January Update

Thank you for holding me accountable.
There is something about putting your goals out and letting others know.
Most of you would not ask probably and are too far away to check up on me,
but you have encouraged me to greater diligence this month.
I am still far from where I want to be, but I am encouraged to see progress.

Personal Goals

Blog at least 3 times a week  (you all can attest to this one)

Develop (and use) a Prayer Journal to be more focused in prayer by February. 
(was encouraged to use 3x5 cards - just put together yesterday and am excited)

Read through the Bible in the year. (On track)

Memorize 24 Psalms (1-24) - 2 per month.  (Psalm 1 and 2)

Review/Rememorize - James, I - II Thessalonians, I-II Peter, II Timothy, Galatians, Jude (1 per month).
(not as far as I wanted, but Galatians 1-2 are reviewed)

Memorize I,II,III John (remaining months after reviewing others).

Exercise 4 days per week.

Meet step goals daily.

Learn Hebrew Using Rosetta Stone program - 4 lessons a week - 2 years.
(I've failed this one in previous years)
(Started strong with 41 lessons done in January)

Read 12 books (1 per month) emphasizing American History and Missionary biographies.
(Read 1 1/2 - One on Encouragement and one on George Washington)

Family Goals

Help encourage, format, and edit hubby's commentary on the book of Isaiah.
(suffered a little, but we are getting our rhythm back)

Walk at least 4 miles together each week.  (sometimes 2-3 times)

Be done with regular housekeeping by the time hubby comes home each day. (Improvement seen)

Ministry Goals

Write 1 card to a college student each week.  (3 cards, 4 happy mails, 14 local Hershey snowmen)

Write one note of thanks or appreciation each week (in the home, at church, in the community).
(4 for the month)

Entertain in our home at least once a month for a meal.  (got in 2)

Find a place of ministry.
(we are seeing how narrow minded we have been in this area - 
right now we are focusing on encouragement for others)

Home Goals

Continue developing a useful meal/recipe book - Reorganize it monthly.  (Failed!)

Work to organize and declutter 5 home areas - 2 under bed areas, 2 closets, and 1 shed.

Nailed It!

The purpose of the visit was to get to know one another better.

We had a family over on Friday night - 

a family with 4 under 4 (or maybe under 3).

That included a little 1 month old little girl - I could have held her all night.

A sweet family considering ministry in Colombia.

Not only in Colombia - but possibly with our nephew and his wife in Columbia.

Small World!

They brought some sweet hostess gifts.

This is the one they nailed.

We have not known each other long, but plants are just AOK in my book.

What cheery daffodils!

and come Spring they will go in the ground and will encourage me year after year.

It was definitely nice to have these pleasant little faces cheering me as I did taxes.

But the taxes are done

and I look forward to next year with no health insurance penalty

and a larger standard deduction!

Avoiding the Flu

It has hit with a vengeance.

The flu is bad this year.

So far, we have avoided it,

but we wonder if it is a matter of time the way numbers are dwindling at work and church.

I did get the flu shot, but only because I had to have it to volunteer at the hospital.

Before getting the shot, I read that the best flu shot is Vitamin D - time in the sun.

Hubby and I have been trying to soak up the sun when it appears.

In addition, we have buckled down on the limiting of sugar.

Oh - That one is hard.

We have "Thieves Oil" diffusing in the house.

We have increased the leafy greens through smoothies.

We also used some sweet potato in one smoothie to increase vitamin A.

Our favorite smoothie this weekend was ...

Green Tea and Grape Smoothie

1 1/2 c green tea (we used matcha powder)

2 c spinach

3 c frozen grapes (preferably white/green grapes)

1 avocado

2 tsp honey

We weren't sure of the combo,

but it was really good.

It was also very filling.

Tonight we went with the fermented foods for combatting sickness.

I have been drinking an occasional kombucha, but hubby won't give in.

So tonight,

Porkchops and Sauerkraut!

I wasn't sure about it,

but it was a childhood favorite for hubby.

Pork chops and Sauerkraut over mashed potatoes

and some heart healthy beets on the side.

Are you staying healthy?

Any suggestions you have to boost immunity?

Winter's Chill

Why be thankful for "winter's chill?"

Of course, the chill of NC is different then many parts of the country,

but ...

I am thankful for winter's chill because...

... my walks outside are less crowded.

