We're Not Ahead...But We're Not Behind...

 We're on a new financial path...yet again...and it's not of our own doing...again...

My husband came home yesterday clearly discouraged.  I could tell earlier in the day by the tone of his voice that he was discouraged about something, but I couldn't tell what and the day didn't lend itself for having that conversation right then.  We talked when he returned home from work last night and I quickly realized why he felt so down.  It was difficult not to go right down with him, but I also felt the Lord's peace somehow about the whole thing. 

I'm sure many of you, like us, are facing changes in your financial status once January 2011 arrives.  The new health care is hitting people hard, especially families.  Last night, my husband shared with me that our family insurance plan is going up by $100 per month.  Yes, that's a lot in our household.  The news hit him (and me) like a ton of bricks.  Adding to our frustration, and admittedly, a bit of anger at first, he found out from his co-workers who have the single person plan that their increase is a mere $5.00 per month.  Now, don't get me wrong, he doesn't wish for them to have a bigger increase or anything, but it's clear that the new health plan is targeting families.  It's one more indicator that the family unit is under attack in our world and our country. 

See, the hardest thing about it is that we had finally reached a point where we were going to be able to put $100 into savings toward a new-to-us vehicle which we know is going to be needed in the next few years most likely.  Now, with a bit of juggling and some changes (no details needed), we will be able to make the extra payment toward health care, but we won't have anything left over to put into savings.  **sigh**

It seems like every time we just begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel, that light gets extinguished again.  It's not like we are asking for a lot - we don't mean to take vacations that cost thousands of dollars or buy a larger house or spend lots of money on clothing, games, or other material things (not that those things are bad, just stick with me).  All we wanted was to put aside some money each month toward an expense we know we are going to incur sometime soon.  We have cut every expense we know how, but now are trying to find yet another way to do so.  Seems simple enough, doesn't it?

My husband is an excellent provider!  I don't want any misunderstandings here...I respect and love my husband and appreciate all that he does for us and how hard he works for us!  

It's just amazing to me that with this economy, he is working full time and I am working two part-time jobs from home and we feel as though we struggle sometimes financially.  I can't imagine those families who are without income at all...so I need to get the right perspective and realize how blessed we are, even when we feel discouraged.

We shop thrift stores for our clothes, we use coupons and plan menus around the weekly sales, we don't go on big vacations, we make 95% of our meals at home, and we are frugal in so many ways.  Not sure where else to cut expenses, but I am sure the Lord will show us how we can do that as we go along.

The conclusion is this:  while we aren't ahead financially, we aren't behind either.  It's kind of a "wash".  We still have jobs.  We have a cozy home and a roof over our heads.  There is plenty of food in our refrigerator and our pantry.  We have clothes in our closets and dressers.  We are not wanting for anything we actually need.  We are blessed!

We know that the Lord will provide.  We know He is caring for us during this difficult time of change and upheaval in our country.  He is still in control!  I thank the Lord for that!

I don't believe it is any coincidence that today is my first day of Bible reading - reading through the Bible chronologically I mean.  I will try to keep you updated of the Scripture references so if you're interested in reading through with me, you'll have them.  However, I know I am a flawed individual and will likely miss a few days here and there, so if you're interested in the schedule to read your Bible in one year, go to BibleYear.com and you can print out the schedule there.

Scriptures for today:  Genesis 1-3.

All my best to you today! 

De-Cluttering and Purging Your Home

Have you ever watched the show Clean House or Hoarders?  These shows are eye-opening!  Both of these shows are based on helping families who have issues with clutter or purchasing.  I just watched Hoarders the other night for about 15 minutes and was overwhelmed by the need some people have to hold on to their stuff.

These are folks who can't stop shopping, are going into serious debt because of their habit, are on the verge of losing relationships, and simply have a path (maybe) through their home because there is stuff everywhere.  They can't seem to let go of it.  It's a serious emotional issue that requires therapy and outside help.  Some of them have lost spouses and children (broken relationships) because they just can't get a hold on why they shop and can't seem to quit accumulating material things. 

