My garden produce is beginning to roll in and I need some help! If you have a recipe (no matter how simple) that uses summer produce would you please share! I have tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, peppers, and okra coming soon! Thanks for sharing your yummy ideas with me. I am always looking for new ways to use the bounty of my garden!
If you have blog and post a recipe on it please link below.
I am trying out a new lionk system and using one for the first time. So, I hope I am doing this right!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Another great giveaway
Great for the homeschooling family or any family that loves to encourage the joy of learning. These e-books look really cool and the blog below is giving some away next week. So, hop on over and give them a look.
http://lettersnumbersandbooksohmy.blogspot.com/2009/06/preschool-activities-in-bag-review-and.html#comment-form
http://lettersnumbersandbooksohmy.blogspot.com/2009/06/preschool-activities-in-bag-review-and.html#comment-form
Just some random thoughts
Why are we as humans never satisfied? Why can we not find contentment in the everyday life? Have you ever just wondered why God allowed our flesh to struggle with this? I have spent a lot of time thinking about this lately.
As children we always want more, want to be first, want to see what is happening. We can never just sit and wait. Even as adults we want to pass the driver in front of us, we want the shortest line at the store. And so the saga continues. On and on and on. Day after day. Week after week. Year after year. It has been the same for generations, it never changes.
It seems to me that this is a universal struggle and yet is such a silly one. For those of us fortunate to live in America and have a home and food. Why are we not content? What more do we expect? What more can we ask for? And why does it always have to be different?
As I walked through the store this week I found myself looking at the shelves, no, I mean really looking. I was in a newer Wal-Mart and it was a huge thing! And the shelves were FULL! Of all different kinds of food and snacks. And yet we complain about not being able to find something we came after, or how expensive everything is. There are people that have never even been to a store. That is a fact that is hard to wrap your mind around isn't it.
In my own life I find that on days when I get to stay home I don't want to be there and I am wishing to go out and about. But on days and weeks that I am busy, I long to stay home and grow weary of all the running. Why can I not just be content? I long to be, really I do. But I struggle so much with this.
I long to be able to utter the words of Paul in
As children we always want more, want to be first, want to see what is happening. We can never just sit and wait. Even as adults we want to pass the driver in front of us, we want the shortest line at the store. And so the saga continues. On and on and on. Day after day. Week after week. Year after year. It has been the same for generations, it never changes.
It seems to me that this is a universal struggle and yet is such a silly one. For those of us fortunate to live in America and have a home and food. Why are we not content? What more do we expect? What more can we ask for? And why does it always have to be different?
As I walked through the store this week I found myself looking at the shelves, no, I mean really looking. I was in a newer Wal-Mart and it was a huge thing! And the shelves were FULL! Of all different kinds of food and snacks. And yet we complain about not being able to find something we came after, or how expensive everything is. There are people that have never even been to a store. That is a fact that is hard to wrap your mind around isn't it.
In my own life I find that on days when I get to stay home I don't want to be there and I am wishing to go out and about. But on days and weeks that I am busy, I long to stay home and grow weary of all the running. Why can I not just be content? I long to be, really I do. But I struggle so much with this.
I long to be able to utter the words of Paul in
Phillipians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
How does one come to this point? I do not know yet, but I am pressing on. I am praying that one day I will reach a point to be able to utter these words with my very being. But until then with daily prayer and study and constant training of my heart and mind, I will press on.
I will press on toward contentment for truly that is great gain!
1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
The birth of my son...
A birth is such a joyous time on most accounts, but when things turn around and your baby is clinging to life and you are helpless to save them the emotions are like nothing else.
Thatprobably was one of the most scary time of my life. My son wasn't guaranteed to make it through the night and yet I was stuck in bed recovering from surgery almost 50 miles away. When I finally got to the hospital this is what I saw....
That
And here he is today, my little guy, that is not so little any more.
Happy 3rd birthday Josiah!!!
