Weight Watcher Weigh-In Saturday

Well, I was not able to go in to be weighed, so I don't know exactly how accurate my scale is compared to theirs, but it looks like I lost 3 pounds. I now have lost 22 pounds in 10 weeks. 2 more pounds and I will have met my 10% target :)

Sweet Baby

Baby's Words
by Frank Greg

Although I am small and cannot say a word
these thoughts of my family I wish could be heard . . .
I feel all your love and the kind things you do.
I get so excited that I smile and coo.
A soapy warm bath or the comb through my hair
all your soft whispers that tell me you care.
Then wrapped in your arms it is safe and secure
protected with tenderness that is perfect and pure.
And if ever I'm messy, hungry, or cold
with just a small whimper I'm quickly consoled.
You kiss and caress to stop me from weeping
then patiently wait 'til I'm comfortably sleeping.
You make my life joyous, full of colors and fun
when I see you each morning your face is my sun.
So, if you aren't certain your gestures are felt
look deep in my eyes and I'm sure you will melt.
They say I'll grow fast like the blink of an eye
but do not be sad at the time that goes by.
Because I'll remember all you've given and shared
to get me through life completely prepared.
I'll be the great one who stands out in the crowd
your hearts will be happy I'll make you so proud.
I thank you so much for all that you do
and never forget that I love you, too.

My Little Boy

Why God Made Little Boys



God made the world out of His dreams

Of magic mountains, oceans and streams,

Prairies and plans and wooded land,

Then paused and thought “I need someone to stand

On top of mountains, to conquer the seas,

Explore the plains and climb the trees.

Someone to start out small and to grow,

Sturdy, strong as a tree…” And so,

He created boys, full of spirit and fun,

To explore and conquer, to romp and run.

With dirty faces and banged up chins,

With courageous hearts and boyish grins.

When He had completed the task He’d begun

He surely said “A job well done”.

Bet Your Wondering...

I bet your wondering how I manage to lose weight on Weight Watchers with all the recipes I have on my blog that are NOT weight watcher friendly..lol...well, its will power and a love for my kids and wanting them to enjoy the finer things in life which includes sweets and treats home baked from the oven....I want them to have the memories of Mom cooking...not Mom dieting ;) I also want to prepare for the grandchildren I may have some day...

Happy Wednesday..its almost the weekend...woohoooooooo!

You Choose The Goo Brownies

2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup melted butter
4 eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350, Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
2. Mix together flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, and eggs in a large bowl. Add in sugar, cocoa powder and any options if desired (options can include 1/2 cup chocolate, vanilla or butterscotch chips., 1/2 cup mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup chopped or whole pecans or walnuts), Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
3. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the greased baking pan.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Depending on what special ingredients you add, cooking time may vary. Make sure you keep an eye on your brownies to keep them from burning. Cool completely in pan before cutting into squares.

Recipe came from Home Made Simple Coupon booklet.

For more recipes go to Grocery Cart Challenge

Weight Watchers Weigh-In (A Few Days Late)

I missed on the 14th of this month and went this past week. I lost 0.8 pounds in two weeks...not all that great, but it is because I have been stressing lately and when I stress, I don't eat...that's right, I dont eat..ha ha. So, I have not been getting my points and getting your points is just as important as not going over your points for weight loss. So, in 9 weeks, I have lost 19.2 pounds. Going to be getting back on track with eating today :)

Have a great week :)

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Tasty Lentil Tacos (served over salad for me, taco shells for the kids) We did not get around to having this last week.

Tuesday: CAMPERS CHICKEN POCKETS

1 lb skinless boneless chicken breast halves defrosted if frozen
1 sm onion for four slices
1/2 large green pepper(for 12 stripes; optional)
1 large white potato (for 24 thin slices)
3/4 barbecue sauce, plus more for serving
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 450

Tear off 4 large 14 in squares of foil. Cut the chicken lengthwise into strips that are roughly 1/2 inch wide. Divide the chicken strips amoung the pieces of foil. Peel the onion and cut into four slices, about 1/4 in thick. Place 1 slice in each packet, separating it into rings.