The lady on Hoarders the other night had anywhere between $10,000 to $20,000 of collectibles sitting in her home that she could likely sell according to the experts brought in, but she preferred to keep the stuff instead of freeing up space and adding some financial peace to her life.  Her husband said he was contemplating leaving her if she couldn't get help and clear their home of clutter.

Time to purge...!

Every time I watch one of these shows, (which isn't as often recently), I find myself purging yet again in our house.  We live in a humble 1,400 square foot home that fits us perfectly as a family of four.  But, I am constantly aware of the stuff we seem to accumulate despite my efforts of purging and giving away things regularly.

Our home had an attic above the garage when we moved in and were were thankful for it because we don't have a basement for "extras".  When I say extras, I mean Christmas decorations, suitcases, camping gear, etc.  Well, we discovered quickly once the girls came along that we would need to switch out seasonal clothing from the closets to the attic because our closets are relatively small and can't fit both seasons (and we don't have that many clothes either).  So, my husband built in a set of stairs on the opposite side of the house off our hallway and put in plywood up there so we could store seasonal clothing and a few other items I would like to be able to access easily.

I have to admit, it's become my "catch-all".  When I don't want to get rid of something but don't want it in the house anymore, I toss it up there.  It's not the organized space I originally had or intended to keep.  There are toys up there from when the girls were little, bedspreads we don't use anymore (but might?), two rolling carts of extra craft stuff (we will enjoy some fun crafts in the weeks to come!), and so much more that I need to go through and purge!  I will be working on that during the next few weeks so I can enjoy a clean and organized space once again. 

De-cluttering your home is not difficult, but it can be time consuming and therefore become overwhelming and daunting to some people.  Here are some tips that have worked for me when I de-clutter my home that keep me from throwing my hands into the air and giving up completely.

De-Cluttering Tips

• Take on one room at a time - yes, I know that sometimes you find stuff that goes into another room or you think of something that could be used to organize the room you're currently working in, but try to focus on one room at a time so you don't become easily overwhelmed.  I find that this process helps me to conquer more spaces in a timely manner rather than trashing my entire house at one time.
• Accept that it will possibly get worse before it gets better.  I can't tell you the number of times I get half way through a space, and look around and get really tired and discouraged.  But, if that happens, take a break (chocolate is good!) and then come back with renewed vigor and finish it up.
• Get three containers - one for giving away, one for selling, and one for keeping.  This way, you can automatically fill containers as you're going through closets, attics, garages, or under the bed.  I seem to have two give-away containers when I de-clutter - one is for items I want to share with other moms in my homeschool co-op, and one for Goodwill.  Do what works for you.  If you're not interested in selling anything (it does take time and it sits around a while), then just give it away!  
• Good rule of thumb - if you haven't worn it or used it in a year, give it to someone who could use it.  This rule doesn't apply to items you use perhaps once or twice a year such as canning jars or the birthday cake pedestal - you know what I mean.
• Start small if you don't have a lot of time during a day - begin with the junk drawer or the cluttered counter that seems to catch everything when family members walk in.  For me, it's a large basket underneath my counter - it's the place I put things I think I will deal with "later".  When it fills up, it's time for me to go through it, which is usually about once a month.  But, stuff gets lost in there, so I need to find another alternative.
• Take the Goodwill bags/boxes to the drop off center the same day if at all possible.  At the very least, load it into your vehicle to drop off on your way past the center the following day.
• Ask the following questions as you work:  Do I absolutely love it?  Can I live without it?  Does it make my life easier or more difficult?
• Purge regularly - everyone has a different strategy, but do what works for you and fits into your lifestyle.  Take five minutes a day to de-clutter.  Take a weekend now and then if that works for you.  Or designate one week to do a room a day in your home.  It's up to you how you de-clutter, but just get started!

I love, love my home when it is organized and things are in their place.  It's freedom!  It provides a sense of calm in our home that isn't there when things are lying around or when my basket under the counter is overflowing (smile).

