put yummy stuff on top of it to make it better – like cheese, sour cream, bacon, avocados, cilantro – I mean – what could be better.

Print
Creamy White Chicken Chili
Author: 
Recipe type: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6-8
 
Creamy and comforting with a hint of kick - this is a perfect white chicken chili
Ingredients
  • 1 onion, diced
  • olive oil
  • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups homemade chicken broth (I don't season mine at all, therefore I can season the soup as a whole)
  • 1 can green chilies (as hot as you might like them), drained
  • 1 can creamed corn
  • 2 cans cream of chicken
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • 1 can great northern beans, drained
  • 2½ cups chopped chicken (I cook a whole chicken and chop up the meat and use the broth)
  • 1 tsp each of cumin, chili, ground pepper
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup mexican shredded cheese
  • toppings: sour cream, additional cheese, guacamole, bacon, onions, tomatoes, etc
Instructions
  1. In a dutch oven, saute the onion in the olive oil (about 1 T). After about 3 minutes, add the garlic and the chilies.
  2. While that is cooking, mix together the corn, beans, soup, milk, and spices.
  3. Add that and the broth to the pan
  4. Let simmer for about 15 minutes.
  5. Add the chicken and let cook for about 10 more minutes
  6. Add the cheese, stir, and turn off the heat.
  7. Let your husband taste. Oh, wait, that's just for my home.
 

2 Oct 2015

31 Days: The God Who Listens

by | posted in: 31days | 0

The God Who Listens

If I’m honest, sometimes I tune out the constant chatter of my boys.  Either I’m trying to concentrate on driving through the city of Atlanta with getting us injured, or trying to follow a recipe, or I can’t understand what they are saying anyway.

I’m so glad to know that God never tunes out our humble repentant, constant, loud (or whispered), silent prayers to Him.  His ears are always open.

The other night while putting our three year old to bed I was reminded again of how God – the Almighty Creator – listens and attends our prayers.  The little was still wired and it was already past his bedtime.  He wasn’t wanting to read and get settled in for the night.  I finally just put him in bed and said let’s pray.  I took his little hand and started to pray aloud even in my rushed and impatient state.  About three sentences into the prayer of help and patience and need, my soul was quieted and my son was more still.

I can imagine the psalmist David praying this psalm aloud – maybe on his knees, maybe saying it all out the window as Nathan stood with him, or maybe it was after Nathan had left that he laid on his bed and cried these words to the God he knew so well.  I can also imagine him experiencing the quick answer and favor of the Lord – the restoration and joy that he so deeply desires later in the psalm.

God listens to a repentant heart.  He is not one to continue to play spiteful games when his children have requests the pure joy of his presence again.  He doesn’t hold us at arms length when we seek restoration.

And for me, as a daughter of the King, that is so reassuring that he bids me come and also it helps me see my sin when I don’t readily respond to my husband and children when they seek restoration.

I often still hold contempt or make them work for my community again.  I need to remember the sweet mercy of God – how he attends my prayers.  I need to love to see that in my own life and relationships.

Other reads: 1 John 5:14, Psalm 66.19-20, Hebrews 4.15-16

 

2 Oct 2015

Coffee With Danielle of The Little Things Workshop

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 0

Here’s a new Friday and a new introduction to a new friend!

 

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 Hello!  My name is Danielle and I’m brand new to the maker scene! Well, I’ve been a maker all my life, but now I’m a seller too! I opened my shop, The Little Things, less than 6 months ago. Grateful to be a part of the maker community!!

I have a degree in Interior Design, which I put into practice in Atlanta for 6 years. Then something stirred inside me and I developed a huge heart for missions.  I spent about 5 years working for a small overseas missions organization.  God has me taking a step back for a season.  It has become perfect opportunity to open my shop! Something that’s always been a dream of mine. I’m back in my home state of Michigan. Currently my “day job” (as I like to call it) has me working at the front desk of a counseling office. When I’m not there, you can find me working in my shop, attempting to stay Paleo, playing with my nieces and nephews or scrolling through social media!  Ha!

If we could sit down at your favorite coffee shop together, where would that be and what would you be drinking?

