WFMW-Easy Salad Dressing

I like to make my own salad dressing to avoid all the preservatives in the store bought ones.

Olive oil
Lemon Juice
Fresh garlic
Salt

I don't really know how much to tell you to use for each ingredient. I make directly into the salad by drizzling the olive oil first, squeezing some lemon juice next and then I press a clove of garlic. I add a little salt to taste. I use Kosher salt. It actually taste better than when I use old-fashioned table salt.

A fresh salad dressing that works for me!

Note: When you go out to eat, most of these ingredients are readily available so it's easy for dining out too. :-)

For more Works for Me Wednesday ideas, visit Rocks in My Dryer

My New Couch is Here!!!

My new couch is here!!! I ordered it from Ikea. For those of you who haven't read, I am re-doing my living room after having the same furniture for over 11 years. I was so excited when the new couch got here that I pushed the old love seat out the front door and just let it sit there until my husband came home to move it to the curb for the bulky trash pick-up.

I love it!! The chair that I'm ordering to go with it is a rust color and comes with an ottoman. I'll get a nice rug that has chocolate brown and rust in it. I'm thinking of getting some rust colored pillows or a nice throw or both.

Post and tell me what you think!!

Psalms Sunday #4

Psalm 4

1Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

In verse two, David asks the question: "How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing"? The word leasing stuck out to me as it is not often used outside of real estate, so I looked up the word at dictionary.com and saw that it also means a lie; a falsehood. As a counselor (not professionally, but one of my spiritual gifts), I often tell my "clients" that they need to "live in the truth". It seems as though David has the same philosophy of thinking.


I also like verse 5 which seems to be a forshadowing of sort of the cross and beyond. Daily animal sacrifices were still very much a part of every day life, but here David is suggesting that we "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness" and put our trust in the Lord.

May God bless you richly and you continue to put your trust in Him.

For more comments on Psalm 4, visit Butterflykiss21.

WFMW-Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Here is an easy recipe for delicious garlic mashed potatoes:

5 or 6 large potatoes
1 bulb of garlic
Salt
Butter ( I use Smart Balance)
Olive oil

Roast the garlic in the oven on 425 by peeling, placing in foil and drizzling with olive oil. Roast for about 20 minutes or until th garlic is a caramel color

Boil potatoes until tender (do not over boil). Drain potatoes and place in mixing bowl. Add butter and salt. Mix using electric mixer. Press garlic into potatoes and mix in. Add salt to taste.

Voila! An easy potato dish that works for me!

Visit Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer for more Works For Me Wednesday tips.

Our Spiritual Life While Raising Children

Shereen asked if some Moms would share their thoughts as to how to keep their spiritual life fresh while raising young children.

When raising little ones, it is very easy to get caught up and drown in the hustle and bustle of life. There is breastfeeding, homeschooling, carpooling, changing diapers, giving baths and of course all the church actitivies, etc...

What is a Mom to do to maintain her spiritual sanity?? I used to think that I needed to spend two hours every morning in personal devotion. Now don't get me wrong, if you have two hours of interrupted time in the morning then by all means please give it to God. But what do you do when you just got up and the baby is screaming or your little one didn't quite make it to the potty in time and realizes it right in the middle of your devotion and prayer time?

I like having a specific time that I get up in the morning and pray, but being a Mommy doesn't always allow me to keep that appointment with my Lord. So I speak to Him all throughout the day; while I am at the kitchen sink washing lettuce, while I am in the laundry room loading the washing machine, While I am at the stove preparing dinner. While I am giving the little one a bath at night.

I make sure that I am always in my Word. Every day even if it is only 15 minutes, I spend time reading my Word. I love to listen to the word as well. You can listen to Alexander Scourby free on-line. He has a wonderful voice and really brings the Word to life.

I went through a period of time, where I was very easily agitated by the children and I realized that what was different about my day is that I wasn't spending any alone time in the Word. The children and I might have morning devotion or study something as a part of school for the day, but I wasn't spending that quality time (and yes 15 minutes can be quality time) every day.

It's as important as eating, and I think of it as food for my soul.

Whose Mind Do You Have?

This week while I was praying, God laid this verse on my heart: "Let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus" Philippians 2:5. You see, I have almost completely mastered control over my tongue. Very rarely do I say something that is not pleasing in the sight of God, but it is not because I don't think it.

God has been working with me for some time on the concept of the fact that it's not ok to to think it either, but when He took me back to this verse is when it really hit home. If I had the mind of Christ, I wouldn't even think those things.

I am so glad that Christ already has a pure mind and all I have to do is use His.

Whose mind do you have?

Psalms Sunday #3

Psalm 3

1Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

This passage reminds me of Romans 8:31 which says "What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us"?

There were thousands of men against David, but the one true God of heaven was on his side. David knew that if he trusted in God, that he would be safe from the hands of his son.

