Growing UP! Monday

Growing UP! Monday. It's time to get back into the swing of things! How are you growing? What are you learning?

Ok, I'll go first...

How am I growing? Well, I can tell you this, my marriage is growing. We recently attended A Weekend to Remember marriage conference. It was our gift to one another for our anniversary this year.

I know. I know. Crazy romantic aren't we?

You should have seen the look on my husband's face when I told him that's what I wanted to do. Poor guy. You'd think that after ten marriage conferences (two of them being A Weekend to Remember retreats) he'd put his foot down. Except, I'm married to the sweetest man around, and we both know how beneficial they are for our relationship.

There have been years we've gone with specific issues to be worked on. Each year we drive away and take our marriage-temperature.

Do we spend time alone together? CHECK!

Do we settle conflicts quickly? CHECK!

Do we put our marriage first? CHECK!

Do we pray together? Needs Improvement.

On and on we go, checking off areas we are doing well, and making note of those things we need to work on. This year, we really didn't feel like we needed to go. Everything seemed fine between us. We were actually thinking about skipping it. Especially after discovering our two youngest were chosen to be on all-star soccer teams with their games on the very weekend we'd be gone.

Enter MOM-GUILT.

But, after talking with the kids, they encouraged us to go. They realize after all these years that we are better parents when our relationship is strong.

In the end, we were both grateful we went. I can't wait to share with you all we learned. What a blessing.

For now, I will leave you with this, "A family is only as strong as the marriage within it."

If you've never gone away on a marriage retreat, maybe it's time you did.

I want to say YES.

Do everything in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14

Parenting is hard. Before I became a mom, I remember seeing other women with their babies, each time a-wishing- and -a- wanting I had one of my very own. My married girlfriends voiced my same desire, “Awwwww, I want a baby!” they chimed in unison. Never once do I recall any of us saying, “Awwwww, I want a teenager!”

That should have been my first clue.

Do you have teenagers? If you do, it's doubly hard. Are you tired? If you're doing it right you should be. Our son David is fifteen. We have already gone through the teen years with our oldest daughter Meghan -so begins Round Two.

David's grades aren't where they should be, or could be. He would much rather be socializing with friends, than working on his schoolwork. This child who grew up dazzling me with his impish grin and constant comic relief, is trying to win his teachers over with the same performance. Clearly, love makes a difference.

This Christmas his one and only gift request is for an Ipod Touch. He doesn't have a cellphone and craves the ability to text his friends like everyone else. This type of Ipod would give him that ability he says. And apparently, he is the only teenager in the western hemisphere who doesn't have one. We have never been parents who have been persuaded with the “Everyone has one.” argument. Though, he has given this line his best shot.

Because I'm a mom, I want to bless my son. I want to give him everything he desires. I want his Christmas morning to be magical and his joy to be off the charts. I want to give him an Ipod Touch. But, I just can't. If my son cannot take the time to study for a geometry test, why would I give him something that will distract him even more?

It reminds me of how the Lord often times says “No.” to me. If I was given everything I desired, what would my life look like? If the Lord granted all of my prayer requests at fifteen, I would be married to Shawn Cassidy, driving a red Pinto, and living in Disneyland.

Because the Lord loves us, there is no request granted or declined that hasn't first been sifted through His hands of love. Quite often, what we ask for we aren't ready for. And sometimes, just like our children, there is some work that needs to be done in us before we can handle the very thing we are praying for.

This Christmas, because I love my son, he won't be getting an Ipod Touch. This Christmas, I won't be saying YES. And, to be completely honest with you, on the morning of December 25th, I think I may be more disappointed than him.

Parenting is hard.

Lord, help me to remember that my child's wants and his needs are two very different things. Please give me the strength to make the tough decisions, the heart to love with each tough decision made, and the endurance to do it all over again tomorrow.

Turkey Memories

Thanksgiving is just about over. As Mr. Tom Turkey gets ready to make his exit, it makes me a little sad. I hate endings.

But, like the words from that 80's song, "Every new beginning starts with some other beginnings end." It's time to say hello to Black Friday and the start of the Christmas season.

Any of you getting up with the early bird to shop tomorrow?

Before I say goodbye to my absolute favorite holiday, I thought I'd share a few pictures of our amazing Thanksgiving celebration.