So hard to decide!  There are lots of little coffee shops where I live in Grand Haven, MI.  Today I would pick The Bakers Wife and I’d be drinking a hot green tea.  If I were still in Atlanta, my favorite has always been Land of a Thousand Hills in Roswell.

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I love your state-designed prints. How did you get started in those?

Thank you! Since Michigan has a rather unique shape, I’ve seen Michigan themed designs for a long time.  It seems that “state love” is not just for Michigan any more and as popular as ever, so I couldn’t help myself!

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Where did your love of design come from?

I think I must have been born with it!  I even remember sketching houses when I was little.  My mom is super-woman when it comes to all things creative – basket-making, sewing, quilting, collages, even baking.  I must have some of her genes because I get so much joy from designing, creating and making anything and everything!

What is your favorite medium to work with and what is the thing that inspires you the most?

Favorite medium? I don’t know if I could pick!  I started with cards and prints because I’ve always enjoyed it and I had all the supplies just waiting for me.  There are so many other things I enjoy though!  Including sewing and lots of random Pinterest inspired projects.  This may sound silly, but thrifting inspires me!  I go with my mom a lot and I’m constantly seeing things and thinking “I could make that into something!”

What are three things in your life that you can’t live without?

I need my quiet time!  If I don’t get even just a little in the morning, my entire day feels off.  Music.  I’ve pretty much got it on 24/7.  And a list!  Whether it’s hand-written or digital.  A calendar or a task list.  Work or personal.  I just need a list!

You mention your love of Jesus, please share something he is teaching you about himself and how incorporate that truth into your art.

Right now I feel like He’s teaching me how to rely on Him MORE!  I see His strength kicking in when I have none.  Not so much physical strength, but that sustaining grace that helps me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I hadn’t thought about how I incorporate that into my work, but I will be from now on!  Some of the quotes on my prints come from ideas that have settled in my heart.  I’ve had lots of different thoughts about how my shop could have a kingdom-impact, and I haven’t landed on any of them yet.  I’m hoping in the near future to figure out how to dedicate a percentage of my proceeds to support work in the 1040 Window.

Go show some love to Danielle!
1 Oct 2015

31 Days: The God Who Is

by | posted in: 31days | 0

31 Days of Adoration

Its always a struggle for me to think of one topic that I want to write about for 31 days – that I also think will be a benefit to others.  I mean, I could talk about how I love my mister and our two sons, I could tell you 31 things to do in ATL with children (you get the drift) – but those are very specific topics.  I usually like to choose something that will be both edifying to me as I write each day and edifying to the reader.

The past two times I’ve read through Psalm 51 I’ve written down all the characteristics that the psalmist David says about God – the God who forgives him of his great and infamous sin with Bathsheba.  Most people today think of that chapter in the Bible as a how-to for repentance or asking forgiveness.  It is that.  But, I don’t think it has that one idea as its main theme.  I think its main theme is the God who does the forgiving.

So, I’ve read through and written down 31 characteristics that the Bible (God, the author) tells us about Himself in those 19 verses.  I hope you will join along on my journey.

30 Sep 2015

The Blogtember Finale

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Blogtember Wrap-up

I hope you have enjoyed coming along with me on this Blogtember challenge.  Today, as the challenge concludes, I thought I’d share some thoughts about how it went:

  1.  First, I wanted to meet new readers by doing this challenge – and I did.
  2. Second, I wanted to learn a discipline of writing every day – I did.
  3. Third, I wanted to remember that there are more important things than blogging – and I did.

On the third one – I always was mindful of what was going on in our home.  Was my mister home?  Were we doing anything special or were we both sitting on the couch working and watching a mindless show or a repeat?  Were my kids awake and playing and demanding my attention or were they asleep?  Was the house a mess (please don’t let my mister answer that!)

I know quite a few people schedule posts well ahead of time, and I’m usually not that person, unless it is for a site that is not my own – like a book review or recipe for another company.  I like to write and post – sort of like instant gratification.