Stem, seed and cut green pepper into twelve thin slices. Place three strips over the onion in each packet.

Rinse the potato but do no peel it. Cut the potato into very thin slices, about 1/16inch wide. Place and equal number of slices, about six, in each packet. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the BBQ sauce over each packet.

Fold the foil across the middle and roll up the ends to seal the packets tightly. Place them on a baking sheet and bake until the veggies are soft and the chicken is no longer pink in the center 20 to 25 minutes. Serve at once with additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Wednesday: CHEESY BEEF AND RICE
 
1 cup long grain brown rice
1 lb ground beef
3 T. minced onion, or fresh chopped onion
1/2 t. garlic powder
sea salt, to taste
1 cup FF sour cream
1/3 FF cup milk
1 cups FF shredded cheddar cheese

Boil two cups of water.  Stir in rice.  Cover and simmer for 45 minutes.  Brown ground beef with onion and garlic powder.  Mix with rice and salt well.  Stir in sour cream and milk.  Spread into a casserole dish.  Sprinkle cheese on top. 

Place uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.

Thanks to Heavenly Homemakers

Thursday: BLACK-BEAN, AVOCADO, AND TOMATO QUINOA

makes 4 side servings, or 2 main-dish size portions

2 teaspoons grated lime zest
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup quinoa (I buy the pre-rinsed kind-- the other seems like more hassle than its worth)
1 (14- to 15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 medium tomatoes, diced
4 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 avocado, diced

1. Prepare quinoa as directed on box (takes about 15 minutes)
2. In the meantime, whisk together lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, sugar, salt & pepper to taste in a large bowl.
3. Once quinoa is cooked, add it to the dressing and toss until absorbed. Then, stir in remaining ingredients and S&P to taste.

Friday: Hot pockets from the freezer

For more Menu Planning Monday visit Organizing Junkie

Lots O' Cookie Dough

I have been reading up on some great recipes. I was reading on one of my favorite blogs, Moms By Heart, about how she makes cookie dough and freezes it...so simple..don't know why I have not done it and so much better than store bought...and I am sure cheaper. Soooooo, I made A LOT! We are pretty set for a while on cookie dough.

The recipe is....

1 1/2cups brown sugar
1 1/2cups white sugar
2 cups shortening(No substitutes)
7 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons salt
6 eggs , gently beaten
2 teaspoons baking soda
4 tablespoons hot water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 lbs walnuts or pecans , chopped
3 lbs semisweet chocolate chunks

1. Preheat Oven to 325°F.
2. In a VERY large mixing bowl or largest bowl of your
Stand Mixer, add brown sugar, white sugar, and
shortening. Cream together very well.
3. In another large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder,
and salt. Set Aside.
4. Add flour mixture and eggs alternately to the creamed
mixture, mix well, scraping down sides of bowl as
needed.
5. Dissolve baking soda in the 4 tbs of HOT water. Add
baking soda mixture and vanilla to dough and mix well.
6. Stir in nuts and chocolate chunks.
7. Drop by heaping tablespoonful onto an ungreased
cookie sheet and bake at 325° for 15 - 17 minutes. I get 12
cookies to a standard sized cookie sheet.
8. VARIATIONS/TIPS:.
9. Nuts: Can use walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, etc. so
long as you have a total of 2 lbs. I measure each type of
nut used into it's own bowl, see reason below.
10. Chocolate Chunks: I seldom use just the chocolate
chunks called for in the original recipe. Instead I use a
combination of 3 lbs of a variety of baking pieces, and
put in separate bowls. Try chocolate chunks, semisweet
chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, mini M&M's, vanilla
baking chips, chocolate/caramel swirled chips, etc. so
long as you have a total of about 3 lbs (about 4 - 12
ounce packages) I have already used a little less than 3
lbs when I just didn't have enough available.
11. FUN TIP:. Before adding the nuts and chocolate to your dough,
divide the dough into 2 bowls. Since you have measured
out the nuts and chocolate (or variety of baking pieces)
into separate bowls, you can now create a variety of
cookie dough flavors. Add whatever combination you
would like so long as you add approximately equal
amounts to each bowl.
FOR EXAMPLE: Divide cookie dough into 2 bowls. To
first bowl add 1 pound chopped pecans, 1 pound
chocolate chunks, and 1/2 pound butterscotch chips. To
second bowl add 1 pound chopped walnuts, 1 pound
caramel/chocolate swirled chips, and 1/2 pound vanilla
baking chips. The possibilities are endless. Have fun
with this!
12. Wrap and freeze, take the dough out of the
freezer and put in the fridge the day before
baking.