To read more of my thoughts on his birth story and the time surrounding this check out these links -
http://thesikesfamily.blogspot.com/2007/04/such-short-journey-but-such-long-story.html
http://thesikesfamily.blogspot.com/2007/04/story-continues.html
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A Great Read
I am starting (for the second or third time) a book titled "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World". I plan on posting some of my thoughts here at the end of each chapter. I am trying to read a chapter a day. We will see how that goes. Well, here are my thoughts on chapter one and if you are not familiar with the introduction in scripture to these two sisters you might want to read Luke 10:38-42.
Most of us can relate to one of these two sisters. We are either prone to linger and wander through life while taking the time to stop and smell the flowers or we are the type that will see the flowers and quickly make a list of all the things that we could do with the flowers and choose one and have it accomplished in no time. We are all different, and yet so similar. We are either always busy with way too many things or we are content to do very little and yet we totally throw ourselves into the few things that we commit to.
When Jesus answered Martha in her plea for help, He didn't tell her to be like her sister. But He did tell her that Mary had chosen the "better" of the two. To work or worship? That is the choice. But to all of us "Marthas" out there who are wondering where we are going to fit one more thing into our daily routine, the answer comes from Christ, "Not more, my love." He might even be asking less of us.
The choice is ours. The "better" part was open to both Mary and Martha but they had to choose. Which one are you choosing in your life today? As we make our choice and strife for the "better" in our life it is not always the same for everyone. Jesus loves us, whether Mary or Martha inclines or some of both, but He wants to change our hearts toward the "better."
From later scriptures we can tell that Mary took the rebuke and learned from it. True change can only be achieved by spending time at the feet of Jesus. If our faith is going to grow and be evident to others in time of struggle or hardship we MUST learn that there is a time for work and a time for worship. "For it is impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and not be changed, (Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary heart in a Martha World pg 9).
If we are always busy for the Lord, working in the kitchen, implementing programs and ministries all in His name and yet we never spend time at His feet sitting, intimately learning from Him will we know Him in the end? Will He know us? Many times if we first listen for His leading and guidance He will make heavy loads seem light and instead of growing weary in service we will find that we are "carried" through in His loving arms.
When we choose the "better" choice all we have to do is show up. There is no special requirements, no special books required. All that is required is an open heart and spirit ready to listen and to learn. This intimacy gives us time to listen, time to share our hearts with our Father and allow Him to share our burdens so that we might absorb His spirit into us. Once we are "filled" with His spirit after this time of intimacy, we are able to set out into the dry and thirsty world that we live in and lavish them with love in service for Him.
There are my thoughts on the first chapter. This book is an incredible read and is eye opening each time I read it. I am praying that, yet again, this book will help me to change, to choose the "better" more often. I am definitely a Martha. I always want to be busy and I struggle to take the time for the "better" choice. But I am praying that I will start to create a new habit.
May God bless you as you serve Him.
Most of us can relate to one of these two sisters. We are either prone to linger and wander through life while taking the time to stop and smell the flowers or we are the type that will see the flowers and quickly make a list of all the things that we could do with the flowers and choose one and have it accomplished in no time. We are all different, and yet so similar. We are either always busy with way too many things or we are content to do very little and yet we totally throw ourselves into the few things that we commit to.
When Jesus answered Martha in her plea for help, He didn't tell her to be like her sister. But He did tell her that Mary had chosen the "better" of the two. To work or worship? That is the choice. But to all of us "Marthas" out there who are wondering where we are going to fit one more thing into our daily routine, the answer comes from Christ, "Not more, my love." He might even be asking less of us.
The choice is ours. The "better" part was open to both Mary and Martha but they had to choose. Which one are you choosing in your life today? As we make our choice and strife for the "better" in our life it is not always the same for everyone. Jesus loves us, whether Mary or Martha inclines or some of both, but He wants to change our hearts toward the "better."
From later scriptures we can tell that Mary took the rebuke and learned from it. True change can only be achieved by spending time at the feet of Jesus. If our faith is going to grow and be evident to others in time of struggle or hardship we MUST learn that there is a time for work and a time for worship. "For it is impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and not be changed, (Joanna Weaver, Having a Mary heart in a Martha World pg 9).
