Tis the Season

Today marks the first day of what some consider the most stressful time of year.   For many people, the month of December has become a dreadful reminder of loss, lack and uncertainty.   These feelings can be overwhelming and even debilitating.   Our focus on our own inadequacies cause us to trust in ourselves and our ability. However, we often forget the limitless power of the one for whom the season is celebrated.   Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I would like to remind you to hope and trust in Him.   Jesus became the matchless gift for those who believe on him and father God.   No other gift can compare.  So before you allow worry and stress to take hold of you this season; remind yourself that the price has already been paid.

Romans 8:32 (NIV)

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with Him graciously give us all things?

What Mother Birds Know

I am began thinking about ''mother birds'' this morning while I sat helping my 7 year old review her homework.  (Don't judge I was sick last night.)  I was open to helping her until I realized that she was not willing to try to review the work herself.  I became angry with her because I knew she wanted me to give her the answers instead of trying to figure out the answers. I know you never become angry with your children.  Right?

And so my thought process began.  How do ''mother birds'' know when to PUSH their young out of the nest?  A nest is symbolic of comfort, convenience and protection but how do they know when to give the little birdies that much needed nudge towards independence?  I'm sure my daughter thinks my nest is as soft and cushy as any momma birds tree top abode.   I've created my  theoretical nest by always being there to fix everything.  By not allowing her to fail.  The nest I've created by possibly protecting her too much.  By wanting to save her from every hurt I've ever known.  Although, I do believe much of her hesitance has to do with her mild mannered nature; I am  willing to admit that maybe I haven't demanded as much from her as I could have.

In my desire to protect her, I realize that I could have hindered her.  I don't want her so dependent on me that she fails to realize her own strength. I want her to be as proud of herself as I am of her.  I want her to learn to FLY.

I researched ''mother birds'' and found a few interesting facts.  With ''mother birds'' timing is everything.  There is a time for protecting "nestlings," birds that cannot fend for themselves.   These birds need to be fed, comforted and protected.  However, the time comes when "nestlings" move onto the stage of becoming "fledglings."  A "fledgling" is a bird that has matured and grown wing tips suitable for learning how to fly.   It is during this time that ''mother birds'' push their young out of the nest in order to encourage the use of the baby bird's wings.  The ''mother bird'' stays around while her young learn to use their wings effectively.  She is still there to provide help but she encourages the birdie to try to fly on it's own.

Today, I took a lesson from a bird of all things and gave a nudge to my baby girl.  I nudged her toward self reliance, independence, and most importantly I hope that I've pushed her toward help that extends beyond my reach.   Though she may think that I can fix it all, I know that my strength lies in my dependence on Christ.  And in pushing her somewhat away from me, I pray that I push her toward a greater understanding of Him.  We quoted " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)"  before she left for school.

For as much as I want to protect her, I know that I have to let her soar on her own.
I promise to stick around as she learns how to use her wings effectively.

What lessons have you learned lately? 

Technological Difficulties

I have experienced some technological difficulties this week. Monday evening my computer crashed! So sad. I just got my pc back in my hot little hands this morning. YEAH! (shout out to my hubby, Mr. H.) I want to apologize to my readers for leaving you hanging :(  Also, I want to extend a "warm welcome" to all the people that visited this week.

I should be up and running soon...so stayed tuned. More enthusiasm to come!

Meal Plan Nov 8 -- Nov 13

This week- Kroger $58.44, Food Lion $28.47= $86.91
 * includes breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks  
(totals for previous 'meal plan' posts includes the same.)


Monday - Pasta e Fagioli
Note: adjust recipe to family size. I substituted elbow macaroni for Ronzoni Smart Taste Rotini. Also, instead of water I use chicken broth. (Kroger Mega 10 Event - Ronzoni and chicken broth)

Tuesday- Smoked Sausage with Shredded Potatoes & Vegetables
Note: (Kroger Mega 10 Event - Simply Potatoes)

Ingredients:
(1) rope Smoked Sausage
(1) package Simply Potatoes
(1) package frozen 3 pepper & onion blend (Kroger)
(1) can of sweet corn

Slice sausage in 1/2 inch to one inch slices.  Heat 3 tsp of oil in frying pan. Add sausage and vegetable blend to pan, saute on medium heat.  Remove when  sausage is brown on both sides and vegetables are tender, set aside.  Saute potatoes according to package directions (you may need to add more oil).  When potatoes are fully cooked, mix in sausage and vegetables.  Drain corn and add to potatoes, sausage and vegetables, heat until corn is warmed. Serve hot.