For more freezer recipes you can visit Mom By Heart here

Homemade Hot Pockets

Hot Pocket Dough- makes six 6 inch pockets
1 C. Luke Warm Water
2 T. Olive Oil or Canola Oil
1 t. Sugar
1/2 t. Salt
3 C. Flour (I usually do Half all-purpose and half whole wheat or all whole wheat flour)
1 1/2 t. Yeast

Dough by Hand:
Dissolve Yeast in warm water. Add Oil, Sugar, and salt. Slowly mix in flour and knead. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.

Dough in Bread Machine: (this is my favorite because you can throw all the ingredients in and set the dough cycle and get some other things done while it’s doing the work for you!)
Add ingredients in order your bread machine specifys (for example: for mine I need to add the liquid first, then dry ingredients, and then form a well and pour my yeast in). You don’t want your dough to raise for more than one hour. Most bread machine dough cycles will “beat” down the dough and you’ll want to take the dough out before it does that. Consult your users manual for timing and instructions on how to put the ingredients in.

1. Pre-heat oven to 375
2. When dough is ready, separate it in to 6 portions. If you want to be really exact, you can weigh the dough. I usually just eye ball it.
3. Using a rolling pin, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick circles.
4. Let dough rest for 5 minutes.
5. Put 1/4-1/2 cup worth of filling. If you’re making all the same kind of hot pockets mix all your filling items together and use a scoop to fill the pockets.
6. Fold dough in half over the filling and clamp edges with fork.
7. You can brush the tops with an egg white wash (1 egg white beaten with 1-2 T. water) if you want them to look really professional!
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375.

I got this from everydayfoodstorage.net :)

Blueberry Drop Cookies

Blueberry Drop Cookies

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 cup fresh blueberries


DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, cream the shortening, sugar, egg, milk, almond extract and lemon zest. Mix well after the addition of each ingredient. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; blend into the sugar mixture. Fold in the blueberries. Cover and chill for 4 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, about 1 1/2 inches apart.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

For more recipes go to Grocery Cart Challenge

Menu Plan Monday

Monday:
Sausage and Brown Rice Casserole

1 lb bulk pork sausage
2 cups cooked brown rice
3/4 cup milk
1 large stalk celery chopped about 3/4 cup
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
1 small onion chopped about 1/4 cup
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 can sliced mushrooms 4 oz, drained
1/2 cup shredded cheese about 2 oz

Cook and stir pork sausage in Dutch oven until brown, drain. Stir in rice, milk, celery, green pepper, onion, soup, mushrooms. Pour into ungreased 2 qt casserole sprinkle with cheese. Cook uncovered at 350 until center is bubbly, about 45 minutes. 4 servings.

Tuesday: Quinoa and Black Beans

Wednesday:
Scalloped Potatoes and Chicken (crockpot)

1/4 cup green peppers
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cup Velveeta Light cheese
7 medium potatoes unpeeled and sliced
3 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt to taste
Can of cream of celery soup
1 soup can of fat free milk

Place layers of green peppers, onions, cheese and potatoes in slow cooker.

Sprinkle salt over chicken breasts and lay on top of potatoes.

Combine soup and milk and pour into slow cooker, pushing meat down into liquid.

