Marriage Monday: Husband Christmas Interview...

I got back from the Thankmas break and realized that it was Marriage Monday. Usually, I post MM on my MomE blog but had already posted...so I perused the other posts...realized there was a bit of Christmas theme to the interviews...took some questions from others...and here is the result...

Me: Describe your ideal Christmas.
Loverbrains: I'd spend it with our family at home. We'd watch the kids unwrap and play with their gifts. We'd read the Christmas story together.

(I'd just started this while making dinner. He graciously followed me into the kitchen to listen to my questions.)

Me: What's your favorite Christmas cookie and why?
Loverbrains: *Big Grin* Molasses Mary V. Cookies...because they taste really good!!

(We just got back from my Mom's where she had a whole passel of these cookies made with black strap molasses so they were really good this year! Made us regular Baptists (due to their laxative effect and our being baptists)...hahaha!)

Me: What is your fondest Christmas memory?
Loverbrains: The first Christmas we were married. LOL...wink wink...squeeze squeeze!!

(Our anniversary is Dec. 21st...we had a great newlywed Christmas that year!!)

Me: Share your thoughts about exchanging gifts.
Loverbrains: *Best loud laugh* They'd be unwrapped...it's a combination of frugality, utility and laziness. HAHA! Just kidding!!

(Truth is he tried to argue this with his mother when he was in high school. Thankfully, she won or ignored him...cuz he still wraps presents.)

Me: How do you think our expectations differ at Christmas?
Loverbrains: I think we have the same main objective...to teach our children more about Jesus Christ. You do more decorating, etc. and I tend to want to relax more...but I like it all!

(I love my man...what a great responsible provider. He's a Godly leader in our home, a caring diaper changing daddy, and a warm and gentle husband! I'm blessed...so blessed!)

Caffeinated Randomness: At Mama's on her Mac...

Yeah, woohooo... I'm caffeinated and ready to go. Really, really...I'm visiting my parents and they make coffee several times a day. I'm on like triple tank today! Hehehehe!!!
Thanks so much Andrea for agreeing to bring back the crazy zaniness that is Caffeinated Randomness. Even those decaf chicks (ahem) are fun too! I love the schedule and I'm filling with ideas for each week even as I type away.
Speaking of typing, I'm on my Mama's Mac Book...and let's just say that Bobbi's a very happy girl. Someday...someday...my Mac will come. *Sigh* It's so light and portable. Hmmm? Maybe they should check my bags when I leave this place. HA HA! Just kidding...nobody get excited.
Okay, seriously now...it has been a fabulous Thanksgiving. We've enjoyed the FOOD, the FAMILY, and the FELLOWSHIP...(you thought I was gonna say Football...but you were wrong cuz we're a non sports watching nerd family...remember)...
There is so much to be thankful for...but most of all...I'm thankful that God loved me and sent His son to die in my place, for my sins! AND...He's blessed my life over and over and over again! Praise His Name!!

Happy Thanksgiving...

Remember...it's sinful to diet during the holidays. I'm just saying...hope you all come back from this holiday pleasantly plump like your turkey had been!! Save it for your New Year's resolutions...

Word FILLED Wednesday: Yes, I'm the cow...

First off, I'm not much for the Living Bible version...but saw this on a friend's blog recently...and liked it. It touched what I feel for myself, God and my home. I want to walk a blameless path...but I really really really need God's help. I seem to need it especially in my home...where I long to act as I should. I'm modeling EVERYTHING for my sweet babes.

Next, I saw this picture...and loved it. What a wonderful mommy cow she is...protecting her little calf. Sidenote: corny joke for the day...
What do you call a cow after she's had her calf?

De-calf in ated!!!!

Get it!?? HAHAHA!!!

I once asked my Dad's dairy farming deacon that joke...and he thought I was serious. Boy, did I get him good. And he'll probably never let me forget it either. HA!

Anyhew, so I thought this picture could go with this verse cuz I'm like this mother cow...with her babies...protecting and teaching them. Yes, in this scenario...I am the cow. Call me crazy. Well, call me crazy...nicely!

