Lisa Jacobson's Blog, page 46

Grapefruit Doughnuts {& The Gift of Hospitality}

It was nine o’clock and I was sitting in my favorite white chair feeling the weariness in my body.

I was tired.

It was a long day of making sure school work got finished, nap times took place, chores got done, dinner made, and bath time completed. Somehow, I had even managed to squeeze in a quick workout for myself – which proved to be challenging since I had taken the last week off due to a cold.

As I sat there in my cozy white chair, perusing the internet half-heartily, I listened to my daughters chatter on the couch. They were going to attempt to join me in my bed that night so we could all sleep together. A sweet thought, but two kids and one adult in a queen size bed equals not enough space.

I informed them that we would be headed to bed soon. Grace disappeared upstairs for a few moments and reemerged in the living room with their Picture Bible.

I knew it was a habit of theirs to read their Bible every night before bed. Grace sat there and read to Eden about how the priests and pharisees were trying to trap Jesus by asking him if it was right to pay taxes to Caesar or not. (Matthew 22:15-17) Grace left the chapter on a cliffhanger and told Eden they would read Jesus’ answer the following night.

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how to entangle him in his words. 16 And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances. 17 Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”

I remember thinking how clever that was of Grace to keep it a mystery. Everyone loves a little intrigue.  I know I do.

Not too much later, after our teeth were brushed and we were jammed into my bed and the lights were turned out, I asked if I had any volunteers who would like to pray. Grace eagerly said, “I will,” and proceeded to pray for so many people! All of the people we had read about in our Prayer Point magazine, and then all of the people mentioned during our women’s Bible study and during our praise and prayer time at church. I was shocked that she remembered so many names and so many specific details that had been mentioned.

A Heart for People

We all said, “Amen,” and I laid there amazed at what a beautiful, godly heart she has for others. Every evening, she and her sister sit on the floor of their bedroom and read Bible stories. They have such a heart for people and love them so much. I think that is one of the things I admire the most about my almost-11-year-old daughter Grace – she sees the best in everyone.

That is such a wonderful and unique gift that the Holy Spirit has pressed upon her, and she has gladly accepted. (1 Corinthians 12:4 & 5)

As Grace’s mom, it’s a beautiful thing to witness. Not that she has arrived, but that the Spirit is clearly working through her as her father and I attempt to diligently train her in the way she should go. (Proverbs 22:6)

As I drifted off to sleep, I didn’t feel as weary as I had before. I felt rejuvenated and full of hope for my kids.

The Gift of Hospitality

I’m sure (I hope!) my kids will have other spiritual gifts as well. I’ve been showing them when the an opportunity presents itself to show the gift of hospitality.

Hospitality doesn’t always mean having people in your home. Take hospitality on the road…or right across the street!

When I made these grapefruit doughnuts last year, we had just had a snowy storm pass through. I whipped up a batch of these bright and springy doughnuts and brought them over to our neighbors’ house across the street to share.

Our kids often learn by watching, and having them watch us can be one of the best ways to learn to be a servant of Christ and use those spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit has entrusted them with. I tell ya, I think watching your kid blossom spiritually is one of the most beautiful things I ever witnessed.

~ Chels {Catz in the Kitchen}

*What kinds of spiritual gifts has the holy spirit entrusted to your child and how can you encourage them in it?

Print
Grapefruit Buttermilk Doughnuts with Candied Zest


Author: Carrie Purcell for Country Living Magazine
Recipe type: Dessert



Serves: 12
 

And now for something completely different… Yes, these are grapefruit donuts, and yes, they will make you and your tastebuds dream of spring. Enjoy!

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp salt
1¼ cups buttermilk
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tbsp canola oil
1 tsp vanilla
2 grapefruits
1 cup powdered sugar




Instructions

Collect the zest from one grapefruit. Cut four two-inch long strips of the zest from the second grapefruit, and slice them thinly. Collect three tablespoons of juice from either or both of the grapefruits.
Use non stick cooking spray to coat two six-cavity donut pans.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine flour, 1½ cups sugar, baking powder, ginger, and salt, and mix well.
In a small bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, canola oil, vanilla, and the zest of one grapefruit, and whisk until combined.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir.
Spoon batter into pans, filling each cavity to a bit over ¾ full.
Bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool in pan for five minutes before turning donuts out on a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and grapefruit juice until smooth, then set aside.
In a small saucepan, combine strips of zest, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 3 tablespoons water, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to a low flame, and simmer until sugar has dissolved. Strain.
Toss zest immediately in remaining unused sugar until coated.
Transfer to cutting board and chop.
Dip the top of each donut carefully in the glaze, then place on a wire rack glaze side up, allowing the excess to drip off. Sprinkle immediately with chopped zest.