...and by the way, I have the MOST DELICIOUS apple cake recipe EVER! What was your favorite dish this Thanksgiving?!?

Make a Smilebox photobook

Happy Thanksgiving Friends!

Wishing you a lovely, turkey-filled day!

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

It's Time to Take a Break

There is an awful lot going on in my life right now. From articles to book proposals, a new church home, and let's not forget my family. Life is happening at a fast and furious pace, so it's time I take a little break from Blessed...

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to refocus on the number one calling in my life - my husband and my children.

I am not sure if I will be gone a day or a week. But, I am sure of this, I am going to seek God for the answer. Until then, my hearts cry to all of you is "be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

Happy Turkey-Day, gobble gobble!


In His Agape Love,

Forty...Thirty-Nine...Thrity-Eight...

As you can tell, by my most recent post, I am a BIG lover of all things Thanksgiving. Yes, I do love Christmas too, but have been discouraged with what the world has done to the holiday. Commercialism has given Christmas a big black-eye.

So, when my friend Susan at Eternity Cafe shared her heart with me about redeeming the Christmas holiday, I jumped on board!


There are only 38 days left until Christmas, so please join in and head on over to Susan's to check out this holiday challenge. Post about it on your blogs. It's time we made the holiday season about Him and not about us.

So, believing that God can do amazing things in your life over the next 40 days, I am sharing a challenge with you - that together we can each have a revival in our personal lives and can influence those around us to draw close to God as well.

My desire is not that you get into the Christmas spirit.....

but that you be filled with the Holy Spirit. -Susan

Santa is a bully.

Santa is the biggest bully on the block. Don't believe me? Just ask Thanksgiving. He'll tell ya. Every year, the moment Mr. Tom Turkey takes his rightful place on stage, Santa busts in on the act. The older I get, the angrier it makes me.

According to the four seasons rule-book, the Fall season begins on or around September 22nd and ends on or around December 22nd. Thanksgiving has already given up over three weeks of Fall time to this holiday-dictator. But, it's never enough. Why isn't Santa playing by the rules? I'm beginning to dislike Mr. Jolly Ol' Fall-hater.

Those of us who love the changing of the leaves, have to bite our tongues as we shop for our pumpkin candles and Thanksgiving turkey, all the while, being serenaded by music before it's time.

On November 10th, no one shopping at the Dollar Store should have to consider if it's beginning look a lot like Christmas everywhere we go.

On December 25th, at my house, when up on our housetop reindeer pause, and out jumps good ol' Santa Claus...he will get a swift kick in the shins from me!

Childhood Memories. Any of you Remember this?!?

This cracked me up. Being a child of the 70's and a teenager of the 80's, this brought back LOTS of memories.

Any of you out there able to relate?!?



Who has the Friday Funnies again? I'm going to have to link up to you.

Thank You Veterans - A Tribute

Where would we be without our American veterans? Scary thought isn't it? With the recent murders at Ft. Hood in Texas, I was brought to tears many times this week, once again overwhelmed with gratitude for those who have volunteered to serve our country.

Most of you know I was raised by a U.S. Marine. Words like honor,integrity, hard work, and never-say-quit, were taught to me at a very young age. The same traits nurtured in our American soldier. Love of our country runs deep in our family. It has become part of our heritage, our genetic makeup.

It shows itself in the ways we remember those who have given their lives, and those serving today. Though we live in a neighborhood of houses side by side, our home is pretty easy to spot. It is the only one with a 20ft flagpole out front with our flag flying proudly. If someone ever decides to remove it, they will find Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33:12 etched by my own hand in the cement base.

If you were to enter my front room you would see framed pictures of my uncles, father, and grandfathers, all dressed in their military attire. World War II, the Korean War, Viet Nam, are each represented on my buttercream wall. I am grateful for each and every one of them, thankful for their sacrifice, for their service.

Today my prayers of gratitude are for those serving right now. Men and women who have left their families behind to fight on foreign soil. Sacrificing their luxuries and peaceful existence in America for the benefit of ours.

May the Lord bless each life serving today. And may they somehow feel the whispers of our thankful prayers caress their faces, as they lay their heads down tonight.

Happy Birthday Meghan!

Oh honey, how did EIGHTEEN come so fast?

