Lisa Jacobson's Blog, page 51

A Gift for the Woman I Love {An Uncommon Love: Chapt. 8}

*If you’re new here, this is an excerpt from Chapter 8 of An Uncommon Love – our true-life love story – that we share every Wednesday. You can catch up by reading Chapt. 1, Chapt.2 , Chapt. 3, Chapt.4, Chapt. 5, Chapt. 6, and Chapt. 7.

Chapter 8
A Gift for the Woman I Love
by Matthew L Jacobson

How can you fall asleep when the future looms before you like a burning summer sun?

Was this really happening? Was Lisa Michelle really the woman I had waited my whole life to meet? Was she truly the answer to “The Question”?

Of course she was, and yet at the same time, it seemed as though it couldn’t really be true, like a mirage in the desert – so inviting and something you desire so acutely that your mind tells you what you want to be true.

But it was true.

In my soul, truth was unfolding, pushing back the boundaries of parched sand to reveal, not a mirage but an oasis . . . my mind retracing that first meeting . . .

My clothing had been defenseless against the radiance of her spirit that night, an energy that said, “I really like you.” These past few days, it had penetrated to some place deep within my chest – an energy I willingly absorbed as her eyes danced about me and all through the night air like the bright elusiveness of stars, filling my quiet, solitary march through time with wonder and intrigue.

I could get lost in a universe like that – lost with no desire to be found.

To a famished man, a dry crust of bread is an object of desire . . . but place before that same man a banquet fit for a King and his soul cannot contain the reverence of wonder.

After all these years . . . really? This is happening to me?

And, that’s when it hit me.

God, you haven’t forgotten me . . . you’ve been thinking of me all along. You truly care about this lonely, single guy . . . amazing . . . just amazing . . . thank You.

Somewhere in the wee hours of the morning, before first light, my mind finally yielded to the uneasy rest of a man in hot pursuit of Love’s plans. The sheets nearly strangled me before I got up, thinking of all that had to be done before noon . . . . 

You can READ THE REST of this chapter over at Matthew L Jacobson!

*Chapter One: If He Was the Last Man On Earth
*Chapter Two: Where Is She? Searching for My Forever Girl
*Chapter Three: What Happens When Mr. Right Walks Into the Room
*Chapter Four: What A Smile Can Say to Him
*Chapter Five: The Best Answer If You’re Ever Invited on an Adventure
*Chapter Six: The Night I Fell In Love
* Chapter Seven: 1,000 Ways to Win Her Heart

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

The post A Gift for the Woman I Love {An Uncommon Love: Chapt. 8} appeared first on Club 31 Women.

The Very Best Gift to Give Your Child…and Yourself

Surely, she must have something to offer.

Some kind of gift that will bless or inspire others.

Creative.

Mathematic.

A Way-With-Words.

I see each of these gifts – and more – sprinkled among our other children.

But what about this one? This sweet girl. What would be her “gift”?

Creative?  No, she’s fairly simple in her tastes. Plays with her favorite toy for weeks.

Mathematic?  She’s 14 and can count to 40.

A Way-With-Words.  She’s talkative alright. But she’s rather repetitive. Says the same thing over and over again.

No, whatever gifts this young girl might have been endowed with were damaged before she was even born. Lost in a stroke. A long time ago.

So now what does she have to offer? 

Mostly she has to depend on everyone else for her needs. She has to have help to get dressed, to eat, to use the bathroom, and even to shower.

And it’s no small challenge to shower this dear child.

She’s nearly as big as I am these days and lifting her gangly, mostly-helpless 90 pounds is almost more than I can handle.

But when I flop her into her special shower-chair, she inevitably giggles and repeats her latest joke. It’s the one that always manages to make me laugh, no matter how many times I’ve heard it.

She loves to make me laugh.

In Christ Alone

Then she sings while I shower her.

Her favorite is “In Christ Alone” and s he belts it out loudly and enthusiastically.

Also, painfully off-key but beautiful in its own way.

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

When we’re all done and she’s fresh and clean, she always – and I mean always –  gushes:

Oh, thank you, Mama, for showering me!

And she means it from the bottom of her heart. The same thing every time. Like she could hardly believe that I would be so kind as to shower her.

Which brings tears to my eyes.

It is my joy and my privilege. Why should I be thanked? I am her mother, after all!

