Blessings

I'm moving...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:58:00 +0000

to Word Press! Though I've enjoyed my time at Blogger, it's time for a change and after playing around at Word Press, I decided it was just what I needed. You will still be able to read old favorites here for awhile--I'm learning that moving my posts isn't as easy as it sounds--and I'll keep this open until my new site is fully functioning.

So, follow me to: http://ohhowhappy.wordpress.com/

See you there!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:00:00 +0000

You're six today and off with Dad watching fireworks. He watched fireworks with me, too, the night before you were born. You are somewhat of a fire cracker yourself. Surprising, illuminating, beautiful. I'm so glad you were born!

Happy Birthday, Roo!

Views from Vacation...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:38:00 +0000

We're only home for a few hours to do laundry and re-pack, but here are just a few of the highlights from part one of our summer vacation.

Isn't my cousin a stunning bride?!?!

Cousins at the lake

Rolling down the dunes

He likes the sand more than the surf

They've been working on the railroad

More to come later this week!

An Open Letter of Thanks to My Swim Suit

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:33:00 +0000

Dear Swim Suit,

I just wanted to thank you profusely for your recent service to my strong sense of modesty. I am so grateful that you not only covered all the appropriate places, but also provided the additional task of staying in place during a poorly timed series of waves. You went above and beyond your job description when my son needed to nurse--thanks for being flexible and accommodating for about 20 minutes. Lastly, if you would share my gratitude with your team mate Elastic, I would appreciate it ever so much. She really hung in there for me and I couldn't have survived our family vacation without her help.

Sincerely,
Jen Henze

Crawling!

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:41:00 +0000

After months of hard work, Samuel is now crawling! This is a huge achievement for him and a very proud moment for us. I almost cried and all the girls clapped and cheered as we watched him crawl across the room over and over again.

When your child is struggling and you are praying through each little movement and motion, it's sometimes hard to be happy for other parents as they share how their babies are developing normally (or even ahead of the curve). It's especially hard when those same parents don't realize or forget that our days are filled with special exercises and equipment and extra appointments and therapists, all designed to help your child do the very thing they are describing. Spiritually speaking, I realize that my reaction to others needs some work. It isn't realistic for anyone else to be as invested in my child's development, not should I expect our friends and family to walk on egg shells around us. I can, however know that God our Father is intimately interested in our son's struggle and achievements. He listens and cares about all that is going on with our boy. After all, He designed Sam's life!

So, we are rejoicing today in a milestone achieved and I am feeling justifiably humbled concerning my heart attitude. Thanks, Lord, for visible evidence that You are working in our son's life. Thank You for reminding me that You are the only One I need to turn to for support and concern. Forgive me for being overly sensitive. Help me to rejoice whenever one of Your little ones grows--however that happens. Just thanks for being all that I need all of the time...In Jesus' Name, Amen.

The Impatient House Seller

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:33:00 +0000

I'm discovering that selling our house isn't easy. Not that I thought it would be a snap, but I figured if God was leading it would all just fall in place and happen rather easily and peacefully. Hmph. (That's my mystified shrugging of the shoulders.)

First, we cleaned like crazy people. We were obsessed. Like the President or Queen or both were coming to dinner. Like our lives depended on it. We put furniture in the garage and our floors were literally clean enough to eat off of. It was exhausting. The photographs were taken and turned out lovely. In fact, they really make our house look, well, like someone else lives here.

About a minute after the photographs were taken, we all sighed and the house basically let out her gut and the dust began to accumulate again. Then we got busy making the necessary repairs before our first open house. Replacing columns on the front porch, replacing the ceiling in our living room, painting the porch, cleaning up the landscaping, pressure washing the basement floors, cleaning out the sewer line (thank you , Mr. Plumber for going the extra mile--literally!) My poor husband has been working around the clock--sometimes through the night--to get things in order. Now, we have to clean the house yet again for the open house this Sunday. Oh, and did I mention we are leaving for our vacation this Friday as well?

