LOVE THIS!!

I have been introduced to this amazing blog. Today I was browsing the older posts and came across this one. If you are someone who hates to clean, but likes a clean house, this is totally for you! Enjoy!

The Daily Seven

Link to 5 Things God Uses

For those of you who aren't on Facebook... click on the picture link above and it will take you to the site where you can watch the full length of each session. To date we have watched the first four videos. For those of you who would like to catch up or just watch the series - it's fantastic and I would encourage you to watch one a week.

OTHER people's lives.

I am a HUGE TV watcher. I have a weekly schedule all set out and ready to go on my PVR and it's true that when watching TV we all associate with the characters on certain shows and enjoy watching the mishaps in their lives. It's real easy to feel good about yourself when looking at someone who has many flaws and bad things going on in their life... but don't we all? Isn't there someone out there looking at us and thinking they have it pretty good compared to us? My bet is there is. We need to put what is happening to us at the time into perspective. No matter what is happening to you... there is always something or somebody who's got it worse. I know you can't live your life like that, thinking you've got it pretty good at the expense of someone who has got it worse or that you need to keep your chin up because there's somebody worse off, because what is happening to you matters - you just have to keep it in perspective. What recently changed in my mind (and by recently I mean about 10 minutes ago) is that rather than focusing on the bad guy who will always make you feel better, why not focus on the good guy who will make you strive to DO better? We're always going to have bad days or moments, but He has a plan for everything that happens in our lives and we need to trust in that.

I was reading an article in Thriving Family this morning and just had to post this. It was written from the standpoint of a guy... but it could have been written by me, including leaving the note on the car... and yes, my own husband would have stopped that in it's tracks too! So, other than attending church early in my married life (or really any part of my life prior to 3 years ago for that matter) and loving the cooking show, which I do like, but don't go out of my way to watch... here you go! All credits go to Thriving Family Magazine and David Meurer.

Fast Cars and Furious Chefs by David Meurer

I like a TV show that features and enraged, spittle-emitting chef screaming at his cooks and hurling pans across the kitchen. The guy is one part culinary genius and one part crazed badger. True, I have my owon struggles with anger, but cmopared to that screaming chef, I am Saint Francis of Assisi spreading serenity through a forest of grateful woodland creatures. I think this is why I keep turning in. The guy makes me look good. Comparisons can let you cut yourself a lot of slack. If you set the bar low enough and only compare yourself with people who are spectacularly worse than you are, you can feel awesome about yourself without having to do the hard work of actually changing. I know this is a ridiculous rationalization on my part. The fact that I have not resorted to fits of kitchen-destroying rage does not diminish the times when I am surly because things aren't going my way. Early in my married life I was a fanatic about being on time. If we were one minute late for church, my jaw would be clenched for hours. I think God gave me kids who are prone to misplace their shoes to guarantee I would be late - a lot - and thus be forced to confront my inner jerk. Because my standard is Jesus, not some pan-hurling chef, I continue to work on my tendency towards anger. The bar is set high. So high, in fact, that I need God's help to reach it. My attempts are sometimes less than graceful. I recently found myself in a parking lot, scribbling a helpful note to the apprently blind driver of a bright red Corvette who had taken two parking spaces. My wife asked to see the note, which I reluctantly handed over. "Hmm," she mused. "I'm just not picturing Jesus using a term like blithering moron with the navigational skills of a diseased armadillo." Long pause. I really wanted to slap the note on the windshield of that car. And I would have set a really bad example for my wife and kids. Grudgingly, I tore up the note. Jesus set the standard. So each day I asked God for the power to be the husband and father He wants me to be.

* Thriving Family Magazine is published by Focus on the Family and will help you introduce Christian aspects into your everyday family life. If you would like to check it out and subscribe, please click HERE. Copies can also be found in the Power Hour Lobby at Lakeview Church.

