Alot of people have suggested that I teach others how to save money, but holding a class would be time consuming and possibly not beneficial to everyone's schedule so here's a few places to help you cut down your grocery bill.
(1) HotCouponWorld.com - Take a few hours and browse around this site to familiarize yourself because there's quite alot here. There's boards devoted to Publix, Target, Walmart, Winn Dixie and lots more so there are local stores with plenty of help with getting items free or extremely cheap.
(2) Get the Sunday paper inserts, whether you order them or get them from women who don't use them, these are very valuable at times.
(3) Check out coupons.com for printable coupons as well as smartsource.com
I'll post more tips later but this should start you off on the right frugal footing.
Toodles!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Prayer Needed
Chris received upsetting news the other day, it seems the company may get rid of his department as well as all the men that work with him. We are grateful because it seems the Lord has at least given us a heads-up so that we can begin preparing, but we need this job for obvious reasons.
We hope to have our home paid off in 1 1/2 years but due to this development it may take even longer to pay it off if we lost our income source. Though the Lord has given this early notice to us, it is still unsure of whether they will be getting rid of Chris' department or they are just pondering it. So, we are attempting to keep our hearts focused on the cross and Christ.
Please pray for the following:
(1) That we have food, shelter and clothing provided for us.
(2) That Chris would regain his strength, as his thyroid medicine doesn't seem to be doing anything for his energy level.
(3) That I wouldn't be yoked with worry and lose my focus on Christ and the cross.
(4) That God would help us pay off our home quickly.
Thank you in advance! :-)
We hope to have our home paid off in 1 1/2 years but due to this development it may take even longer to pay it off if we lost our income source. Though the Lord has given this early notice to us, it is still unsure of whether they will be getting rid of Chris' department or they are just pondering it. So, we are attempting to keep our hearts focused on the cross and Christ.
Please pray for the following:
(1) That we have food, shelter and clothing provided for us.
(2) That Chris would regain his strength, as his thyroid medicine doesn't seem to be doing anything for his energy level.
(3) That I wouldn't be yoked with worry and lose my focus on Christ and the cross.
(4) That God would help us pay off our home quickly.
Thank you in advance! :-)
No Surgery for J.P.!
Praise God! We got news this week that John Paul won't need surgery for his hydrocele! I had been praying for J.P. because even though the surgery only requires two incisions, it's still general anesthesia, a few prescriptions and one small nick that could make him be sterile for life.
We go back in 6 month's to see if he still has it but we are thanking God that at least he doesn't have to get surgery right now. The doctor seems hopeful that it will be gone in 6 month's but only God can heal up the tissues in his body, so we will still be praying for the little guy.
Glory to God! No surgery for my little boy!
We go back in 6 month's to see if he still has it but we are thanking God that at least he doesn't have to get surgery right now. The doctor seems hopeful that it will be gone in 6 month's but only God can heal up the tissues in his body, so we will still be praying for the little guy.
Glory to God! No surgery for my little boy!
Monday, December 1, 2008
A New Life Chapter
Last night was the first night we started our Jesse Tree, complete with ornament and discussion on how it relates to the gospel. Unfortunetly, the brief verse didn't allow us to get some real meaty discussion going but we did have a bit. I think our little family will really enjoy this tradition for the holidays, because it does seem that our minds, even as Christian people, are focused on the stresses of the holidays and not on what really matter. It's not about parties, food, buying gifts or how much debt you'll have, it's about Christ and the life that was taken so that we could have one.
At church the other day I *won* (YAY!) a book that's normally runs $13 - for only $2 and it's been one that I've thoroughly desired for the last month or so because it has two of my favorite pastor's writing in it. Both John Piper and CJ Mahaney are two of the better pastor's out there in America, and whenever something new comes out by one of them, it's gonna be a good one. The name of the book is called "Worldliness:Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World". I think it will help as we continually endeavor to push away the lusts of the world and help us keep God in focus. We so often as Christians still desire things that God is so vehemently against, and so I hope this book will not only do a work in my heart but in all those whose hands receive it.
