Cornerstone

From time to time a song comes along that seems to touch the heart right where it hurts most. I'm not going to add any fancy chatty chat to this - just share the lyrics with you. Praying the Holy Spirit ministers to your heart with this song, as it does to mine. Peace. 

Cornerstone

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all

When Darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
He is Lord
Lord of all

Christ alone
Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Saviour's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless stand before the throne.

Eh, so... it snowed again.

{picture source abcnewsradio.com}

Apparently Rocky came to visit us overnight and was still hanging around this morning. Oh, you don't know Rocky? In Iowa we name our snow storms ;) He left a mess this morning forcing us to cancel playgroup at church and a whole list of activities scheduled tonight and maybe even tomorrow. Though, as I sit here and read the list of sicknesses that are going around... perhaps its not such a bad thing we are all bound at home? I haven't gotten the flu in years and see no reason to start up now.

This morning while the girls played and laundry washed itself in the basement {thank you modern inventions} I had some time to sit and finish my Kevin DeYoung book - "The Hole in our Holiness". Wow, folks. This was a phenomenal book and I like to think I even grew a bit from reading it. I'm hoping to do a review on here maybe tomorrow to further whet your appetite. The final chapter ended with the topic of repentance and it was AMAZING. Such a challenge - do I sorrow over sin? Do I take repentance seriously? God does.  So challenging.

I'm now a full month behind on my 2013 reading list, but, that's alright. I think my next book won't involve as much brain power and should go more quickly. I'm enjoying getting into my books more and have been eager to keep adding new ones to my list. P.S. If you haven't looked for books at thrift stores yet... let me encourage you to do so. :) I'm a Lucado fan and found several of his books basically brand new for a quarter a pop! Try it.

My biggest girl is going cabin fever crazy. And as I watched the snow fall I knew I needed to ramp up the creativity today. Those little brains just need so much exercise. So, she learned how to draw hearts, stick families, we made a blanket tent in the living room, had FOUR morning snacks, watched part of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", brushed lil' ponies hair, drew more hearts, argued over why she could not have the book of stamps for stickers...
we've kept busy. Sometimes when the house is quiet - I know the girls are hiding. It's all the rage here to hide. {little stinkers!} Yesterday I looked in nearly every room until I came upon this -

The pack n' play was still set up in the school room from watching a friends toddler this weekend. Why not jump in with all your fave blankets and kid sister?! Please DO note the large amount of necklaces worn by the 1 year old. Oscar party remnants. :)

It's all in a day around here.
It's snowing again and it's pure beauty, but I will agree... how lovely it would be to someday get to run outside again :)

Happy Homemaker Monday - END of Feb!

 

Wow. My children BOTH slept in this morning - following a late night at the Oscars.... er, kind of. We had our own Oscar party here at Pausleyland and it was a fun time! Now Monday is here and we are ready. 

The weather:::

Honestly, I'm not going to watch weather anymore. Lies. All lies. After hoping for a huge snowstorm last week - we got maybe 4 inches. :/ Right now the sun is attempting to shine but its super cloudy. 

Right now I am:::

Listening to Frank Sinatra and enjoying the last of my cup of coffee. 

 

Thinking:::

House is pretty clean from having a party last night. Need to make a milk run - gave the girls powdered milk this morning. My 4 year old is not a fan. I have several projects I'd like to do this week... 

On my reading pile:::

Last chapter of "The Hole in our Holiness" by Kevin DeYoung

Starting "I used to be so organized" by Glynnis Whitwer today! :)

On my TV:::

Girls are watching their FAVE movie - "Sweatpea Beauty" veggie tales

Favorite blog post this week (mine or other):::

Didn't get to much blogging this week, but did LOVE the post put out by Resurgence this week "If Only".

"If only we had more money. 

If only I had a date night with my husband.

If only I could get my house really clean.

If only I had alone time.

If only I could sleep more.

Feeling inadequate and out of control of any number of life stresses, I feel small and weak. Instead of being humbled, I tend to reject the discomfort of my need, and become prideful. I demand control, believing that if I regain control, I will be restored. My wandering, grumbling heart searches for some end to my familiar fatigue."

Something fun to share:::

Eh, fun. I can't think of anything today. 

On the menu for this week:::

Monday - Zesty Taco salad

Tuesday - Beef Stroganoff

Weds - leftovers

Thursday - Hamburger Casserole

Friday - (hubby at a retreat) 1 pot chicken couscous

Saturday - Family bday party - TACO BAR!

