Halfway

It's been a while since my last post and I apologize for that. Tomorrow marks the 20th week of my pregnancy. It's half way over, it seems like it has went by slow and fast at the same time. It still doesn't seem real, I can't believe there is a little bundle of joy growing in my belly. I have had morning sickness, and just being tired until about 18 weeks. I am feeling great now, no more sickness {Thank you, Jesus} I have more energy and I want to clean and organize everything. 

I am so greatful to be able to carry such precious cargo for 9 months. A part of me wants to keep the baby in my belly forever because I know it's safe, warm and snugly, and the other part of me is ready to meet and hold this wonderful gift from God. Some women don't get to experience this so I'm trying to soak in and cherish every moment, good and bad because I know it will be over in the blink of an eye and may not happen again. 

 

I also have to brag about how {wonderful} my husband has been through this experience so far. He has cleaned my throw-up, he's stepped in it... barefoot, never once complained, he asks how I feel everyday, he tells me I look beautiful when I feel like a tub of lard, he lets me cry {for no reason} on his shoulder, I can't say enough good things about him. He is going to be such an amazing father to our baby. He lets me know everything is going to be ok when I feel like a hundred things are going to go wrong. I truly don't know what I would do without him. 

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; The fruit of the womb is a reward. 

Psalms 127:3

We find out next Monday what Baby Beaver will be. I'll be sure to let everyone know after I tell my family. What do you think Baby Beaver will be, boy or girl?? 

Thankful

It's been a month since I've wrote a post and major things have happened. First off I want to apologize for my slack of not posting, I hope you can forgive me.

On January 12th my husband and I found out we are expecting our first child. We are so excited and blessed that God chose us to be parents to a presious little bundle of joy. So to say the least I've had a lot on my mind, as well as feeling under the weather with morning sickness and nausea and just thinking about baby things. I will be 14 weeks pregnant tomorrow, so far I can't complain, my pregnancy is going well besides the sickness and being tired. I am so thankful that everything is going well, the doctor said we are right on track! 

I'm going to get back in the swing of things with the blog, I most likely won't be posting 3 times a week, I hope to at least post once a week. I have missed posting on the blog and I know I keep getting asked if I'm ever going to blog again. The answer is; yes!! (lol) 

Spirit Lifter

This post is going to be simple, but still enjoyable. These are a few songs that I love to listen to, that always lifts up my spirit, and can change a bad mood into a good one. Songs can be so powerful and reassuring that God is always by our side and he loves us unconditionly.

(FIY: the videos only show up on a computer not a cell phone, I'm not sure why)

 

Jamie Grace - Beautiful Day

 

Sister - I'm Gonna Make It

 

The Crabb Family - Through the Fire

 

 

I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. What are some of your favorite songs?

P31W Wednesday #7

Sara talks about the softness factor--when she's kind to her husband, he seems to return that kindness to her. 

Has that been your experience? Why or why not? 

I would say yes, and it also goes both ways. If I cook a meal, my husband will always give me compliments about it, he will usually help me cook as well. If I clean the house he'll tell me that I have done a great job. He as always been good with compliments and saying sweet things. When it's hot out and my husband is out mowing the yard I try to have a cold drink ready for him when he comes in and dinner ready or almost ready. It's the least I can do really, I don't want to mow the yard in the summer heat. I would have to say we have the kindness thing done pat, we can always show each other more kindness but never any less. 

Husbands are our soul mate, our best friend, the person we live and share our lives with. Why make things difficult by being mean to each other and arguing?! I hate the little stupid arguments we do have, and I don't want to have anymore. So, I am kind to my husband and he is kind back, we are happy, happy, happy!!

Don't Be A Brat

Things don't always go our way, and then we whine and complain to people we know, we make a Facebook status for the world to see so people will feel sorry for us...and it goes on and on. I think this is something I see and hear everyday, I am guilty of complaining sometimes, I try not to and if I do, I don't tell the whole world. Why can't we all just be happy and be content with our life?! Yes, life does get tough sometimes, but it makes us stronger and we learn lessons from it. God puts us through hard times for a reason, so we will learn to depend and trust in Him more often, to put us in our place if we think we are too good for anything bad to happen. God knows what he is doing. 

