Works of God Monday

Last week, the kids and I were driving back from Bay City when I heard a kind of popping/thudding sound. It honestly sounded like a bird or rock or road debris was hitting the side of the van. About 5 miles down the road, however, I realized it was a flat, and pulled over immediately. Turns out I had run over some sort of gigantic bolt.

I praise the Lord for His working in this situation - First, I did no damage to the rim or wheel of the vehicle. Second, Michael was working close by. (He is waaaay faster than AAA) :-) And third, the kids did fine, even though I was pushing naptime. It could have been an entirely different situation with me trying to change a tire on the busy highway with the kids screaming in the van. I am so grateful! Oh, and we took the tire in to Discount Tire and since it was still under warranty, the whole thing cost $25 for a replacement and new warranty! Praise the Lord for His provision!!

God has also provided several show bookings for my new business and I am thankful for that as well!

Incidentally, I've been meaning to check and see when we started Works of God Monday, and it was April 2008! So we've been praising God together on Mondays for OVER a year! Thanks for participating, and for praising God with me!!

So, how has God been at work in your family this week? Please share it with us!

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

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "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.

Have a Happy Friday!

thursday, thursday

My children are growing. I know they are supposed to, I just am always taken by surprise when they do. Aaron was running around this morning while he was getting dressed, and I was simply amazed at the length of the child. I'm sure my amazement will grow with him until both tower over me. His imaginary play is also getting more intricate. I've started overhearing him telling stories to his stuffed animals and making up dialogue between little cars. Hilarious.

Evan is the most persistent 11 month old I have ever seen. I think we are going to have our hands full here, folks. When he's not determined to get something, he's pretty easy going and is in general a smiley, happy baby with 5 little pearly white teeth. He consumes food with much glee. We transitioned to soft cooked chunky food about 2 weeks after starting puree. It's so much easier, and since I waited so long to introduce solids, that just worked out perfectly. Last night I made broccoli for the family and forgot to get some out for Evan before I added garlic, so he smelled like a little Italian restaurant when I dropped him off at the nursery for church.

The boys are also starting to play together a little bit more, rolling the ball back and forth and at least playing with the same toy (like blocks) at the same time. They both love to swing on our backyard set. I'm sure by next summer, we will have more grass stains and park trips than we know what to do with.

I need an energy vitamin, I think.

I do not understand...

1. why smokers feel that littering is okay. (you know, tossing their half smoked butts out the window)

2. what makes people smoke their first cigarette in the first place (I get addiction as being why they continue, but why do they start?? Have they not heard of cancer?)

3. why our Kroger tosses out perfectly good, albeit overripe, produce instead of marking it down.

4. why there aren't more stringent interview processes for customer service representatives.

5. why my laundry seems to self-propagate.

There is much, much more that I do not understand. Things that are too amazing to understand, and things that are too wacky. But I have listed 5, so this is all for now.

Except this: grapesicles. Yum. This, I understand.

Works of God Monday

God is at work, and it is amazing to watch. He continues to confirm His faithfulness to us, and let us be involved in His work!! This week again I was studying for junior high Sunday School with Michael and the book we're using again was a huge encouragement to us! We're studying the doctrine of Election right now, which can always be a little more than controversial, so we were excited to see what this author did with his explanation and nervous that we share what the Bible teaches and nothing more. (As we are every week!) We were very happy with how the author shared God's Word in a concise and simple manner. And we pray that God guides us as we continue to cover this topic.

I was going to type an excerpt that was a particular eye opener to me, but since I can't share the entire chapter, and I don't want to start a riot (blog or otherwise) with any misinterpretations of the excerpt, so I will simply say, buy the book - or check it out of your library, or go read this chapter at your Christian book store. Come over to our house and I'll pour you some coffee while you read it, if you like. Read the whole chapter, and know that my eye opener came at the last paragraph of the "what this means" section on page 81. I had never heard this put quite this way before, and I LOVED it. (there are some copies left on ebay...)

HA! Mysterious enough for you??

I'm also thankful this week for God's protection of my dad's health. He had some problems this week with an infection and dehydration that landed him in the hospital for a 2 night stay. I'm glad the doctors were able to help him and I am confident that God arranged all the details so that Dad was in the place he needed to be, with the right people, right when he needed to be there.

God has also provided lots of work for Michael. We are so thankful that his job (construction) continues - and it looks like the jobs keep coming in! It's been a pretty consistent summer - he's even been able to work some overtime! Praise the Lord!!

And lastly, my boys who are sleep deprived from the past weeks of activity, BOTH were sleeping by 8 and have yet to rise. Michael and I were in bed by 9:20, and I feel fantastic this morning! Woo Hoo for long and uninterrupted SLEEP!

So, how has God been working in your life and family this week? Please share!

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

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

And the party continues!

We had a fun time today celebrating the opening of my new business, and I would like to give you all the opportunity to participate from far away! (Or nearby, if you were unable to make it) So come on in and join the fun! There's a party goin' on!!

So, send me an email to join my mailing list (OOPS! Can't link to my site I just found out!), for one entry in the drawing. If you really want to win, you can book a show (cooking or catalogue) by emailing me for 2 entries, or place an order (I'll send you a link), which will earn you five entries.

What will you win? A large rectangle bar pan is all!

WOW

Try to win this, okay? And then when you do, you can give it to me for my birthday. *grin* I seriously LOVE this quilt!!!! And go check out the quilts that are for sale and have free shipping here.

canning dried beans

We eat beans, a lot. I like the convenience of canned, but the extra cents quickly add up to be more than the cost of dried, plus some brands have preservatives and other things I would like to avoid. When calculating your cost, remember that the cost savings might not be that different pound for pound, but bean for bean it is quite different. One pound of beans around here costs a little over a dollar, which yields 5+ pints. A 15 oz can also costs around a dollar (unless you find a sale). Also, please remember that if you don't already have canning jars and a pressure cooker *YAY GARAGE SALES* then canning beans might not be as cost effective. Oh, and PLEASE read the instruction manual that came with your pressure canner. Very enlightening.

