Where did I begin?

I am beginning to wonder where the month of February ran off to?  I was blessed with a new van, there were birthdays involved and fun times with my grandbabies.  I also went to Radiance in February.  And that was a great end to the month!

We were blessed to lead our Life Group bible study on Tuesday night, and then my women's bible study was on Wednesday night.  Both went really well, as the Holy Spirit used us to minister both nights.  I was asked on Wednesday by a long time believer, when I was saved.  I started in to my, I was saved when I was a kid and then.... 

What I realized as I started to say it was the realization that I had only had a seed planted in me.  I had not lived my life for Him, laying it down and dying to my old self and living in Him.  I did believe, and for a while stood strong for my Savior.  But it was short lived.  I had no roots.

The Parable of the Sower in Mark 4:1-8 shares that the seed that falls on the path dies.  That seed is the one who has no belief or faith.  The seed that sprouts quickly but dies in the sun is one with no roots.  That was me.  I sprouted quickly, claiming my salvation and even sharing it with others.  But it soon died because there were no roots to grow from.  The sun (the world) was too harsh and I couldn't continue to live that life on my own.  That is the point, I could not continue to live my life on MY own.  I needed His roots.

So on July 17, 2009 I laid my life down to Him.  I died to my old self and am living a new life with Him.  It's a pretty amazing experience, to be honest. We are growing in the Word and Him every day.  We are passionate about our new life.  We have never had this much peace in our lives, nor have we heard Him speak to us as clearly as we do now. 

Our roots are strong and are getting stronger as we grow every day.  It's so fun and exciting to see Him use us at the times we least expect it.  I am blessed beyond measure to get to spend time with my Sisters at Heart bible study.  I lead the group, but am blessed by them every week.  I also love how the Lord always has just the right women attend.  The group is growing and transitioning every week.  I can't wait to see where we go from here! 

Financially, we are amazed at His provision.  Can I say that?  Well, it's my testimony to Honoring Him with our finances.  We not only have what we need, but there are many things that we want that we are blessed with.  Every day is new, and exciting to see what happens.  My sweet hubby has a new business he's started on the side while he maintains his current job.  We are praying and hoping that he will be able to go completely on his own this year.  If that is Father's will, then it will happen.  Just this week we had a need, and it was completely filled by the work that came hubby's way.  AMAZING!

I hope that the Lord blesses and keeps you this week.  I am going to try harder to come around more often.  I miss my blog, and you. 

Living the Blessed Life ~

Jessica

So little time....

I am about to walk out the door, and I just realized I haven't posted in too long!  I have so much to say, but I just don't have the time.  Leaving for Radiance and will be back on Sunday...  I should have a lot to share and can't wait to write again.  Have a blessed weekend!!

Perseverance

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. ~ Hebrews 12:1

Do you ever wonder about how you can go through a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the day or even the week?  We've had one of those weeks.... 

A week ago today we were in a wreck that totalled our van.  All are without injury, and blessed to have been so protected.  We went to Galveston for the weekend, and would like to have stayed longer.  Spent Monday trying to work and get insurance details ironed out.  Picked up my rental, which is way bigger than my little 4'11" body was meant to drive!!

But while I ride that coaster, I realize that the underlying peace I've found never fails.  We started up at Life Group again on Tuesday after a long break over the holidays.  It was amazing to be with everyone that night.  We'd missed our dear friends, and we met new ones.  While we were there, the Holy Spirit ministered to one of my new friends through me.  It was a great experience to have the right words in the right time for her, and to know that it wasn't really me.  I've not experienced that often, so it was a great feeling leaving there knowing I had helped in some way. 

Last night I went with my new friend to a women's bible study.  It was only the 2nd meeting, and I was so blessed by the entire event.  I saw an old friend, and hoped he would see the new me.  I met new friends, and was able to share some things about my past with them and bring it in to the light.  I love that, you know.  Bringing it in to the light takes the power of shame and darkness away from it.  Jesus is awesome that way.