Yet that’s how she is with pretty much everything: thank you, thank you, thank you.

She’s thankful for the drink of water you brought her.

Grateful for the lunch you made her.

Indebted to you for hoisting her into her bed.

This child has the gift of thankfulness.

So what if more of us chose this gift? 

I would be . . . 

Thankful for my husband. Focus on his good qualities and strengths.
So glad for the children God gave me. Not really minding the noise or mess.
Amazed at the house I live in. Not even noticing how desperately it needs new carpet.
Thrilled with each meal I eat. Three times a day, tasty and plentiful, really.
Grateful for my friends. So blessed by their love for me.
Delighted with my situation. I have so very much: can get my own drink of water and shower myself.
Rejoicing in God, my Savior. Astounded that He would redeem a wretch like me.

Yes, we probably all end up singing in the shower – loudly and enthusiastically – about what Christ has done for us.

And as He stands in victory

Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

~ In Christ Alone: Lyrics by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. ~

It would be like Thanksgiving AND Christmas all year round!

It would be the very best gift to give your child . . . and yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving, my dear friends!

Giving thanks,

 

(*From the Archives)

**I tell the story of our Special Girl here: A Light in the Darkness and my husband shares about it here: 3 Steps to Triumph in Your Trials.

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

100 Ways to Love Your Husband: A Life-Long Journey of Learning to Love

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

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Five Ways To Encourage Your Stressed Child

She graduated summa cum laude, but before the day we applauded her achievements there were approximately 36 months of fatigue and perseverance and anxiety that preceded them.

She would come home exhausted, grab a snack, and head straight up to her room. For three or four hours she would labor meticulously over homework. We would have to make her come downstairs to eat dinner.

And since she was a girl, there were lots of tears to go with those hard days of work.

We had a large ottoman in the living room at the time, and when things got bad she would stand at the end of it and do a full face plant on top of it, with arms flung out to the side in total exhaustion and despair.

We found that adorable.

Here’s what I learned as a mom –you can’t do the work for your kid. Of course, for me that partly included my lack of intelligence and the fact that I had not been able to help her with schoolwork since about third grade.

Our kids have to go through their hard times of struggle and labor, and we need to let them do this.

But we can come alongside them, kind of like a chase vehicle in a bike race. So here are some things I did to encourage my children through their hard days…

Five Ways To Encourage Your Stressed Child

Quietly open the door, without saying anything, and put a plate full of hot chocolate chip cookies on the desk next to her. Don’t forget the milk. (Really, this is all it takes to receive mother-of-the-year award.)
If possible, make her comfortable where she is. I used to heat the rice bag for my daughter and go lay it on her shoulders while she was doing homework. (We live in cold Montana, so this was comforting.)
You know all those chores you hound her to do? Take over some of those for the day.
Praise her work ethic. I would say something like, I always hoped you would grow up to be a hard worker, and now you’re doing it. Not many young people have a good work ethic these days, so I’m proud that you do. An employer is going to really appreciate that quality in you someday.
Assure your child you love her separately from her achievement. I remember sitting in the car with my daughter one day, and she was teary because she thought she might get a low grade in a class (which for her meant a B. The horror.) I said, You know, your dad and I love you so much. Even if you get a B or a C or flunk, we still love you. It’s okay.

We all must go through hard times, but when we follow Jesus He comes close to us and gives us all the resources and strength we need to plug away toward our own completion and maturity.

As we allow our children to work and struggle, while we come alongside them with encouragement and comfort, we are mirroring this work that God is doing in our lives through Jesus.

*What support and encouragement does your child need from you today?

Christy Fitzwater is a pastor’s wife south of the border (Canadian, that is.) She has two children –a newly married daughter and a son who is a senior in high school, although she is in denial about the latter. Christy is a librarian’s daughter and an English major who loves the smell of a new book and freshly sharpened pencils but who occasionally can be seen in a kayak as her one claim to athleticism. Living in Kalispell, Montana she teaches high school Spanish at a Christian school in the afternoons and spends the mornings writing her devotional blog, Off the Shelf. Her greatest desire is to help people know and understand who God is. You can also find her at Pinterest and Twitter.

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

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Gorgeous and Decadent! Nutella-Swirled Sweet-Potato Pie

Hey, it’s Chels again from CatzintheKitchen.com.