Quoteable Tuesday: C.H. Spurgeon...

June 25, 1861


"Let the whole world come, still this promise is big enough to embrace them all in its arms. There is no mistake here, the wrong man cannot come. If any sinner come to Christ, he is sure to be the right one. Mark, too, as there is no limitation in the person coming, so there is no limitation in the manner of the coming. Says one, "Suppose I come the wrong way?" You cannot come the wrong way; it is written, "No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent Me draw him." "No man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father" (John vi.44,65). If, then, you come to Christ in any way, you are drawn of the Father, and He cannot draw the wrong way. If you come to Christ at all, the power and will to come have been given you of the Father. If you come to Christ, He will in no wise cast you out; for no possible or conceivable reason will Jesus ever cast out any sinner who comes to Him. There is no reason in hell, or on earth, or in heaven, why Jesus should cast out the soul that comes to Him. If Satan, the foul accuser of the brethren, brings reasons why the coming sinner should not be received, Jesus will "cast down" the accuser, but He will not "cast out" the sinner. "Come unto Me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give your rest," is still His invitation and His promise, too."

~C.H. Spurgeon

Ten Thousand Hallelujahs...

We've known our pastor for a while now...and knew he sang with a men's chorus. Not sure why...but we never really figured out more information. He sings in church...and God has indeed blessed him with a beautiful voice.

So, finally...I discovered which group he's a part of...The SMS Men's Chorus...and got a hold of some CDs...and WOW!

So, I'm sharing the only one I could find on imeem...Hope you enjoy it!

Click here to hear the song...Ten Thousand Hallelujahs!

Advent is upon us...

Okay...I know we're all gearing up for Thanksgiving...and not to change the subject...but a week from today, on Nov. 29...it's the first Sunday of advent.

Advent: The liturgical period preceding Christmas, beginning in Western churches on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and in Eastern churches in mid-November, and observed by many Christians as a season of prayer, fasting, and penitence.

A new idea for this year is using Handel's Messiah. I borrowed a book from my Pastor's wife called...Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader. It had a lot of history info and gorgeous pictures. She also had a book called (haha) The Advent Book. WOW...just gorgeous...an artistic door to open each day...with great scriptures!!

Here's a link to Joanne...The Simple Wife...and her advent reading bookmarks.

Thursday Quotable...

"When God permits His children to go through the furnace, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. His loving heart knows how much and how long."
~Warren Wiersbe

Word FILLED Wednesday: Meaty Greek!

Until recently, I hadn't heard that substance could have a legal meaning in this verse.
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First a side note: I'm concerned that there is a growing movement among christians to shy away from the original texts of Greek and Hebrew. I've heard many say that it's uninviting or scares new people. I'll be honest, part of me finds that a bit shallow...but I truly desire to point out that a follower of Jesus Christ will not be "scared away" by big words, Greek or otherwise. However, my bigger point is that unless God changes the heart...everything in the Bible will be "foolishness" to them anyway.

"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Cor. 1:18

I just want to encourage believers to open their minds...and be brave. Maybe step out of your comfort zone a little. There comes a time to feed upon meat and not just milk. (1 Cor. 3) So, yeah...I'm preparing you for Greek words ahead...turn back now if they scare you!
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The Greek word for substance is hupostasis and refers to the underlying (hupo) state (stasis) of a thing. Similarly break down the English word “substance” and we find: sub (under) and stance (stand).

Substance is that which stands under a thing.

In Greek, the word hupostasis had a legal meaning which signified a foundational document, such as a title-deed. That is why Greek scholars Moulton and Milligan give this translation:

“Faith is the title-deed of things hoped for.”

If I have the title-deed to my car or house...I don't need to see them to know that they are mine... I have the title-deed that tells me so. SO, written another way we can say that faith is the title-deed of things we are expecting. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God...and faith believes all God's promises!

In a funny sense, you have the title-deed to a place in heaven!

Join WFW over at Critty Joy!

Sinful to Springerle Early?