Why is being content so hard? Why can't we be happy with what we have, we always want more, or the newest and nicest things. I am also guilty, I do love shopping, but I have to say I have been a good girl lately, only getting thing I need instead of want. We all are guilty of this, but it's something we should change.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he had said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

Hebrews 13:5

Many times we think of what we need and how we will obtain those things, instead of trusting in God that he will provide those things. I believe sometimes God wants us to work for what we need so we do not become lazy. I think he wants to see us tith and help others, practicing being a good servant. God will always provide for us, even if it's not brand name, or the newest, He will provide. So try to be content with the things you have and where your life is at as well. People that whine and complain, a word comes to mind to describe them, and that's a "brat". That's the last thing I want my Heavenly Father to think of me, I don't think he actually would, but he wouldn't be happy with me if I complained all the time. I have a roof over my head, a job, food to eat, clothes to wear, heat and air, running water, transpirtation, electricity, I could go on and on. I am thankful for all those things. What if you woke up and only had the things you thanked God for? Thats something to think about.  

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

Philippians 4:11-13

 

A Love Worth Dying For

Valentines Day, a day about your special someone, chocolates, flowers, gifts, dinner and a movie. Some people hate this day, and some people love it. I do have a Valentine, my husband who is also my best friend. But there is another man I love, more than my husband, my sweet loving savior, Jesus Christ. 

There is no amount of chocolates or flowers, no fancy dinner or piece jewelry that compares to the gift He gave me. Not only me, but everyone. He died for us, he was beaten, and attacked, whipped and called names. When Jesus was hanging on the cross he asked for forgiveness for His attackers, for they did not know what they had done. Jesus took all of that brutality just for us, He didn't fight back, he didn't even talk back. He died on the cross, and rose again to become our savior.

Even if you are single for Valentines day, the main man that should be in your heart is Jesus, if you are a man or woman. He loves you more than you will ever know. We fail him daily, but he forgives us daily. Just thinking about it gives me a mixture of emotions, it makes me happy, it makes me sad because I am so unworthy of His love. Jesus loves us unconditionally, he is with us where ever we go. 

So on this Valentines day I pray that your main Valentine is Jesus and you feel the amazing warmth of His love in your heart. 

P31W Wednesday #6

I'm sorry there was no post on Monday, I had a lot going on, and I didn't feel that God had given me a topic to write about. Today is Wednesday so its time to answer questions from P31W.

In this chapter Sara's task is to be kind as well as patient from the last chapter. She had a hard time with this, especially since her husband started things and didn't finish them. She would usually get mad and tell him to finish what he started, but she stayed calm, she did what she needed and no harm was done. Sara works from home, and has made a promise not to work after her son has come home from school. She had deadlines coming up, so balancing work and family was becoming harder than expected. But she figured if she is patient and kind to her husband, then he will be patient and kind to her, and that is worth missing a deadline.

The questions for this week:

How do you balance work and family? Share some tips that worked for you.

I work 8 to 5, when I get off, I go home, and work stays at work. When I am home it is family time, cooking cleaning, watching movies, and just being with each other. I love spending time with my husband, we usually cook together and we sometimes play games to do something different. The only tip I do have, is to leave work at work, don't go home mad or bring home problems that don't need to be there.

Have you ever put your own desires on hold for your family? How has this made you feel?

I don't really think that I have. I went to college and got a degree, I'm married, we own our first house, I have a good job, everything is great. The only thing I would like to do more is travel, but that's not really sacrificing anything, and those places will hopefully always be there that I can visit one day. The main place I want to go is Disney World......one day.....one day!!


 

I am still working on my patience and now it will be kindness. With {Valentines Day} coming up, do something nice for your significant other, be patient, be kind, just like love is.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

 

 

Last Sunday we had to bring breakfast for our small group class. I decided to make homemade cinnamon rolls and they were a hit, and my pan was empty by the end of class. 

 

I got the recipe from another blog, there are more pictures there. The recipe was super easy and yummy!

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

P31W Wednesday #5

Sara is ready to start the process of becoming Martha31. She knows she can't take on all 21 verses at one time, so she gives herself a year, which is why the book is a year long project.

