Back to the Schedule

 I do hope that you enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday.

We had a lovely praise service on Tuesday night at church.

It was a small group, but everyone participated.

On Wednesday, I prepped food for Thursday.

Thursday, we had a lovely fellowship with our friends.

It was the loudest Thanksgiving that we have had in many years,

but we enjoyed the company ... and too much food.

Of course, all that food meant plenty of leftovers,

so on Friday and Saturday, we had a simple breakfast, leftovers, and then a simple supper.

I enjoyed having someone in the house all day with me for 4 days!

There is always a letdown after vacation with hubby,

but there is also much work waiting after taking some time off.

Our Thanksgiving did include our personal Turkey Trot.

We did our traditional walk/run in the morning and on the walk home enjoyed chatting with family.

We also walked after Thanksgiving dinner with our host family.

On Friday night, we dug out the Christmas decorations.

Only the tree is up, but I am thinking of some other trimmings.

I threw away some staples last year because they had just served their purpose,

but that does leave a hole ... and this year is not the year for purchasing new decorations.

In fact, even the Christmas tree is telling us that it does not want to move again - 

its wire limbs have folded in and out so many times that 3-4 broke off in setup this year.

Because we used a lot of leftovers last week,

I will make it through this week with more simple meals.

You will see some repeats from last week that we just didn't get to.

I should only have to walk to the store for fresh foods like salad greens, spinach, and bananas.

Using pantry items and not doing a large Walmart run will be a budget boost this week.

Menu Plan for the Week:

Sunday:  Power Bowls (no chicken)

Monday:  Leftover Pot Pie Soup

Tuesday:  Spanish Rice (Substitute black beans for ground meat)

Wednesday:  Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday:  Salmon Cakes 

Friday:  Green Salad and French Fries

Saturday:  Miners Minestrone 

(a mix my sister-in-law bought me when we delivered a car to her)

Just a Little Tip

 I would never tout myself as a great cook - 

but I do have a few recipes that get shared a lot.

One is Italian Pork:

It is simply a pork roast sprinkled with an Italian dressing seasoning mix and then slow cooked until it falls apart.

The other is simple guacamole:

One avocado, sprinkle of garlic salt, a splash of lime juice.

Long time readers will recall my post about wedding reception guacamole

and the task of getting 50 good avocados at one time.

Just about the time we left NC, a church member gave me this tip,

and I have used it many times.

It is more of a blessing as prices continue to rise on EVERYTHING!

No one wants to throw out an 80 cent avocado!

To prolong the life of an avocado ...

Ripen avocado on the counter, but watch carefully.

When it is ready to use (and you are not ready to use it)

wrap in tin foil and place in refrigerator.

I have gotten another week out of avocados by practicing this method.

Of course, you still have to be aware of what is happening on your counter so that you do not miss that window of opportunity.

I keep about 3 squares of tin foil for this purpose and reuse them as necessary.

The Gentle Rebuke

 This morning, I mentioned that yesterday had been a tough day.

We were flying high - very high - over the weekend.

We had planned a survey trip for hubby to our possible new location.

All systems go!

The church seems good (dare I say great), 

4 possible job locations within an hour of the church,

and the thoughts of finally purchasing a home.

This might even be our final move.

And then ...

I started researching moving truck prices!

Yes, that was the stinger - the derailer.

$10,000 to rent a truck between OR and TN?

Yet only $3,000 to take one from TN to OR?

Do you see the difficulty?

I actually went to a few sites thinking that the first one had a glitch in the online calculator.

It seems that we are not the only ones wanting to leave the liberal west coast.😀

The flesh immediately wanted to get mad,

to cry,

to ask why.

I am going through the Minor Prophets with my Sunday School Class.

I felt like the prophets.

Why was I being punished for moving to OR to do right?

I moved 3 years ago on Biblical principle

and truly believe that we are moving again in God's plan.

So why the hurdles?

(Should have just thought on Amos in which God promises not to forget works of any type - good or bad)

And then God, as He does, brought the gentle rebuke ... in the funniest ways.

We had bought 2 books that came recommended to us.

Neither one turned out to be what we expected, 

but we opened the book that we were reading together last night ...

This is the chapter title that greeted us ...

Trust God to Deliver in His Own Unique Way

And as we finished that chapter, the next chapter title screamed ...

