God's Nuggets: Sharing My Story

Hi everyone- I thought I would add a spiritual aspect to my blog since Jesus is my life and I want to know him better. I think it would be fun to share what God is teaching me and also what you are learning too. Please make comments on this post so we all can pray for each other and God's guidance in our lives.

This first one I just wanted to introduce myself a little bit more and tell you some things that I am doing to enhance my relationship with God. So, I became a Christian when I was about 8 years old. I started doing daily devotions at about 13 years old. My Bible teacher taught us some unique ways to study the Bible which I needed direction in doing. I was privileged to attend Christian schools where I learned so much about God. It wasn't until I actually moved out on my own that my relationship with God deepened beyond just reading the Bible and praying. Attending a Bible believing church and fellowshipping with others is a very important part of growing in Christ.

These past several years I have been in some great Bible studies. BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) was an incredible way to study the Bible. I also have taken several Beth Moore Bible studies at church.

My deep desire this year is grow closer to God as I daily come to him in prayer and reading his Word. I am going to read through the Bible as well as take a few Bible studies from church. I also have a little prayer book that I have started with just writing days of the week and praying for friends and family everyday (with consistency). I always pray for my husband and son with very specific requests and also for myself. This time in the morning is so precious to me and even though I like sleeping in, my time with God is so important to me. I want to start the day out right.

So, how do you make time for God everyday?

Looking forward to learning and growing together in Christ! Go on over to Laura's Heavenly Homemakers for more inspiring stories of Faith!

Wordless Wednesday: Shrade's favorite pastime

Gratituesday: Quiet time

Being a new mom has definitely had it's challenges, not the least of which is finding time for myself. As much as I love my son, there are days and times where I need a break. My husband has lately worked some long hours, but he very willingly let me have a "mommy morning out" last Saturday. It was exactly what I needed. I went to a friend's baby shower and then I spent 2 hours at the library just reading and doing my quiet time. I am very grateful to my husband to give me time to re-energize for the week.

Be sure to head on over to Laura's for more encouragement!

Monday Non-mayhem: Recap

So I just wanted to recap what I have shared so far these last 5 weeks. I hope some of it has been helpful for you to control your mayhem!

Week 1- Weekly Home Blessing Hour
*Choose 6-7 areas in your home to clean in one hour once a week

Week 2- Zone cleaning
*There are 5 zones in your home. You will clean in one each week. Check Flylady's website for "missions" to accomplish in that zone.

Week 3- Monthly Habits
*For the month of January you focused on keeping your sink shiny! How did you do? :)

Week 4- Control Journals
*This is just a notebook where you keep important info. and routines organized.

Week 5- Baby steps
*Flylady has a complete system for getting to where you want to be called Babysteps.

Again, do what works for you! Do have other ideas to share with me? I'm open.

OK, next week I'm going to attempt a menu plan like I have seen on all of the fun blogs that I visit every day. Mine might be a bit rough and different, but I will make it my own.

God's Nuggets (What God is teaching You & Me)

Hi there! Happy Friday! There is so much I want to share about what God is teaching me in this Bible study, but I have come across this poem that will touch your heart and cause you to think about your relationship with God in a more profound way. My grandma sent this to me in a letter.

GOD SAID...
If you never felt pain, then how would you know I am a healer?
If you never went through difficulties, how would you know that I am a deliverer?

If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself and overcomer?
If you never felt sadness, how would you know that I am a comforter?

If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I am a forgiver?
If you knew all, how would you know that I will answer your questions?

If you were never in trouble, how would you know that I would come to your rescue?
If you were never broken, then how would you know that I can make you whole?

If you never had a problem, how would you know that I could solve them?
If you never had suffering, how would you know what Jesus went through?

If you never went through fire, how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things, how would you appreciate them?

If I never corrected you, how would you know that I love you?
If you had all power, how would you learn to depend on Me?

If your life were perfect,
Why would you need Me??

-Author Unknown

Ultimate Recipe Swap: Taco Chili

So I needed to fill my freezer with some yummy food. Here's a great recipe from the 30 Day Gourmet. It is so quick to put together and I freeze in quart sized bags. I can use this for chili or as a sub for taco salad. The possibilities are endless. One of my favorite bloggers, Laura, puts taco mix on top of her potatoes- Taco Potatoes.