I know I’m sharing another Nutella-ish post again this week – I promise that I really don’t cook with Nutella all that often!

In fact, instead of baking with it, you can probably find me hiding in the kitchen with my back to the kids sneaking in a spoonful here and there!

But, I digress.

This is a new recipe I’m not only sharing with you today, but over at my site as well so you can make it (if you want) in time for the holidays.

I hope you enjoy it as much as my family did and have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving with your family!

As a family, we love to watch cooking shows on the Food Network channel. Primarily, the competition-based ones, though occasionally on a Saturday morning (if I’m awake early enough) you can find me watching The Pioneer Woman or Giada. But usually on Sunday evenings or the occasional weeknight, we’ll have a laid back dinner at the coffee table and watch Chopped or Cutthroat Kitchen.

A few years ago when we were watching Chopped, one of the contestants in the dessert round decided to make a sweet potato pie.

I was intrigued! From that moment on, I couldn’t get this pie out of my head.

What a great substitute it would make to the classic pumpkin pie for the holidays.

I usually volunteer to make a dessert for the holidays. I’ll help out in other areas too – I’ll make or bring rolls, stuffing, and once I even made a green bean casserole (though I don’t think it turned out very good). But 99.9% of the time, I’ll bring a dessert. Even if there are several desserts and even if I’m bringing another side dish – I’ll bring one more dessert with me because I love to bake and try new things.

As I tossed the idea of this pie over and over again in my head, I couldn’t help thinking it needed something else, though. I’m sure a sweet potato pie would have been incredibly delicious all on its own, but I’m all for mixing things up and trying new things that will give it that unexpected flavor that just deepens the whole bite.

Nutella to the rescue!

Not only does the Nutella give the pie a gorgeous appearance, but it also gives each bite a decadence.

It seems like a fancy desert with the swirling effect, but I promise you this pie is just as easy as the Libby’s pumpkin pie you make each Thanksgiving (unless you are lucky enough to have a family pumpkin pie recipe that you use!).

Print Nutella Swirled Sweet Potato Pie Author: Adapted from Allrecipes Recipe type: Dessert Serves: 8 slices   Ready for a totally different, more sweet-than-savory slightly nutty take on sweet potato pie? Dig in! Ingredients 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust 1 lb. sweet potato ½ cup butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup evaporated milk 2 eggs 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp all-purpose flour ¼ tsp ginger ¼ tsp cloves ½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract ½ cup nutella, warmed Instructions Boil sweet potato whole in skin for 40-50 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potato and remove the skin. Break apart sweet potato in a bowl. Add butter and mix well with your mixer. Beat in brown sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, flour, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth. Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust. In a microwave safe bowl, warm nutella for about 30 seconds and stir. Drop spoonfuls of the nutella over the pie and then using a butter knife, gently swirl the nutella in a figure eight motion. Don't over swirl. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.The pie will puff up like a scuffle and then sink down as it cools. Allow to cool for 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers. #version#

Bake and enjoy!

~ Chels

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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1,000 Ways to Win Her Heart {An Uncommon Love: Chapter 7}

“This is so good. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Like a good romance novel, only this tale is true.” ~ Darlene Schacht of Time-Warp Wife.

(*Here’s Chapter 7 of An Uncommon Love – our true-life love story. If you’re new here, you can catch up with Chapt. One, Chapt. Two, Chapt.Three, Chapt. Four, Chapt.Five, and Chapt. Six.)  

So now you know about the phonecall.

And what he said to his good friend, Greg.

I mean, about declaring that he’d met the woman he was going to marry and all that.

So Greg knows.

And you know.

But you realize that there’s still someone who didn’t know….

Um, yes, that would be me. I was still left wondering.

He loves me…he loves me not. He loves me…

He loves me not . . . ?

The Clock is Ticking

I wouldn’t want to put unnecessary pressure on the guy, but we only had 8 days, remember?

We met on Friday night. Did absolutely nothing on Saturday and Sunday.

Went to dinner together on Monday night.

Now we were already on Tuesday.

And I was flying back down to L.A. on Friday. Our clock was ticking. Ticking loudly as far as I was concerned.

On Tuesday morning I went out for coffee with a close friend of mine. We had both been single at Seminary, but she was married now and I had been a bridesmaid in her wedding (which should come as no surprise).

