Perfect Parent?

Wednesday night this is how my toddler fell asleep.  I was doing a few last minute things in the kitchen when he grabbed a magazine my dad had given to me.  As he was flipping through it he got sleepy.

Now, did you notice the title?  The Myth of the Perfect Parent 

I thought it was quite ironic that my son was sleeping on a hard vinyl floor with a magazine that had a headline such as that.  I definitely couldn't be considered a perfect parent in a moment like that. 

I think we sometimes put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be "perfect".  I have a dear friend who recently emailed me about just this very thing.  I am going to quote part of her email.

"Once you have children the days become one big schedule and it is hard to find time for extras.  Plus, I am so hard on myself when it comes to spending time with my kids.  I always feel like I need to be reading stories, teaching them something new or just playing a game on top of all of the housework that needs to be done.  I put a lot of added stress on myself that doesn't need to be there." --Written by a mom of two. 

As I looked at my son's sweet little face, his unruly curly hair, and listened to the sound of him breathing I realized something.  I am not, nor will I ever be, a perfect parent.  No matter how hard I try I will never attain perfection.

But, I can promise you two things.  As long as there is breath in me I will love my children and I will love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

I am linking this post to Finer Things Friday at The Finer Things in Life because being blessed with the gift of four beautiful children in spite of the fact that I am definitely not a perfect parent truly is a finer thing.

Perfect Parent?

Placemat Bag Tutorial

Last week I said that I was working on a placemat bag tutorial.  Well, after starting the tutorial last May I finally finished it.  (Procrastinate much?)

I first made a bag like this two years ago and was just playing around.  I decided I wanted to make a few modifications and did when I made another bag last year.  Now, you get to try out my tutorial.  :-)

I would love to hear what you think about the tutorial and if you have any questions.  I would also like to tell you that I will have the horizontal version of this bag made into a tutorial next week, but I won't put that kind of pressure on myself.  So, when I get around to it I will post that tutorial as well.

Click on the box below to download or print this tutorial.

 

Before I go I just had to share something my crafty daughter made for a friend.  She said that a few kids from school wanted her to make them bags.  So, she got out some denim fabric scraps we had and got to work over the weekend.  She surprised me when she showed me that she did this.

Can you tell what she stitched on the bag?  KAYLEE  That is her friend's name and she did this with no help or guidance whatsoever.  I never would have done something like this at ten years old.  I am so happy that she loves to craft and has such initiative. 

I am linking this post with Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple.

**Also, if you haven't already entered my giveaway please do so by clicking here.  

Placemat Bag Tutorial

Plan Toys Toaster Review & GIVEAWAY!!!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!!  Thanks to all of you who entered.   Commenter #2 is the winner and I have contacted her via email.

I want to start this post by thanking CSN Stores for the opportunity to review one of their products.  I am also thrilled to be able to offer one of you a chance to win the same product.

As soon as I opened the package yesterday and pulled out this toaster from Plan Toys my 5 year old son staked his claim on it.  I love the fact that it is made from environmentally friendly materials such as rubberwood.  My son loves it because it had dials and buttons plus, he simply loves toast.  :-)

He played with this toaster all afternoon and evening yesterday and it was the first thing he wanted this morning.

My two year old did get to play with it some and wanted a plate for the toast.  :-)  The toaster is designed for ages 3 and up.  I think this is mainly because littler ones will have trouble using the lever to push the toast down. 

Now, would you like to win one for a child in your life?  Here's how.

The first way to enter is mandatory, and the others are all optional for additional chances to win.  Please make sure you leave an email address in your comment, so that I can get in touch with you if you win.

This giveaway is only available to residents of the US and Canada.

1. Mandatory:  Head over to All Modern Baby and then come back here and leave me a comment  telling me your favorite product or why you want to win this product.
2. Subscribe to Blessings Overflowing (Check out the right sidebar to do this.) and leave me a comment.  If you are already a subscriber leave me a comment telling me that you are.
3. Follow me on Twitter.  Then come back here and leave me a comment telling me you are now following me.
4. Become a fan of my other blog Pocketful of Posies on Facebook and come back here to leave me a comment telling me that you did.
5. Subscribe to my other blog Pocketful of Posies (See the right sidebar of that blog for ways to subscribe.).  Come back here and leave me a comment.

