Tuesdays of Praise

I am barely scraping by to get this post in on time! But it's still Tuesday, so I'll press on...

I wasn't really sure what I was going to write about today, but there were two passages from the Bible that came up multiple times this week. They are:

Hebrews 12:5-11

"And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

'My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.'

 

 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Romans 8:17

"Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." 

Praise the Lord that He has made us His sons and daughters! Praise God that He disciplines us out of love and for our good (righteousness and peace)! Praise Him that we are now co-heirs with Jesus Christ!

Another New Recipe

Last night I tried out another new chicken recipe. It was good, and Chloe even ate it (gasp)! So, I'd say it's a good one for picky eaters. The recipe was from the same blog I mentioned on Monday, but just to make every effort to give credit where credit is due, you can find it here. 

Cornflake Chicken Tenders

recipe adapted from Pennies on a Platter

 

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter, melted
2 cups finely crushed corn flakes cereal

Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 400˚F. Place an oven-safe cooling rack on a baking sheet and set aside.

Combine the flour and spices in a small bowl; set aside. Place melted butter in another small bowl; set aside. Place the crushed cereal in a medium-sized bowl or pie plate.

Dip the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, then the butter, then the cereal. Place the coated chicken strips on the rack in the baking sheet.

Bake the coated chicken pieces in the preheated oven for 20 – 25 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink. Serve with your favorite sauce.

* To make ahead/freezer meal - Prepare as directed to coat the chicken and spread them on a wax paper lined baking sheet after coating. Place the baking sheet in the freezer uncovered and flash freeze for half an hour, until mostly firm. Transfer the strips to a gallon sized freezer bag labeled with the date and cooking instructions. When ready to prepare, preheat oven to 400˚F and bake from frozen (do not defrost) for 25 minutes on the baking sheet with the cooling rack.

New Recipe

I made a new recipe on Monday night. You can find it and other recipes here. (And yep, I came to it through Pinterest.) All the recipes listed through that particular link are freezer friendly/make ahead meals. I know a lot of people are interested in that. Anyway, it was SO, so super yummy!

Cheddar & Cracker Chicken
recipe adapted from Real Simple

16 buttery crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about 3⁄4 cup)
6 ounces sharp Cheddar, grated
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1-2 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
kosher salt and black pepper
4 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Heat oven to 350° F.

In a bowl, combine the crackers, cheese, garlic, scallions and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Pound the chicken to about 1/4 - 1/2 inch thickness with a meat mallet. Dip the pounded chicken in the butter, then in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere, and place on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle any remaining cracker mixture on the chicken and drizzle with any remaining butter. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, 20-25 minutes.

* To make ahead/freezer meal - Prepare the chicken as directed above. After coating it in the cracker mixture, place chicken in a gallon sized freezer bag, seal and freeze flat in your freezer. When ready to prepare, place on a baking sheet and drizzle with melted butter. Bake as directed above from frozen until cooked through, possibly 30-35 minutes depending on thickness.

Tuesdays of Praise

The Bible tells us in Romans 8:1-2, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." If you have sought forgiveness for your sins through Jesus Christ, then you can be assured of two things:

You have been forgiven.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

  AND

Satan is going to try to convince you that you're still mired in sin.

"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."  (1 Peter 5:8)

You do not stand condemned. You have been set free by the love and sacrifice of Jesus. You have been given life not death. Please, do not listen as Satan whispers accusations in your ear. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) In Jesus name, send that devil packing!

Praise God that He has sent His mighty Spirit to dwell within us!

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

 Praise God that He is faithful, merciful, and compassionate!

"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Praise God that we have the victory over Satan!

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down." (Revelation 12:10)

Parent & Child Dates

I have recently succumbed to the addiction that is Pinterest. There are SO many wonderful things on there! The first idea I that copied and put into practice was for parent & child date coupons. You can check out the idea here.

This is the "pinspiration":

And here is my version:

 I know our kids value time with Mom and Dad. And we value time with them as well. We are good at doing "family time", but we wanted to start setting aside special one-on-one time too. I think it's especially important with Chloe and Sophie right now, since Charlotte and Henry still get a lot of my attention during the day.

I created 11 "date" coupons for the 11 remaining months this year. They are:

Dates with Mom:

• Go out to dinner at a restaurant of your choice.
• Go to the bookstore for a new book and a treat.
• Choose a craft project for us to do together.
• Shop for and cook a recipe of your choice.
• Go shopping for a new outfit.
• Kid's choice!

Dates with Dad:

•  Go out to dinner at a restaurant of your choice.
• Have a movie night - at home or at the theater.
• Go bowling or miniature golfing (putt-putt).
• Go to a playground or park. Hiking, soccer, basketball, swinging - you pick!
• Kid's choice!

Chloe and I were the first to go on a date, so Sunday afternoon we went to the Starbucks in Target (I had to get some groceries after the date). She picked a craft project. We sat in Starbucks; she drank hot cocoa, I had a coffee, and we shared some coffee cake while knitting hats. She was able talk and talk uninterrupted. I was able to listen without distraction. We had a great time together!

Thanks Pinterest!

Basketball Games

 Mamaw was getting in some snuggle time before the game got started.

 We are right in the middle of this basketball session. Chloe and Sophie both play, but because of their age difference they are in different leagues. Playing at different times. Every Saturday. And practicing on two different nights. Every week. Not complaining... really, I'm not. Well, maybe a little bit.

 Jason is also coaching both girls' teams. Sophie's team is undefeated.

 Sophie shot her free throw at half-time. It went around and around and around, then back out again. I know she was disappointed.