View Your Current Crisis as a Faith Builder for the Future

And then, in the devotional book that I was reading,

I awoke this morning to this Proverb ...

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

Proverbs 24:10

Yes, God, I get it.

Another reminder that Sandra is not in control.

Another reminder that I don't have to understand.

Another reminder to just rest.

Another reminder that His ways are not our ways.

And as I stand back,

I can see that maybe God wants me to hire a moving company for less than it would cost me to DIY

and thus give me a more comfortable drive across the country.

I can see that maybe God will keep asking me to trust and drop prices in the final hour.

I can see that He doesn't need my money or my wisdom.

I can see that I still have a long way to go in the area of trust and faith.

And one more gentle rebuke ...

Sandra, you are helping to plan a Praise Service for TONIGHT!

You are presenting Psalm 103 in song.

Bless the LORD, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

He has always been faithful and will continue to be!

I don't know what may try to steal your joy today,

but listen to your gentle rebukes.

And if you can't hear yours ...

at least listen to the ones that God sent me.

Derailed

 Well, yesterday's food post was derailed.

I am sure that you have had those days ...

you know, the one where a piece of news just steals your strength.

It was one of those days.

I did finish the general weekly house cleaning,

finished some more account closings for the estate,

and got in my run for the day.

You probably know what the week will entail as far as meals,

but we are a little "lighter" in the early part of the week

knowing that the Thanksgiving "feast" will be a little out of our normal eating patterns, 

especially since our hostess is a great cook.

We will celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and split the work.

I have gluten-free stuffing, sweet potato casserole, veggie tray with dip, and pumpkin pie.

I may also take a cranberry Waldorf salad and some squash.

And for the rest of the week:

Sunday: Fried potatoes and peppers, eggs, avocado, and smoothie

Monday:  Vegan Pot Pie

Tuesday: Breakfast casserole and smoothie 

(church on Tuesday instead of Wednesday means breakfast night got moved for a lighter supper)

Wednesday: Power Bowls: Greens, toasted garbanzo beans, dried cranberries, and pistachios

Thursday: Thanksgiving Dinner

Friday: Make a Turkey at home

Saturday: Turkey Pot Pie Soup

Usually, I shop on Fridays ... but not this week,

so we will be creative for next week using what is in the house

or making a walk or two to town for fresh vegetables as necessary.

A Rarity

 A Saturday post is a rarity,

but hubby is working on an outline for a service on Tuesday

and I am waiting on some dough to rise (I hope).

I haven't made yeast bread in a long while - 

it is not quite the same when made gluten-free,

but I was reading to some children this week and the last chapter was on baking bread.

The description just put me in the mood for fresh bread.

And it will go well with the minestrone soup tonight if it turns out.

I missed a "thankful" post this week.

I am thankful for an after-dinner walk with hubby last night

and a walk of almost 1 1/2 hours this morning.

Walking is just such a life-giving activity to me.

Both mind and body benefit from the fresh air and exercise.

I usually find an excuse to walk to town at least twice a week by myself.

Sometimes the activities of the day do not allow for a long couples walk,

but this weekend was a little calmer and provided the window for it.

I am thankful for the longer Bible study time that the weekends afford.

There were no time restraints on our Bible reading and study this morning.

Daily Bible reading is the primary source of fuel for the week.

I am thankful for the children that come over once a week

as well as the children who will come to Sunday School tomorrow morning.

Teaching is another "life-giving" activity for me.

I enjoy the challenge of imparting knowledge,

of teaching character,

of supporting parents and teachers.

And I am thankful for a home to "work" in.

Homemaking and nutrition and health and ambiance all feed me as well.

There is such a challenge in finding ways to foster peace,

in finding recipes that build health and strength,

in living within my means.

There is such satisfaction in seeing the results of such efforts.

I hope that today, and everyday, 

you are doing things that encourage and strengthen you.

Just Do It

It is the end of a grey but rain-free Wednesday.

We have actually had  2 rain-free days in a row.

The break in the rain allowed me to more comfortably mow the lawn yesterday.

I also enjoyed a walk to town without the need for an umbrella.

Today I was able to clear out the email box which had filled up since our weekend away.

I have also done some research for our Thanksgiving and Christmas services.

It was a good day for more quiet work and more rest.

It was a day begging for a nap ...

BUT

I still had to do some exercise!

