Monday Afternoon Ramblings

I don't want to pretend that I finally have things figured out but, a few things are becoming clear to me. One of them is that I rather like being 30. I don't feel the pressure to fit in, by the grace of God I belong to the best family ever with other's who call Jesus Christ their saviour.

I no longer feel the need to try and look or be perfect I feel content and confident that I am exactly the way the Lord wants me. Being at an age where I can dress in classic clothes without the hassle of trying to keep up with trends is refreshing and easy. I like not having to think about what is acceptable this season. I may look out of date, and that is okay with me.

I like that I finally figured out that my hair looks good dark and layered. Understanding that my breasts will never be in a position of perkiness again just makes me smile now. It use to annoy me to think that my stretch marks and saggy parts would never be young looking again. Now I feel that these are a badge of honor that I received as a gift to remind me of the privilege it is to have a body that is able and blessed to nourish and grow children. Some women never get the ability of doing this or miss the opportunity to really enjoy child bearing and rearing. I am thankful that I not only got the blessing of children, but have been duly blessed in being able to be home with them and teach them.

I like that I can finally come to the conclusion that I really cannot do things on my own and anything I have done, will do and can do is only because of the Holy Spirit's indwelling in me. As a younger adult I felt a pressure to prove myself, to somehow makeup for all the horrible sinful things I was as a youth, I no longer feel that burden. Christ's great love and acceptance have truly washed me clean and I no longer feel bonded to that old girl.

There are many more hurdles for me to jump, lessons for me to learn and wisdom for me to gain, in the meantime I am so content to know that I don't have to walk any of the long or winding, trying roads that got me here again, I just need to take the next step towards whatever the future the Lord has for me holds.

Another Weeks Menu

I am back on track with eating well and does it ever taste good! We've been eating more whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruit and loving it. I had forgotton just how good it tastes to eat fresh and natural. My taste buds have prompted me to post another menu.

Friday: B-oatmeal and oj
L-leftover spaghetti and green beans
D-ww pizza w/ fresh mozzerella and salad
Saturday: B-ww pancakes and blueberry smoothies
L-a concotion of leftovers
D-Hamburgers, roasted potatoes and fresh vegies
Sunday: B- Eggs and Toast
L-turkey wraps & garlic roasted potato soup
D-fried rice & kiwi w/ vanilla yogurt for desert
Monday: B-banana-nut oatmeal and oj
L-Almond butter and hney sandwiches w/ vegies
D-out for dinner
Tuesday: B-granola and oj
L-quesodilla's
D-Pete's fish, hashbrowns & peas
Wednesday: B-blueberry, yogurt and granola parfaits
L-Turkey Melts, vegies
D-Chicken Legs, brown rice & mixed vegies
Thursday: B-muffins, scrambled eggs and smoothie
L-bean burritos, vegies
D-roast chicken with carrots, potatoes and onions
Friday: B-pumpkin oatmeal, oj
L-almond butter and honey sandwiches, vegies
D-pizza and vegies

Kids Against Hunger

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"

"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."

16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"

He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

17The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."

John 21:15-17

I am going to see if I can get through this blog without sobbing. It's always a bit hard to sob and type.

As disciples of Jesus we are commanded to feed his sheep. There are so many ways that we can feed the sheep of the Lord physically, emotionally and spiritually. I am so excited about the opportunity to feed his sheep physically. Here are the details if you would like to help as well. Please help me get the word out!

Recently our church became a packing location for Kids Against Hunger. We will be packing 30,000 meals on March 13th. These meals feed not just one child but an entire family. That is a lot of food! It is amazing to me that one days work will fill so many belly's that are truly hungry. The work God is doing through this is absolutely mind blowing. Not only did he allow our church to become a packing site he also provided us the opportunity to be baker of the day at Great Harvest Bread in Burnsville. All of the proceeds will go to Kids Against Hunger. Please let people know that March 14th is the day to come and buy bread to help out Kids Against Hunger.

Buy Bread for Kids Against Hunger Sunday, March 14, Great Harvest, Burnsville. Evergreen-Lakeville, "Kids Against Hunger" won the "Baker for a Day" vote at Great Harvest in Burnsville. Stop by and buy lots of bread and tell everyone you know to do the same. All of the proceeds will go to Kids Against Hunger!