How do you de-clutter?  Do you find it helps you function more efficiently when your home is clean and uncluttered?  I'd love to hear your thoughts!

All my best to you today,

Friendship is Sweet

Friendship is so sweet....

Sharing hearts and (harmless) secrets...

Holding hands and hanging out together on a beautiful fall day...

Rachel and Heather have been friends for almost three years now and it warms our hearts (the moms) to see how our girls love each other.  

Let us not forget how sweet friendship can be...even as adults.

Our New Food Adventure - Lowering Cholesterol

We are embarking on a new adventure in our house.  Food!  For those of you who already know I live with somewhat particular eaters, you can imagine how fun this new adventure might (or might not) be, especially in the first few months.

High cholesterol is in both our families' history.  The last time I had my numbers checked, my doctor was slightly concerned that my cholesterol seemed to creep up ever-so-slightly.  She recommended a good diet and ample exercise and she wanted to see me back in a year.  My sweet husband just got his numbers back last week and his cholesterol is not where we want it to be.  His doctor wants to see him in 6 weeks to check it again.

We are both painfully aware we are not getting any younger and that this food thing is going to get harder, not easier when it comes to staying healthy and eating the "right" foods.  **sigh**

Now is the time to get healthier!  My husband's dad had heart issues at a very young age and due to a doctor's mistake, died very young as well.  Needless to say, I want to and will do anything it takes to get my hubby as healthy as possible!

I began researching last week to see what foods are recommended for lowering cholesterol.  The list I wrote down looked something like this:

• garlic
• spinach, dark green leafy vegetables
• veggies in general - some are better than others
• lean meat and chicken
• cinnamon
• green beans
• carrots
• broccoli
• whole wheat bread/grains
• tomatoes
• olive oil
• soy nuts
• almonds
• pure pomegranate juice
• oatmeal
• strawberries
• apples
• grapes
• onions
• kidney beans, high fiber foods
• Omega-3 fatty acids (found most often in fish)
• dried beans, legumes
• corn, kale, artichokes
• citrus fruits
• blueberries, raspberries
• bison meat

 
Now, I have to say that I like pretty much everything on the list except for the dried beans and legumes.  My husband likes 2/3 of the list of foods, which isn't too bad.  The oatmeal is not too horrible if you add a bit of milk and about a teaspoon of brown sugar to it.  I would add some dried fruit too such as dried cherries, dried cranberries, or raisins to make it more flavorful.

I do know that making changes in the diet need to be swift in one way, but realistically, I also know I need to tread slowly with my family so dinner doesn't become a mutiny situation.  See, our two daughters can be somewhat picky eaters (ask anyone who has tried to feed them, they will tell you!), so I am trying to move forward with healthier eating options, but must do so in a way that isn't too drastic all at once.  **sigh**

To that end, last night I tried one new dish - oven roasted green beans.  The original recipe from which I was working was Emeril's Oven Roasted Green Beans, but I added almonds to the mix and it was delicious!  Alas, by the time I thought of taking a photo, my sweet husband and I had eaten them all up.  I will try to remember to take photos of new dishes from now on.

The oven roasted green beans were a hit!  My husband usually eats baked beans with his burger, so last night he looked at me and said, "how bad are baked beans for me?"  I'll rephrase that in my own words - "why do I have this pile of green stuff on my plate in place of my baked beans?"  (smile)

But after he had eaten a few bites, he said something along the lines of, "you know, these are really good".

Yes!  My first victory!

I know what some of you are thinking...we had oven roasted green beans...and burgers.  Well, admittedly, the burger was 83% lean and I know that we need to do better, but this is one of those times I decided to go slowly.  We are going to work our way up to leaner meats, but it's a taste issue with all of us.

So, there you have it...the first day of our new food adventure recorded.  I'll keep you updated on how things are going!