If we are always busy for the Lord, working in the kitchen, implementing programs and ministries all in His name and yet we never spend time at His feet sitting, intimately learning from Him will we know Him in the end? Will He know us? Many times if we first listen for His leading and guidance He will make heavy loads seem light and instead of growing weary in service we will find that we are "carried" through in His loving arms.
When we choose the "better" choice all we have to do is show up. There is no special requirements, no special books required. All that is required is an open heart and spirit ready to listen and to learn. This intimacy gives us time to listen, time to share our hearts with our Father and allow Him to share our burdens so that we might absorb His spirit into us. Once we are "filled" with His spirit after this time of intimacy, we are able to set out into the dry and thirsty world that we live in and lavish them with love in service for Him.
There are my thoughts on the first chapter. This book is an incredible read and is eye opening each time I read it. I am praying that, yet again, this book will help me to change, to choose the "better" more often. I am definitely a Martha. I always want to be busy and I struggle to take the time for the "better" choice. But I am praying that I will start to create a new habit.
May God bless you as you serve Him.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Summer time
I read a great post on this blog and I thought I would follow suite. While I have already implemented a schedule for us around here for this summer I thought it would be fun to share some goals with one another for these few busy months that we are afforded without the daily routine of school.
Some of our summer goals -
Pick/can/preserve garden produce (I want the girls to be VERY involved in this)
Weed garden (one row a day each for the older girls)
Learn to make beds without help
Serve others through at least two service type projects/visits
Read/look at books for at least 30 minutes a day
Write a letter a week to someone in need or far away
Train to do chores without mom's help in a timely and thorough fashion
Do you have any goals for your family this summer? This list doesn't include my personal goals but just those as a mom for my children. My family is still fairly young so the list is pretty simple. But it is important to make the most of every day and to not train our children to "waste" away the days of summer without structure and learning. No matter what your schedule or routine is I hope you and your family are blessed with a fun and safe summer.
Here is our schedule -
7:15 daddy leaves for work
7:30 mom showers and readies for the day
8:00 kids wake and dress
8:30 breakfast/ devotional time
9:00 we are ready for the days activities
Some of our summer goals -
Pick/can/preserve garden produce (I want the girls to be VERY involved in this)
Weed garden (one row a day each for the older girls)
Learn to make beds without help
Serve others through at least two service type projects/visits
Read/look at books for at least 30 minutes a day
Write a letter a week to someone in need or far away
Train to do chores without mom's help in a timely and thorough fashion
Do you have any goals for your family this summer? This list doesn't include my personal goals but just those as a mom for my children. My family is still fairly young so the list is pretty simple. But it is important to make the most of every day and to not train our children to "waste" away the days of summer without structure and learning. No matter what your schedule or routine is I hope you and your family are blessed with a fun and safe summer.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Heart of the Matter
Why are we some days so down hearted? Why are some days just so difficult? I have come to truly believe that on this road of mothering the days that are the hardest and most difficult (and probably the least productive) are the days when we are focused on self. We are all selfish, aren't we? Around every corner we find it.
People push past each other in the store. Why? Because WE have a schedule, we are in a hurry.
People drive fast and get frustrated on the highways. Why? We have somewhere to be.
Children take toys and fight with others. Why? They want it for themselves.
Selfishness is everywhere. And when we, as mothers, have a bad day and we are impatient with our children or this calling seems so heavy and so unrewarding, where is our focus? If we take a moment to be very honest with ourselves and each other, it is usually on ourselves.
I have found that when I am having a hard day and I am discontented with my life I am being self-centered. I am not getting to do or go where I want. The children are not playing in the way I want them to. Things are not going MY way and I am not happy about it.
