Photos: Picking Pumpkins

Here was today's trip to the pumpkin patch!

Bloggy Award: One Sweet Treat!

My good bloggy friend Julie at According to HIS Power has so kindly given me another bloggy award: One Sweet Treat to Read! Thank you, Julie! YOU'RE too sweet! So now I have the privilege to pass this along... I don't get around to many blogs, and many of those friends have this award already, BUT today I am passing along the love to...

Angie at The Knightly News

...because she is such a joy to me through her writing! And she just looks like the sweetest, most caring woman in all the photos I've seen of her, and her blog is truly "one sweet treat to read"! So here's to you, Angie! Happy day!

Weekly Memory Verse: Review

Okay, guys, I've been unmotivated lately, and I need another review week. Several of the verses I've really got down pat, so this week I'm just going to focus on the verses that need some attention.

Colossians 2:6-7
Psalm 119:9-11
Romans 15:13
Hebrews 10:24-25
Psalm 86:11-12
Joshua 1:8
Luke 10:27
Colossians 4:6
Romans 12:2
1 John 3:18
Psalm 19:14
Proverbs 3:5
Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 22:6
Matthew 12:34

2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

If you've been following along, just pick a verse of your choice, either of my previous verses or one of your own, for this week! See you next Wednesday!

Menu Plan Moday - Oct. 29

Monday - chicken parmesan, corn, rolls (carry-over meal from last week)

Tuesday - chicken teryaki (using remaining chicken from previous day)
Wednesday - chili, apples (leftover chili beans from last week's Mexican lasagna)
Thursday - appetizer nite- enchilada dip with remaining gr. beef (if I can find my recipe!!), oranges
Friday - baked ziti (from freezer), garlic bread, salad
Saturday - French dip sandwiches, carrots, apples
Sunday - Bible study - day off from cooking

Dessert of the week: Pumpkin Pie (recipe below)

*********************

RECIPE: Pumpkin Pie

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. allspice
3/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 c. evaporated milk

Line 9" pie tin with pastry. Mix together pumpkin, sugar, salt, and beaten eggs. Add milk. Pour mixture into pastry shell. Bake 375 for 60-75 minutes.

For more yummy menu ideas head over to Laura's. Have a great week!

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 118

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Let Israel say:
"His love endures forever."
Let the house of Aaron say:
"His love endures forever."
Let those who fear the Lord say:
"His love endures forever."

In my anguish I cried to the Lord,
and he answered by setting me free.
The Lord is with me; he is my helper.
I will look in triumph on my enemies.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes.

All the nations surrounded me,
but in th ename of the Lord I cut them off.
They surrounded me on every side,
but in the name of the Lord I cut them off.
They swarmed around me like bees,
but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the Lord I cut them off.

I was pushed back and about to fall,
but the Lord is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.

Shouts of joy and victory
resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The Lord's right hand has done mighty things!
The Lord's right had is lifted high;
the Lord's right hand has mighty things!"

I will not die but live,
and will proclaim what the Lord has done.
The Lord has chastened me severely,
but he has not given me over to death.

Open for me the gates of righteousness;
I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord
through which the righteous may enter.
I will give you thanks, for you answered me;
you have become my salvation.

The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone;
the Lord has done this,
and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

O Lord, save us;
O lord, grant us success.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God,
and he has made his light upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
up to the horns of the altar.

You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Family Focus Friday: Fall Activities

Oh my goodness, with my mom being here, I totally forgot about posting my Family Focus for this week! I got it started and mostly ready last week, but forgot to come back to it today. Anyway, This week I thought I'd just list some fun fall activities for the family. Eli's still pretty young (15 months) so we're limited with a lot of activities. But I thought I'd share anyway....

1. Take a trip to a cider mill.
2. Visit an orchard and pick apples and pumpkins.
3. Go on a hay ride.
4. Have fun in a corn maze.
5. Get homemade ice cream from a farm.
6. Go on a picture adventure and capture the beautiful fall colors.
7. Rake leaves together and jump in the pile.
8. Carve pumpkins.
9. Bake pumpkin seeds.
10. Make an apple pie.
11. Make homemade apple sauce.
12. Start a campfire and sit around drinking hot cocoa.
13. Bake cookies and take them to your neighbor.