#version#

Try another delicious recipe from Catz in the Kitchen:

Overnight Sausage, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Casserole

 

Author informationChelsia Rief

Chels is a born-again believer who dreams of living with all four seasons in Central Oregon. She's a wife and stay at home mom to her three vivacious kiddos whom she home schools. When she's not schooling or chasing after her munchkins, she enjoys reading, bubble baths, and finding clothing/kitchen treasure at thrift stores. But more than all of that, she finds refuge in her kitchen where she and her husband can be found cooking and baking up a storm for their family and friends. You can read more about her culinary endeavors at CatzintheKitchen.com.

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The 8 Best Things About Having A Bunch of Kids

I guess I might as well come out with it.

I’m the mother of 8 children. And I love it.

This often surprises people when they learn that I have all these kids. They’ll say things like, “But you don’t look like a mother of 8 children!”

And then, occasionally,“Do you actually like having so many kids?”

I’m never sure how to answer that first one (Thank you…I think?).

The answer to the second is easier, Yes, I do.  I love it! Which some people seem to find interesting.

I could write a long list of all the things I love about having a bunch of kids, but here are some of the best . . . . 

The Best 8 Things About Having A Bunch of Kids

1.   I love the joy they bring. How their sweet faces look up at me with so much love.  The hugs. The laughter. The fellowship of family.

2.   I love all that I learn from them. They remind me to stop and wonder. They ask good questions and challenge me to think.They reveal areas in my life that I – apparently – need to work on. Ouch.

3.   I love how they have built-in friendships. If you’re bored or lonely, there’s always a buddy nearby. Someone to help with the work or someone to play a game. Someone to talk to or someone to snuggle.

4.  I love watching the older ones care for the young ones. How the teenagers get the opportunity to be selfless and put aside their own plans. The chance for them to look after the interests of these little guys—and their reward of smiles and sticky kisses.

5.   I love that I still have a young ones at home. Even if their older siblings have left home to pursue their own calling (Why do they grow up and go off on their own anyway…??).

6.   I love how much fun they are! Let’s face it, there’s nearly always a party going on around here. The little boys wake up ready and raring to go and the older girls look forward to the late-night thing. Yawn.

7.   I love how the little ones look up to their older siblings. For instance, our oldest son is something of a celebrity – a basic rock-star –  to our young boys whenever he comes back from college. Thankfully, he walks with God.  Could be worse, I figure.

8.   I love how they can reach the world. In ways that I can’t. Children seem to have this ability to soften even the hardest of hearts. There’s something about young people that breaks through the toughest barriers. They’re a bright light in a darkening world.

So however many children you have – whether one, four, eight, or twelve – they are a gift from God, aren’t they? Children are truly a blessing.

*I’d enjoy hearing those things you love about being a mom to your children too! Share?

In His grace,

 

 (This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get 2 FREE eBooks, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage and Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids).

Author informationLisaOwner at Club 31 Women

Lisa is the happily-ever-after wife of Matthew Jacobson and together they enjoy raising and home-educating their 8 children in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She's also rather fond of dark chocolate, French press coffee, and deep friendships (though not necessarily in that order). She encourages women to embrace the rich life of loving relationships and the high calling of being a wife and mother. Lisa is the author of 100 Ways to Love Your Husband and her husband is the author of 100 Ways to Love Your Wife. They are also the authors of several children's books, including a winner of the C.S. Lewis Silver Medal for Children's Literature.

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That One Question That Unlocks {The Door to Your Child’s Heart}

“Pray for this one,” I told my friends that I knew would pray.

It was a subtle drip of negativity coming from this child whose once-orphan wounds had threatened to be scars. Subtle enough that no one bumping up against the world outside our home would see, subtle enough to avoid what might incur discipline. (But mama’s have an eye for what brews under the surface.)

I didn’t just hear it, I felt it. The passive-aggressive drip that said less about the sibling or situation of which they were speaking and more about the torrent underneath all those words wore treads under my everyday mama-hood.

So I talked to God.

Change this one’s heart, God. You are healer, would you heal these wounds spilling up and over in front of all of us? Make this one new.

Weeks of prayers became months and I was settling in to what Nate so often calls “the long view.” It may take a decade to see this heart move. You hone your eye for the little milestones when you see the haul ahead as long.

But one day this thought came to me.

What if I made a shift? 

Love Unhinged

I’d done it before with variables that just weren’t budging. Not frequent enough for it to be second nature, but I had stories of how God moved in the one right in front of me when I started asking “what’s the issue, lodged within me?”