 Good game, Celtics!

 Chloe's team may not have won a game yet (or possibly won the first game?); I'm sure Coach remembers. This team has been a little bit frustrating for Jay. They are having trouble listening and following directions. And most of them don't care if they win.

 Chloe still really enjoys playing, and that's the most important thing.

Good job, Tigers! Better luck next week!

Six Months Old

 Here we are at the six month mark already! This month brought many changes. Henry developed a deep, throaty growl and also a high-pitched, girly scream.

He has two teeth front and center on the bottom.

 Our little guy is getting better balance and is closer to sitting on his own.

 He started reverting to a newborn sleeping pattern, so we tried some rice cereal.

 Yummy! Right? We tried three times...

 It didn't help with the sleeping, so I abandoned it. Now that he's six-months-old we'll have to break down and make it a point to introduce some foods.

 These days when I put him on the floor to play, he never stays put. Between the rolling and scooting he always ends up under something or squished up against something. He is trying to get up on hands and knees but isn't quite there yet (thankfully).

Happy Six Months, Hank! Love you lots and lots and lots!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Joseph M. Scriven

 

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

I found myself singing this as I went about my chores this week. It's an oldie but a goody! I also decided to try out a new prayer time. I have heard some moms say that they pray for their families as they fold the clean laundry of each family member. I decided that I would modify that a bit and pray as I sorted through a ginormous mountain of dirty laundry. It was really great; I was able to pray for my family and maybe even yours as well! And since Charlotte and Henry were the only two at home (and since everyone in my house is used to me talking to myself anyway - it helps me think), I just prayed out loud and had a grand time talking to the Lord.

Ephesians 6:18

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

Tuesdays of Praise

Revelation 7:9-12

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 

   “Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.” 

 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: 

   “Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!” 

What more could I possibly add to that?! Come, Lord Jesus!

Dispelling a Myth

I am sure that if Jason reads this post he'll either laugh or roll his eyes because he has heard me complain about it long enough. Well, this is my platform, and today this is how I choose to use it... Trivial as it may seem.

I can remember as a child someone trying to convince me that blood is blue in your veins until it reaches the air outside of your body/comes into contact with oxygen outside your body. Now this ridiculousness has been twice thrust upon my own children, so enough already! People, your blood is red. ALWAYS RED! When it leaves your lungs (oxygenated) it is bright red. When it returns to your lungs (deoxygenated) it is dark red. But always red! The reason that blood vessels appear blue is because of the way different wavelengths of light are absorbed by your skin or reflected back to your eye: Red light absorbed, blue light reflected. If you don't believe me just google something like "blue blood myth."

Why does this annoy me so? I have been pondering that question. Here's what I've come up with. Besides the fact that I just plain don't like ignorance and I just plain enjoy being right, I am alarmed when Christians pass on scientific misinformation because it gives non-believers a little more ammunition to shoot us down. "No wonder they don't believe in evolution; they believe blood is blue!" or "No wonder they believe God created the world in seven days; they believe blood is blue!" You get the idea.

Okay, enough of that. I feel better. :-)

Update for Katie :-)

The Straight Dope

Fact Frenzy

WikiAnswers

The Scientific Activist

sciencegeekgirl

Wikipedia

Tuesdays of Praise

My mother used to tell us, "You will be known by the company you keep." It was good advice intended to help us remember to choose our friends wisely.

The Bible says in Acts 11:26 "...The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." I love that it wasn't the disciples who named themselves Christians. It was other people who started calling the disciples Christians. Like my mom's advice, they were known for their association with Jesus (and this was after his death and resurrection). So too should we as believers be known by the world as Christians, not just because we now say that we are, but because it is evident that we keep company with Christ.

John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Praise the Lord that when we keep company with Christ, it is evident to others!

Science Fair 2012

Last night we went to the girls' school for the science fair awards and to see Mr. Byrd's Science Show. He is SO fun... especially if you're a nerd like me. Check him out at mrbyrdscience.com. He was also on the Dave Ramsey show (this video is for you, Josh Brown):

"Which Brand of (Bubble)Gum's Flavor Lasts the Longest?" Chloe won 2nd prize!

"How Greasy Are The Snacks Foods You Eat?"

Katie and Sophie

"Can We Taste the Difference?" (Between regular and caffeine free soda)

Thoughts On Poverty

There is a famous quote from Mother Teresa that goes like this,

"It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."

She was referring to abortion, and although I completely agree with her, lately I have wondered:  Isn't it just as tragic for a child to die in poverty so that I may live as I wish?

• "Every day, almost 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes. That's one child every five seconds." (http://www.bread.org/hunger/global/)

• "2.2 million people in developing countries, most of them children, die every year from diseases associated with lack of access to safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene."(http://blueplanetnetwork.org/water/facts)

Those statistics are staggering! Surely those people are some of "the least of these" that Christ was talking about. (Matthew 25:31-46)

I know that my life is "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4:14) I realize that this world is not my home, and I am merely passing through. So I want what I do here to have an eternal impact. I'm not saying that I think we should stop eating out altogether or stop taking vacations (maybe for some people it does mean that), but maybe we could do something crazy and radical (sarcasm) like not eating out as often, even if that means grabbing a pb&j before basketball practice. There must be some frivolities... some "as you wish" kind of things that we can do without. That way instead of only sponsoring one child, maybe we could sponsor two. I don't know yet. What I do know is that God is stirring up something in my heart.

Just some thoughts on poverty.

Compassion International

World Vision

Samaritan's Purse