You have 5 chances to win!   I will leave this giveaway open until Wednesday, March 3rd. I will announce the winner at 8:00 p.m. on the 3rd. Goodluck!

Disclosure:  CSN Stores provided me with this toaster for the purpose of this review.  No monies were exchanged and the content of this post is my own opinion.

Plan Toys Toaster Review & GIVEAWAY!!!

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 9 & 10

Today I have outlined chapters 9 and 10 of the book Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl. Here are links to the first 8 chapters.

Chapters 1 & 2
Chapters 3 & 4
Chapters 5 & 6 
Chapters 7 & 8

I have really enjoyed going back over this book and outlining the chapters.  This has been a good way for me to reflect on what I have read.  Now, if you had asked me during college if outlining chapters was something I enjoyed I would have looked at you like you were crazy.  However, that has been a few years and it isn't mandatory.  :-)  Anyway, on with the chapters.

As always, anything in quotation marks has been taken directly from the book.  Also, if you have comments or insight I would love for you to leave me a comment.  

Chapter 9:  Finding Your Life in His

• "When we fight God's will and our husband's dreams, we are frustrated and disappointed."
• "Life is full of choices.  How you choose to respond will help decide your fate in life."
• "Life is now." 
• "God is not looking for happy women to make them into help meets for men.  He is looking for women willing to be true help meets, so He can fill them full of joy."
• 1 Corinthians 11:8-9
• Genesis 3:16
• James 1:5
• Psalm 90:12
• Proverbs 1:3
• Proverbs 2:2
• Proverbs 4:7
• Proverbs 7:4
• "Ask God to help you know and appreciate your man.  Pray that God will give you the wisdom and grace to share your man's dreams so it will always be you that he dreams about."
• Question:  "Is it God's will for your husband to adapt to you, or is it God's will for you to adapt to him?  What habits in your life should you change to adapt to your husband's needs?  Start today."

Chapter 10-Reactions Define You

• "Your reactions break you loose from your social inhibitions and manifest who you really are inside and what you really believe at your core level."
• "The heart is filled with thoughts, and it is out of that reservoir of thoughts that the mouth speaks words of praise or bitterness."
• "You can control your future reactions by changing the way you think before you are pressed into a response."
• "You are created to be your husband's helper, not his conscience, not his vocation director, and certainly not his critic."
• "No woman will ever have peace and joy until her mind is filled with goodwill toward her husband."
• Luke 6:45
• Proverbs 23:7
• 2 Corinthians 10:5
• Matthew 15:19
• Philippians 2:5
• Romans 12:2

Wisdom Test

1. "Do you have enough fear of God to not question His word?"
2. "Do you sometimes feel God is punishing you by telling you to obey your husband?"
3. "Would you give excuses like, 'My husband is mean,' or 'I am a strong personality and he is weak'?"
4. "How would you respond if God gave you directions on how to talk, when not to talk, or how to dress and wear your hair?"
5. "Are you comfortable with dismissing the Bible's role for women by saying we live in a different culture?"
6. "When God says to reverence (meaning, stand in awe of) your husband, do you think that is demanding too much?"
7. "Will you say, 'If God says it, or even suggests it, then that is what I will do'?"

"If you can say, 'Not my will, but thine be done,' then you can know that your prayer is based on the fear of God.  It is the beginning of wisdom."

Traits of a Good Help Meet

• "She asks God for wisdom."
• "She learns to understand and appreciate her man for what he is."
• "She learns to be flexible."

 I am linking this post with Motivate Me Monday at The Fifth Street Palace.  

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 9 & 10

Menu Plan for the Week of February 21st.

I have been trying to keep most of our meals very simple.  Each week I am also trying to make sure that I serve fish and chicken at least once per week.  I have been feeling like I am in a rut, so on Saturday I am going to try a new recipe from A Year of Slowcooking.

