Proverbs 31 - Week 12 (FINALLY!)

With one more week to finish this Bible study, I have certainly taken my time getting here - haven't I?

This week lesson is about Retirement Planning and is full of great information. Let's start with the opening verse: For God is not a God of disorder but of peace. I Corinthians 14:33

Some statistics to consider, from Rich Woman by Kim Kiyosaki:

• 47 percent of women over 50 are single.
• Approximately 7 out of 10 women will, at some time, live in poverty. For most of them, it will be during their retirement years.
• 80 percent of widows now living in poverty were not poor before the death of their husband.
• Women's retirement income (social security, pensions, 401(k)s) will be lessened because, on average, a woman is away from the work force 14.7 years as compared to 1.6 years for men.

Donna adds: "More than 50 percent of marriages end in divorce, after which, on average, a woman's standard of living drops 73 percent." WOW! All of these statistics are staggering. We must prepare our selves financially now in order to prevent these statistics from becoming us. Here are some tips Donna provides to help us do just that:

• "For just 10 percent extra, you can pay off a 30-year mortgage seven years early." Write: "Additional Principal payment" on the extra, "do not assume your extra payments will automatically go against the principal....make it automatic"
• Matthew 25:20-30 - the story of the master and talents - be a faithful steward of what God has entrusted you.
• "God will never ask you to borrow money to help people. If God wants you to help them, He'll provide the funds. If He doesn't provide the funds, guess what? He doesn't want you to help them....If the person can't get a loan on his or her own, the lender has compelling reasons to belive the person will not repay the loan. If a bank has concluded that a person is not reliable, believe the bank. That person is not reliable. The Proverbs 31 woman extends her hand to the poor and needy, but she doesn't become poor and needy in the process. She doesn't eat the bread of idleness herself and she doesn't enable other people to do so."
• "...photocopy your credit cards, debit cards, driver's license, Social Security card, insurance card, and any other important items you carry in your purse...Put the copies in the front of a locked fireproof filing cabinet ina folder labeled VITAL INFORMATION...Make sure someone knows where the filing cabinet key is and/or where the safe is kept and how to open it."
• Your VITAL INFORMATION folder should also include: passport, will, power of attorney, insurance policies, deeds to property, social security summary, and investment overview. If you don't have this already, make getting it together a priority.

Good planning makes for a smooth and stress-free life.

One more week to finish this study. I'm still looking for your suggestions on what to cover next.

Where have I been???

Well, I didn't realize that it was practically the entire summer that I was out of commission! I did not do a good job of making myself (or my relationship with God) a priority this summer. No excuses!! I didn't do it and I have suffered the consequences of time away from God. I didn't even finish the Proverbs 31 study material, but as they say, all good things must come to an end.

These are my goals over the next couple of weeks: to finish the Proverbs 31 study material, get back into my morning routine of TAG (time alone with God), and to get my house in order. Being home all summer with four kids has proven too much for my newly acquired organizational skills learned with Donna Partow.

As for my weight loss, I have made small progress towards my goal. I have lost a total of 9.4 lbs since July 1, towards my total goal of 25 lbs. That leaves me with about 15 lbs to go. I am really expecting to pass the 10 lb loss mark before September 1, that will have been 2 months. Slow and steady wins the race! It truly is a lifestyle change. My healthy life goals are: have 2-3 servings of dairy per day, having 4-6 servings of fruits/vegetables per day, adding whole grains to my diet, drinking eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day, and getting some good exercise 3-5 times per week. I also am limiting my fat intake, but found that if I limit it too much, I cause my body to go into a protective mode that causes me to retain fat for future use (thanks to a fitness expert that visited my ladies group at church). I've allowed a little more fat into my diet the last two weeks and have seen better progress.

Summer has been good, but not as active and adventurous as previous summers. For that reason, I think we all got on each other's nerves a bit too much. Although the older two kids were a little nervous about going back to school today, it was a relief for me. I need this routine to keep me sane :) All in all, it was not a total loss, but lessons learned for next year.

I am taking your suggestions for the next Bible Study series! If you know of something that would be good information to share or something you've enjoyed and would like a refresher, feel free to send it to me.

ttyl

Prayer Request

Received this from a friend:

Please keep my friend Marianne in your prayers. Her Mom just called me and she has another migraine and can’t feel the right side of her body. The ER doc told her on Saturday that because she has MS the migraines will be much worse and have complications. They want to get to the bottom of this so instead of going to the ER (again), they are going to her doctor’s office.

It seems crazy that your primary doctor is the person responsible for your daily medication and treatment, but whenever you have an acute sickness and go to the ER a different doctor treats you. Then, if you are admitted to the hospital, another doctor treats you and your primary doctor never evens sees you. This is a crazy system.

Her kids are little (Hunter is 3 and Laurianne is 2) and she wants a “normal” home life for them, not always running to the hospital.

Will you put her on the prayer list at your church? Her full name is Marianne Burns and she has Multiple Sclerosis. Thank you.

Quick Quotes

"It's not what you do once in a while, it's what you do day in and day out that makes the difference." —Jenny Craig

Recipe Central

Yum, Yum! A chocolate cake you make in your crock-pot!

Hot Fudgie Cake

3 cups skim milk

1 box (5 oz) chocolate cook and serve pudding mix - dry (do not make as directed on box)

1 box (18.25 oz) super moist chocolate fudge cake mix - dry

1-1/3 cups water

1/2 cup applesauce

6 egg whites

• Spray a 3-1/2 qt crock-pot with non-fat cooking spray.
• Mix skim milk with dry chocolate pudding mix in crockpot with whisk until completely dissolved.
• In a medium bowl, mix dry cake mix, water, applesauce and egg whites uising a whisk for 2 minutes or until well blended.
• Very gently pour cake batter into uncooked pudding mixture in crockpot. DO NOT STIR!
• Cover and cook on high for 2-1/2 hours.
• Serve hot with a dab of Cool Whip Free.
• If desired, after 2-1/2 hours of cooking, just unplug crock-pot. It'll stay warm and delicious for hours. It travels well to potlucks or social gatherings.

Yield: 15 servings; Calories: 204 (percent fat calories: 14%; Total Fat: 3 grams; Carbohydrate: 39 grams; Cholesterol: 1 mg; Protein: 4 grams; Dietary Fiber: 1 gram; Sodium: 302 mg; WW: 4 points per serving.

90 Day Renewal

Interested in doing a 90 Day Renewal for yourself?

This seems perfect: The 90-Day Renewal in Spirit, Soul & Body.

For the spirit, we'll have daily bible reading, prayer journaling, scripture memory, etc.

For the soul, we'll be inspired and equipped for a new mindset and more positive attitude, so we can make better decisions.

For the body, the average weight loss is 20 pounds. And it's all thru gradual easy-to-make changes over the course of 3 months. I've signed up and I'm trying to get as many women as I can to join me. Check out this introductory video.
http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=3143958

If it sounds like what you've been looking for, you can learn more by following this link to Donna Partow's website.

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=3143958

Proverbs 31 - Week 11

As I am nearing the end of this 90 day study, I am finding myself running out of steam. The study has a LOT of practical application, which is great, but I am not keeping up with it all and I am beating myself up about it. With that said, here is the week 11 review...

The Ministry of the Home

Consider family meals as a time of ministry. Now, I must say this is a new concept for me. We make a valiant effort to have dinner together every night as a family. I never have thought of it as a ministry. However if you consider this next statement, it definitely can be considered a ministry. Donna says, "...a 2004 study of 4,746 children eleven to eighteen years old, published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, found that frequent family meals were associated with a lower risk of smoking, drinking, and using marijuana; with a lower incidence of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts; and with better grades. Another study surveyed twelve- to seventeen-year-olds and found that teenagers who reported eating two or fewer dinners a week with family members were more than one and a half times more likely to smoke, drink, or use illegal substances than were teenagers who ate five to seven family dinners per week." That is a huge impact in the decisions that your child makes from simple meals and conversation and it doesn't have to be dinner. Find what works for your family.