You've been waiting to be an official adult since about two days after you were born. I told you this day would come. So, how do you feel? I'll tell you how I feel-melancholy. I am having a hard time staying in the present. My mind keeps going back in time, eighteen years ago...

When the nurse gently placed a swaddled bundle in my arms I couldn't believe what I saw, fuzzy blond hair sticking up all over, and dimples so deep I would forever tease how I wanted to use them for my personal cereal bowls.

You gave me my first taste of mommyhood and I loved it. A blue-eyed blessing who squirmed until she got comfy in my lap, giggled at silly mommy-faces and squealed with toddler joy when you laid eyes on me after my long day at work. I fell in love with you each and every day.

Eighteen years ago my eyes were opened to something I'd never experienced before. Holding you, I understood what my own mother felt for me. Mother's love. The physical heaviness of it placed in my very arms on the second floor of an old hospital in Castro Valley, California.

I purchased a journal as soon as I knew you were growing in me. I thought I'd include a little bit of what I wrote after your birth:

The family went nuts when you were born. There were twenty-four people crowding the waiting room for your arrival. The nurses told us it was a new record at Eden Hospital. When they brought you to me later for your feeding I whispered, "You are so beautiful." Your eyes were wide open. You ate so well. I was so excited. I couldn't believe that I had my little girl. God has been so good to me. You weren't only healthy but beautiful too.
I loved you instantly.

November 10, 1991 at 3:02pm my heart doubled in size. As long as I'm alive I will be your biggest encourager and number one fan. God has an amazing plan for your life Meghan. I am sitting back and claiming my front row seat to watch you take His hand and soar on the heights.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Colossians 3:12-17 The Message

Growing UP! Monday

I'm a bit behind in putting up my post today. It's almost lunchtime for many of you on the east coast!

As you can see, timeliness is not one of my strong points. Nor is order or organization for that matter. As a time-manager - I would have been fired years ago. I'm pathetic.

Distraction is the first step to my disorder. Just like the mosquito in the Disney movie "A Bugs Life", distracted by the bug-zapper "...but it's soooo beautiful." I too suffer the consequences of a distracted life.

Last night I cleaned out my closet, attempting to put away my summer clothes to make room for my winter wardrobe. I began with gusto, blouses and Capri's flying through the air in a ballet of colors. Within seconds my productivity did an about face as I perused through pictures, old cards, mementos and anything else that happened to get in my way.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is it took me four excruciatingly painful hours to organize a teeny-tiny closet.

So, what am I learning? That I CANNOT do this organization thing in my own strength. While reading Colossians this morning I read this...

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Colossians 1:16

The part that hit me over the head was the last part back there, all things were created by him and for him. This gives me hope. Since He's the one who created me, He's the only one who can fix me. Just like an auto mechanic who knows how to fix his car, God put me together, so He knows how to best fix my disorderly-unorganized ways.

I'm definitely going to have to lean on Him for help here. I should have asked for some assistance BEFORE I embarked on a four-hour closet tour last night!


So, what about you? How are you growing? What have you been learning about our great and marvelous God?

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16

Hello, my name is Joanne and I'm a Food-Pusher.

My family lovingly calls me a food-pusher. Behind my back they curse me after a home-visit. You see, I am known throughout this part of the land as a food-pusher.

You've never heard of a food-pusher?

Most grandmothers are pushers, women with the gift of baking or with an addiction to carbs and sugar (like myself)...and anyone with even a hint of Italian in their family tree are food-pushers.

The moment you walk in a food-pushers' front door we love you with food. If you leave our home without feeling sick to your stomach then we've done something wrong. So, in order to make you feel right at home, I decided to push a few recipes your way this fall season.

Beginning with this delicious one below. No, I have not tried it myself, but cmon' you know pictures NEVER lie. And those pictures looks lickable!

While perusing a recipe site for wedge cut oven fries, I found this: Whole Wheat Pumpkin Scones with Cinnamon Icing. YUM!

Head on over to Tammy's Recipes for more yummy delectable treats. But, for now, I have some scones to make.

Description:
Spiced pumpkin scones with cinnamon icing drizzled on top!