So of course today was not so great.  At least, it had more challenges than the previous two days.  But as I came around towards the end of the day I realized something.  Or possibly I just made a choice.  I can take each of these things one at a time.  There is no reason to become overwhelmed by life, or the little and not so little things in life.  I am not in control of any of it anyway, so why spin my wheels over and over trying to stay in control? 

I have to laugh at myself when I think of these things.  In my past life, control was all I knew.  My life consisted of winning and losing everything based on what I could or could not control.  My family, job, money, entertainment...  I had such a need to control everything!  Eventually, though, it became obvious that the more I tried to control, the more out of control my life became. 

So today I trust.  I trust my Father to handle all the things, large and small.  I look to Him for guidance, and to clean up when I mess up.  But overall, I persevere.  I move forward, one step at a time.  The peace I've found is just not worth losing... 

We realized while in Galveston that for so many years we went there to dream about moving away and starting over.  Planning and searching for something that was just out of our reach.  We know now that what we longed for, we have found and it is so much bigger and better than anything we imagined!

Tomorrow is Friday, and we have our grandbabies for the weekend.  We have church and a family get together Saturday and then serving at church on Sunday...  we persevere, we run the race at a steady pace and we hope to throw off all the things that hinder us in the mean time. 

Living the Blessed Life,

~ Jessica
 

The saddest child...

I've heard that Dr. Phil says, "A mother is only as happy as her saddest child".  I don't know if he actually said it, or quoted it.  I've not personally ever heard him say it.  But, I would tend to agree it's true in a lot of cases....

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

When you have trust in our Father, how you deal with the disappointments in life changes.  If you have disappointments or failures in life, either within yourself or in others, you walk away from them knowing He is in control and you trust His plan to conquer whatever trials you may be going through.  In fact, we are told to praise Him in our struggles.  We need to praise Him and be thankful for whatever the results will be in the long run. 

So how do we do that?  Are we supposed to not feel the pain or anguish from things or people in the world that disappoint?  Or when we lose a loved one?  What about when those closest to us cause the pain?

I don't think that's the case.  In fact, I believe that our Father created us with emotions as part of His plan.  We are naturally going to feel anger, hurt, joy, happiness...  Jesus did, think about how anguished He was when He was about to be crucified.  He was not walking around as if He had no emotions, He showed his emotions and shared them with His Father. 

"And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.  Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”  He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.  And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” ~ Mark 14:33-36

Just as we should do.... 

Did you see Colt McCoy at the end of the championship game?  I was speachless.  He was emotional, but in all that he struggled with, to understand and to have to stand there on national television....  and he STILL gave God the glory in all things.  Could you, or would you do what he did?  Let me tell you, it is not as easy as it sounds.

I have found recently, as I am struggling with understanding and then trusting Him with a situation, that I can praise Him in it.  I praise Him as often as I think about it.  I pray constantly, I trust Him completely that He has His hand on this situation.  But that doesn't mean that I'm walking around as if nothing happened.  I struggle with it, I cry on occasion, but mostly - I gain comfort in my Father's arms.  I have complete trust and faith that He is in control of this situation that I couldn't begin to touch.  I have no desire to control what I don't understand.  But that is because I trust Him and I don't "need" the control any longer. 

What I don't do is sit around in my own pity.  I don't listen to the world's view and allow myself to be overcome by the emotions or by the judgement of others.  I don't dwell in my misery, I won't.  My Father hears my prayers, and He listens... 

"Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence." ~ Ruth 3:11

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song." Psalms 28:7

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

Those are my Rhema strikes.  (Rhema, refers to a word that is spoken and means “an utterance.” A rhema is a verse of Scripture that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention with application to a current situation or need for direction. )

And as I go through each day, I give God the GLORY in ALL THINGS!!

I am truly thankful for a Father who has such compassion for me, and for my struggles... 