For the past few month's many people know that Chris has been struggling with being lethargic because of a low thyroid, and even though he's been given medication, he still seemed to struggle with not having to spend most of his day sleeping. Well, this left me sort of taking on the role as "Head" as well as "Keeper of the Home" because I ran both of our jobs, only to stumble quite frequently, being left feeling empty and frustrated. I had been crying out to God to fix Chris quick and help me be sustained through all of this, only to feel as though I had been buried under piles of clothes, dirty dishes, upcoming holidays, in-law visits, starting a co-op and so much more. In the same token, I've also had quite a difficult time understanding our Sunday sermons and feel much like a seat warmer on Sunday's because I'm there listening but nothing is sinking in. In and of all this, I ended up at church this Sunday by myself assuming I had to teach a class only to find out I wasn't up. So, I decided to stay and try and focus on worshipping God and loving those who have been placed around me, during the time of worship I had an answer pop into my head. The question was basically, "How am I going to keep going at this? I'm struggling under so much, I need help but can't afford a housekeeper." For heaven's sake, I *am* the house keeper, why pay someone to do my job that's given to me by God. "Work Together. You and Chris have to work together". Gee thanks Lord, so what your saying is I have to convince a sick husband to get up and start working around the house with me? I had a strange peace that what the Lord had said was going to be practical and effective starting ASAP. I called Chris to follow up on some family business and headed out to run some errands. I didn't get a chance to attempt to hear the sermon due to some "health issues" but I had an answer from God himself and that trumped what anyone could say. After running errands I came home and before I had even a chance to speak with Chris about what I had seen, he broke in and told me that he had an answer to getting our home finally in order. The Lord had moved in Chris and gave him the realization that we both had to work together and stop making up our own little to-do's lists opposite of each other. It had to be God, because even though Chris and I have had the same thoughts while looking at the same thing, at this time we were both in completely different places and the Lord moved to answer our needs. Yesterday was the first time we started doing chores together and the strange thing is, it actually did work out to benefit our family and we got so much done. We washed dishes together, prepped smoothies for Chris' breakfast and lunch, made rice milk, made lunch and dinner for the next day and even managed to get the kids to bed at a decent hour. I'm totally elated! Hopefully, this little rhythm we get into will also help us get to church earlier and allow fellowship to be more meaningful.
I also wanted to share, what some have seemingly assumed to be an insult towards them. The more that I've cleaned out my diet, the less I've been able to tolerate what to me, are "environmental toxins". Also known as perfumes, hair spray, scented lotions, body wash, air fresheners, candles, plug ins, laundry detergent and the list goes on. If I step back from you, know that it's not because you got bad breath or B.O. but that you likely have something on you that can cause me to have health issues. These health issues start out as asthma, and then turn into uncontrollable tics like scratching, rocking back and forth, sensations of spiders crawling up my skin, shaking, constant movement, stuttering and speech problems. If I tell a doctor this, I'll be diagnosed with Tourettes or Parkinsons Disease for sure and there's no medicine/cure for either so why go down that road. I love my spiritual family but it's embarrassing for me to have these things kick in while in public, so if I back away from you, don't be insulted. Really, you smell good! But it's hard for me to suffer going through these things for upwards of 3-4 hours because I pass you in the hallway or hug you. I'd hug you for a half hour (though that might get looks LOL) to show the deep appreciation and love I have for you (in Christ) but I'd rather not have the strange looks from others when my asthma and tics kick in. Oh, and the frosting on the cake, I also endure no focus, no concentration and if asked my age, I'm not even able to put two numbers together to give you an answer. So, I love you, but so that I can bask in the family of God, don't be offended if I step back or put a bit of distance between us. :-)
And finally, I'm hoping to write a whole post on the command of God to "Be fruitful and multiply", and though it's going to be a post, it's more of a challenge for me to get to the scriptures and seek out what the Lord has to say on bearing "fruit". I myself have always struggled with having a method of birth control to help space out the time in between births but it's always been human opinions but I'm hoping to delve more into the Word of God.
Love to you and yours, and may your family stay healthy in a season when many are ill.