When we know that it is God fighting our battles, we should be able to sleep peacefully. :-)

For more comments on Psalm 3, visit Butterflykiss21

New Camera

Well, my new camera came on Friday. I was all excited. I opened up the box, put the batteries in, but it wouldn't turn on. I figured maybe the batteries that came with it were old and didn't work anymore. I took the batteries out of the remote. It still didn't work. Then I figured, well maybe the batteries in the remote don't work in the camera, because they are not new and it needs a lot of power. So this evening we got some new batteries. I put the fresh batteries in the camera and it STILL does not work.

Well at any rate, I contacted www.overstock.com and tried to exchange it for a new one. Well they are out of stock, so I guess it was just not meant for me to have this camera.

The one that I ordered was a 5 Megapixel. I am thinking of upgrading to the 6 Megapixel. Turns out it could be a blessing in disguise. :-)

100 Things About Me

I was reading another blog and saw that someone had posted 100 things about them. It appears to be a popular thing to do so here is my list:

1. Counseling is one of my spiritual gifts.
2. I am acrophobic.
3. I do not like the texture of shredded coconut.
4. I am afraid of balloons popping.
5. I keep my cell phone on vibrate. I don't like to hear it ring.
6. I am a vegetarian (Well not really. I eat fish occasionally).
7. Negative People annoy me.
8. I believe the glass is half full.
9. I played the bass drum in marching band.
10. I was first chair clarinet in 7th and 8th grade.
11. I never praticed.
12. I love to read.
13. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
14. I have extremely high standards for friendship; lowering them is not optional .
15. I believe that children behave as expected.
16. My hair falls out when I'm stressed.
17. I love socks.
18. I like purple and blue ink.
19. I don't like to write with pens that come with a cap if the cap is not attached.
20. I look nice in pink.
21. I have always wanted to be a cashier and scan groceries.
22. Now I just use the self checkout.
23. I am an introvert who is normally mistaken as an extrovert.
24. Strangers come up and talk to me like they have known me for years.
25. People smile at me even when I know I am not smiling at them.
26. My Mother is the nicest person I know.
27. I have worn glasses since 6th grade.
28. I learned to ride my bike when I was 9.
29. Tulips are my favorite flower.
30. My Mom's sister married my Dad's brother. They both had twins.
31. I got an epidural when my daughter was born. It didn't work.
32. I want to have the character of Jesus.
33. I collect elephants.
34. I wear a size 5 1/2 shoe.
35. I sent my first e-mail in 1992.
36. I designed a personal web page in 1994.
37. I memorized the introduction to Romeo and Juliet in the 9th grade. I still remember it.
38. I love potatoes .
39. Dairy is one of my asthma triggers. I am trying to eliminate it from my diet.
40. I love being a woman.
41. I could live without a t.v.
42. I am a visual learner.
43. I love the smell of popcorn.
44. I don't like coffee, but like the aroma.
45. I love bananas, but I don't like banana flavored stuff.
46. I enjoy quality time.
47. I was on the pom-pom squad in the 9th grade.
48. I'm not really sure why they picked me.
49. I don't dance well .
50. I would teach kids math everyday for free.
51. I homeschool my kids.
52. I hate confrontaion.
53. I love candles.
54. I love puzzles.
55. I love to play board games.
56. In the 4th grade I was the interjection in my class play and had to sing a solo.
57. My first car was a Chevrolet Monza.
58. I am most productive in the early morning.
59. I don't have a favorite color.
60. I don't care for black.
61. I like my hair long.
62. I prefer cream vs. lotion.
63. I don't like to wear makeup.
64. I like to bake.
65. Eating sugar gives me a headache.
66. I can't draw worth a lick.
67. I study people and their behavior.
68. Boggle is one of my favorite word games.
69. I love Math books.
70. I like kitchen gadgets.
71. I like to solve difficult math problems.
72. I like expensive towels.
73. I love to buy gifts for people.
74. I take being a Godmother seriously.
75. I believe that all children should be taught the fundamentals of Christianity.
76. I do not watch the local news.
77. I don't like rap music.
78. I like to watch game shows.
79. I wouldn't mind having a personal Vegan Chef.
80. I like to bowl.
81. All of my close friends are extremely intelligent.
82. I like quilts.
83. I applied to college as a Pharmacy major.
84. My chemistry teacher told me to change to Chemical Engineering.
85. I would like to get a Master's in Math and Science Education.
86. I don't wear flip flops because I can't stand having things between my toes.
87. I like pillows.
88. I sleep with cover no matter how hot it is.
89. I don't like to drink out of plastic, paper, or aluminum.
90. I worked as a waitress.
91. I leave a tip even if the service is horrible.
92. I like to put things together.
93. I like to collect journals, notebooks, books, etc...
94. I like bubble baths.
95. I make my own salad dressing.
96. I keep a scientific calculator in my purse.
97. I like to garden.
98. I like scarves.
99. I like different types of bags.
100. I am not impressed by people's educational background. Character is what impresses me.

Book Meme

This idea comes from Shereen's page where she was tagged to do a Book Meme.

The Page 123 Meme

1. Grab the book closest to you.

2. Open to page 123, look down to the 5th sentence.

3. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog.