So over a series of days I asked Him: “what is it in me that’s adding to this child’s mess?” It’s a hard question for a mama who knows the history of her once-orphaned child’s wounds. I could list the perpetrators — people and time and loss. I live the consequences of life’s big hits on this child. I’ve studied them. Did I really play a part in all this negativity? This child couldn’t be more different than how I walk.

I wrestled through all those reasons not to ask, while still remembering my history. This wasn’t the first time I played a role, subconsciously.

And just as soon as I asked, I knew.

I needed to love different.

I needed to love unhinged.

This one was craving a love from me that required nothing of them to get it. They needed belly-tickles and a game of chase and time without instruction or correction, but expectation-less love. They needed my delight, not my dutiful kiss or my quick hug because that’s what mommies do.

This child needed to see that spark in my eye as I looked into theirs — the kind of spark a mama can’t muster on her own.

I’d been trying. Striving. Mimicking love. But in all of my effort, I’d neglected to see my own heart’s failings.

Something in Me

Two of us sinners in a relationship make two of us culpable. Always.

When I spend all my energy searching out the flaws in another, God’s love — through me — gets stunted. This reconciliatory love can not move towards its full expression in this child or in me if I am unbending.

And I was unbending.

Isn’t it easy? Especially with a child. We study their gaps and wait for their healing — all in the name of God’s timing — when maybe, just maybe He’s waiting on us to ask “what is it in me?”

I spent nearly a decade of my life avoiding this question. It spanned most all of my relationships. Something ingrained in human nature leads us to believe that this question is the death-trap. We’re going down when we take eyes off of them, and ask Him for a lens on us. Justice is when their wrong is righted or their hurt is finally healed. It can’t possibly be me, here.

“What is it in me, Father?” digs my grave.  Death-trap it is, I suppose. The kind of death that invites life.

It is this very question that’s putting an end to years of this child’s severed story bubbling up and over the rest of us.

I asked. I heard.

There was something in me.

So I repent and stumble towards turning in the form of words and belly-tickles and games of chase. I ask God to give me that spark in my eye that this child will know is just for them. I ask for an unnatural love, imparted. I bend.

And this kid? This one with history and hurt and a dozen reasons to be hindered for life, they begin to show signs of change. Friends, my stuck-child is getting unstuck. Surprise hugs and unsolicited kind words and that note on my desk that read: “I love you Mommy and I know you love me.” My child has spiked a giggle.

The other day I heard songs from the kitchen — from this one whose known a new form of mama’s delight — and I knew it was from God to me: never stop asking the question your flesh most resists. When you go low, with them I am lifted up.

For the mother, the wife, the daddy, the pastor, the co-worker, the sister, the best friend and the neighbor: when was the last time you asked Him — when faced with that rift in another — what is it in me?

Sara Hagerty, EveryBitterThingIsSweet

For Your Continued Pursuit: Matthew 5:5 | Psalm 25:9 | Matthew 7:1-5 | James 4:6-10 | 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 | Matthew 11:29-30

Photographs compliments of Mandie Joy.

Author informationSara Hagerty

Sara is a wife to Nate and a mother of five whose arms stretched wide across the expanse between the United States and Africa. After almost a decade of Christian life she was introduced to pain and perplexity and, ultimately, intimacy with Jesus.

God met her and moved her when life stopped working for her. And out of the overflow of this perplexity, came her writing, both on her blog and in her book – Every Bitter Thing Is Sweet, just released via Zondervan.

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The Most Loving Thing I’ve Done For Our Marriage

I’d like to think that there’s been a whole lot of loving done over the years.

I mean, so much can happen over decades of marriage, right? Good times. Hard times. Big sacrifices. Small ones. I’ve loved him through it all.

But what would be the most loving thing?

Would it be that gorgeous September morning when I vowed to love him “until death do us part”? Loving him.

Or maybe when I gave birth to our first child? The pain. The joy. Loving him.

Or maybe the 5th child . . . or the 8th? Loving him.

When I followed him across the country—and then back again? Loving him.

Or perhaps when I wept and prayed over him as I watched his vital signs drop in that cold hospital room. Oh, please God, desperately loving him.

Yes, lots of loving over the years. But the most loving thing? I’ve thought long and hard over this question.

The most loving thing I’ve done as his wife is to seek Christ.

That really would have to be it. Nothing has made a bigger difference in our relationship than my walk with God.

I don’t think I realized it at the time, when I first married him. You see, I was still young and something of a hopeful romantic. We had each other and that was what mostly mattered—him, me, and love. I just knew it was going to be beautiful.