... others have to wear more clothing (be more modest).

... it is more comfortable to clean out an outside shed.

... there is nothing like a hot beverage on a chilly morning.

... I love to wear sweaters.

... if I can't wear flip-flops, I love to wear boots.

... it kills the bugs.

... it showcases the warmth of the sunshine.

... it prepares us for greater appreciation of the warmth and beauty of Spring.

... it is soup and chili weather.

... baking doesn't overheat the house.

... I sleep better in a cool/cold house.

Another reminder about perspective.

There is always something to be thankful for.

Winter Surprises

This week I have finally buckled down and hit the "abysses."

I attribute the "push" of having admited to the blogosphere that I really needed to get this done.

I attacked 2 closets and the outdoor storage shed.

3 trash cans full later - they look pretty good.

I also spent time today to make some mailbox surprises for some of our local college students.

It is a Hershey bar wrapped in white paper.

The hat is a baby sock cuffed to fit.

4 pieces of yarn wrapped a few times to make a scarf.

Marker features.

Hubby and I made baby snowmen at Christmas.

They called for Hershey nuggets.

The hats were made from cut off glove fingers.

No scarves or buttons required for the little guys.

Our snow is all gone, but I sure do like to celebrate winter while I can.

Dealing with the "Antsy"

In the past month,

we have gone from full throttle

to full on stop.

It is an odd feeling.

It is easy to feel useless.

It is easy to waste time.

But I was reminded as I work on memory in Galatians,

there is a time just to wait.

Paul was miraculously saved on the road to Emmaus.

He had his orders.

He was more than qualified and trained.
He could have taken the world by storm as soon as he regained his sight.

But God had plans for him for 3 years away from the action.

It is easy to get antsy when I am used to the hustle and bustle.

But there is so much to learn in the stillness.

There are quieter ministries.

There are people who are easily overlooked in busy-ness.

There is learning that needs to take place.

And there is a refocusing and recharging that is easier in the peace.

Seasonal Breakfast Treat

A couple of weeks ago,

I had a craving for cranberry-apple something.

The famous Google search brought up 

muffins,

baked oatmeal,

pie,

cobbler,

crisp ...

I decided to try the crisp for breakfast.

Hubby was a little nervous,

but it passed the test.

I am probably a little late - not sure that cranberries are even available in the stores anymore,

but I have a bag or 2 in the freezer - YEAH!

Cranberry Apple Crisp

Filling:

2 lbs apples

1 1/2 c fresh cranberries

1 tsp orange zest

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

2 TBSP coconut sugar

2 TSBP maple syrup

1 TBSP tapioca flour (corn starch or regular flour would be ok)

Topping:

1/2 c almond flour

1/4 c tapioca flour

3/4 c rolled oats

1/4 c coconut sugar

6 TBSP coconut oil (I used butter)

1/2 c chopped pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350*

Combine all Filling Ingredients and pour in a 9x9 pan.

Combine Topping Ingredients except nuts until it is a course meal.  Toss in nuts.

Cover fruit with topping and bake 45 minutes.

Cover with foil if browning too fast.

Just Trust ... and Refocus

I mentioned that Tuesday was a down day.

I needed to heed what I was memorizing and reading.

I needed to refocus and trust.

I don't feel like my faith was very great,

but then again ... all it takes is a grain of mustard.

I mentioned that I wanted to minister to young people.

On this thankful Thursday,

I am thankful for an answer to prayer.

On Wednesday,

an opportunity presented itself.

What a blessing!

God is waiting to bless,

I need only to "trust and obey."

So easy to say,

so hard to do.

I am also thankful for our snow day yesterday.

Nothing beats having company ALL day!

Hubby humored me and took me for 2 - 4 mile walks (I know it sounds like I am a dog).

The first one was fairly comfortable, the second was a lot more windy and cold.

That's How We Roll

We started the morning in our typical fashion.

4:30 wake up call for a 1/2 hour workout.

During our 6:00 devotions, the text came through ...

2 hour work delay.

We were up, we were going ...

why not take a four mile walk in the snow

before heading to work at 9:30?

(this is not our home, but one along our walk - I call it the Kincaide house)

So we did.

So pretty, so quiet ... good couple time.

During the last 1/2 mile,

work was cancelled for the day.

Oh, and tack on a 2 hour delay for tomorrow.