It was sheer determination that took me outside to make the most of the rain-free day

and get the heart rate up high and for a good amount of time.

Yes, I did have to make myself do it ...

and after one cycle of walking and running,

I had to make myself do cycle two ...

and then three ...

and then four ...

all the way to cycle eight.

There is a reason that discipline is called discipline.

It is hard to be a disciple.

hard to be a disciple of good eating

hard to be a disciple of  consistent exercise

hard to be a disciple of consistent sleep

hard to be a disciple of order

hard to be a disciple of faithful Bible reading and prayer

But it is the discipline that yields results.

If you are living the disciplined life ... 

the life of a disciple ...

keep it up!

If there is an area that is slipping,

Get back to it!

It will be worth it!

The Eyes of Man

 "Hell and destruction are never full; 

so the eyes of man are never satisfied."

Proverbs 27:20

As a teacher, I often see this truth lived out in my students.

When the birthday bag comes out, so does the "green monster."

Instantly, many children are planning what they will pick for their birthday.

I hear often, "I wish I had."

"You could get me that for Christmas."

But while I may mask my discontent and desire for more,

I see it in my own life as well.

With a pending move in the new year comes thoughts of a new home,

a new town,

a new neighborhood.,

and dreams ... lots of dreams.

And sometimes the dreams get out of control.

This morning I read a little devotional that began with Proverbs 17:1

"Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith,

than a house full of sacrifices with strife."

And I felt the gentle reminder that while it was ok to look and plan,

while it is definitely good to pray specifically,

while it is good to know the needs,

...

but it is also good to recognize discontent and greed.

And I remember that God has always provided over and above.

Quick Jaunt

 Home Again, Home Again ...

Hubby and I took a quick trip this weekend. 

We headed to the Tri-cities area of Washington state.

We were passing off the last vehicle in his mom's estate.

He kindly took us part of the way on Friday night

and we stayed at a lovely motel for the night.

The motel had a gourmet, beautiful, made-to-order, allergy friendly breakfast - 

including gluten-free toast, gluten-free granola, and even dairy-free yogurt!

Breakfast might have been the highlight of the trip!

God gave us safety and clear skies on Saturday 

and we were very glad the trip home was in the same car.

It is nice to have the driveway back and to be a one-car family again.

And now back to routine ... at least as much routine as we have.

I had Saturday off from cooking - 

Motel breakfast of Granola Parfait.

Lunch at Chipotle - Veggie Burrito Bowl

Dinner at Burgerville - Kids burger meal

It is nice to be back to homemade, healthier food.

And here is the plan for the week ...

Sunday - Mongolian Noodles loose interpretation - primarily use a bag of broccoli slaw for veggies

Monday - Mashed potato, Turkey gravy, Roasted Broccoli, Sliced Beets

Tuesday - Thai Tacos (again loose interpretation)

Wednesday - Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday - Chicken Picatta (extra broth instead of wine) and Peas

Friday - French Fry Fix with Chef Salad

Encourage

 Proverbs 31:26

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; 

and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

I am thinking again about the month of November.

- a month focused on giving thanks - 

- a month of recognizing blessings around us - 

Shouldn't this focus overflow into our relationships?

Shouldn't we verbalize our thankfulness to both God and others?

The Proverbs 31 woman knows how to speak.

She uses Godly wisdom to speak kindness and encouragement to others.

It is so easy to tear others down.

It is easy to let pride stop me from building up others.

It is easy to want to wait until I can merely reciprocate after receiving praise from others.

It is easy to just hold my tongue.

But why not be the first?

Use your mouth to encourage someone.

It is in acknowledging the good in others that we will change our attitudes.

It is in acknowledging the good in others that we will fill up the tank of others.

It is in acknowledging the good in others that you may just recognize the difficulties that they are facing today.

And while you are at it, speak kindly to yourself.

Remember that you are God's creation!

Looking for Ministry

 It is not always easy.

It is not always comfortable.

But change is inevitable.

Sometimes the process is simple,

and sometimes the process takes more work.

Growing up, we were in one church for at least 10 years.

Since I was young at that church, I could just grow into ministries.

I never really had that displaced feeling.

I served in the nursery when all other teen girls did.

I cleaned when I was asked.

I became part of the music ministry as my lessons progressed.

Changing churches can create a large hole ...

a need for a place to serve ...