What are your favorite things to do during fall? I'd love to hear your ideas! Link up or just share a comment!

Thankful Thursday

Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.
Hebrews 12:28

This week's blessings...

1. God's creation. I thought we still had a couple weeks until the prime of the season but over the weekend we went for a drive and the trees were all just beautiful! We even stopped to take a few pictures.

2. Today's medicine. Eli had his 15-month vaccinations this past week, and I'm thankful for these medical advancements so that we don't have to worry about dying of these diseases and viruses.

3. Healthy pregnancy. Everything is going smoothly and I'm feeling really great, and for that I am so thankful.

4. Visits. My mom is flying in later today and staying until Monday, and we are just sooo excited!

5. Hobbies. Over the weekend I finally found fabric to make a small blanket for my baby girl! And just last night I finished it already!

6. Hubby. I had some troubles with the corners on my baby blanket. There was just a tiny bit of raw edge exposed and I was worried about it fraying. I couldn't figure out what to do but Hubby came to the rescue with his great idea that the satin edge might be plasticy enough that putting a flame to it might melt it just enough to keep it from fraying. So we tried it on a test piece and it worked! And my blanket it now complete! Thanks, honey! I love your creative fixes!

What are you thankful for this week! Come join us over at Crystal's as she is guest-hosting Thankful Thursday for us!

Weekly Memory Verse

New Verse

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Previous Verses

Colossians 2:6-7
Psalm 119:9-11
Romans 15:13
Hebrews 10:24-25
Psalm 86:11-12
Joshua 1:8
Luke 10:27
2 Corinthians 3:5
Colossians 4:6
Colossians 3:16
Romans 12:2
1 Thessalonians 5:16
1 John 3:18
Psalm 19:14
Proverbs 3:5
Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 22:6
Philippians 4:8
Matthew 12:34
Psalm 27:14
Romans 8:28

If you'd like to join us in memorizing Colossians 3:23-24 this week, sign your name below. May it be a blessing to your life!

Menu Plan Monday - Oct. 29

Monday - turkey panini, grapes, carrots
Tuesday - soccer- sloppy joes, oranges, french fries
Wednesday - Mexican Lasagna, apples
Thursday - pick my mom up at airport! dinner out
Friday - Florentine Manicotti, salad, oranges
Saturday -
breakfast: bacon, eggs, toast
lunch: oriental chicken salad
dinner: taco salad, pineapple
Sunday - Chicken Parmesan, corn, applesauce, rolls

Dessert of the week: we have just enough money left on an Olive Garden gift card to go for just dessert, so while my mom's here to babysit, Kevin and I will enjoy a "just dessert" mini date!

For more yummy menu ideas, head over to Laura's.

********

To read last Friday's post about planning family nutrition, click HERE.

********

I'm 23 weeks pregnant, have gained almost 10 lbs already, and am trying hard to keep watch of my weight gain. Unlike my husband, I gain weight REALLY easily and have to be careful. And not that I have problem gaining weight during pregnancy, I just don't want to gain EXTRA weight making it unhealthy for me AND baby, not to mention making it harder to lose the weight post-pregnancy. My goal is to not gain more than 5 pounds each month, but lately I have been pushing that. So it's time to get serious and actually work on it. So this week I have goals for myself. If you know me at all I love making lists of goals, whether it be life goals, marriage goals, parenting goals, nutrition goals, etc. So here are my 5 goals for this week:

Pregnancy Goals:
1. Walk TWICE a day, once with Eli and once by myself. I usually take Eli out every morning, but yesterday morning (before church even) I got to go for a walk by myself, without pushing a 40 lb stroller, and it was wonderful! I felt like I was flying! I didn't have to worry about bumps, curbs, or cars, and I could actually pump my arms as I walked instead of holding on to the stroller handles.
2. Weigh myself every morning.
3. Drink 8 glass of water a day. This is really hard for me to do, so if it means adding a tsp of lemonade mix to make it taste a little better, then so be it!
4. Eat healthy snacks--yogurt, fruit bar, carnation drink, carrots, grapes, apple, broccoli, cauliflower, toast--NO ice cream, cereal, cookies, or other dessert
5. Moderate meal size--half portions at restaurants

********

Bible verse of the week: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. Romans 8:28

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 111

Praise the Lord.