So we ordered our grande lattes at Starbucks down Hawthorne Street and I told her all about it.

About him, actually.

She let me gush on and on. About how I’d met him at the dinner party and how I believed that he was the man I’d marry. And how we’d been to dinner the night before. And how he’d asked me to accompany him to some isolated island off the coast of Canada.

She suspected that I might be in love. Imagine!

Then I tried to describe him to her. How charming and godly and interesting and funny and, well, good-looking I found him.

I searched for all the words.

But then I looked up and realized that all I needed to do was point to him. Because, sure enough, there he was. Right in front of us.

No, really. I’m not making this up.

We sat at  a table looking out on the street and there he was slowly driving past us. The very man!

What was he doing there? And why was he roaming the Hawthorne District?

He couldn’t have possibly have known that I would be there too. And, yet, what would bring us both to this same quaint spot in this small corner of Portland?

A mystery.

And I grew uncertain as to whether I liked all this Mystery . . . or not. 

A Romantic Lunch for Two

Matthew had arranged for us to have lunch that day at the historic Edgefield Manor, a county poor farm built in 1911 which had since been turned into a destination resort for the Pacific Northwest.

Poor farm, no more.

Now the Manor was a gorgeous spot for a romantic lunch and we were just the couple for it.

He pulled our chairs in close together and we immediately picked up where we’d left off the night before. I felt there was a new ease and depth in our conversation and I was ready for it. We jumped from one topic to another, sometimes both speaking at once. Laughing. Teasing.

But then the conversation turned toward how we had each spent our morning. It was easy to say where I’d been and how I’d enjoyed catching up with my girlfriend at the café. But what about him? What had he been up to?

And that’s when there was this sudden awkwardness. An inexplicable silence.

I couldn’t contain my curiosity any longer and blurted out, So what were you doing in the Hawthorne District this morning anyway?

More of a demand than a question.

He looked a bit surprised. Almost as if he’d been caught.

For a moment neither of us said a word.

Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a beautifully wrapped gift-box and handed it to me.

Apparently, his idea of an explanation of sorts.

For me?

(Dumb question, Lisa. Ugh.)

He didn’t answer but only quietly watched as I opened up the delicate little box.

I carefully lifted the lid and there in front of me was a most unexpected present. 

1,000 Ways to Win Her Heart

So are you ready for this?

The box held an exquisite bottle of Jean Patou 1000. A rather expensive perfume with the most lovely scent of rich, fresh-cut flowers. A “little something” he had picked up at The Perfume House on Hawthorne Street.

A little something, alright.

This was a new move and it was bold.

And I don’t mean the perfume at this point. I’m referring to the man.  What guy goes all out and offers such a daring gift? What if I didn’t like perfume? Or what if this simply wasn’t to my taste?

A risk-taker. 

Yet another word to add to my growing description of this mysterious man.

So what did it all mean? Did his little gift really mean anything at all? Maybe that was just him and he often went around giving girls a small bottle of pricey perfume.

How could I know??

Rather than feeling confident, his small surprise made me feel even less secure. Especially as it was unaccompanied by any declaration of love.

Where were the words to go with such a gift?

He seemed to be able to talk about nearly everything else: books, music, architecture, travels, and, oh yes, now perfume. But not about me. Or to put it more bluntly: how he felt about me.

And my need to hear it was growing by the day.

No, by the hour. Because we only had Wednesday and Thursday left now.

His silence on the subject of “us” was beginning to get to me.

We quietly parted ways after our long lunch together. But before leaving, he suggested that maybe the following day we could….?

But I suppose that’s his part of the story to tell.

To be continued . . . . See you next Wednesday for Chapter Eight then?

In His grace,

*Chapter One: If He Was the Last Man On Earth
*Chapter Two: Where Is She? Searching for My Forever Girl
*Chapter Three: What Happens When Mr. Right Walks Into the Room
*Chapter Four: What A Smile Can Say to Him
*Chapter Five: What to Say If You’re Ever Invited on an Adventure
*Chapter Six: The Night I Fell in Love

(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 the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

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How Training Your Child Can Bring New Peace into Your Home

Like dumpin’ bugs out of a jar.

That’s how their daddy often described it. Our little ones were prone to scatter and wander at will. Each of them with his or her own agenda, heading out in a different direction of their very own.