A good woman is hard to find,

and worth far more than diamonds.

Her husband trusts her without reserve,

and never has reason to regret it.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously

all her life long. 

Proverbs 31:10-12 (The Message Version)

Sara also uses the book The Love Dare, the book used in the movie Fireproof. The first step in this book is patience. She knows she can be impatient, so she tries in certain situations to stay calm before over reacting. 

The questions for this week are:

What tries your patience? 

A lot of things, I guess. My house has to be in some kind of order before I go to bed each night. People saying they'll do something and then they don't. Being unorganized, traffic, waiting and more. Those are the main problems, that can lead into bigger problems. 

How do you typically react to things that don't go your way? 

Not necessarily "my way" but I usually get a look on my face like what in the world, or why are you doing that. I'm not the type of person that will say my thoughts out loud, I'll just tell my husband when I get home, bless him. 

Everyone deals with their patience everyday, some deal with it differently than others. I'm sure Martha31 stayed cool, calm and collected. I am going to work on my patience more, not let little things bother me. Everything isn't going to be done the way I would do it, some patience issues can lead to stress, so I just need to tell myself I'm too blessed to be stressed. 

How do you deal with your pateince? Are you calm or do you over react? 

Talent Show

God has blessed everyone with some kind of talent. Whether is be singing, speaking, leading, a form of art, serving, and so much more. We are to use these talents to glorify God, because he blessed us with the talent.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

1 Peter 4:10-11

These verses say just that. If you have a beautiful voice to sing with, thank God. Don't take credit for it, or be cocky. God can easily take that beautiful voice away. I think there are many people that want the credit and the applause for what they do when really God should be the one get a standing ovation. We are to glorify Him, as 1 Peter 4:10 said "EACH has received a gift" that means everyone. I just realized what my gift was not too long ago, I knew God had a spot for me in the talent show, and I knew it wasn't to sing or speak, it was to write and create a blog, to help and encourage others. Each post that I post comes from Him, He narrows down the topics in my head, He gives me the words to write, and He gives me the confidence to do it.

If you haven't found your spot in the talent show, don't worry, God had a plan for you, he already knows your talent he's just making sure it's the right time before He tells you, just pray His Will be done. Here is a list I came up with of talents you could do: singing, speaking, forming a group at church or home, being a prayer warrior, teaching children, serving at local shelters, writing, sending cards, calling people to encourage them, cooking, art, cleaning, and so much more! Whatever your talent is, give thanks to God because he blessed you with it, and he chose it perfect for you! Be confident and know that the talent you are doing is glorifying God, He is proud of you, don't let others get you down. 

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does act of mercy, with cheerfulness. 

Roman 12:6-8

Update

Since it's the last day of January, I can't believe how fast time goes by. Anyways, I thought I would do an update on how my New Years goals are going. 

Here is the list of my goals I posted on January 3rd, and how I'm doing under it in yellow. 
 

-become closer to God 

I have become closer to God, I talk to Him and pray more than I did before.
 

-read the Bible daily

I can't say that I read it daily, but I do read it more than I did, this is one I'll have to keep working on.
 

-be a better Christian

I believe I have, I get excited about going to church and I am happier when I listen to Christian music and I feel like I talk about God more.
 

-be a better wife

I think so, not that I was ever bad.
 

-inspire and encourage people with my blog

I do believe that I have done this, the feedback I have received has all been positive and encouraging to me as well, I makes me feel great and I appreciate it. 
 

-meet new people through my blog 

I haven't yet, but I hope I do. 
 

-for my blog to be successful

This goal will take time, so I will just keep doing what I am doing and if it's Gods will, I'll accept it. 
 

-make healthy lifestyle changes

I have been making healthier choices, but not everyday.
 

-randomly mail cards to others 

I need to buy some cards so I can do this!
 

-not to compare myself to others 

This is still hard, I am working on it, but it will take time.
 

-cook new recipes 

I haven't tried any new yet, but I'm sure I will. 
 

-visit new places 

This hasn't happened, maybe soon. 
 