Much love. CD
At church the other day I *won* (YAY!) a book that's normally runs $13 - for only $2 and it's been one that I've thoroughly desired for the last month or so because it has two of my favorite pastor's writing in it. Both John Piper and CJ Mahaney are two of the better pastor's out there in America, and whenever something new comes out by one of them, it's gonna be a good one. The name of the book is called "Worldliness:Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World". I think it will help as we continually endeavor to push away the lusts of the world and help us keep God in focus. We so often as Christians still desire things that God is so vehemently against, and so I hope this book will not only do a work in my heart but in all those whose hands receive it.
For the past few month's many people know that Chris has been struggling with being lethargic because of a low thyroid, and even though he's been given medication, he still seemed to struggle with not having to spend most of his day sleeping. Well, this left me sort of taking on the role as "Head" as well as "Keeper of the Home" because I ran both of our jobs, only to stumble quite frequently, being left feeling empty and frustrated. I had been crying out to God to fix Chris quick and help me be sustained through all of this, only to feel as though I had been buried under piles of clothes, dirty dishes, upcoming holidays, in-law visits, starting a co-op and so much more. In the same token, I've also had quite a difficult time understanding our Sunday sermons and feel much like a seat warmer on Sunday's because I'm there listening but nothing is sinking in. In and of all this, I ended up at church this Sunday by myself assuming I had to teach a class only to find out I wasn't up. So, I decided to stay and try and focus on worshipping God and loving those who have been placed around me, during the time of worship I had an answer pop into my head. The question was basically, "How am I going to keep going at this? I'm struggling under so much, I need help but can't afford a housekeeper." For heaven's sake, I *am* the house keeper, why pay someone to do my job that's given to me by God. "Work Together. You and Chris have to work together". Gee thanks Lord, so what your saying is I have to convince a sick husband to get up and start working around the house with me? I had a strange peace that what the Lord had said was going to be practical and effective starting ASAP. I called Chris to follow up on some family business and headed out to run some errands. I didn't get a chance to attempt to hear the sermon due to some "health issues" but I had an answer from God himself and that trumped what anyone could say. After running errands I came home and before I had even a chance to speak with Chris about what I had seen, he broke in and told me that he had an answer to getting our home finally in order. The Lord had moved in Chris and gave him the realization that we both had to work together and stop making up our own little to-do's lists opposite of each other. It had to be God, because even though Chris and I have had the same thoughts while looking at the same thing, at this time we were both in completely different places and the Lord moved to answer our needs. Yesterday was the first time we started doing chores together and the strange thing is, it actually did work out to benefit our family and we got so much done. We washed dishes together, prepped smoothies for Chris' breakfast and lunch, made rice milk, made lunch and dinner for the next day and even managed to get the kids to bed at a decent hour. I'm totally elated! Hopefully, this little rhythm we get into will also help us get to church earlier and allow fellowship to be more meaningful.
I also wanted to share, what some have seemingly assumed to be an insult towards them. The more that I've cleaned out my diet, the less I've been able to tolerate what to me, are "environmental toxins". Also known as perfumes, hair spray, scented lotions, body wash, air fresheners, candles, plug ins, laundry detergent and the list goes on. If I step back from you, know that it's not because you got bad breath or B.O. but that you likely have something on you that can cause me to have health issues. These health issues start out as asthma, and then turn into uncontrollable tics like scratching, rocking back and forth, sensations of spiders crawling up my skin, shaking, constant movement, stuttering and speech problems. If I tell a doctor this, I'll be diagnosed with Tourettes or Parkinsons Disease for sure and there's no medicine/cure for either so why go down that road. I love my spiritual family but it's embarrassing for me to have these things kick in while in public, so if I back away from you, don't be insulted. Really, you smell good! But it's hard for me to suffer going through these things for upwards of 3-4 hours because I pass you in the hallway or hug you. I'd hug you for a half hour (though that might get looks LOL) to show the deep appreciation and love I have for you (in Christ) but I'd rather not have the strange looks from others when my asthma and tics kick in. Oh, and the frosting on the cake, I also endure no focus, no concentration and if asked my age, I'm not even able to put two numbers together to give you an answer. So, I love you, but so that I can bask in the family of God, don't be offended if I step back or put a bit of distance between us. :-)
And finally, I'm hoping to write a whole post on the command of God to "Be fruitful and multiply", and though it's going to be a post, it's more of a challenge for me to get to the scriptures and seek out what the Lord has to say on bearing "fruit". I myself have always struggled with having a method of birth control to help space out the time in between births but it's always been human opinions but I'm hoping to delve more into the Word of God.