The Wonderful World of Paint Chips

Well... I had mentioned this tip at our book club potluck and Teri said I should put it on the blog - and I've been meaning to but I couldn't remember what it was!! Was thinking about it this afternoon and it came to me!

When you paint a room, cut out the corner of the paint chip that has the name of the color on it and put it behind the lightswitch cover of that room for safekeeping. No need to remember any of those whacky paint names! THEN while I was looking for pictures of paint sample chips to make this entry look a bit more interesting I found this one and thought it was a fantastic idea!



And if you'd like to get a bit more creative... here were some more I found. I don't know about you but I am forever folding the corners of my books cause I can't find anything to save my page. It isn't until recently that I've seriously started using something for a bookmark - even if it's not an actual "bookmark" that you would buy at the store. So I thought this was a pretty cute idea - colorful and pretty much free!


So I started looking for images of a lightswitch cover with a paint chip together and came up with even more great pictures of the many things you can use paint chips for. Thought you might find these interesting... I personally thought the framed art and the tree on the wall was amazingly creative!






Have a great week and maybe you'll be making a trip to the paint store...

Mexicali Pasta Salad

Here is the salad that I was planning on making for the Salad Night this past Tuesday. I have since made it for my family and everyone loved it. A great summer side dish. I found it on the http://www.kraftcanada.com website. Enjoy:)

4cups wagon wheel pasta, uncooked (I used egg noodles, it's what I had!)
1 can (19FL oz/540ml) rinsed and drained black beans
1 cup thawed corn (I used 1 can nibblets corn)
1/2 cup chopped red pepper
2 green onion thinly sliced
1/2 cup Ranch Dressing
1 Tbsp Taco Seasoning Mix (I used spicy as I like more zip!)
1 Tbsp lime juice
1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro (I did not have any, and it was fine without)

Cook Pasta until done. Drain, and rinse with cold water. Drain will. Place in large bowl. Add next 4 ingredients. Mix. In seperate bowl mix dressing, seasoning mix, and lime juice. Add to salad and toss to coat. Top with cheese and cilantro.

God said NO

I asked God to take away my habit.

God said, No.

It is not for me to take away, but for you

to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped

child whole.

God said, No.

His spirit is whole, his body is only

temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, No.

Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;

it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said, No.

Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.

God said, No.

Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares

and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.

God said, No.

You must grow on your own!,

but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.

God said, No.

I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as

much as He loves me.

God said....Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

Because I love her.

My daughter came home from school with this...I had to share it with you all. Take time to read it and take it all in. I hope it speaks to you like it does to me.

Enjoy!

I made her…she is different.

She’s unique.

With love I formed her, in her

Mother’s womb.

I fashioned her with great joy.

I remember, with great pleasure, the

Day I created her.

(Psalm 139:13-16)

I love her smile.

I love her ways.

I love to hear her laugh.

And the silly things she says and does.

She brings me great pleasure.

This is how I made her.

(Psalm 139:17)

I made her pretty and not beautiful,

Because I knew her heart,

And knew she would be vain…

I wanted her to search out her heart,

And to learn that it would be Me in her

That would make her beautiful…

And it would be Me in her

That would draw friends to her.

(1 Peter 3:3-5)

I made her in such a way,

That she would need me.

I made her a little more lonesome

Than she would like to be…

Only because I need for her to learn

From and depend on me…

I know her heart, I know if I had not

Made her like this

She would go her own chosen way

And forget Me…her Creator.

(Psalm 62:5-8)

I have given her many good and happy things…

Because I love her.

(Psalm 84:11, Romans 8:23)

Because I love her, I have seen her

Broken heart…

And the tears she cried alone.

I have cried with her,

And had a broken heart, too.

(Psalm 56:8)

Many times she has stumbled and fallen alone

Only because she would not hold My hand.

So many lessons she’s learned the hard way

Because she would not listen

To My Voice…

(Isaiah 53:6)

So many times I have set back

and sadly watched her go her

merry way alone.

Only to watch her return to My Arms,

sad and broken.

