FAITH

Very simple thought for today, but it makes you reflect.  We are blessed indeed.

FAITH

I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine.
I believe in love, even when it isn't shown.
I believe in God, even when He doesn't speak.

- Found on the wall of a concentration camp

"Lists To Live By" - Gray, Stephens, and VanDiest - page 90

Hebrews 11:1 -  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

 

http://www.sawdustcityllc.com/found-written-on-the-wall-in-mother-teresas-home-for-children/

HELLO AGAIN!!!

Hi everyone!  I am sorry it has been a week since my last entry, but I want you to know I am still here.  I needed a break, as I was somewhat discouraged.  I am not sure if anyone is following and being encouraged by the blog???  If you are, can you please leave a comment, or email me at womenlivingwithvirtues@hotmail.com?   I would love to hear from you with feedback and suggestions!!! I can see now that there has been an increase in website hits, so I feel a little encouraged.  I am doing a "devotion"myself, but it takes time to enter it on the blog.  I only want to keep doing it if it is helping others too.  Please share it with anyone you know that would benefit from it.

I have decided that I am not going to post each day, as I never know how the days will go.  I had the pleasure of substitute teaching at my daughter's preschool this past week.  Things like that take away some of my "blogging" time.  I have not posted on my other blog either.  I will post when I have time and when I have something to share.  I might even post more than once in a day if I feel like it!  I am going to try and have a wider variety of subjects and be more concise with the study portion.

NEW FOR YOU 

Do you have a quote, verse, or thought that you would like to share???

Do you have a great  household hint, budget or organization idea, or anything of that nature???

Do you have a special recipe to share?   Submit it to me.....even include a photo if you wish.  I might even put it on the other blog (www.recipes4yourkitchen.blogspot.com)

Submit your entries to :   womenlivingwithvirtues@hotmail.com   If you wish to remain anonymous that is just fine and I won't list your name.

I will use at least 1 entry per week, depending on how many submissions I receive.

My hope is for this to turn into more of a collective/community site.  Feel free to like the blog on Facebook,  do a like with Google+, or use any other social networking to share with others.  Have a great week and I hope you will visit the blog often!

Blessings,
Shannon

SPRING BREAK!!! More on EXCELLENCY

(I thought I published this article on Thursday, but apparently it did not work. Better late than never)

Like I said yesterday, the kids are on break this week.  Obviously I am busy and distracted, as I keep mixing up my days this week and missing posts!  My husband has the day off tomorrow so we plan on a family day.  The weather is supposed to be gorgeous.......almost 80 degrees in the middle of March. You can bet some of our plans will be outside enjoying God's creation!!!

EXCELLENCY continued.............

  Phillipians 1:9-10 -  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Phillipians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

How do we acheive excellence?   What can we do, according to God's word?
*** I am only giving 1 verse for each idea. There are MANY more that apply, but I wanted to keep it brief.

1)  Follow his commandments  

 

Matthew 22:36-39

Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

 2)   Be an example to those around us

Matthew 5:15-17

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

3)    Do good works

Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

4)     Learn more about God

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

 

5)    Communicate with God

Philippians 4:5-7

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This is not a comprehensive list by any means........just the ones that I thought of first.  I hope that you will find them thought-provoking.  Take some time and come up with other passages that relate to these topics.  I would love for you to share them on the site with comments under the blog entry!!!

Have a blessed weekend.
Shannon

HAPPY TUESDAY!!!

MAIN DISH MONDAY

 

This is one of my recipes, which I put on my other blog.  They are easy and yummy!!!

 

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

 

TASTY TREAT TUESDAY

 

I can't wait to try these!!!

Three Layer Brownie Goodie Bars

AN EXCELLENT WOMAN

Scriptures

Proverbs 31:10-  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 12:4 -  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

Ruth 3:11 - And now, my daughter, fear not. I will do for thee all that thou requirest, for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.

Other words for virtuous :  Excellent, Worthy, Strong, Capable

We have discussed being virtuous, but let's explore the concept of excellece.  The definition for excellence is :  Superior, First Class, Eminently Good, Very good of it's kind

Do you strive to be an excellent woman?  What is your definition of her?  The world's meaning often includes things such as how you look, the job you have and what it pays, the type of house you live in, and other superficial things.  We are often too concerned about measuring up to others in society.

How does God define excellence for women?  Do we examine ourselves to see how we measure up to his expectations?  We are to be above the norm......differing through our virtues.  Reflect on this and think of ways in which you feel you excel at and the areas in which you need to improve.