And it has been beautiful.

But there were some things I didn’t anticipate we’d go through together.

I didn’t know then that there would be so many challenges. That we’d walk through grief, frustration, disappointment, and times when I could hardly see straight.

There was so much I didn’t know . . . .

Oh, and not only things about him and our life together, but about myself. I didn’t understand what kind of person I really was. I was determined to be the best wife I could be, but it was more difficult than I’d counted on.

I discovered I was more selfish than I thought. More stubborn. More moody and more self-serving.

I found that my determination to be the “most loving wife” wasn’t enough. I needed Christ. I needed to seek God with all my heart. I needed to let Him work in me and change me. I needed to trust Him with our marriage.

If you want to love your spouse? 
The most loving thing you can do is . . .  

Love your God. Seek Him and devote your life to Him.

But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find Him, if you search after Him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deut. 4:29)

Spend time in His Word. Soak it up and listen to what He is saying to you as you read through it.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Ps. 119:105)

Go to Him in prayer. Thanking God and praising Him. Ask Him to do a work in you and in your marriage.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Phil. 4:6).

Walk in the Spirit. And not your own strength. Be filled with the Spirit of God.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh (Gal. 5:16)

If you ever find yourself wondering what you can do to love your Beloved better? To improve your marriage?

Then I’d tell you this: spend time with your God. Seek Him. Walk with Him. Love Him.

It’s the most loving thing you can do for your marriage.

In His grace,

 

 (This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get 2 FREE eBooks, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage and Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids).

Author informationLisaOwner at Club 31 Women

Lisa is the happily-ever-after wife of Matthew Jacobson and together they enjoy raising and home-educating their 8 children in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She's also rather fond of dark chocolate, French press coffee, and deep friendships (though not necessarily in that order). She encourages women to embrace the rich life of loving relationships and the high calling of being a wife and mother. Lisa is the author of 100 Ways to Love Your Husband and her husband is the author of 100 Ways to Love Your Wife. They are also the authors of several children's books, including a winner of the C.S. Lewis Silver Medal for Children's Literature.

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Italian Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta {& The Business of Making Beautiful Things}

Do you ever wonder what Paul’s thorn in his side was (2 Corinthians 12:8)?

I wonder all the time. Did he have this thorn before he was a believer? And, if so, how long had he had it? Or, did his thorn enter his life after it changed forever on the road to Damascus?

All I know is that Paul does not say what his thorn was. How mysterious of him!

I think we all have thorns that we’ve wished we could pray away. I know I’m guilty of it.

How many times I’ve come before the Lord and asked him why he’s allowed certain things to happen in my life.

How many times I’ve promised I would change my sinful ways if he could just alter time and space and change certain events in my life.

How many times I’ve convinced myself that I would have been a better person had I not gone through these challenges.

While God is more than capable of erasing history, He doesn’t.  Why doesn’t He make exceptions…?

I think it’s because He calls us to be strong and courageous. (Joshua 1:9) He knows that we have His strength to handle whatever life throws our way, even if we don’t think we’re strong enough.

The Courage to Trust

We need to trust His strength, because God wouldn’t have allowed us to endure this pain otherwise. We can stand tall and be courageous…because it takes courage to trust.

While we may not have been given the ability to change our history and rid ourselves of our thorns, we have been given the power to embrace them…which is hard (I know).

It is possible to make lemonade out of those flying life-lemons.

It begins with the trusting choice of saying, “This will not defeat me.” Christ has already won the biggest battle of our lives (Romans 8:37), but the deceiver will do anything he can to convince us that we don’t have the strength to win the smaller ones.

But quite the opposite is true. God is in the business of making beautiful things . . . and every rose has its thorn.

I may not even be able to count how many hairs are stuck in my hair brush (let alone how many are on my head), but I can provide you with a tasty dinner that is approved by kids, teens, adults, and grandparents!

This Italian Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta is one of my favorite dinners to make, and I got the recipe from my husband’s family. There are never any leftovers, and it is so easy to feed an army with! Maybe it’s my Italian roots enjoying it for the word Italian in it, but this meal just always makes me feel better. However, pasta just naturally has a way of doing that for me…

~ Chels {Catz in the Kitchen}

*What are some things you can do to embrace your thorn?

