ooh, ooh, haiku

Something about seasons changing always inspires more creativity - I'm sure it has to do with my desire for a fresh start or something. In the fall, it seems like poetry is everywhere, and in the spring, all is new. Summer brings the anticipation of heat, swimming pools, freckles (and other more distasteful side effects, but the change into summer is great). And of course there is no denying my affinity for snow and winter (you need not agree).

So today, Erin reminded me today (via brilliant facebook status) that haiku is FUN, so in honor of that reminder I am hosting a haiku challenge. If this is sounding a tad familiar, you are probably remembering that I did, in fact, host another haiku challenge a little less than two years ago.

So in honor of months that begin with M and, unlike the last challenge, not announcing anything pregnancy related, I bring you a challenge - write a haiku here in the comments for a chance to win a fabulous prize.

It will involve a brand spanking new Pampered Chef product, or maybe two. I won't tell you what it is but I will tell you that virtually everyone can use this and that it is NEW, as in available just recently, so the chances of you already owning it are slim to none. Deadline is FRIDAY, so start cracking and give it your best shot.

Here's a little something to get you going

Oranges are best
without seeds, and fresh from tree
But I live up north.

or

The broom stands alone
My living room neglected
Sunshine is calling

Can't wait to read your entries!

Works of God Monday

So many of my friends (far and near) are discouraged or weighed down with the daily pressures of life, that I thought I should share my favorite passages to read when I am feeling overwhelmed, which is quite often.

Psalm 61:1-4
Hear my cry, O God,
listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me take refuge
under the shelter of your wings! Selah

Psalm 18:2, 10
The LORD is my rock and my fortress
and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold, a strong tower;
the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

May you rest in the strong tower of God's name today.

God is at work, and I can't wait to hear what HE has been doing where you are!! How has God been working in your family? Has He been teaching you lessons about Him? Providing for your needs? Calling your attention to His works? Share here, please?! "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

Aaron, quoted

Our 3 1/2 year old has us cracking up (or pulling our hair out) constantly. We love him so much, and it is fun to see his personality grow and develop. Here are some of his quips of late. I had them up on Facebook, but that is not as long lasting as the blog - so I'm saving them here.

"Aaron, sit on your chair and eat your lunch" - "But mom, I just want to dance!" uh, oh. (today)

Drove through for some coffee this morning on my way back from a Meijer run, and was singing "coffee for me, coffee for me" and then Aaron pipes up in the back "coffee for the boss, coffee for the boss" - or at least that is what I THOUGHT he said - he actually was saying "coffee for the bus" but I was still laughing. (also today)

"I'm in the Lord's Army" Aaron-style "I may never honk into outer space, ride in the cava-ry, shoot at the 'tillery (repeat, missing "I'm in the Lord's army") and, at random, "si, senor! (March 8)

Aaron: "Mom, I love you a lot!! (hug, kiss) AND a little bit!! (hug, kiss)" (Feb 25)

"Mom, I can't change into my underwear because it has pretend fire and it is hot."(Feb16)

He set the timer and said, "When the timer goes off, mom, it's naptime. Is that ok?" (Feb 4)

Aaron- "Mom, can you turn around and not look at me please?" - "Why, Aaron?" - "Because I rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally want to put my finger in my nose." - "Do you want a kleenex?" "Oh, yeah, that'd be great!" (Jan 31)

Aaron, to his spoonful of frozen blueberries in milk, "I'm going to eat all of you, the whole family, okay?" (Jan 22)

Overheard: "You're my best brother, Evan!" (Jan 20)

"Mommy, I'm done scissoring. These kind are for the older kids, okay?" (um, what older kids??) (Jan 15)

Aaron just came up and called me "Mama Mia" what in the world - what is this kid thinking?? We will never, ever know!! (Jan 12)

Aaron, from his bed, in his loudest voice: "MOMMY-CAN-I-GET-UP-IT'S-BRIGHT-OUTSIDE-AND-IT'S-A-BEAUTIFUL-DAY-AND-I-REALLY-REALLY-WANT-TOOOOOOOOOOO!" (Jan 9)

Michael - "So, Aaron, how did it go today with your friends?" Aaron - "It got a little dicey." (And it HAD, making his out-of-nowhere comment even more hysterical!!) (November 30)

Works of God Monday

This week, many blessings. God provided for a lot of our "wants" as well as my spiritual needs.

First, let me say that I was blessed down to my toes this Sunday - Pastor Dan preached on worshiping God, and focused on the fact that God does not change. I was shouting hallelujah inside, and amen-ing loudly on the outside. Maybe I should have let out a hallelujah, now that I think about it. *grin* I was also challenged to seek the Lord with fervor (Proverbs 2)

Second, Michael had Friday off for a doctor's appointment. He's been having trouble with one of his shoulders, has had 12 weeks of PT, and then an MRI a couple weeks ago as things are not progressing as hoped. I was able to go with him to see the specialist. He got a cortisone shot - I got out of there for that part of the appointment!! We are hoping and praying that this will do the trick and that surgery will not be necessary! We'll see the doctor again after we get back from California in April. Pray with us on that one?

After his appointment, we ate Indian!! food!! in!! Midland!! And my taste buds rejoiced. You might not think this is a work of God, but I disagree. I am so happy that deli/market opened last week. I told Michael that lunch was like scratching an itch that has been itching for at least 3 years. Woo hoo!