So full of fun. Free-wheeling. Independent.

And chaotic.

On the days that I wasn’t trying to make anything happen or get anything done – it wasn’t too bad.

But what if I was actually trying to accomplish something? Or go somewhere?

What then?

Then it was a challenge. I felt almost…helpless.

Like somehow these small people were determining my day. Determining my decisions.

Rather than the other way around.

And it didn’t set right with me.

Nor did it settle so well with them. There was this slightly out-of-control feeling to the whole enterprise and so they whined. Fussed. Tested.

And we often clashed.

Then I heard my dear friend from Texas say something that changed my world. Or at least changed my perspective.

I overheard her telling her child in an oh-so-soft, sweet, and….um…firm voice:

Darlin’, you just need to get on my train.

(Accent is optional, but adds an unmistakable charm.)

She smiled and she was warm. She also knew where she was going and what she was doing.

Her children knew it too. They were secure in her plan for them.

Well, that’s what I wanted for our children. I didn’t want to drag them, pull them, or push them.

I simply wanted our young ones to get on board.

Looking for Your Children to Get On Board?
1.   Prepare with prayer.

Before launching a new approach, make sure it’s covered in prayer. Even the best plan is only effective as far as it’s carried out in Christ’s strength.

2.   Go slowly.

Especially at first. If your children have basically had free rein of the place? Then slowly add structure. For instance, the first week you might add set meal times. Then naptimes and bedtimes. And when that’s in place, add specific chores or responsibilities – even if it’s only finding their shoes or picking up toys. Then incrementally add on your other expectations until you’re well on your way.

3.   Stay cheerful.

This is a happy train! It really is. You’ve got good things in store for them. Remind them that you have a lovely plan for their little lives. Maybe they don’t “want” to nap? But you know better. You know this is what’s best for them.

It’s time to get ready to go somewhere? Line up what you want them to do and then help walk them through it.

Allow for plenty of time for training though. Don’t wait until the last minute to make your call.

4.   Remember, God appointed you the conductor of this train.

No need to apologize. This is where the “firm” part comes in. No need to make a big deal about it, but remain confident in what God has called you to do.

He’s asked you to be the parent and your child…well, to be the child.

He’s not designed that little one to be in charge – that’s just too big of a responsibility for those young shoulders.

5.   Keep the destination clear in your mind.

The goal is not to get things done. It’s not about getting places on time.

It’s about your child learning to yield his or her heart to your plans.

Much like they’ll be doing - is this not our hope? – to Christ Himself someday.

So why not encourage your young ones to get on board?

And then everyone enjoy the new peace it brings into your home!

Train up a child in the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it. ~ Prov. 22:6

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 the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

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9 Thanksgiving Tips {You’ll Be Truly Thankful For}

So I have some fabulous tips to share with you! 

You’re gonna just love these because they’ll help make for the best Thanksgiving ever.

But before I get there, I feel you should know a few things.

About Thanksgiving.

And me.

You should probably know that I’ve experienced some very disastrous Thanksgiving celebrations. 

As in really, really bad ones.

Like my first year as a new bride and I tried to serve our guests from Ethiopia “an authentic American Thanksgiving.”

Who happened to be Orthodox Christians.

Who can’t eat turkey (not kosher). Or green beans (made with bacon). But who graciously enjoyed what side dishes they could.

I felt just terrible. 

We ate a lot of mashed potatoes that year. 

Or like the year when all our guests starting arriving and I did a last minute check on the turkey in the oven. Only to find that my oven had decided to quit that day (oh, why?) and I pulled out a totally raw turkey.

Not good, my friends.

We nibbled on cold-cuts that year.

Or the year that we invited 50 people over for a grand Thanksgiving celebration . . . and our entire family woke up that morning with the stomach flu.

Everyone. Everywhere.

Picture 10 people all …. No, never mind. Don’t even try to picture it. Ick.

We didn’t eat anything  on Thanksgiving that year. 

And this lady is going to share tips on how to have a lovely Thanksgiving celebration?? 

Good point.

Okay, it’s true: we’ve had some pretty rough years.  But we’ve enjoyed many wonderful ones too and I really did learn some terrific tips along the way.

So are you ready for them?