Dress your family in the full armor of God. "Just as you wouldn't send your family out into the world undressed physically, you shouldn't send them out undressed spiritually." says Donna refering to Ephesians 6:14-18. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer are the elements to the armor of God. Try incorporating one of these elements each week and discuss them during your family meal time. They don't have to be in this order, start with what's easiest for you and add an item each week until you've become fully dressed :)

The next three items go hand in hand: practice hospitality, open your home for ministry and host God's servants. Of course, practicing hospitality can be a way to open your home for ministry, but only if you've done what's mentioned in the previous lessons to de-clutter, organize and clean your home and you are maintaining it. Then, hosting God's servants comes naturally after the previous two. Donna provides some insight from Deb Lovett who shares the "props" she considers essential to hospitality (gifts, paper, candles, flowers, food and prayer) and why she believes they are essential. Donna goes on to say, "The purpose, above all else, is that our homes can become a center for God's work in our community...Your home can become central to the work of God in your neighborhood...It means creating an atmosphere of prayer and blessing that immediately grabs the attention of everyone who walks through your front door." Then, as mentioned before, hosting God's servants seems like the next logical step. Once you've gained the experience of hosting your friends and neighbors, your church community, small groups and the like, traveling missionaries, guest speakers and musicians are next!

Just two more weeks to go! Next week's lesson is entitled: Retirement Planning followed by week 13: Finish Strong.

See you next week,

Christina

Quick Quotes

"If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it." —Margaret Fuller

Recipe Central

These are so yummy and give a good flavor to veggies. All of the taste of fried without any of the guilt!

Unfried Veggies

1 cup instant potato flakes

1/3 cup non-fat grated parmesan cheese

3/4 tsp garlic salt

4 egg whites

4-5 cups bite-sized fresh vegetables (mushrooms, onions, zucchini, broccoli, etc)

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Spray cookie sheet with non-fat cooking spray. If desired, line cookie sheet with foil for faster clean up.
• Mix potato flakes, grated topping and garlic salt together in a small bowl.
• In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with a fork for one minute.
• Dip vegetables, one at a time, into beaten egg whites. Then dip into dry mixture, coating well.
• Place on prepared cookie sheet, making sure vegetables do not touch each other. Spray vegetables lightly with non-fat cooking spray.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Turn over and bake an additional 5 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
• Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Serve hot.

Yield: 8 servings; Calories: 46 (percent fat calories: 0%); Total Fat: 0 grams; Carbohydrate: 9 grams; Cholesterol: 0 mg; Protein: 3 grams; Dietary Fiber: 1 gram; Sodium: 189 mg; WW: 1 point per serving.

Quick Quotes

"Remember no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." —Eleanor Roosevelt

Recipe Central

This dish is just delicious and can be used for an entree or a side dish. Hope you enjoy it!

Black Beans & Rice

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp liquid smoke

4 oz extra lean cooked ham (lunch meat is ok)

1/2 cup chopped onion (fresh or frozen)

1 can (15 oz) black beans - do not drain

1 cup instant long grain white rice

• Bring all ingredients except rice to a full boil in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat.
• Stir in rice. Cover.
• Remove from heat. Let sit 5 minutes.
• Serve hot.

Entree yields 4 servings; Calories: 225 (Percent fat calories: 14%); Total Fat: 4 grams; Carbohydrate: 34 grams; Protein: 13 grams; Cholesterol: 13 mg; Dietary Fiber: 6 grams; Sodium: 736 mg; WW: 4 points per serving.

Side dish yields 8 servings; Calories: 112 (Percent fat calories: 14%); Total Fat: 2 grams; Carbohydrate: 17 grams; Protein: 7 grams; Cholesterol: 7 mg; Dietary Fiber: 3 grams; Sodium: 368 mg; WW: 2 points per serving.

Weight Loss

As I am feeling quite disgusting looking at myself in the mirror, it is time for me to lose some weight. As Donna Partow says, when the clothes get a little tight, it doesn't mean go buy more in a bigger size.

I actually weigh more today than I did the day I brought the twins home from the hospital. Granted, I lost half of my blood volume in those 5 short days, but nevertheless, I am gaining weight weekly and IT MUST STOP. I am putting my foot down (or cupcake as the case may be) and pushing myself away from the snack drawer. Weight Watchers here I come!

One of the things that really got me going on this, beside the mirror, was something I heard recently on an "I Love Lucy" episode where she indicated that she weighs 120 lb and was a size 12. I think we all know that today's size 12 is a lot more than 120 lbs. There is a great deal of size vanity in the fashion industry these days, but I'll spend a whole post on that another day.

I'll share as much as I can with you all along this journey, please share any tips or suggestions you can. Here are the stats: I have about 30 lbs to lose. I am not going to include my current weight or goal weight here, just losses and/or gains (Heaven forbid!).

I am tired of hearing the excuse that I am not getting any younger and my metabolism has slowed down. As if I am supposed to just accept that?!? I don't think so! I am blessed that my blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are good. The arthritis in my back/hip area though is going to benefit from this loss, and I am sure that my mood and self-assurance will improve.

There are some things I already know, but just do not seem to have the willpower these days.

• I can not live on chocolate and bread.
• I can not live without chocolate and bread.
• The "fork thing" really does work.
• Use a measuring cup when you make your plate.
  Use the portion plate when making your plate.
• Don't take bites that you don't count. That's called cheating!
• Be realistic about your goals.
• Get moving! You can't lose weight sitting around all day!
• Drink water, at least 8 glasses a day.

I'm sure there are more, I'll add them as they come to mind.

Yours truly,

Christina

Proverbs 31 - Week 10

Week 10 is centered on Family Relationships: Love your husband, Cherish your children, Establish family traditions, Honor the Sabbath and Live in peace. It sounds so simple, doesn't it? Oh, that it were!

This week's Scripture memory is Proverbs 31: 28-29, Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Now, before you roll on the floor laughing at the thought of your husband saying that about you, think about how wonderful it would be to actually hear your husband say that about you - and mean it!

In the guided prayer Donna states: "I want him to be madly in love with me, inside and out." Isn't that really what we all want? If we lived our life knowing that our husband was madly in love with us, inside and out, we would be much happier and alot easier to love! And, isn't that what God wants from us, to be madly in love with Him? How much simpler life would be. Donna goes on to say, "There's something very special about knowing your husband thinks you are the greatest, even if you're not." So true! Suggested reading: The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger.

Next, let's explore the legacy of Susanna Wesley. Donna tells us Susanna had 19 children with whom she spent 30 minutes of 1-on-1 time with each week. Two of her sons, John and Charles Wesley were key components in the Great Awakening in England. Charles a great song writer and John harkened as the father of the Methodist and Wesleyan religions. One of the men John Wesley led to the Lord was John Taylor who became a preacher. His sons and grandsons became preachers and one of his great-grandsons was J. Hudson Taylor who became the founder of the China Inland Mission. All-in-all, 9 generations of preachers in the Taylor family. Also impacted by one of the Wesley sons was Jonathan Edwards, "The state of New York did a study on five generations of the Edwards family and found that of their 729 descendants, 300 were preachers, 65 became college professors, 13 were university professors, 60 were authors, 3 were congressmen, and 1 became vice president of the United States." WOW! What a legacy, because one woman taught her children to read the Bible and love the Lord.