That afternoon, we drove to Pinconning to check out a piece of furniture that we found on Craigslist. It was advertised as a dry bar, but we are using it in the living room as a TV stand. It's undergoing renovations now but we are thrilled that God provided another "want" for us!

And on our way back, we stopped at Blue Knight Foods in Bay City and found these, among other things.




Praise the LORD! (that is a 2# bag of flour!)







There are not always gluten free products available, but when they are, they are dirt cheap. It can be a scary visit if you're even moderately squeamish, but as long as I get my hand sanitizer out upon returning to the vehicle I'm fine. Check out those prices, people!! That is definitely a work of God. And you'd better believe I'll be making that french bread soon to try out this variety of mix.

I have more blessings, but not more time - I'll have to continue to share them during the rest of the week. Thanks, by the way, for your patience as I try to figure out where blogging fits into my day to day life with 2 busy boys!

SO, how has God been working in your family? Has He been teaching you lessons about Him? Providing for your needs? Calling your attention to His works? Share here, please?!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

And I journey forth.

So, five days ago I decided to do something that previously, I had thought to be quite drastic. I decided to cut the deliciousness of wheat gluten out of my diet completely.

I'll back up. I've been having some pretty mysterious and yet consistent symptoms for probably the last 6 months. It could be several things, I haven't seen a doctor - I'm very hesitant to do that knowing the first thing they will do is send me for lab work. I think you know how hesitant I am to do lab work!!

After some research, gluten seemed like a possible culprit. (many people are gluten sensitive or gluten intolerant and not really know it!) So far, it hasn't been that bad. Ask me in a month, I might have a different answer. I DO already notice a difference in several areas; I can only hope and pray that the solution is this easy!! An added benefit is that there are not as many quick snacks available, so fruit and vegetables have become an automatic go-to. No one can argue with the benefits of more fruit and veggies!

There is one major problem that I can see. For 5 days I basically just modified my diet from ingredients I have around the house - brown rice, meat, peanut butter with fruit & vegetables, corn tortillas, etc. And if I continued to do that, the difference in cost would be negligible. However, if I want a substitution for pasta or bread, the cost is crazy, CRAZY.

I went to Meijer today and saw a tiny 12-oz loaf of gluten free bread on the shelf for $7.19. Not that I would buy that loaf, but still. I bought a bag of gluten free baking mix and some brown rice flour - oh, and a pizza crust mix. Sticker SHOCK! I guess I'll have to learn some tricks of the trade and find some lower priced options or better sources if this continues to be the lifestyle - or just keep eating rice and beans!!

I am excited to check out the middle eastern market & deli that just opened up in my town - hoping for some fun options there!! And if anyone out there has some fabulous recommendations or tested recipes, I would love to hear them!!

Works of God Monday

So it's been 2 weeks since I last posted a Works of God Monday, and we've been seeing God at work the entire time. He is so good to us!! I am just lax in my postings.

Here are some things I've been thankful to see over the last several weeks, in no particular order

1. We have had several items sell via Craigslist - praising God for His provision!
2. Aaron's heart is continually drawn to the heart of God. His questions sometimes blow my mind. The depth for his age - only God could cause Aaron to ask questions like this.
3. I was able to take inventory of my pantry and plan meals for a long, long time based on what we already have on hand. Talk about a blessing!! God provides.
4. Missions conference is this week. I'm so happy to hear of how God is at work all around the world and in different ways.
5. I'm slowly getting the hang of a good schedule for our days that actually works. THAT is definitely of God.
6. My Pampered Chef business continues despite my fears (at times) that it won't be successful. It's growing steadily, and the extra income is a huge blessing.
7. God continues to strengthen my heart and lift my spirits through His Word!

There are more, but I am out of time. How has God been working in your family? Please share!!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!

that pretty much sums it up.

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:3-7, ESV

it's not goodbye forever.

I haven't dropped off the planet, I'm just busy. With 2 busy boys and a few other things I have needed to accomplish. So I'll be back, eventually.

Until then, check out this photo of my brother's lovely expectant wife. I'm so excited.

God is good, especially when life is crazy. I praise Him for His continued grace!!

Works of God Monday

Today I am praising the Lord for a fantastically healthy winter thus far for our family. I am absolutely not taking it for granted that we've been able to attend church together as a family more often in February alone than in all of last winter combined! We are not on any crazy medications and we haven't been to the doctor in months. This is a continual work of God - and I am very grateful that He has seen fit to give us good health. It is definitely undeserved.

Again, last night we attended Prime Time at our church and Michael and I sat in on our friend Rich's class again. I am humbled, amazed, and thankful for the truth of God's Word. We can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through His sacrifice on the cross, by faith plus nothing, through His grace alone. We have one mediator, one Person - Jesus Christ -who pleads our case to God, and we don't have to go through anyone else to get to Him.

How fantastic - and what freedom - to know that my sins are forgiven and that nothing can separate me from God. If you haven't lately, please, read Romans 8. It's what Rich closed his session with and it just about had me shouting hallelujah. Well, just about out loud - I was DEFINITELY shouting hallelujah in my heart and mind! Praise God for His grace!

So what do YOU have to praise God for this week? Please share it here!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the MckLinky widget below, simply type your name in the title box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the specific link from your "Works of God Monday" post. If you don't have a blog, use the comment section! Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like!