9 Thanksgiving Tips
{You’ll  Be Truly Thankful For}
1.     Cook the Turkey Ahead of Time.

Now don’t gasp. You have to believe me because this is the BEST tip of the day. I realize it’s hard to let go of the traditional presentation of the whole turkey, but you’ll be so glad you did when you hear all the benefits. This tip alone reduces your stress 50% and makes everything so much easier.

If you cook the turkey ahead of time…

You don’t have the pressure of whether the turkey is done in time or not. Overcooked or undercooked. Or cooked at all (see above disaster story).
You can carve it up and display it all nicely on a platter – ready to be warmed up whenever you are.
You can have all that messy, turkey carcass mess all cleaned up before guests even think of arriving.

I’m telling you, it’s a beautiful thing!

2.     Make Mashed Potatoes The Day Before.

I know…similar theme to the one above. But you can even make them the DAY before. And here’s an added benefit: it creates even better mashed potatoes! Yep. Totally serious. Put them in your crockpot on low that morning and it makes for the creamiest, dreamiest mashed potatoes! People will want to know your “secret” – and it’s up to you whether you tell them or not.

 3.     Let Everyone Contribute to the Meal.

If we have guests (more on this later) and we nearly always do, I invite them to bring a part of the meal.  I will usually “assign” them a dish or two that I know will fill in the meal nicely—usually a side dish and a dessert. But even if it’s “just” family, we all pitch in together.

Bottom line: Never, ever try to do the entire meal yourself. It’s just not how it was meant to be.

Now for those who are starting to wonder: If she cooked the turkey and the mashed potatoes ahead of time AND her guests are bringing the other dishes…..What exactly is she doing on Thanksgiving Day? 

Precisely.

I am enjoying Thanksgiving Day! Yay!! 

4.    Try Putting Everything Out  Buffet-Style.

If you have a crowd - anything over 10 or 12 – then this can really simplify things for everyone. It can be nicely presented and I still like using my best china dishes (but that’s just me). Try it. It’s a great solution!

5.     Let the Kids Help Decorate.

If you have children, then this can be a very delightful part of the day. Even when our children were younger, they would make place-cards for each guest and color them with cute pictures of turkeys or pumpkins. I usually reserved one table for “grown-up” decorations, but I let our kids have at it everywhere else and their creative touches were always a big hit!

6.     Hold a Pie Contest.

So I admit that I was a doubter at first. This was actually first our daughter’s idea and I was none too sure about it. BUT it was a smashing success and great fun!

We invited everyone coming to bring a pie to enter the contest (if they wished to) and then assigned 2 “judges”. We even had small prizes for the winners and multiple categories from which to choose from: taste, presentation, creativity, etc. The judges (my 80-year-old father-in-law and a young man of 17) enjoyed the tasting and the “crowd” cheered them on. Talk about memory-making!

7.     Plan Games for the Young People.

Once again, I have my daughters to thank for this one. Have you ever noticed that there’s just not that much for kids to do on Thanksgiving? I mean, other than eat? So we’ve put together all kinds of games and activities—the pumpkin toss, bob-for-apples, card tournaments, and, our annual tradition, a little skeet-shooting (although this isn’t for everyone).

Oh, and I should mention, while I specified “young people,” all ages have entered into the fun and festivities! Not just for kids.

8.     Open Your Home and Table to Others In Need.

This one is my husband’s strong suit. He is always on the look-out for anyone who doesn’t have anywhere to go on Thanksgiving. Widows. Orphans. The estranged. Travelers. Families who’ve left their homes in other countries. They are all welcome at our table.

We hope it blesses them and I KNOW it blesses us. We’ve made some lovely friendships over our table that have lasted long past Thanksgiving Day.

9.     Share What You Are Thankful For.

So you maybe you think that this is obvious.

Perhaps it should be . . . but it’s not.

Countless people gather every year for “Thanksgiving” and never get around to actually giving thanks.  And I’m not simply talking about a short prayer before the meal begins. I mean sincerely and abundantly offering a word of thanks for all God has done for us.

So let’s make sure this is an essential part of our celebration.