Establish family traditions was one of my favorite sessions. Just to take a calendar or scratch paper and list all of the things we do as a family every year. To see it all laid out month-by-month for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, summer was a pleasure! This is another great opportunity to involve the whole family. You can find out what they remember and look forward to on each event. Start with: "We always..." and fill in the blanks for each month or event. This is also a great way to find out what is really memorable for your family members and make sure you don't forget that part next time :)

This entire book revolves around the next one: Honor the Sabbath. The book states every Sunday, this is not a day to catch up on things, this is a day to rest and reflect. Donna provides a simple guideline: "If it's work-related or stressful, don't do it. If it's restful, do it."

Lastly, Live in Peace. We all know that we have to forgive others like Christ forgave us. Here are five questions to ask yourself to live in peace:

1. Am I repaying evil for evil?
2. Am I careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody?
3. As far as it depends on me, am I living at peace?
4. Am I taking revenge?
5. Am I leaving justice in the hands of the only One who judges justly?

Enjoy your family this week!

Christina

Blogging

The last couple of weeks have proven to be challenging for blogging with a few issues from Google and Blogspot. The followers link isn't working properly and the automated posts that are schedule to show up, well, aren't. If you are new to blogging, like I am, this can all be very confusing.

It seems they have added a "Follow Blog" link to the navigation bar at the top of the page. I don't know yet if it works, but if it does, you should be able to follow this blog to let you know when new posts are made. The automated posting should be seemless to you, when it works. Basically, it just means that I can create a post to show up later.

If any of you have suggestions for me, please send them!

I am trying to have a routine of updating the Proverbs study on Mondays, Recipe Central on Tuesdays and Quick Quotes on Wednesdays. Additional posts such as Church Notes, Prayer Requests, Food & Nutrition, and other posts will come as they come. However, sometimes LIFE interrupts and things are delayed.

As always, I hope you enjoy the blog and if you ever have any suggestions or questions, feel free to share.

Christina

Quick Quotes

God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart. - June Masters Bacher

Proverbs 31 - Week Nine

Long awaited, this week's lesson was about Household Management. This is one of those chapters I could have used a long time ago, but God knew when to bring it into my life. It certainly could have been more in depth, but that would have made it much easier to fail. Most of us will benefit with just a point in the right direction.

But, this chapter includes more than just cleanliness in your home. Start with the 80/20 rule again. Divide your home into 10 zones and list them. Then, put a star next to the 20% of your home that causes 80% of your problems. Work on those two zones and you will make a huge impact on your chaos.

Next is the infamous clutter. Junk mail, catalogs, magazines, trinkets. The 80/20 rule works well here too, but also think about things that are outdated and unnecessary. Only keep things to pass down to future generations if they are things they want, ask them. Create a bin for these things and if you want to add items to it later, you have to take something else out. Suggested reading: The Messies Manual and Smart Organizing by Sandra Felton.

Cleaning supplies and chemicals are next. There are many ways these days to get back to the good ole days with cleaning supplies and any number of websites and product lines to help you do it. I won't go into that. However, Donna does recommend changing air filters monthly, leaving the home open (windows cracked, etc.) to prevent indoor air from becoming stale, washable pillow and mattress covers and hardwood floors over carpeting. Here's a surprising statement from her book: "I was alarmed when I learned that women who stay at home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who work outside of the home, according to a 17 year study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Poor indoor air quality...is a far more serious issue than most women realize." This day's reading also includes information on removing all chemical cleaning products from your home stating that accidental poisoning in the home is the second leading cause of death in children under five.

Fortunately, the next days' lesson focuses on shared responsibility in the home. Starting with Joshua 24:15 - But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Notice that it says "we" will serve the Lord. "Mom isn't the household servant...Part of the 'faithful instruction' that needs to be on our tongue is teaching our kids how to run a household so they'll know what to do when they leave home." I was shocked (pleasantly!) to hear this information: "...young adults who had participated in household chores when they were ages three and four were more successful as adults than those who hadn't had household jobs to do...more likely to complete their education, get a good start on a career, develop adult relationships, and avoid the use of drugs...early participation in household chores was deemed more important in their success than any other factor, including IQ." WOW! Didn't know I was doing all that for my kids! Suggested reading: The Greatest Management Principle in the World by Dr. Michael LeBoeuf. Donna goes on to say, "Tell your kids you'd rather apologize to them now instead of having to apologize to their frustrated spouses later on...Your future sons- and daughters-in-law will rise up and call you blessed for teaching your kids shared servanthood."

This chapter finishes up with a spiritual cleansing of your home starting with Nehemiah 13:7-9. "If you've traveled to other countries, be particularly alert to the fact that some items sold as tourist trinkets are actually foreign idols...If you have a teenager, particularly a troubled teenager, I urge you to consider prayerfully a Nehemiah purge of your house." This can be especially effective if you are able to share this activity with those in your home. Let the Holy Spirit lead your decisions and pray about what you should remove and what you should replace the items with. Donna also suggests that you could have a spiritual leader pray over the items you use to replace in your home and over your home as a whole. "Rid your house of anything that might be offensive to God or anything that might serve as a foothold for the Enemy. Consider replacing the items with Scripture plaques, crosses, or other sacred items. Pray over and spiritually purify your home. Invite a spiritual leader to bless your house, if you desire."

This is a large chapter with a lot of activities for the week and some great examples that I couldn't possibly include here for length. I know that you will enjoy the book. The next week is centered on Family Relationships, may we all live in peace!

Recipe Central

I love this dish, hope you will too!

Tarragon Chicken and Potatoes

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tsp dried tarragon
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 cup Butter Bud Sprinkles - dry - divided
• 5 large red skin potatoes
• salt & pepper to taste

Sprinkle chicken with dried tarragon, garlic and 2 tbsp Butter Bud Sprinkles.

Spray a crockpot with non-fat cooking spray.

Place chicken in crockpot.

Place potatoes on top of chicken. Sprinkle potatoes with remaining 2 tbsp Butter Bud Sprinkles. Cover.

Cook on low for 6-1/2 to 8-1/2 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Serve.

Servings: 5, Calories: 303, Carbohydrate: 26 grams, Protein: 44 grams, Total Fat: 2 grams, Cholesterol: 105 mg, Dietary Fiber: 2 grams, Sodium: 413 mg, WW: 6 points per serving.

5-10-15-20

• 5 - the 5 people you are praying for to know the saving grace of JESUS CHRIST
• 10 - 10 % of your earnings in tithes and offerings
• 15 - a small group of people that you connect with to live life
• 20 - 20 minutes in devotional study and prayer every day

What have you done for HIM lately?

Are you a lukewarm Christian that JESUS said HE would spit from HIS mouth? Or, are you on fire for GOD, living life from the Spring of Eternal Water that you thirst no more?

Your humble blogger

WOW! What an amazing experience! My family was blessed to spend some time in the mountains and it couldn't have been more relaxing, even though we were on-the-go every minute.

To be able to stand on top of a mountain, at the bottom of a waterfall, or go inside a cavern and view God's glorious world from all angles is something we we would never see here at home. The hiking, shopping, amusement and day parks, local restaurants, historical places, trains, scenery, everything was just beautiful.

I was also blessed, inside the cavern to hear another mom explaining to her child that just because scientists think the world is millions of years old, that's not what we believe. Those of us who believe in a mature creation and a flood covering the earth know that man can not comprehend God's ways. (http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2007/05/30/how-old-is-earth ) Can I get an AMEN?

Additionally, due to the Proverbs 31 study, this is the first vacation we have ever spent actually using a budget. I must say, we did pretty well. We went over our budget by less than 1 percent and paid cash for everything. It is a great feeling knowing that we will not be in debt for this vacation.