Cover. Cook on High 1 1/2 hours. Reduce temperature to Low and cook 3-4 hours. Test the potatoes are soft. If not, continue cooking on Low another hour and test again, continuing to cook until potatoes are finished.

Thursday:
Meal-In-One Casserole (crockpot)

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion chopped
1 medium green pepper chopped
15 oz can whole kernel corn drained
1/4 tsp pepper
11 oz jar salsa
5 cups uncooked medium egg noodles
28 oz can diced tomatoes undrained
1 cup shredded fat free cheese

Cook beef and onion in saucepan over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, drain. Transfer to slow cooker.

Top with green pepper, corn and mushrooms. Sprinkle with pepper. Pour salsa over mushrooms. Cover and cook on low 3 hours.

Cook noodles according to package in separate pan. Drain and add to slow cooker after mixture in cooker has cooked for 3 hours. Top with tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheese.

Friday: Tasty Lentil Tacos (served over salad for me, taco shells for the kids)
Some things I might make for breakfast this week include:

Chocolate Cinnamon Toast
Featherweight Breakfast Cake
Quick and Easy Doughnuts
Cinnamon Scones,
Giant Breakfast Cookies, Strawberry Bread, Basic Batter Waffles

For more Menu Planning Monday visit Organizing Junkie

Basic Batter Waffles w/Maple Extract

I made these and froze them for use during week..very good.

Ingredients
2 eggs
1 2/3 cups milk (I particularly like canned evaporated milk for some of it)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute wheat germ for 1/4 cup of white flour)
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon maple extract

Directions

1Mix all dry ingredients together using a large whisk.

2Mix the wet ingredients together.

3Gently combine but don't overmix.

4Cook as your waffle maker directs.

Find more recipes at Grocery Cart Challenge recipe swap here

Some Of My Favorite Things...

My new bloggie friend makes these great signs and she is super good at it and very reasonably priced....I got mine from a giveaway she hosted on her blog....I LOVE IT!!! She custom made mine to what I wanted it to say.

You can find her blog here and her etsy site here




I love these...I have been using one now for at least a month..NO SMELL, nothing...these are WONDERFUL!

The SKOY cloth is a fabulous, absorbent, biodegradable and natural multi-use cloth. Our re-usable earth friendly cloth is perfect in your kitchen, bathroom, and on most surface areas in your home or office. SKOY cloth can be used in place of your sponge, wash cloth or paper towels.

It is a European made product and 100% biodegradable because it is made from a natural cotton and wood-based cellulose pulp. SKOY cloth is a chlorine-free product using water-based colors and inks. After an independent composting test, SKOY cloth broke down completely within 5 weeks.

The SKOY cloth is a durable product due to the reusability factor and can last months. Using a SKOY cloth is equivalent to using 15 rolls of paper towels in an average home. With the high cost of paper towels, at least $2 a roll, SKOY cloth is the obvious choice for your wallet and the environment.

The SKOY cloth has an absorption factor of 15x its own weight. As a result, producing the most superior cloth product available. Imagine using 15 sheets of good-quality paper towels at once… This is how a wet SKOY cloth will feel in your hand.

The SKOY cloth is long-lasting because of the wash ability feature. It dries quickly, so it is not a breeding ground for bacteria. Have you ever used your sponge, then smelled your hand and it reeked of horrible bacteria? That will never happen again if you microwave your SKOY cloth regularly. It is also dishwasher and washer/dryer safe. Cleaning your SKOY cloth will keep it healthy and germ-free. Please see Use & Care for instructions.

The cool and unique designs will make cleaning fun!

You can find it here They are VERY reasonably priced at $5.99 for four clothes, plus shipping. But, if you want, you can subscribe to getting 8, every 3 months for $11.98 and shipping is free. You can unsubscribe at any time.




I also got a very cute wallet/envelope system. I originally saw this as a giveaway on Organizing Junkie's site. I went and ordered one for my self...love it. She will label the fabric envelopes any way you like. Mine say coupons, groceries/gas, spending. Helps for budgeting. The change purse section which is removable holds my various cards, money, change and in the front of all of it, I put my weight watchers weekly weigh in book and calendar...perfect and so cute!!!