Wednesday- Creamy beef & noodles
Note: I substituted with Ronzoni whole wheat egg noodles. (Kroger Mega 10 Event- Ronzoni Whole Wheat Egg Noodles and Campbells Cream of Mushroom Soup).

Thursday- Stove Top Chicken Bake
Note: (Kroger Mega 10 Event- Stove Top Stuffing and Campbells Cream of Chicken Soup) Food lion 2 packs of chicken tenders 50% off sale - $3.00 off catalina from last week's purchase. Total for 2 packs chicken tenders $4.35.

Friday- Sloppy Joes (Kids Cook)
Note: Food Lion  purchase any 5 and save $2.00 off purchase. I purchased 3 cans of Manwich ($1.25 each) and 2 Banquet dinners ($2.00 each). Total $3.75.

Saturday- Clean Out Fridge (leftovers)

Sunday-??? (Dad Cook)

Got Questions? Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you!

Be sure to check out Meal Plan Monday over at I'm an Organizing Junkie for more meal ideas.

While on this Journey

Psalms 84:6

Who passing through the valley of Baca [weeping] make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.

Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 84:6 

I believe Baca to be the same here as Bochim, Judges 2:1-6, called The Valley of Weeping. Though they pass through this barren and desert place, they would not fear evil, knowing that thou wouldst supply all their wants; and even in the sandy desert cause them to find pools of water, in consequence of which they shall advance with renewed strength, and shall meet with the God of Israel in Zion.

The rain also filleth the pools - The Hebrew may be translated differently, and has been differently understood by all the Versions. גם ברכות יעטה מורה gam berachoth yaateh moreh; "Yea, the instructor is covered or clothed with blessings." While the followers of God are passing through the wilderness of this world, God opens for them fountains in the wilderness, and springs in the dry places. They drink of the well-spring of salvation; they are not destitute of their pastors. God takes care to give his followers teachers after his own heart, that shall feed them with knowledge; and while they are watering the people they are watered themselves; for God loads them with his benefits, and the people cover them with their blessings.

While on this journey to my higher calling in Christ Jesus, I am reminded that God's perfect plan is at work.  These last couple of weeks have been challenging for me.  I have felt as though I am in a dry place.  However, this morning I was reminded of this scripture.  And I wanted to share it with you. 

My desire is that you find encouragement for your own journey while viewing this blog.  I do not want this blog to become on of those "picture perfect" blogs where everything the author writes seems so unattainable.  I am a real person, with real challenges and short comings.  I hope that as I reveal my imperfections, you will find the strength to face your imperfections.  And in doing so, we all can be encouraged in knowing that GOD is GREATER still. 

Be blessed!

Meal Plan Nov 1- Nov 6 (Foodlion $17.97 - Kroger $24.25)

Monday – Hamburger Helper w/ Vegetables

 Note: Foodlion sales prices $.88 Hamburger Helper, purchased 6 used (2) $.75 off coupons, received 3.00 off next purchase of ground beef, chicken or tuna.

Ingredients:

2lb ground beef

(2) boxes Hamburger Helper

 or 1 box Hamburger Helper, 1 lb elbow macaroni cooked

Vegetable of your choice

Cook meat on med-high until brown no longer pink. Follow package instructions for Hamburger Helper. Add favorite vegetable as a side dish or add vegetable directly to dish. i.e. peas or tomatoes.

Tuesday – Meatballs w/ gravy, yellow rice & peas

 Note: Foodlion B1G1 Farm Fresh Meatballs $6.99, used (2) $.75 off coupons

Ingredients:

(1) bag of frozen meatballs

(2) cans of gravy

½ medium onion chopped

2 tablespoons of soy sauce

1 tablespoons of maple syrup

(1) 10 oz bag of yellow rice

 (1) 16 oz of bag of frozen sweet peas

Add gravy, meatballs and onions to a large stock pot. Stir in soy sauce and maple syrup. Bring to a simmer on medium heat until meatballs are warmed approximately 20 minutes, stir occasionally. Meanwhile cook yellow rice according to package directions. Cook peas or favorite vegetable to complete the meal.