I'm confirming my suspicions that I am an incredibly impatient person at heart. I want to know when the house will sell, for how much, where we are moving, what color the grass will be in that yard, whether or not we can raise chickens, whether or not I need to save all my extra curtains, how big the closets are...can you tell I'm a detail person?! But, worrying and being anxious is sin and sin gets in the way of seeing all that God is doing. As a reminder to myself (and maybe to encourage someone else in the process!), here is a list of some of the things I've seen God doing:

--Although it has been exhausting work, we've been able to do it! Every tool and supply we've needed has been found either in our garage or been lent to us by a family member.
--Our family has been AMAZING spending lots of their own time and money traveling to our house to help us complete the projects.
--God has supplied all the extra money we've needed to carry on with our projects. We haven't gone hungry or had the electricity turned off:) We've even been able to share some of our abundance with others!
--Charlie and I have been able to study Proverbs together as we have been praying through our decision to sell this house. It's been good to make time to study together again.
--We have a wonderful realtor, Jane, who is fast becoming a friend.
--We're still going to be able to have a nice family vacation this summer.
--Every time we have felt overwhelmed or discouraged, a friend or brother or sister in Christ has come alongside us to encourage us and help us continue.
--Our kids are resilient.

Thanks, Lord, for being with us in all this. Help us to be faithful and to have complete faith in You and what You are doing...even when and especially when we can't see. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Keeping Up Appearances

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:34:00 +0000

Our realtor, Jane, came to take photographs of the house last Thursday. After she left, I was walking around the house enjoying the once-in-a-blue-moon-ness of our house being ultra clean. It used to really shine BK (Before Kids), but now I'm happy if the dishes are washed, beds are made and the laundry is (mostly) done. Really, our house looked almost foreign to me. We've removed a few pieces of furniture to make things a little less cluttered and we've already started the lengthy process of sorting our stuff into three piles: keep, donate, pitch. I'd like to argue there should be another category: where did this come from?

One of the challenges of putting our house on the market is being prepared for others to see our house at a moment's notice. I can pull the house together well for a planned birthday party or a planned sleepover, but this spur-of-the-moment thing is a stretch for me. I mean I need time to hide things.

When the photos appeared online late Friday night I had the sense I was looking at someone else's house (and let's be honest, I really want this to be someone else's house very soon!). Where were all the toys and books and papers and crayons and mess that follows our family wherever we go? I suppose that's all part of the strategy of marketing our home to another family--make the house feel warm, inviting, clean, but impersonal.

I do that spiritually, too. On the outside, I want to present a good impression. I'm a super mom who has it all together. I'm a good wife, daughter, friend. I love Jesus. I cook, I clean, I sew, I launder, I teach, I pray. I'm the whole package. But those are the planned moments. There are other moments--when my kids are arguing through the entire grocery store culminating in me stomping my foot at them just as our pastor's wife rounds the corner. Or, when I say something harsh and argumentative to my husband not realizing he's got a young woman on the phone holding for me--the same young woman I've been giving marriage counseling to for weeks. Or, when after my friend listens to my newest diatribe on diapers and fabric softener for 30 minutes, she mentions casually that she's struggling spiritually and I realize I've just wasted all the time we both have talking about nonsense. My outward appearance doesn't match the inner heart. And it's grieving. Grieving because it isn't a reflection of Jesus but a reflection of a false image--really a false god, the god of self.

I want to work on that. Check that-- I want God to work on that in me. I want my outside to match my inside, even if it means not measuring up to anyone else's standards. Even if it means sacrificing the appearance I've worked hard to present. Especially if it means that Christ becomes greater and I become smaller.

Lord, help me to be more like you. Change me. Really, I'm begging You to change me. Conform me into Your likeness and image--into a loving, caring, Christ-sharing person. Into who and what You have planned for me to be. Forgive me for my selfishness. Forgive me for my carelessness. Forgive me for worshipping myself instead of You. Change my heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Changes

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:28:00 +0000

We've felt it for almost 4 years now. That persistent nagging feeling that God has more for us and that change is coming. Several times in the past, we've thought the moment had arrived only to have God's will confirmed that we were to remain just where we were at. This time is different. It's time for things to change...

We're selling our house. Though we have a lovely, old Victorian-era home with plenty of space for the kids to play and grow, it's just time to move on. When we purchased this home we were newly married and childless. We filled our home with homeless people, college students, friends, relatives, basic strangers, and even a band or two--all who needed a place to rest weary heads and hearts. There was purpose in living in and paying for a large home. Now that the Lord has filled the home with children, our focus and attention has shifted. We are growing children and building character and we feel the Lord drawing us in a different direction. It's just time to move on.

So, if you think of us over the next few weeks and months, please pray for the sale of our home. Though we don't know where we will land next, we are certain and reassured that our loving Father is in complete control. Please pray that the sale of our home would go over smoothly and with as little disruption and confusion as possible. Pray for peace.