I'm wondering today...if it would be wrong to make Springerle early?? I make them every year for Christmas. They actually have become a favorite of my husband's family too! It just tickles me when my mother in law asks if I can bring them. It almost killed me when I was on the Celiac diet and couldn't eat them. Total torture...and for the record...YOU CANNOT MAKE THEM WITH RICE FLOUR...ewwww! Not the same!!!
I need a pretty rolling pin...to make pretty cookies like above...mine are not this pretty...at all...BUT MINE TASTE GOOD! I know that these sound gross to people...but they are addicting! Even to people who don't like licorice... I mean...they are "hide them from me already," GOOD. Of course, my Dad can sniff them out...I'm not kidding! You can't hide them....he WILL find them...that and the chocolate covered cherries...no matter how you wrap them! Love you Daddy!

For those interested...in the recipe...

Nana Ruth's Springerle

Anise seed
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
4 c. sifted flour
1 t. baking soda
2 t. anise extract

Beat eggs and sugar for 5 minutes. This step is important so your cookies will have a frosty top layer. Stir in all other ingredients except seeds. Roll out dough to 1/2" thickness. Roll once with Springerle pin to 1/4" thickness. If you have no pretty rolling pin...use bottom of pretty jar. Place seed on bottom of cookies. (with fingertip use tiny bit of water and then seed) Bake in oven (preheated to) 300 degrees for 15 minutes. Let mellow in a tightly covered container for about a week. (Snort...hahaha...R I G H T...that's a good one!)

A little about me Meme!

Making : cross stitch ornaments for neighbors, friends and maybe myself.
Cooking :unfried chicken (rolled in cornflakes to be crunchy like fried but baked instead)
Drinking : large quantities of herbal tea (my throat's sore)
Reading: an Agatha Christie book...Death on the Nile...
Wanting: a red pair of scuff slippers from L.L. Bean
Looking: at my steaming tea cup
Playing: a lot of puzzles with the kids lately...and legos...
Wasting: too much time watching TV
Sewing: baby gifts for friends
Wishing: my family lived closer
Enjoying: the warm indian summer
Waiting: for my Loverbrain to get home from work
Liking: the new bible study I just joined
Wondering: what I went upstairs for...and then going downstairs and remembering...
Loving: two sweet boobahs...and a handsome man...
Hoping: we'll have a white Christmas
Marvelling: at God's goodness and blessings
Needing: my pillow
Smelling: vicks vapor rub...ahhhh...*sigh*
Wearing: jeans and an old MOPS t-shirt...and my running shoes...
Following: the migrant patterns of Canadian geese...just kidding...hahaha...
Noticing: that ruffles are back in style...ewww...no way!
Knowing: He's coming again...and probably soon!
Thinking: I'd better be ready...for the above...Are you??
Bookmarking: nifty gift idea sites...and new groovy blogs...
Opening: a before bedtime chocolate...the last of my birthday candy
Giggling: over the conversations my sweet boobahs have together...
Feeling: tired

Frugal Friday: Bookmark Scraps...

I suppose I should start this post by mentioning that I am in NO WAY a scrapbook person...I use the paper for crafts and such...not actual scrapbooking. So, yes...I know these "leftover" pieces are large enough for some of you creative scrapbooking chicks to use...but for me...they're just plain old leftovers.
But...they are so pretty...and being the insatiable bookworm that I am...and living with Loverbrains who also is a bookworm...and being CHEAP..well, there is always a need for bookmarks. Plus, I can't write in library books...so if I get a good idea...where would I write it down?
They come in super handy for Bible study too. I like to use them for a straight edge to underline verses...and to write out verses. They are also great for cooking shows for that matter...yes, I MULTI-TASK during naptime...I blog, read and watch Barefoot Contessa! I know...I'm talented!

So...if you have leftover bits of pretty paper...maybe you could use some bookmarks!?

Thoughts on faith, fools and doormats...