In our married life, we have been in 8 churches and will make a change again soon.

There is always the need to wait, a season without the usual service.

There is a need to let people get to know you.

There is a need to know the pastor's plan and direction.

There is a need to observe and learn how things are done.

Sometimes that pastor is burdened to find a place for everyone,

but sometimes that does not happen.

The wait to serve has often led me to unique ministries.

The "wait" created this blog.

The "wait" created a card ministry.

The "wait" has created children's choirs.

The "wait" has stretched us out of the "typical" in order to meet specific needs.

We are no party planners - but if fellowship seems to be the need,

then I guess God can use us in that role.

I have found in 7 of the 8 churches that playing the piano was a need I could fill fairly quickly.

In more than half of the churches, a teacher was a need.

At some churches, we were able to build (once a shed, once a retaining wall).

I have painted walls in at least 2 churches.

Of course, the cleaning ministry is USUALLY available.

But sometimes,

especially in small churches,

positions are held by long time members who are content in those roles

and the search is harder.

It is hard to change the way I serve.

Where do I fit in?

I know God wants me to minister?

I mentioned yesterday that we were working on the church Praise Service.

It is one way that we can help to focus a busy day often focused on food and football.

It is a way to look around and to hopefully let other people serve who haven't found their place.

It is a way to include more than the usual servants.

It is a way to focus our own hearts on Praise and Thanksgiving when there is so much "gloom" around us.

We are also working on another Christmas Eve Service - 

It was such an encouragement to folks last year with the most common comment being that it just helped to slow the holiday down to take a breath on Christmas Eve.

This service is fun because it involves decorating and the challenge that that brings.

Right now, we are experimenting with some ideas around the house to be able to light the service without the harsh overhead lights😊

So if you stop by, please excuse random Command strips on the wall, mason jars in various stages of decorating, stray glitter and snow, and LED candles!

All ministry is fun, but ministry that we can do as a couple is even more fun!

It encompasses our love of music, 

hubby's ability to teach, 

and a love of the holidays.

It allows us to minister.

Maybe you are still looking for your place.

Don't be afraid to look outside of the box.

There is always, always, someone who needs you and your gifts.

And maybe you have "your" place...

is there someone you can share with,

is there someone you can work with,

is there a way you can encourage someone else ...

and sometimes that is the hardest ministry - 

because it involves relinquishing control and my own desires.

Coming Soon...

Only 2 1/2 Weeks left until Thanksgiving ...

For some reason, fall is just speeding by.

It is a fairly early Thanksgiving this year.

Our cool, damp weather is here and today is high in the mid-40s - 

I

I spent a couple of hours at Costco while I waited on a tire installation.

It was busy with the hustle and bustle that a holiday can bring.

The holidays are also on our mind as hubby and I help plan a Praise Service for the church.

We worked on the order of service tonight,

We had hoped to be entertaining at least one family member for the holidays,

but work schedules did not permit him to make the 8-hour drive ...

... but just as we contemplated what to do for the day,

we received an invite to join a church family for dinner - 

and isn't that what God's family should do?

Without company, we will spend the rest of the weekend doing some visiting in town

and some decorating for the Christmas season.

Weekly Menu: 

Sunday: Grilled Veggie Sandwiches 

(toast spread with hummus and topped with sauteed onions and peppers)

(It is also good with a spreadable cheese - like Laughing Cow)

Monday: Singapore Noodles

(I even found some gluten-free brown rice and millet ramen noodles to use in the recipe)

Tuesday:  Cod (from brother-in-law in Alaska) with Green Bean Casserole

Wednesday:  Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday: Burrito Bowl (missed this last week)

Friday:  Putting our French Fry Fix on a Chef Salad

Remember and Appreciate

 Today is a day of remembrance.

Three years ago, we said goodbye.

It was one of those goodbyes that isn't suppose to occur.

We expected to bury hubby's father and mother in our lifetime,

but we didn't expect to say goodbye to a nephew.

Just a little boy ...

Every life can make a difference.

My mother-in-law taught me to give and give some more.

She taught me that sometimes small changes in my life can open doors of ministry.

She inspired me practically to clean more and to clean deeper.

Little Timmy taught us too, even in his very few years with us.

We learned to be more sensitive to those with special needs.

We learned a joy in just the simple events

and to rejoice in milestones that often are taken for granted.