I will extol the Lord with all my heart
in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
Great are the works of the Lord;
they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
giving them the lands of other nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are steadfast for ever and ever,
done in faithfulness and uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant forever--
holy and awesome is his name.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding
To him belongs eternal praise.
~*~

To pray on the psalms every day go to Pray On the Psalms.

Pregnancy Photos: 20 Weeks

Just remembered I never posted the 20-week pregnancy photos I took a couple weeks ago. Here's the ever-growing belly!

And while we're at it, here's my little boy...

See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil.

Family Focus Friday: Nutrition

Last week's topic was meal times, so it's appropriate this week to talk about the related topic of Nutrition. As the keepers of the home, we wives and mothers probably have the most influence over our family's nutrition habits and daily food intake. In A Mom After God's Own Heart Elizabeth George mentions nutrition as one of the ways to love and take care of our children. We all know that nutrition is the key to growth and development; it's what fuels us and gives us energy to go about our day. And it's a mother's job to provide what's best for her family's health.

That being said, I've been thinking about the little things I try to do to encourage healthy eating at our house. We try, but by no means would I call ourselves healthy eaters. We're really bad when it comes to treats or eating out for lunch. But I'll share what I do, as boring as it may be to read...

For Eli
* Right from the beginning I've always controlled Eli's portions. I just DO NOT UNDERSTAND overweight/obese children when parents have (or should have) most control over their child's life, especially when it comes to food. I never "just gave him a bottle" when he cried if it hadn't been at least 2 or 3 hours since his last bottle. And when it came to solid foods, I always just gave him what was a reasonable amount instead of waiting for baby's signs indicating he was full. Seriously, this child could probably eat forever if I let him, but that wouldn't be good for him, and the same habit wouldn't be good for me either.
* I follow the "Strive for Five" rule when it comes to servings of fruits and vegetables, and I try to get one of every color each day. So in one day I would serve something like mixed berries, banana, green beans, peaches, meat.
* Whole grain--Each day I usually include at least one or two of the following either at meal or snack time: wheat toast, oatmeal, cheerios, wheat crackers, or nutri-grain fruit bar.
* Dairy: In addition to Eli's three bottles of milk a day, I also make sure he gets some sort of other dairy: yogurt, cheese, or cottage cheese.
* Iron: I just recently read somewhere that babies/toddlers should still get a serving of iron-fortified infant cereal for 18-24 months. So I've gone back to making sure [usually] Eli gets either oatmeal at breakfast or rice at lunch.
* Sweets: Eli doesn't get much sugar. If he does get a sweet treat, it's something like vanilla wafers, graham cracker, or nutri-grain bar.
* Snacks: Eli gets one snack, in the late afternoon, and is something of this variety: cheese slices, cheerios, fruit puffs, graham crackers, blando (no salt, no butter, no sugar) rice cakes, nutri-grain fruit bar, wheat crackers, apple slices. When he gets older and can actually chew everything, then it'll be more like celery or carrot sticks, grapes, apple slices, orange, banana/peanut butter, cheese and crackers, yogurt with granola, some sort of healthy oatmeal cookie.

For Kevin and Me
* Fruit and vegetable included in every dinner.
* Only one day of pasta.
* Only one day of potatoes.
* Wheat bread instead of white. Or, since Kevin really likes white bread, I sometimes buy 100% whole grain white bread (even though it's still enriched flour which means it's really not 100% wheat).
* Barilla pasta noodles instead of regular noodles.
* One dessert planned a week, with the attempt of holding off other impulse treats, knowing a special dessert is in the menu plan.
* The only beverages we usually have around are milk and water with lemonade drink mix in the cupboard we can use when guests come. I try to not get in the habit of coffee every day--not that coffee is bad but I'm not good at getting my daily water intake and so anything I drink really should just be water (or water with a lil lemon juice if I really want to jazz things up, haha).