Blessings,
Shannon

HAPPY SATURDAY!!!

Hello everyone!  Sorry this week has been hit and miss. We are having some work done on our house and things have been very busy and messy.  I finally have everything cleaned up and furniture moved back.  I can even use the kitchen today.  Then they will be back on Monday to make another mess!

Today I just want to share another list from "Lists To Live By", compiled by Alice Grey, Steve Stephens, and JohnVanDiest.  I chose one about children, since our story this week was Elizabeth.

Page 267

QUALITIES TO PASS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN

 

DETERMINATION..........."Stick with it, regardless."

 

HONESTY.........."Speak and live the truth - always."

 

RESPONSIBILITY............"Be dependable, be trustworthy."

 

THOUGHTFULNESS............"Think of others before yourself."

 

CONFIDENTIALITY........"Don't tell secrets.  Seal your lips."

 

PUNCTUALITY.........."Be on time."

 

SELF-CONTROL......."When under stress, stay calm."

 

PATIENCE........"Fight irritability.  Be willing to wait."

 

PURITY.............."Reject anything that lowers your standards."

 

COMPASSION........."When another hurts, feel it with him."

 

DILIGENCE............"Work hard. Tough it out."

 

-Charles R. Swindoll

From "Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life"

 

 

Blessings,

Shannon

THIS WEEK............

MAIN DISH MONDAY

 

Baked Spasagna

 

http://www.plainchicken.com/2012/02/baked-spasanga.html

 

I am anxious to try this, as my kids LOVE spaghetti and lasagna.  Now I have to figure out how to make it diet friendly.

 

TASTY TREAT TUESDAY

 

White Chocolate Brownies

 

http://pinrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/12/white-chocolate-brownies.html

 

I love white chocolate, so I am sure these will be a hit.

 

WORDS OF WISDOM WEDNESDAY

 

WHAT IS LOVE?

 

Love delights in giving attenion rather than attracting it.

Love finds the element of good and builds on it.

Love does not magnify defects.

Love is a flame that warms but never burns.

Love knows how to disagree without becoming disagreeable.

Love rejoices at the success others instead of being envious.

 

From Lists to Live By - Alice Grey, Steve Stephens, and JohnVanDiest -  Page 66

ELIZABETH - Rejoicing

Scripture :  Luke 1:5-80

Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, is a wonderful example of having faith in the promises the Lord has made to us.  She knew that when God said she would bear a son, that it would happen indeed. We have had previous blogs about the promises God has made to us.  Go to the archives in the right column if you would like to view. Elizabeth was so excited when the foretelling came true.  She is also a model for having a rejoicing and thankful attitude. She showed her praise to the Lord with beautiful words.  When she found out that Mary was with child also, she praised even more!!!  It said she exclaimed in a loud voice.  How would you react if you were in her position?  Would you believe that God can make the impossible turn to possible?  Do you remember to praise Him for the blessings you have in your life?

Luke 12:45 - "And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord."

Children are a gift from God and should be treated as such.  All children, whether your own or someone else's, are a beautiful blessing.  How do you appreciate your children?  What do you do to help children besides your own or if you are not a mother yet?  God is the giver of life and we must respect His creations.  God creates each little life in the womb and we are responsible for their keeping both in the womb and for the rest of their life.

Luke 18:15-17
"And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein."

Psalm 127:3-5
"Children are an inheritance from the LORD. They are a reward from him.   The children born to a man when he is young are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.   Blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them. He will not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the city gate."

May we all be like Elizabeth and Mary.  We need to believe in God's promises and praise Him for our blessings, especially children.  Take time now and each day to pray for your chidren, or for the children in your life if you have not been blessed with your own.

We always hear people say that children are the future, and they are.  Let's invest in them.

Blessings,
Shannon

ELIZABETH - THE STORY

Elizabeth

Name means "God is my oath"

Scripture :  Luke 1:5-80

Elizabeth lived in Judea and was a descendant of Aaron.  She was known by her faithfulness to God's word and for being called blameless for keeping his commandments.  She was called "upright in the sight of God".