Unfortunately, I took the week off with my studies and I am feeling the impacts and finding it hard to get back into normal routines. Maybe when all of the laundry is done, I'll feel better about it :)

Thank you Jesus for a wonderful, relaxing time with family.

Quick Quotes

Alan Redpath had two daughters who loved to swarm him when he came home at night. As he came in the door one evening, his little girls ran to meet him. One grabbed his leg and hugged him with all her might. He snatched the other daughter up in his arms. The one squeezing his leg said, "Now, I've got all of Daddy." The daughter in his arms replied, "Yes, but Daddy has got all of me!"

Perhaps the question we need to continually ask is, "Does God have all of me?" - Alan Redpath

Recipe Central

Here's for all of you rice lovers out there...

Italian Rice

• 1 lb lean ground beef (or substitute ground turkey breast)
• 1 28 oz jar fat-free pasta sauce, any flavor
• 1 8 oz can sliced mushrooms
• 3 cups water
• 3 cups instant rice
• 1/2 cup fat-free grated parmesan cheese topping

In a large, 3-quart nonstick pan, bring ground beef, pasta sauce, mushrooms and water to a full boil, stirring occasionally.

Stir in rice and cover. Remove from heat. Let sit 5 minutes.

Evenly sprinkle all servings with fat-free grated parmesan cheese.

Serve hot.

Servings: 6, Calories: 353 (ground turkey: 337), Carbohydrate: 54 grams, Protien: 24 grams (ground turkey: 26 grams), Total Fat: 3 grams (ground turkey: 1 gram), Cholesterol: 41 mg (ground turkey: 51 mg), Dietary Fiber: 3 grams, Sodium: 746 mg (ground turkey: 739 mg), WW: 7 points per serving (ground turkey: 6 points).

Proverbs 31 delay

The next installment of my Proverbs 31 sessions will be delayed this week as I am enjoying some much needed R&R. It promises to be a great deal of very useful information relating to housework. I wish I had this book so many years ago!! But, the Lord knew when to put it into my life when I would get the most use out of it and be most interested in using it! Thank you Jesus! God is good, all the time!

Prayer Request

A friend of mine, Nicole has a child, just two years old, who was recently diagnosed with autism. The financial hardships and time constraints of treatment and therapy are a lot to deal with. The family also has another child who is under the age of one.

Spiritually, Nicole is at a stand still in her faith and is in desperate need of our prayers and support. She is at a point where she knows that she could turn away and not look back and we must not allow that to happen! We know that the devil prowls like a lion seeking whom he may devour and it appears she is his current prey.

Let's all lift her up now in prayer that she will know GOD's presence in this situation and that her faith will be strengthened through this, that GOD will raise up a mother to be a Christian presence in this scientific disorder and a child that shows the love of GOD no matter what the struggle.

Prayer Request

Please be in prayer for family and friends of Gina.

Please see this statement from a friend: "Gina was a young client of ours and she placed her 3rd baby for adoption at the end of the year last year & had really turned things around with the help of ALOT of people and over the weekend was shot [and killed] by her boyfriend."

Please pray for her family, her children and for our judicial system that the truth will be known. Also, please pray for those who assisted her in the adoption who will be attending the funeral Friday.

Prayer Request Update!

Here is an update regarding Jenny, a wife and mother of 5 who attends my church and teaches at my son's school.

Jenny spoke her first words to her husband this past weekend, saying: "I Love You". Isn't that amazing? Actually, it's GODmazing! She still has a long road for recovery and her left side is not working well yet, but she is making remarkable progress.

There is an account set up for her at the Blood Alliance, account #5553 for anyone wishing to demonstrate support for Jenny and her family. Donation locations can be found at http://www.igiveblood.com .

Please keep praying for Jenny and her family!

Quick Quotes

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. -Helen Keller

Proverbs 31 - Week 8

First, let me apologize again for the delay. My summer routine is not yet established, but I am working on it!

This week's lessons begin with a remarkable passage from I Thessalonians 4:11-12: Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (NIV)

Let's break that down a bit.

1. Lead a quiet life.
2. Mind your own business.
3. Work with your hands. (and do what you're told.)

And the results are:

1. Your daily life may win respect.
2. You will not be dependent on anybody.

Well, that sounds just fabulous to me!!! Where do I sign up?

Although there is some room for inspiration here, you could say that "mind your own business" refers to gossiping or nosiness. I am taking it to mean attending to my own line of business, whatever God wants that to be at this time in my life. For some time now and for many reasons, I have had a desire to have my own business. To be able to assist with the family budget in more ways than clipping coupons and shopping for sales. To have the sense of accomplishment that comes with making something to sell or to be consumed by others. To simply have conversations with other moms/adults that don't involve cartoons or crayons :) I can't quite figure out what to do. I would love to bake bread, cookies and pies to sell; have an online Christian book store; make beaded jewelry for sale at a local consignment shop. There are so many ideas.

Donna imparts so much wisdom this week, here are a few of her highlights:

• "...women start twice as many businesses as men and are far more likely to succeed."
• "...God intended the home to be the center of our lives, not just the place we come to recover from our lives."
• "...any woman can make extra money from home is she is willing to work."
• "...include your children in your business so they learn to be entrepreneurial and self-sufficient under God's sufficiency..."
• "...the Proverbs 31 woman had multiple streams of income...She operated various manufacturing and direct-selling enterprises: 'She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.' She invested in real estate: 'She considers a field and buys it.' ...she reinvested the profits into yet another income-generating business: 'Out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.' ...she diversified her income streams. If we are wise, we will do the same."
• "In direct selling companies, the person who does the work earns the money."
• "The best part about joining forces with an existing business is that you don't have to start from scratch."
• "Just $250 per month, beginning at age forty, will yield $330,000 for your retirement."
• "...there is no hard-and-fast rule that applies to all investing - except one: to profit from your investments, we have found it is vital always to diversify them. ...Ecclesiastes 11:2: 'Divide your means seven ways, or even eight, for you do not know what disaster may happen on earth (NRSV)." -Tamera Aragon
• "There are two ways for investors to make money in real estate: appreciation [when you sell or refinance; buy and sell] and cash flow [month after month, as long as you own the property; buy and hold]." - Tamera Aragon
• Real estate investments to consider: Rental properties, Lease options, Fixer-uppers, Vacant land, Forced appreciation, Preconstruction, Foreclosures.
• Internet Marketing: eBay, Craigslist, Amazon, etc.

Suggested reading:

• Homemade Business: A Woman's Step-by-Step Guide to Earning Money at Home - Donna Partow
• www.donnapartow.com/homebasedbusiness
• Multiple Streams of Income - Robert Allen

Next week, a true need for improvement for me, we will discuss Household Management. Hold on to your hat Martha!

Recipe Central

Here's the third installment of Recipe Central, I hope to start sending these each Tuesday, so keep looking for more great entries to your personal recipe box.

Individual Chicken Pot Pies

• 1/2 pkg (15 oz) refrigerated pie dough
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1 10-3/4 oz can condensed 45% reduced-sodium 98% fat-free cream of chicken soup, undilluted
• 1/4 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tspn black pepper
• cooking spray

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Unroll dough onto a lightly floured work surface (or parchment paper) and roll into a 12" circle. Invert 4 10 oz serving dishes over dough & trace along rim of dishes with a knife, cutting 4 circles out of dough. Discard any scraps. Cut 4 small slits in each pastry round & set aside.

Combine chicken & next 5 ingredients in a large microwave safe bowl and microwave at high for 2 minutes, or until warm, stirring half-way through.