I am still enjoying the menu planning and definitely wouldn't go back to the old way for anything now.  I can breathe a sigh of relief each night because I already know what I am going to cook.  Here is what's on the menu for this week.

Supper Meal Plan

Sunday-Leftovers

Monday-Tuna Noodle Surprise (The surprise is that they may not realize it is tuna and not turkey or chicken.), Tossed Salad, Peaches, Cheesy Broccoli

Tuesday-Sloppy Joes on Buns, Macaroni and Cheese, Baked Beans, Carrot & Celery Sticks, Mandarin Oranges 

Wednesday-Baked Fish, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Cornbread, Fruit Cocktail

Thursday-Zucchini Casserole, Corn, Pears, Bread and Butter

Friday-Tacos or Taco Salad, Refried Beans, Apple Slices, Chips and Salsa, Carrot & Celery Sticks

Saturday-Crockpot Applesauce Chicken (This will be our first time to try this.), Baked Butternut Squash, Brown Rice, Tossed Salad

I am linking this post with Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan for the Week of February 21st.

Motherhood-A Thankless Job?

Do you ever find yourself wondering if anyone notices the things you do for your family, especially those of you who are moms? 

I know I have mentioned that we have been dealing with some sickness here the past three weeks.  This has meant several nights of little sleep for me.  Those sleepless nights weren't followed by mornings of sleeping in or days of lounging around.

No, there is always work to be done.  Dishes to wash, clothes to clean, messes to pick up, meals to cook.  Sometimes it can feel like no one really notices or cares about the time I have spent taking care of things in my home.

I could point out all of the wonderful things I have done for my family and guilt them into thanking me.  However, I prefer to do those things because I love them.  It is my job--a job with an ever expanding list of responsibilities.

However, sometimes it is nice to be thanked.

 

It was so sweet of my seven year old son to write me this note even though he had been in pain through the night and all day Tuesday with a perforated ear drum.   I guess all of the things I do for my family don't go unnoticed.

I feel so blessed to have the honor of being the wife of my husband and the mommy of my four wonderful children.  I take care of them because I love them, but being thanked is truly a finer thing.  

I am linking this post to The Finer Things in Life.

Motherhood-A Thankless Job?

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 7 & 8

I wanted to share two more chapters of the book Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl with you today. There were so many things to think about that I am afraid this post may be rather long.  Bear with me because there are some really good things for you to think about.

*(A little P.S.) I would love for you to share your thoughts on the quotes and ideas listed in this post.  My friend Sarah just left a comment, and I think she makes a valid point.  So, check out the comments when you are finished reading this post and let me know what you think.

As always I have picked out text and scripture that I want to study further.  If something is in quotes it has been directly taken from the book.

Chapters 1 & 2
Chapters 3 & 4
Chapters 5 & 6 

Chapter 7-Wisdom:  While There is Yet Hope

The first part of this chapter consisted of two letters written to Debi Pearl.  The first was from a young woman who was complaining about things that her husband let their children watch on TV.  In Debi's response she painted a pretty sad picture of what this woman's life might be like if she continues to be angry and disrespectful towards her husband.

Debi said, "The Devil would love to steal your children's souls.  He will not do it through your husband's TV; he will do it through your dishonor."  Pretty strong words, but definitely something to think about.

The second letter was from a woman who had been divorced for 23 years.  She said that it never crossed her mind that her husband would ever leave.  She listed many things she would have done differently in her marriage.  None of the things she listed were changes she wished her husband had made, but they were all changes she would have made in her own attitude towards her husband.

Debi said, "Divorce is never planned, but is almost always preceded by certain avoidable reactive behaviors and events.  Don't let it happen to you."

"What is God's perfect will for your life?  To be a good help meet."