I'm not a bean-nazi, but it is nice to avoid unnatural things whenever possible. So, here's my method, for those who are curious. These taste every bit the same as canned beans, and the entire family gobbles them up.

Please note, I am a canning beginner. It is addicting. That is all I will say about that.

I've canned beans using 2 different methods. These methods work for black, navy, pinto, red, kidney, etc. Here is my favorite way, which I did not do this time, but I WILL do next time. It makes it MUCH easier, and I know they will turn out perfectly. Here's where I got my instructions.

So, to recap - for pints, it's 3/4 cup beans and 1/2 tsp salt, 10lb for 75 min or you can use 2/3 cup of beans if you like more bean juice, same processing time.

For Quarts (I found this info somewhere else) it is 1 cup of beans, 1 tsp salt (or to taste). Process in pressure cooker @ 10lb for 90 minutes.

Remember to adjust for high altitude. I have a table somewhere if you need that.

This time, I did the Quick Soak method on the beans, boiling for 2 min and soaking for 1 hour, then cooking for 30 minutes and hot packing with the bean juice I cooked them in, 1 inch head space, same processing time. I felt it took longer and was more time on my feet, and that is not always fun with children who need attention. It's easy when the jars are all packed and ready as soon as you wake up, and you can just process the next batch as soon as the pressure cooker depressurizes.

The most important thing is NOT to add salt until you are ready to pressure cook the beans. Salt inhibits the re-hydration process and your beans will be crunchy. YUCK. If you are just cooking beans at home in a pot, same thing. Your beans will take much, much longer - like maybe 17 days - if you add salt during soaking or before the beans are soft. Don't quote me on that time frame.

This ends up being a big time saver when you are cooking and the best part is that you can do this in the winter, when the weather is cold enough to open the windows and keep the place cool (also when you are emptying your canning jars of the summer's produce). We ran out, which is why I did more now.

Our produce canning season is still at least a month away. I might be doing salsa, but will probably be canning quarts of that since my pint jars are occupied, at least for now, and I have a husband who may or may not think that a pint is a serving.

Happy Canning!

If you want an easier beginning canning project that requires less expensive equipment - say, a large pot and boiling water, stay tuned this summer - I'll be trying and posting my adventures with an all-fruit spread recipe!

we're smelling trouble...

Evan is up on his feet - scooting around on the furniture like an old pro. And today, for the first time, he's pushing himself up from crawling to his feet and hands, in a tripod-like stance. It is looking like walking is right around the corner. He's 11 months on the fifteenth. Oh, friends. Oh, friends. Pray.For.Me.

I say this while smiling, but there is much trepidation in my heart. *grins through teeth*

ER, whoops. (Works of God Monday)

So, yes, this is Tuesday, and I have to admit that posting yesterday was one of the last things on my mind, but it did flit in and out throughout the day. Let's just say that my offline responsibilities drew my attention more, um, loudly. Literally.

God has been faithful, encouraging and strengthening me and allowing me to see Him working in others. His grace is so amazing, so awe-some, and I am floored with the outpouring of it on us this week.

We had a great week last week, and are continually seeing God at work in our family and all around us. Sunday was (finally) the day we dedicated Evan to God, and publically declared our dependence on God for wisdom in rearing him to be a godly man. What a blessed family we are to have Evan - he is a fantastic kiddo and a delight to have around, and we are SO grateful and humbled that God has chosen to give him to us. It was also very fun to share this day with a friend from way back and their newly adopted little one. Blessings abound!

Yesterday I went to a few of our neighbors' houses to hand out some flyers for my Pampered Chef Grand Opening open house, and I knew one family had recently had a baby, so I inquired about him and found out that he is very sick and in Ann Arbor! Please pray with me for K, and his family. I cannot imagine the hardship and emotional distress this family is under. I am also very glad I went around to the neighbors! Please pray for me that God would allow Pampered Chef to open doors of relationship building in our neighborhood. I would love to be able to share our family and our faith with our local mission field!

So, I know some of you have already written a post - would you still link it, even though it's Tuesday? And if you haven't posted about God's working in your life, consider it Works of God Tuesday, or Wednesday, or whatever day and link away!!

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

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

yummy mexican(ish) rice

I canned some dried beans this week. The weather been so cool - in the 60's! I was happy it worked out - we have been out of home canned beans for awhile, and I have such a hard time preparing dried beans - it's my forgetfulness in this stage of life!! Dried beans take awhile, even with the quick soak method.

So with a shelf full of beans, I thought I'd share one of our favorite "Mexican" recipes - for rice. This IS the best rice I've eaten with Mexican food. Tweaked from a great cookbook I bought shortly after Michael and I were married.





1-2 T olive oil
1 tsp or one clove minced garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup long grain rice (or whatever rice you have)
1 can or one pint petite diced tomatoes (or any tomatoes you have)
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
2 cups or one can chicken broth OR 2 cups of water

In a medium saucepan, saute the first 3 ingredients for a few minutes. When the onions are transparent and the kitchen smells good enough to eat, add the rice only. Saute until golden, then add the rest of the ingredients. If you add water, also add 1 tsp salt. Chicken broth has a lot of sodium in it already, so you may wish to cut back on the salt if you use chicken broth. Stirring frequently, cook until the rice is done. You will want to stir frequently as this has a tendency to stick once the rice gets, er, sticky. This is awesome with beans, as a burrito filling, or as a side dish to pretty much any tex-mex or mexican dish.

Please note - I have only tried this recipe with white rice. And, if you have any rice and beans recipes, I would LOVE them!! I'm always looking for a twist on rice and beans!!

Song Shopping

I'm always in the market for new songs to share and to sing and even songs to keep to myself. This one has an amazing text. I hope it is a blessing to you today!

I Have A Shelter

I have a shelter in the storm
When troubles pour upon me
Though fears are rising like a flood
My soul can rest securely
O Jesus, I will hide in You
My place of peace and solace
No trial is deeper than Your love
That comforts all my sorrows

I have a shelter in the storm
When all my sins accuse me
Though justice charges me with guilt
Your grace will not refuse me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
Who bore my condemnation
I find my refuge in Your wounds
For there I find salvation

I have a shelter in the storm
When constant winds would break me
For in my weakness, I have learned
Your strength will not forsake me
O Jesus, I will hide in You
The One who bears my burdens
With faithful hands that cannot fail
You’ll bring me home to heaven

© 2008 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP) (Admin. By Integrity’s Hosanna! Music) Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)(Admin. By Integrity’s Praise! Music) Cook/Cook/Kauflin

win it!

