Favorite Friday

I am kind of embarrassed to share my most favorite side dish/salad as of late. I have so many good friends that whip up some good homemade dishes in no time at all and then tell me how quick and easy the recipe is...and then I am left in the grocery not even knowing where the first ingredient is even found. It's not my gift OK!? But I LOVE these quick boxes of Suddenly Salads from good old Betty Crocker. It's not the best nutritionally to grab a box and make pasta salad but it's great for parties, last minute company and BBQ's. I love the taste too. I think my favorite, which I am taking to a party tonight, is the Southwestern Salad. The best part, their super affordable. I have found them for less than $1.50 a box. Stock up and you are set.

OH HOW HE LOVES US!

Your compassion is great O Lord!

Psalm 119:156

This is my sweet friend, Jamie. I have known Jamie for about six years

now and she has the hugest heart

and is passionate about her Jesus.

It hasn't always been like that for Jamie. She has

had a rough road and over the last year or more

she has worked hard, changing habits in her life,

prayed hard and has become the mommy

and woman GOD has always intended her to be. She

got her own place for her and her boys

this past weekend and was blessed by another friend

to have it almost totally furnished with new things. She wept

as people filled her home, her first home as a christian mom,

with everything she could possibly need.

Oh and she'll be starting a BIBLE study soon in that

new living room of hers.

Jamie,

Isn't she pretty!

Celebrating her birthday at

a salon.

Yep, I had to shove my

face in the picture,

practically covering poor Jamie..

I found this video on Heather's blog and had to share this with you.

It is about 8 minutes long, but trust me......you will be touched

by the power of GOD! This video is of people holding cardboard signs with all

of their past hurts, addictions, failures, pains etc written on the front

With the power of GOD and what HE has done in their life written on the back.

PLEASE take the time to watch this and pass it on.....

HE REDEEMS US ALL, we are a NEW CREATION!!

OH HOW HE LOVES US!

Jesus Hurry

Darren shared this song with me a few weeks ago and I have been listening to it on and off the last few days. I wanted to share these powerful words......this just sums up how I have felt lately....and this truly needs to be our hearts cry. The world has nothing for us and we need to have "dove eyes" (Solomn 1:15) It is such an upbeat song that reminds me of our whole mission here on earth...to Glorify HIM...but evermore all we want it so be with YOU! So, mute my playlist and have a listen!

JESUS HURRY

by Rush of Fools
There is no lovelier sound
To be lost then to be found
Even more than we do now,
we will rejoice
(repeat)
(Chorus:)
Jesus, hurry come back for us
we cannot waitJesus, hurry come back,
we cannot wait, we cannot wait
(repeat)
We will sing, we will dance to songs
about all that You do
Evermore to be with You is all we want
(repeat)
(Chorus)
Until at last, we see Your face
and behold Your glory
Until at last, we see Your face
We want to see all Your glory,
all Your gloryJesus, hurry come back,
hurry come back Lord..
I can't wait till You come back for me...
(Chorus)

More THANKS......

21. My car, even though it's so expensive to drive anywhere. can't imagine not having a running vehicle

22. My husband, his integrity and love for the Lord is unwavering

23. My sweet 16 year-old, so loving and affectionate to his mama ; )

24. My tender 13 year-old, so easy going and likabl.... gets along with anyone

25. My spunky 9 year-old, miss insightful and she calls me on "my stuff" She makes me better.

26. My working washer and dryer, had a broken dryer and it's not fun!

27. HEALTH

28. My faithful, wonderful, amazing parents

29. A sunny Saturday

30. Thankful vacation starts tomorrow...whoo hoo!

We had a fun weekend of swimming, planting flowers, riding bikes and getting caught up with Darren, Tim and Molly after a full week at church camp. We've looked at pictures, heard stories and watched the camp dvd several times already. Glad their back ; )

I'm starting a Bible Study today with a group of random friends in the community. Not sure how I got invited to join but excited to just be in a study and not "lead" ....especially since we are studying the Song of Solomon and I'm not super familiar with that book.

My friend Kim had me over for lunch last week and made me a "to die for" meal. Shrimp Sandwiches. I thought I would share this yummy recipe. My family aren't seafood eaters (unless it's deep fried ; ) but this is a great meal to have when you have a night with some girlfriends.

Shrimp Salad Croissants

1 pound cooked small shrimp
2 celery ribs, diced
2 small carrots, shredded
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
Dash salt and pepper
2 packages sliced almonds
8 croissants, split

In large bowl, combine the shrimp, celery, carrots, mayon, onion, salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Just before serving, stir in almonds. Serve on croissants. ENJOY!

I wish I had a picture of the sandwiches, you would be making them tonight. BUT I do have a picture of the melon ball cups that my friend Holly made us when they had us over for dinner a few weeks ago. Wouldn't this make a great meal? Shrimp Sandwiches and Melon ball cups! mmmm!

Closing with my power verse the Lord gave me over the weekend.

He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

Psalm 107:29-30

Favorite Friday

ENDAMAME=DELISH!