Sunday - Corned beef & cabbage

On my to do list:::

Laundry

general tidy

dust bedrooms

master bedroom needs help

What am I sewing, crocheting, creating:::

Still crocheting two small blankets

Homemaking tips:::

The Dollar Tree now has a wide variety of items - and often you can find just what you need there rather then paying 2x's the amount at another place. I've started buying more products there - saran wrap, napkins, etc. AND they are made in the USA - double bonus! 

Looking around the house:::

Gold streamers in a pile where girls have torn down our Oscar decor. Stack of empty pizza boxes by the back door. 

From the camera:::

None this week. BOO for not having a good camera.

On my prayer list:::

Family health issues {without details would you pray about March 5? The Lord knows!}

Friends under the weather

TONS of new pregnancies. 

Bible Verse, devotionals:::

Going through Acts in church and have been so challenged and encouraged about what the Church needs to be and look like. 

Have a good one! 

The not so much snow.

It always starts SO big. "We could see 20 inches of snow" said the weather person last week. And in my mind I'm planning and smiling and half pretending that we'll be the Ingalls family in the little house during that bad winter.

So, when the "storm" started right at 3pm on the nose like they predicted. I was surprised. It was coming down fast and within a few minutes a light sheet of white had covered things. {grin}

I started to take a picture an hour...

Until it all stopped within just a few. Nothing. No more flakes. So, instead we gave up and went to bed. 

This morning we woke up and it had indeed snowed - more then while we were awake. Pretty white covered everything and as usual the plows hadn't touched our street. {we seem to be last priority as far as roads go, which is fine by me.} I quick grabbed this shot as the soft glow of the morning sun began to rise. 

It's still beautiful, even if not 20 inches. We'll take what we were given and make the most of it. I have two precious girls who are excited and my hubby is home for the day on his day off. :) 

All too soon the weather will warm up and the schedule will fill and we'll be in a new season. This blog post reminded me to treasure and even savor each season - not rushing for the next one. Check out (in)courage here.

And enjoy your snow, no matter how much or how little. :)

Those old Hymns

I have nine million ultra-serious thoughts on my brain today. Lessons learned and faith tests that are pressing hard, parenting skills that I seem to be gaining or struggling with by the hour, just basic life stuff that seems to weigh on a woman. 

I'd love to sit down here someday and spill them all. Put fingers to the keyboard and share just exactly what God almighty has done. But the thing about life is - the answers or the learned lesson isn't so obvious right away. That's where I am. On the PRE side of learning. I'm the on verge of so much... but it's not yet. So if I seem fluffy in my posts the next few days - it's not that I'm avoiding deep thoughts and truths, but rather, enjoying the light and happy things while LIVING the hard things in private. And I think we all do this from time to time. I can, however, tell you one thing - the body of Christ is POWERFUL. The power of prayer is ASTOUNDING. Obedience to trust and not fret... is a HARD lesson, hard obedience. But the reward is rich and sweet. 

{deep breath}

As I've mentioned, tomorrow we are due for a big ol' winter storm. {grin} I know I'm the only crazy around here who actually enjoys this news and is actually planning on it. When it falls we plan to make snow ice cream, which we've never done. We plan to build a snow family in the yard. I'm hoping to try some food coloring in spray bottles to "paint" with outside on the pretty white stuff. I have plans! The girls and I hopped down to Goodwill this morning to find some snow pants for Ava. She still doesn't have any and I just thought today - maybe we could find a super cheap pair for just this one special storm that's left. Make it a big deal! And we did :) We love our Goodwill store. 

We found a great and sturdy pair of red snow pants just for my special 4 year old and this special storm. 

This goober just means the world to me! 

Besides fun in the snow - I was hoping to get a jump start on some spring crafty type things. I'm hoping to do a whole hymn themed look for spring/Easter and of course you can find a zillion of those ideas on Pinterest. I have a more modern hymnal that can be made to look older...but, was hoping to score a genuine real old one, so I've been looking each time we go to a thrift store. Found one today. Ultra old and even falling apart. 

I'm not 100% familiar with a hymnary - but, it has readings in it and multiple other "areas" besides simple hymns. It's a beaut and smells just like an old basement library. :) It's perfect for some of these ideas I found today:

Painted words or letters for a bunting {which, I seem to do a bunting for EVERY holiday}

Hymnal paper chain...bunting. :) 

Love this. Cover a canvas {or large piece of cardboard}, paint over letters, then peel to reveal.

Cloche with small frame and hymn paper

Hymnal on display with cross

This was a Christmas idea - but thinking of "Risen" or "Alive" instead.

Something about those old hymns - special and beautiful. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday and if you are due for snow - ENJOY! 