Spoon mixture into 4 10 oz serving dishes coated with cooking spray.

Top each with a pastry round, pressing dough firmly against sides of dish. Lightly coat tops of dough with cooking spray.

Bake at 45o degrees for 15-18 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Serves: 4, WW: 8 points each

Quick Quotes

One is taught by experience to put a premium on those few people who can appreciate you for what you are. -Godwin

Recipe Central

Here is the recipe for this week, I hope you enjoy!

Baked Jambalaya

• 3 tbsp real bacon bits
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
• 1/2 lb cooked kielbasa, sliced
• 1/2 lb diced, cooked ham (lunchmeat is ok)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  
• 1 tsp cajun seasoning (optional)
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 14.5 oz can beef broth
• 1-1/2 cups uncooked regular long-grain white rice

Mix together in a large mixing bowl all ingredients*.

Pour into greased 9x13 baking dish.

Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 1 hr or until rice is done.

Uncover and stir before serving.

*If you are making this dish to freeze & store for later use, do not add rice until ready to cook. All ingredients except rice would be put into a freezer bag, labeled Baked Jambalaya. Rice can be added in a separate smaller bag and both bags put into another freezer bag. Thaw before cooking.

Serves 8-10, WW: 6 points per serving.

Unfortunately, I did not have any additional nutrition information for this dish, but any WW member can tell you, 6 points for a dinner is very good.

Church Notes

What a great sermon Sunday by Pastor Chuck!

We are continuing our study on the book "One Month to Live" by Kerry & Chris Shook. This week's lesson is entitled Learn Humbly and will soon be posted online in the audio sermon archive at this address: http://www.creeksidechristian.com/ServicesandEvents/AudioSermonArchive/tabid/75/Default.aspx

• Adversity Builds Character
• When God's Will is clear to us it doesn't mean the road is going to be easy.
• "God is more interested in your character than your comfort." -Rick Warren
• Joy chooses to see the blessing of adversity.

Verses for your study:

• James 1:2-18
• Ecclesiastes 10:7
• Proverbs 28:13
• Psalms 20:7-8
• II Corinthians 4:16-18
• Hebrews 11:24

Please pray!

Please be in prayer for Jenny, a wife and mother of 5 who collapsed this past week due to bleeding in the brain. She has undergone surgery with a 50/50 chance and is still in critical care. She will have a long, hard road of recovery. Please pray that she and her family will know God's presence during this difficult time and that she will heal quickly.

Proverbs 31 - Week 7

Personal Appearance is this week's topic and covers everything from color choices and wearing the right size to modesty and countenance. Here are some highlights:

• Determine your core color and stick with it, shop during the season that compliments this color and only buy clothing that coordinates with this color. (Dark hair and eyes - black - winter; Dark hair and blue, green or hazel eyes - light skin tone - navy - summer, dark skin tone - black - winter; Blonde hair and blue, green or hazel eyes - navy - summer; Red hair - brown - late fall; Sandy/Blonde hair and brown eyes - camel - spring or fall.)
• Give away or exchange everything else in your closets.
• Determine your ideal body weight: "Your ideal weight is the healthiest weight you can maintain while leading a sustainable lifestyle." Use this website to help find your ideal weight range. http://www.consumer.gov/weightloss/bmi.htm
• Box up all of your clothing that doesn't currently fit, but is in your ideal weight range. Put a date on this box and get rid of anything left in the box if it still doesn't fit in one year.
• Give away or exchange anything that doesn't fit currently and isn't in your previous box.
• Expand this to your personal care items: skincare, makeup, toiletries, etc. Box everything up that you don't use daily/weekly. If it's still in the box after one year, toss it out.
• "...I have talked about how less is more. That's almost always true, but there is an important exception: fabric. When it comes to fabric, more is more....Remember, ladies, for the kingdom's sake, for modesty's sake, and, well, for mercy's sake: more fabric!"
• "Unless you are in stellar physical condition, you will probably look better in a skirt than in pants...I am a forty-something pear-shaped woman, and very few women over forty look their very best in pants. Conversely, almost all women look attractive in a well-made, properly fitting skirt that hits below the knee....Some apple-shaped women do look better in pants provided they wear long tunic-style tops. If you are a woman who carries every drop of excess weight above the waist...you can wear pants to your heart's content."
• "There are some women whose countenance reflects the love and care they receive, not from an earthly husband but a heavenly one. These are women who know deep down in their spirit that they are precious and honored in God's sight. These are who derive their primary identity from their relationship with God..."
• "A countenance that radiates a gentle and quiet spirit grows out of God-confidence."

I pray that you know you are precious in God's sight and know that you are a daughter of the King! May your appearance reflect God's love!

I am already getting excited about next week's topic: Home Enterprises.

The Pearl Necklace

The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening white pearls in a pink foil box. "Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them? Please, Mommy, please!"

Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. "A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00. If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. Your birthday's only a week away and you might get another crisp dollar bill from Grandma."

As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies. After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. On her birthday, Grandma did give her another new dollar bill and at last she had enough money to buy the necklace.

Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up. She wore them everywhere--Sunday school, kindergarten, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath. Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.

Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, "Do you love me?"

"Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh, Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite."

"That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night." And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.

About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, "Do you love me?"

"Daddy, you know I love you."

"Then give me your pearls."

"Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my babydoll. The brand new one I got for my birthday. She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper."

"That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one. Daddy loves you." And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.

A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek. "What is it, Jenny? What's the matter?"

Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy. And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace. With a little quiver, she finally said, "Here, Daddy. It's for you."

With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.

So it is, with our Heavenly Father. He is waiting for us to give up the cheap things in our lives so that he can give us beautiful treasures. God will never take away something without giving you something better in its place.

What are you hanging on to?

--- Author Unknown

Get out of debt

There are several options for getting out of debt. One popular option is to payoff the largest balances first, another is to payoff the highest interest rate first. While both of these are good options, they do not give a sense of accomplishment very quickly like the next option I will show you. This is from The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey.

The "Debt Snowball"

1. Lists your debts in order with the smallest payoff or balace first.


2. If you have two debts with similar payoffs, list the higher interest-rate debt first.


3. Pay off the smallest balance first. Anytime you get some extra money, put it toward paying off your debt rather than acquiring more stuff to clean, stow, and eventually give away. Meanwhile, be sure to make your [minimum] monthly payments on all your debt.


4. Once you've paid off the first debt, apply the entire monthly payment that you used to pay toward the first debt toward the second debt on the list. (You will be paying out the same amount of money each month, but you will be paying down this debt twice as fast.)


5. When you've paid off the second item, apply the entire amount you were paying on debt number 1 and debt number 2 toward debt number 3.


6. Continue until you have paid off all consumer debt.

This option can allow you to focus your money to eliminate the debt quickly. It is very important to stop using the cards when you begin this and remember, once you payoff that card, put it away and don't use it anymore. It's understandable to have a credit card for medical expenses and emergencies, but a huge sale at your favorite department store is not an emergency! Then, you can easily save and pay cash for things that you want rather than charging them and them being no longer useful by the time you have finished paying for them. My prayers are with you that you live within your means and your soul will prosper along with your pocketbook!