You can find her etsy store here and her blog here

My Oldest Son

I have been having lots of problems lately with my son being responsible for things. I know that boys have a harder time with things and I do take that into consideration, but some of these things end up becoming my problem...like losing one of his homeschool DVDs that need to be sent back to the company. Everyday he is told to just put it back in his folder which takes literally seconds to do and everyday he forgets. Well, finally he lost one. Also, I will ask him to pick up stuff around the house and specifically tell him to put it away where it belongs and still I find these things at the end of the day scattered on his bedroom floor. I tried to explain to him that his irresponsibility is going to cause other people to become responsible for his mistakes. It has been very, very frustrating. He is naturally a pleaser and really does not want to rock the boat and is completely crushed when once again he forgets to do what he needs to do and it probably has been the 10th time in the day. I sound like a broken record and he is repeatedly getting his feelings hurt....and for a boy it really cannot do much for his precious ego...

Well, I have prayed about it and I have talked to my hubby about it and I was telling him that sometimes I think the lesson is more mine than his. Do I rely I God to take care of the areas that are so rough in him that even I cannot rub it out? I know God calls us to be parents to our children and to lead them, but he also made us human and not able to handle everything. I mean if my son was perfect he would not need God and if we were perfect for him and were able to help him through everything, he would not need God. So, God needs to stand in this gap that he and I have found between us. I am at my wits end....until today...

We started a new curriculum for history today...Beautiful Feet Through History. I went through the first lesson with him and the first lesson was on individuality, but it was also on self-government. The verse Proverbs 16:32 came up (He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city) and also the lesson brought up 1 Timothy 3:5 which states For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church? My son has been talking forever about wanting to be a pastor when he grows up....he had a lightbulb moment...his eyebrows raised and he looked at me....What...you cannot rule a church if you cannot rule yourself??? That really hit home for him. It also made me realize how serious he is about becoming a pastor.

A man cannot govern a nation if he cannot govern a city; he cannot govern a city if he cannot govern a family; he cannot govern a family unless he can govern himself; and he cannot govern himself unless his reason be Lord, Will and Appetite her Vassals; nor can Reason rule unless herself be ruled by God and be obedient to him.
Hugo Grotius

Since that lesson he has, without any coercing from me, been doing a lot of the things that I nag about.

So, the lesson was for both of us. God told me to step out of the way and my lightbulb moment came when I talked to my hubby about it and realized that being a parent does not always mean I call all the shots and can make them change into anything I want. I had to realize that God is molding him more than me. Sometimes I will not be able to get him to change these issues. His lightbulb moment came from God talking to him through a simple history lesson taught in the comfort of his own home.

Now, please pray for me cause I am sure we will still be seeing this irresponsibility for some time cause we are all works in progress and I need to remember that God is standing in the gap....but, it sure was nice to have the break today.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Roast Sticky Chicken(this has to be put in the fridge the night before with the seasonings to let them soak in), Red Skin Potatoes, Corn
Tuesday: Mac and Cheese WW, Broccoli
Wednesday: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Thursday: Kielbasa with Tomatoes and White Beans
Friday: Chicken and Brown Rice (using left over Chicken from Monday)

Some things I will attempt to make for breakfast this week include:

Chocolate Cinnamon Toast
Featherweight Breakfast Cake
Quick and Easy Doughnuts
Cinnamon Scones,
Giant Breakfast Cookies Since I don't normally use buttermilk, I will make it using 1 tablespoon of vinegar per cup of milk and letting it stand 5 minutes. This recipe only calls for a 1/2 cup of buttermilk. So I would use half or else double the recipe...not so bad considering its cookies..maybe doubling it would be good...he he.

For more Menu Planning Monday visit Organizing Junkie

Saturday Weight Watchers Weigh-In

This week I lost 2.2 for a total of 18.4 in 7 weeks. Going for 40 by April 4th...we shall see ;)

Have a great weekend!!