Food for the storm

There is a winter storm heading our way sometime tomorrow night and Thursday. At first I heard weather men predict upwards of 21 inches of snow... now, it has dwindled down to 8 to 10. Still snow! I love a good winter storm and I'm thinking and guessing this might be the last one for the season...right? My girls and I bundled up and braced the crazy strong winds to make an Aldi trip - we needed to stock some shelves here on the home front. We found every single thing on our list and picked up a few fun extras - a pineapple, box of brownie mix to surprise daddy, and... some REAL twizzlers! :)

My meal plan this week feels very heavy. Heavy and hearty meals - lines up perfectly with the freezing cold days ahead, I think. Tonight we are having "Sloppy Joe Supper" and I'm excited about it. It's not your normal sloppy joe - it's WAY better. At least... it smells way better as it simmers downstairs in the crock. I thought I'd share the recipe with you today. It's also SUPER cheap and easy - I think the total cost for all the ingredients was close or right under $10, and we'll have leftovers for tomorrow {my non cooking day due to ministry stuff}. So, a $5 dinner if you split it in two :)

Sloppy Joe Supper

32oz package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

10 3/4oz can condensed cream o' cheddar soup

1/4 c egg substitute

1 t salt

1/2 t pepper

2 lbs ground beef

2 T finely chopped onion

15oz can sloppy joe sauce {we love Aldi's brand}

1) In a large bowl, combine potatoes, soup, egg substitute, salt and pepper. Spread into a lightly greased 5 quart slow cooker.
2) In a large skillet, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink. Drain. Stir in sloppy joe sauce. Spoon over potato mixture. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 4 1/2 hours or until heated through.

Yum! And I love that even though it does have starchy hash browns... it's not a sandwich bread meal. I get bored with sandwiches. This recipe makes 8 servings and tonight I'll serve it with some corn on the cob!

On this cold and windy day I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be home creating meals, cleaning things up, raising children and making life happen. What a great blessing it is!

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

Happy Monday fellow homemakers! I have some ladies popping over this morning and I'm looking forward to another week! If you aren't familiar with Happy Homemaker Monday or where it comes from - take a minute and check out Sandra's blog over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. I love reading her blog - great recipes, pictures, homemaking ideas, pretty things!

 

The Weather::: 

This morning I stepped out onto the front porch just to enjoy the "warmer" morning. I think we'll be in the 40's for a few days! And then.... I heard a rumor about 21 inches of snow possibly coming on Thursday. Oh, let it be so! :)

Right now I am:::

Watching hubby chase around a stinky baby that does not want changed! hehehehe. 

Thinking:::

I am so disappointed with the season finale of Downton. {Sandra, you were right!!} Still annoyed over it this morning.

On my reading pile:::

Planning to finish "The Hole in our Holiness" by Kevin DeYoung

"Where is your pineapple" by Raelene Phillips

On my TV:::

Girls are watching "Charlie and Lola" - cute British kids show.

Favorite blog post this week:::

Ah, so enjoyed this one from The Better Mom on loving God's word.

Something fun to share:::

Lemme take us all back about 15 years. Books on tape! We have a dvd player in our van and my girls constantly want to watch their lives away... Recently I've found the books on tape section in our church library and I'm enjoying the variety. Fiction. Nonfiction. Biographies. I love that my girls will sometimes sit very still and quiet and just drink in what they hear - truth! Wondering if we should invest in some Adventures in Odyssey or similar stories. 

On the menu this week:::

I feel like I'm cooking HEAVY this week. But, hoping to put some of these away in the freezer for later.

 

Monday - Lime chicken tacos

Tuesday - Sloppy Joe Supper

Weds- leftovers

Thursday- Beefy broccoli & cheese soup

Friday- Zesty taco salad

Saturday- Beef stroganoff casserole

Sunday- Hamburger casserole

On my to do list:::

Unload and reload dishwasher

Wipe down counters

Tidy up clutter on main floor

What I am crocheting or creating:::

 Still working on my two little crochet projects

Homemaking Tips:::

Show hospitality often! This is great accountability in keeping up with your housework and getting kids involved in getting everything ready. 

 

Looking around the house:::

Baskets of laundry all cleaned and folded, ready to be put away. Two girls watching their morning cartoon. Scentsy warmer is glowing and getting ready to smell amazing!

 

From the camera:::

My Valentines day "spur of the moment" bunting! Was so proud of myself for sewing up this little special touch!

 

On my prayer list:::

Pregnant friends - in all stages.

Family requests kept private for now

Our pastors serving the Lord in our local church

 

Devos, scripture:::

Just so challenged and enjoying the book of Acts - Especially their example of taking care of each other!

Valentines Day {reality version}

I have to laugh right out loud... or I'd cry. You know those "nailed it" moments when you try to copy something and ends up so much less then you'd hoped. Had another one of those last night!