Love to you and yours, and may your family stay healthy in a season when many are ill.
Much love. CD
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Black Friday Tips
It's late but I figure I can pass on wisdom for next year.
(1) Get a Thursday paper, scan the ads and decide who has the best deals.
(2) Make sure you have a babysitter because dragging kids around isn't enjoyable for you or them.
(3) Eat breakfast, though if not hungry toss a snack in a zippie and keep it with you.
(4) Carry cash/credit cards in your front pocket, purses are easily stolen when your distracted.
(5) Don't overlook stores in strip malls. I hit a Bealls Outlet and got 75% off any clearanced items, so I basically paid 1/4 of the original price tag.
(6) Don't shop off your list, buy only what you need, call your husband/wife to get second opinions.
(7) Do buy ahead in clothing for your children, generally children will gain 2 inches each year.
(8) If buying ahead, remember what season it will be for a particular age. No one can wear sweat pants in a FL summer.
(9) Don't underestimate Black Friday shoppers, they *will* steal your purse, shopping cart, and items right out of your shopping cart.
(10) Don't hit the mall, all the young people go there and it's so much worse around holidays
(11) If you plan on hitting Target or Walmart, plan to walk, wait and walk some more
(12) Keep a list of what family members enjoy, that way if you can't find one item you had hoped for, you can fall back on another one.
(13) Don't buy toys if they aren't age appropriate.
(14) Be nice! Your a sinner and salvation was needed for you. So, remember kindness and patience are Godly and go a long way.
(15) Don't shop for other people. If they aren't with you, don't take a laundry list of "to buy" things, because you will have enough of a time finding your own stuff much less theirs.
(16) Your goal is frugality, so don't hit food vendors or soda machines because your spending money when your trying to save it.
(17) Walkie-Talkies are a lifesaver if you have a set, that way you can communicate with your friend/family/spouse on one end while they hit the other.
(18) If you haven't seen Aunt Betsy sporting a neon green parka, then she probably wouldn't want one even if it were 90% off.
(19) Kids have enough toys given to them throughout the year, rear them up to enjoy Christmas as a time of celebrating Christ, spending time with family and enjoying the gift of giving. I promise you they *really* don't need a Wii but most American kids could use a bicycle, books or a jump rope.
(20) If you don't find a specific item(s) at one store, move on and don't waste time.
(21) If 3 gifts worked for Jesus, it can work for each of your children. :-)
(22) Don't underestimate church rummage sales, I've found brand new, in the box items for $1 or $2 but would have paid $15-$20 even on sale during Black Friday.
(23) Pack a few bottles of water to rehydrate you throughout the day.
(24) A huge percentage of gifts are thrown out, given to rummage sales (thanks by the way!), or sit on a shelf until it's thrown out or given away, so be about 99% sure that gift your buying will be used. If Aunt Suzie is diabetic, she doesn't need Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix in a Reindeer Bag.
(25) Stores that are not popular (like Pier 1, Circuit City, K-Mart, etc) and usually don't have alot of cars in the parking lot on normal days, are *great* to hit on Black Friday and in the coming weeks. While most people are hitting Walmart, Target, and the Mall, you can check out the deals in the less visited stores.
(1) Get a Thursday paper, scan the ads and decide who has the best deals.
(2) Make sure you have a babysitter because dragging kids around isn't enjoyable for you or them.
(3) Eat breakfast, though if not hungry toss a snack in a zippie and keep it with you.
(4) Carry cash/credit cards in your front pocket, purses are easily stolen when your distracted.