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Italian Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta


Author: Jewelissa Rief
Recipe type: Entree
Cuisine: Italian



Serves: 4
 

Chicken marinated in Italian dressing and spooned over delicate pasta with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese. This simple supper not only smells good while it bakes, but leaves you stress-free in the kitchen too. Prep time: 5 minutes + Marinating Cook time: 45-60 minutes Total time: 60 minute Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

8-10 boneless, skinless chicken tenderloin (figure 2-3 tenders per person)
½-3/4 cup Newman’s Own Family Recipe Italian Dressing
1 lb angel hair pasta
4 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping




Instructions

Marinate the chicken with the dressing in a ziploc bag for at least 2 hours and keep in the fridge until ready for use.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Empty the chicken and dressing into a 9×13 baking dish. You can add a bit more dressing at this point if you like. (The dressing turns into a sauce that you can just drizzle over the chicken and pasta. ) Bake for 45-60 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
While the chicken is baking, prepare pasta according to the box’s directions. Drain pasta and return to pot.
Place some pasta on a plate and top with the baked Italian chicken. Drizzle some of the dressing from the baking dish over the chicken. Sprinkle a little bit of parsley over the pasta and chicken. Top with grated parmesan cheese and serve.



#version#














Author informationChelsia Rief

Chels is a born-again believer who dreams of living with all four seasons in Central Oregon. She's a wife and stay at home mom to her three vivacious kiddos whom she home schools. When she's not schooling or chasing after her munchkins, she enjoys reading, bubble baths, and finding clothing/kitchen treasure at thrift stores. But more than all of that, she finds refuge in her kitchen where she and her husband can be found cooking and baking up a storm for their family and friends. You can read more about her culinary endeavors at CatzintheKitchen.com.

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The Recipe for Success: How to Be a Better Homemaker

Do you ever feel like you just don’t have it together?

Are you disorganized and undisciplined?

Are you ever regretful when your husband comes home because you haven’t used your time wisely that day?

Do you snap at your kids and speak unkind words to your husband?

Do you think back over the day disappointed with yourself because you know you should have acted differently in the area of __________(you fill in the blank)?

Do you ever just wish you were better at this homemaking thing?

You’re not alone.  We all want to be better homemakers!

The Recipe for Success

That’s why we read blogs like Club31Women that will encourage us and give us helpful advice, right?

But I think sometimes we’re a little too quick to run to our favorite blogger or website.  We expect the writing of a human to meet our needs.

If you’re struggling with certain areas in your life that you know need to change, may I encourage you to turn to the ONLY words that can change your life?  Turn to the Bible.

I’m not discouraging you from reading content that’s Biblically-based.  That’s a good thing.  But please don’t allow it to replace the Word of God in your life.

God’s Words are the only ones written by a perfect Author. They are the only ones that can act as a mirror, revealing what’s in your heart. The only ones that can act as a sword, cutting out those hidden parts of your life that need to be removed. The only ones that act as a light, to guide you when you know you need to change but aren’t quite sure how.

If you choose the writings of only one person to read, study, and follow, let it be the words of God.

The recipe for success is found in Joshua 1:8:

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

That includes successful homemaking!

Seek God’s face and rely on Him to be the woman He wants you to be.

~ MaryEllen Bream, ImperfectHomemaker

*Would you like to share a favorite Bible verse in the comments below? 

 (This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get 2 FREE eBooks, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage and Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids).

Author informationMaryEllen Bream

MaryEllen is a stay at home wife and mommy who is passionate about inspiring other homemakers to be all that God wants them to be.  She blogs at Imperfect Homemaker where she shares her articles and inspiration about homemaking, homeschooling, and natural living.

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Chasing The Perfect Life {When What You Really Want is Peaceful Living}

Last week I had a mini meltdown because I was overwhelmed by everything that I felt was not perfect in my life.

The never ending laundry, messy rooms, messy bathrooms, missing trim around a door, dirty carpet, debt, not enough time in my day, an older child who asked how to spell “hello”!!!, and my own character flaws.

It came down to the fact that I want my life to be perfect (at least perfect in my eyes) and I was tired of the fact that it wasn’t.

But chasing perfectionism is like chasing a phantom.

You can’t catch it.

Perfectionism, as we desire it, does not exist. Yet we spend hours, days, years, and tears chasing this illusive dream.

What does Chasing the Perfect Life lead to?

I have found that chasing after the perfect life does not lead to joy. Instead it leads to frustration, guilt, poor sleep, anger, and bitterness.

Have you experienced this too?

The quest for perfectionism is a lonely quest. It stems from selfishness and therefore we end up striving alone.  We try to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and think that if we just do better, work harder, fill our week to almost bursting, and stay up later we can achieve all the things we feel pressured to achieve, for ourselves and our families.

Having a neat home is a good thing. And it is admirable to work at getting out of debt, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, teaching our children manners (or spelling), and being involved in extracurricular activities. The problem comes in our relentless pursuit of these things as if by them we will be made whole.