Proverbs 31 - Week 6

This week was definitely full! Here are a few of the highlights:

• John Wesley - "'Earn all you can; save all you can; give all you can.' Christians shouldn't be financially broke. We should be financially wise."
• "Which is greater: 90 percent plus God or 100 percent minus God?"
• Robert Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad) - "The poor and middle class work for money. The rich have money work for them."
• "...an asset is somthing that puts money in my pocket. A liability is something that takes money out of my pocket." - Robert Kiyosaki
• "Put the income into an income-generating asset, then you can spend, not once, but as long as the asset keeps generating income."
• "Lord, I know you work miracles. You can bring stones back to life from heaps of rubble and you can enable me to get my finances in good order."
• See a separate post about the "Debt Snowball."
• "When you get an offer in the mail, declare out loud: 'I know what this is. It's an invitation to the valley of Ono [Nehemiah 6] - and oh no, I don't want to go there!'"
• http://www.optoutprescreen.com/ or 1-888-5OptOut
• "How many items fall into the 'I never would have bought it if I had to save up to get it' category?"
• "'The secret of financial success is to spend what you have left over after saving, instead of saving what is left over after spending.' We all know there's never anything left over."
• "Over the past fifty years, the stock market has averaged an 11 percent annual return. That's no guarantee for the future, but stocks have never lost money over any ten-year period - and that includes the decade of the Great Depression. Your best choice is an index fund."

Recommended reading: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki; The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach; The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

It's obvious to most of us that we live outside of our means and it can be very overwhelming to think about getting out of debt, but there are many small ways we can help ourselves. This week's study gave very specific ways to take small steps and make a difference in your finances while getting a sense of accomplishment quickly. You can do it! Start today!

Biblical Worldview

What is a Biblical Worldview?

• Did Jesus Christ live a sinless life?
• Is God the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe, and does He still rule it today?
• Is salvation a gift from God that cannot be earned?
• Is Satan real?
• Does a Christian have a responsibility to share his or her faith in Christ with other people?
• Do absolute moral truths exist?
• Is absolute truth defined by the Bible?
• Is the Bible accurate in all of its teachings?

LIFE

Living Intentionally For Eternity

Wow, what a great sermon at church today! We are working through a sermon series entitled: "One Month to Live" and it has been very impactful. I believe it is based on a book of the same name by Kerry and Chris Shook. Here are a few great points:

• Do you have a Biblical World View?
• What 5 things do you want to be remembered for? (Convictions, character, community, etc.)
• Belief is something you hold on to, but conviction is something that holds you.
• How do problems, pressures, people, and principles show your character?
• Are you "dying to obey" God?
• We need to get to heaven and bring as many with us as possible.

Here are some verses to keep you studying:

• I Corinthians 3:12-14
• Isaiah 40:8
• Matthew 7:26
• I Timothy 6:6-19
• Romans 12:1-2
• I Corinthians 6:20
• Romans 8:29
• Ephesians 5:26
• Galatians 2:20
• II Kings 6:24-7:20

Live as if today is the day God returns!

Proverbs 31 - Week 5

This week's lesson is entitled: Management Tools and oh, how I wish I had this when I first got married! But, it's never too late to learn, so here goes.

The first day's focus is an emphasis on maximizing each day by placing daily action items to each of the following categories based on your personal mission statement: Spiritual, Physical, Relational, Personal, Ministry and Financial. This sounds just as hard as it is, but once you do it for a few days, you get it. Imagine ending the day each day by setting yourself up for the following day by reviewing each of your appointments and tasks and also asking yourself what you can do in each of these categories the following day to fulfill your mission statement! Sounds great, right? It really is that easy.

The next day you get even more organized by applying the 80/20 rule to your entire life. Friends, hobbies, activities, clients/customers if applicable, to-do lists, etc. Focus on the 20% that will give you 80% results.

Next, we move into something I just love to do. Give away all that you can. I love to go through my closets and get rid of stuff that we just don't need any more. We have a great thrift store run by a shelter for battered women in our area. I just learned about the Women's Resouce Center of Jax that is need of baby items. We have a consignment shop that we consign other children's items through, additionally, they donate items that don't sell. It is so energizing to free up space in your home and know that needy people will be overjoyed to have it. Donna takes another spin on this in a great effort to do this quickly and to make it less complicated. Just take one box with you, when it's full get another one and think of this as a ministry to others as well as yourself and your family.

The last two active days of the week go together in my opinion and gladly follow the previous day's giving away. Store away anything you do not use every month and make a tackle list of those things that were just too big for the past three days. The trick to this in my house is where to put the storage until I can get through the garage and attic!

The routine this week will certainly give you a refreshing feeling and a plan to follow anytime you are feeling the crunch of environmental chaos in your home. I really enjoyed it and didn't stress too much an hour later when my kitchen counter became everyone's dumping ground.

I haven't gotten to the cleansing bath just yet, but I finally did purchase the last of my supplies today.

This week's verse was a little harder for me to learn, maybe because I didn't fully understand what some of the items were. Proverbs 31: 18-19 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindles with her fingers.

Watch out! Next week is Financial Planning!

Face Lift

I hope you like the face lift to the blog! It's still a work in progress. As I become more savvy to the blogging world, I'm sure you'll see my technique improve.

Quotable Quotes

GOD grant me the ABILITY to accept the food I cannot change, the STRENGTH to change the way I eat, and the GUMPTION to make a difference. - Darlene Schacht

Recipe Central

Ok, here's my first entry for recipies, I hope you can find something to add to your recipe box!

I'll try to include nutrition information any time I have it, and will include Weight Watchers point values when possible.

This week's entry will be a favorite pork dish of mine, using it this Sunday actually. I think I obtained this recipe from one of Dawn Hall's cookbooks and have used it many times with great success. It is a "crockpot creation."

Tropical Pork Dinner

2 lbs pork tenderloin
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
4 large yams - washed (or 4 large sweet potatoes)

• Spray a crockpot with non-fat cooking spray.
• Place pork tenderloin in crockpot.
• Mix crushed pineapple, honey, vinegar and brown sugar together until well mixed. Spoon mixture over pork.
• Place yams on top of meat mixture. Cover. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
• Cut yams in half before serving. If desire, spoon a little sauce over cut yams and meat.

Yield: 8 servings (3 ounces cooked meat, 1/2 of a yam and 3 ounces of pineapple mixture)

Calories: 351 (Percent fat calories: 11%); Total Fat: 4 grams; Carbohydrate: 53 grams; Protein: 26 grams; Cholesterol: 74 mg; Dietary Fiber: 5 grams; Sodium: 72 mg; WW: 7 points per serving

**You can substitute 8 four ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the pork tenderloin. Calories: 340 (Percent fat calories: 4%); Total Fat: 2 grams; Carbohydrate: 53 grams; Protein: 28 grams; Cholesterol: 66 mg; Dietary Fiber: 5 grams; Sodium: 89 mg; WW: 6 points per serving

Proverbs 31 - Week 4

The past week's study was titled: "Strengthening Your Body." The focus items this week were adding a Prayer Walk to your daily routine, using enhanced water, giving your body time to digest, defying gravity with the use of a rebounder, and a cleansing diet and bath. You can tell from this that it was a full week.

While the emphasis is on a Prayer Walk, not just a walk, many benefits of walking are listed. The book states: "Studies have shown that brisk walking is associated with substantial declines in the incidence of coronary problems in women, can reduce or eliminate high blood pressure, strengthen bones, and increases levels of HDL (good cholesterol), reducing the risk of coronary artery disease. A Harvard study found that women who take a brisk walk each day can cut their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in half. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical exercise performed most days of the week will reduce your risk of dying prematurely, reduce high blood pressure, and reduce your risk of developing colon cancer." WOW...I don't think anything else has this kind of impact. Then imagine adding the spiritual growth you could experience by adding prayer to this walk time...amazing!

Please note that we are talking about a brisk walk for these health benefits. Approximately 17-20 minutes per mile. That's a fairly good pace, and will get you just under 2 miles in about 30 minutes.

