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