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," James 1:19
I'm sure I've mentioned in the past that James is "my book"...the whole first chapter in particular is an underlined area in my Bible! It deals with things I struggle with...my mouth, anger, perseverance... The verse above...is posted on my fridge right now...because it's a place I spend a lot of time...and it helps me in fits of frustration to see the reminder from God's Word. Cuz, well...I'll be honest...usually I find myself being the opposite...SLOW to listen, QUICK to speak, and VERY QUICK to become angry. Ugh...how awful!
I'm reading a book about respecting your husband...cuz those things sort of get in my way of doing that too...*sigh*...and they brought this verse up. And, as often happens, yet another facet of the verse struck me. I mean, I know the verse but...often I can temporarily swallow my anger of course generally seething on the inside. Attempting to wait and see what will happen...and listen ONLY...is a new one to me. I think all things should be in my selfish timing. So, *deep breath*...I'm going to trust God...and just keep quiet and see what happens. Doing that, even just more often than I do currently, would be a huge improvement!

Also, choosing to avoid an argument doesn't make me a doormat. I'd be a doormat if I allowed my opinion to be asked and then pummelled into dust. Trust me...it's difficult to patiently withhold your opinion unless it's asked...or avoid upsetting others and arguing.

Proverbs 29:11, "A fool always loses his temper, But a wise man holds it back."

Phil. 2:14, "Do everything without complaining or arguing."

Word FILLED Wednesday: Greater love...

Take some time today and pray for our troops. Be thankful...truly thankful...for those who have served and are serving.

Freedom is not free!

Greater love...

Remember Jesus...giving his life...a perfect sacrifice for all our sins. He gave his life!!

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 1 John 3:16"

If you'd like to read more WFW...join us over at Lori's...all you have to give...

Quotable Tuesday: C. S. Lewis...

“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: “I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God.” That is the one thing we must not say. A man who said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”

~from Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

Paranoid Conviction...

I've always been a paranoid sort of person. I was a goodie goodie in school...and yet...if the teacher made one of those globalizing speeches about proper behavior...I was devastated. I was just sure...that somehow...they were talking about me.

I'm the friend that will straight up come and ask you out of the clear blue sky if you are upset with me. So beware if you don't talk to me for a while...I might just ask. I don't want anyone upset with me. Chances are by the time I ask...I've figured out some way that they could be upset!
This paranoia strikes at church too. Lately, ALOT...and yesterday the sermon was about the tongue. I almost groaned OUT LOUD when pastor started on the topic. He covered it all too...Gossip, talking too much, not thinking before you speak. Ouch...it stung...and it should have. I'm guilty in all of those areas...it's something I need to work on. Like he said at the end (referring to James' analogy of the tongue being like the ship's rudder). If you are in Christ you don't just let the ship go wildly about...you instead GRAB the WHEEL...and learn to control it! So, is what I call paranoia...really conviction? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
I looked up the definition of paranoia. I was surprised by what I found...Paranoia is an unfounded or exaggerated distrust of others, sometimes reaching delusional proportions. Paranoid individuals constantly suspect the motives of those around them, and believe that certain individuals, or people in general, are "out to get them."

Ah, see....now there's the truth. I want to be paranoid...cuz that's better than dealing with what makes me paranoid. I don't trust the motives of my teachers, friends, and er, pastor. I'm not trusting God either...ouch.

AND there's a reason for this...it's easier...although uncomfortable. Treating it as conviction...and getting it RIGHT...means addressing the SIN in my life. It means trusting God's leading through my friends, pastor and teachers...that if it touches my heart (cutting me to the core) that I need to be sensitive and examine myself. I need to change what needs to be changed.
Allowing myself to remain paranoid is allowing Satan to have a foothold in my heart. It allows me to grow bitter with those I assume are out to get me. It allows me to think ludicrous thoughts some that I thought yesterday like "they could have just come and told me that they had a problem with me" or "can't he preach about so and so's problems?" They are lies of the Devil and he is the Father of Lies...he's really, really good at it! I refuse to let him in...I want to fix what needs fixing...to hear instead my Lord encouraging me to do what is right...to show that I'm a new creature...to depend on His daily sufficient grace.

So, now...I'm pasting to my forehead...

THINK TWICE, TALK ONCE!