I promise you that chasing after perfection will wear us out, rob us of joy, stress our families, and lead us to forget God.

I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

Eccl. 1:14

What Should We Chase Instead?
Jesus!

I know this answer may seem like a trite, Sunday School answer, but it’s the answer to all of our hopes, dreams and problems. When we pursue Christ all other things begin to fall into place.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

We find Jesus and his righteousness in the pages of a book that  is often neglected. If we would only remember how powerful and life changing this book is, we would treasure it so much more.  When we hold our Bibles we are holding a weapon stronger than anything man has ever made–”the sword of the spirit” which is the word of God.

This sword reaches deep into our hearts killing the lies that the world feeds us and tearing down the idols that we build. Our minds are renewed and our hearts are filled with truth. Truth that shows us that we have value beyond measure, love without ending, and acceptance no matter what our home looks like or the status of our bank account or the behavior of our children.

Our desire for perfection is fully met in our perfect Savior. He was perfect in all He did and part of our salvation is the imputation of his righteousness to us.

How Do We Find Peaceful Living?

If we want peace in our circumstances, fruitfulness is our work, and the achievements of our goals, then we need to look to Jesus. He not only saved us  from sin, death, and hell, but also from a life of worldly-mindedness and our attempts to make ourselves perfect. This is grace upon grace.

The temptation to find perfection in this life is real and it is persuasive. Combating this desire for perfectionism is a spiritual battle that is waged by faith in the truth.

I am learning that while I will not find perfection in this world, I have found it in Jesus. And that is a better kind of perfection. One that I cannot lose.

*Let’s talk: Have you ever experienced this vain pursuit of the perfect life? How did it affect you?

Blessings,

Jen

Author informationJen ThornContributor

I grew up in Germany and spent a few years as a missionary kid in Africa. I ended up at Moody Bible Institute where I met my husband and best friend. We have been married 16 years and have 2 boys and 2 girls. I love theology and have a passion to help women take their walk with God to a deeper level. You can find Jen on her blog,

 JenThorn.com.

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To My Daughter: A Good Man is Worth Waiting For

It’s not easy being young.

Especially when you’re a girl and eagerly looking forward to the upcoming Hoedown on Saturday night.

She had no trouble picking out a blouse or borrowing a cowboy hat from a friend.

But finding the perfect denim skirt? That was another matter.

Our daughter looked up at me with pleading eyes, “Please, Mama, can we go thrift shopping for a skirt? I have the outfit all pictured in my mind. Please….?”

Oh, how I wanted to help her out.

I mean, on the one hand, it wasn’t a big deal, right? Just another Saturday night event at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

The Ranch of Rescued Dreams.

But then again, it kinda is . . . when you’re a fun-loving, dreamy girl. And it’s not been so very long that I don’t remember what that’s like.

So I honestly wanted to do this for her. But I couldn’t.

My day was more-than-filled and I couldn’t see how to pull it off. I tried to soften the blow and let her down easy. It’s true, earlier in the week I had told her I’d take her. But what could I do . . . ? Sometimes plans change.

I was searching for sympathetic words for the dear girl when I heard him speak up from across the room.

“I’ll take her,” he simply said.

That would be her dad talking.

We both glanced over at him – somewhat surprised.

“Umm…Honey? You’re so sweet to offer, but we’re talking thrift shopping here. And this is a work day for you. And you have a deadline to meet and . . . .” I had so many reasons why it didn’t make sense. Why he shouldn’t do it.

But it was already a done-deal.

He was grabbing his keys and they were going.

I watched the two of them drive off and I wondered if she’d always remember that day with her dad. If someday she’d look back at the old photos and remember searching nearly every thrift shop in our small western town. The perfect blue-jean skirt finally showing up at the last consignment store.

Happy smiles and holding hands. Daddy and daughter.

It wouldn’t be the first time I’d fallen in love with that man. But watching him drive away with that girl of ours had me spinning again.

Funny what love can look like.

When I first met my husband, I thought love looked like a tall, dark, and handsome man. Then it became a long, passionate kiss and deep conversations that went late into the night. Later on it meant holding a new baby in our arms and tucking sleepy children into their beds.

Now love looked like a busy man taking the day off work to rescue the small dreams of a young girl. Who is quickly becoming a woman.

I often thought of them – those two whom I love so dearly – throughout that day.

And I prayed that our daughter would someday find just such a man. A good man who understands the hopes and dreams of a woman. The kind of guy who’s willing to look after his girl. Who cares about her heart.

Hold out, my Darling, for that kind of man because he’s worth waiting for.