Okay, now THAT was a bit boring to type. But anyway, if that helps anyone that stops by, then great! What decisions do you make to provide good nutrition for your family? It definitely doesn't have to be as detailed as what I just did, but any little tips you have to share are welcome! Blessings to your family this weekend!

You can leave a comment or I'll put up a Mr. Linky if you want to write up your own post about this topic...




Previous Family Focus Topics (it's never too late to share your thoughts!):
* Meal Times
* Halloween
* Your Neighbors
* Family Worship
* TV Time

Thankful Thursday

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.
Psalm 28:7 (ESV)

Blessings of the week...

1. Good baby appointment last week. Her heartbeat was strong, she's growing right on track, and she's moving lots!

2. Mama's morning out with friends last Saturday. I needed that, and we had a lot of fun!

3. My mom's coming next week! We're really excited for that!

4. A lovely gift from my bloggy friend Angie. Made my day!

5. Hubby--he's been sooo sweet lately! Quality time together, flowers, AND text messages. And did I say FLOWERS?! =)

What are you thankful for this week? How is God blessing your life? Share with us over at Iris'! Have a great week!

Weekly Memory Verse

New Verse

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.

Review

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Psalm 86:11-12 Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

Joshua 1:8 Do not let the Word of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so you will be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Luke 10:27 Love the Lord your God with all heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.

2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so you will know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by a renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 22:6 Train your children in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Matthew 12:34 For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!

If you'd like to join me this week in memorizing Romans 8:28, sign your name below! May it be a blessing to your life!

Husband Encouragement

Kevin and I had a good weekend with some real time together. And yesterday he brought back some flowers from the store when he went out to pick up spaghetti noodles for dinner! Flowers are a rare treat, so I was VERY happy and pleasantly surprised!!

Time to focus on some husband encouragement goals for this week...

1. No negative comments. (I've gotten away from this)
2. Go to bed at same time.
3. Blackberry Cheese Pie. Enough said.
4. Show interest in his hobbies when he's working on something.
5. Read another chapter in book together.
6. Praise him for things he's done to help out.
7. Set a night to sit outside together, sipping on hot chocolate.
8.Encourage a Saturday morning for him to go off and do something fun, since I just had a mama's morning out a couple times now.
9. Make sure his uniforms are cleaned and ironed for work.
10. Pray for patience, self-control, and positive attitude throughout the week.

Want to join in? You planning something special for your husband this week? What can you do to encourage him as he goes about his day? Share your goals with us!

Menu Plan Monday - Oct. 14

Notes from last week's menu: My attempt at making Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad was actually pretty good and I'll be making it again sometime! I definitely simplified the recipe though and bought Perdue breaded chicken, bagged salad, and chow mein noodles, so all I really had to make was the dressing. It was a nice switch from just a regular salad and made for a delicious meal! I'd recommend it! I also recommend the Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie. I mean, what's there NOT to like about a combination like that, and it was specifically suggested for pregnant women which makes it even better!

Lots of new recipes for this week too...

Monday - soccer- Pulled Pork Sandwiches, green beans, peaches
Tuesday - bierochs (recipe below), oranges
Wednesday - copycat Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana Soup
Thursday - soccer- Baked Deli Sandwich, apple slices
Friday - chicken piccata, sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls
Saturday - Panera Bread
Sunday - Bible study- leftovers

Dessert of the week: Blackberry Cheese Pie (my husband's favorite pie, he's been begging for it for weeks!)

***********************************

RECIPE: Bierochs

1 lb sausage
1 can sauerkraut
squirt of mustard
hot roll mix

Follow rising instructions for hot roll mix. Form into flat circles size of CD. Cook sausage, sauerkraut, and mustard in skillet. Spoon onto dough and pull together into ball--spread warm water on seams to hold together. Follow baking instructions on roll mix, until golden brown.

***********************************

Last week's Family Focus Friday was about the importance of family meal times. Skip over to that post to share what mealtimes are like for your family and how it meets your vision...

For more delicious meal ideas, visit Laura at OrgJunkie. Have a great week, everyone!