• Philippians 2:5
• Proverbs 23:7
• Proverbs 4:23
• Luke 6:49
• 2 Timothy 1:7
• James 3:11

Make a New Habit

 "Think of the thing that your husband does that irritates you the most.  Now say to yourself, 'I do not see the whole picture.  I do not know what God is doing in my life or my husband's life.  My critical attitude is a far graver sin than his bad habits.  I am guilty of blaspheming the written word of God when I do not love and obey my husband.  Therefore, I am laying down my campaign against him concerning this issue and, as far as I am concerned, it is God's business to direct my husband and convict him.  I am trusting God.' "

Chapter 8-Wisdom to Understand Your Man

• "Wisdom is knowing what you 'bought' when you married that man, and learning to adapt to him as he is, not as you want him to be."
• "God gives imperfect women to imperfect men so they can be heirs together of the grace of life and become something more together than either of them could ever be alone."
• James 3:1
• 1 Peter 3:1-2
• John 13:12
• Matthew 20:28
• Luke 22:24-27
• Hebrews 13:8
• Proverbs 20:5
• Romans 12:1-2

The next part of this chapter that I wanted to share with you deals with the three types of men that Debi and her daughter Rebekah wrote about.

Three Types of Men-"Keep in mind that most men are a little of all three types, but tend to be stronger in one."

1. Mr. Command Man

•  Born leader.
• Often in a position in charge of others.
• Controlling by nature.
• Has a sense of responsibility to lead others.
• Takes charge.
• "When a Command Man (lost or saved) is treated with honor and reverence, a good help meet will find that her man will be wonderfully protective and supportive."

    2.  Mr. Visionary

• Often gifted or an inventor.
• Challenge the status quo.
• Confrontational
• Might just pack up and move the family across the country.
• "Every Mr. Visionary needs a good, wise, prudent, stable wife who has a positive outlook on life."

    3.  Mr. Steady

• "Of the three types this is the one who will be most liked by everyone."
• Caring, faithful, providing.
• Avoids controversy.
• Doesn't make quick decisions.
• Slow and cautious.
• "A bossy woman sees her husband's lack of hasty judgment and calls her husband 'wishy-washy.' "
• "A steady man likes a woman to walk beside him, yet grow in her own right before God and him."

"Ruination" Wife's Summary 

• "The wife of Mr. Command Man can ruin her marriage by failing to honor, obey and reverence her husband's authority and rule."
• "The wife of Mr. Visionary can ruin her marriage by failing to follow, believe and participate as an enthusiast in her husband's dreams and visions."
• "The wife of Mr. Steady can ruin her marriage by failing to appreciate, wait on, and be thankful for her husband's pleasant qualities."

Successful Wife's Summary

• "The wife of Mr. Command Man can heal her marriage by becoming his adoring queen, honoring and obeying his every (reasonable and unreasonable) word.  She will dress, act, and speak so as to bring him honor everywhere she goes."
• "The wife of Mr. Visionary can heal her marriage by laying aside her own dreams and aspirations and embracing her role as help meet to her man, believing in him and being willing to follow him with joyful participation in the path he has chosen."
• "The wife of Mr. Steady can heal her marriage by joyfully realizing what a friend, lover, and companion she has been given and living that gratitude verbally and actively.  When she stops trying to change him, he will grow.  She can, then, willingly take up tasks that will fill her time and give her husband joy and satisfaction as he sees her productiveness."

Some of these ideas are so counter to our cultural beliefs that they can be hard pills to swallow.  I want to honor my husband and I feel like I haven't been doing a good enough job following God's word with regards to being a good help meet.  I pray that God will help me be the kind of wife my husband deserves.

I did want to say that I believe my husband has more traits of a "Command Man" than the other two types of men.  Do you see your husband as being dominantly one of these types?  The book provided very detailed descriptions of each type of man, but you will hopefully get the idea by what I have written.

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 7 & 8

Sewing Bags from Placemats

This past weekend I decided I was going to clean up my craft table/sewing area, but first I wanted to decrease the clutter by finishing a few projects.  Well, I finished a few projects, but there is still a lot of clutter.   I should do something nice for my birthday and give myself the gift of a clean craft area.  We'll see how that goes.

