1 Corinthians 9:24-Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.


Today I went for a run. Now let me confess something; I did not WANT to go for a run. I wanted to sit in the rare and glorious Oregon sunshine and do nothing. But I needed to log my 6 miles according to my training plan, so out the door I went. When I got to the trail head, I started thinking through the rather difficult season I have been in for the past couple of years. I was feeling incredibly discouraged and quite frankly a little sorry for myself! I stretched out, turned on some music and my Runkeeper and hit the trail. I went out fast, really working pretty hard. After the first mile I noticed that my energy started to fade and I began to get slower. Well into my second mile I started to get a side stitch and started to get thirsty. This intense thirst brought to mind the scripture from today's bible study: Psalm 143 verse 6 says I stretch out my hands to you, my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Suddenly I rounded a corner in the trail and a soft breeze blew up in my face and I looked up to see a long stretch of shaded path. I plodded through and the breeze and shade refreshed me and I was off. I was starting to feel pretty good and keeping a good pace and sailed through my third and fourth miles with ease. By the fifth mile I was really starting to thirst and it was getting hotter. The path also turned to black pavement and the heat radiated off of it. My foot was starting to throb and I could tell that I was getting a couple of nasty blisters. Step after step I began to concentrate more and more on my thirst and the pain in my foot. I began to slow down, and began to feel frustrated. I looked and for as far as the eye could see it was hot black pavement. I couldn't get a glimpse of shade and I was frustrated and discouraged. I was also starting to go slower and slower and was frustrated with my pace. Of course I then came to an intersection and had to wait for the light to change. Mumbling to myself about how long the light was taking to change, I heard God whisper to me gently as the breeze stirred up again, "Take the rest I have offered to you my daughter". I grimaced and hit the trail again. As I was in the final half mile to the finish of my run, I was hot, tired, and my foot was throbbing. I was feeling weary for the long stretch of seeming desert of a path. My phone started to chirp, and I looked down to see a text message from a dear friend. "I think you are a pretty darn amazing woman, that is all. I love you!" I began to cry as this loving note of encouragement was just what I needed to get through the last push to the finish.

As I was pondering over these things and trying to figure out what God was whispering, I began to see so many parallels to my run for the day and my life. I saw how many times I had gone out with the best of intentions starting well and giving it all I have. How after a while I began to tire and get weary. I remembered the times God had provided shade; shelter from the harsh environment around me and whispered a cool breeze into my life. I reflected on the times of incredible thirst for God and his word, and the growth and strength that has brought. I saw the times of rest the Lord offered graciously and how many times I had rejected the rest offered in favor of being busy or having a schedule to maintain. And the current long, dry season of nothing but pavement and heat. How often I have had to put one foot in front of the other because that is all I know how to do. How often I have looked down to those feet, blistered and irritated focusing on my pain and circumstance rather than looking up at the God who sustains me. Then finally I began to tear up at the thought of my friend, listening to the Holy Spirit whisper grace in her ear, "Now my daughter, send her the message." Perfectly timed and refreshing to the soul. So often the seasons of our lives fluctuate and we go through long, hot, dry times when we look around for God's hand and don't see it. Where we put one foot in front of the other in faith that God will see us through those painful circumstances of life. He reminded me how important it is to take the rest offered, to look for and anticipate the shade, and to praise him for the breeze. And most of all he reminded me to run the race well, and to hit that finish line with all I've got rejoicing with Jesus on that day. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Perfect

House clean, laundry done, (oh wait not in the basket on the floor but folded and put away??) grocery shopping done, (wait meal plan and make a list plus cut all those coupons???) Showered, dressed, hair and make-up done, kids dressed and looking good, school work done for the day, hot meal with organic ingredients made from scratch on the dinner table by 5pm (What do you mean you didn't grow your own vegetables and you don't own your own cow??!!!) Be hospitable, do your bible study, teach Sunday school, volunteer in the community, make sure you are the perfect friend to ALL your friends, spend plenty of time with your husband, car maintenance...
Whew! I guess you can tell where the enemy has been at work in my life these past few weeks! I have totally succumbed to the allure of trying like heck to be the "perfect" wife and mother. Boy let me tell you how much I have bombed that lately! I am squeaking by with the homeschooling, my kids have had more processed food in the past couple of weeks than in their entire lives, my house is a wreck, the laundry is well...in the basket, and coupons???? HA! Forget it.
I read blogs occasionally. It seems to me that these women have it all together. Their children are well mannered, their houses are clean, their husbands are well kept and happy. I guess I got side tracked by comparing myself to other women. Not good, not good at all. It has left me feeling less than fabulous, and it shows in my general lack of joy.
My Savior is so good to gently remind me in different ways that we are all created to serve different purposes; to fulfill different roles. We all have unique talents and gifts that make us who we are. So this season I am venturing to be thankful for what I can accomplish, to not get so down on myself when I can't manage it all!
Do you ever get bogged down in the "perfect" syndrome?