-learn to sew on a sewing machine

Not yet, I need a sewing machine, lol.
 

-take more pictures
I have started to take some more, but I think I need to take even more, for memories.
 

-worry less
I do find myself giving my worries to God rather than worrying, so yes I do worry less.
 

-smile more
Yes, I do :)
 

-be more adventurous 
I haven't really had the opportunity to be more adventurous yet.
 

-try to be less shy 
I would say I'm still working on this., it's hard to break out of a shell.

Did you mew new years goals? How are you doing on your now that the first month of the year is about to end? Todays post was simple but it made me realize that I need to work harder at some of these goals, and take some of them more seriously. I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

 

P31W Wednesday #4

Homemaker, a word that Sara, the author, hated to hear. It was something she did not want to become when she got married. She thought it meant you have to give up all of your goals and dreams and you stay at home cooking and cleaning. She soon realized that you do sacrifice some things in a marriage and you do, do homemaker things. She consumed herself with work, school and a baby and she was then scared that she actually missed out on being a homemaker.

Questions for this week:

What is your definition of a homemaker?
A person who takes care of their home and family.

Growing up, what was your perception of a homemaker?
When I was younger I would associate a homemaker with what I saw on TV. A cheerful lady in a dress with a cute apron, her hair fixed perfect. She cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner from scratch. She did laundry and cleaned the house, all while taking care of the children.

What about now?
Now, I would say, a person who cooks, cleans, takes care of children (if any). I think now it could be a man or woman depending on who earns the paycheck and who stays home. I don't necessarily  think the homemaker has to stay home all day, you can still do the same tasks once you get off of work.

Do you consider yourself a homemaker? Why or why not?
I would say yes, not fully. I do have a fulltime job, but when I get home I do cook, clean and do laundry. My husband also helps, so you could say we both are. I usually take the inside cleaning, while my husband takes on the outside, like yard work, and washing the cars. We make a good team!

I think I could be a stay-at-home homemaker if I could. It sounds good in my head anyways. I couldn't wear a dress all the time but I do have a cute apron. I like to craft and do DIY projects {which I hope to post soon} so I think I could keep myself busy with little projects. Martha 31 did it all, so I'm sure I could as well with a little practice.

What are your thoughts on the definition of a homemaker? Are you a homemaker?

Be-YOU-tiful

I have debated about this post topic all week. I can't get it out of my head, and I'm not sure what I would post if I didn't choose this topic. So, I'm going to listen to the whispers from God and do it. Some things no one knows only God does, but I hope this post will help someone through their hard times.

Being myself was hard to do through out school. I just wanted to be accepted. In elementary school I was fine, it wasn't until middle school that I found myself loosing friends because we didn't have classes together or they changed and made other friends. I tried to be apart of the popular group, they were nice at first, but then I started to notice the dirty looks and when I would walk up they stop talking, so it was really awkward. I have always struggled with my weight, and I would just think to myself "maybe if I was skinny, I would have more friends or more people would like me". I cried a lot, I'm crying now writing this. Remembering at lunch time classmates moving more chairs to a lunch table just so they didn't have to sit with me. I don't think I was weird, I was very quiet, I never understood why classmates acted the way they did, all I knew is that it hurt. 

High school wasn't much better, 9th grade, again I just tried to fit in and find friends. In 9th we had to take PE, I hated PE. Having to dress out in front of others, I'm not athletic, never have been. One day we were walking around the track, and to older guys came up to me and asked "if I wanted to be his girlfriend" I said no, with a weird look on my face, but deep down I was happy that they noticed me, but as they walked away I heard them say "let's go find another fat girl to ask". I was immidiatly crushed, those happy feelings I felt were completely gone and I was ready for class to be over. All my friends had boyfriends and I could never get a guy to look at me. I just wanted a guy to like me and to talk to me. During these times I did think about suicide, and inflicting pain on myself because of the pain I felt, not seriously, but it did cross my mind. I didn't think anyone would notice that I was even gone, but I knew I would hurt my family. 