He taught us to value life and health.

He taught us how to fight and fight hard for good things.

On our day of remembrance,

take time to be thankful.

Take time to value something in each life around you.

Don't just think of the appreciation,

convey it to that person.

Help and Accountability

 Today was a basic home workday.

There was no running around.

There were no unusual visits.

I was rested after recovering from my bad decision-making on Monday evening.

My week typically begins with a general home cleaning on Monday.

This would be linens, bathrooms, vacuuming, and dusting throughout.

Then on Tuesday and Wednesday, I work in 1 of 5 specific ZONES.

This week was zone 3 which is the bathrooms and guest room.

Cleaning in specific rooms involves wiping down walls and baseboards

and moving furniture to vacuum behind things.

It involves tidying drawers and closets and cabinets and bookshelves if applicable.

It might involve washing curtains (more like once a quarter) or pillows or changing air filters.

This plan comes from a phone app that I found a couple of years ago.

The app allows me to check off what I have done and to be reminded of things I have skipped.

There is no wondering when I last washed the shower curtain or changed the fish's water.

This plan was motivated by the desire to stay on top of things.

Everything gets addressed at least once every 5 weeks!

There is a hope that on moving day, 

any helpers (or even hubby) won't see something awful when the couch or bed is moved.

There is a hope that any spider webs in the corners will only be minor if ever discovered.

I am reminded on a schedule of things that need to be addressed.

This is a simple example of a system of help and accountability.

Think of how many systems God has put in place to also address issues in our life.

He has given us His Word.

His Word should be read daily to remind us of His desires and our need for Him.

He has given us His church.

A balanced church should challenge believers and help to put a finger on sin in our lives.

He has given us fellow believers.

We should be challenged by the actions and rebukes of believers around us.

Are you availing yourself of the help and accountability available to you today?

When You Know Better

 Well, chalk another one up to "I knew better."

I mentioned that hubby took a sick day yesterday.

Then he was sweet and wanted to have a little date that evening.

He loves a good coffee and I will join him for a tea of some sort.

But our coffee shop was out of my favorite tea ...

and there was the "Apple Crisp Macchiato."

There are nothing like the flavors of fall - apple, pumpkin spice -

and they all go perfectly with coffee.

Surely just this once in 3 months would be ok - 

decaf - coconut milk - only 2 pumps of syrup instead of 3 ...

but "no," I spent the evening tossing and turning and taking surveys until 12:30 am.

The little caffeine, especially in the evening, just didn't work.

...And I knew better.

While the coffee was phenomenal, it was not worth it!

Isn't that the way with many of our decisions?

We think that surely this once we won't face the consequences.

Sometimes there is grace and mercy - 

but is it worth it?

Why not just do right?

What decision are you mulling over today?

Are you trying to get away with something?

Is there something you know you should give up ... completely?

Stop stifling your good progress!

Just let it go!

Seasonal Bug

 Even with the healthiest of diets,

there is always a little struggle at the change of seasons.

Hubby is at home with me today -

not a full-blown illness, but just a need to rest and kick something chasing him.

He spent the day, mostly quiet

and working on stuff to do with his mom's estate.

And I stuck to the Monday cleaning schedule for the most part.

It was nice to have some company

and the extra push to work a little faster and a little harder.

It was nice to have some company for lunch on a cool fall day.

And he is feeling much better.

And though we may want to wonder why we still have to face this seasonal bug,

we remind ourselves that it used to catch him quicker

and last for 3 or more days at a time.

We are grateful for the improvement in immune function.

And what are we eating this week?

Sunday - leftover vegetable stew from Saturday

Monday - leftover vegetable stew from Saturday but add some kidney beans

Mashed potato, gravy, roasted broccoli, beets, and one small pork chop for hubby

Tuesday - Shrimp pesto

Wednesday - Breakfast for Dinner

Thursday - Burrito Bowls (rice, taco seasoned beans, sauteed onions and peppers, guacomole)

Friday - Make Fast Food at Home!

I am also trying some new muffin recipes.

Here is a new one sweetened only with fruit.

I did add some chocolate chips (just in case they weren't sweet enough).

Muffins are a staple when you want the easy-to-grab snack with some nutrition.

Hubby takes 2-3 daily for his snack at work

and they often serve as an after dinner snack (unless Cheerios wins out).