(Isaiah 62:2)

And now she is mine again…

I made her, and then I bought her…

Because I love her.

(Romans5:8)

I have to reshape and remold her…

To renew her to what I had planned

For her to be.

It has not been easy for her or for me

(Jeremiah 29:11)

I want her to be conformed to My Image…

this high goal I have set for her,

Because I love her.

(2 Corinthians 2:14)

What has been on my mind

Well ladies, I'm not going to lie. The last little while has been a bit tough on me. Seems like everywhere I turn I keep running into tragedy and tough times and I'm beginning to feel a bit deflated and down in the dumps. Then I think to myself, if I can feel this way, I can't imagine how a non-believer can cope. When I get feeling this way, I have my faith to fall back on and bring me peace and hope. What do people do who don't have God? Now I'm not downplaying the importance of banning together and supporting each other and praying for each other during tough times. I believe that we are called to do this, but maybe we don't put enough emphasis on the praiseworthy things that happen in our lives?? If I were to open up my mailbox and be flooded with messages of people praising God for the wonderful things that he is doing in their lives, that would be so amazing! Those are the things that we need to keep hearing to give us hope and encouragement, to keep going and to keep "the faith" for lack of better words. Then I think we would be filled up for those that are going through tough times and I think I would have more to give that person, and more energy to keep reaching for those who are not saved.
This morning Shauna shared a little bit of her journey with us, and seriously, hearing stories like that are what keeps me going and keeps a fire under me to serve on this ministry. So thank you again for reminding me Shauna, that this ministry does make a difference in not only women's lives, but the lives of their families and other people that they are in contact with. That is truly amazing, and definitely worth celebrating! The fact that someone I know has found Jesus, I have no words.
So I challenge you all to look for those things to praise God for. What has He been doing in your life or in the lives of those around you that is worth celebrating. Who do you know that has been saved and now shares that eternal hope. If you feel like you can, leave a comment and let us know and we will celebrate with you. Nothing can make a girl feel better than a party, (well maybe some chocolate cake) so lets celebrate and praise God for all that he is doing that is amazing!
~Teri

Ice Cube tray uses..

Here are a few uses for Ice Cube trays that I found online...great ideas ladies!! Enjoy experimenting! I think I might go and get a couple of more trays for my freezer to get organized!

• Fruit juice ice cubes – Pour your favorite fruit juice in the tray and place in the freezer to make a summer treat for your kids.

• Snack tray – Fill each opening with kid-friendly snacks such as fish crackers, raisins, grapes, carrot sticks, cereal, etc. This is perfect for little fingers and makes a fun serving dish.

• Cookie or cupcake decorating – Fill an ice cube tray with various sprinkles and candies to decorate frosted cookies, cupcakes or ice cream sundaes. Great idea for a child’s party.

• Lemonade cubes – Pour lemonade into the ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, add to your glass of water for a refreshing taste.

• Spices – Freeze your fresh garden spices for the winter. Just add the spices and a bit of water to the tray.

• Cookie dough – Scoop cookie dough into each ice cube compartment and freeze then pop out and place in a ziploc bag or tupperware container. You now have the perfect size cookies ready to bake.

• Iced coffee – Pour your leftover coffee into each ice cube compartment and freeze. Now you can use them to make frozen coffee drinks...in the blender or just put in a glass.

• Freeze raw eggs!– crack them, give them a little mixing and pour each egg into an ice cube tray. After they are completely froze, you can take them out of the ice cube tray and place them in a plastic bag or a freezer container. When you need eggs, just put each ice cube egg into a bowl and let it thaw in the fridge!

• Paint holder – Pour different colored paint into each ice cube compartment for mess-free painting with the kids.

• Craft organizer – Use to organize small craft supplies.

• Office supplies – Place an ice cube tray inside your desk to help contain your supplies such as paper clips, pushpins, rubber bands, etc.

• Dad’s work bench organizer – Store nails, screws and miscellaneous tiny things to keep dad’s work area clean and organized.