Spend Freely is having a giveaway - an adorable boutique style wipes case. Enter to win now!

Don't have babies? No worries! Use it as a shower gift, or if you win and you're really having a hard time getting rid of it, I know a mom with the initials J.M. who would gladly take it off your hands.

*grin*

and a big wah hoo

Michael's had full days of work this week, despite predicted torrential downpours and thunderstorms. They are working on a roof, and the rain hasn't been bad enough to stop or slow them down. PRAISE THE LORD! Steady work is good.

That is all.

doing the mundane

At the beginning of the month, I cleaned out the refrigerator. Not a cursory cleaning, but the first good take-out-the-shelves-and-scrub-with-a-toothbrush cleaning that fridge has had since we got it - or maybe the second. The deep freezer was recently reorganized, too. I won't tell you what we found.

I clean the fridge out regularly, mostly on Tuesdays since trash day is Wednesday. I can be found too often taking the produce that was too ripe to begin with and rotted before we could use it all or the leftover gravy that somehow made it to the back of the fridge without our notice and now is unrecognizable as gravy.

I'm not the only one who does this, I know that for a fact. Food goes bad, if you're forgetful. And I am. I usually wipe down the shelves often enough, or when there is a spill, or both.

Today I found watermelon slices back in our fridge, soaking in their own rotten marinade. The watermelon wasn't that great to begin with, so I wasn't all that motivated to eat it, and then life happened, and the fridge started to stink. Way in the back by the cold packs, there it sat. And it went into a trash bag with a hole in it, so now I have a mess in my trash can. No, I haven't cleaned it up yet. My nose needed a break from the rotten watermelon juice, and so, I ask this of you, blog readers:

How often do you deep clean your fridge? How do you combat food waste?

Now off to the smelly task that awaits. Praise Jesus that it's nice and cool today - and that trash day is tomorrow!!

Works of God Monday

There have been so many blessings this week, and I'm feeling a bit more concise than usual. So I've decided that I'm going to make a list! (In no particular order)

1. I'm thankful that we are close to some of our family! We have had more opportunities to stop by mom & dad's house this summer and they've been over here and I am loving seeing them more often.

2. Mom & dad gave us a kiddie pool upgrade. We now have a 60" blue plastic pool with a sea-themed motif on the bottom. WOO HOO and Aaron is thrilled that the whole family (barely) fits. He asks us to get in and sit down with him (BRRR) And then he asks very sweetly for us to get out so that he can swim. Hilarious.

3. The teens made it safely back from camp at the Wilds, despite three bus breakdowns. They even had to take another bus to pick everybody up when the transmission died in Tennesee.

4. I'm thankful for more trim around doors in our house. Every little bit helps get our house closer to the finish line!

5. Garage sales. I found the 10 cent sales this weekend, folks. For some reason, this weekend's sales hosts were pricing everything super low! I found a handful of children's books, some flash cards (homeschooling here we come!) and a pair of jeans - yes they fit perfectly - for TEN CENTS. I don't think I need to tell you that this is a miracle. I can shop for 6 hours and not find a pair of jeans that fits right, and they are certainly not ten cents.

6. I think this was 2 weeks ago, but I completed a sewing project for a friend, and she paid me the exact same amount it cost for our computer to be unexpectedly fixed. June is always tight, so it was great that I was able to exchange services in this roundabout way.

7. Sunday night we had a special speaker, Kevin Bauder from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He gave a great message from Psalm 2, which was basically this:

- People will rebel
- God is in charge
- He has a plan we can't begin to understand
- Trust Him, Serve Him.

So I've had a very encouraging week and weekend! I praise the Lord for His blessings! Care to praise Him with me?

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

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

funny how that happens

Friday comes every week without fail, but I never fail to be excited about it. FAMILY TIME is COMING! is the first thought in my mind (once I come out of the fog that is the first 20 minutes of my morning). I love hanging out with my husband, and therefore I love weekends.

It's been hot this week, hotter than usual and it is especially noticeable since late May and early June were so mild and gorgeous and, in my opinion, perfect. This morning it is already 68* with 78% humidity. So our kiddie pool is getting a regular workout.

We don't have any big plans this weekend, other than continuing with household projects. I think maybe some trim? Who knows. I've got a mountain of clean socks to sort and I need to round up some hangers for the hang up clothes. I am hoping to run some errands, but it's also day 2 of a nasty headache, and by the time Evan gets up it's going to be even hotter out there, and our van has no a/c anymore, so my errand running might not happen.

I've got a few baby green tomatoes, and I'm thrilled. The baby grape tomatoes are the cutest. How the garden loves the humidity. It almost makes it worth sitting through. Almost. *grins*

Anybody know of a place where it's green and mountainous, sunny and beachy, where gardens grow tons of produce and the summers peak at 85* with little or no humidity? That would be my perfect vacation spot.

Well this ended up being quite random. And here I am wondering...

1. how do YOU beat the heat?
2. which do you think is worse - high temps or high humidity?
3. where would you go on a weekend getaway vacation?
4. what are you really doing this weekend?

Ironically, after I posted, it turned out to be a gorgeous, almost perfect day! The humidity ended up lowering drastically and it's now 81*, sunny and breezy!

eeerrrrghfmmmmfph!

That's me, biting my tongue.* Maybe I will be back later today, and maybe not.

and that is all.

Oh, wait. Here are some videos of my hilarious toddler in our "pool" which has a maximum capacity of 1. We exceed that all the time.


This is what happens when you try to actually record those moments and your child is in love with digital photography technology. You don't capture much. Excuse the pile of weeds.




This is what happens when your "great swimmer" is an active toddler.