4. Include the title and the author's name.

5. Tag 3 People.

However, my fears vanished when, after the seminar, Pete said, "Dr. Chapman, I have been to many seminars, but I have never heard anyone describe Patsy and me as clearly as you. That love language idea is true. I can't wait to you our story!"

This excerpt is from The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman.

Now I tag, Ann, butterflykiss21, and Justice Fergie.

WFMW-Easy Teeth Whitener

I have this friend that is over obsessive about having a clean mouth. His Dad's teeth are pearly white. How does he get them so white?? He rinses with hydrogen peroxide every day when he brushes his teeth.

I tried it and literally saw results after the first day. Who knew??

For more Works for Me Wednesday tips, visit Rocks In My Dryer.

My New Camera is On it's Way!

I ordered a new camera to replace the one my son broke. It's a Canon A530 from Overstock. It's 5 Mega pixels and it was only $150.00. What a deal.

It should be here in a couple of days. I'll take some photos and post them as soon as I get it.

Hopefully the weather will have warmed up by then. It's 30 degrees right now! 30 Degrees in Texas?? Go figure.

This week we are studying Psalms 2 and 110

Psalm 2

1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.
5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

My favorite verse in Chapter 2 is verse 12. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him. Such simple and plain words, yet we lean upon are own strength so often.

Psalm 110

1The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
2The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
3Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
4The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
5The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
6He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.
7He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.

Yet another promise from God: He will make our enemies our footstool if we would just sit as His right hand. God has promised to fight our battles first if we will only allow Him. What is keeping you from allowing God to fight your battles?

My First Piece Came!

I am redoing my living room and my first piece of furniture came today! It is beautiful! The picture is a bit grainy, you can click here to get a better view of it.

WFMW-Basil Pasta Dish

Here is an easy, healthy pasta dish

1 pkg pasta cooked and drained
1/2-1 bulb garlic, pressed
2 cups cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
1 can green olives
olive oil
handful fresh basil
salt to taste

In a skillet, saute the garlic, add the tomatoes, add olives, and then toss in pasta. Add basil and stir.

An easy skillet pasta that works for me!

For more healthy recipes, visit rocks in my dryer.

Psalms 1

1. Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful,

2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord and his law doth he meditate day and night.

3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of the water that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper

4. The ungodly are not so; but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement, nor sinner in the congregation of the righteous.

6. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

I love this Psalm. It is simple and to the point. If you want to be blessed, don't take advice from those who don't know the Lord, and make sure that you meditate on the Word of the Lord day and night. I love how this relates to Proverbs 23:7 which says "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he".

If we meditate on the Word we will be like a tree planted by the water, bringing forth fruit in due season; the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them (Matthew 7:20)

If we want others to know that we know the Lord, we must bear fruit that testifies of Him. Please post your thoughts of what this Psalm means to you. For more postings on this Psalm, visit butterflykisses21 .

More Than One Miracle in John Chapter 6

Last night I was reading in John chapter 6 where Jesus walks on the water and the disciples are afraid. I imagine that anyone reading this post knows that Jesus' walking on the water was a miracle, but what about in verses 19-21 where it says that the boat was 20 or 30 furlongs away from the land?

Now by my calculations 30 furlongs is a little more than three miles. But wait, in verse 21 it says that immediately after they willingly received him into the ship, the ship was at the land.

So here is what I got from this. Even if you are miles away from Jesus spiritually, He is willing to come to you. Not only will He come to you, if you receive him willingly, He will immediately place you exactly where you should be!

I thank God for being willing to come and get me, and I pray for the mind to be willing to receive him at all times.

We are planting a garden!

So I have decided that we will plant a garden this year. Actually we will have two gardens; a vgetable garden in the backyard and a flower garden in the front. We have picked out a nice location for the backyard garden on the side of the house. We have to pull up the grass over there and then get the soil ready. Right now we are deciding what vegetables we want to grow and then we will figure out when we are supposed to plant them.

For the front yard we want to plant a butterfly garden and so we are doing research to figure out what to plant and when to plant it. I would like to plant some bulb flowers as well including tulips and calla lilies. I think I am more excited than the children. :-)

I haven't replaced my camera yet, but I will get on that soon because I want to have lots of pictures to share with everyone.

If you have a garden, please share what variety of vegetables grow in it.

Works For Me Wednesday-Spa Quick Fix

So I'm perusing through another blog and see these WFMW posts. I'm guessing that this works well to have something to write about on Wednesdays, so that there is a reason to journal at least one day of the week? Nice idea.

At any rate, the spa is one of my favorite luxuries and since being at home does not give much room for luxuries, I take a shower at night with the light off and light a candle. On Friday night I take a bubble bath and surround my bathtub with candles.

Voila! A Spa that works for me. :-)

Visit Rocks In My Dryer for more Works for Me Wednesday ideas.

Happy New Year

I am so thankful to God to see another year. I was thinking of "New Year's Resolutions" and decided that my one desire is to grow closer to Christ.

How is your relationship with Christ? What variety of fruit does your tree bear? Galatians 5:22