Father, Thank You for our home. Thank You for filling it with so many good and pleasant things. Please provide a buyer for our home and quickly! We are eager to step out in faith with you on our next adventure together. Thank You for my husband and children and that You are allowing us to travel together through this. Praise to You, Jesus! Amen.

Delayed

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:06:00 +0000

Sweet boy with the emerging curls. With the one-tooth grin. Who always greets me with a smile. Who pulls my hair and pinches my arms. With the big eyes, taking it all in. Sweet, sweet boy.

In His wisdom, God delayed your arrival. You are the last of this womb. Somehow that delay is so fitting. You belong at the tail end of this train, making things complete.

Our meeting was delayed. I saw you for what seemed a mili-second before they whisked you off to the part of the hospital where God truly works miracles. It was hours before I saw a glimpse of your helpless little body, shrouded in tubes and wires and monitors. Days before we could really touch, skin to skin. But, each time our eyes locked His presence overwhelmed me.

Intimacy was delayed. It was weeks and weeks before I could recognize patterns and cues that make you unique. I'm still learning and trying to understand...

Emotions were delayed, bottled up to be poured out later, when they could be fully grasped.

And now, more delays in your development. Understandable, considering your rocky start to life, but I see how it frustrates you day after day. We learn together and rejoice together when you reach a hard-fought goal.

So, we wait together, you and I, in this wonderful suspension. Watching the world pass by at lightning speed. And I think God planned this delay, this slower pace so I could slow down for you and and to notice the real miracles He is performing every day. And so you wouldn't have to hurry and scurry out of the newness of life.

I love you, sweet boy.

What I've noticed...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:56:00 +0000

...the less time I spend with my kids in their normal routine and rhythms and the more activities and extras we throw into the mix, the worse their behavior and mine is.

...I can't make up for my bad behavior and sharp tone by giving my kids extra book reading and an Oreo. I have to sincerely apologize and also repent in my heart to make it right. I really do have to walk the walk and talk the talk.

...the grass is waaay greener on my side of the fence.

...my kids are really well-behaved in general, so I need to be consistent and persistent in both their spiritual training as well as behavioral training. Though it is tiring, it must be working!

...God is always big enough to handle whatever I'm facing. Always.

Thanks Lord for new and improved perspectives from Your Word. Thank You for not letting me "think I know" what You think and who You are, but rather showing Yourself to me clearly through Your Word. I love that about You and I love that You know just exactly what to say to soothe me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Mental Health Day

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:38:00 +0000

I'm alone in my house. All day. Alone.

Okay, I had to re-read that and pinch myself to make sure this is reality and not a really, really nice dream. I love my children, but I'm completely enjoying this mental health day! My good friends took all four kiddos for the entire day so I could get some work done (more on that later this week) and I am enjoying the solitude and time to reflect and think. Instead of posting all the things God has been sharing with me today (I don't want to spend all day at the computer!), I'll share this e-mail my very best friend sent to me this afternoon:

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17.. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

The Path

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:19:00 +0000

Psalm 16:11You will show me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 25:4Show me Your ways, O LORD;Teach me Your paths.

Proverbs 3:6In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Isaiah 42:16I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, And crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, And not forsake them.

Our piano teacher lives on a numbered county road. It isn't all that far from town, but far enough that you can't hear much traffic or noise except neighbors and this time of year especially, there are lots of farmers passing by with their implements. We always take the same route to her house and the same route home. Emma and Ruthie each take a 30 minute lesson once a week, so I have an hour of time with the two young ones to run errands. Today, after dropping the girls off for their lesson, I decided I really wanted to know where the rest of the piano teacher's road went. I had some ideas about where it might lead, but I wasn't sure. I told Olivia we were going on an adventure and off we went.

Turns out, about a half mile down, the road dead ends into a gravel driveway forcing you to turn either right or left onto another county road I was already familiar with. Some adventure. We basically saw some fields and houses on a stretch of road and then landed pretty close to WalMart. Big deal.

But, it got me thinking about our journey through life. Charlie and I are facing some choices about our next path in life and we've been carefully weighing all our options and trying to imagine the outcome of each road we could potentially travel. Of course we want to please the Lord and want Him to choose for us but, sometimes I think God wants to reveal something of greater importance--the desires of our hearts. What are we really seeking? What is it that we really want? Is it really to serve the Lord with gladness, or only to serve Him when it's comfortable and easy? What if His path takes us down an unexpected gravel road, to a place that's completely foreign? Are we still desiring to serve Him wholly?