Hubbys' gift was to be simple and classic. Mug with the word LOVE painted on it, baked to set, and filled with tissue paper and his fave gum. {hey, we keep it romantic around here} I wanted it to look like this -

It turned out like this -

I think it would have been just as romantic and thoughtful to hand him the white mug, paint brush and bottle of paint. I dunno. This might be packed into the Goodwill box by tonight. {blah}

But, although I have successfully failed in the area of gift giving {again} - I was able to sew up a quick and pretty cute bunting for the dining room last night.

Try not to be WOWED by my sewing skills. I know, I know. ;)

Happy Valentines Day. Here's to 2014!

Tomorrow is Valentines day, ya know.

I really do aim to be positive in my thoughts and speech. I do. It's not only helpful to those around me, but it's a mandate as a believer to be a LIGHT and SALT to a flavorless and negative world. Because I have the truth of Christ risen and active in my life - that's the motive. 

At the Resurgence conference last fall the quote, "Because Jesus lives I live for Jesus" comes to mind often lately. So does the reminder from one of our former pastors {and I'm sure lots of great authors} "We can't just listen to ourselves, we have to PREACH to ourselves." And that preaching needs to be TRUTH. 

Monday night we had our cell group time and we talked about one of Mark Driscoll's sermons - "The Fight". If you aren't familiar...basically, it's the passage in Song of Solomon where the Shulamite won't let her husband in the door at the end of the night. {Song of Solomon 5} Couples fight and most often we just don't do it right - or, even know why. My wise husband pointed out that it seems like the weeks of special holidays - especially Valentines day -  couples seem to have a harder and more argument prone week. Why is that so true?! We chatted about how we try to make that one week so perfect, line plans up, etc. and the stress just seems to mount almost cancelling the joy of the holiday. Seems ironic to me. 

Anyway, all this to say. We are relating to this. After a week on my own last week while hubby was in Chicago - I came down with a weird respiratory cold of sorts. It totally shut me down. Up all night coughing, exhausted during the day, zombie like. The weekend was full of transition back to daddy being home courtesy of our children, and then held sad and difficult news from family far away. Top it off with some heaviness in ministry... and what a "Welcome home my love" my husband received. Obviously, not my intention. Layer on the feelings of failure. 

This week so far has included:

Monday - sitting at two separate doctors offices totaling 3 hours in one day, with two children, by myself. Both trips yielding nothing - no specific diagnosis for myself or supposedly sick kid. Which, I'm thankful for - but, that's a LONG time for.. nothing. 

Tuesday - entire morning of running errands. The ones where you absolutely cannot leave your kids in the car so you have to do the whole load/unload thing like a zillion times. :) Got home in time to whip up some quick lunch and then the head pounding came back... wiping me out for the remainder of the day. Literally. 

Wednesday - woke up feeling a little better today. {Praise the Lord for antibiotics to kick whatever IS going on inside of me!} My house looks like... well, it's very lived in right now. Every room needs something done and we will not even talk about the 1,000,000 pieces of teensy weensy paper pieces scattered around the house by my 4 year old who learned to use kid scissors last week. 

I'm feeling worn and weary and just as I'm starting to perk back up I look around and kind of just want to crawl back into bed {and hope my kids can care for themselves...}. Ever have those days? I know you have. Seems like when Momma is sick - everything just falls apart. So, tomorrow is Valentines day and while I should be thrilled at the prospect of a date night out with hubby - I'm feeling that emotion and dread that I mentioned towards the beginning of this post. Stress is mounting... house in shambles... and the temptation to freak out and ruin a romantic holiday is there. 

Instead, the girls and I spent the morning finishing our valentines for cousins and grandparents. I love hearing them jibber-jabber and getting into the moment. We are turning on some music and getting this house whipped into shape. This afternoon I hope to sneak out to Michaels to grab a few things to make gifts, for the hubs. And I'm just praying to continue feeling better and better. Realizing I have a choice in whether or not I'm joyful is convicting. 

Tomorrow is Valentines Day. I'll be ready. Or at least... mentally.

And, here's the gist of what hubs will be getting. :) {thank you pinterest!}

February 8 - a note to the aching

Dear friend who is battling today,
I understand. 
And while I don't know the specifics of your war - I know my own, and how my heart and flesh seem to want to take over. Worry. Angst. Fear. We want to cling to those things as if they were the salvation in the situation. But they aren't. We MUST cling to our Hope in God. We must trust and believe He is good and all things work for good - according to His will.

"Whatever our faith says God is, He will be."

Think about that.