*on many topics, this morning on the topic of *unnecessary* medical interventions in normal, uncomplicated, pregnancy

a new adventure

After several months of prayer, we've decided that I'm going to venture into the world of selling Pampered Chef products. I've always loved the products, but when this opportunity presented itself I didn't know what to think. On the one hand, I knew I'd enjoy it, but on the other hand, I didn't want to spend a bunch of evenings away from the family.

For several years, I was doing a calling job from home, but when Evan was born, my hours of free time seemed to greatly diminish. Actually, those free hours would have diminished with Aaron's getting older, too, so it's not entirely Evan's fault. Anyway, it was good timing - it seemed like the available calling hours were diminishing as well. So I haven't been working on a regular basis since last August. At least, not for money. I've definitely not been sitting around and staring blankly at the wall.

I started an Etsy shop, but I think volume sales with Etsy requires something that I must be missing. I have made some sales, and that is great, but most of them are to people I know. I lack the time to figure out what I'm not doing to increase sales, etc. And it's really just a hobby anyway. I don't want to spend entire days hunched over a sewing machine.

So I'm signing up to sell Pampered Chef, in five days. I'm excited and nervous and excited and nervous! In the next two weeks I will be setting up for my Grand Opening and then we'll be off and running. In the month of July, I need to have a minimum of four shows, so let me know if you want to host a catalogue show or a cooking show. July is actually a fantastic month to host a show - there are bunches of bonus hostess benefits and a gigantic discount on the Ultimate Mandoline.

Once I'm fully booked for July I will be cutting back on the cooking shows and focusing on catalogue and online sales for awhile to see how that works for our family. I'm thankful that I can make a more concerted effort to bring in some income. It will be nice to have a faster way to build up our savings. I'm really excited about that.

And I promise that this blog will NOT become a big ol' Pampered Chef advertisement. I might be able to do some better giveaways. HA! If you would like to get periodic updates, or information about specials, please let me know via email. I would love to add you to my mailing list!

And please pray for me and for the whole family as we start off on a new adventure!

"quality" workmanship

A few weeks ago, I was driving down one of the main roads in our town when I noticed something strange. The Toyota in front of me was missing a good portion of it's plastic looking bumper. Can you guess what was behind it? Between the metal frame and the plastic bumper was a molded piece of styrofoam.

Oh, right, that's what we pay over 10,000 to buy new. Plastic and styrofoam. I guess it might contribute to higher gas mileage due to a lighter vehicle?

Works of God Monday

Yikes, only one post since last Monday! GOD is at WORK and we've been busy watching Him! This past weekend we had a garage sale. I was praying that we'd clear $200 and sell some specific items, and we did! Praise the LORD for giving us great weather. Thursday, I'd checked the weather report and it predicted rain and thunderstorms, 100%. It was fun to watch the forecast change to cloudy-no rain until noon, and then until 2, and then until 6, etc. The same thing happened on Saturday. It rained until about 8, and then the weather cleared and was clear until 9pm! I know God's hand is over all the weather, and I am especially grateful for His working in the weather this weekend in a way that kept us guessing!

Saturday night, God provided a free pizza party for us via Dominos and this site. We had a delicious taste testing gathering, complete with 6 free pizzas. YUM!

I can't share many details, but we've been thrilled to watch God at work in hearts here at our church. One family in particular has been a real blessing to us as they continue to face trials and remain strong in their faith. We are so priviledged to watch and be a part of God's work.

I'm also thankful for God's Word! Michael has been going through basic Bible doctrines in Sunday School, and this week, taught the junior highers about the Atonement. Helping to type up his outline was a huge encouragement to me - Christ took the punishment for our sins, bore God the Father's full wrath in our place, and I am so grateful. Here is a portion of the book we're using that made me cry:

As Jesus bore the guilt of our sins, God unleashed all wrath and punishment for all sins upon his own Son. Jesus became the object of the intense hatred of sin and vengeance against sin that God had patiently stored up since the beginning of the world. Christ necessarily and willingly bore the full punishment for our sin on the cross. And so through his death, God's justice was met.

What a Savior! What a sacrifice! I am overwhelmed with His Love.

So, what has God been teaching you? How has He provided for you this week? How have you seen Him working in others? I'd love to hear, and so would the others who read!

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

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

yeah, it's Thursday

I've been busy, a little sick, and a little out of it. I've been playing laundry, errand, and housework catchup for the week, while trying to get ready for a garage sale. And now it looks like thunderstorms will thwart my plans. AHHHH, rats. We were hoping.

God is good, He knows what we need to do and when we need to do it. He guides, protects, provides.

If you then,who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (Matt 7:11)

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Works of God Monday

What a busy busy month this is turning out to be! We are having a great time, though, and are humbled that God continuously chooses to bless us.

We are blessed to have been visited by Malcham, Michael's brother. He and Michael worked really hard to accomplish a pretty big project in our backyard. The photos are here. Be forewarned, there are some adorable photos of my kiddos in that album too. *grin* A big thanks to Malcham - it would have been quite difficult for Michael to get that done on his own.

Our good friend Kris' visit was too short, but it was so great to see him again. We are renewed in our prayer effort for their ministry in California.

Then, part of the Janke family came for a visit and a Pampered Chef party. It was fantastic to see them again and catch up. God is so gracious to allow us to have friends that honor Him and to also let us watch His work in our friends lives!

God also provided a lawn mower for us, a brand new one. What a blessing! We are so grateful, and we'll be selling the old, in-need-of-a-carbureator mower at our garage sale, which we are hoping will be this coming weekend. It's high time to clean out the garage and make some extra cash with our junk!

This week is VBS at our church. I was hoping to help, but I've lost my voice. I will be praying from home and perhaps helping later in the week if my voice comes back.

I'm also thankful to God for His guidance in our lives. Michael and I are working toward some new goals together, and I'm grateful for a godly spouse who encourages me and wants us to grow. I'm praising the Lord for my fabulous husband!!

So, how has God been at work in your life? How has He reminded you of His character this week, or provided for your needs? Leave a comment or link your blog in the comment section so that I and others can rejoice with you!

my "blue ribbon" day

This morning I won the imaginary prize for horrid mom of the day. I locked the kids in the running minivan.