I know, I know ...

the picture doesn't look worthy of all the excitement ...

... but that is how we roll in the south!

And of course, this calls for chili and cornbread for lunch!

Chili is in the crock pot and should be ready in time.

The grocery shopping will keep until tomorrow, or even Friday.

Today, I will enjoy our winter wonderland while it is here

and extra time with my hubby.

Psalm 2

Psalm 2:12 b

Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

It seems that every day that I work on verse memory

a new part of the memory work is a blessing.

Last week, Galatians 1 was a blessing as I acknowledge 

and seek to work on not be a man pleaser but to put God first in all things.

Today was a little bit of a down day.

My mother's heart (if you believe a non-mom can have one) was yearning to help a young person.

A grey sky with the promise of snow lacked the bright cheer of a winter sun.

Struggles of faith.

Struggles of trust.

Struggles from within and without.

He promises His blessings, His help

if only I trust.

Better Than I Deserve

I can't remember where I was when it was "popular" to answer the question

"How are you?"

with

"Better Than I Deserve"

It is a timely reminder when you might be tempted to answer with a nebulous "fine"

or with a laundry list of troubles.

Especially here in America, we are blessed beyond measure.

In the spiritual realm, we have the ability to be on a road to heaven

instead of facing the doom of hell which we so rightly deserve.

Both hubby and I were reminded in the past few days of how much we have been given.

While the physical provision is easy to see ... cars, home, clothes, food, financial blessing,

we are also blessed and thankful for God's provision of prayer warriors.

We are thankful for our family and friends who pray even when they don't know what to pray.

We are thankful for those who care beyond the physical needs for our spiritual health and well being.

I had a very specific prayer need this week -

not a physical need, but a spiritual battle.

I mentioned the need to hubby to add to his prayer list.

God sent a verse to encourage me in my Bible reading.

God sent victory at the beginning of the week.

God sent a test.

And at least this time, there was even victory in the test.

That is proof of God's provision through the prayers of His people.

I am grateful.

I am humbled.

Thanks for your prayers.

Just Leave the Excuses

"And she said, 'I will go.'"  Genesis 24:58

You have heard the parental phrase before ...

"Slow obedience is no obedience."

I have thought much about it.

How often do I drag my feet at following God's will and plan?

I would NEVER say "no" to God, right?

Of course, I wish it were so,

but in my own way I have many times.

I have said "no" by saying, "not now" or "it's not a good time."

Have you done it?

Have you known God's will but thought your timing was better?

God, can you change the circumstances?

God can you wait until ...?

God can you make it just as clear to everyone else?

" ____ is going on right now, it's not a good time."

Yes, there it is written in black and white.

It is easy to make excuses.

And here is the hero without excuses ...

Abraham's servant heads to the homeland to find a wife for Isaac.

He prays for clear direction.

God answers clearly and specifically.

The servant finds Rebekah and explains God's working to her and her family.

God's will is clear.

And then he plans to leave the next day with Isaac's bride.

Can you hear the excuses Rebekah could have given?

What about my family?

I haven't planned?

Can I just have another week?

What about ...?

I'm not quite ready.

But there are no excuses.

There is not even a record of a pause.

The hand of God was clear and her answer just as direct ...

"I will go."

What is God asking of you?

Will you obey?

or will you make an excuse?

A Personal Transformation

No house pictures,

no garden pictures,

no yard pictures ...

it has just been too cold.

BUT ...

there is still a Tuesday Transformation!

With change often comes growth.

The rough, tear-filled month of December was a month of learning

and hopefully the start or continuation of meaningful change.

I have been made aware of some changes that I need to make.

I am also reminded that I have a gracious, long-suffering God
who is still there and still willing to change me.

I have been shown that I like to take charge.

While this is not always bad,

it is a fault if I am trying to lead when a man should be in the lead.

I have confessed to God the fault and apologized to those I believe I undermined.
It is a reminder to hold my tongue - to focus on the meek and quiet spirit.

I have been shown that I often take on more than I can chew.

This also could be phrased that I exhibit "pseudo-strength" when I should be asking for help.

This is not a new fault, but obviously one that I still need to work on.

There is a velvet Christmas dress from the late 80's with tear stains as proof
that I don't say "no" when I need to.

Even as a preteen, my desire to help and to be useful often leads me to collapse under unnecessary weights.