She was married to Zechariah and they were both of old age.  They had no children, as she was barren.  Zechariah was burning incense before the most holy place and an angel, called Gabriel, appeared to him and frightened him.  The angel told him,

"Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.  (John the Baptist)
And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

Because of his disbelief, Zechariah was struck mute, and would not be able to speak until the birth of the child.  Elizabeth conceived and hid herself for 5 months. In her sixth month the same angel, Gabriel, appeared unto the virgin Mary and told her of Elizabeth's pregnancy. They were cousins and this news excited Mary.  However, Mary was also told by the angel  that she would soon be mother to the Son of God.  She went to visit Elizabeth and tell her the good news.  When Elizabeth was greeted by Mary, the baby leaped in her womb.  They were both believers and knew that they had been greatly blessed among all women.

RULES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

I have decided that since the weekend posts are going to be hit and miss, there will not be a daily theme. I will just share whatever strikes me for the moment.  Today I found a book on the shelf I have not looked at in quite some time. The name of it is "Lists To Live By" (Compiled by Alice Grey, Steve Stephens, and John Van Diest).  They are truly thought-provoking for every aspect of our lives.  This is my choice to share with you today.

 

RULES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING

 

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever.......

you can!
- John Wesley

 

I hope this gave you something to reflect on. It is a reminder that there is ALWAYS MORE that we can do.  Our work is never finished, until we are called to meet the Lord.  Have a wonderful weekend, and may you be lifted up tomorrow when you worship, Lord willing.

 

Blessings,

Shannon

ANNA - DEVOTION

Luke 2:37 -   Anna had prayed and fasted night and day.  She showed incredible devotion.  She wanted to be close to the Lord, so she stayed at the temple.  She did not want anything to interfere with her devotion.

Are you like Anna?   Do you let anything, anyplace, or anyone come in-between you and the Lord?   We do not have the same type of physical temple to worship at today, but do you attend worship service like you should?  Do you carry that attitude of worship and praise with you no matter where you go?  Can others see your devotion through your actions?   How would you like to be more like her?

Anna obviously did not spend time with a family or working.  Her whole being was given to praising God.  Our situations today as wives, mothers, or single women, keep us very busy.  Most of us cannot dedicate every hour of every day in prayer and fasting.  We also have to do our duties as Christian women, as wives, and as mothers.  The keeping of the home and family requires A LOT of our time and energy.  However, we can show our constant attitude of praise by doing these things with a cheerful heart, giving thanks for all that we have.  We must take the time during the day to stop and pray often.  Even if it is just a brief moment of thanksgiving, it will strenghten our devotion.

Did you take time to pray today?  If you are like me, sometimes you put your head on the pillow at night and realize that the only time you prayed was at mealtimes with your children and family.  I need to do a lot of improvement with my planning and personal schedule, so I get my prayer and quiet time in the morning. At the close of day, when your mind is tired and your body is weary, let the comfort of prayer help you fall asleep.  Unload your worries and fears to the Lord and count and thank Him for the blessings in your life.  I have noticed that I wake more rested and ready for another day when I went to sleep with the Lord "on my mind".

Have a great weekend!

Blessings,
Shannon

THAT'S NEAT THURSDAY

Here are a few things that caught my eye this week :  (Once again......not including photos on my blog due to copyright)

1.   Using pencil pouches to organize puzzles. I LOVE this site!!!
Check it out..........she has many more ideas.

http://thenavystripe.blogspot.ca/2011/12/organizing-kids-toys.html

2.  Excellent teacher gift idea!!!  The verse could be changed to make this for anyone.

Great blog! -  Click on the link and visit

http://www.somewhatsimple.com/idea-for-teacher-appreciation/

3.   Article on cleaning your washing machine!!!
http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/04/how-to-clean-your-top-loader-washing.html

Have a blessed day,
Shannon

ANNA - Day 1

ANNA -  Her name means "Grace"

Scripture:  Luke 2:2-38

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Story : We begin when Anna is 84 years old.  She was married for only 7 years and then became a widow.  She spends her time fasting and praying in the temple night and day.  She was a prophetess and was grateful to be allowed to enter the Women's Court. This made her closer to the Holy Place, where only men were allowed.  She bowed her head and prayed earnestly.

Joseph and Mary had brought baby Jesus to the temple to be presented 40 days after his birth. Simeon had been told that he would not die until he had seen Christ.  He took the child in his arms and said,

"Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel."

Anna heard these words and knew that he was speaking about the new child of God.  She gave thanks to the Lord for allowing her to hear and see this special occasion.

MAIN DISH, TASTY TREAT, AND WORDS OF WISDOM

I have managed to get the women's study posts on here, but have missed the daily ideas.  I am just going to include all of them from so far this week.  If it is my recipe and photograph I have included them.  If it is not, then I have provided the link where you can view them.