We were heading to the store. Actually, two stores. Which is a big deal for this mom of two busy boys. I had coupons and deal scenarios all written down and categorized and envelope-ized. Boy was I feeling organized.

Step 1 is always to get the kids in the van. I usually settle Aaron first, and let him help with the unlocking. So that's what we did, and he climbed up into his car seat and got all strapped in, then I went back for Evan, who was in his car seat and ready to go. Snapped him in just fine, then got in myself and turned on the van, preparing to back down the driveway and go on my merry way.

Then I thought, "I'd better check to make sure that I grabbed the reusable bags," and stepped out to check. The van door shut behind me and I heard the click of doom. The kids and my keys were locked in.

Our back hatch doesn't always latch completely, and you had better believe I was hoping today it would be loose. No soup. I called Michael, and he was working 1 1/2 hours away. So I asked him if he knew of any spare van keys. No soup. I jiggled the back hatch some more. Still no soup. I tried getting Aaron to wriggle out of his 5-point harness. Definitely no soup. Which is, honestly, fantastic.

So I did what my rising panic told me to do - called 911. Isn't that just how it is? I'm all in a tizzy and the kids are hanging out having a great time. Ha! A fire truck and a tow truck arrived, with 3 uniformed fireman and a cheerful tow truck dude. Humiliated and feeling very much like a neglectful mother, I listened to the firemen tell me how important it is to have house numbers in case of emergency, and that I should never leave my children in a running vehicle - especially an old model Dodge Grand Caravan - because the toddler could shift the car into gear easily and it could end in tragedy. (I wasn't particularly worried about this as my toddler couldn't get out of his car seat)

"Yes, sir," I said, nodding and vowing to get house numbers...just as soon as I find some that I like, that is. And I was thinking, wouldn't they be able to find my house if it was on fire? Would they really check for house numbers? I guess it would be good in a non-fire emergency to have a house number.

So while I'm still slightly embarrassed, I am thankful that I did not lock my cell phone in the van - our land line is not working yet - still! And going next door to use the phone and admit I'd locked my keys and kids in the van would have been even worse.

But I'm laughing now.

Works of God Monday

God is at work, He is leading and providing! This past week has been pretty exciting and encouraging. First, Michael's brother Malcham is here visiting and was able to be here for Michael's birthday! We have already been dragging him around with us and just generally having a great time. He's had us laughing like crazy on a pretty regular basis.

Saturday, one of our fellow youth staff members (and a friend of our family from birth) was ordained, and today he and his wife are moving to Tennessee to take a position as an assistant pastor in a church there. It is very exciting to see how God has been leading them and has shown them the place He has for them! Pastor Dan encouraged us all on Sunday night to pray for those who go out from our church to minister. It's very easy to forget them when we aren't seeing them each week. So I'm going to really begin making a list and sticking to it when it comes to my prayer time. That is something I've really gotten out of the habit of doing!

Sunday morning, our pastor preached from 2 Peter 3 about living with a sense of urgency. I was thankful to be prompted by the Holy Spirit to continue on in what God has called me to, and to pray about some future ideas for ministry. I am so thankful that God convicts and prompts.

Sunday afternoon, a friend of ours fixed the brakes on our van, at no charge. We bought the parts, he took the van home from church and brought it back with new back brake pads and new brake cylinders. What a blessing to be a part of the body of Christ, where we can exchange services in our areas of talent and abilities!!!

So, how has God been working, convicting, providing for you this week? Please leave a link to your post in the comment section below!

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

excitement

Today, Aaron is VVVVVVVVVVERY excited. Uncle Malcham (Michael's brother) is coming from Colorado for a week. We are VERY excited, too. And it will be a very busy weekend - with open houses, a baby shower, ordination service, and more (yes, MORE!). Uncle Kris (our good friend) is coming from California just for the weekend.

It's going to be a fun weekend, and a great week! And you might not see much of me. I'll be here for Works of God Monday for sure!

new creations

Today I clinging to God's grace. It sure feels like a "bad mommy" day - at least where my toddler is concerned! God is helping me to pray for my children, that God will convict of sin, that He will make them new creations. There is nothing that I can do to change their hearts. I pray that I will explain God's word in a way that helps them to understand the greatness of God, His grace, His mercy.

And God is gracious to me, too. I have a smiley boy to counterbalance the grumpy one today.

I saw my children be born (well, one of them, anyway) and I want nothing more than to see them reborn. I'm feeling an urgency to share God's Word with them, which I praise God for.

In unrelated news - I've just listed a tote bag and a laundry sack in the shop!

grad gifts

So I made some giant sized laundry bags with some of the grads - mostly the ones I knew were leaving home for college - and some reusable shopping bags for some of the others. Everyone can use a shopping bag, right? The laundry bags went with a card came - Uno or Phase 10 - and the shopping bags went with a small gift card to WalMart.

UNfortunately I was in such a rush to finish the laundry bags that I didn't get any photos. Here are three of the shopping bags. I love how they turned out, and I think I'll be making more to sell in my etsy shop. The green fabric is some of my absolute favorite, and is lined with khaki. The brown circle print was lined in dark denim and the blue snowflake paisley is lined in a blue broadcloth. I liked the feel of the denim lined bag best - hopefully the students liked them and the bags will be nice and durable for years to come.

Both the laundry bags and the shopping bags were personalized with the name of the graduate inside.

Works of God Monday

Praise God for His faithfulness! We've had an interesting week - Michael was sick for a day, our weekend didn't seem all that profitable, I'm now feeling a tad under the weather, but I'm so blessed to be God's child and to watch Him at work.

We have watched one particular family at church take HUGE spiritual steps and it is truly awe-some to see God's work in their lives and to watch the Holy Spirit produce fruit in these young believers. It is incredible to watch them face adversity with grace. God is at WORK in them, and I love watching it. He is so good to us to allow us to be a part of His work.

We have been looking for a loveseat for awhile now but as you might imagine, our budget does not allow for any new furniture purchases, not that I think new is best, mind you. But this week we were able to find a little brown twin sleeper loveseat on Craigslist. It needs a good cleaning, because it smells a lot like musty basement. It is always nice to have extra seating.