Yield:
8 scones

Ingredients:
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup all-purpose flour*
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
6 tablespoons butter, sliced and chilled
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
6 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cinnamon Icing Ingredients:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the first 8 ingredients (dry). Cut in butter until coarse crumbs form.

2. In a smaller mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, cream, sugar, and vanilla.

3. Add to dry mixture and stir just until mixture forms a thick dough. Use your (clean) hands to knead the dough once or twice, pressing it together. (For more tender scones, don't over-knead.)

4. On a lightly floured surface, form dough into a circle, about 3/4 inch thick. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut circle into 8 wedges/triangles. Place wedges on an ungreased baking sheet, not touching.

5. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, until scones are lightly browned on the bottom.

6. Make icing by whisking together the icing ingredients, adding just enough milk to make a drizzling consistency. Icing can be drizzled over warm scones.

Additional Notes:
*May use whole wheat pastry flour rather than the all-purpose flour, though scones will be a little heavier.





Make sure to let me know if you push these on your very own special someone. I'm thinking I may make some tonight.

Scones are an acceptable dinner item, right?

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

The Mad-Hatter has NEVER looked so cute!

Do You Know His WORD? Connie does.

When I was in Florida I met so many beautiful women. The longer I walk with the Lord, the more clearly I can see His rich presence in a life.

Connie is one of those who is walking hand and hand with Jesus and it shows. Her testimony is miraculous. I won't share her whole story, but you must know her and the Lord have beaten cancer together. I am hoping she will begin her own blog soon so I can send you all her way to tell her story in her own words. (You need to begin writing Connie!) I've included a small tidbit below of the blessing I received from Connie while in Florida.

What an example of how our lives can grow and mature in Him if I will (just get off of my lazy bum and) get in His WORD daily, study His WORD daily, memorize His WORD daily.

God's Word is alive and active. But, we must have it in our heart so we can speak it when we need it. That's the only way it becomes active in our own lives. As we grow in Him, He is going to expect us to do a little bit more than what I like to call Bible Roulette. You know, when you ask God to speak, close your eyes and open your Bible to any passage, hoping your finger will land on a Word from Him.

And in the beginning, it does.

But, as you grow up and your faith is tested, you are expected to dig a little deeper, to seek Him with ALL your heart. I was convicted while at the conference to have His Word ready and on my tongue. Not only for me to know, but that my children know His WORD too.

Thank you Connie for being such an encourager. Thank you for having such a heart for Jesus, and thank you for taking us girls on such an amazing Florida field trip. I can't wait for you to step foot onto California soil so I can return the favor. Hugging you with my heart sweet friend.

Growing UP! Monday

Yesterday our church service was AWESOME. It was one of those Sunday services where you could not deny the presence of the Holy Spirit. I told Paul I wanted to stick around for second service too!

Our pastor was teaching in first Peter. The scripture He focused on was 1 Peter 2:7, "Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious..."

He exhorted us to consider how precious we are to Him. To consider His goodness. To taste and see that He is truly good. He reminded us to repent and remove sin from our lives because sin deadens our spiritual appetite for Jesus. (I just LOVED that last sentence. How true!)

Our pastor has a LOVE for the Lord that is contagious. He asked us this question, "What did you do yesterday to show God you love Him?" Wow, what a great question.

Just as the song says, Jesus loves the little children...we are precious in His sight.

And He is precious to me too.


So, what about you? How are you growing? What have you been learning about our great and marvelous God?

"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:15-16

Blessed...Blogs of the Month

Yep, it's that time again. If you haven't already noticed the left side of my blog - it's time you did. This is the part of my blog-real-estate that I use for my monthly blogging hall of fame.

Pay attention to the left side of Blessed...it's here I highlight seven blogs each month. You will discover blogs that inspire, encourage, teach, make you laugh and sometimes even make you cry. Take the time to peruse their sites and get to know some of these precious people.

I look forward to having all of you there soon. But, if you're impatient like me and just can't wait, then hop on over and click on my "Follow" button on your right there. That way, people don't have to wait on me, they can visit you today.

Now, take your cursor and make a sharp left turn and check out my Blessed...blogs of the month list. I hope you have your comfy shoes on - pop on over and pay a visit to all of these Blessed... blogs. And make sure to tell them Joanne sent ya!

And to those of you chosen this month, your words have blessed my heart. Thank you from the bottom of mine.