Strawberries And Cream Bread

Ingredients
1/2 cup soft butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
3/4 cup chopped walnuts, divided

Directions

1Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

2Beat in eggs one at a time, then add sour cream and vanilla.

3Mix well.

4Combine dry ingredients and stir into creamed mixture just until moistened.

5Fold in strawberries and 1/2 c nuts.

6Pour into greased 8x4x2 loaf pan and sprinkle with remaining nuts.

7Bake at 350 degrees for 65 to 70- minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

8Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pan to wire rack to cool completely

For more recipes visit Grocery Cart Challenge

5th Day Of Prayer For Our Husbands

Day 5 Prayer:
Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Proverbs 20:6 (New International Version)
6 Many a man claims to have unfailing love,
but a faithful man who can find?

Genesis 2:24 (New International Version)
24 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.


Day Five Encouragement:
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Eph. 4:29) Another way to describe the positive side of this "40-Day Encouragement Challenge" is by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build. Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is especially important to other family members. Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and weaknesses he may have.

Not Feeling It

I have not felt much like blogging lately. I might just be taking a break for a while. I mean, you have seen blog entries..but not really from me, just stuff that I am passing along. I personally have been knitting and reading....trying to stay off of the computer..which is not always easy. I need to get my house in order. I am trying to find some sort of schedule that works for me to clean this house. After working for 11 years, I am in need of some sort of plan to get this house back on track. So much to be done. Papers to be filed, clutter to be cleaned out. Order needs to be restored or I will go nuts. Anyway, I do plan on offering a little more of me rather than just passing on information from elsewhere....it is just going to take time.....

4th Day Of Prayer For Our Husbands

Day 4 Prayer:
Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)


Ephesians 5:25-29 (New International Version)
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church—

Colossians 3:19 (New International Version)
19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.


Day Four Encouragement:
Let him labor, working with his hands what is good. (Eph. 4:28b) We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others about him? Here's a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world. Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways. Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others. If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part of a successful career—such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.

3rd Day Of Prayer For Our Husbands

Day 3 Prayer:
Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

Psalm 51:2-4 (New International Version)
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.
Micah 6:8 (New International Version)
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.



Day Three Encouragement:
Love suffers long, and is kind. (1 Cor. 13:4) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19) Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you consider your Encouragement Challenge, determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband (I know this sounds repetitive, but we must really get this!). Speak kindly to him with words of genuine encouragement. If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to be both tough and tender. Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender—especially if he hasn't had role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone. Then, when he moves in to help, don't insist that he do it your way. Be glad that he is responding, and express your gratitude. Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure, loved, etc. Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart.

I Love Valentines Day!!!! Great Idea.

9 Ways to “Keep Courting” after Marriage

By Cheryl Moeller

There’s no better time than Valentines’ Day, to revive your courtship.
Courtship shouldn’t end with marriage. Keep courting!

(These are intended for married couples… to fan the flames of continued courtship)

1. Make a dinner for your husband where everything begins with the first letter of his name. For instance, if his name is Robert, you could make roast beef, rice, and radicchio salad. Serve red licorice and raspberry ice cream for dessert.

2. Add “I love you” to his calendar on the day of his birthday, every month. So, if he was born on December 15, write ” I love you” on the 15th of every month.

3. Clean the house. Pack a lunch for you and the kids. Leave a lunch behind for your hubby. Tell him his gift is a quiet house. He’ll get to be alone for a whole day.

4. Ask your wife to marry you on the anniversary of your engagement. Ask her in the same way you did the day you became engaged. Set the scene again. Relive the moment and celebrate! Look h er in the eyes and pop the question again.

5. For Valentines’ Day, set up a mini Christmas tree in your bedroom, with heart ornaments and lights. Your heart ornaments can be handmade, with construction paper, doilies, and scissors.

6. Make a taco salad, with her favorite ingredients. Buy a bag of large taco chips to use as the silverware. Take a moment to feed her with a chip.