And here is the biggest praise of all - Evan has reverted to his once per night waking schedule! At least, he has for now. I am SO thankful! I think I'm finally getting the restorative sleep I need.

This is going to be a busy week for us - and Michael's brother is coming in on Friday for a week long visit! It will be two years at Christmas since we've been to Colorado to see Michael's family, so we are excited to see Malcham, and are planning some fun activities and trying to finish our total home declutter project.

Our friend Kris will be here this weekend, too. He's coming in for an ordination. It's been nearly eleven months since he and his family moved to California, and it will be great to see him. Wish the family could come, but that is not possible this time!

Mister Linky still isn't working, but I'd love to hear how God is working in YOUR life! Please leave a comment, or link to your blog in the comment section!

Garden!

I finally planted some (purchased) tomatoes and peppers. Red & Yellow Bell, Jalapeno, and tomatoes - grape (3 bushes!) Early Girl, and Roma. I'm a tad disappointed in my from scratch seedling project that failed for year #2, but at least I will know next year - don't even TRY to grow your own! I don't have a greenhouse or growing lights so I will just go spend the $6 for the plants instead of messing with little peat pellets. LOL.

I weeded both beds, and found out the hard way about stinging nettles. Ouch. My hand is still in a lot of pain and tingling. I guess my (pink!) leather gardening gloves are a necessary evil after all!! I am hoping to plant squash seeds with (or without) Aaron this afternoon, and I have a flat of pansies that need to go out front. I had a great time digging last night - very relaxing and I love weeding at a higher level! Much easier on the body, for sure.

This weekend and next are a flurry and a whirlwind. CBA graduation tonight, open houses, a birthday for my fantastic husband on the 6th, a visit from a college friend (and her dad, a former professor) on the 12th for a Pampered Chef party. Uh, wow! June will be half over before I know it! I'm excited for the teens in our youth group AND very sad to see them go. Thankfully some of them aren't going very far, so it will be nice to see them around.

I'm working feverishly on sewing some grad gifts for them, which I will be sure to post photos of, later in June. Which might be the next time you hear from me.

Probably not. I never have been good at keeping my mouth shut for long. Does the same apply to fingers?? We shall see!

Anything growing in YOUR garden? Any creative ideas for frugal, yet meaningful, graduation gifts? Is your May/June as crazy as all this???

photopalooza

There's been a lot of excitement at the Muth household lately. Evan has two teeth, in the middle on the bottom, and his top four teeth are showing their presence behind his gums. I tried to get a decent photo of his cute little grin with two teeth, but he just cried, as evidenced above. He loves to stuff Cheerios in his mouth, too. I laughed out loud capturing it on camera. He's also eaten sweet potato, banana, avocado, applesauce and asparagus. But he loves Cheerios best of all.

Aaron has a new found affinity for "wiggle worms" as he calls them. They certainly do wiggle, and he is turning into a little boy at a speed that makes me crazy. I cannot believe he will be three in August. Oh, and his hair is NOT blue in that photo above - it's just the lighting!









L to R: Memorial Day parade and an amazing view of my laughter induced double chin, first night in the big boy bed with feminine sheets he cares nothing about - isn't his excitement cute?, hilarious sneeze photo and our new stroller on our very nasty green-stained concrete!

busy, busy, busy!

Aaron is a busy BUSY boy. This is a comment I often hear when I pick him up from the nursery, so I know it's not just a figment of my imagination. And we all know what happens when a busy boy doesn't have enough to do. Chaos erupts.

I need H.E.L.P! I can hardly keep enough things around for him to do - and some of his favorite activities, like playing with beans or my button tin, must be reserved for Evan's nap time. For my darling second son is an EATER - he will eat anything and everything he finds on the floor, and I would really rather he did not choke. Or eat scraps of hemp fleece, as he did when I missed one during my diaper insert making adventure.

So, all you expert moms.

I need ideas. Projects for a preschooler (Aaron will be 3 in August) that meet the following criteria

1. Somewhat independent from mom
2. NO small parts
3. Not a lot of prep for mom

A tall order? Perhaps. But I know who I'm asking. Y'all are talented and creative!! HELP!!!

Works of God Monday

Obviously, I am a tad late posting the Works of God this week. It's been a busy day for us! We went to a parade, had a cookout with my parents, continued our massive MASSIVE house purging, cleaned a few windows, and just had a great day.

House purging? Yes, indeed. We are getting rid of excess and unnecessary paperwork, which will free up a lot of space. And we are also tossing most of our superfluous JUNK, or at least relegating it to the garage for the pending garage sale in a month or so. Lord willing, no baby at this one. What a surprise that would be!

This week, God worked out a need for us - we have been needing to have our lawn mower serviced, but never got around to taking it to the small machine repair shop, and June is always a crazy month with extra bills - Michael's birthday is in June so we have tag renewals, life insurance payments, etc. and we try to be extra careful with expenses in June. We borrowed a mower and have mowed once, but it is really pretty necessary to be able to keep the grass at an acceptable level. Yes, there are city ordinances about this sort of thing.

Well, a couple weeks ago we got a Sears gift card in the mail and the Lord prompted Michael to see if Sears would repair/service the lawn mower. They do. So not only have we stopped procrastinating, our machine is in the "shop" but we won't have to pay out of our own pocket for its repair! Praise the Lord!

So, how has God provided for your family this week? What has He been teaching you? What are you thankful for? How did you watch God work this week? Take a little time to praise the Lord with your blog or leave a comment! Please Excuse Mister Linky. He is having a bit of a problem. If you just click on the link to leave a comment, that should work!

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

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

I'm not gonna lie

This has been a super hard week. And I think that it is good to be honest about my struggles as much as I am honest about my blessings. God has given me grace - much grace - this week, but I am still struggling. I'm sure that most of you have had weeks like that.

The boys have been taking turns waking up in the night, but Evan hasn't slept well in over a month. First it was teething, and he was waking up every hour and a half. Now he's still waking up 2-3 times. It is definitely worth it - I wouldn't give my boys up for the world - but at the same time, I am really not that fun to be around when I haven't gotten sleep. I know that I am getting run down, and it feels like sickness is once again poised and ready to strike.