MOMS video

Here is the video that was shown at Church in February. Enjoy!

Invisible Woman-by Nicole Johnson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YU0aNAHXP0

Overnight Berry Coffee Cake

Overnight Berry Coffee Cake
Ingredients
2 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
2/3 cup melted butter or margarine
2 beaten eggs
1 cup frozen blueberries or raspberries

Topping
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 tsp cinnamon

Directions
1.  In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. 
2.  In another bowl combine wet ingredients. 
3.  Add wet to dry and mix until well blended. 
4.  Fold in berries. 
5.  Pour into greased 9x13 pan. 
6.  Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over batter. 
7.  Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. 
8.  Uncover and bake 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until cake tests done.

Note:  This is the one Bernice made last week for breakfast at MOMS!

Land of Nod Cinnamon Buns

If you are looking for a yummy and easy recipe for a Sunday morning brunch (or any morning for that matter) here is a great one that was passed along to me. It originated from the Allrecipes.com website. Make it the night before and just pop in the oven in the morning and enjoy!

20 unbaked frozen dinner rolls ( I get them from Safeway in the freezer section)
1C brown sugar
1/4 C instant vanilla pudding mix
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3/4 C raisins
1/3 C melted butter

1.Lightly grease a 10inch bundt cake pan. Place frozen rolls into pan and sprinkle with brown sugar, pudding mix, ground cinnamon and raisins. Pour melted butter over rolls. Cover with a clean damp cloth and leave overnight at room temp.
2.In the morning, preheat oven to 350. Bake rolls for 25min, until golden brown. Turn rolls out onto serving plate and serve warm.

I like to add a few extra raisins, but I know some people who omit them all together!
~Teri

7 day forecast.

Apparently it's supposed to be +1 on Monday. My theory on the weather forecast is that it's geared towards preventing riots. Have you ever noticed how the last 2 days of a 7 day forecast are always warmer? And as each day passes those 2 days don't get closer, they keep on moving to the last 2 days? They truly are happy where they are - no complaints in their life, just happy to be the last 2 days. Unfortunately that leaves us in the cold. So you look at the forecast, get down about the -33 with the windchill AGAIN but see that it's supposed to get nicer on Monday.... or is it? I mean we know it has to come eventually, but when we're into March and spring isn't in sight all I can keep telling myself is "At least it's not November!".

For those of us who have depression - January and February are really hard months. Winter is coming to an end (or it's supposed to be coming to an end) and the lack of sunshine is so apparently obvious as each day passes. Personally, I'm not a fan of the winter sun, it's low in the sky and so incredibly bright that it annoys me but I will admit that it is better than the snow... and on the days where it's so cold there is a sundog around the sun - it's breathtaking (if you don't freeze your insides when taking that breath).


On this particular morning it was -37. Thankfully I was at the Church for a MOMS meeting or I might not have seen this because nobody goes out at 8:45 in the morning when it's -37 if they don't have to. I know a LOT of people who are struggling with this weather right now. For me if everyone in my house makes it through another day alive it's a good day. The bonus - I'm not alone... and neither is everyone else. Remember that in everything you are experiencing in your life - someone else is going through the same thing. You are NEVER alone.

The solution to cold weather and depression is simple. Friends. When it's -37 and nobody in their right mind would go out if they didn't have to, GO OUT... because when you're struggling with depression you're not in your right mind!

The prudent (the smart chicks) see danger and take refuge (call their friends); the simple (dummies for lack of a better word) go on (back to bed) and keep suffering (stay depressed). - Proverbs 22:3

Let your friends be your refuge! They want to help you! Think of your own friends and what you would do to help them feel better... pretty much anything right? And how does it make you feel when they let you help them? Good right? On the flip side - your friends feel the same way about you. When you don't ask for help or don't let them help you - you are denying them the right to serve you because they WANT to help you, they WANT to make you feel better and they WANT to be a part of your life. So let them.