Wednesday – Weeknight Vegetable Chicken Soup

 Note: last weeks sale price $3.69 Holly Farms Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

(1) 4lb whole chicken

(1-2) chicken bouillion cubes (optional)

(1) can of lima beans

(1) can of carrots

(1) can of mushrooms

(1) can of peas

1 teaspoon of minced garlic

1 medium onion chopped

3 medium potatoes cubed

Combine chicken, water, onion, garlic, in a large stock pot and bring to a boil. Boil chicken on medium-high heat for approximately 45 minutes until meat is tender and no longer pink. Test chicken with a fork to determine when it is tender and fully cooked. Remove the chicken cut in half and shred it. Remove bones, fat, skin, and gristle. Strain chicken broth to remove other small particles. Add vegetables (drained) and chicken to chicken broth and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes are done.
Skim fat from surface of pot with a slotted spoon. Serve hot.

Thursday – Spaghetti and Meatballs

 Note: Second bag of Farm Fresh Meatballs

Ingredients:

(1) bag of frozen meatballs

(1) jar chunky vegetable spaghetti sauce

(1) jar garlic & herb spaghetti sauce

1.5 lbs of ground beef

2 lbs of spaghetti noodles

Bring a stock pot of water to a rapid boil, add spaghetti noodle and cook according to package directions. Meanwhile cook ground beef on medium-high until browned. Once ground beef is brown, drain excess fat and return to pot. To ground beef, add meatballs and spaghetti sauce simmer on medium heat for 25 minutes or until meat balls are warm. Add additional vegetables to sauce or as a side dish. Optional, bread or salad to complete meal.

Friday - Weeknight Chili (Kids Cook)

Note: Kroger Mega 10 Event, $.84 a can Hormel Chili. Canned chili is a good way to get the essence of chili flavor even if you don't have all the spices on hand to make chili from scratch.

Ingredients:

(2) cans Hormel Chili Chunky with Beans

(2) diced tomatoes Zesty Chili Style

1 large onion chopped

(1) can of kidney beans

2lbs of ground beef

2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

1 box baked natural cheese crisps

salt & pepper to taste

In a large stock pot, cook ground beef and onion on medium high until brown no longer pink. Drain ground beef and return to pot. Add canned chili, tomatoes and beans to pot. Heat until combined. Serve hot. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve with favorite crackers or bread. 

Saturday - Leftovers

Sunday- ??? (Dad Cooks)

Lost and Found

There are days when I feel "lost."  Only in His word can I be "found."   I lay down my ideals of the way it should be.  And take comfort in knowing that He delights in the way it is.   In my uncertainty I lose myself in Him.  When I am at my end, His directive becomes clear.  He simply asks "follow me."  And then, He reveals himself and I see me in Him.

Psalm 119:35-45 (NIV)

 ³⁵ Direct me in the path of your commands,
       for there I find delight.
 ³⁶ Turn my heart toward your statutes
       and not toward selfish gain.
 ³⁷ Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
       preserve my life according to your word. 
 ³⁸ Fulfill your promise to your servant,
       so that you may be feared.
 ³⁹ Take away the disgrace I dread,
       for your laws are good.
 ⁴⁰ How I long for your precepts!
       Preserve my life in your righteousness.
 ⁴¹ May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
       your salvation according to your promise;  ⁴² then I will answer the one who taunts me,
       for I trust in your word.
 ⁴³ Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
       for I have put my hope in your laws.
 ⁴⁴ I will always obey your law,
       for ever and ever.
 ⁴⁵ I will walk about in freedom,
       for I have sought out your precepts.

Meal Plan Oct 25-Oct 31 (Food Lion $42.82)

Monday- Idaho Tacos w/ String Beans
 Idaho Tacos
Note: Adjust recipe to fit your family size

Ingredients:

10 medium baking potato (1-2 pp)

1.5 lb  ground beef

1 pkg Taco Seasoning Mix

2 cup  Mexican Style Finely Shredded Cheese or Colby Jack

4 green onions, sliced (optional)

Salsa (optional)

1/2 cup  Sour Cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Prick each potato several times. Bake 45 min. or until tender.

Meanwhile, cook meat with seasoning mix as directed on package.
Cut slits in tops of potatoes; top with meat mixture and remaining ingredients.

Tuesday- Apple Pork Chops & Stuffing w/ Carrots
Note: * Read sales ads carefully for discounts

Ingredients:
6 (1/2) thick pork chops
1/2 medium onion, sliced (optional)
2 boxes Stove top stuffing mix
1 15oz can of fried apples
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Season pork chops with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Add pork chops to baking dish. Place onion slices over pork chops. Cook for 20 min. Pull pork from oven add canned apple over pork chops. Return to oven, bake for 25. (You can add apples and bake all at once for 45 min, however, I am scared of undercooked meat. My reason for cooking it this way.) Meanwhile cook stove top stuffing according to package directions. Cook vegetable of your choice to complete the meal.