MAIN DISH MONDAY-  I made this recipe up myself and all of the family liked it.  We warmed it up for leftovers and they were still soft and juicy!!!

 

SWEET AND TANGY CROCKPOT PORKCHOPS

 

 

You can find the recipe here :  http://www.myrecipemagic.com/recipe/recipedetail/sweet-and-tangy-crockpot-pork-chops

 

I am part of a new website (above) My Recipe Magic............they pay bloggers for submitting recipes, so I have started a food blog and joined the site.  You can find the link for my other blog on that website and I will be adding a link here soon.

 

TASTY TREAT TUESDAY

 

Better Than Anything Brownies

I can't wait to try these..........of course I have to wait for having company over or taking to a dinner or party.  These have to be a splurge.......don't know how I could make them healthier without reducing that rich brownie taste. It is from one of my favorite websites!!!  (www.sixsistersstuff.com)

 

http://www.myrecipemagic.com/recipe/recipedetail/better-than-anything-brownies-recipe

 

WORDS OF WISDOM WEDNESDAY

 

This would have gone nicely with our study of Hannah

 

Source :  http://pinterest.com/pin/565342559443345155/

 

 



HANNAH - Prayer

Hi everyone!  I did not make it on here this weekend for a variety of reasons, but I hope to post M-F each week.

As stated in the previous post, Hannah was a great example of God's promises to us.  Her story also reveals the power of prayer.  This is a huge subject, so I am just going to make a few points.  I could spend weeks, but I would like to move on to another woman of the Bible.  I am sure that prayer will be a common theme among their stories.

Hannah's prayer for a child was answered.  All of us have had many answered prayers, and probably just as many unanswered prayers.  This does not mean that the Lord does not hear us, He just knows what is best for our life and the lives of those around us.  It is a huge blessing to be able to unload our burdens on the Lord's ears and have the assurance and comfort that He is with us always. 

Do you pray only when in need - emotionally or physically?  Do you try to handle everything yourself and use prayer as a last resort?  We sometimes forget that we need His help and guidance so that the right decision can be made.  Ask the Lord for strength that you can trust in Him.

Spend some time each day reflecting on your blessings and give praise and thanksgiving in your prayers!  We need to practice gratitude and show Him our love. 

Have a blessed week.  We are home from school again tomorrow as we are being hit with winter storm #2.  Ha!

Blessings,
Shannon

A few of my favorite verses about prayer :

1 John 5:14-15

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Matthew 6:5-12
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Psalm 50:15
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me

HANNAH - PROMISES

Hannh's story reminds us of God's PROMISES to us

She put her confidence in the Lord, believing that he would be here in her time of need.  She understood that all she had to do was ask.  That does not mean that she would be granted her wish, but that she knew he would listen and provide comfort.  The Lord promises us the same thing today. Here are some verses regarding this subject.

Galatians 3:22

But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

 

Galations 3:28-29

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

James 1:12

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

 

1 John 2:25

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

 

The Lord promised Abraham that through him all nations would be best.  The children of Israel inherited the Promised Land.   Today the Lord has promised us eteral life and a home in heaven to those who believe, are baptized, and follow his word.

 

In the same manner the Lord tells us to be not worried, but know that our needs will be provided.

Matthew 6:30-32

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and
to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

May you remember to count your blessings and hold fast to God's promises for your life here on earth and your eternal life in heaven.

Blessings,
Shannon

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY!!!

Sorry I missed a post.......it is going to happen. Yesterday was spent getting ready for our snowstorm today!!!  We are supposed to have record snowfall - up to a foot.  The kids are so excited. It is absolutely gorgeous outside.  I love the look of new-fallen, pure, white snow.  It reminds me of the Bible verse,

Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

The kids are out of school and my hubby is working from home, so we are blessed to all be here together safe and sound.  Our prayers for safe travel for those who are out and about.

I am going to finish this blog entry, and then enjoy my day with the family.  Time to put the Weight Watchers chowder in the crockpot. See the link "Soups and Stews"  on the right side of the blog.

Since I missed yesterday I am going to combine the daily ideas.

          WORDS OF WISDOM WEDNESDAY                          THAT'S NEAT! THURSDAY

 

 I really like this one, and thought it was very fitting             One of my goals is to be more

as the kids will be climbing the walls. I need to                   more organized this year.  I am

appreciate each and every minute.                                     referring to it often.