On those days, I hope to train myself to spend time in prayer and refocus my thinking. Resisting that ever present "roaring lion" that is seeking to "devour" my day. You see, as I wallow in self pity my children are not trained in the ways of God, my attitude does not exhibit that of Christ and I do not show Christ's love to anyone let alone my family. So, Satan wins yet again.
Serving our families is what we, as women, are called to do and no matter how we fill that calling we should do it as unto Christ. Chew on that for awhile! I know when I did I wanted to spit it out!!! But as I forced myself to digest it and take it into my heart and apply it. Something happened. I had to make a change. It is going to be slow and sometimes difficult but VERY needed.
Colossians 3:23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
I must start serving my children as if it was Christ that I am serving. I must have the attitude toward cooking dinner as if I was cooking for my Saviour. I should do laundry as if it was needed by Christ. I know that my attitude has been far from what it should be now! Do I talk to my children as I would want to be talked to? Would I want a boss talking to me in the way that I train my children? NO WAY! Most of us wouldn't stand for someone to be constantly nagging us, never showing us in love the right way. So, why do I expect my children to endure such training at the hand of my own tongue? I have no idea. I am ashamed to even think about it.
So, I am praying that with the help of Christ I will retrain my tongue, my heart, and my spirit to serve my family as if serving unto Christ, with a better attitude, and a gentle spirit.
"Father, as I start another day may it be a turning point. May I work here as working for you. May my attitude and my words be pleasing to you. May my love show my children the love that you have for each of us. May my training and discipline be full of love and forgiveness as Yours is. Help me, Father, to not give up.If When, I mess up, please pick me up and put me back on track. Show me how to be more a more loving gentle servant of You here in this home. Amen"
Your Friend,
Amanda
People push past each other in the store. Why? Because WE have a schedule, we are in a hurry.
People drive fast and get frustrated on the highways. Why? We have somewhere to be.
Children take toys and fight with others. Why? They want it for themselves.
Selfishness is everywhere. And when we, as mothers, have a bad day and we are impatient with our children or this calling seems so heavy and so unrewarding, where is our focus? If we take a moment to be very honest with ourselves and each other, it is usually on ourselves.
I have found that when I am having a hard day and I am discontented with my life I am being self-centered. I am not getting to do or go where I want. The children are not playing in the way I want them to. Things are not going MY way and I am not happy about it.
On those days, I hope to train myself to spend time in prayer and refocus my thinking. Resisting that ever present "roaring lion" that is seeking to "devour" my day. You see, as I wallow in self pity my children are not trained in the ways of God, my attitude does not exhibit that of Christ and I do not show Christ's love to anyone let alone my family. So, Satan wins yet again.
1 Peter 5:7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Serving our families is what we, as women, are called to do and no matter how we fill that calling we should do it as unto Christ. Chew on that for awhile! I know when I did I wanted to spit it out!!! But as I forced myself to digest it and take it into my heart and apply it. Something happened. I had to make a change. It is going to be slow and sometimes difficult but VERY needed.
Colossians 3:23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
I must start serving my children as if it was Christ that I am serving. I must have the attitude toward cooking dinner as if I was cooking for my Saviour. I should do laundry as if it was needed by Christ. I know that my attitude has been far from what it should be now! Do I talk to my children as I would want to be talked to? Would I want a boss talking to me in the way that I train my children? NO WAY! Most of us wouldn't stand for someone to be constantly nagging us, never showing us in love the right way. So, why do I expect my children to endure such training at the hand of my own tongue? I have no idea. I am ashamed to even think about it.
So, I am praying that with the help of Christ I will retrain my tongue, my heart, and my spirit to serve my family as if serving unto Christ, with a better attitude, and a gentle spirit.
"Father, as I start another day may it be a turning point. May I work here as working for you. May my attitude and my words be pleasing to you. May my love show my children the love that you have for each of us. May my training and discipline be full of love and forgiveness as Yours is. Help me, Father, to not give up.