Behind the Scenes

Sunday morning 10:00 service

It wasn't exactly on my bucket list but if I actually had a bucket list it probably would've been! Ashley and I did the announcements at Church this weekend - and it was a bit nerve wracking. We went early Saturday for a run through at 5:00 and then hung around until it was time for service - which doesn't really help the nerves. I totally did not realize all the work it takes to run the show and there are a lot of behind the scenes people who deserve a round of applause! There weren't a lot of people at the Saturday service and other than feeling a bit nautious I think it went pretty good. I was kind of banking on the spot lights blinding me so I wouldn't be able to see - yea, it doesn't really work that way. My husband came to the Saturday service and I did see him and the usual smirk/smile he has on his face whenever I'm doing any sort of public speaking. He's kind of cute. The 10:00 service on Sunday busy. Standing on the side waiting to go on stage I was actually feeling a bit dizzy and I should've taken Mike up on the clipboard offer cause my hands were a bit shaky. Ashley almost took a impromptu holiday to BC last week and I am so grateful she didn't! It was nice to have a partner in crime and we had some good laughs - it was actually kind of fun. Thanks to Rachel, Bernice and Shelby for sitting in the front row and supporting us! We even got a bit of applause at the end!

The Green Room

I thought it was pretty cool that we got to go in the green room. It's like we're part of an elite club or something! I would like to thank the volunteers who brought food to the green room for us all. Breakfast was sooo good - french toast, bacon, sausage, fruit, cheese... the worship team and behind the scenes people spend a large part of their Saturday and Sunday at Church and I think it's wonderful that volunteers from the Church take the time to come in and bring food.

Don't forget that registration night is this Tuesday - the 15th! It's from 6:30 to 7:30 in the lobby and I am looking very forward to seeing everyone there. If you can't make it that night you can still register on the first morning - which is Tuesday, March 1st. See you all in a couple of days!!!!

And now for dessert there are so many options but this should be a little treat for ourselves as well so I think that some individual cheesecakes would hit the spot for me ;) To make this all romantic, and fun for the kids as well, I would go to Michael's and get the silicone heart shaped muffin cups. They are fun and reusable and will look beautiful on little plates on the table.

Super Easy Mini Cherry Cheesecakes
1 package of Nilla Wafers (usually found in the baking aisle)
1 can cherry pie filling
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 packages of cream cheese
3/4 cup whit sugar

1. put 1 nilla wafer in the bottom of muffin cup
2. beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth
3. beat in 1 egg at a time until smooth
4. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full of cream cheese mixture
5. top with a spoon full of cherry pie filler
6. bake for about 20 min at 350 degrees
7. let completly cool before putting in the fridge and chill for 2 hours
8. yields for me between 12-24 cakes depending on how big I want them. Just go with it you can't make mistakes with cheesecake :p

Before serving garnish with a dollop of whip cream and shaved chocolate and a maraschino cherry on top and have a fantastic evening.

Hi everyone. Last week was a total write off for me. Stomach flu and a sick kid and work the week flew by and today I realized that I am behind on my recipe selections. Have no fear I know Valentines Day is here Monday and as I was looking through the grocery fliers I thought these recipes would be great to make for you sweethearts. Very east recipes that will make it look like you slaved really hard. First up Sobeys has pork shoulders on sale for $1.00 a lb so this makes recipe 1 sweet for the budget.

Smokey Applewood Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Prep time: 15 min. Slow cooker time: 8 hours
I make the sauce the night before then cook it all day and enjoy the smells in my house.
2 lb (1kg) boneless pork shoulder roast, strings removed and trimmed of excess fat
1 sweet onion, sliced or chopped
1 granny smith apple, peeled and sliced
1 bay leaf
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup Compliments Sensations Smokey Bourbon Applewood Grilling Sauce (Sobeys brand)
3 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves minced garlic
1/8 tsp pepper

1. place pork, onions, apples and bay leaf in slow cooker.
2. whisk together broth, 1/2 grilling sauce and all other ingredients and pour over meat.
3. cover and cook low for 8 hours or until pork is cooked through
4. skim any fat that has floated up and remove pork from pot
5. transfer sauce to a large pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat
6. reduce sauce until sauce has thickened (about 15-20 min)
7. add remaining grilling sauce and remove bay leaf
8. shred pork with 2 forks until all stringy
9. put pork and sauce all back in slow cooker and stir together let sit for about 15 min
10. EAT

Serve on buns with coleslaw on on the bun with the pork or coleslaw on the side.