On our way back to the piano teacher's house, I called Charlie and left him a message:
"Hi, honey, it's me. I love you. I just wanted to tell you that I don't really care what road we take as long as we're together and the Lord is leading. Wherever we go, whatever we do, it's fine with me. It will be an adventure!! I love you. Bye."

So, even if the road God has for us is really just a more scenic route back to the familiarity of life, I'll gladly travel it. Especially since He's given me so many amazing people to travel with!

Thank You, Lord for the adventure of life in You. I know You have a plan and that You are in complete control of all things. Above all else, let us glorify You. Drive all personal aspirations and desires out of our hearts and minds and allow us to serve You with whole hearts, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Encouragement

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:57:00 +0000

I've struggled with homeschooling so much over the last few years...from not knowing where to begin to battling others' comments to comparing and being compared to public school kids to wondering if what we were doing was working. I just have to share good news! Emma just returned from her visit to school and her future teacher shared with me that she was able to keep up with second and third grade students just fine! In fact, she wondered if second grade material would be challenging enough for her or if we might want to just skip ahead a grade or two! I told her Charlie and I would pray about that and talk with her over the summer, but I was sure we didn't want her to "skip grades." Maybe just work ahead...
But, it was encouraging to hear that after much struggle it hasn't been in vain and contrary to popular opinion and the competitive spirit of other mothers, my child is doing above average. Not only that, we as her parents have been given great wisdom from the Lord concerning her education, learning style and spiritual gifts. I heard that gentle reminder from the Holy Spirit all year long and it sustained me. I'm just thankful for the audible...

Thank You, Lord for the encouragement today. Bless Emma and bless her teacher and classmates next year. And thank You for showing me how great You truly are and what You have been doing behind the scenes. Thank You for pulling it all together into one big picture for me today. I needed that and I know You know that, too. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Firsts and Lasts

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:30:00 +0000

Emma is at school today.
Even re-reading that sentence gives me a lump in the back of my throat. After lots of prayer and discussion, Charlie and I have chosen to enroll her in our church's small, private Christian school this Fall. So, today she is having a visiting day to meet her teacher and see what a day at school is like--though the end-of-school spirit was palpable when we drove up! She seems so mature and grown-up at home, but she looked so small and vulnerable as I was walking away. It took all my energy not to scoop her up and smother her with hugs and kisses. I was guessing that even in a small, safe, Christian environment that wasn't quite the right response:)
I've given a lot of thought to what sort of schedule we will have to adhere to in the Fall and this morning I decided to try it out. This is what I've discovered after only one morning:
1. Get up earlier--both me and the kids.
2. Go to bed earlier--both me and the kids.
3. Make sure there is gas in the van the night before.
4. Pray, pray, pray.

Emma was really excited when we told her about school. She is bright and eager to learn and I have every confidence that she will do exceptionally well next year. Still, it was hard to watch my "baby" settle in for learning somewhere other than home. I've really spent a lot of time praying that God will help me trust His leading. This is the right decision for her and for all of us. It's just hard to let go.

But, I am excited about the possibility of focusing more intently on Ruthie's studies next year and so is she. At first, she was put out that she wouldn't be at school as well, but when I explained that she would have my undivided attention all week long, she lit up. I know she's been craving "mommy time" for awhile now. She's been working on a list of things she'd like to do next year. Many of them are things Emma does now, but she's beginning to come up with her own ideas:
1. Type the grocery list each week.
2. Learn to make bread.
3. Walk the dog.
4. Read a chapter book.
5. Learn all the books of the Bible.
6. Study Esther.
7. Dance.
8. Do harder math.
9. Write letter to people in our family.
10. Go to the zoo....a lot!
I think we can accommodate all those items and then some!

Anyway, today is about firsts and lasts and while I am feeling a little sentimental about this summer being our last one with all the kids in home school, I am so excited about all the firsts the future holds as well. We're trusting in the Lord with all our hearts and trying very hard not to lean on our own understanding, acknowledging Him in all our ways as best we can, knowing He is directing our paths. (Proverbs 3)

Why We Need The Light...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:06:00 +0000

Our power went out Sunday night. Word on the street was that a foil balloon got caught in some power lines a few streets over causing sparks to fly. But, that's the word from a nine year old...the same nine year old who may or may not believe Spider Man is an actual career choice.

Anyway.