At the end of last week, Aaron decided he was going to push his boundaries in EVERY area. Since then we have been working on several issues that we thought he had learned - especially listening & obeying. I am exhausted from the energy it takes to be consistent with my little boy.

Yesterday, it seemed like every.single.thing. was going contrary to plan. I don't think that it would benefit anyone for me to hash out the details, but suffice it to say that I was put through the wringer yesterday at just about every turn, and the day ended in tears. Many uncontrollable tears - the kind that just roll down your face no matter how many happy thoughts you think.

Despite all these things, despite the fact that it is 8 am on a Thursday and I just want bedtime to be here already, despite the struggles and the early wake times and the unregenerate actions of my oldest little pagan, despite the tears and the feelings of exhaustion and inadequacy and all that I've left out, God is still GOOD.

He is GOOD, all the time. He is holding me up, He is reminding me of His Word. He knows just what I can handle, He offers His grace. He even gives me a bonus - a laugh at the kids, a smile when I don't think I can. He loves me infinitely more than I think is possible.

*blush, blush*

I haven't ever been awarded a bloggy award, at least until now. If you haven't read A Dusty Frame, you should. Lizzie is such an encouragement to me as she faces challenges that she never expected - dealing with an incarcerated spouse, supporting and homeschooling her son James, and more. I marvel at God's grace, alive and well, in Lizzie's family. I'm not sure how I discovered her blog, but I'm very glad I did. There have been many times that God has used Lizzie's words and example to challenge and encourage me.


So when she gave me the Barnabas award, I hardly knew what to say. And I am humbled, Lizzie. Thank you. Here is her explanation of this award:

Barnabas worked with the Apostle Paul.

We remember him for his encouragement and generosity. In this spirit, I’d like to let you know that you are a Barnabas in my life. Thank you!

Lizzie asked that we pass on the award to someone who has blessed us with the gifts of encouragement and generosity. There are so many people in my life who fit this description, but I'd like to mention Richelle. I've known her casually over the years - she probably doesn't remember this, but she was a sponsor for a "Math Counts" tournament when I was in junior high, and she was yet unmarried. (I have NO idea why I was chosen to be on that team. My "math skills" are a big fat joke) And her sister in law was in my class in school. I've enjoyed getting to know her via the internet as she blogs about life as a wife, mom, and so much more in Niger. I can always count on you for a kind word, thought provoking posts and comments, and lots of encouragement! Thanks, Richelle!

Works of God Monday

Whew! What a week we had! God continues to show us His faithfulness - despite our unworthiness! I was able to finish preparations for the stage makeup portion of the production of The Music Man that the students at CBA performed (3 times!) this weekend. They did an incredible job - so incredible that I will admit I was very pleasantly surprised - and my heart swelled with feelings almost maternal. I'm sitting there thinking, "AAACK! I'm so weird! I must be getting old!"

I was telling Michael that this class of seniors seems a little bit more something than every other year. It is our first group of seventh graders from our Sunday School class graduating, which might be it, but more than that I am feeling most keenly my own age - but more, the swift passage of time this year. It honestly seems like yesterday that I was setting out on my own senior trip, getting ready for my own first year of college.

I so want these students to fully realize the blessings God has for their future. I don't know if it is my own senility beginning or what, but I'm really going to miss this class of seniors. God has given them all so many talents, and I love them and can't wait to see how God uses them.

I am also praising God this week for His provision. It often seems like we cannot get ahead with our finances, and there are times we struggle with discouragement over that (just keeping it real, people!) but I am so grateful that God provides just what we need at the perfect time we need it. We have been able to pay all of our bills and continue to be out of debt, with an extra or two here and there. I do NOT take this for granted. God is gracious to us to allow us to trust Him for every penny, every need. I am grateful for lessons in trust.

So, how has God provided for your family this week? What has He been teaching you? What are you thankful for? How did you watch God work this week? Take a little time to praise the Lord with your blog or leave a comment!

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

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

Dorky No More

Thanks to a friend's generosity, Aaron has two new-to-us pairs of church pants for now, and about a bazillion outfits for later. We've been blessed by this family's kindness before, and are overwhelmed with a repeat blessing. Aaron will be stylin' on Sunday, and I didn't even have to go to the thrift store again!!

Thanks, friend!!

As for Aaron's mother, well, she is still quite entrenched in her dorky phase. She is beginning to realize it is not a phase. She is embracing it. And she is laughing.

Fantastic Finds

Went to the thrift store this morning, hoping for a pair of church pants for Aaron. The last pair of 2T's that are long enough (and don't look dorky) were ruined, so he's been looking a tad dorky for the last few weeks at church in some ever-so-slightly tapered leg wonders that I picked up without examining closely enough at last year's garage sales and that will be going into this year's garage sale.

Didn't find any 2T pants, (I will soon!) but I did find a few items that filled some holes in the future wardrobes, and best of all, I scored a magnificent trike for $6. He was so enthusiastic in the store that most of our fellow shoppers left with huge smiles plastered on their faces. "Oh, wow, mommy! A new bike for me! Thank you, thank you! I'm so happy!" I wish you could hear the inflection, because that is definitely the best part.

He's my very favorite two year old.

Savings + Fun = More Fun

Anyone else looking for inexpensive date night activities? MSM had this article linked today.

Yee haw! Nothing makes a good time better than knowing you spent very little cash.

Can I get an Amen?

Works of God Monday

What a weekend! Michael came down with strep throat - he who has been healthy all winter - and hopefully we can avoid passing it back and forth. Does anyone know if antibacterial gel is safe for lips? I can't seem to stop kissing the man. Tee hee.

SO many blessings this past week!

Although Michael stayed home from church, that did not thwart the plans that he and my dad had so cleverly figured out - chinese takeout for Mother's Day! Mom & dad came over and we feasted on Chinese! Mom & dad bought me a great gift - a new Pyrex 9 x 13. Mine disappeared - does your stuff do that too?

Dad also had a birthday this weekend - fifty eight! I'm so SO glad for birthdays! I broke my no-sugar fast. YUM. Now it's back to no sugar for awhile, until the next birthday or holiday! I do feel much better, even though I still miss the sugary yumminess.