What Donna calls "enhanced water" is next. She offers two options for this. The first is hot lemon water. You basically start with 1/8 of a lemon and squeeze the juice into a cup of hot water (no sweeteners). You do this at the start and end of your day and build up to using 1/2 of a lemon per glass. The second option is using unsweetened cranberry juice. You take 1 part unsweetened cranberry juice and add 3 parts water. For example: 8 ounces of cranberry is combined with 24 ounces of water for 32 ounces to drink before lunch. You make another batch to finish before bed. Although it does say that there are side effects if you have toxins in your body, I did not experience any.

Next is giving your body time to digest. Earlier in the study, we set an evening routine complete with a curfew of sorts. You start with your bed time and back-up three hours and don't eat anything after that time. This allows your body time to digest your food before going to bed, so that your body can actually rest during sleep time and not continue working on things. Great idea, hard to follow...I like to snack, especially during the evening. Once all the kids are in bed, it's the only time I have that I can eat without sharing!

The next day's text focused on the use of a rebounder, which is a better quality version of a mini trampoline and comes with a hefty price tag. I've never used a rebounder, but Donna states that it helps you use more muscles at one time, therefore getting a better workout and using muscles that you normally wouldn't use. Since I bike about 5 miles a day, 5 days a week, I didn't try this, but it sounds fun.

Lastly, Donna provides a recipe for a cleansing bath with baking soda, epsom salts and lavendar or arnica oil and recommends using this daily or at least weekly. She again warns that you may feel the effects if you have toxins built up in your body. I'll let you know how this goes, I haven't purchased all of the supplies yet.

All in all, this week went well and I am still enjoying the study very much. I will leave you with the memory verses for Week 4 and encourage you to keep the faith.

Proverbs 31:16-17 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously, her arms are strong for her tasks.

In His service,
Christina

And the Bride Wore White

WOW! This book completely amazed me. Dannah Gresh has been touched by the Spirit to write so openly about her experiences and emotions in such a grabbing manner. Oh, how I wish I had this book when I was 13, 15, or 17 and the desire to read and follow her guide. We were always told abstinence is best, but never shown the way to achieve that goal. This book does just that!


I pray that my daughter will read this book, apply it to her life, commit to a life of purity and share it with others. I also pray that her future husband is committing his life to purity now: mind, body and spirit.

Lord, use me to share with my daughter and sons that purity is so important. Let me speak openly about the challenges they will face and encourage them to be strong in the face of temptation and to use self-control. May they never put themselves into a situation that will cause them to fail, but if they do, give them the strength and courage to ask for help and get out of the situation before harm is done. In Jesus precious and holy name, AMEN.

Proverbs 31 - Week 3

I apologize that I have kept you waiting for the update to the Proverbs 31 study. It really has been fabulous and I am more organized and getting more accomplished than I ever thought possible in such a short period of time.

Week 3 of the Proverbs 31 study was entitled Healthy Eating. While I am in no way an organic eater, food purist or vegetarian, I thought that I did pretty well. I went into this week thinking I wouldn't learn much since I have been focusing on eating healthy for some time, but boy, was I wrong!

This week begins with a cleaning out of your pantry. While that may seem like a daunting task, the big challenge this week (and into next week) is a vegetable and water 10 day challenge based on Daniel 1:11-15. You will find, if you read this passage in varying translations, there is a vast difference on the definition of "pulse." Some definitions take this to be literally nothing but vegetables and water, some indicate that it is a mixture of nuts, seeds and grains that were ground together and eaten as a mush, and some give no definition other than pulse and since I am not a Biblical scholar, I don't know what the original language intended this to be. I attempted to use my own definition of anything that grows (vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, grains and lentils) and also include milk for calcium, but exclude any other animal products (meat, poultry, eggs, animal fats). The study also goes on to include limiting your sugar intake. It was hard and I can tell you now that I have not completed the 10 day challenge and have no intentions of doing so. It's not that my body can't handle it, it's that my will-power can't! Maybe this is why Weight Watchers has been so successful for me in the past. They don't tell you that you can't have something, just that you have to use good common sense about what you eat and how much of it.

I did try the cabbage soup that I read about on Donna Partow's website. While the soup tasted good and I'm sure the nutrition content is through the roof, it does get boring quickly. Fortunately, I was able to freeze half for another week. In the actual cabbage soup diet, you do add in other things besides the soup during the week which must make it easier. Since you avoid carbs and have very little protien, it isn't recommended for more than a week at a time and then a two week break between. Do not try this or any diet without consulting your physician.

Here are some of the study highlights from the week:

• "When they [Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego] chose food you provided (vegetables and water) rather than food the world had prepared, they were blessed."
• "It's said that the reason the lions couldn't eat him [Daniel] was because he was all backbone. Unfortunately many Christians today are all wishbone and no backbone."
• "Self-control is your personal city wall. It's your first line of defense."
• "To get an idea of what a reasonable portion of food looks like, draw an imaginary line through the middle of your plate. One-half of your plate should be filled with vegetables and fruits. Divide the other half into two equal parts: one section for protien and the other for whole grains." (Also referenced is a great website: http://www.theportionplate.com/ )
• "The United States recently ranked forty-second in logevity among nations of the world, behind Guam and Jordan."
• "...living a stressful (translate that: refusing to trust God) lifestyle."
• "Is not life more important than food?" Matt 6:25
• "Psalm 103:5 says that God 'satisfies your desires with good things.' Learn to satisfy your hunger with god things: time with God or good friends, fresh air, long walks."
• "Don't live to eat; eat to live."
• "Begin using an eight- or nine-inch plate, rather than the typical eleven- or twelve-inch dinner plate. Don't take seconds of anything but vegetables...never, ever clean your plate!"
• "Because we didn't take time to plan or prepare ahead, our waistlines (and cholesterol levels) will pay the price. You realize, of course, that the reason it's called fast food is because it's better to fast than to eat the food?"
• "...let me suggest the book Once-a-Month Cooking by Mary-Beth Lagerborg and Mimi Wilson." (A great book! I have used it and it works very well, the main point is that you plan ahead and use one day for shopping and one day for cooking.)

The weekly checkup was a breeze this week. I don't know if it is because I got through those struggles with being too hard on myself or what, but it may just be that I am building on the principles from the previous week and leaning on God's grace. I hope you are enjoying these updates, more next week.

In Christ,

Christina

Food & Nutrition

Well, I don't know if you can use leftover meatloaf and nutrition in the same sentence, however, being a lifetime Weight Watchers member, I know "everything in moderation." I made a meatloaf a couple of days ago and have been looking for a few leftover recipies to give new life to the meatloaf. Who wants meatloaf twice in one week? Here are a few that I've found that sound good enough to save!

• Grate leftover meatloaf on 4 sided box grater. Place in lightly oiled casserole and add enough chicken or beef broth to lightly moisten. Stir in leftover vegetables or add frozen peas. Season with basil and freshly ground pepper. Cover with generous amount of mashed potatoes and bake in 350 degree oven until potatoes start to color. This is our favorite version of Shepherd's Pie.
• My great grandmother was from Italy, and grew up poor, but her family always ate well. She kept a large Tupperware container in her freezer ALWAYS....as do my Mother and Sister and I now......ANY piece of meat that is leftover....meatloaf, chicken, hamburger, steak, roast, pork chops....etc. We put it in our "mystery meat" container. When the container is full....we make spaghetti sauce. Since we cook this all day either on the stove or in the crock pot, the meat will fall apart and you can't decipher what it is until you bite into it.....but boy is it delicious! I love your newsletter!
• Add it to a 25-cent Mac-and-cheese dinner with a can of tomato sauce or some marinara, and PRESTO! Meat Loaf Helper!!
• I'd try cutting it up into small cubes to add to macaroni, rice, or potatoes for a casserole starter.
• Saute onions and peppers and add chunks of the meatloaf and potatoes
• "Philly Cheesesteak" style, sauteed until hot through, with mushrooms, peppers, onions & whiz on a good hoagie roll

Enjoy!