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heaves.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with the resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath
praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.

Prayer Request

I know just yesterday I had a thankful post for the spiritual growth God is doing in me, and for that I AM thankful. But there is another area of my life that weighs heavy on my heart and has for quite some time. But only occasionally Satan gets the best of me, and this weekend is it. I won't go into detail, but God knows what it is. So if you're here today, will you send a prayer my way?? Thank you so much...

Family Focus Friday: Meal Times

For most families the day is pretty hectic and everyone is busy doing this and that and heading off in every which way. But then...there's dinner time... the one time when everyone comes together, sits around the same table, shares their highs and lows of the day, and most importantly prays together and maybe even reads devotion. It's a time to reconnect as a family. That's my vision anyway.

Growing up, my family was great about almost always eating together, every night of the week. Whoever's home at meal time waits for one another and eats together. That's just the way it was. And I have a hard time even understanding life otherwise. We were never over-involved and now, 6 years later, Kevin and I aren't over-involved either. And if there is something going on, we adjust the schedule so we can eat together. Meal time is something of great value that I will strive to maintain as life does get busier, as more children come into our lives.

Here are some articles on the topic I thought I'd share with you...

The Benefits of Eating Together by Becky Hand
1. Communication--learn from one another, share news of the day
2. Model manners--good opportunity to teach good table manners, meal etiquette, and social skills
3. Expand their world..one food at a time--try new foods, from other cultures and countries
4. Eat healthier
5. Become self-sufficient--learn how to meal plan, grocery shop, cook
6. Prevent destructive behaviors--less likely to smoke, drink, use illegal drugs
7. Improve grades--higher academic performance
8. Save money--by not dining out

Family Time Together is Essential by W. FrankWalton
"Time together is the bonding mortar that binds family members together before God in love."
"For God to be first in our lives, His will must be regularly discussed and applied in our daily home life. What we truly love most of all will show up in our priorities, what we talk about, and how we use our time. To communicate the priority of loving God, we must spend time together. The daily "family hour" needs to be kept in homes that glorify God. Family traditions and shared activities need to be instituted and kept."

Whatever Happened to Family Meals by Susan Alexander Yates
SET YOUR PRIORITIES--"In order to make family meals a priority, you'll need to make some tough choices. It often means saying no to good opportunities, attractive extracurricular events, worthwhile causes, that extra hour at the office, even subtle parental peer pressure that suggests your children should play a sport every season....But in the long run, strong family relationships and a positive family identity are more important than chairing that fundraiser or having your child play on another team."

COMMIT--
* Decide to be together certain nights each week and then do it.
* Take the phone off the hook.
* Prepare the meal or clean up together.
* Eat at the table facing each other. (as opposed to sitting at a counter)
* Have everyone come at the same time and remain at the table until everyone is excused.
* Ask good questions.
* Make meals a time of celebration.

It's Time to Bring Back the Family Dinner Hour by Melissa Good

"When we squeeze out the family dinner we sacrifice more than you could ever imagine. According to a study conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, the children that dined regularly with their families were 31 per cent less likely to smoke, drink or take drugs. Gathering around the dinner table with family members provides a comfort zone in this crazy world we live in."

So...
1. Make family dinner part of your routine, same time every day
2. Plan for each dinner in advance, to save you time from running to the store every day.
3. Post your menu on the fridge, so family will not only plan to be there but look forward to the tradition.

What is mealtime like for your family? Does it meet your vision? What changes can you make to enhance this precious time together?


Previous Family Focus Topics (it's never too late to share your thoughts!):
* Halloween
* Your Neighbors
* Family Worship
* TV Time

Thankful Thursday

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

Today I am especially thankful for the work that God has been doing in my heart this past year. He has led me to some great resources--books, friends, online messages and articles, and blogging--that have been such wonderful encouragement. Through prayer, scripture memory, daily Bible reading, a day of thankfulness, and marriage goals my heart has been renewed and (most days) a real peace that passeth all understanding has filled my life.

Now I have great expectations for the Lord to do the same kind of work in my family. I just have to let go and let God do the work. And I'm already thankful for His good, pleasing, and perfect plan for our lives and the work He has yet to do.