Anyway, I wanted to share the projects I did complete.  A few weeks ago I posted about my new purse from placemats.  I still had some placemats that I wanted to make into bags, so that is just what I did.

 

First, I made a bag using two placemats.  I cut 2 1/2 inches off of one long side on each placemat and turned those pieces into the handles.  (Sometime soon I hope to have a tutorial posted about how I make these bags.)  The flower was made from felt with a button center.  The pattern pieces for the flower can be downloaded from MMM Crafts.  I made this bag with the idea that it could be a reusable gift bag.

 

Next, I made a bag using one placemat and a zipper.  The tutorial I found grabbed my attention because it said there were only four seams to sew.   (I found the tutorial at this site.)   The tutorial suggested using a 14 inch zipper, but I only had a 9 inch zipper.   So, I had to cut off some of the placemat at the side. This made it more of a cosmetic bag size.   If I make another one of these I will make sure I get a bigger zipper so that I don't waste any of the placemat. 

Neither of these projects were necessities, but they were fun to make.  Every so often sewing something just because is a nice break from the norm. 

I am linking this post with Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple
as well as Friday Fun Finds at Kojo Designs. 

Sewing Bags from Placemats

Using a Baby Monitor with a Sick Child

My boys have all been sick the past 2 1/2 weeks.  It started as strep throat with the older two boys and then all three boys got a nasty cold complete with fevers, coughs, a little late night vomiting, and ear pain. 

I have used our baby monitor (It is nothing fancy--just an inexpensive Fisher-Price Sounds 'N Lights Monitor.) mostly with our oldest son.  (The other two can usually be found in our room at night.)  When he has needed me in the night he hasn't had to walk down the hall to our room or scream and cry because with the monitor I can every cough and whispered "Mommy". 

So, don't throw out or give away your baby monitor just because your children aren't babies anymore.  I know I have slept better knowing that I can hear my son if he needs me. 

Another item that has been helpful to me with sick children is my otoscope.  I posted about my otoscope last April.  Well, it paid off on Monday night when my oldest son was crying with severe ear pain.  It turns out his ear drum perforated, but had I not had the otoscope I wouldn't have known this until the doctor's office opened the next day. 

Having a baby monitor and an otoscope are two tools that have made the past few weeks a little easier.  They work for me and maybe they will work for you as well.  Check out We Are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday posts.

Using a Baby Monitor with a Sick Child

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 5 & 6

I wanted to start this post by sharing an email I received from my dad, who also happens to be a pastor.

Jackie

Following your blog about the book dealing with being a help meet.  I remember dealing with this in developing a pre-marital understanding of marriage.  Here is the Hebrew definition of meet.  

Neged (neh'-ghed) a front, that is, part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.  

Basically it refers to a person who stands opposite of another and is the complimentary part of the relationship…what one lacks, the other has.  Thought it might help understand this word we don’t use anymore

Love,

Dad

Thanks so much, Dad!  :-)

The following chapter outlines are ideas and scripture that I want to ponder a little more.  Anything in quotes is taken directly from the book Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl. There were definitely some things that challenged me as I read these two chapters.  I definitely need to pray for wisdom.

If you haven't read my outlines of the first four chapters here are the links.

Chapters 1 & 2
Chapters 3 & 4

Chapter 5-The Gift of Wisdom

• "Ask God for wisdom to become the very best help meet."
• "It doesn't take a good man, or even a saved man, for a woman to have a heavenly marriage, but it does take a woman willing to honor God by being the kind of wife God intended.  It takes one woman willing to be a help meet--a suitable helper.  If you look at your husband and can't find any reason to want to help him--and I know some of you are married to men like that--then look to Christ and know that it is He who made you to be a help meet.  You serve Christ by serving your husband, whether he deserves it or not."
• "Honor, Submit, Reverence"
• "...wisdom is not earned; it is a gift."
• James 1:5
• Titus 2:3-5
• Ephesians 5:22-24
• Colossians 3:18
• 1 Corinthians 11:3
• Psalm 37:3-8

God's Blueprint for Marriage

1. "God commands wives to submit to their OWN husbands."
2. "God informs men that they are the head of the wife."
3. "God tells the wives to be subject to their husbands in everything, every decision, every move, every plan, and all everyday affairs."