All my best to you this beautiful Sunday morning,

Healing and Encouragement

Last night, we had our pizza and movie night like usual together as a family.  Friday nights are eagerly anticipated in our home because we eat together and then snuggle together on the couch to watch a movie.  It's one time during the week we all plan to "stop the treadmill" and spend time together.  Inevitably, the movie we watch ends up sparking conversations that seem to go in any and all directions.  It's wonderful actually because my husband and I have the privilege of hearing what is going on in our daughter's hearts and minds in a way that is totally unexpected. 

Last night, the conversation was primarily between my husband and oldest daughter, but my youngest daughter and I were listening intently.  They got to talking about the Lord returning to take us home (Rapture), God's Word and how important it is to us, the experiences we had at our last two churches and what the Lord taught us there (child version of course), and much more.  My husband has been listening to sermons daily via his MP3 player and I can hear in his voice that the Lord is encouraging his heart once again.

See, we went through a very rough time several years back with not one, but two churches and two pastors.  Let's just say that when we chose to follow the Lord's leading (leaving "their" churches), they were not happy to say the least.  We were told we were no longer believers, that we would backslide, that we would be divorced within a year (that was nearly five years ago), and that our children would be on drugs and drinking alcohol before we knew it.  We were out of the Lord's favor and His will because we were leaving a certain church, not because of sin or something we had or hadn't done.  Our dedication and love for the Lord and His people was questioned and we were basically blackballed by the people we had spent so much time with and served for several years in His name. 

It was a dark few years for us, but we always felt the Lord's leading and His voice through it all.  My husband and I know that the Lord carried us through those days of panic attacks and feelings of inadequacy and fear.  The Lord brought to my husband a senior saint from one of those churches who came alongside my husband and mentored him and loved him with Christ's love.  These two men still meet once a week for devotional and prayer time to encourage each other and lift each other up in the name of the Lord.  It's inspiring.  I am so thankful for this man, one who truly sees the light and love of  Christ despite what goes on around him, followed the Lord's leading and never once allowed my husband to doubt our decision. He knew the decision had been bathed in prayer for nearly a year and that we had spoken to no one of our thoughts because we wanted to hear only the Lord's voice.  I praise the Lord for this senior saint who loves Him and shows Christ's love to my husband and to us. 

Last night I realized even more strongly while listening to my husband and daughter talk that I have closed my heart off to many things in the last several years.  I am, frankly, terrified to open my heart to the Lord in many ways...scared to be hurt again.  I know it wasn't the Lord who hurt me, it was His people who weren't seeing clearly.  But, nevertheless, I know that I am living in fear of what the Lord will call me to if I open my heart completely to Him and to His Word.  Isn't that crazy?

I share all of this to say that I am committing to the Lord (and to you, my sweet readers), that I am going to read the Bible over the next year from cover to cover.  I need to immerse myself in His Word.  I need to try and open my heart and life to Him in a way that will change me...and my life...because I know in my mind that Jesus loves me too much to leave me the way I am.  He knows I need to change in so many ways!  I want to be more like Him!

I thought about trying to read the Bible in one month, but when I realized it would take a dedication of 2 1/2 hours a day, I know that realistically, that won't happen for me.  I am a busy home schooling mom working two part-time jobs from home and trying to take care of my husband and girls the way they deserve to be taken care of, so I know that this type of schedule would fall by the wayside very quickly.  That would only serve as a discouragement to me.  If there is one thing I have realized in the last few years, it is that I must be realistic in my expectations - with others and especially with myself. 

That said, reading the Bible in one year is very reasonable and I am looking forward to getting started.  I found this site, BibleYear.com that provides a reading schedule for reading the Bible through from cover to cover in one year.  You can choose how you want to read it - from the beginning, chronologically, historically, or whether you want to read the Old Testament or New Testament first.  The site lists several different Bible versions from which to choose as well, so you can choose your preferred version.  The schedule is set up so you can start either on the 1st of a month or the 15th of a month. 

I'm going to begin my reading on October 15th and I've chosen to read the Bible in chronological order.  I am wondering if this will help me further understand my Lord and who He really is.  I will keep you updated!