We had a house full of little people--a few extras tossed into our usual gang for an impromptu sleepover--and no power. So, we sent them out to the backyard to launch their latest, greatest imaginary play. If you live near me, I'm sure you could hear the ruckus several blocks away. Charlie took our Crab-Boy for a walk to try to soothe his aching gums and ears while I attempted to clean up from a very busy weekend. It was twilight so I knew the light was fading. I also knew that with extra people in the house, some degree of cleanliness was required.

First, I opened all the curtains and doors to capture as much light as possible and then decided to work from the darkest areas to the lightest, picking up and putting away as quickly as I could manage. Though I was interrupted here and there with requests for drinks and the need to steer the girls' play-acting in a different direction (No, there are no vampire bats in the neighborhood and please stop including that as part of your story-line--you're scaring your sisters!), I managed to get quite a bit done...or so I thought.

The power finally came back on just as I had lit all the candles and was calling the kids in to get ready for bed. We turned on lights and the result of my efforts was apparent. Though obvious things we in their proper places--toys in bins and baskets, laundry in the hamper, dishes in the dishwasher--the tables and counters I had wiped down were streaky and still dirty and I had missed several items lurking in once dark corners of the house. The house was only half clean and therefore appeared to still be all dirty.

It got me thinking about how important light is...it illuminates our surroundings. Not only that but it drives away the mystery of darkness. Basically, you can't hide in the light.

And Jesus said He is the Light of the world...hmmm.

It's a good example to think through. As believers, we probably all know folks who are living in darkness. Even if they don't agree. It's so important that we keep perspective. Just like my housekeeping efforts, God doesn't want us to try to clean ourselves up in fading light, missing obvious filth and sin. He wants to illumine our souls--to show us the absolute ridiculousness of our situation. He wants us to understand that we, in our own efforts and under our own power, cannot possibly make ourselves clean. And then He gets to work cleansing us completely. There are no streaky counter tops or missed clutter. Our lives take on a shine and an orderliness that is impossible without Jesus Christ.

Since our powerless hours Sunday evening I've been thinking a lot about why Jesus calls Himself the Light of the world. And about how dark our world is becoming. It's twilight, I think. The Light is fading in our culture and God is calling us to let Him shine brightly through us to a lost and hurting world. It's challenging. Part of me wants to hunker down and stay blind to the world around me. It's a scary place full of scary ideals and sinful behavior. It's getting worse and worse each year. But, I think about how life changing it was to have the Light of God's love shine into the darkness of my own soul and how grateful I am that others were willing to be used in such a way that I came to understand how valuable I am to God and what lengths He will go to rescue me. And I want to be in that Light, working to make a bright place for others.

Light of the world, shine through me and in me. Make me useful for Your kingdom. Be glorified in all I do and say today and everyday. In Your name, Amen.

Kitchen Tip Tuesday: Storing and Freezing Bacon

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:43:00 +0000

We like bacon...maybe love bacon. But, in an effort to be a smidge more healthful we try to limit our consumption of our favorite salty, crispy breakfast meat. Last time we visited my grandparents, my grandfather showed off his latest, greatest culinary feat (boy, he is getting handy in the kitchen!). He showed me their stash of ready-to-go freezer bacon and I loved it! So, when our favorite brand of bacon went on sale recently, I stocked up and got to work.I started by prepping a large baking sheet with a very light coat of non-stick spray. I then took each individual piece of bacon and wrapped it around two of my fingers, forming a cutie little swirl. I then placed the swirls on the baking sheet, being careful to place them close together but not touching.

Once the sheet was full, I placed it in the freezer for about an hour. Then I placed the swirls in a freezer bag and--voila! I have 3 pounds of bacon prepared in individual portion sizes. Now, when we want a little taste of bacon but don't want to overdo it, we simply remove however many swirls we want and enjoy!
Thanks to Tammy for hosting Kitchen Tip Tuesdays! And thanks to PaPa for the great idea!

A Real Birds and Bees Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 17 May 2009 01:08:00 +0000

We took the kids to this dairy farm today and had a great time. Their ice cream was unbelievable. Guess it was the 21% butter fat...anyway...

We were able to see a calf being born and the kids were super excited about that event. They all agreed that was their favorite part of the day. I was surprised at how patient they were, waiting for the cow to push the baby out. One of the vets had to help her along a bit as this was her first calf and it can be a pretty lengthy process. Sounds vaguely familiar...