"Today as you read this you have two choices open to you.  You can excuse yourself from responsibility by mentally assigning various excuses to your situation, or you can choose to believe God and become a 100% help meet regardless of anything."

Questions:

1. "What is the key to understanding our roles as wives?"
2. "Where are peace and joy found?"
3. "If your husband does not love you, does that negate your responsibility or prevent you from fulfilling your role?"
4. What is the gift that God gives that will help you in your pursuit of becoming a help meet?"
5. "List three words that are part of the blueprint for help meets."
6. "What can you do that will cause you to know God more and cause you to care about the things He cares about?"
7. "Are you committed to having a heavenly marriage?"

Chapter 6-The Beginning of Wisdom

• "Fear--Wisdom...is fathered by fear."
• "No woman has ever been happy and fulfilled who neglected to obey God in regard to her role as help meet."
• "Peace is a fruit of the spirit."
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Psalm 111:10
• Proverbs 9:10
• Proverbs 1:7
• Titus 2:3-4
• "Wisdom is a gift, yet we receive it by asking.  And it is given to us liberally by God."
• Proverbs 30:21-23
• Define odious.  "Learn to hate the idea of ever being guilty of such a thing."
• "Any time you are showing blame or irritation toward others, keep in mind that the earth is disquieted due to your being an odious married woman.

"When you feel yourself beginning to have a critical spirit, stop, take a deep breath, silently ask for wisdom, then think of something that is on your thankful list.  This is remodeling a habit, and, in time, practice makes perfect."
 

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 5 & 6

Upcoming review and giveaway. Stay tuned.

When CSN Stores contacted me about doing a review/giveaway I was very excited.  They offer a huge variety of items from baby furniture to cookware.  I am super excited about this opportunity and will be announcing the details of the giveaway soon. In the meantime here is a little teaser picture.  :-)

Upcoming review and giveaway. Stay tuned.

Menu Plan for the Week of February 14th.

Last week I made my creamy turkey and rice and realized that I have never posted the recipe.  So, before I post my menu for this week I thought I would share the recipe.

Creamy Turkey & Rice Medley

2 Tbsp. Butter
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

Heat the butter and olive oil over medium to low heat until butter is melted.  Then add the following ingredients.

1/2 Cup Diced Carrots
1/2 Cup Diced Celery
1/4 Cup Chopped Onion
2 Cloves of Minced Garlic
1 tsp. Parsley Flakes
1/2 tsp. Basil

Sauté vegetables and spices for about 10 minutes or until tender.

Add 2 Tbsp. flour and cook for 1 minute.  Then add the following ingredients.

1 Cup Cooked Rice
1 1/2 - 2 Cups Cooked Turkey or Chicken
2 Cups Turkey or Chicken Broth
1 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Pepper

Cook over medium to low heat until thick and heated through. 

Supper Meal Plan

Sunday-Leftovers
Monday-Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Tossed Salad, Orange Slices
Tuesday-Smoked Sausage, Fried Potatoes, Cooked Cauliflower, Apple Slices, Cornbread
Wednesday-Baked Tilapia, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Bread & Butter
Thursday-Hamburger Gravy over Mashed Potatoes, Cheesy Broccoli, Applesauce, Biscuits
Friday-Homemade Pizza, Tossed Salad, Fruit Cocktail, Breadsticks
Saturday-Baked Chicken Breasts, Cooked Carrots, Macaroni and Cheese, Blackberries,

I am linking this post with Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan for the Week of February 14th.

Little Moments

The past two weeks have been filled with sickness for my three sons.  We have also had our fair share of snow and cold weather.  This has made us all long for warmer weather and healthier, happier times.