I hope you have learned something new about me – and hopefully challenged yourself to answer the questions that I have answered.  Starting tomorrow, 31Days is happening on the blog – we are going to be looking at the overwhelming character of God found in Psalm 51.  Join me.

29 Sep 2015

Blogtember: 10 Questions to Answer Next

by | posted in: Uncategorized | 0

Wanderlust

We are coming up to the end of our blogtember challenge.  Its been good – but more on that tomorrow.  Today is my chance to ask the questions – and answer any of them that you want to.

  1.  How did you come to know Jesus – if you are a Christian?
  2. Who was the teacher that had the biggest influence on you?
  3. Besides the person who gave you birth and Jesus – who is the one person that has had the greatest impact on your life – and why?
  4. What is your favorite book of the Bible and why?
  5. If you could live anywhere else other than the place you currently live – why would you want to live there?
  6. If you could go on one mission trip for a year – where would it be and what would you do?
  7. What style would you say your home is?  Share pictures!
  8. If you had a crazy dream that you would love to see come true one day – what it would be – like a reallllly big, God-sized dream?
  9. What book isn’t out there and what book would you like to write?
  10. Who is your best friend and why is she (or he) your BFF?
29 Sep 2015

Transformation Tuesday: Small Changes for the Win!

by | posted in: weight loss | 1

Small Changes for the Win

So, we are coming up on October 1.  Fall is officially in full swing.  Temperatures are getting cooler – and that means running weather is getting perfect (unless you live where it snows all the time, then it may not be perfect).

October 1 I had a goal set.  I am not going to make that goal.  But, I made two other goals this week that are helping ease that disappointment: 2 ladies at the gym today encouraged me by how good I was looking – and I have now lost 50 lbs since joining the gym.  And the second is that my BMI Is back in the healthy range!  That made me very excited!  So, I will keep pressing on and hopefully make the goal soon.

This week talking about some small changes that can lead to some major results over time – if you stick with the little changes faithfully.I’m not saying never break them -because that’s legalism and can lead to falling off the wagon completely – but regularly. You will see results.

What small changes can you make that will make a big difference?

  1.  Making your own foods instead of buying processed.  If you control the ingredients you put into your food – most of the time you are going to be better.  Homemade chicken nuggets may not be as quick and easy – but they are more healthy.  Making your own mixes and cookies often lessens the sugar in them but A LOT.  Venture out – get in the kitchen!  Here is my Healthy Living board on Pinterest.  Check some of them out.
  2. Drink less carbonated beverages.  I’m definitely not one of these people that say you can never have a coke in your life.  I know there are bad things about it – and I think there are bad things about everything you can put in your body.  But, it may not be the best thing for you to have a 32 oz diet coke every morning (hint: that was me). Water works too you know! Here are some fun infused recipes.
  3. Eat more fruits and vegetables.  I’m not saying give up pasta, or rice, or potatoes – but definitely learn to snack on fruit and have lots of vegetable side dishes. They are so easy and you can eat them raw or gently cook them to preserve the vitamins in each fruit or vegetable.  Today I was making scones and I usually would be have eaten a whole one – but I was snacking on grapes and then I just sampled one to make sure it tasted blog-worthy.  If you get bored, try her recipes – I love them!
  4. For exercise: use your children’s nap time to do a workout video in your own home or get on the treadmill.  Walk places that you normally wouldn’t walk to.  Where I live I could easily walk to the grocery store and to the gym. The reason I don’t is usually because I either have kids that aren’t in strollers anymore and I fear for their safety – or I am doing it on the spur of the moment and only have a few minutes to run in and run out.  Join a gym if you are financially able to.  Practice yoga.  Play at the park with your kids.  While my older son was on the swing the other day I would push him, then do two jumping jacks – then push him again.  He was laughing at me – but who cares – I like making him laugh.  I love going down the slide with my boys – one of the reasons I wanted to lose weight.  Be active with your kids.  Show them that activity is important – not just tv and video games.  Here’s my exercise pinterest board.  I’m not endorsing all of these but just to give examples (I’ve not actually looked at every single one).

These are just a few of the small changes I’ve made in our lives – what are some changes you are making to bring about a healthier you?