Taco Chili- this is for one recipe, but you can double and triple to make more
2 lbs ground beef (I used ground turkey)
1 Taco seasoning envelope
28 oz can crushed tomatoes (I used our frozen tomatoes from the garden and whizzed them up)
15 oz. can salsa (We used Jeremy's homemade green tomatillo salsa)
15 oz. can corn, undrained
16 oz. can kidney beans, undrained
15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

On hand: 8 oz. sour cream, 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips for scooping

Brown ground meat. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine taco seasoning, tomatoes, salsa, corn, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir to mix. When meat is cooked, drain off fat and stir to combine. Serve with sour cream, cheese and chips.

OR, freeze. I put mine in quart sized freezer bags and lay flat to freeze. On eating day, just take out and thaw. Warm in a pot on the stove and enjoy!

Recipe of the Week: Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Bread

I made this bread for New Years. It is so yummy and such a great substitute for pumpkin bread. Sweet potatoes are so healthy and inexpensive. You can find the complete recipe on one of my favorite food blogs: Finding Joy in My Kitchen. Be sure to check out SnoWhite's awesome recipes. I did add some chopped pecans to mine.

Gratituesday: My Parents

This weekend I went up to see my parents. It's so nice to just go home and relax. Of course everything is different now that I have a one year old, but it was so fun to see him interacting with my mom, dad and grandma. I grew up in a very loving home and moved around alot and I know it is so important for my son to get to know his grandparents. I really love my parents. They have always encouraged and supported me through my whole life. I remember when I got my first teaching job and they took me out to a special dinner. I was finally grown up to have a "real" job. When I got my first apartment, they helped me move in and when they drove away, I had a sad feeling that I was really living on my own which I really wanted to, but also I went home quite often. Now that I am married I have been real busy with my husband and my job. Even though I don't work outside the home anymore, I know I need to take time to spend with my family. So, I just want to say how much I appreciate my parents and the love they showed me and continue to show me. They have really learned how to let me go in independence, but also to keep showing me love. Love you Mom and Dad!

Monday Non-mayhem: Babysteps

OK, how are those control journals working? It's OK if you haven't had a chance to start one. This week we will start with the Babysteps in order to take time to start a control journal and other habits that will help you to have non-mayhem in your life. So stop by Flylady's website and check out the Babysteps.

Here's where I'm at:
I have a control journal and I do my Weekly Home Blessing Hour every Monday. I also try to clean in the Zone for the week. I don't always get everything done, but when I do something I know my home is blessed.

So take the first step and move forward. You can only create peace in your home if you start taking some steps. I'm rooting for you!

Next week I will recap what I have shared so far.

"God's Nuggets" (What God is teaching You & Me)

Where did I get "God's Nuggets?"

Last Fall I went to a Woman's Retreat at our church which really challenged me to be God's witness in everyday situations. Gloria shared about how to give your personal story through "God nuggets." So I will be sharing "God's Nuggets" every week here about what God is teaching me. But I also want to hear what God is teaching you too!

This week I started a Bible study from Beth Moore called A Woman's Heart. I know these next 10 weeks are going to be life changing. I think what stood out most to me this week was the the simple prayer that Beth encouraged us to pray before every lesson we did:

"Lord Jesus, open my mind so I can understand the Scriptures."

I am going to be very personal right now. Beth also asked us where this study finds us in our exact season of life. Here's my answer: I am a young mother and wife who seeks to live a godly life as an example to my family and friends. I want to know and do God's purpose for me. I want to see God at a deeper level and give of myself on a deeper level to God.

What has God been teaching you? Are you ready to grow? :)

Ultimate Recipe Swap: Special K and Dilly Carrots

This is a vegetarian and veggie meal. I got this recipe from my mother in law. Special K is like a meatloaf (only no meat!). You can eat with ketchup or cut up to eat on sandwiches.

Special K- makes 1 9X13 pan
2 lb. cottage cheese
1 small onion, chopped
4-5 beaten eggs
1/2 c. milk
1-1.5 cups chopped walnuts
1/2 c. oil
5-6 cups Special K cereal (could use Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes too)
Mix well, place in greased pan. Bake 350 for 1 hour.
I also freeze this meal by mixing everything together and putting in a container in the freezer. On baking day, I just take it out and let it thaw and bake as directed. I usually make several batches to freeze.



This recipe is one my husband makes.

Dilly Carrots
Peel and cut carrots into chunks. Put steamer in pot and add water. Dump carrots into the pot. Steam the carrots. Pour out water and add butter, garlic powder and dill weed to desired taste. YUM!!

Be sure to check out other good recipes at Life As Mom.

Eat from the Pantry Challenge Recipe : Chicken Enchiladas

This is a quick recipe to whip up and also to freeze. I have taken what I like from other recipes and made this my style.

