Running with Endurance

My Bible study this morning brought to memory this post I wrote back in 2013.  It also brought back the reminder to keep my eyes on Jesus!  So much is going on around us these days - we gotta stay focused on Jesus and not be distracted.  (and well, it also reminded me how much I need to get back into running)....

Do you find it funny how everything these days is a competition?  Recently I've realized how much pressure is 'in the world' to compete.  It really is sad.....I'm better at this than you or my kid can do this better than your kid or my husband is the BEST at this.....the list continues.  As I typed that list, I didn't feel an ounce of love in any of those statements, did you?  

I'm thankful that the Bible doesn't mention anything about being a good competitor but yet to run a race of endurance.  I enjoy running.  It is a new found passion of mine and last year as I was training for my first 5K I realized that I could not start out the race running as fast as I can but yet, I had to pace myself and that when I first started running, I wasn't able to run 3 miles straight at one time but had to build up my running ability and if I didn't stretch my muscles beforehand and eat properly that I didn't have the stamina to finish my run.  

It's the same with our spiritual walks, isn't it?  We have to stretch our faith and feed on the word to have stamina for this race.  We have to pace ourselves and build up our God given abilities as we 'train' with Jesus.  So, today I am thankful for endurance.  Thankful that God gives me strength to run this race of life every day and that He helps me to not compare myself with others or 'compete' with them but focus on the finish line....eternity with HIM in heaven!!  There's work to be done, friends, may we all press on with endurance and strength!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."  Hebrews 12:1-3

Cherish Each Moment

Yesterday marked another milestone in our family.....the 1st day of school 2014.  This year is unlike those before as we have one entering into his last year of middle school and the other starting her last year of elementary school.  That means that soon, I will no longer have any children in elementary school.....can that even be true? 

It's hard for me to imagine that not so very long ago, I was washing bottles, changing diapers and pushing them around in the buggy at Wal-Mart.  Just WHERE did the time go? 

It's definitely bittersweet watching your kids grow up.  I remember thinking the sleepless nights and cries to be carried throughout the mall would last forever but little did I know that soon they'd be too big for me to carry (or at least comfortably). 

So, mama (or daddy) whatever season you are in - know that it won't last forever.  Cherish each moment of each day....even in the worst of days, try to find the rainbow.  One day, you will long for a time when you can read just one more story at bedtime.....or just one more ________.   

And yes, I even have to remind myself to enjoy the season of parenting a teen and tween cause I know that just as the toddler years FLEW by - these will as well.  I'm choosing to cherish each moment of each day because they go by way too quickly. 

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens"

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Let Your Words Be Life

This morning I woke up to a very simple message in my inbox that tore me at my core.  My first response was one of anger and then it turned to hurt.  I wanted to respond back to this person and just tell them exactly how I felt....to plead my case in this situation they were mentioning.  I knew they only had one side of the story and my flesh wanted them to hear mine.  But I waited.

Through my wait, I knew that God was giving me a choice.  He had laid 2 paths out in front of me and it was my choice which to take.  I waited.

As I waited, I heard the lyrics "Let my words be life" sing in my mind.  I knew that God was speaking to me.  I knew that even though I had justifiable reasons to be upset with this message I received, I had to let my words speak life.

So, I opened up the computer cause I was going to nicely respond but I knew it was more than I wanted to type on my smartphone.

"Let your words be life"

I closed the computer.....took out my phone and just responded with a simple "thank you" and left it at that.   I knew that nothing positive was going to come from a lengthy response.  I know who I am and more importantly, I know who I am in Jesus so I don't need to justify anything to them.   

God speaks to us daily - hour by hour - in different ways.  Are we listening? 

Running with Endurance

Do you find it funny how everything these days is a competition?  Recently I've realized how much pressure is 'in the world' to compete.  It really is sad.....I'm better at this than you or my kid can do this better than your kid or my husband is the BEST at this.....the list continues.  As I typed that list, I didn't feel an ounce of love in any of those statements, did you?  