I pray this for all our dear daughters. For mine and for yours too.

I pray that she will wait for a good man. That she’ll know what love really looks like.

I pray that he’ll be one who loves Christ and loves her too.

Sacrificially and faithfully. Tenderly. A good man.

Yes, wait for him. 

In His grace,

 

 (This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

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Author informationLisaOwner at Club 31 Women

Lisa is the happily-ever-after wife of Matthew Jacobson and together they enjoy raising and home-educating their 8 children in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She's also rather fond of dark chocolate, French press coffee, and deep friendships (though not necessarily in that order). She encourages women to embrace the rich life of loving relationships and the high calling of being a wife and mother. Lisa is the author of 100 Ways to Love Your Husband and her husband is the author of 100 Ways to Love Your Wife. They are also the authors of several children's books, including a winner of the C.S. Lewis Silver Medal for Children's Literature.

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Whole Wheat Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce {& Sharing Love}

That time in the evening when my family starts to assemble in the kitchen is always one of my favorites times of the day.

Josh has come home from work and is often beside me in the kitchen helping me prepare our meal, and the kids are scurrying around grabbing placemats to set the table, assisting with dinner, and helping Christian (our two year old) decide which bib he wants to wear (because he’s opinionated).

We thank God for His many blessings before we dig in, and then the conversation goes from this to that.

We start off by talking about the day, and at least a few times a week, we go over a couple of tests Josh graded for Grace. As a family we explore what she did right, where she went wrong, and we all learn together.

Recently, we received a little magazine from Samaritan’s Purse called Prayer Point and have begun reading it after we’re halfway through our meal. The magazine focuses on highlighting areas around the world and specific people to pray for. We’re given their story and a picture of them so we know who we’re reading about, and it’s become a beloved event every week.

I’ve loved getting to know these believers and how I can specifically pray for them. Even more, I’ve loved how my kids have taken to remembering their names, asking questions about where they live, and what their environments are like.

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, the day of love.

When Jesus was asked what the most important commandment was He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind.” But He piggybacked on that commandment and said, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22: 36-40

Share Some Love

In the same way that Valentine’s Day should merely be a day to celebrate the love we show year-round, we should also love our neighbors daily.

Not just the neighbors next door, or the neighbors in our community, but also our neighbors from afar. Sometimes we can show our love by donating money, sometimes by donating time and volunteering, and sometimes simply by sharing encouragement and praying.

When we feel like we have nothing else to offer, we can always offer up our prayers. And when we know specific needs that we can picture with a name and face, I think the prayer is even more heartfelt (also, I think, easier for our children to understand and visualize).

You can also share some love with your sweetie by serving these Whole Wheat Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce for breakfast in bed Saturday morning . . . or perhaps serve a Valentine’s Day Brunch. . . and invite one of the widows in your church or neighborhood over to share in the meal . . . or your kids could make personalized Valentine’s cards and give a bouquet of flowers away!

*This Valentine’s Day, what are some ways you can show Christ’s love to your neighbors?

~ Chels {Catz in the Kitchen}

(For anyone who would like a copy of the Prayer Point magazine I referenced above, I found a form on Samaritan’s Purse’ UK website where you should be able to sign up.)

Print
Whole Wheat Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce


Author: Ellie Krieger for The Food Network
Recipe type: Breakfast



Serves: 20 pancakes
 

Looking for a healthier pancake with a natural syrup free of added sugars but still sweet enough to satisfy your breakfast cravings? You’ve come to right place!

Ingredients
Pancakes

1½ cups all purpose flour
1½ cups whole wheat flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
4 eggs
2 cups low fat buttermilk
1 cup skim milk
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla

Strawberry Sauce

16 oz strawberries, quartered
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp maple syrup




Instructions
Pancakes

Preheat oven to warm (170 to 200 degrees).
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In another large bowl, beat together buttermilk, eggs, milk, honey, and vanilla.
Preheat a large non-stick griddle or skillet to medium heat (medium-low on a gas range).
Gently stir or whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing only enough to combine them. The batter will be lumpy.
Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the griddle or skillet and spread it around evenly.
Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to ladle the batter onto the griddle or skillet. Flip the pancake when the top is bubbly and it is golden brown on the bottom.
Cook until the other side is golden brown. Hold on a cookie sheet in the oven until the entire batch is ready.
Serve stacked topped with strawberry sauce.

Strawberry Sauce

Puree strawberries in a blender to a smooth, slightly chunky consistency.
Heat the puree in a small saucepan over low heat, until they are just warm.
Stir in lemon juice and maple syrup and serve immediately.