I've lost 2 more pounds, hallelujah.

We were blessed by a generous unexpected Sears gift card in the mail, thank you to the ones who gave it! We are so grateful!

FIVE of the teens in our junior high youth group earned enough points (50,000) to make it to the top point level, and will be earning a Bible with their name on it - I'm praising God that there are this many teens who worked so hard for this goal, and also praising Him that we found great Bibles that are within the price range, and a coupon code for 10% off the total order!

I've been a witness to some incredible spiritual growth of a wonderful family in our church - it's FANTASTIC to see God working, and humbling to get a front row seat.

I found out "by accident" about a great deal on Kraft Mac & Cheese at Meijer this week - they are on sale for 50 cents, and if you buy 6 you get a $2 catalina for $$ off your next order - great news is you can keep rolling the deal over, essentially getting 6/$1. Needless to say, we are well stocked. I know it's definitely not a health food, but it's cheap and it is yummy according to the majority of the members of this family. And if I decide we've had enough, I can donate to the food bank. I praise God for providing this great deal!

My children are healthy, and happy, and I get the opportunity to be their mom. What a blessing!












So, how has God provided for your family this week? What has He been teaching you? What are you thankful for? How did you watch God work this week? Take a little time to praise the Lord with your blog or leave a comment!

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

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

speaking of giggling

Here's something else that makes me giggle - Elvis, and all that surrounds that er....guy. So imagine my happiness in discovering some fabric with his silhouette. I used some to make a bag last year for a likewise-giggling friend, and discovered a remnant today. So I made this.

giggle, giggle.

giggling like a pre-teen

I read this article this morning and parts of it just made me giggle out loud. Especially the name of the movement - The Virgin Lips Movement. I am so mature.

I would like to know your thoughts. Here are mine.

Michael and I saved kissing (on the lips) for our wedding day, but certainly not our wedding ceremony. When he told me that he'd like to wait until our wedding to kiss me, I was quite a bit concerned. Kiss you for the first time in front of 500 people? I don't think so. How is that special?

So we talked through it, and decided that our first kiss could be on our wedding day, but before the ceremony. Thankfully I have a considerate spouse who understood my reasons! Anyway, it was perfect.

For us.

I would never judge anyone for making a different choice. In our situation, Michael took the leadership, knowing what he could handle and setting the boundaries he needed to set. We were definitely on the same page when it came to saving sexual intimacy for marriage. And although I never thought that I could or would be one of those who waited for kissing, it ended up being the best decision for us.

Granted, we did have a 4 month engagement, so it's not like we accomplished anything of great proportion. However, it wasn't the easiest thing ever, either. I really like Michael. We had to rely on God's grace, and set up boundaries for ourselves in order to accomplish the goal. Emphasis on God's grace.

I definitely think that teens (and pre-teens!) are involved WAY too soon in relationships where they are tempted to share more of themselves than they are prepared to share, emotionally and physically. I would never want to be in school now with all the craziness that is going on, things I've heard about that make me blush and at the same time, break my heart for these kids.

Here is an interesting quote from Mr. Mohler's article,

"In The Purity Myth: How America's Obsession with Virginity Is Hurting Young Women, Valenti presses her case, suggesting that when young women aim for virginity and fail, they suffer a loss of self-esteem."

That idea makes me pretty mad, actually. So we shouldn't expect anything of our kids, because if they fail, they will suffer a loss of self esteem? (What would happen if we applied this logic to other areas of life - calculus? physics? anyone?) I think it's sad that we expect our teens to fail in the area of sexual purity. God is big enough, gives enough grace to help each believer overcome ANY temptation, combat ANY sin.

And if there is a failure, in ANY area, God's forgiveness is big enough, His grace is sufficient to help me get past it. He sees all sin in the same light - it is an affront to His character. So my laziness, or pride, or anger is the same thing as someone else's murder, or sexual sin. It's all the same sin to God - it is all horrible, something He cannot have in His presence, something He sent Jesus to die for and something that Jesus' blood can completely wash away.

That is amazing.

So what makes it such a huge deal when someone fails in this area? Certainly some of the consequences are pretty scary, are definitely life changing. I think we also need to check our reaction as believers. Do we respond as God does? Ready to forgive, forget, embrace? He is ready to wash this (and every) repentant sinner clean - we stand unblemished in His presence because of Jesus' blood. Do we allow others to stand forgiven? Something to think about.

So what do you think? Is the expectation of sexual purity too high of an expectation for our kids? Is the "Virgin Lips Movement" totally ridiculous? What are your thoughts, or your experiences? Wax eloquent, please. I can't wait to see what you have to say.

Superman, indeed.

Aaron, your helpful spirit saves the day!

Works of God Monday

God is so good, all the time! We've had some interesting things happen this weekend, and we know that God put them all in our path for His perfect reason. Here are some of our blessings!

1. My strep throat is back. What? Apparently I have some strain that is resistant to amoxicillin. Again, praising the Lord for the availability of modern medicine when illness strikes!

2. We got a save $10 on anything coupon in the mail from Kohls, which netted us 2 reusable water bottles (on my wish list for summer) for a mere $2.10. These are pretty snazzy bottles with those little freezable inserts for cold retention. I am really happy that I have one of these to take along with me on errand runs. I cannot even tell you how thirsty I get - must have something to do with the feeding the baby thing. Anyway, what a blessing that God provided this wish for so little money!

3. We have doors on our bedroom closets! Yay! I'll post photos once the trim is up so it can be a big ta-da, but I am so thankful that God gave Michael the time to be able to do this for us this weekend! It's fun to be able to check these projects off the list!

4. Third consecutive week at church. Amen, amen.

5. My peas, my peas are growing! My poor tomato plants did not survive their peat patty beginnings. I must be doing something wrong. The peppers survived, and I will plant them soon. But I will have to buy tomato plants. I am glad I can!

So, how has God provided for your family this week? What has He been teaching you? What are you thankful for? How did you watch God work this week? Take a little time to praise the Lord with your blog or leave a comment!

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

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.