Try as I might tears of joy are streaming down my face thinking of how much this food will help some very hungry families.

Beefed Up Chinese Burritos Recipe

Pete and I really like this recipe. We are waiting for the children to get on board with it. They will tolerate it but, don't really like it. It is especially good with a spicy kick of Stir Fry Sauce.

1 lb ground beef
8 oz mushrooms sliced
1 small head of cabbage (or a bag of coleslaw mix)
2 carrots shredded (not needed if you use the coleslaw mix)
1T peanut or other oil (I always leave this out because I forget and it tastes fine without it)
1/4c hoisin sauce + more to spread on tortillas (in section by oriental foods & sauces at store)
2t asian dark sesame oil
12 tortillas (we like the ww kind)

Brown beef and drain. Add mushrooms and cook to lose moisture about 3 minutes. Mix hoisin, sesame oil, 1/4c water and stir fry sauce if desired. Add sauce, cabbage & carrots to beef. Cook until the cabbage is tender. Heat tortillas (I wrap them in foil and put in a 350 degree oven for a bit). Spread hoisin on tortillas and then desired amount of cabbage mix. Wrap and serve.

Prayer of the Week

Lord, please help me not to whine and complain but discipline and train. Amen!

Oh You MUST be Busy!

As a mother of 5 I get this line often, "Oh, you must be very busy!" It makes me cringe to hear that people think I am busy. It reminds me of the bible verses that talk about being a busy body. I've tried to purposefully not be "busy" so that I can be available to do what the Lord wants, and be available for my girls and for Pete. But, for some reason every time I hear this I just smile and say, "Oh, yes" or if I am really on my mental toes I say, "it's the best kind of busy!" Now I would like to come up with a new response maybe something like, "oh, not really they are great little servants and take care of me!" Okay I really wouldn't say that. Maybe I could try, "really were not busy we just enjoy being together."
Putting in the effort to manage our time and have a peaceful schedule has always been important to me. I find that when the children and I are over extended we seem to get caught up in chaos and crabbiness. Each family looks different in what they can handle for time commitments, but I wonder how many are forsaking peace because it is so easy to get caught up in the business of life?
A few of the things that have contributed to the peace in our house are keeping a schedule, eating healthy, staying consistent with expectations and discipline, good communication and boundaries. We know that if we keep the children out past bed time they are more prone to melt downs. If we don't eat well the children will nag for snacks. If the schedule permits too much free time the children probably will get out of control. These are all easily remedied by being fore thoughtful in what we commit to and what we do. Some simple direction from mom and dad can make all the difference.
I am still searching for the perfect reply to people when they assume that having a big family is a trial on our time. It is a pure joy to be tried and I want the joy to shine through and not the trial part! I hope that if you see us out and about you see some polite, respectful , joy filled children who are laughing and smiling! Each day we make the choice to encourage chaos or peace. I don't always make the right choice. But I hope that the peaceful days are more than the chaotic ones.

This weeks Menu

I am on yet another kick to get back on track eating healthy. For all of you food lovas' heres the menu!

Fri:
B-pumpkin oatmeal & orange juice
L-peanut butter and honey on home-made ww bread, carrots and apple slices
D-to be decided (maybe Trader Joe's sushi?)
Sat:
B-ww pancakes, venison sausage & warm berries
L-out
D-out
Sun:
B-Eggs & toast w/Juice
L-Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese
D-Nacho's & cut up vegies
Mon:
B-Blueberry oatmeal & juice
L-leftover nacho's
D-Cream of Vegie Soup & Tuna Melts
Tues:
B-Cereal
L-leftover soup & toast
D-Chicken fajitas & green beans
Wed:
B-yogurt with berries and granola
L-ww bean & cheese quesodillas w/ cut up vegies
D-chilli and cornbread
Thurs:
B-Pumpkin Muffins, scrambles eggs & Berry Smoothies
L-leftover chilli and cornbread
D-Beefed-up Chinese Burritos & peas