memorization and meditation

I think scripture memorization is really important. What other defense do we have against the enemy? Lately I have challenged myself to memorize more than just one verse at a time. I started with my favorite passage, which contains my favorite verse (highlighted below). I don't have it all done yet, I am about halfway so far. I would encourage you to start incorporating scripture memorization into your daily routine. Then throughout your day while you are cooking, working, cleaning, caring for children, etc. you can meditate on the verse or passage. I found that my attitude became much better while serving in these areas when I meditated on a verse or passage.

Phillipians 4

4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

inexpensive etsy 10

It has been a while since we have had an etsy update! That is probably because etsy is not good for my budget. However, the name of the game is "inexpensive" so I have scoured etsy for the best deals this week on vinyl decals. I love them! They are easy to install, way better than painting, easily removeable, inexpensive, and cover a range of styles from traditional to modern. These are the ones I like the best!




This is one of my favorite bible verses from itswrittenonthewall. I see this above a doorway in my house!














I LOVE this one from back40life. This is exactly how I would picture this verse...in a very serene part of your house. Maybe the room you do your daily quiet time in? I want it!


















Singlestonestudios version of Proverbs 163 definitely appeals to a more modern aesthetic. It is super cute though!

















HAPPY SHOPPING!

great grub 17

I told you a while ago that my great grub series was going Lebanese for a few weeks in honor of my grandmother. So I am back with another super traditional Arabic dish. This is an item that my grandmother always has in her refrigerator. It is basically the Arabic version of a garden salad. I love it! I do have to apologize though, I watched my grandmother make these and she never measures. Don't hold me to these exact measurements, because they are a little subjective.

Tabouleh (pronounced "tah-bool-ay")
Parsley Salad


Ingredients:
- 2 lb. parsley
- 1 cup cracked wheat
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 3 tsp fresh or dried mint
- 1 onion, chopped fine
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- salt and pepper

Directions:
Chop and soak the parsley to remove dirt. Add enough water to the cracked wheat to make a paste and let sit for 30 minutes. Add the onion, tomato, and parsley to the cracked wheat. Mix in the olive oil and lemon juice. Generously salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy with Lebanese bread!

update: meals for a month

It has been a little over 2 weeks since I bought groceries so I thought I would update you all on how my meals for a month challenge is going! Personally, I think we have done great!!!

- Lemony Lentil Greek Soup (eat twice this month, freeze and eat twice next month)
- Biscuits and gravy (x2) 1 to go!
- Cheesy chicken and rice (x2, four meals each time so some will be for next month)
- Tuna melts (x2) with faux-tatoes and with broccoli 1 to go!
- Macaroni Grill meal (chicken pesto)
- Chicken fajitas
- Buffalo chicken quesadillas
- Crock pot chicken and black eyed peas (x2) 1 to go!
- Twice baked potatoes (x2, aka Texas 'Taters) 1 to go!
- Shepherds pie (x2)
- Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches 1 to go!
- Spaghetti and garlic bread 1 to go!
- Mexican lentil casserole (x2)
- Black bean soup (eat twice this month, freeze and eat twice next month)
- Italian chicken and fried squash
- Frozen Red Baron pizzas (x2) 1 to go!
- Frozen Smoked Gouda mac and cheese
- Hot dogs and baked beans (x2)
- Burritos
- Brinner (x2, blueberry pancakes, sausage, fried eggs, etc.) several to go!

So there you go folks, well on the way to succeeding in this challenge...and eating somewhere good for Valentine's Day!!!

trials

This is a definition from the sermon today. It really hit home with me.

Trials-
Painful circumstances allowed by God to transform my conduct and my character.

I think the part that means the most is that the trials are "allowed" by God, not "caused" by God.

He isn't punishing, he is teaching.
He isn't condemning, he is molding.
He isn't unloving, he is a jealous God.

I am so thankful to have a God who loves me enough to not let me fall through the cracks.

great grub 16

Ok I know I said I was going to post arabic recipes for the next few great grubs...but this next recipe was sooo good I had to bump it up and share. Eric and I do brinner (breakfast for dinner) a lot! I love how cheap it is, plus I love breakfast food! So here was our Monday night brinner:

Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes

Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 and 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
- 1 cup fresh (or thawed frozen) blueberries
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 egg whites (or two eggs) - beaten
- 1 Tablespoon canola oil (or vegetable)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix together the two flours, baking powder and salt.

In a separate bowl, mix together the milk, egg, oil and vanilla.

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just moistened and combined. Fold in the berries.

On a lightly greased skillet set at medium-high heat, dollops batter in 1/4 cup amounts (I use a measure cup to dip and pour) to make each pancake. When bubbles appear at the top of the pancake and the edges start to look dry, flip the pancakes and cook the other sides until golden brown.

Eric ate his with maple syrup, but I prefer mine with blueberry syrup!

Enjoy!

letting go

I have heard this song from Francesca Battistelli a million times, but not until tonight were the words made clear to me.

"I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go"




meals for a month

I usually try to do once a month grocery shopping. The only things I go back for in the middle of the month are milk, eggs, bread, and fresh fruits/veggies. Since we are only a family of two, I try to stick to a really tight budget when it comes to groceries. Under $150 is my usual goal for a month. So far so good for the last 3 months! Eric and I decided that if we don't go out to eat at all for the month of January and half of February, we can do something nice for Valentines Day. Here is what we are eating this month (and a half):

- Lemony Lentil Greek Soup (eat twice this month, freeze and eat twice next month)
- Biscuits and gravy (x2)
- Cheesy chicken and rice (x2, four meals each time so some will be for next month)
- Tuna melts (x2) with faux-tatoes and with broccoli
- Macaroni Grill meal (chicken pesto)
- Chicken fajitas
- Buffalo chicken quesadillas
- Crock pot chicken and black eyed peas (x2)
- Twice baked potatoes (x2, aka Texas 'Taters)
- Shepherds pie (x2)
- Tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches
- Spaghetti and garlic bread
- Mexican lentil casserole (x2)
- Black bean soup (eat twice this month, freeze and eat twice next month)
- Italian chicken and fried squash
- Frozen Red Baron pizzas (x2)
- Frozen Smoked Gouda mac and cheese
- Hot dogs and baked beans (x2)
- Burritos
- Brinner (x2, blueberry pancakes, sausage, fried eggs, etc.)

That is 38 meals! Plus leftovers and enough for lunches. I think we can do it!

So now I want to know where we are going...
;)