As I was tucking them into bed, Emma mentioned that it was "weird" to see a calf coming out of a cow bottom. I was exhausted and I told her that I had a lot more to tell her about all of that, but not tonight. Part of my plan in seeing the live birth was to begin a rather lengthy process of explaining the birds and the bees to her...a process I am imagining we will be careful, thorough and prayerful to explain. Olivia though, was not assured by my answer. "But, how exactly did that calf get in there? And where was the daddy cow?" Her three year old brain is full of questions...we may have to get into the Reader's Digest condensed version of this issue for her! But I love how her mind works and that she is always thinking about something and trying to figure things out.

It was a great day, but very tiring so off to bed I go. Even if sleep doesn't come right away, just resting this weary body will be awesome.

Thanks, Lord, for another memorable day together as a family. Thank You for the miracle of both and life and our hope in You. Give us wisdom as we guide our children in Your truth. Give me rest tonight. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Crazy Cousins

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 16 May 2009 02:15:00 +0000

Growing Things

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sat, 16 May 2009 02:11:00 +0000

Both son and garden are growing, growing...

Super Heroes

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:38:00 +0000

We have my niece with us for five days. Currently, we have a 7, almost 6, 3.5, 2.5, and 8 month old tearing around the house. They came up with the idea of forming a super hero club. They've commandeered a giant box for the club house and several of my dish towels have become capes. When their "Hero Phone" lights up (a little gold trophy), they turn into Purple Rain, Green Sparkle, Pink Sparkle, Strawberry Blossom, and--this is where it gets too cute--Samuel becomes Super Pooper and Penny (our dog) becomes Nickel. It's just too fun to watch them playing and using nothing but a box, some towels and brilliant imaginations.

In His Presence

noreply@blogger.com (Pilgrim) — Sun, 10 May 2009 04:20:00 +0000

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

-Matthew 11:28 NKJV

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

-Romans 8:26 NKJV

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

-Ephesians 6:18 NKJV

Several weeks ago, I was at a prayer meeting. It was pretty routine—we spent some time catching up, talking about current events, and asking about each others’ day. Then we went about the business of prayer.

Our Pastor opened up the prayer meeting as usual, asking that the Lord would lead us in our prayers, and that we would pray in accordance to His will, and then there was silence. For a while, we just waited for whatever came to mind that needed to be lifted up in prayer.

Most nights, something would come to mind for me. But on this particular night, as I waited, I found nothing but rest. It was good to just be still before the Lord and experience His peace and presence. In the stillness, He was literally there; and for the rest of the meeting, it was clear I was to rest and enjoy His presence. The Holy Spirit would utter what I could not express.

I left the prayer meeting that night realizing it had been months... perhaps, even years since I had really rested and enjoyed the presence of the Lord without saying a word.

Oftentimes, we tend to begin and end our prayers without ever being quiet before the Lord. Our minds race and our thoughts drift. We grope for words and try to express ourselves, and hope for the best.

But one of the primary purposes of prayer is to just be with the Lord—to wait with Him and allow Him to give us rest… to let Him restore us and reaffirm that we are His. Thank you, Lord, for wanting to do that.

Menu Plan Monday 4/20/09

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:20:00 +0000

I can hardly believe it's time to post monthly menus again! Where did the last month go?!?
This way of planning is working well for us. I've saved my menus as an Excel spreadsheet, so planning is getting easier. At the end of the month, I've been making notes about things we liked, things we didn't, ideas for future menus, etc. This month, I really wanted to try using our crock pot more often. We have a couple of busy days each week that make dinner time a bit tough to coordinate. I did some research and found four new recipes that look like winners! I'll let you know how they taste:)

Breakfasts (4/18-5/15)
Saturdays: Cereal and Donuts
Sundays: Eggs and Toast, Pancakes, Out of Town, Omelets and Fruit
Mondays: Oatmeal, Yogurt, Fruit
Tuesdays: Pancakes, Sausage, Fruit
Wednesdays: Oatmeal, Fruit
Thursdays: Cereal, Yogurt, Fruit
Fridays: French Toast, Fruit

Lunches (4/18-5/15)
Saturdays: Bday Party, Leftover Sandwiches, Out of Town, Turkey Sandwiches
Sundays: Out to Eat:)
Mondays: Grilled Cheese, Fruit, Veggies
Tuesdays: PBJ, Veggies, Fruit
Wednesdays: Out:)
Thursdays: Hot Dogs, Veggies, Fruit
Fridays: Leftovers