I never drastically changed, I just hung out with people and tried to be something that I wasn't. I wasn't popular, or athletic, in 9th grade I hung out with the punk/goth crowd just because they were nice to me. As I got older I found different people to hang out with. I tried to be more of myself, rather than something I'm not. If I could go back, I would try to teach myself to love who I am. I am still insecure to this day and I probably always will be. I wish I had the "I don't care attitude" but I don't. I would tell myself to find true friends that liked me for me, that didn't judge me. My husband, whom I met junior year in high school was my saving grace, he truly does love me no matter what, he has been here for me since day one. I would tell myself to trust in God more, and give my worries to him, and to have a closer relationship with him. I felt alone a lot in school, I know now that I wasn't ever alone he was always there, and so was my family, but I didn't talk to them about any of this. 

If I could tell someone else anything it would be to; BE{YOU}TIFUL, worry about your relationship with God before your friends, trust in Him, and you are never alone!! 

But The Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on outward appearance, but The Lord looks on the heart." 
1 Samuel 16:7

People are always going to judge each other, just treat others the way you want to be treated! 

I don't want anyone to feel pity towards me, I chose to write this in hopes to help others that could be going through the same things. It was very difficult to write this and share things that no one knows happened. Jesus, the sweetest name I know, now gives me comfort, I lean to Him whenever I have doubts or fears! 

 

I love this song and it fits in perfectly with my post.

{You're worth more than gold!}

 

Easy Chicken Pan Pie

Happy Friday! Today I'm keeping the post simple with a easy recipe for chicken pan pie. This recipe is so simple and yummy! I love to make it when it's chilly outside, it's very comforting.

Ingredients:

1 can chicken

1 can cream of chicken

1cup frozen mixed veggies

1cup self-rising flour

1cup milk 

1 stick butter

9x9 pan

If you double the recipe just use a 9x13 pan. 

 

You can also use a can of Veg-all, I like frozen vegetables better. 

 

I open the chicken, drain it, and chop it up a little more and then add it to the pan. There is no particular order to this, I just usually add the chicken first. You can cook your own chicken, or use leftovers but to be quick and easy I use can chicken.

 

Next I add the vegetables, you can add whatever kind you like, I prefer the mixed. 

 

Then add the cream of chicken soup, spread it all over.

 

Now for the crust. Melt 1 stick of butter.

 

Add the cup of self-rising flour and the cup of milk, stir well. 

Pour it evenly over the other ingredients. 

 

Bake on 350 for an hour or until golden brown. 

 

Serve and enjoy!! 

 

P31W Wednesday #3

This week Sara gives P31W a name, she is calling her Martha 31 from now on. She thought of P31W as a modern day Martha Stewart, and I kind of agree. Sara tries really hard to cook more, and to get dinner done before her husband comes home. She achieved that goal, her husband was happy, and her son cleaned his plate. She felt like an accomplished Martha 31.

This week the questions are:

How do you prepare to receive your husband when he walks in the door? 

- I always try to have a smile on my face. I'll greet him with a hug, a kiss and a "how was your day?" I have learned to leave work at work, especially if I have had a bad day. I will eventually tell my husband what happened but I don't want to greet him with a bad attitude and put a damper in the rest if the night.

Do you notice a difference with him when your happy or cranky? 

- I have noticed a difference. There have been times when I was in a bad mood when my husband got home and his smile disappears, and the night is just blah. I didn't like that, eventually we would talk about what happened that day but time was wasted that could've been joyful and happy. I now, try to have a positive attitude all the time. My husband usually always comes home with a smile on his face so it makes it a lot easier. I just love him and his smile!!

What are some things you might do differently? 

- I wouldn't say I would do anything differently because I have already learnd my lesson. I would love to have dinner ready when my husband gets home but we both get off at the same time, so that's hard to do. 

Her children arise, and call her blessed; 

her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."

Proverbs 31:28-29

Martha 31, as Sara calls her, is a women if many wonderful traits. Reading this book makes me strive to be a better wife and to learn and do more. I'm not sure if I will ever live up to Martha 31 standards but I will try my best and as long as my husband is happy and I'm happy I think I'm doing a good job. 

I hope some of you are also reading the book and are learning to become the P31W! 