Join us at Sting My Heart. What are you thankful for this week? How has God blessed your life?

Weekly Memory Verse

Okay, it's definitely time for me to just do review this week. If you haven't already done all of the verses, feel free to choose one and work on that one for the week. The colored verses are the ones I especially need to practice more....

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Psalm 119:9-11 How can a young man keep his way? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 10:24-25 Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Psalm 86:11-12 Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

Joshua 1:8 Do not let the Word of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so you will be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Luke 10:27 Love the Lord your God with all heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.

2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so you will know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by a renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 22:6 Train your children in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Matthew 12:34 For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!

If you've chosen a verse to memorize this week, or you're with me in just reviewing, sign your name below!

Menu Plan Monday - Oct. 8

Since Hubby has the day off tomorrow, I thought I'd get started with my menu planning early. I've got a weigh-in on Thursday at my OB appointment, and I feel like I've been gaining a couple pounds extra this month. So this week I'm going for lite (and cheap) meals.

Monday - chicken quesadillas, oranges
Tuesday - Cheesy Broccoli Rice*, peaches
Wednesday - soccer- BBQ meatballs, corn, wheat rolls
Thursday - breakfast nite- French Bagels*
Friday - soccer- grilled ham 'n cheese sandwiches, carrot sticks, applesauce
Saturday - Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad* (except I'm going to buy ready-made breaded chicken strips)
Sunday - soup from a can. any kind. is that easy enough?

Breakfasts: Chocolate-Banana-Peanut Butter Smoothie*, yogurt with granola, Crock Pot Fruited Oatmeal*
Dessert of the week: Quick Baked Apple*

I love trying new recipes! * = new recipe

For more great menu ideas, visit Laura at OrgJunkie. Have a great week, everyone!

Sunday Psalm

Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation--
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life--
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.

One thing I ask of the Lord,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in is dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with
shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the Lord.

Hear my voice when I call, O Lord;
be merciful to me and answer me.
My hearts says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in agner;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
the Lord will receive me.
Teach me your way, O Lord;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breath out violence.

I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.

Family Focus Friday: Halloween

With Halloween coming up in just a few weeks, I thought I'd see what you are planning to do with the holiday. While Kevin and I have decided to just sort of skip over the holiday (I've heard too many bad stories), others find it a really great opportunity for evangelism while everyone is opening their doors to strangers. And then there is some option right in the middle. My mom was asking for ideas on how to incorporate Christian ideas into a Halloween lesson for their KIDS Club at their church in a couple weeks. And here is what I suggested:

- make luminaries--take a small paper bag, cut out a shape (star, pumpkin, or whatever), and put a tea light inside--to bring up the idea of letting our lights shine (Matt. 5:16)
- talk about fear and how Jesus frees of us of all our fears
- talk about the heroes of the Bible
- talk about good/bad, Heaven/Hell, Jesus/Satan and what side they (your children) want to represent and how they can do that throughout their life or by the faces they wear throughout the day

Everyone has their own opinion about the holiday. What have you decided for your own family? I'd love to hear your response, WHENEVER you get to it! It doesn't have to be this Friday; don't ever feel it's too late to participate!

*Updated: Read what others are saying about this topic over at Biblical Womanhood.

Bloggy Award: Excellence in Discipleship

The Mathetes Award was created by Dan King at Management By God and here is what he said about it: The role of a disciple of Christ is to carry His message to the ends of the earth. It is with this heart that I have created the Mathetes Award. Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) it to make more disciples. This award and badge is for acting in the role of a disciple of Christ.

In the same day I was given this award by two really great bloggy friends: Angie at The Knightly News and Julie at According to HIS Power. It is such an honor to receive this award but...

"Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God." 2 Corinthians 3:5

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Here today I joyfully pass this award on to my friend at Java Mama who is ever encouraging with her posts.

Thankful Thursday

I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalm 7:17

This week's blessings:

1. Women's Retreat. It was our church's women's retreat and I was able to go for the first (and probably last since we're moving) time. The sessions themselves were filled with encouragement about "being still" and trusting in the Lord. The speaker was the sweetest little lady who remembers everyone's name and everything about you... such a wonderful woman! And the fellowship was really great! It's been hard for me to find ways to really get to know other young women from church, and that was it! We had a lot of fun together! So the retreat was a great blessing all around!