Dinners
Saturdays--Grill Night, Side--Salad and Potatoes
4/18 BBQ Chicken
4/25 Steak
5/2 Out of Town
5/9 Pork Chops

Sundays--Leftovers

Mondays--Mexican, Side--Corn
4/20 Tacos
4/27 Steak Fajitas, Corn Cakes
5/4 Enchiladas and Quesadillas
5/11 Tacos

Tuesdays--Meatless, Side--Salad
4/21 Baked Mac N Cheese
4/28 Spaghetti, Garlic Bread
5/5 Potato-Bean Soup
5/12 Baked Mac N Cheese

Wednesdays--Crock Pot, Side--Green Beans
4/22 Asian Lemon Chicken
4/29 Horino Psito (Slow Roasted Pork)
5/6 Chicken with Cranberries
5/13 Italian Chicken with Potatoes

Thursdays--Stir Fry/Pizza, Side--Rice/Salad
4/23 Pizza
4/30 Chicken with Peppers and Pineapple
5/7 Chinese Take-Out
5/14 Pizza

Fridays--Soup and Sandwich, Side--Veggies, Fruit, Pretzels
4/24 Big Sandwich, Ramen Noodles
5/1 Out of Town
5/8 Leftover Potato-Bean Soup, Cornbread
5/15 Chicken Noodles Soup, PBJ and Grilled Cheese

A friend asked me why we eat out so often...I had to giggle because we really used to eat out a lot more! Poor planning was usually the culprit. That or a certain someone with pregnancy related cravings...Anyway, we really enjoy eating out with friends after church on Sundays or even just as a family. It's nice to continue the fellowship from the church building to the community. On Wednesdays, the girls have piano lessons in the morning and I usually run errands for the week. It's a good day to pick up Happy Meals or the like. We tend to bring them home and have a carpet picnic together. Lastly, it helps to go ahead and plan when we are going to eat out, rather than let it happen haphazardly. We budget for those times and then enjoy the activity, instead of eating out as a result of poor planning and then blowing our budget for the month. God has really blessed us with the resources to enjoy modest meals out on the town and I enjoy the break from kitchen duties.
Happy menu planning to you all!

No Do-Overs

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:17:00 +0000

The girls were playing a spirited game of Hi-Ho Cherry-O this morning, much to Olivia's delight. She loves it when the older two acquiesce and play a non-reading game with her so she has a somewhat equal chance to win. Anyway, I kept hearing Emma shout, "Do-over! Do-over!" every so often. Apparently, the game had morphed into each girl trying to get the cardboard spinner to land on the maximum amount of cherries. They were having fun and being completely silly shouting "Do-over, Do-over" again and again. I love seeing my kids both having fun and at peace with each other...it can be a rarity around here!

As I finished up in the kitchen, that word kept ringing in my ears--"Do-Over! Do-Over!" I've had more than a few days lately that have ended with my heart screaming that same phrase as my head hit the pillow. It isn't so much that I haven't accomplished anything or been totally out of step with the Lord, but I know in my heart that my attitude has been less than Christ-like. Or, I've said something to my children or husband with a sharp tone. Or, worse, I've had a critical spirit. And when it's quiet in my home and in my heart, there is deep conviction and a desperate wish that I could somehow go back and do it all over again...only this time in Christ instead of my flesh.

But, we don't get "do-overs" do we? We don't get the chance to travel back to a spent moment and right our wrong words or correct our critical spirits or tame the tongue that spewed out angry or hurtful or careless words. Every moment of each day is a gift, if we choose to view it that way. And while I know it isn't possible to be perfect or to even strive for perfection--that in and of itself is sinful thinking--we can always submit more of ourselves to Christ's gentle teaching and leading. After all, He was fully human and can relate to the temptation to lash out in anger when your husband piles your freshly cleaned kitchen with loads of dirty dishes. He knows how difficult it is to listen to the same Sunday School song over and over and over ad naseum. He knows how hard it is to keep that critical spirit in check when you see a friend obviously teetering on the absolute edge of a wrong choice.

He knows because we do the same to Him. We pile our filth into the once-clean heart He has made in us, forcing Him to start the cleansing process anew. And He loves us. He listens to our sing-songy complaints over and over and over, usually about the same issues. And He loves us and tells us His grace is sufficient. And He sees the almost daily routine we have of teetering on the edge of disaster as we flirt with sin and transgression. And He lovingly pulls us into safety...because of His great love for us.