May you be encouraged today by the Lord's Word.

All my best to you today,

Multitude Monday - Way Overdue!

Good Monday Morning to you! 

I hope you enjoyed a refreshing, relaxing, and perhaps productive weekend.  Our family was blessed with some much-needed family time together along with rest and some productivity too.

I have been remiss in counting my blessings as of late and here it is another Monday already... 



The Lord continues to nudge at my heart however, reminding me of how blessed I am, no matter if I feel that way or not sometimes.  I must remember His promises to me...they are the only promises that are true and believable.  He will never turn His back on me.  He will never leave me or give me the cold shoulder.  He won't ever ignore me.  Unfortunately, it's usually the other way around...forgive me Lord!

To the end of remembering my blessings...

74.  Hiking with my husband and girls at Clifton Gorge over the weekend
75.  The sound of crunching leaves under my feet
76.  Whispering winds through the trees - love, love that sound
77.  My Lord is faithful - He loves me unconditionally and without premise
78.  No matter what I do, the Lord will not turn His face from me - I am His!
79.  I don't have to perform a certain way, look a certain way, or talk a certain way to get His attention - He loves me just as I am, but also loves me so much that He won't leave me as I am spiritually.  Wow!
80.  I am never alone, the Lord is always with me
81.  I'm ever so thankful for my Dad and Mom - they speak words of encouragement and love to me - balm to my heart
82.  Love the sound of rain (it's raining right now!)
83.  For my friend Sharon P. at church, who took the time to write out Scripture references for me and is praying with me
84.  I am so thankful for true friends - the ones who stick close even when I can be difficult and unlovable - they're few, but ever so precious to me
85.  For the Lord's protection - not only physical protection, but emotional and spiritual protection too
86.  My girls are a constant blessing to me!
87.  My Jeff - he is my friend, my love, my husband, and true confidant
88.  I am loving the fact that I can wear my fleece pullovers again!
89.  Thankful for income, especially during this economy
90.  The person who sits in the White House is NOT in control - my Lord and Saviour IS - that's a blessing!

All my best to you today!

Waldorf Salad Recipe

This is a delicious version of Waldorf Salad that just kind of came together in the kitchen one day last week.  I had some apples that needed to be used and from there I just began looking around for different ingredients to turn a traditional Waldorf salad recipe into something just a bit different.  It tasted great, with a few surprising ingredients added.  Hope you enjoy it too!

 I am one of those people who (almost) always follows a recipe, but this time I was simply putting together ingredients as I went, so please forgive the vague amounts...just use as much or as little of each ingredient that suits your taste.

Perhaps your amounts will be based on what you have on hand too.  There have been many times that I will find a recipe I want to try, but just don't have everything on hand, so I make substitutions.  It doesn't always work, but with a cold salad recipe, it's probably not going to make that big of a difference.

Ingredients

• apples - I used 5-6 small to medium apples, peeled and sliced
• celery - 1 to 2 ribs, diced
• green grapes - 12-15, sliced in half
• sliced almonds - to taste
• dried cranberries - about 1/4 cup or to taste
• mixture of mayonnaise and Cool Whip - just enough to wet down the ingredients (I used a bit more mayonnaise than Cool Whip)

Simply toss together the first 5 ingredients in a bowl.  Then mix the mayonnaise and Cool Whip together in a smaller bowl so they are well blended before adding them to the salad ingredients.  I like to add the Cool Whip because I find that just mayonnaise seems to make the salad taste "heavy".  The Cool Whip adds a bit of sweetness too without being overpowering.

The dried cranberries added a wonderful surprise of sweet taste and the almonds added some additional flavor and crunch in addition to the celery.  You could easily use other dried fruits in place of the cranberries.

Red grapes could be used in place of green grapes too - the red would add some more color.

Finally, add everything together and mix well, until all the salad ingredients are covered evenly.

Serve on a few green lettuce leaves along with some cheese and crackers or soup and you have a delicious lunch. 

My best to you today,