I am made aware of this fault again.

Both hubby and I have been made aware that sarcasm is rarely understood.

Sarcasm should be reserved for family and people who act like family (and maybe not even there)

because it often hurts others who can't read the sarcasm and/or won't ask for an explanation.

We are working on a critical spirit.

It is easy to critique without facts.

The need is to speak with truth,

To judge where sin is,

and to be silent when there is no knowledge.

Isn't it just like God to deliver the hard to swallow truth  in a "praise sandwich?"

He did it with the churches in Revelation.

Paul did it with erring churches that he wrote to correct.

In the midst of the December correction,

he led many people to remember something good,

something helpful,

and not just to remember, but to mention it.

He sent those "tokens for good."

I mention that because perhaps God has laid someone on your heart today.

Maybe God is correcting and rebuking that person

and He wants you to build that "Praise Sandwich."

Call, text, email, write, or appreciate someone in person - 

why not today?

Getting Closer ...

One of my challenges as a domestic engineer

is defeating the competition.

Sound mean?

By competition, I mean the restaurants that entice us.

Hubby grills a great steak - bye bye steakhouse.

Red Lobster - I can broil or fry a nice piece of tilapia or salmon,

and the gluten free options in the freezer section are REALLY good.

Got the pizza thing down.

Gluten free Italian at a restaurant is typically just BAD!

With the right Gluten Free Ciabatta bread, Subway doesn't stand a chance.

Mexican restaurants still have me beat in some areas

and Asian - well, they have some secret ingredient.

Over the weekend, I found a recipe that will satisfy our Asian craving between trips to P.F.Changs.

You want it too, don't you?

It is available here at Taste of Home

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Ingredients

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

4 teaspoons Sriracha Asian hot chili sauce (I had an asian chili paste)

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

12 ounces uncooked multigrain spaghetti (I used 6 oz of brown Asian rice noodles)

1 pound lean ground chicken (I used ground turkey)

1-1/2 cups julienned carrots

1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup finely chopped unsalted peanuts

4 green onions, chopped

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk the first six ingredients until blended.
Cook noodles according to package directions; drain.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook chicken, carrots, pepper and garlic over medium heat 5-6 minutes
or until chicken is no longer pink, breaking up chicken into crumbles; drain.
Stir in peanut butter mixture; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 3-5 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened.
Serve with noodles.
Top with peanuts and green onions.
Yield: 6 servings.


For those who have tried to use the "Recipe Page" ...
I have updated it with all recipes from the blog ...
It appears that I had not made links for about 1 1/2 years 😒

Reader Forum: Focus in Prayer

Prayer is definitely a discipline to be learned and practiced.

You saw that one of my goals was to be more deliberate and focused each day.

I am so easily distracted (I think most people are)

I think that my method may be a prayer journal,

BUT ...

then I thought I would ask for help.

While what works for you may not work for me,

it may spark something that leads to a good answer ...

or since most of my readers are family and think like me,

it may be the perfect answer.

So here is the forum question:

How do you "attack" a lengthy prayer list?

How do you systematically pray for all of the needs on your heart and in your life?

Do you pray for certain things on certain days?

Do you pray through the same list daily?

There it is ...

HELP!

Another Token for Good

Yesterday was a down day - at least for me ...

about 3 pieces of discouraging news.

But at the same time,

God was giving hubby encouraging news

and solidifying that for right now,

we are in the right place.

God knows our needs - and even our desires - 

and is working them out in His timing,

often behind the scenes.

Sometimes He rolls back the curtain and shows us a little "peek."

Then today it was my turn.

I got to make some special deliveries,

and God used the visits to remind me of need all around,

to remind me that ministry is all around us,

that ministry cannot be put in a box.

He sent me encouraging people with encouraging words.

On this Thankful Thursday,

I am thankful for our good God with His tokens for good.

I am also thankful for protection from the cold -

for heaters, for walls and a roof, for warm clothes,

for a warm car, for warm food, for God's daily provision.

And Refocus Again ...

Well,

I thought that part of my "woman's work Wednesday" would include volunteer work at the hospital in 2018.

This morning, I was one step closer ...

turned in vaccination records,

took flu shot,

had TB test started ...

...and then this afternoon,

they didn't need me.

And so now, I refocus.

I pray and seek where God would use me and my extra time,

the place where I can minister to people.