Proverbs 31 update coming

My apologies, the update for last week's Proverbs 31 study is coming and will be posted soon. Thank you for your patience!

Quick Quotes

Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed. - Robert H. Schuller

Proverbs 31 - Week 2

As I beat myself up during the check-up on Saturday, I had to take a step back and stop trying to be so hard on myself. No, I didn't do EVERY step EVERY day, so I didn't want to mark it off the list. I made excuses that it was because my printer didn't work or I was having to make too many adjustments around everyone else's schedule. When it came down to it, I did do many of the activities for the week, most every day. I have always had a hard time with devotions. It was never part of my "normal routine." I didn't realize when I started this book, that I would have devotions on top of this book and the planner and the other activities of the book. I guess that's what has helped me these past couple of years, I was always in one Bible study or another and considered that my devotional. So, in-between studies, I always felt a little lost. I am making a renewed commitment now to a continual study of the Bible, no longer just reading the passages provided in the book I am reading, but actual Bible study and I am glad to share that with you all, as Proverbs 28:13 (NIV) states: "He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy."

Here are a few highlights from my reading of Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be this past week:

1. "To be selective means to be discriminating, discerning, and choosy - to be careful about the choices you make. It's the opposite of the mindless living that characterizes so many of us today."
2. "God's Word says that a person who meditates on Scripture - who remains faithful and sinks deep roots into the living water - that person will prosper in season. However, in season may not mean next week."
3. "It's been aptly said, 'When we work, we work. But when we pray, God works.'"
4. "The psalmist declared: 'I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety' (Ps 4:8). Notice the phrase 'I will.' It's a decision."
5. "...I want to live my life in such a way that when my feet hit the floor in the morning, the devil yells, 'Oh, no, she's up!'"

So, to summarize, old dogs can learn new tricks, but it may be harder and you may not see the fruit from obedience right away, but keep at it!

Next week's focus is healthy eating, that should be thought provoking!

Proverbs 31 - Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be

Over the course of the next several weeks, I plan to write a blog every week about this study as I progress through this 90-day experience.


It truly is an experience! Since I am currently on day 11, I'll catch you up and then I plan to blog each Monday to update you on the previous week. First, let me say that I have reviewed several books based on Proverbs 31 and have found many that encourage you not to try to be this woman. I don't believe God had King Solomon write this chapter and include it in the Bible if He didn't have a specifc purpose for our lives. Donna Partow shows this very well in her book Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be. It is already making an impact on my daily routines and definitely my focus and purpose.


How I wish I had this book when I first became an adult or at least when I was newly married and had just begun having kids! Here goes, I hope you enjoy this journey with me.


Week 1: First, don't expect just to start reading this book everyday and that's it. There's pre-work before you even begin and practical applications (yes, homework!) every day. Don't get discouraged just yet, it shouldn't take much of your daily time and shouldn't we be tithing our time to God? Isn't it His time anyway? By the end of this week, you can expect to accomplish so many things.

1. Pre-work includes partial assembly of your personal notebook, which is very much like a planner that you would use on the job.


2. In addition to the Practical Applications, Time Alone with God, Scripture Memory, Affirmations and Prayers are part of the daily reading included. The Scripture Memory is great, imagine being able to commit Proverbs 31:10-31 to memory in just 90 days!


3. Check-up and Reflection on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday is your Check-up, here you can catch up on any activities you didn't complete during the week and also check off all of your accomplishments. Sunday is a day of Reflection, as it should be. A great review of what you have learned this week.

Here are a few of my favorite points to whet your appetite:

• "A woman who is so wise she has figured out how to get the bacon to come to her and has trained her children to be servant-hearted enough to do the frying - now that's a valuable woman!"


• "Christian meditation almost sounds like an oxymoron...We need to take back meditation!"


• "Capable women don't complain. They take action to change the situation or have enough faith to accept the things they cannot change."

Thank you Donna for showing us how to become the Proverbs 31 woman, one step at a time with the first priority of fellowship with God!

This is an exciting study! More Monday on week 2.

This Week's Prayer Requests

04-27-2009 Michelle Rodgers - I have a prayer request for you. My husband - Jeff Rodgers. He's had some abnormal liver tests lately and the doctors are trying to figure out what's causing it.

04-29-2009 Please pray for the family and friends of John Erich Gistinger who fell 90 feet to his death on Saturday crossing a stream at the top of a waterfall in Hidden Falls in Oconee County State Park in SC.

Lies Women Believe

I completed a Bible study in a ladies group some time ago regarding the book, Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Thinking back, I can't believe it's been nearly two years since I completed this study. This book also has a companion guide. From things you believe about God, yourself, and sin, to your priorities, emotions, circumstances, even marriage and children, Nancy covers it all.

Some of the points that stood out most to me:

1. "We listen to music, read books and magazines, watch movies, listen to advice, and respond to advertisements without asking ourselves important questions: 'What is the message here?' 'Is it really true?' 'Am I being deceived by a way of thinking that is contrary to the Truth?'"
2. "...for many women, there is a disconnection between what they know intellectually and what they feel to be true. And therein lies one of our problems: We trust what we feel to be true, rather than what we know to be true."
3. "...if we could have all our longings fulfilled down here, we would easily be satisfied with staying here, and our hearts would never long for a better place."
4. "...every time we say yes to the Spirit, we give Him greater control of our lives."
5. "The Truth is, you and I are powerless to change ourselves..."
6. "The Truth is that all I have to do is the work God assigns to me."
7. "I no longer look for serving opportunities but look to God as His servant, ready to go wherever He wills."
8. "The Truth is, our circumstances do not make us what we are. They merely reveal what we are."
9. "The Truth is, if we are not content within our present circumstances, we are not likely to be happy in any other set of circumstances."
10. "...even a lifetime is not forever."
11. "God has determined the exact duration of your suffering, and it will not last one moment longer than He knows is necessary..."
12. "God's will is exactly what we would choose, if we knew what God knows."
13. "We need to speak the Truth to ourselves; we need to speak it to each other. In every season, in every circumstance, His grace is sufficient. It is sufficient for me; it is sufficient for you."
14. "I am responsible before God for my behavior, responses, and choices."

This doesn't nearly cover the depth that Nancy goes into in this study. Some of the detailed topics may be controversial for some, such as: career vs. stay-at-home, submission to your husband, how many children you should have. Especially when you consider that the author is not married, nor does she have children. I find that if you approach each subject with an open mind and a focus on what God wants, you may be surprised what you believe, or what you come to believe. It is my opinion that we sometimes are not able to experience God's blessings because we have become in bondage to some of these lies. As Nancy shows, we must counter these lies with the truth. Before that even, we must know what we believe and we must know why we believe it. This can only happen through Scripture reading and memorization, so that when the lie presents itself, we have the ammunition to combat it with the Truth from God's Word.

Thank you for allowing me to share this with you today, I welcome your comments.

April 27, 2009 - Welcome!

Welcome! I trust that you will find encouragement here. Third John verse 2 states: "Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers." (NASB) As the Scripture reference indicates, I will pray for you, just ask! My goal is to provide a place for sharing about Bible studies that I am participating in or have completed, as well as information on physical health. I am not a doctor or nutritionist, but I enjoy making healthy food for my family and believe that family meal time should be honored. I am not a counselor and have not completed seminary, but I hope to share what God is doing in my life and what He can do in your life through the far reaches of the internet. God Bless You!