Order in Every Day Living

God has really been working with me on the subject of order. I have been working mostly on getting my house organized by establishing everyday routines. This has included keeping my kitchen clean at all times which was a major challenge until I made the decision to "close" the kitchen in between meal times.

This practice was easy to implement because we have set times for meals and even if we are not exactly on schedule, we do not generally eat between meals. I find that by doing this, my kids have a heartier appetite and eat much healthier than snacking on junk in between meal times.

So after we finish eating breakfast, we clear the table (our school desks), and wash all the breakfast dishes. Once the kitchen is clean, then "close" it and we transition into school with a clean kitchen!!

I cannot stress how much easier this one step has made my life. No more searching the dirty dishwasher to find a dish to use. I immediately wash the dishes and put them away or put them in the dishwasher to run it. So there is rarely a dirty dish in the house. What a change from before!

Now as I was reflecting on John 20:5-7, I noticed how after Christ rose, he actually took the time to fold up His grave clothes! How's that for diligence and orderliness?! At any rate, as I meditated on this passage, I thought of how when I leave a room, I also leave an impression based upon how I leave that room. Think of it. Have you ever passed by someone's desk at work and wondered if their house looks the same? It's really the same whether it's messy or clean. I pass by houses and I notice when they are immaculate or when they are not so immaculate. So I think of what Christ's house would look like and if He folded up His grave clothes before He left the tomb, how would a room look when He left out of it? Would it be messy, or would He leave it exactly the way He found it or better?

So this is the task before me, to clean as I go and to always represent Christ in everything that I do. Praise God that His Strength is made perfect in weakness. (II Cor 12:9)

Thanksgiving 2010

Picture: Some of the Thanksgiving food, my cousin Felisha and my Grandmother in the left hand corner. :)

Thanksgiving is by far one of my favorite holidays. I love the fact that my family gets together and I usually get to see cousins that I haven't seen in at least a year or more. This year was no different. I got to see my brothers, several aunts and uncles and several cousins that I hadn't seen in about 3 years.

Our trip from Texas to Florida began on Sunday morning. The drive is long and we break it up by staying the night with my Aunt in Baton Rouge. This time we took our new puppy Alex. The poor thing had motion sickness before we had been traveling and hour and managed to get sick 3 times before we ever got to my Aunt's house. I'm wondering if we should just keep him out of the car, or just take him along on errands more often. Any suggestions on that would be greatly appreciated!

We got to my Mom's house on Monday afternoon and the fun began. My dad bowls and so we met him at the bowling alley and spent a little time with him.

On Tuesday we had a family photo shoot on the beach. I look forward to sharing some of those photos soon.

Wednesday was cooking day. Since we are vegan, there is pretty much nothing that my Grandmother cooks that we eat, so I always prepare something for my family. This year I made Fried Chickn Seitan (found in Vegan Comfort Food by Alicia Simpson) and Tofu Pecan Meatballs. For dessert I made a double layer sweet potato cheesecake using the recipe found here.

I normally am not big into meat substitutes, but my daughter asked me if I would make a chicken substitute to help her resist the urge to have a piece of fried chicken! Let me tell you that the Fried Chickn Seitan recipe did not disappoint! It was fairly easy to make and equally delicious.

Thanksgiving day was great as always. Packing 30 people into a house that wasn't designed for more than 10 or so, is not so inconvenient when you genuinely love (and like) the people that you are packed in with.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for life, family and friends. Praise God for all the wonderful things that He has blessed me with and for the frame of mind to appreciate them. My prayer is that every day of my life will be a day of Thanksgiving!