Living the Blessed Life,

~ Jessica

Breadtime Stories

Do you eat bread every day?  I think we go through a loaf a day.  We work hard at watching every penny and many times have to by the 78cent per loaf of sandwich bread.  I actually make my own bread, which many think is an art.  For me, it is a necessity.  In fact, I am not an artist when it comes to dough.  I think I just found a couple of recipes that really work for me.  I also use my KitchenAid and it does all the work for me anyway!  :-) 

So this week is really tight budget-wise for us.  We are watching every penny and actually very thankful to be on our fast, so we have no excuses to stay home and not spend any money.  Having said all that.... 

I was making a loaf of bread this morning for the day.  Remember the loaf a day thing?  I was serious about that.  So I have my bread rising in the oven - no it's not on, but it's cold in here and it rises well in the oven.  Hubby comes down to make his lunch and promptly walks out the door to go buy his 78 cent loaf of bread.  Really?  Cheap bread over my homemade?  **sigh**  Honestly he was running out of time and had to get to work.  But I finished my bread, and we ate 3/4 of the loaf at dinner (my son was here too!). 

So, I'll make another loaf tomorrow and we'll have plenty for dinner and sandwiches for lunch too.  This all just made me think.  We eat a lot of bread in this house!! 

And....  on to the recipe.  I found this somewhere on the internet.  I hand wrote it down, so honestly I did not make this up but I have no idea where it came from. 

White Sandwich Bread

This bread makes the closest to a loaf of store bought sandwich bread that I've found.

I put 1 c flour in my KitchenAid bowl.  I add 1/4 oil, 1/4 c sugar, 3/4 t salt, 1 1/4 t yeast (or 1 packet).  I then add 1 c minus 2 T warm water.  I typically measure the water in a plastic measuring cup and heat in the microwave for 20 seconds or so.  If it's too hot it will kill the yeast so be careful with this. 

I mix on the lowest setting with the dough hook just enough to mix it well.  Then I add 2 more c of flour, leave it on the lowest setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.  When the timer goes off, I take the dough and form a ball.  Cover the bowl, and set in the oven (not on) for one hour. 

After the hour, shape in to a loaf and put in a loaf pan.  Let rise another hour.  Cook for 30 min at 350.  Cool on a rack.  Eat your bread!

Seriously, this is basically throw it in the bowl, turn on the mixer for 10 minutes and rise twice.  That's it!  Super easy and great for sandwiches or meals.  Mmmmm...  and there is just nothing like homemade bread wafting through the house. 

Well, that's my bread story.  I ran a mile today and worked the machines and now my muscles are hating me...  I'm going to have my bedtime hot tea and get ready for tomorrow.  Life is good and I am blessed!!

Living the Blessed Life,

~ Jessica

Fasting, Slippers and Sewing

Have I mentioned we are fasting this month?  We are participating in a 21 day fast and devotional with our church.  It's completely voluntary, and for us, we felt called to do it.  So, after much thought and prayer, we are fasting eating out.  No restaurants, no drive thru's, nothing to eat or drink that isn't made at home.  We are on day 10 and honestly a little surprised at how well we're doing.  Hubby has been tempted more than I have, which is funny because I'm usually the one that brings up going out.  But finding something new to cook every day has been a fun adventure!  Since I love to cook, this is my kind of fun.  And, no excuses for not cooking!

The other day I made breaded pork chops in the oven.  Now, I grew up in Texas and pork chops fried / grilled / broiled or any other way is a staple around here.  My favorite has always been fried pork chops, fried potatoes and some kind of green veggie.  Mmmm...  My point is, I made this new recipe and it was amazing!  I used boneless chops this time, but these could be made with bone in as well.  I found the recipe here, which is my favorite recipe website.  There just isn't much you can't find on there.  Here is one of the BEST pork chop recipes I've found ~

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Famous Pork Chops

By: HAULBUR

"My family loves these and they fall apart when you cut them with your fork."
 
Ingredients


1 cup crushed butter crackers
garlic salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
3 eggs, beaten
4 pork chops
1/2 cup butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a shallow bowl combine crushed crackers, garlic salt and pepper; mix well. In a separate bowl beat eggs.