Here are a few ways to give thanks together:

Go around the table and ask each person to say what they are thankful for
Send out “I am thankful for….” cards to your guests in advance and read them after dinner together
If you have placecards, ask your guests to write their thanks on the back of them
Leave out a “guestbook”  for the specific purpose of friends and family to write in their thankfulness

*BONUS TIP:

Don’t wait until Thanksgiving Day to be thankful. Fill your heart and your home with gratitude for all the many blessings God has given you all year-round.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. ~ Psalm 136:1

*So how about you? What other helpful tips would you add to my list here? I love hearing your ideas!

Giving thanks,

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

The post 9 Thanksgiving Tips {You’ll Be Truly Thankful For} appeared first on Club 31 Women.

Yummy! Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Nutella Swirled Blondies

*Okay, everyone meet Chels! I’ve been wanting to introduce her to you for a while now! You’re gonna just love her. And her recipes. Even if you never make her recipe (but you really should, if at all possible), you’ll enjoy reading her commentary—which is about as delicious as the food she makes! So, here she is – enjoy! ~ Lisa

Hi everyone, I’m Chels from catzinthekitchen.com and I’m so excited and honored to be here sharing some of my favorite recipes with you!

I first met Lisa this past summer at a homeschooling conference where she and her family spoke. I was so encouraged by not only the wisdom she shared, but by the testimony her daughters gave about growing up in their home and the way they were raised. Soon after the conference, I subscribed to Lisa’s and Matthew’s blogs, and starting stalking following her on social media… (which I would recommend you all do, by the way – the following, not the stalking!)

At any rate, I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite little desserts with you today…more to come! Enjoy!

Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip Nutella Swirled Blondies

I love my husband to pieces.

He does a lot of really sweet things for me on a daily basis that just proves his faithfulness to me. He sets out a coffee cup and leaves me a note every morning before he goes to work. He NEVER leaves the toilet seat up. He picks up after himself. The list goes on. If I were to make a list, his pro’s would far outweigh his cons.

But we all have cons.His indulgent snack of choice is peanut butter slathered on toast and dotted with chocolate chips.

This snack drives me crazy because it means he is dipping into my supply of chocolate chips!

They are for baking. Not snacking on! #men #foodbloggerproblems

Anyway, Josh reminded me that we had some creamy peanut butter from Trader Joe’s in the pantry I needed to use before it expired. My first thought was to make cookies.

I love cookies. Like OBSESSED!

But, I didn’t really have the time to experiment with a cookie recipe. I was short on time. Then my mind switched from brownies to blondies! I LOVE BLONDIES!

I love the color, the flavor, the texture. You name it. Plus, with a fun name like Blondie, how can you go wrong?

I thought it was a genius idea to kind of take my husband’s favorite snack and turn it into something really awesome. The blondies needed something else though.

Nutella, duh! I had just enough leftover in my container to swirl on top of the mixture. YUM-O!

Seriously, these smelled so good while they baked. The girls and I could barely keep our hands off of them while they cooled.

Of course, I got to sample the finished product ahead of time so I knew whether they were good enough to take pictures of. They certainly smelled good enough.

They tasted even more amazing though!

These lasted maybe 2 days in our house, but only because we started cutting the pieces in half to make them last longer.

I was a little worried about how Josh would react to these because he doesn’t understand Nutella.

Who doesn’t understand Nutella?

It’s amazing and full of magic! Anyways, I added the Nutella for me, not for him anyways.

But he ended up loving these so it goes down as a win for me!

I’m already planning on making these again soon. But I think I need to buy the giant sized container of Nutella from Costco first.

Print
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Nutella Swirled Blondies


Author: Chelsia Rief
Recipe type: Dessert



Serves: 9 bars
 

Homemade chewy blondes mixed with creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips get topped with smooth, nutty Nutella – a peanut butter and chocolate lover’s dream come true!

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
⅓ cup Nutella, warmed
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chip morsels




Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking dish with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
Cream butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar together using the paddle attachment of a stand mixer. (Also can be done with an electric mixer.) Beat in egg and vanilla until combined.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, and baking powder. Pour into peanut butter mixture and beat until combined. Beat in chocolate chips.
Pour and press mixture into prepared baking dish. Scoop Nutella into a bowl and heat in the microwave for about 30 seconds, just until warm and spreadable. Drop Nutella by spoonfuls all over the mixture. Gently use a knife to swirl the Nutella over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely. Remove foil from baking dish, cut into squares and serve.



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Bake and enjoy!  

~ Chels

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.