This Little Light of Mine

I'm gonna let it shine. A childs song that I have never given much thought to as an adult, has so much meaning. In our small group at church yesterday morning we talked about letting our light shine. I couldn't get that topic out of my head, so I took it as Gods way of telling me I should do my blog post on that. So, I'm obeying him. 

Some of the verses from the song:

This little light if mine, 

I'm gonna let it shine. 

Hide it under a bushel -NO! 

I'm gonna let it shine. 

Don't let Satan blow it out.

I'm gonna let it shine. 

Let it shine till Jesus comes.

I'm gonna let it shine. 

This little light if mine, 

I'm gonna let it shine. 

If we call ourselves Christians, then we should be shining bright for Jesus! We can't sit on the couch and do nothing and expect people to see Jesus in us. We have to let our light shine, whether it's being a prayer warrior in your church that people trust, singing, and helping in children's ministry at church. Those things are amazing, but your light needs to shine outside of church as well.

14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 

Serving others is a great way to spread the love of Jesus, working at a food pantry, or serving food to the homeless, when you're checking out at a store tell the clerk to have a blessed day with a smile on your face. Just having a positive attitude, and not complaining. You could speak at events, or start a small group out of your home, call people or send out nice cards of encouragement. There are so many ways to shine your light for Jesus, our precious savior! I have chosen to let my light shine through my blog, I'm not a speaker, maybe God will bless me with the courage to do so one day, but for now I will blog. 

I think also being an encouragement to others who are trying to be a light as well, tell them they are doing a great job, and that you are proud of them! 

I think non-Christians watch everything we do. If we act in ways we shouldn't, or say things we shouldn't say, they will wonder how we are different than them, and why they should be a Christian. If they see us joyful, humble, and full of love, their curiosity might get them thinking being a Christian must be great, they are so happy, I want to be like that. 

Our job here on earth is to first love Jesus, and then to love others. I'm sure Jesus never stayed still, he was always out helping others. So why should we sit still, Jesus loved us enough to die for us and we can't even tell other people about him, and shine our light! Don't discourage yourself or let the devil get you down and make you think you can't do it, or that's silly, or why would you do that. Believe me, it happens, a lot, every time I write a post, I think; is it good enough, did I say the right words, what will people think and say, I should delete this, it's not good. But I know if I listen to my thoughts, satan would have blown out my light or it would be hidden under a bushel. After I click publish, even though I had those thoughts, I feel accomplished, and proud of myself. Especially if people comment and I know I have touched others makes me feel great. 

So however you want to shine your light, shine it as bright as you can!! Don't hide it under a bushel or let satan blow it out. Jesus is watching us and he is proud if what work we do for him. 

Much Love,
Teaya

27 Years

27 years ago my sweet, wonderful, loving parents stood at the alter and said "I do". Marriages now days hardly last 27 months, much less 27 years! It's such a blessing to have parents that love each other for better or worse, sickness and health, till death do them part!! Parents that don't give up on each other, that can joke around and have fun. Even though I was an only child, there was never a dull moment at our house. Both of my parents have worked hard their whole life for what they have, never asking for handouts, and if we didn't have the money for it we didn't get it. I'm so greatful to have picked up on these lessons and values and now I use them in my life with my husband. God truly blessed me with amazing parents, I thank him everyday for both of them!  I am a daddy's girl, but my mom is my best friend. I love them both so very much, I don't know where I would be without them! 

The crazy thing is, 27 years ago tomorrow, my husbands parents got married too!! I was truly blessed with some amazing in-laws. Most people can't say that, but I can. 

Happy 27th Anniversary to my parents and to my in-laws! I love you all very much! 

 

P31W Wednesday #2

 

In chapter 2, Sara talks about stepping up to the plate of becoming a P31W. Sara knew she couldn't take on the 21 characteristics of the P31W, so she takes baby steps to do so. Her first step was catching up on some cleaning she hadn't got around to and the next step was to cook something. Sara mentions that her husband is a great cook, so she doesn't cook much. She decides to make a banana pudding, she had everything she needed and she even made it homemade pudding even though she wanted to use instant pudding mix. She made it and she was proud of herself, taking her first step to become a P31W! So, the discussion questions this week is about cooking. 

