What Are You Thinking?!?

Do you realize that every thought that enters your mind doesn't have to be "thought" upon?  Not all thoughts come from God or even ourselves.  The 'father of lies' (aka: Satan) likes to whisper things in our ears.

Do you also realize that Y-O-U control which thoughts you think on?  The Bible says to think on things that are true, noble, right,  pure, lovely, admirable,  excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8)

I had to remind myself of these truths this morning as I was working out.  See, for the past few months I have been getting up earlier than "necessary" in order to spend time in the Word.  (I've only been able to do this with God's help - cause by nature, I am NOT a morning person)  I've been trying to incorporate working out back into my daily routines but with our new schedule, I haven't been able to figure out how to work it in during the evenings.  After some prayer and consideration [and inspiration from a FB friend], I decided I would aim to get up early and workout in the mornings.

So, my morning schedule is like this.....get up, workout, shower, eat, study the Word then everything else.  This morning while I was jogging away on the treadmill at 5:45am ~ I felt condemnation that I wasn't studying the Word first.  I know that God should get our "first fruits" and I truly enjoy my time with Him in the mornings but because I know in my heart that if I get up at 5:30 am and head downstairs to read the Word, I will quickly end up in Dreamworld 101.

I had some internal back and forth before I simply said aloud, "Just because I choose to study the Word AFTER I work out and shower, does NOT mean I am not putting God first.  I will honor Him in song while I run on this treadmill."  I was letting the Father of LIES know that I was NOT going to be condemned for working out......I was NOT going to think on that thought.

Although, what time I work out isn't a life altering situation or very serious in matter; the same thing happens in the most serious of situations.  Don't fall for the lies of the enemy!!  Feeling unworthy?  Unloved?  Overwhelmed?  Take those whispered thoughts in your mind and examine them with the Word, dear friend, and I promise you will find the Truth.  You are a wonderful creation made in HIS image ~ God's, that is!!

Thankful for Open Doors

I am so thankful today for open doors!  You know those divine connections that God allows us to make with other people or those opportunities that come across when we know there was no other way than God just connecting them together....THOSE open doors!  I am ever so thankful that God cares enough about lil ol me that He would knit my life together in such an awesome way and provide those connections for me in every aspect of my life.  Whether it be in my home life, my working environment, friendships, blogging, or just an awesome opportunity.....God is just simply awesome and I'm so thankful for those doors that He opens [and honestly for the doors that He shuts...because of what He is saving me from]! 

I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an open door and no man can shut it;…. Rev. 3:8 

What are you thankful for today?

Homemade Shower Cleaner

Credit

I wanted to share this awesome recipe for shower cleaner again. I had someone ask me for it recently so I thought I would pull it back up and share again.  I still use it and LOVE it.  It is seriously one of the best things I've ever used and costs pennies to make.  My updates are in pink! :0)

Original post:
I have been cleaning a few houses here and there to earn some extra cash and have been in search of something to help clean the glass shower doors.  I have tried numerous products and combinations of chemicals (which probably weren't all very healthy).  When I found this recipe on Pinterest - I was leery but wanted to give it a shot since I had all of the ingredients at home.  

Let me tell you - this is the most AWESOMELY amazing concoction EVER!!!  I highly recommend it but will go ahead and tell you that it works best when the vinegar is still warm and I have found it isn't the kind of thing you can mix up and store -you have to mix what you need and use it right then - but even with that it is still awesome.

Here's the recipe -

Heat up some vinegar (I used a cup of vinegar and nuked it for 2 minutes). Then pour it in your spray bottle, add an equal amount of blue Dawn (the website comments were pretty specific about getting the blue kind Update:  use the non-concentrated kind), shake gently, and voila! Spray on your shower door, shower & bath tub and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, wipe with a clean, dry rag then rinse with water.  Once dried, I like to finish up with Windex. 

Grandma's Crock Pot Vegetarian Chili

Although it isn't my grandma's recipe, this was definitely yummy enough to call hers.  We had this for dinner last night and it will definitely be added to the list of the family favorites AND it is super easy! 

Ingredients

• 1 (19 ounce) can black bean soup
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (16 ounce) can vegetarian baked beans
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chopped tomatoes in puree
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained (I left out the corn due to an allergy)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder, or to taste (I only used 1/2 teaspoon because my family isn't 'in' to super spicy foods)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley (I substituted a teaspoon of 'Italian Seasoning' in for this and the next 2 ingredients)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, combine black bean soup, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, baked beans, tomatoes, corn, onion, bell pepper and celery. Season with garlic, chili powder, parsley, oregano and basil. Cook for at least two hours on High.