Your Friend,
Amanda
Monday, June 1, 2009
A New Week
We are back from vacation and settling back into routine. What a great week that we had. A little bit of rain the first three days damped the activities in more ways than one, but we still enjoyed our time. We made memories and enjoyed time with family and friends (that might as well be family). The weather was beautiful the last part of the week and it was so nice to get away and relax. After the way this year has gone thus far in our family it was nice to get away from “normal” life and have some family time to relax.
Now I am looking at this week and I already feel tired and worn down. Sam will have speech again twice this week, and then there is grocery shopping to do, and cleaning to catch up on. Plus a garden to weed! The rain while we were gone was great for the plants but it also helped the weeds to get the upper hand.
I have a new resolve starting this month. I want to focus on one thing in different areas of my life. So, here is my list for the month of June –
Home – Get on a daily, weekly, monthly chore routine and make time daily for my quiet time with God. I am in desperate need of more time with my Heavenly Father and I HAVE to find a way to make this happen.
Parenting – Set up routines for my children to follow. I want to establish a morning routine for my kids that make our morning quicker and more productive. With speech two afternoons a week I have to make my mornings count!
Church – The church that we are now at doesn’t have plans for a Vacation Bible School so I have several ideas floating around in my head that I need to finalize and set a date for. Not to mention putting the finishing touches on the new nursery that we are setting up.
Marriage – I am on empty in my “alone” tank. Joe has been working crazy hours for the office and then with vacation and such last month we didn’t get to have a “date night” at all. So this month my goal is to make that happen at least once. Kate is older now and can be left with a bottle for several hours. I want to be able to really have dinner just the two of us (hasn’t happened in over 8 months).
Spiritual – My verse for this week is, Philippians 2
1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
I have been heavy hearted lately and burdened for relationships unresolved. I am striving to find my comfort in Christ and to renew my mind with scriptures and songs that are uplifting. I am trying to combat the “fiery darts of the Devil” that he is throwing at me right now.
Well, that is my list for the month. I will try to give some updates throughout the month. As I see how things go. If nothing else I am hoping that this post will hold me accountable to continue on and strive to meet these goals.
I would love to hear of any goals that you might have. How do you fit all that needs to be accomplished into your week, any tricks that you have found especially helpful? Leave a comment or link a post. I would love to hear from you.
Now I am looking at this week and I already feel tired and worn down. Sam will have speech again twice this week, and then there is grocery shopping to do, and cleaning to catch up on. Plus a garden to weed! The rain while we were gone was great for the plants but it also helped the weeds to get the upper hand.
I have a new resolve starting this month. I want to focus on one thing in different areas of my life. So, here is my list for the month of June –
Home – Get on a daily, weekly, monthly chore routine and make time daily for my quiet time with God. I am in desperate need of more time with my Heavenly Father and I HAVE to find a way to make this happen.
Parenting – Set up routines for my children to follow. I want to establish a morning routine for my kids that make our morning quicker and more productive. With speech two afternoons a week I have to make my mornings count!
Church – The church that we are now at doesn’t have plans for a Vacation Bible School so I have several ideas floating around in my head that I need to finalize and set a date for. Not to mention putting the finishing touches on the new nursery that we are setting up.
Marriage – I am on empty in my “alone” tank. Joe has been working crazy hours for the office and then with vacation and such last month we didn’t get to have a “date night” at all. So this month my goal is to make that happen at least once. Kate is older now and can be left with a bottle for several hours. I want to be able to really have dinner just the two of us (hasn’t happened in over 8 months).
Spiritual – My verse for this week is, Philippians 2
1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
I have been heavy hearted lately and burdened for relationships unresolved. I am striving to find my comfort in Christ and to renew my mind with scriptures and songs that are uplifting. I am trying to combat the “fiery darts of the Devil” that he is throwing at me right now.
Well, that is my list for the month. I will try to give some updates throughout the month. As I see how things go. If nothing else I am hoping that this post will hold me accountable to continue on and strive to meet these goals.
I would love to hear of any goals that you might have. How do you fit all that needs to be accomplished into your week, any tricks that you have found especially helpful? Leave a comment or link a post. I would love to hear from you.
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