Chicken Enchiladas:
Chicken, cooked and cut into chunks
1/4 c. cream cheese (optional)
Cumin
Garlic
Enchilada sauce (We like red- El Pato)
1 can black beans, drained
Corn tortillas
Shredded cheddar cheese

Put cooked chicken in a frying pan and saute in a little oil. Add cumin and garlic to taste. Then add enchilada sauce, cream cheese, black beans and 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Cook until the cheeses are melted.

In a 9X13 pan put a layer of corn tortillas and chicken mixture. End with corn tortillas. Top with cheese. Put in the oven at 350 for 15-20 min until cheese is melted.

To freeze: make chicken mixture and freeze in plastic bags or containers. On baking day, thaw container and make layers in pan to cook. Easy, fast and yum!

Gratituesday: Women's Bible Study

I have been a Christian for a long time and it seems that each time I go to a Bible study I get excited about God's word over and over again. These last few years I have had the privilege to go to the Women's Bible Studies at our church on Thursday mornings. I have taken several of Beth Moore's Bible studies and I have loved each one. Not only do I get to study the Bible, but I get to fellowship with other woman of all ages. Our Bible studies usually have between 30-80 people and we split into tables for discussion. I have had the privilege to be in groups with some very godly, spiritual woman. I learn from young and old. I have also found my spiritual sisters that I will spend eternity with.

So, this last week I started the Bible study- A Woman's Heart by Beth Moore. Oh, my goodness! God is going to work in my life these next 10 weeks. Later this week I will be posting on my God's Nuggets about what I am learning. I would love to learn what God is teaching you too.

I am so grateful for God, His Word and the opportunity to study it with other women. If you are not part of a Bible study, get connected. You will never be the same.

God's Blessings, Shonda

Check out more Gratituesday posts at Heavenly Homemakers.

Monday Non-mayhem: Control Journals

So is your sink shiny? :-)

Control Journals sound like somebody is trying to control you. Not true. It's just a journal that you create to keep your CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) in order. I made one that I'm still revising. Basically I put in some cleaning routines, bills that need to be paid, and other mail that I need to keep and not yet file. You can read more about creating your own control journal on Flylady's website. She has so many great ideas. Choose what works for you and stick with it.

What other organizing tips do you have?

Next week: Baby steps (let's start at the beginning).

"God's Nuggets" (What God is teaching You & Me)

Hi everyone- I thought I would add a spiritual aspect to my blog since Jesus is my life and I want to know him better. I think it would be fun to share what God is teaching me and also what you are learning too. Please make comments on this post so we all can pray for each other and God's guidance in our lives.

This first one I just wanted to introduce myself a little bit more and tell you some things that I am doing to enhance my relationship with God. So, I became a Christian when I was about 8 years old. I started doing daily devotions at about 13 years old. My Bible teacher taught us some unique ways to study the Bible which I needed direction in doing. I was privileged to attend Christian schools where I learned so much about God. It wasn't until I actually moved out on my own that my relationship with God deepened beyond just reading the Bible and praying. Attending a Bible believing church and fellowshipping with others is a very important part of growing in Christ.

These past several years I have been in some great Bible studies. BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) was an incredible way to study the Bible. I also have taken several Beth Moore Bible studies at church.

My deep desire this year is grow closer to God as I daily come to him in prayer and reading his Word. I am going to read through the Bible as well as take a few Bible studies from church. I also have a little prayer book that I have started with just writing days of the week and praying for friends and family everyday (with consistency). I always pray for my husband and son with very specific requests and also for myself. This time in the morning is so precious to me and even though I like sleeping in, my time with God is so important to me. I want to start the day out right.

So, how do you make time for God everyday?

Looking forward to learning and growing together in Christ!

Ultimate Recipe Swap: Cocoa Chocolate Chip Pancakes

I am joining yet another fun group- Ultimate Recipe Swap on Life As Mom. This week we are to submit a healthy recipe. Read on!

This recipe is a lot more healthy than you think. I am hooked on the Sneaky Chef and this one tastes great! Your kids will love them and won't even know they are eating blueberries and spinach!

Makes about 18 pancakes
3/4 c. Flour Blend (see below)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 T unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 c. milk
1 large egg
1/4 c. Purple Puree (see below)
2 T. honey or pure maple syrup
1/4 c. chocolate chips
Optional: 1/4 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

Mix together Flour Blend, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder. Set aside. (To store for instant cocoa pancake mix in the future, triple the dry ingredients and keep in a sealed, labeled plastic bag).

In another bowl, whisk together the vanilla, milk, egg, Purple Puree, honey (or maple syrup), and optional blueberries, if using. (If using frozen berries, don't thaw them before adding; this will prevent from bleeding.) Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients until just blended. (Don't overmix.) Add a little milk if batter is too thick. Add the chocolate chips and mix lightly.