Wednesday- Chicken  Kraft Macaroni & Cheese w/ Broccoli

Ingredients:
1 4lb whole chicken
3 tablespoons of margarine, room temperature
2 boxes Kraft Mac & Cheese
1 bag frozen broccoli
2 cups of cheese
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 tablespoon of lawry's season salt
1 tablespoon of onion powder
salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Clean chicken, remove neck and giblets from inside. Pat dry with paper towel. Smear chicken with margarine to cover the top. Sprinkle dry seasonings over the chicken. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes skin should be golden. Reduce heat to 375 degrees, cook for 25 minutes. Meanwhile, cook mac & cheese according to package directions. Boil an inch of water for broccoli. Once rapidly boiling add broccoli, salt & pepper (optional). Bring back up to a rapid boil, cover and reduce heat to medium. Boil for 3 minutes for crunchy steamed broccoli.

Once chicken is done. Cool down enough to touch. Cut in half between the breast bone. Shred half.(Note: use more or less chicken if desired) Save half. Mix chicken, broccoli and 2 cups of cheese. Bake until cheese is melted.

Thursday- Chicken Bacon Alfredo
Follow link for recipe:
lifeonechunkatatime.blogspot.com (Meal Plan Oct 10-Oct 16)
 Use other half of chicken.

Fri- Soup & Sandwiches (Kids Cook)
Note: Soup from Kroger. Campbell's soup 2/$1 use (2) $.30 off 3 coupons

Make sandwich of your choice. Follow condensed soup directions.

Saturday- Clean out fridge-Left overs
(rarely but I'm hopeful)

Sunday- ???? (Dad Cooks)

*Food lion featured these ingredients in their $10 dinner section of the sales ad. Purchase (1) Stove Top Stuffing + (1) Kraft Mac & Cheese + (1) Kraft Salad Dressing and get $3.00 off fresh pork. The deal was even sweeter when I found a pork roast reduced to $3.71. I had the butcher cut the roast into medallion size portions. The total cost for the pork = $.71  Again adjust to family size, I purchased (2) Stove Top Stuffing & (2) Kraft Mac & Cheese.

Have questions about saving on groceries?  Ask?

Choose Your Imagination

My friend and I chatted on instant message last night.  We talked about design ideas for her laundry room.  She i.m.'d her excitement at possibly choosing a new color scheme for this area.  I could feel her excitement and encouraged her to "choose her imagination," I typed.  After noticing my error, I quickly typed "use" in an effort to correct my mistake.  However, in this instance "choose" seemed to fit.  We laughed (LOL) at how God used a  simple mindless error to get our attention.

As with many of you, my friend and I are experiencing trying times.  Our individual trials can seem insurmountable and at times we are tempted to imagine an ungodly outcome.  You see we do "choose" our imagination. 

As I sat in the hair salon today, I was in awe of how God once again reminded me that I have  choice.  The book that I read while I waited referenced 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5(KJV).

 ³For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

 ⁴(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

 ⁵Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.

We choose what we focus on.  We choose what we believe to be true.  So I encourage you as I am encouraged, to "choose" your imagination. 

Get creative.  Think the best.  What will you choose to imagine? 

Why Wait? Clip Now!

 
Click the above link to organize and save on this week's grocery trip. 


Watch for 'Sommer Savings' this week. 

Playing in Dirt!

My two year old loves to play in dirt!  It is as if she is drawn to it.  She gravitates to the dirt whether in our driveway, at the park or any other place.  She will find it.  I often look on with apprehension forcefully giving my warning "no it's dirty!" I say.  However, the concept seems to elude her.  I shake my head at the thought of having to clean her up.  Disinfect.  Wipe off.  Make new. 

She looks up surprised by being interrupted from her play.  She stares at me, that look of "what?"   Then I stop and question myself, maybe the concept of "playing in dirt" eludes me?

Her innocence allows her to grasp something I've yet to realize.  She knows that her uncleanliness is temporary because there is one that will make her clean.  So I pause, smile and think of the one that cleans me up.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

Psalms 51:1-2

Dirt is temporary, if we are willing to be made clean.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

Psalms 51:7

And so I disinfect-wipe off-make new, just as the Father does for me.