It is time to apply the word of the year - refocus.

It is time to remember that the answer "no" is not the end,

it is just a redirection.

Yes, I am disappointed,

but I happen (by God's design) to be reading a book dealing with disappointments and difficult times,

and it is time to apply the principles,

God is at work.

*UPDATE*
It turns out that volunteer opportunities are quite competitive.
Next time I go with a resume and full list of references.😄

Recharge and Refocus

In my effort to hit the restart,

I think that it will be profitable to set goals ...

SMART goals ...

Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Timely

My goal will be to be accountable to you at the end of each month - 

Will I reach the marks?

Some of the goals will be relatively easy,

others (primarily the Bible memory) will be harder,

but if I shoot at nothing ... I'll be sure to hit it (nothing).

Personal Goals

Blog at least 3 times a week

Develop (and use) a Prayer Journal to be more focused in prayer by February.

Read through the Bible in the year.

Memorize 24 Psalms (1-24) - 2 per month.

Review/Rememorize - James, I - II Thessalonians, I-II Peter, II Timothy, Galatians, Jude (1 per month).

Memorize I,II,III John (remaining months after reviewing others).

Exercise 4 days per week.

Meet step goals daily.

Learn Hebrew Using Rosetta Stone program - 4 lessons a week - 2 years.
(I've failed this one in previous years)

Read 12 books (1 per month) emphasizing American History and Missionary biographies.

Family Goals

Help encourage, format, and edit hubby's commentary on the book of Isaiah.

Walk at least 4 miles together each week.

Be done with regular housekeeping by the time hubby comes home each day.

Ministry Goals

Write 1 card to a college student each week.

Write one note of thanks or appreciation each week (in the home, at church, in the community).

Entertain in our home at least once a month for a meal.

Find a place of ministry.

Home Goals

Continue developing a useful meal/recipe book - Reorganize it monthly.

Work to organize and declutter 5 home areas - 2 under bed areas, 2 closets, and 1 shed.

Are you challenging yourself this year?

Care to share?

Do you want to challenge me as well?

Welcome 2018!

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2018!

I just love fresh starts,

the blank slate,

the expected time to reassess.

Many people choose a word for the new year.

I have in the past.

Contentment in 2012

Dependence in 2013

Consistency in 2015

This year, my mind keeps returning to 2 words.

Recharge ... and ... Refocus

Recharge

The past year, maybe more, has been wearying.

For many reasons, I feel drained and empty.

Partly because this "people pleaser" has let people down this year - 

though necessary sometimes, it is still a drain (and also a burden that I should not carry).

Partly because I have taken on too much.

Partly because I have given and not sought out a source or sources to be refueled.

Partly because I took ministry that was without personal contact and interaction.

Partly because I have let many times with God become stale or perfunctory.

Partly because I have lost some focus.

Refocus

Over the past year, maybe more, I have not felt challenged to grow.

I have not seen (possibly my own fault) a challenge from others.

I have not experienced others living an example before me that left me feeling challenged 

to be better, to do better, to grow.

When I married, hubby was memorizing books of the Bible.

He challenged me and we learned numerous passages and books together.

I also give the example of my Fitbit.

When I got my fitbit 2 years ago, my goal was 10,000 steps a day.

Sometimes I was running around at 8:45 trying to get those last 2,000 steps before bed.

When hubby got a Fitbit in May, suddenly I had a challenge, someone to push me.

Now my goal is 13,000 and I really want to see 20,000 a day!

I needed the challenge!

In my desire to refocus,

I want to be challenged and have felt that challenge in recent days.

I am seeing friends and family excited about God and growth with God.

I am hearing people quote Scripture from memory.

I am hearing reference to facts and history and things that I should or could know if I put in the effort.

I am challenged to have ...

an eagerness to arise early and spend time with God,

a return to Bible memory,

a discipline to read beneficial books to stretch my mind,

a return to learning a language with hubby,

a focus in my ministry choices,

a concerted effort to ask for feedback so that my ministry is meeting the desired goal,

more personal contact in ministry.

What does 2018 hold?

I really don't know.

We are still in a place of searching,

a place of begging God for His direction,

a place of moving with the anticipation of an open door or even a closed door.

I may not know what the future holds,

but I want to grow in 2018.

I want to learn from others

and I want to be an example in return.