2. Visit. One of our friends from Virginia was in the area speaking at a church, so he was able to come stay with us Monday night. No one ever just "happens to be in the area" since we live so far away from anyone we know, so it was really great to see him!

3. Baby Girl. Last week's ultrasound checked out clear and healthy and revealed that we're having a baby girl so I'm very VERY excited!!

4. Stroller class. I love this group of women, and it's a joy to get together twice a week to fellowship and exercise with the little ones.

5. Family. My mom found a way to come visit from Iowa this month! We thought we were going to have to wait until Christmas, but she found a weekend conference she can go to for work and then work will pay for the trip and vacation time. Yay! Just a couple weeks 'til we see her!

6. Hubs. I cannot end a thankful post without mentioning my husband. Even on the days when it's not so easy to come up with things, I still want to honor him and show him the love and respect he so very much deserves. This week I am especially thankful for all the time Kevin spent with Eli while I was at the retreat Saturday and Sunday. Even when I was finally home yet incredibly exhausted , he still offered for me to take a nap! (I didn't, but it was still sooo nice!) And now this week he is busy with several car maintenance tasks. I know it's always difficult for him, but he does it to save us money, and I really appreciate that!

What are you thankful for this week? How is God blessing your life? Join us over at Sting My Heart.

Weekly Memory Verse

The women's retreat last weekend was about being still and trusting in God, waiting on the Lord, and standing fast in the faith. So I selected one of the many verses we studied for this week's memory verse. And I had to go with New King James Version because I think it's so much better here but of course you can choose whichever version you prefer.

New Verse

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord!

Previous Verses
Colossians 2:6-7
Psalm 119:9-11
Romans 15:13
Hebrews 10:24-25
Psalm 86:11
Joshua 1:8
Luke 10:27
2 Corinthians 3:5
Colossians 4:6
Colossians 3:16
Romans 12:2
1 Thessalonians 5:16
1 John 3:18
Psalm 19:14
Proverbs 3:5
Proverbs 4:23
Proverbs 22:6
Philippians 4:8
Matthew 12:34

If you'd like to join me in memorizing this week's verse Psalm 27:14, sign your name below! May this verse strengthen and encourage you throughout your week and always as you write it on your heart!

Daily Schedule

Over the weekend someone asked me if I'm a stickler for naps or if I'm more of a go-with-the-flow person and do I ever get bored being at home. And I guess I'm the stickler for naps. I love routine and I love schedules, and I believe adults and children function better with a fairly predictable day. So for those of you who might care, here is our daily schedule.....

6:40-7:00 Eli wakes up, get dressed
7:10 bottle
7:30 breakfast, read Bible (we've been through Proverbs, now we're going through the Gospels)
7:45 free playtime, check email
8:30 Eli helps Mommy get ready for the day
9:00 morning walk
9:45 pick up toys, vacuum
10:00 nap time, Mom does chores
11:00/11:30 Eli wakes up
11:30 bottle
12:00 lunch
12:30 errands/free play
1:30-1:50 "church time", listen to MP3 message from Revive Our Hearts, Eli plays with book and learns to sit in my lap
2:30/3:00 nap time, Kevin usually gets home sometime during this time
4:00/4:30 Eli wakes up
4:30 snack time
4:45 free play outside, watch learning video, go somewhere if we haven't been out yet
5:00 Mom starts dinner, Eli plays with Dad
5:30 bottle
6:00 dinner
7:10 bath time
7:20 in jammies
7:30 bed time

Tuesdays and Thursdays is our stroller exercise group, so we shift nap time up 30-45 minutes and lunch is a little later.

This is really the routine we keep most days. I can flex it when I need to do, but generally-speaking this is what we do! Of course, it will change as Eli gets older and especially when Baby 2 comes. And then we'll find a new routine that works for us! But with a schedule I never get bored because I know there are specific things we do throughout every day, and that's what makes it fun!