I have consumed loads of this stuff lately. Not exaggerating! I found a huge box at Costco and have been eating this yumminess for days. I rationalize this by all of the health benefits that are in endamame.
Here's what you'll find in a half-cup serving of shelled edamame (or 1 1/8 cup edamame in the pods):
*120 calories
*9 grams fiber
*2.5 grams fat
*1.5 grams polyunsaturated fat (0.3 grams plant omega-3 fatty acids)
*0.5 gram monounsaturated fat
*11 grams protein
*13 grams carbohydrate
*15 mg sodium
*10% of the Daily Value for vitamin C
*10% Daily Value for iron
*8% Daily Value for vitamin A
*4% Daily Value for calcium

Just 1/2 cup of them a day really boosts up the fiber, protein and vitamin/mineral content of your diet. So what happens if I've had 5 cups just this morning?

THANKFUL FOR.........

11. HIS word to get me through the day
12. flip flops
13. fresh pedicure
14. shrimp croissant sandwich Kim made me for lunch
15. that I am starting my fourth Terri Blackstock book this month...I'm hooked!
16. starting a new Bible Study on Monday
17. His WORD promises that there is Hope for tomorrow
18. He is a Creative GOD!
19. my family comes home from camp tomorrow
20. my roof over my head

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Haley getting baptized by her dad

The Simple Things

Thankful for the small gifts .......
6. the birds in my new bird feeder
7. my venti latte a friend brought over
8. playing CLUE with my daughter
9. reading books with Haley lastnight in bed
10. new Hillsong CD I just put on my ipod

"Once you see the face of God,

the world is forever transformed

into His features"

Peter Kreeft

Beauty for Ashes and a Thankful Heart

Yesterday I was telling the Lord that there are some situations in my life that seem a little too tangled up for there to be an answer to and I don't see any possible way for it to be "fixed" Yeah, did you notice that...." I don't see any possible way for it to be fixed" (note to self, I am not GOD and don't need to fix it. Maybe there is a control issue here ) At that moment, HE began bringing to mind of all the other "tangled up webs" I have had in my life. The ones that seemed too big, too difficult, too messed up, too complicated, basically, MY ASHES.......

HE will bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness

instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD

for the display of his splendor.

ISAIAH 61:3

This is one of my favorite passages because I realize daily that all I have to give HIM is a huge handful of ashes. Look at everything HE gives us....a crown of beauty, oil of gladness, a garment of praise, and we will be called oaks of RIGHTEOUSNESS. After HE reminded me of all the things in my life that HE has made beautiful, I began thanking HIM, out loud for each of these things (I was alone in my car, not in the middle of the grocery store ; )

So, to focus more on HIS faithfulness in my life and to help me have a THANKFUL HEART, I am starting my own list of 100 things.....I am thankful for. This will keep my mind focused more on worship, giving HIM praise and speaking words of thanks out loud and hopefully give me more of a grateful heart, tender to HIS calling in my life! Join me on this list, start your own and share with me ; )

I am thankful for....

1. my godly grandma that checks in on me and prays for us daily

2. my girlfriends that He puts in my life at just the right time

3. my mom having a slumber party with me last night, while my husband was out of town

4. my two high schoolers being at camp together this week, (praying for God to speak to them in a mighty way)

5. HIS GRACE!

"The greatest gift I ever had came from God, and I call him Dad"

I can't let Father's Day pass by without saying how

thankful I am that our kids have such an amazing dad in their

lives. I could write all evening about the great things I love about

this man but the top few things....

he fiercely loves his family

and

being our spiritual leader is his top priority.

We had a great day celebrating him yesterday!

Favorite Friday

Here are a few of my favorites things; A few of my favorite things I have done with my summer so far; had delicious sushi, made sun tea, smoothies (which have become a nightly thing around here) made cupcakes, (not those in the pic) had a pedicure, been on a bike ride, and a few things we plan to do, like go to the beach, do some camping, and go to Cali. The rest are just a few added pics I really love!

BOOK REVIEW

Looking for a good book to read with your kids this summer? Have I got a book for you.....The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is a cute story about a rabbit that takes an unexpected trip around the world and experiences one adventure after another. He eventually lands back "home" years later with a surprising twist at the end. Although it's recommended for ages 7 and up, I read it to my fourth graders and they loved it. It's a very easy read that will hold the interest of any age group.

*Kate DiCamillo is also the author of Because of Winn Dixie (which I also read with my fourth graders)

Anyone read this? What books would you recommend for this summer? I hope you have already made your trip to the library and stocked up for the month.

Brought to you by a fourth grade teacher!

Here is a review taken for Kate DiCamillo's website:
Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely. And then, one day, he was lost. Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hobos camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the bustling streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a true miracle: even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.

Next week I will share our latest devotional that each of the kids are going to work through this summer.