How would you describe yourself as a cook? 

-Most meals I make are pretty good. I haven't burnt anything or set the smoke alarm off yet. We usually have enough left over for me to take to lunch the next day and that's it, so I guess that's a good sign that my husband likes it. My husband is honest if he doesn't like it, he'll tell me but he hasn't told me he hadn't liked something yet. He has said maybe to add something or use less of a certain spice the next time I make it. I like to try new recipes I think we both will like. 

Are you gourmet, short-order, or fast-food? 

-I would say a little bit of all 3. I think I cook nice meals, but sometimes I like them to be quick and easy. I'm always up for a yummy crockpot meal where there is little to now work involved, but i could also spend 1 or 2 hours cooking, just depends oon the day.

Do you love it or hate it? 

-I love it. There are somedays I want to cook more than others, but I generally like to be in the kitchen. 

What's your favorite thing to cook? 

-I like to make chicken and/or shrimp fajitas with homemade salsa and guacamole. {I'll have to put the recipe on the blog} I love Mexican food, its so easy to make too. I guess that's one if my favorites, I don't have an absolute favorite meal. 

Who taught you to cook? 

-Mainly my mom, just watching her and helping in the kitchen when I could. She is a great cook and I am glad my Ma and Pa let my husband and I come eat with them once a week.

Think about these questions yourself, and answer them. If you already love to cook and have no problem with it, what can be your first step to becoming a P31W? If you don't like to cook, try to find simple recipes to try out once or twice a week, don't overwhelm yourself with the task, Sara did say baby steps.

X Marks the Spot

Sometimes I feel like we are on a scavenger hunt to find joy. We find {all kinds} of clues that lead us closer and closer, but we never find the big X, the main treasure... true joy!! 

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 

John 15:11

There is always something's holding us back from truly being happy. We always want more, even though we most likely have everything we need. I think a lot of people are good actors and put on a happy face around everyone and then when they are all alone the sadness and/or depression starts to sink in again. I know I have been an actress before, infront of friends and family smiling and {acting} happy, but then crying myself to sleep at night.  

Family and material things can make us happy, and then most if the time that happiness fades away. Like a cone of ice cream on a on day,that'll make you happy, it's so nice, cold and sweet but it will soon be gone. Or a new pair of jeans, those jeans will eventually fade and get worn out and you'll have to buy a new pair. 

True joy didn't happen for me until my relationship with Jesus grew and I became closer to him. I personally don't think you can have true joy without Jesus Christ, knowing he lives in your heart and that he is with you where ever you go. Just knowing that he is by my side, that he loves me for me, I can trust him, and tell him anything and he won't judge me. Also knowing that all of my family and the material things I do have are because of Him. He planned and molded my life, so I should be joyful knowing that. 

There is joy even in bad situations, I know it's hard to realize it that moment. For example finding something wrong with your car. Yes, it's bad and it'll cost to get fixed but at least it's fixable, and you found the problem before it got worse and you could've possibly had a wreck. That is something to be happy about!! 

Don't let your wants and fears overcome your joy, try to be happy and thankful with what you do have Jesus will take care of us. Life is so sweet and precious, I want to live it with a joyful and thankful heart, and you should too. 

 

 

Here is a great song to listen to, get it in your head, and let it fill your heart with joy.

Chocolate Chip Pie

I make this pie a lot for family or church gatherings. It's a big hit, I always have an empty pie dish with a few crumbs to take home. It's really easy and yummy!!

Chocolate Chip Pie

1 deep dish pie shell

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup flour

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 stick of butter (melted)

1 cup pecans

1 cup chocolate chips

 3/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Preheat over to 325 degrees. Melt the stick of butter, let it cool before adding to other ingredients, or it will melt the chocolate chips. Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Pour mixture into pie shell and bake for 1 hour. Let it cool, serve with ice cream, or just a cup of milk (that's how I like it) and enjoy!!

Sugar, flour, eggs, and vanilla

Add pecans, chocolate chips, and coconut 

Don't forget the butter & mix it all together

Pour it into your pie shell & bake

Wah-La, yummy pie ready to eat!

 

Hope you enjoy!

 

Much Love,

Teaya