Many times in my life I have wished for the time to hurry up so that I could move on to the next thing.  I am sure you can think of times you have done the same.  Anticipating the end of a school year, planning for a wedding, waiting on a new baby to arrive to name a few.

However, there is one problem with wishing for time to go quickly.  We just might miss out on the here and now...

...and I don't ever want to wish away little moments like this. 

I am linking this post to The Finer Things in Life because the love of my family truly is a finer thing.

Little Moments

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 3 & 4

I wanted to share some more key points and scripture from Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl. I had thought about only posting once a week, but I decided that it will take too many weeks that way.  So, I will just post two chapters at a time whenever I get them outlined.

Monday I posted about chapters 1 & 2, yet  I didn't say a whole lot about the book.  This book includes letters written by actual people, Debi's responses to those letters, scripture, and personal stories and thoughts from Debi Pearl.  While some of the ideas challenged me, I found myself trying to find little bits of time when I could read just a few more pages.

I also want to say that a help meet is much more than helping with chores.  From my reading I have gathered that there isn't just one thing that makes a woman able to be a good help meet to her husband.  This book is 24 chapters long, so if it was just one thing there wouldn't have been a need to write the book.  :-) 

I will share one piece of scripture with you before I begin with the chapters for today.  It is the first time that the words help meet are listed in the bible.

Genesis 2:18, 21-22   ¹⁸And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him...²¹And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;  ²²And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 

Again, this is just me taking key ideas and scripture from the book to further study.  Anything in quotes has been taken directly from the book.

Chapter 3-A Thankful Spirit

• A woman who complains about her family's state and has an "unthankful attitude is a dishonor to God."
• "It is amazing how much your mouth controls your soul."
• "Thankfulness is how you think; joy is the abundance it produces."
• Contentment
• "Thankful people have a view of life that begins somewhere deep in their souls, and outside circumstances can't mar their joy."
• "Practice makes perfect."
• "Practice having a merry and thankful heart."
• Proverbs 15:15
• Philippians 4:11
• Hebrews 13:5
• 1 Timothy 6:6-8
• Colossians 3:15
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Philippians 3:13
• Philippians 4:6

Questions:

1.  "Where does joy start?"
2. "Have I been discontent about my lot in life?  Am I, on occasion, a 'poor me' person?"
3. "Do I usually show thanksgiving every day?"
4. "Do I daily remember to thank God for my husband?"
5. "Would my friends describe me as joyful, thankful and content?"
6. "How can I add practicing joy and thanksgiving to my life?"
7. "Am I willing to lay down my grievance toward my husband for the hope of a heavenly marriage?"

Chapter 4-Thanksgiving Produces Joy

• "Make love fun."  Your husband should be your playmate.
• "I am his (my husband's) help meet.  That is, I am his helper, suited to his needs.  I meet his need for conversation, companionship, and a playmate."
• "Every day, I remember to view myself as the woman God gave this man.  This mind-set helps me be just that:  a gift, a playmate, his helper."
• "Joy is often lacking in a woman's life because she is not thankful."
• "A thankful heart is the result of a person who decides to give thanks.  So say, 'Thank you, God, for...' "
• 1 Peter 3:7
• Psalm 107:22
• Isaiah 51:3
• Jonah 2:9
• Luke 7:47-48, 50

Traits of a Good Help Meet

1. "She is joyful."
2. "She makes love fun."
3. "She is thankful and content."

"From this day forth, starting right now--today--be the woman who honors, obeys, and loves Jesus, by honoring your husband."

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 3 & 4

Don't have a "Cowl". (another crocheted cowl)

This title is yet another attempt at humor.  A weak attempt, but and attempt nonetheless.  We have still been dealing with sickness, so what sounds funny right now might not actually be funny.  Anyway...last week I posted about the cowl I made for myself.  Well, my sister-in-law liked it and asked me to make one for her.  I told her I would be happy to if she bought the yarn.

She brought me the yarn on Monday and I was able to finish it and give it to her yesterday.  She picked the same Homespun yarn that I used for mine since it was pretty neutral and would go with several outfits. I again used the pattern from Confessions of a Compulsive Crafter.