I'm thankful that the Bible doesn't mention anything about being a good competitor but yet to run a race of endurance.  I enjoy running.  It is a new found passion of mine and last year as I was training for my first 5K I realized that I could not start out the race running as fast as I can but yet, I had to pace myself and that when I first started running, I wasn't able to run 3 miles straight at one time but had to build up my running ability and if I didn't stretch my muscles beforehand and eat properly that I didn't have the stamina to finish my run.  

It's the same with our spiritual walks, isn't it?  We have to stretch our faith and feed on the word to have stamina for this race.  We have to pace ourselves and build up our God given abilities as we 'train' with Jesus.  So, today I am thankful for endurance.  Thankful that God gives me strength to run this race of life every day and that He helps me to not compare myself with others or 'compete' with them but focus on the finish line....eternity with HIM in heaven!!  There's work to be done, friends, may we all press on with endurance and strength!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."  Hebrews 12:1-3

Make Ahead Freezer Meals for the Month

Meal time is always one of the most stressful times in our house.  From not knowing what to cook to just not having the TIME to cook it.  Last Saturday, I spent ALL day in the kitchen, preparing various meals to put away in the freezer so that we will have hassle free dinners for the rest of the month.

Last week's dinner time was AWESOME!!  It was so nice to come home and just pop dinner in the oven with NO preparation.  I was able to do things around the house outside the kitchen.  Even better was the little to NO clean up left after dinner.....I mean seriously, how hard it it to clean a spoon and the dinner plates?!?

Here is a link to the recipes I used. 

The meals I prepared were:

1.  Mini Meatloaves
2. Ham & Cheese Braid
3. Beef Ravioli
4. Smothered Pork Chops
5. Farmer’s Casserole
6. Buffalo Shrimp
7. Shepherd’s Pie
8. Baked French Toast
9. Tater Tot Casserole
10. Simple Lasagna

For our family of 4, there ended up being enough for 2-3 meals from each recipe.  Let me know if you try it and how it goes for you!!

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Heavenly Moist Chocolate Chip Cookies (with applesauce)

I whipped up some Chocolate Chip Cookies for a New Years Eve party that we went to and they received RAVED reviews by those young and even younger.  I was pleasantly surprised because I had to do some improvising while I was whipping them up.  I ended up not having enough butter [isn't it AMAZING how much butter cookies take?]  I used the basic recipe here while substituting some of the butter with applesauce.  (see Recipe below)  I also took a risk and used my brand new NINJA to help with the cookie dough - all around these cookies are heavenly......to make, to bake, and to E-A-T!

Enjoy!! 

Heavenly Chocolate Chip Cookies  

• 2 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 small pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1/2 pkg chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Stir baking soda, flour and salt; set aside.
2. Combine butter, sugars and pudding mix, beating until fluffy.
3. Add vanilla and egg; beat until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients; mix well.
5. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
6. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes.

Printable Recipe

So Long 2013.....

Photo Credit

As we come to a close of yet another year, for many, myself included, it is a time of reflection.  As I sit and think back to all that 2013 entailed, I can’t help but be thankful that God spared me another year and allowed me to experience life again this year.

2013 was a year full of blessings, grace, love, laughs and… heartache. 

I can’t help but rejoice at the start of a NEW YEAR!!  For the past 6 months, I have been in a stormy fire;  being molded and shaped into something new in Christ.  I have experienced some things that I never thought I’d face and through those storms, I realized that there were things deep within me that God needed to change.  The changes have been painful but as I sit here and reflect, they have been WORTH it!! 

I am entering in the new year with expectancy….with a heart overflowing, pressing on to the things God has before me.  

Tweet: "I don't consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what's behind & pressing toward what's ahead. Phil3:13

May God pour out His blessings over YOU in 2014!!

A little look back through 2013 – 

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