• Follow Catz on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram! •
 

The post Yummy! Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Nutella Swirled Blondies appeared first on Club 31 Women.

The Night I Fell in Love {An Uncommon Love: Chapter 6}

*If you’re new here, this is an excerpt from Chapter 6 of An Uncommon Love – our true-life love story. You can also catch up by reading Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four, and Chapter Five.

Chapter 6
The Night I Fell In Love
by Matthew L Jacobson

I drove down I-84, through the Columbia Gorge, snaking my way up the canyon wall to peer into the vastness of the night sky from some nondescript roadside vantage point. I like looking up at the stars in moments like these.

Somehow, the impossible distances that look like inches to the naked eye brings my world into perspective.

Lisa had said “yes” and we were going to dinner tomorrow evening.

Suddenly, the future I desired with another kindred soul who would naturally, instinctively, and irresistibly intertwine with mine no longer seemed light years away.

On that vibrant, crisp night, the message about Lisa was not clear . . . just not negative . . . possible, even . . . and that, in itself, was a seismic shift from what had always been . . . that’s significant, isn’t it, Matthew?

A little fresh air, a quiet drive into the stillness of the late evening toward home – time to review and reflect on the events of the dinner party.

. . . the streetlight . . .

Yes, we stood together, then . . . as the streetlight filled her dancing eyes with the full spectrum of life, reflecting back into my soul the energy of a possible future.

Light . . . like a man feels heat when his hand strays too close to the open flame, I could feel the intensity of it’s growing beam everywhere around me.

It’s the story of the moth . . . I would not play the moth . . . be careful.

But, how, exactly are you to be careful when atop a lava flow? Monday just the two of us would be present – alone in the bustling restaurant – fiercely casual, ardently testing the night’s essence without the camouflage of distraction provided by the safe presence of other couples. Yeah, you have to be careful around lava.

Those who care about others know the Territory of Love is strewn with the wreckage of damaged hearts and hopes deferred. That was the last journey I wanted to take . . . or cause someone else to endure.

But, there’s no getting around it, is there?

No wonder the Bible calls it a mystery . . . the way of a man with a maid.

You can read the rest of this chapter over at Matthew L Jacobson!

 

*Chapter One: If He Was the Last Man On Earth
*Chapter Two: Where Is She? Searching for My Forever Girl
*Chapter Three: What Happens When Mr. Right Walks Into the Room
*Chapter Four: What A Smile Can Say to Him
*Chapter Five: The Best Answer If You’re Ever Invited on an Adventure

*If you would like these posts delivered directly to your inbox, simply subscribe below (and get the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

The post The Night I Fell in Love {An Uncommon Love: Chapter 6} appeared first on Club 31 Women.

FREE Printable: 21 Questions Your Son Really Needs You to Ask Him

You see this boy here?

He’s my quiet one. He’s usually got way more on his heart and mind than you would first guess.

I find that I have to prompt him a bit. To get the conversation going.

And I’m always surprised at how much goes on inside that young man—the things he’s excited about, the stuff he’s worried about, and the adventures he wants to go on.

You just wouldn’t guess.

I have to ask him about it.

To prompt him a bit with a few questions.

Then there’s this guy.

NOT my quiet child.

Nope, this one’s a talker. He’s also got lots on his heart and mind. He’d be glad to tell you all about it – and more – if you’d like to hear it.

And you know what’s interesting about him?

Yes, he’ll be happy to chatter on and on with you. But if you want to know what he is really thinking and really feeling?

You guessed it.

You have to ask him.

And then you have to listen. Just listen. 

Either way – whether quiet or a talker – that boy of yours?

Your son really needs you to start the conversation. He wants you to ask him.

And he wants you to really care. 

21 Questions Your Son Really Needs You to Ask Him

As a follow-up to the recent post, 21 Questions Your Son Really Needs You to Ask Him, here is a FREE printable!

Simply click the link below the picture to download your printable:

Click here to download: Printable – 21 Questions Your Son Needs You to Ask Him

Blessings on you and your own sweet guy!

In His grace,

P.S. Also:   21 Questions Your Daughter Really Needs You to Ask Her 

(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 the FREE eBook, The 7 Habits of a Highly Fulfilling Marriage).

The post FREE Printable: 21 Questions Your Son Really Needs You to Ask Him appeared first on Club 31 Women.