Friday Foodie: Rhubarb Crunch

So, yesterday I wanted to make something yummy. It was a crisp and sunny day.
I have a lot of frozen fruits in my freezer...thanks to my very giving mother...
So, I thawed out some rhubarb...and using her recipe...I made a gorgeous...delicious...

Rhubarb Crunch...which is better than a crisp any day...

Lola Lea's Rhubarb Crunch

1 c. flour
3/4 c. uncooked oats
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. melted butter
1 t. cinnamon
Mix into crumbs...

Place half in a 9 X 9 pan.
Place 4 c. diced rhubarb (cherries, blueberries) on crumbs.

Combine and cook until thick and bubbly:
1 c. sugar
2 T. cornstarch
1 c. water
1 t. vanilla

Pour hot bubbling mixture over rhubarb and top with other half of crumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

To double: Use 6 c. fruit and a 9 X 13 pan.

Word FILLED Wednesday: Doing what He's prepared...

I love this picture of this Mom taking time with her little girl. No, she's not so little...and such times become rarer the more they hang off your lap. I want this verse and this picture to encourage all of the busy women out there (surely I'm not the only one...hahaha) to say no to some good things. Well, at least to check and make sure that they are the good things that GOD has prepared for them.

I'm a doer...and usually that's a great thing. However, it is easy for me to say yes too quickly. I'm able to do many things (praise God) and figure that's an "if, than" sort of situation. IF you can do it, THAN you should. Uh...of course, I end up over scheduled and stressed. When it comes down to it...I'm doing a lot of GOOD WORKS...but not necessarily the one's God's prepared in advance for me to do...just those that I thought were fun, or needed to be done, or that I could do better, or sort of fit in the cracks of my time schedule.

I heard recently this check list...and I'm anxious to apply it to my life. Before accepting any new thing into your life...

1. Pray...and ask if it is His plan for you.
2. Look in His Word...does it even line up with what the Bible says you should be doing...
3. Practical application...logistics...does it fit the schedule...
4. Ask your husband....does he see room in your life?
5. Have a good reason to say no...Don't just say no cuz it's not your plan...when it might be God's plan.
If you still have a nagging feeling...go through steps 1-4 again. Chances are if you've gone through those steps honestly...then you have a good reason for saying no.

I don't know about you...but I don't want to be busy doing a bunch of stuff that's not even what I'm supposed to be doing. I want to see the important God given roles of wife and mother for the opportunities they provide...and not see things that I'm capable of doing...as something I really have to be doing.

True satisfaction comes from doing God's will. Where do you look for satisfaction? What work has God given you to do? Is it the delight of your heart??

Tube Tuesday: Lord, Lord...

Evangelistic Opportunity...not just a fairy tale...

Here are my little trick or treaters. They were the Princess and the Frog Prince...hehehe! MomE sprung for Christmas bags...and the Princess lost her handles about halfway around the cul de sac. Fun times...how often to you get to wear your play clothes outside?
Once you're souped up on candy you have the strength to pull your sister around the house...hahaha! YEAH!

And yes, I'm going to answer the burning question I've been asked multiple times this weekend.

Your kids go trick or treating?

My kids do go trick or treating. After some prayer and consideration we decided that it would be effectively slamming the door on any evangelistic attempts with our neighbors to turn off our lights and pretend we aren't home. We pass out candy bags and tracks (cute ones)...and we get to know our neighbors.

We've even had some great conversations. Some were shocked we let the kids go, too...they said, "Aren't you religious?" That was a great opportunity to say that we aren't religious...we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ...and "please, let me tell you what that means."

We've built friendships...and they come to us with their prayer requests...cuz they know we pray...and that we believe in prayer. How neat is that? It makes me soooo happy that I open my mouth and ask how they are...and take the time to listen to their problems...and tell them about the power of prayer in my life because of my ALL POWERFUL GOD.

I do have opportunities to express my concerns with Halloween (evil, Satan, scary, etc.) but I have countless more opportunities to share about Jesus Christ. Remember, it's like I said last week...

When talking with sinners the issue is not their present sin but their need of a Savior!

To see my contribution to Chrysalis' Marriage Monday pop on over to my other blog...
MomE & Loving It