God's Hand

Ah man! I am like, sooooooo delinquent on keeping up with this blog! I thought I would have plenty of time to write and manage a blog. DUH! Who do I think I am???!!!LOL!

I wanted to share a little glimpse of God moving. I hope it encourages your heart as it did mine. As many of you know, I coordinated our church's holiday bazaar this year. I had many opportunities to talk with the vendors, many who are not believers which is so awesome for me. I have a heart for those who don't know the Lord, as I have only been a Christian for about 5 years. Anyhow, I was taking some time to write a note to each vendor one night and saying a quick word of prayer over each one of them. I came to a vendor, I will call her Jan, and the Lord brought to mind the word pain. The word repeated in my mind over and over, reminding me of a throbbing headache. I said a prayer for her and moved on. The next morning I told Jan that I had prayed over her the previous night and told her about the Lord bringing the word pain to mind. She looked as though someone had kicked her as I told her the story.She really did look shocked. She told me that she had MS and that she was in a really bad pain spell and a difficult season of her life. We were able to chat a bit and I prayed over her many more times all weekend.
The Lord amazes me in times like this. Sometimes all we need is a little encouragement, a hug, or to know that someone cares and is praying for us to make life's circumstances a little brighter. He knew that and gave me a simple word, but it was enough for me to take the time to ask how she was doing. God is good, all the time. He has our best interests at heart. He knows our pains, our fears, our frustrations and he cares. That in itself is amazing to me! Amen?

Contentment

MAN! The Lord has really been speaking to my heart about being content lately. The topic of contentment has come up in various different conversations, bible studies and devotions,so I better pay attention right?!

I did a word study on contentment, and of course the LORD has so much to say on this topic. The Apostle Paul, speaks of this in Philippians Chapter 4:
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Emphasis added)

It doesn't matter what we struggle to be content with; whether it's our finances, material items, circumstances, family situations, church families or friendships. The LORD gives us the key here at the end. I can do ALL
things through him who gives me strength. He doesn't promise us riches, beautiful home furnishings, a nice car, easy relationships, and a smooth and simple life. He doesn't say that he won't give us more then we can handle. He does promise in John 16:33 that we WILL have trouble in this world. But he also says, Take Heart! I have overcome the world.
If we choose to seek our purpose and joy in Him and not the world, or other people, or material items, we will find contentment, and won't be so disappointed when things don't go our way!
I don't have this down perfectly. Far from it actually! I stress and worry and get anxious and get mad when things don't work out the way I think it should go. I envy other people's stuff from time to time. But I also endeavor to stop and think about all the amazing things he HAS blessed me with; my salvation, my beautiful family, health, a home, great friends, and an amazing church family. This helps me to remember all the things he has already done.
Whenever we're feeling discontent, let's take the time to remember what he has already done in our lives, and praise Him for it. We might find that it will turn our frowns upside down!

Plan my Meals for the week!

I am sooooooo lacking in inspiration this week folks! Help me out here! Give me some suggestions for what to make this week. You don't have to submit a recipe, just an idea, and I will find a recipe!

Sunday


Monday


Tuesday-Needs to be a quick meal


Wednesday


Thursday-Needs to be a quick meal


Friday


Saturday


We are trying to maintain a little healthier eating plan, so I would love some healthful suggestions, but other than that I am open to whatever!!
Thanks Friends!

Menu plan for the week

Hey Ya'll! I feel like I am starting to get into a good groove with this meal planning thing. I am working on developing a list of our favorite recipes that I can just pull from to save a little time. I admit it has been rather time consuming pouring over all these recipe books, but I feel like it is finally coming together. My new goal is to draw on our "regular" recipes, and add a new one in once a week for variety. If anyone wants a recipe, please let me know!
Saturday
Homemade Veggie burgers

Sunday
Pulled Pork Sandwiches with homemade coleslaw

Monday
Grilled Salmon and vegies

Tuesday
Spinach Lasagna

Wednesday
Slow cooker whole chicken (Thanks Sarah!)

Thursday
Grilled Steak, Fingerling Potatoes and roasted vegies

Friday
Whole wheat spaghetti with home made turkey meatballs

Blessings!

Orange Chicken Recipe

Sauce:
1 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup rice vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Pour 1 1/2 cups water, orange juice, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and soy sauce into a saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir in the orange zest, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and cool 10 to 15 minutes.
Place the chicken pieces into a resealable plastic bag. When contents of saucepan have cooled, pour 1 cup of sauce into bag. Reserve the remaining sauce. Seal the bag, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
In another resealable plastic bag, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Add the marinated chicken pieces, seal the bag, and shake to coat.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place chicken into the skillet, and brown on both sides. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels, and cover with aluminum foil.
Wipe out the skillet, and add the sauce. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water; stir into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium low, add the chicken pieces, and simmer, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.