I was talking with my best friend last week about our individual testimonies and how somehow, the sensational testimonies--you know, the ones where believers attest to being rescued from drugs, alcohol, abuse, infidelity, addictions, and the like--are sometimes put on a pedestal. I think the intention is to offer proof that through Christ, God can transform even the most awful life and we can have a relationship with Him. But, that isn't always the way those testimonies are viewed, are they? I've heard other believers--in fact, I've been one of those believers--that feels like my own testimony isn't powerful enough because there isn't enough "dirt" to make it a good story. But the truth is that the best testimonies are the ones of believers who testify that they have always believed in Christ. That they were raised by Christian parents, believed from a young age that the Bible is true, have always trusted in Jesus, have always understood that their own sin nature needed to be kept in check. Those are powerful stories because there isn't a need for "do-overs." They are powerful because they offer proof that we don't need to succumb to temptation in order to be fully saved. There is GREAT comfort for me as a parent in knowing that my kids can understand the pull of sin and their separation from God NOW, and choose to live for Christ from now on.

Let's live for Jesus with no thoughts of "Do-overs." Let's let Him love those around us through us. Let's stop right now, confess our need for Him to renew our spirits and create clean hearts in us and let's allow the quiet peace of our hearts testify loudly.

Lord, forgive me for not letting you live through me at all times. Help me to be more like You. Help me to let go and let You do whatever You think is best. Help me to not over-think every decision and choice. Forgive me for misusing the gift of administration to try to control every thing and every one, just to make myself feel more comfortable. I know I don't get any "do-overs," but please redeem the mistakes I have made and use them for your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Spoiled...

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:58:00 +0000

I'm feeling very spoiled this afternoon. After a VERY busy morning Saturday hosting 140 women at our church for a Lenten breakfast, hubs graciously entertained the kiddos so I could nap and even treated us to Steak and Shake later in the day. Dinner was steak on the grill--another chore for the hubby. He even agreed to let me escape to the trail for a couple hours so I could meet up with a good friend and catch up. Somehow we ended up being able to walk the babies to sleep and get in a good conversation. And it was so sunshiney!

Today, the spoiling continued as hubs and the kiddos pitched in to help clean house. Many hands certainly do make lighter the work! After chores, everyone else magically took a nap for TWO HOURS. (Are you jealous yet?) I was able to soak the beans for dinner, make four loaves of banana bread, start catching up on my Bible in 90 Days Challenge reading, and write this post.

Yep, I'm one spoiled woman.

Thanks, Lord, for rest. For my body, for my mind, for my spirit, for my soul. Thanks for restoring me and re stirring me. Thanks for good friends and the perfect husband for me. Thanks for Your Word, for our church family, for solid teaching that isn't afraid to offend where offense needs to be offered. Thank You for letting me serve and be served. And especially thank You for helping me accept the service of others. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Potato-Bean Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Jen) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 20:44:00 +0000

For Mrs. Pear...

Potato-Bean Soup
1.5 C dried navy or great northern beans
6 C water
1 tsp salt
1 garlic clove smashed
1 bay leaf

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1.5 C diced white onion
3 ribs celery, diced
2 C sliced carrots
(about) 6 small to medium sized potatoes, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tsp. dried rosemary
1.5 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. salt
4 C chicken broth (you can also use vegetable broth)
1.5 tsp parsley flakes

Place beans in large skillet or stock pot and cover with at least 2 inches of water OR use quick soak method. Quick Soak Method: Place beans in large skillet or stockpot. Cover by at least two inches of water. Bring beans and water to a boil. Turn off heat, cover and let sit for approximately 90 minutes. The results of quick soak aren't always consistent, but I've never had a problem with it. I've heard older, drier beans don't respond well to quick soaking...

In a large soup pot, place soaked beans and 6 C cold water, smashed garlic clove, salt and bay leaf. Cook approximately 30-45 minutes or until beans are tender. Strain beans, reserving bean liquid. Remove bay leaf and garlic clove.

In same large soup pot, heat olive oil. Place onions and celery in oil and saute until they become soft. Add rosemary, black pepper and salt to pot and stir. Add carrots and potatoes to pot and stir. Then, add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until vegetables are tender 20-30 minutes. Add beans and 1 C of reserved bean broth. Bring to a simmer and cook about 15 minutes. Add parsley flakes just before serving. Adjust seasonings to taste. Enjoy!