(5) Don't overlook stores in strip malls. I hit a Bealls Outlet and got 75% off any clearanced items, so I basically paid 1/4 of the original price tag.
(6) Don't shop off your list, buy only what you need, call your husband/wife to get second opinions.
(7) Do buy ahead in clothing for your children, generally children will gain 2 inches each year.
(8) If buying ahead, remember what season it will be for a particular age. No one can wear sweat pants in a FL summer.
(9) Don't underestimate Black Friday shoppers, they *will* steal your purse, shopping cart, and items right out of your shopping cart.
(10) Don't hit the mall, all the young people go there and it's so much worse around holidays
(11) If you plan on hitting Target or Walmart, plan to walk, wait and walk some more
(12) Keep a list of what family members enjoy, that way if you can't find one item you had hoped for, you can fall back on another one.
(13) Don't buy toys if they aren't age appropriate.
(14) Be nice! Your a sinner and salvation was needed for you. So, remember kindness and patience are Godly and go a long way.
(15) Don't shop for other people. If they aren't with you, don't take a laundry list of "to buy" things, because you will have enough of a time finding your own stuff much less theirs.
(16) Your goal is frugality, so don't hit food vendors or soda machines because your spending money when your trying to save it.
(17) Walkie-Talkies are a lifesaver if you have a set, that way you can communicate with your friend/family/spouse on one end while they hit the other.
(18) If you haven't seen Aunt Betsy sporting a neon green parka, then she probably wouldn't want one even if it were 90% off.
(19) Kids have enough toys given to them throughout the year, rear them up to enjoy Christmas as a time of celebrating Christ, spending time with family and enjoying the gift of giving. I promise you they *really* don't need a Wii but most American kids could use a bicycle, books or a jump rope.
(20) If you don't find a specific item(s) at one store, move on and don't waste time.
(21) If 3 gifts worked for Jesus, it can work for each of your children. :-)
(22) Don't underestimate church rummage sales, I've found brand new, in the box items for $1 or $2 but would have paid $15-$20 even on sale during Black Friday.
(23) Pack a few bottles of water to rehydrate you throughout the day.
(24) A huge percentage of gifts are thrown out, given to rummage sales (thanks by the way!), or sit on a shelf until it's thrown out or given away, so be about 99% sure that gift your buying will be used. If Aunt Suzie is diabetic, she doesn't need Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix in a Reindeer Bag.
(25) Stores that are not popular (like Pier 1, Circuit City, K-Mart, etc) and usually don't have alot of cars in the parking lot on normal days, are *great* to hit on Black Friday and in the coming weeks. While most people are hitting Walmart, Target, and the Mall, you can check out the deals in the less visited stores.
Jessie Tree
I stumbled upon another bloggers website in an attempt to find new traditions to start with our young ones only to behold an interesting tradition known as the "Jesse Tree". I think this is a wonderful way to incorporate daily scripture verses with the children and truly gives one the opportunity to put CHRIST back in Christmas.
The Jesse Tree is very simple, each night you read a section of scripture and place an ornament on your tree that encompasses the bulk of the story. Now, if you are in a different season with older children you can incorporate asking a question that relates to that particular section or simply, "How does the gospel tie into this story in the bible?". Afterwards, you can say a prayer in regards to what you've read and what you hope the Lord will sow in and of that feeding of scripture.
Now, some websites will suggest buying a new, little 2 foot faux Christmas tree to hang your ornaments on but, I'm frugal (see:CHEAP) so I decided to use the Christmas tree I already had and just give my current ornaments to a family member. I then made a dandy little trip over to Michaels with a nice "20% OFF Entire Order" coupon to pick up my little ornaments.