 

Source :  www.time-warpwife.com                                  Source : www.lifeyourway.net

 

 

The next entry (tonight or tomorrow), will be about Promises and Prayer.

 

*** What are your favorite Bible verses about God's promises to us, or your favorite one about prayer???  Enter them in the comment section below.  I want to involve my readers, as they are my support.  Thanks for reading.......please remember to like the blog on Facebook.

 

Blessings,

 

Shannon

                             

TASTY TREAT TUESDAY!!!

 

BISQUICK CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

 

I had no idea that you could make cookies with baking mix. I am going to give it a try sometime soon......will take pictures and post with  my reaction

 

http://www.plainchicken.com/2010/03/bisquick-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

HANNAH - DAY TWO

I had a really busy day today, so this is going to be short.  I will expand more tomorrow.

Questions to consider :

Why is Hannah described as a woman of faith by people today?
How was she rewarded?
What reaction have you had to any difficulties you have faced lately?
How did you handle the way others reacted to the situation?
Has the Lord answered any of your prayers lately?   Have any of your prayers gone unanswered?

What do you think Hannah's life was like after she gave Samuel to the Lord?  She kept her vow to God. What types of vows have you made to God and others?  Are you trying your best to keep these vows?

If you have children, are you preparing them for a life dedicated to God?  Do you read to them and teach them the stories in the Bible?   Do you pray with them - at times other than meals?  Do they see you reading and studying?

Tomorrow....the power of God's promises and the power of prayer.

Blessings,
Shannon

MAIN DISH MONDAY

*** I have decided to break up the posts into 2 parts......the study and then the daily ideas. Today's study is in the entry below.  Thanks!

MAIN DISH MONDAY

 

Chicken Fried Steak- Skinny Style

This is one of my hubby's favorites, but definitely not on Weight Watchers. I am anxious to surprise him with it one night. I found this recipe on Pinterest. It is from Mens Fitness.
The original link for the photo and recipe is:

http://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/what-to-eat/chicken-fried-steak-recipe

Once I make it myself I will add a photo of my own..........don't want to risk copyright issues.  My mouth is watering right now!!!




DAY ONE - HANNAH

Scripture :   I Samuel  1:1-2:19
 
Hannah -  Name means "Graciousness or  Favor"

Hannah was a wife of Elkanah. She shared this position with another woman, Penninah. Hannah was barren and unable to  bare a child for him.  As is today, this was a very emotional circumstance.  It was difficult to know that she could not provide him a son, and that society then saw this as not being a "whole woman".  Even when Elkanah tried to assure her that he loved her, it was of little comfort.  On their journey to the tabernacle, Elkannah gave his portions to Penninah and his sons, but a  greater portion to Hannah.  Penninah provoked Hannah since she could not have a child, and this gave her great sorrow.

At their journey to the tabernacle in Shiloh, Hannah wept and prayed earnestly at the door.  Her lips moved without making a sound. She cried out from her heart "O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head."  Eli, the high priest saw this and though that she had been drinking.  Hannah replied that this was not true. She was a woman full of sorrow speaking to the Lord.  Eli replied, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him."   Elkanah and Hannah returned home and she did conceive a son. They named him Samuel.

Since she had dedicated Samuel to the Lord, she took him to live with Eli at the temple when he was weened.  Her son would later become Israel's first judge and prophet and priest.  He would later annoint Saul and David as kings.  Each year Hannah visited Samuel and brought him a robe.  Eli prayed blessings for Elkanah. Hannah was later blessed with three sons and two daughters, as she had kept her promise to the Lord.

Tomorrow.......how this story relates to us in prayer and our relationship with our children.

Blessings,
Shannon

'

SILLY SATURDAY

 

Verse for the Day : Psalm 68:3 - But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

How many of you can relate to this one?  It definitely made me laugh. I hope it perks up your weekend.

 

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/565342559443330590/

 

Here is one that just made me go "AWWWW....."

 

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/565342559443330622/

 

 



COOKIN' IT UP SKINNY-STYLE!!!

I have decided that I am going to include blog entries focused on ideas that will help with cooking, organizing, childen, budgeting, and other duties of a wife and mother.  These will be periodic, in addition to my daily entries.

Right now we are trying to be more healthy at our home......Weight Watchers is the choice plan.  We want to make a new lifestyle, and are trying to not think of it as a diet, but that is easier said than done. One of the best things that helps, is the large variety of recipes available via the internet.