Dip your pork chops in the egg batter and then in the cracker mixture. Place the pork chops in a casserole dish. Place chunks of the butter around the pork chops. Cover and bake for 45 minutes.

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Wow, were they really yummy.  I didn't measure the butter.  I just spread it around the pan all around the pork chops.  I only needed 2 eggs, and I had 6 chops.  If you get a chance, try this recipe!

And, speaking of recipes...  I have a new snack I absolutely LOVE.  This is another recipe from the same place.  It's super easy~

8 oz cream cheese, softened
5 oz jar of green olives
garlic salt to taste

I put this in the Cuisinart and it comes you great.  I read it's not good to use a mixer because it whips it too much.  But I got the exact consistency I wanted with my food processor.  Oh, and if you choose to mix by hand, be sure to chop the olives up really well.  I serve it with Pepperidge Farm crackers, the ones that come 4 different crackers in a box.  This one is added to my official "football snacks" recipe collection.  Maybe sometime soon I'll share that collection with you.  :-)

Today, we've spent hanging out at home.  We have Addi here with us, she's our youngest grandchild.  She was 20 months this week.  Wow, I can't believe she is almost 2 years old!  Otherwise, my agenda included making honey pancakes for breakfast, a recipe I found here.  And starting beef tips in gravy for dinner in the crockpot.  That recipe was more, what do I have in the pantry I can throw together?

The beef tips I had some smallchuck beef steaks in the freezer so I cut them in to chunks, threw in the crockpot with a can of cream of mushroom soup, an envelope of dry onion soup, a can of milk and an envelope of brown gravy mix.  I'll cook it all day and possibly add a little more liquid depending on how the gravy comes out.  I will make egg noodles to serve it over, with some asparagus I got from a friend. 

But that wasn't even what I'd planned to share.  I was sitting here surfing the net when I realized my feet were cold.  So I got out a couple of skeins of yarn I had from other projects and promptly crocheted myself these:

I am so happy with them!  They were super easy and made up super quick.  :-)  Now, my feet are warm and cozy while I work on sewing up some Valentine's Day dresses for my granddaughters.  For a fairly lazy day, it's turned out to be pretty productive!

I hope you had a good Sunday.  Sleeping in this morning made me very thankful for Saturday services at our church.  I hope you stay warm and cozy.  Blessing to ya'll!

Living the Blessed Life!

~ Jesi
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."  ~ Mark 11:24

New Year Resolutions

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19

Do you ever ask yourself why we "make" New Year Resolutions?  Most of us do it, and they are usually things we want to change about ourselves for the new year.  Maybe we are going to workout more, or eat less, or spend more time with our families.  Or maybe it's to make more money or spend less money, get on a budget...  It's as if the calendar year changing gives us all a fresh start. 

But - as is our nature I guess, we also tend to break our resolutions before the end of January.  We get motivated, start that direction and then life gets in our way.  We too easily fall back in to our old habits.  Not everyone is this way, of course, but I'll step out and say that a large majority of those who make the resolutions never see them to the end of the year.  Personally, I have countless failed resolutions over the years. 

So for me, I am not making any resolutions this year.  I have a lot of hope and excitement about the coming year.  But that is based only on my anticipation of what Father is going to do with and for us this year.   I have hope that I will be a healthier person, but that's my hope no matter what day of the year it is.  We were really good at running and working out for a while and let up over the fall.  We've recently renewed our gym membership and are going to start working out again.  This was something we did not because of the new year, but because we both have gained weight and want to stay healthy for our grandchildren. 

I try to renew my commitment to living a faithful life true to my Father on a daily basis.  I look for the Holy Spirit to guide me each day, as a new day with new hopes and dreams.  "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24  (Or as we like to say, "I will CHOOSE to rejoice and be glad in it!")  This is not something that has any bearing on a calendar day.  It has to do with my commitment to my Father.

I hope that whatever resolutions you choose this year, that you are blessed abundantly and that you use this time not to dwell on the past year but to anticipate what is coming in the future - the streams in the wastelands.

Living the Blessed Life,

~ Jessica