7. Go out with both sets of grandparents for a triple date.

8. Practice smiling throughout the day. It could be contagious!

9. On her next birthday, send her the number of cards that matches her age. For instance, if she’s going to be 38, then send her 38 cards to arrive on her birthday. Some of the cards can be homemade. Fill up her mailbox with your love and good wishes.

Happy Valentines’ Day from Cheryl Moeller Production. Bob and Cheryl have been married nearly 30 years and have 6 children, ranging in age from 9 to 26.

Gathering At The Well

The website, At The Well, is doing daily themes and todays is Gathering At The Well in which we will be looking over Titus and answering questions. If you would like to join in, please click on icon in my sidebar.

After reading Titus 2:2-5 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.


When you read the Scripture found in Titus 2: 2-5, how do you see this playing out in your own life? I am at the age that wisdom from older women is exciting and I am like a sponge trying to figure out things. I am excited to exemplify these things in my life so that I can be an "older woman" looking to teach the younger ones someday. While I may not be considered older, there are still women that are younger than me, maybe with their first child, maybe not yet married...who can still benefit from what I have to offer from being a parent for a while or from what knowledge I have. There is also my own daughter that can be taught.

What are your areas of strength? Of weakness? I think that I am good in keeping my home a home, but I feel that I have areas that need to be worked on in respect to being subject to my husband. I think as women we have a deep desire to run everything, even though a lot of times we really cannot control controlling everything emotionally. I am trying to let my husband be the lead.

If you could set some sort of goal in relation to this Scripture, what would it be? To consistently try to make sure I am setting a good example for the women that may be watching. To try to allow my husband the leeway to become everything he needs to be in our house without my pushiness or resistance.

Maybe that will play out this week in listening to what my husband might need for me to do and trying not to be resistent to that or be a know it all.

2nd Day of 40 Days Of Prayer For Our Husbands

Day 2 - PRAYER:
Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

Proverbs 3:7 (New International Version)
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
Proverbs 9:10 (New International Version)
10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Psalm 112:1 (New International Version)
1 Praise the LORD.
Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who finds great delight in his commands.


Day 2 - ENCOURAGEMENT:
Through love serve one another. (Gal. 5:13b)
How did you do yesterday with your first day of blessing and encouraging your husband? Was it easy? Was it hard to hold your tongue when you wanted to say something negative? We hope you're off to a good start. (If you blew it, don't give up start again today!)

There are so many practical things you can praise, if you look for them. Today, find some way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are broken? If your budget allows, give him a new, small tool with a big bow attached. But make sure he doesn't think it's part of a "Honey Do" list! Maybe your husband's not a handyman, but does he run errands for you? Let you go first? Take care of you when you are sick? Help you make decisions? Praise him for his willingness to serve others. Let him know that you see his unique service as a great strength.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Brown Rice and Lentil Casserole
Tuesday: Chicken Tetrazzini
Wednesday : WW Ham and Cheese Stuffed Potato
Thursday: Black Bean and Tortilla Bake
Friday: WW Tuna Noodle Casserole

Some things for breakfast will include: Amish Baked Oatmeal, Stuffin Egg Muffins, Snickerdoodle Scones

For more Menu Planning Monday visit Organizing Junkie

Have a great week!

1st Day of 40 Days of Prayer For Our Husbands

Day 1 Prayer:
Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Pet. 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

2 Peter 3:18 (New International Version)
18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!
Amen.

Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.


Day 1 Encouragement:
The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. (Prov. 31:11-12)

To refresh your memory, here's the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge for the next 30 days: You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.

Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband . . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband! To help you get started, have you ever thanked your husband for choosing you above all other women? He found you attractive as a person, and appreciated you. Though many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that you are glad God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner. One of the best opportunities to express your gratitude is first thing in the morning. How do you greet your husband each morning? Is he confident in your love? Give him a "wake up call" that he'll never forget—a big "I love you" and an "I'm so glad I'm your wife!"