Here's the run down of the Topic & Ornament:
Day 1 - Jesse Tree Tradition - Wooden Tree ornament
Day 2 - Creation - Globe or Dove
Day 3 - The Fall - Apple or Snake
Day 4 - The Flood - Ark, Boat or Rainbow
Day 5 - Promise to Abraham - Tent or Camel
Day 6 - Abraham & Sarah - Craddle or Preggie Mom Silhouette
Day 7 - Abraham & Isaac - Ram
Day 8 - Jacob's Dream - Ladder
Day 9 - Joseph - Coat of Colors
Day 10 - Ten Commandments - Tablet or Ten Commandments
Day 11 - Rahab's Rope - Tuft of Rope or Red Ribbon
Day 12 - Ruth & Naomi - Wheat Stalk
Day 13 - King David - Crown or Harp
Day 14 - Queen Esther - Scepter or Feminine Crown
Day 15 - Isaiah & Prophets - Watchtower, Lighthouse or Fire
Day 16 - Elijah & Prophets of Baal - Rocks or Fire
Day 17 - Passover - Door frame with red paint smeared or Lamb
Day 18 - Birthplace of Jesus - Silhouette of Bethlehem
Day 19 - Daniel & the Lions - Lion
Day 20 - Zechariah and Elizabeth - Angel
Day 21 - John the Baptist - Waves or a Splotch of Water
Day 22 - Mary - Heart
Day 23 - Joseph - Hammer or Tools
Day 24 - Trek to Bethlehem - Sandals, feet print or camel
Day 25 - Birth of Christ - Star or Nativity Scene
Unfortunetly, I didn't know every single solitary story so I had a hard time coming up with substitutes or finding the perfect size ornament. I still have a few more things to pick up but I will try my best to post the pictures of my ornaments for reference. Or, go HERE and you can browse other sites to give you ideas about the Jesse Tree.
On a side note, you can remove or add certain stories if you have a really hard time finding that perfect ornament.
The Jesse Tree is very simple, each night you read a section of scripture and place an ornament on your tree that encompasses the bulk of the story. Now, if you are in a different season with older children you can incorporate asking a question that relates to that particular section or simply, "How does the gospel tie into this story in the bible?". Afterwards, you can say a prayer in regards to what you've read and what you hope the Lord will sow in and of that feeding of scripture.
Now, some websites will suggest buying a new, little 2 foot faux Christmas tree to hang your ornaments on but, I'm frugal (see:CHEAP) so I decided to use the Christmas tree I already had and just give my current ornaments to a family member. I then made a dandy little trip over to Michaels with a nice "20% OFF Entire Order" coupon to pick up my little ornaments.
Here's the run down of the Topic & Ornament:
Day 1 - Jesse Tree Tradition - Wooden Tree ornament
Day 2 - Creation - Globe or Dove
Day 3 - The Fall - Apple or Snake
Day 4 - The Flood - Ark, Boat or Rainbow
Day 5 - Promise to Abraham - Tent or Camel
Day 6 - Abraham & Sarah - Craddle or Preggie Mom Silhouette
Day 7 - Abraham & Isaac - Ram
Day 8 - Jacob's Dream - Ladder
Day 9 - Joseph - Coat of Colors
Day 10 - Ten Commandments - Tablet or Ten Commandments
Day 11 - Rahab's Rope - Tuft of Rope or Red Ribbon
Day 12 - Ruth & Naomi - Wheat Stalk
Day 13 - King David - Crown or Harp
Day 14 - Queen Esther - Scepter or Feminine Crown
Day 15 - Isaiah & Prophets - Watchtower, Lighthouse or Fire
Day 16 - Elijah & Prophets of Baal - Rocks or Fire
Day 17 - Passover - Door frame with red paint smeared or Lamb
Day 18 - Birthplace of Jesus - Silhouette of Bethlehem
Day 19 - Daniel & the Lions - Lion
Day 20 - Zechariah and Elizabeth - Angel
Day 21 - John the Baptist - Waves or a Splotch of Water
Day 22 - Mary - Heart
Day 23 - Joseph - Hammer or Tools
Day 24 - Trek to Bethlehem - Sandals, feet print or camel
Day 25 - Birth of Christ - Star or Nativity Scene
Unfortunetly, I didn't know every single solitary story so I had a hard time coming up with substitutes or finding the perfect size ornament. I still have a few more things to pick up but I will try my best to post the pictures of my ornaments for reference. Or, go HERE and you can browse other sites to give you ideas about the Jesse Tree.