Butter or spray a large skillet over medium heat. Test the pan to see if it's hot enough by tossing a few drops of water in- it should sizzle. The skillet will grow hotter over time so turn it down if it starts to smoke. Drop tablespoonfuls or small ladles of batter onto the skillet in batches. Try to get chocolate chips with each pancake. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancakes and the skillet-side of the pancake is golden (peek under), gently flip them over. Continue to cook 2-3 min until set.

Serve stacked high with powdered sugar, drizzled with warm maple syrup or fruit.

YUM!

Flour Blend
Makes 3 cups of flour blend

- 1 cup all-purpose, unbleached white flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup wheat germ, unsweetened

> Combine the flours and wheat germ in a large bowl.

> This blend can be stored in a sealed, labeled plastic bag or container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Purple Puree (I make several batches of this in the summer and freeze in cupcake pans, pop them out and put in a bag. They are about 1/4 c. each.)

Makes about 1 cup of puree
- 3 cups raw baby spinach leaves*
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (no syrup or sugar added)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons water

*note: I prefer raw baby spinach to frozen spinach for this recipe (more mild flavor); if you must use frozen spinach, only use 1 cup of it.

> Thoroughly wash the spinach, even if the package says “prewashed.” If using frozen blueberries, quickly rinse them under cold water to thaw a little, and then drain.

> Fill the bowl of your food processor with the spinach, blueberries, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of water; puree on high until as smooth as possible. Stop occasionally to push the contents to the bottom. If necessary, use another tablespoon of water to smooth-out the puree.

> This recipe makes about 1 cup of puree; double it if you want to store another cup. It will keep in the refrigerator up to 3 days, or you can freeze 1⁄4-cup portions in sealed plastic bags or small plastic containers.

I'm Booking It in 2010 (January)

I love to read and I saw this on one of my favorite sites and so I thought I would participate. You might want to check out Fish Mama's ideas for booking it so you can join too. I'm excited to see what others are reading as well.

So far my goals this month are:
*Start reading through the Bible each day using my InTouch magazine reading guide (FREE)
*Finish the series of Amish fiction (Sisters of Holmes County) by Wanda Brunstetter
*I have read this before, but going through it again and want to finish this month- Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian
*I am also doing a Beth Moore Bible study starting this month- A Woman's Heart

I think I can accomplish that this month.

What about you? Do you have any good books that you are reading? I always love good recommendations. I have some too!

Gratituesday: My Husband's Canning

I am married to the most resourceful person I have ever met! Yes, and I didn't even know until well into our marriage! (I know, it's only been 5 1/2 years!) So, I am so grateful for the ways my husband has helped us to learn to save money. One of the ways we do this is by having a garden. Now, we don't have a big piece of property, but you could not imagine HOW MUCH we have growing here in the summer. Let's see- strawberries, blueberries, grapes, plums, peaches (soon), cherries (soon), lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, swiss chard, oregano, chives, cucumbers, zucchini, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, raspberries, tomatillos, peppers, asparagas, am I missing anything??? So, on top of that we take all of these items and freeze, dehydrate or can them for future use. Not only that, my husband canvasses the community for more resources like apples, pears, and cherries for more canning possibilities.


So last week I was taking inventory of what we have in our pantry because I want to be more resourceful in my meal plans. I looked at what we had (not to mention the canning), and I thought...why do I spend money at the grocery store when I have everything right here in my kitchen? So, my challenge this month is to spend only $150 on food (staples that run out fast or some ingredient needed). I have started cooking meals to put in the freezer which helps my stress level for dinner time to be next to nothing! I also just joined an eat from your pantry challenge, so now I am accountable!


I am so grateful to God for giving us a wonderful garden and also for my husband and his resourcefulness in helping our family be healthy and save money. He is very generous too and shares our bounty with others!

Monday Non-mayhem: Monthly Habits

So last week we talked about Zone Cleaning. The Zone for this week is the Kitchen. Click here for a Sneak Peek of the missions for this week.

This week we will focus on Monthly Habits. So now that it is January, the first task is to Shine Your Sink. This is a great habit to start and keep doing every day.

First, you need to Shine Your Sink with the Flylady method. I try to do this once a month, but otherwise I make sure that my sink is clean before I go to bed, so the next morning I don't have to do dishes. This is one of the basic habits that Flylady recommends.

So what habit do you have everyday that makes your day start off with a smile? :)

Have fun Shining Your Sink! Right behind ya!

Next week: Control Journals...