As I tossed and turned last night, then dozed only to wake up from nightmare's... the still, small, voice was my comfort. The reminder of His goodness. Unquestionable. And then today in the middle of scary unknowns and out of control waiting...this thought...

"Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear. Rather look at them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. He has kept you hitherto; do you but hold fast to His dear hand, and He will lead you safely through all things; and when  you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms. 

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow, and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations."

-Frances de Sales

The grayest day

{amazing couch found on Pinterest}

I want to go to here. This couch bed hugeness. All fluffy with pillows and throws and calm. 

My body is exhausted after two days of coughing and a practically sleepless night last night. The girls aren't napping as well during the day and Augs has been struggling at night. {what's up with the 2am need to be held, my almost 2 year old?!} I love holding my girl - but, have been feeling very groggy after those moments. 

The sky is entirely gray. No clouds or cracks in the sky - just a veil of gray. All the trees are leaf-less and cold and while I do love my cold weather season... this day seems as depressing as they come. 

Hubs has been on a trip this week and will get home Saturday night, maybe that's part of the mood today. I miss him. His humor. His help with the kids. The smell combination of his soap, hairspray and cologne first thing in the morning. I'm eager for my love to be home. 

On this - the grayest day - I think it may be time to pop some extra Vitamin D and curl up under the blankets. 

Sit Still

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Nor deem these days - these waiting days - as ill!

The one who loves thee best, who plans thy way,

Hath not forgotten, they great need today!

And, if He waits 'tis sure He waits to prove

To thee, His tender child, His heart's deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord's will!

While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way

Corrodingly within, because of His delay - 

Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest

That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Nor move one step, not even one, until

His way hath opened. Then, ah then, how sweet!

How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet

Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!

And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?

'Tis hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!

For lack of losing all how much is lost!

'Tis hard, 'tis true! But then - He giveth grace

To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.

- J. Danson Smith, Streams in the Desert

What a powerful reminder to me today that the God who loves me, chose me, knows me...

Knows best. And His way is perfect. 

And I can sit still in that, and rest. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - post Superbowl party

I woke up this morning feeling a little ill. Combination of too little sleep and too much junk food from our Super bowl party. Oh the consequences of bad eating at 30 years old. {moan}But, the day has begun and it's time to get on with it... and, find the tums. ;)

The weather:::

Snow is on the ground and some snow-globe-esqe flakes swirling around, cold and gray today.

Right now I am:::

Finishing my cup of French roast with cinnabon creamer {dreamy!}. Debating what household chore to start first.

Thinking:::

I am so thankful for my children and husband. They really do point me to Christ and I learn so much having them in my life. 

On my reading pile:::

Finishing "The Hole in our Holiness" hopefully today! 

"Where is your Pineapple?" by Raelene Phillips

On my TV:::

Hoping to watch last nights episode of Downton Abbey tonight. Only caught a few minutes of it during the Super bowl power outage. Eager! 

Favorite blog post this week:::

Courtney @ Women living well is continuing on with the Valentines day challenge - this weeks challenge is especially fun! KISSING! She says,  "Our men feel stronger, more capable, and built up when we respond to their advances with a smile. Seek to give your husband a back rub, or shower together, be creative! Purpose to kiss your husband like you mean it this week!:)"

 {blush}Check it out here. 

Something fun to share:::

Monster Bars. :) If you like Monster cookies... you MUST check out and make this fun recipe! 

On the menu for this week::: {hubs is heading out of state for a conference...lots of kid foods}

Monday - BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches

Tuesday - Mac n' cheese & steamed broccoli

Weds- Frozen pizza

 Thurs- Fast food :) 

Friday - Not sure about the weekend. 

On my to do list:::

-Laundry day!

-Put folding chairs back in the basement

-Wash windows

-Dust

What I'm creating:::

Sandra has inspired me to pick back up my crochet needles... it's not pretty, but, it's something. Working on a few "play pieces" to refresh my memory.

Homemaking tips:::

Repurpose. 

We had one of those 6 cubicle storage things and two of the slats broke. Rather then tossing the whole thing out - I laid it on its side and slid it into our closet as a shoe holder. It works! 

Looking around the house:::

Folding chairs and plastic cups litter the living room - remnants of a good night with friends. 

WAY too many sweets and snacks left over... need a plan for them or the plan will turn into eating them all and weighing 900 lbs. :/

From the camera:::

My husband is SO creative and fun. He made these worksheets for our party guests last night. The winner won $10! 

On my prayer list:::

Friends battling the loss of a sister

Pregnant friends

we desire to move... just thinking.

Bible verses, Devo:::

So appreciate the endless reminders that waiting on the Lord is always best.