3.2.2885















Author informationChelsia Rief

Chels is a born-again believer who dreams of living with all four seasons in Central Oregon. She's a wife and stay at home mom to her three vivacious kiddos whom she home schools. When she's not schooling or chasing after her munchkins, she enjoys reading, bubble baths, and finding clothing/kitchen treasure at thrift stores. But more than all of that, she finds refuge in her kitchen where she and her husband can be found cooking and baking up a storm for their family and friends. You can read more about her culinary endeavors at CatzintheKitchen.com.

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23 Tiny Things That Really Annoy My Mom

It all started in Costco . . . .

When one of our daughters bumped into me as we were walking into the entrance. I bristled a bit.

Then she bumped into me again a few yards later.

I looked over at her and informed, “That really annoys me, you know.”

She gave me that questioning look (you know the one).

So I elaborated, “Well, it’s like you’re knocking into my personal space and it bugs me.”

Neither of us spoke for a moment.

Until we both burst out laughing.

And she threatened to write a blog post about me.

Then she followed through with it and put together this list . . . .

*Shouldn’t I get extra points for resisting the urge to “edit” some of these? #don’tjudge 

23 Tiny Things That Really Annoy My Mom
by Cambria Jacobson (age 16)

1.   Bumping into her (literally) while walking around Costco.

2.   Hollering for her from across the house.

3.   Leaving the guest bathroom door hanging open.

4.   When we don’t match the few socks left at the bottom of the laundry basket.

5.   If  you hug her while she’s putting on her makeup.

6.   When we don’t use up the leftover oatmeal.

7.   When the piano in the front room doesn’t get dusted.

8.   If we forget and leave our homework spread out over the parlor (her place of “refuge”).

9.   When anyone - including daddy! – tries to tickle her.

10.  Those times when everyone waits until the last second to take down their laundry.

11.  When we girls talk and laugh until late and keep her and daddy awake because our bedroom is right above their room.

12.  When we kids suddenly decide we want snuggle with her…when she finally has a moment to read a book , or to rest.

13.   People knocking on her door during naptime (see #12 above).

14.   When we all watch a movie and the TV room is messy. That really bugs her

15.   When the heat is turned down in the car and she is freezing, but everyone else is roasting.

16.   When the boys insist on wearing the same sweatpants with holes in them….3 days in a row.

17.   When we let Jessie (the dog!) in the parlor and onto the carpet.

18.   Feeding Jessie (the same dog!) bits of her newly baked bread because he likes it.

19.  When people put their feet on the glass table in the parlor (goodbye “civilization”!).

20.  When the kitchen table doesn’t get wiped down.

21.  When she’s in the middle of cooking dinner and everyone – one after another – comes up to ask her what she’s making.

22.  When kids wander around  looking like they have nothing to do (especially if they haven’t done their chores yet!).

23.  If we ask questions, or talk to her about plans for the day . . . before she’s had her first cup of coffee.

There, that’s the list! 

~ Cambria Jacobson

Here’s Your Take-Away:

1.  Those things that bug you when they’re six? They might still bug you when they’re sixteen (possibly even more).

2.  It’s better to laugh than to cry (or yell).

3.  There’s no such thing as “personal space” when you’re a mom.

4.  You still won’t be getting much sleep, even when they’re teens (see #11).

5.  Be mindful that your kids might just write a blog post about you some day.

Now my husband is threatening to write a blog post, except that he said the title would probably be more like: 103 Tiny Things That Really Annoy My Wife.

Haha! Very funny, dear. (You can be pretty sure #23 will be on his list too.)

And so now you know. These are the tiny things that really bug me. 

I hope you won’t hold it against me and I hope we can still be friends.

Just, please, whatever you do, please don’t ask me what I’m making for dinner!

And I won’t ask you.

From one mom to another,

 

*Okay, your turn! Just for fun, what are some of those little things that annoy you…?

Cambria is the sweet girl on the front right. Jessie is the dog, front & center – where else?

 

 (This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get 2 FREE eBooks, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage and Raising Heavenly-Minded, Down-to-Earth Kids).

Author informationLisaOwner at Club 31 Women

Lisa is the happily-ever-after wife of Matthew Jacobson and together they enjoy raising and home-educating their 8 children in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She's also rather fond of dark chocolate, French press coffee, and deep friendships (though not necessarily in that order). She encourages women to embrace the rich life of loving relationships and the high calling of being a wife and mother. Lisa is the author of 100 Ways to Love Your Husband and her husband is the author of 100 Ways to Love Your Wife. They are also the authors of several children's books, including a winner of the C.S. Lewis Silver Medal for Children's Literature.

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