I know some of you are trying to improve your health too, without losing the enjoyment of food.......so I wanted to share.  Here is my first "Favorites" list.


My Top 20  "Skinny Cooking" Websites

These are in no particular order of preference........I have referred to all of them!!!  I will often list their recipe links in my Main Dish Mondays, Tasty Treat Tuesdays, or Friday Favorites entries.  Happy Cooking!!!

www.skinnytaste.com
www.skinnykitchen.com
www.thismamacooks.com
www.laaloosh.com
www.kitchenparade.com
www.jillianskitchen.com
www.slenderkitchen.com
www.aspectacledowl.com
www.skinnymom.com
www.sixsistersstuff.com
www.cookinskinny.com
www.greenlitebites.com
www.recipegirl.com
www.emilybites.com
www.skinnyms.com
www.healthyindulgences.com  -   This is a gluten-free, sugar-free, all natural site
www.livingachangedlife.blogspot.com
www.chef-in-training.com
www.eatingwell.com
www.cookinglight.com
www.shannonskitchencreations.com

WIDOW WITH TWO COINS - REVIEW

Scripture : Matthew 6:25-26
   
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

First thing to reflect on:  What have you learned from this story?  How do you want to be like the woman with two coins?

We must rely on the Lord and have faith that he will provide. We should be of the mindset that we would give Him all he asks of us, even it is everything we own.

Abraham was prepared to offer Isaac and the Lord gave up His only Son.  Let us give thanks daily for all  of our blessings!!!

Blessings to you,
Shannon

FAVORITES FRIDAY

 

BAKED RANCH CHICKEN

 

Made this for dinner and everyone liked it!!!  It is a great "skinny" recipe. It is crunchy and juicy, like it was fried instead of baked.

 

Original picture and recipe at :  www.laaloosh.com  (AWESOME "SKINNY" SITE)

http://pinterest.com/pin/565342559443270721/

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOVE!!!

Today our society has designated as a day focused on LOVE.  I pray that you cherish the ones you love not just today, but each and every day of the year.  It is important to give attention to them and show our appreciation.  We also need to be thankful for our spiritual family.  The Bible gives many examples of how loving your brethren is also important.  We frequently buy gifts for our family, for holidays, birthdays, weddings and such.  What have you done for your brothers and sisters in Christ to show your love?  Prayer is a private way to love, but physical acts of kindess can be seen by those you help and others.  Sending cards, taking food to mourning families, offering to babysit, visiting the sick, and so much more.  We need to be a light in the world.  There is a verse in the Bible that speaks of this subject.

Matthew 22:35-40

³⁵ Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

³⁶ Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

³⁷ Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

³⁸ This is the first and great commandment.

³⁹ And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

My challenge to you is :  Choose someone in your life (not in your physical family), and show an act of kindess.  We have been reading about riches, and this is a way that you can become rich with love, gratitude, and a sense of self-worth.

Another verse for each day of our life:

John 3:16 -  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Blessings to you and those you love,

Shannon

 

THAT'S NEAT THURSDAY

 

 

I love this picture!!!  Wish I would have thought of it with our little ones.  I did not find a copyright, so I will just list the link and the picture.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

http://pinterest.com/pin/565342559443309383/



WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!!

Welcome to the new website format!!!  I figured out how to customize the blog some more, so I had some fun (and frustrations) revising the site.  I really like it and I hope you do too.

Today was one of "those" days, yet the Lord made it, so I will rejoice in it.  Between taking the car into the shop, hubby rebuilding our home computer that bit the dust, the "usual" house stuff, and preparing for activities at school, the day just got away from me.  It is almost midnight now, so I am going to make it brief and will try to make up for it tomorrow.

The topic is supposed to be about God's riches he provides and will someday provide for us if we are faithful.  Can you name some of those riches?  Now.....we can all dream of  how wonderful heaven will be with the streets of gold, gates of pearl, and so much more.  I think of that song......."I've got a mansion, just over the hilltop, in that bright land where we'll never grow old.....".  I have always liked that hymn and the idea of comparing physical life here and in eternal life in heaven.  However, these are not the riches I am speaking of.  I am referring to the spiritual blessings he provides for us now. I will continue this tomorrow.  Here is a passage to consider today.

Blessings,
Shannon

Colossians 2:1-3

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

 

 

WORDS  OF WISDOM WEDNESDAY

 

LOVE THIS!!!     http://keepingitpersonal.com