This one saved my Bacon this week.
My Mom gave me this recipe in a moment of panic on Tuesday It was hearty and yummy and the kids ate it. Enough said!

Ham Chowder
2 cups chopped potatoes
1 cup chopped onions
1/3 cup chopped carrots
1 tbsp chicken bullion powder
1 cup water
1 tsp parsley

-boil until all veggies are tender then mash with a potato masher if you like it chunky or blend if you like it smoother.

Add:
3/4 cup frozen corn (or peas)
1 cup chopped ham
2 cups of milk

-Simmer all together until hot
-can be served with a sprinkle of cheese on top of each bowl

Frying Ground Meat

So with the inspiration of Sharnell and the Recipes of the week, I thought I should get back to my tip of the week. With this in mind I started scouring magazines and paying attention to the TV, radio, etc. The best one that I found this week came from the Rachel Ray show that I like to have on as background noise and inspiration when I'm preparing dinner. This week she suggested a potato masher. Although mashed potatoes may be the first thing that come to mind, this is not what Rachel was using it for however. During this particular segment she was browning some ground sausage and her tip was to use a potato masher to break apart the meat as you are frying it rather than attempting to stab it with a wooden spoon (currently the method I used). So the following night I tried it, and it worked great!!! Now why didn't I think of that!

~Teri

Oatmeal Cake

Cake

1 cup oatmeal

1/2 cup butter or hard margarine

1 1/4 cups boiling water

- mix and let rest for 30 min up to overnight

add:

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/3 cups flour

-mix all together and spread into a sprayed 9x13 pan

-bake for 30-35 min or until a toothpick does not come out too sticky at 350'

-when cake is cooled drizzle icing over cake

Icing

1/2 cup butter or hard margarine

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 canned milk (yes the stuff your grandma used in her tea)

1 beaten egg yolk

-heat in a pot and stir until boils

-boil until all is dissolved (a couple of minutes)

-remove from heat

add:

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup flaked coconut

1/2 cup of nuts

*** or anything you may like ***

*** if you add chocolate chips wait until the icing is cool ***

-when icing and cake is cooled pour icing over cake and eat

Happy New Year!

What to say? Have you made any resolutions? I would like to challenge you to make a few that don't include losing weight, not snacking, eating healthier, exercising more... you get the picture. I'm not saying that eating healthier and exercising isn't healthy... they are just things you should be focusing on all the time - not just at the start of the year. I kind of think resolutions are over rated actually and as I type that I am wondering where they originated from and am going to Google it and let you know what I find out so just hold on for a moment... it's 9:30pm I'll be right back. Okay it's 9:32 and it has something to do with a guy named Janus and is really not all that interesting.

So other than stuff that resolves around food and exercise... what would you like to work on in your life? Money, relationships, faith, forgiveness, helping others? I would like to encourage you to comment and post a few of your resolutions - you can do it anonymously! There really is nothing better than the support and encouragement of those around you - even if there is no name attached!

To get things started, here are a few of my resolutions; I want to continue on my journey with God and have him be with me in everything I do from day to day - think of him in my decision making and be friends with him. I want to read the Bible (and have already started on that!). I want to bring more faith into our family outside of Church and praying at supper. The girls get their handouts every week at Power Hour and we put them on the fridge but I would actually like to take the time to do some of the activities that are on them.

Resolutions, not including food and exercise... what are yours?