Wordless Wednesday

SISTERS

SISTERS

Having a make-up session

I love that summer forces them to

spend time together,

not that they don't enjoy being together,

But a teen's schedule doesn't

always leave room for

the kid sis

Our Moral Compass

I came across a video today titled "Hit and Run" This video is so apaulling that I wasn't even sure it was real for a minute. It is from a traffic camera of a hit and run where Angel Torres, age 78, was hit by a passing car and was left lying on the street for over a minute while people drove by, walked by and just watched without helping. The police chief of Hartford shared how he felt the city had lost it's "moral compass" You can read the news release here.

He is in critical condition at Hartford Hospital, and they say he is paralyzed. A news website covering the story included his address. Wouldn't it be cool if those of us who are trying not to "lose our moral compass" reached out to him and overwhelmed him with cards and letters? Let him know someone cares.




The address is below.
Angel Arce Torres
Hartford Hospital
80 Seymour Street
Hartford, CT06102

An Exciting Day....or Not

Today will be one of those days where I wear my really cute house cleaning clothes. I love wearing my sweats and a t-shirt that oh so flatter my figure, yeah right ; ) I will pull my mop up in a pony tail and get out the other mop and begin cleaning from top to bottom. But before I can do any of that I must get out the meat because I am making this for dinner and I MUST finish reading this before I get started and then turn my ipod up real loud and begin listening to Shackles while I work. If you are looking for some good reads, I've added some new friends under A Few of My Favorites. Happy Monday!

Favorite Fridays

Look at these cute vases I found at IKEA! I am in love with them. I have been searching thrift stores and antiques shops for some cool white rose bud vases to put in my kitchen window but I came across these online last night. I am getting these soon! The best part.....they are $2.49!

Victory this Summer?

"What's your plan for victory this summer?"
Since it's June, my plan for a "victorious summer" means lazy days in pj's, fun projects, extra scrapbooking, the park, swimming, softball, sleepovers, late nights, BBQ's and much more.
But after reading that one sentence..."What's your plan for victory" on the Beth Moore's site, I realized that God might be asking me to do something a little more than "enjoy Tracy time" these next three months. Are you sure Lord? Because I can fill up my days pretty quickly with some other things......I have the opportunity to work with, hang out with and study with some awesome girls at our church. Girts that are new to this whole God thing, want to know what a deeper relationship with Jesus means. Some of them are single moms, some are engaged, and one is a few years older than me.

Who do you have in your life that might need some mentoring? Someone to just go through a study with them, a book in the Bible, maybe even focus on one scripture with them. There are lonely, hungry for God's word, longing for a deeper relationship seeking a friend women around us....more than we realize.

Why do I always seem surprised when God just allows people to cross my path the moment I ask HIM where HE wants me to serve.

I am excited!

One reason I am excited is because I have spent the last few months walking a difficult road in this whole ministry thing and I realize that it is time to get my eyes off myself, drop the "woe is me" attitude and begin giving again. For we all know that when we pour our lives into others, it is then that we are truly blessed.

Wordless Wednesday

Taken last year

on an ole country road...

somewhere in the NW

A Covered Bridge in the NW

Playing in front of the Covered Bridge

Monday Morning Inspirations

Grumbling: low toned, discontented mutterings

What a great definition to start your day off with, right? I knew the minute my eyes shot open at 5:00am that it was going to be morning with the Lord. I closed my eyes really hard and pretended like I had three more hours of sleep left. I mean, this is my first day of summer. There is no way I was getting out of bed at this awful hour. I've learned not to let these quiet times get by me. God always has something good to say; ) I stumbled out of bed, grabbed a cup of coffee, (with my brand new, yummy creamer, french vanilla) and headed to the couch. I turned Chuck Swindoll on and listened to a sermon titled "While Laughing Keep Your Balance" It was on one of my "non favorite" passages.

"Do everything without grumbling or complaining, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God..." Phil. 2:12-18

Really? Everything? It's easy to grumble when we have a list of reasons that give us "a right" to grumble. Think about some of your grumbling moments. You do have them don't you? For me, it's moments that I am caught up in my own self, the human, fleshly moments, when I have stifled the Holy Spirit's work in my life. Those moments happen more than I would like to admit.
Not only do I give myself a headache when I grumble (or have low-toned mutterings) I affect those around me. Don't we all know a chronic grumbler? Grumblers usually have a disagreeing attitude, undermining spirit, stir up disputes, etc. NOT something I want to be associated with or known for! The passage goes on to say to give us a few promises though.....

Do everything without grumbling and complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God, without fault in a crooked an depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. v.14-15

1. BLAMELESS: Purity of life that is undeniable and inescapable; an unwillingness to compromise
2.PURE: innocent, inexperienced in evil, untainted integrity

I WANT TO BE BLAMELESS AND PURE!!

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As you go about your day today, remember that you are affecting others around you when you complain and grumble. Think about this.......We have no more right to bring our discordant state of mind into someones life and rob them of their sunshine and brightness, than we do to enter their home and steal their silverware. Anonymous

Your grumbling steals my silverware!

Live today so that your light shine like stars in the universe. Today don't sing "This Little Light of Mine" Live the life that sings "This Blazing, Burning Light of Mine" because "we will shine like the stars in the universe!"