On a side note, you can remove or add certain stories if you have a really hard time finding that perfect ornament.
In the spirit of the season
I love reading blogs and occasionally find a poem or two that really captures a Proverbs 31 woman and today I've found one that I would like to share.
-------------------------------------------------------
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging
a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen,
carol in the nursing home,
and give all that I have to charity;
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels
and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties
and sing in the choir's cantata
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home
that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able
to give in return; but rejoices in giving
to those who cannot.
Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust,
but giving the gift of love will endure.
-------------------------------------------------------
If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.
If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging
a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another cook.
If I work at a soup kitchen,
carol in the nursing home,
and give all that I have to charity;
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.
If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels
and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties
and sing in the choir's cantata
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.
Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home
that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.
Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able
to give in return; but rejoices in giving
to those who cannot.
Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things, and endures all things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust,
but giving the gift of love will endure.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Hallelujah! Glory to God! I've done it!
After trying numerous rice milk recipes, I've finally done it! This is the best recipe out of them all, and though it's not thick like our Pacific Natural Foods Vanilla Rice Milk it's stilll pretty darn good and would make an excellent vegan hot cocoa. After having recipes that suggest using all kinds of interesting (see: weird) ingredients I've finally got something that I only hope my children are willing to drink.
Vanilla Rice Milk
1 c. cooked rice (must be warm, cold doesn't work well)
4 c. hot water (distilled is best)
1-2 cinnamon sticks
2 T. canola Oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
3 T cane sugar (use whatever suits your families budget)
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Heat water with cinnamon sticks until it's simmering nicely. Add all ingredients, excluding cinnamon sticks to a blender. Because the mixture is hot, you will need to loosen the center cap to allow hot air to expel out while blending. Place hot towel over lid of blender, hold down lid firmly (I didn't use the towel the first time and the whole lid popped off and made a mess, so be sure to allow the hot air to escape), and liquefy until mixture resembles a slurry but no more. You don't want this to be smooth. If your making a huge batch you can sit this aside in a large jar to steep, otherwise leave in blender for about 25-30 minutes. Strain with cheese cloth or a small strainer into a clean glass jar. You want to store this in a glass jar due to the milk keeping pretty hot even after 30 minutes and it might melt some plastic containers.
Feel free to experiment and add nutmeg, allspice, cocoa, powdered cinnamon or anything to create your own yummy concoction. I've seen some recipes suggesting the addition of protein powder, kelp and powdered vitamins/minerals so you can test these on small batches to see if the taste is still as good. We tried using plain vegan rice protein powder and it was horrid stuff but maybe you will be able to "stomach" it.
Enjoy!
Vanilla Rice Milk
1 c. cooked rice (must be warm, cold doesn't work well)
4 c. hot water (distilled is best)
1-2 cinnamon sticks
2 T. canola Oil
1/4 tsp sea salt
3 T cane sugar (use whatever suits your families budget)
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Heat water with cinnamon sticks until it's simmering nicely. Add all ingredients, excluding cinnamon sticks to a blender. Because the mixture is hot, you will need to loosen the center cap to allow hot air to expel out while blending. Place hot towel over lid of blender, hold down lid firmly (I didn't use the towel the first time and the whole lid popped off and made a mess, so be sure to allow the hot air to escape), and liquefy until mixture resembles a slurry but no more. You don't want this to be smooth. If your making a huge batch you can sit this aside in a large jar to steep, otherwise leave in blender for about 25-30 minutes. Strain with cheese cloth or a small strainer into a clean glass jar. You want to store this in a glass jar due to the milk keeping pretty hot even after 30 minutes and it might melt some plastic containers.
Feel free to experiment and add nutmeg, allspice, cocoa, powdered cinnamon or anything to create your own yummy concoction. I've seen some recipes suggesting the addition of protein powder, kelp and powdered vitamins/minerals so you can test these on small batches to see if the taste is still as good. We tried using plain vegan rice protein powder and it was horrid stuff but maybe you will be able to "stomach" it.
Enjoy!
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