 

I hope my sister-in-law likes it and enjoys wearing her new cowl.  However, we may just have to call each other to make sure we don't wear them to the same occasion.  :-) 

I also have to share two little clothespin dolls my oldest two children made over the weekend.  I try to let them have free reign with most of the craft supplies, so when James asked to use the felt I said that was just fine with me.  I wasn't sure what he wanted to make.  Julia joined in and they created these cute dolls.  (My son's is supposed to be Luke Skywalker with a light saber in case you were wondering.)  I just love how crafty and creative my children are. 

I am linking this post with Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple.

Don't have a "Cowl". (another crocheted cowl)

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a staple in my house for baking and cooking.  I recently tried Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil for the first time.  I have used several different brands of coconut oil over the years.  However,  I found Tropical Traditions coconut oil to be of a higher quality than most that I have tried.

It has a very light coconut taste, and when I have used it in some of my recipes for quick breads or cakes it totally brings the taste level of the item up a notch. I like to use coconut oil because my son has several food allergies and I know that this is something that he isn't allergic to.

I use coconut oil not only for cooking, but also for making homemade deodorant and as a facial moisturizer.  Using a high quality coconut oil is key for these applications.

From now on I will be ordering coconut oil from Tropical Traditions.  They have many great products, and I am looking forward to trying their coconut flour.  It is one of the few gluten-free flours I have yet to try.

So, if you are looking for a high quality coconut oil then check out Tropical Traditions.  They are also offering a free book called Virgin Coconut Oil when you place your first order with them.  How cool is that?

Not only does this book contain lots information about coconut oil, it also has over 85 great recipes.  If you place an order as a first time customer and click on “Referred by a Friend“, then “How did you hear about us?” give them this referral number:   5788073 and you’ll receive this book for FREE!

Do you use coconut oil?  What are your favorite uses for it?  

Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil

Green Smoothies

I have officially jumped on the green smoothie bandwagon and I am glad I have.  I have made a few different fruit based combinations, but thought that green smoothies didn't sound too appetizing.  Well, I think I figured out how to make them tasty for me.  My husband, who is usually not open to trying things like this, is even willing to try one now. 

I have to stop for just a minute and say that I am so proud of my husband.  Over the years I have mentioned things to him that I have read with regards to nutrition, but he usually didn't seem to care.  I try not to nag, so I just let him be the one to make a decision for himself.  Well, since he was diagnosed with diabetes he has taken a real interest in healthier eating.  He wants to know what he can do nutritionally to get on the road to health.  It is amazing how God can work when we don't nag our husbands. God's timing. 

Anyway, back to the topic at hand.  (This is something my husband can never understand about women.  He always wonders how we can start a topic of discussion, start and finish 5 other topics, and then finally get back to the first.  We are a mystery aren't we?)  Here is my recipe for a green smoothie.

Green Smoothies
Add the following ingredients to your blender and then blend on the ice crush setting until smooth.

1. 4 Ice Cubes
2. 1/4 Cup Water
3. 1 Small Apple (Washed, cored, and cut into chunks.)
4. Fresh Spinach (A Good-Sized Handful)
5. 1 tsp. Cinnamon (I have been reading good things about cinnamon and diabetes.)
6. 1 Tbsp. Honey (Optional)

After the ingredients have been blended, pour into a glass and enjoy.  This recipe makes one serving. 

I am linking this post with Works for Me Wednesday at We Are THAT Family because green smoothies are working for me.

Green Smoothies

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 1 & 2

A few weeks ago a good friend was telling me about the book Created to Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl.  My friend said that, in addition to the grace of God, reading the book literally saved her marriage.  I told her that I would be interested in reading it, and she offered to let me borrow her copy of the book.

In a few of the online groups I have been part of over the years the Pearls have stirred up some negative emotions for some of the women.  I had never read any of their books, and I like to keep an open mind.  I finished reading the book yesterday and I have to say that it really challenged me.

So, in order to better process what I read I thought that I would go back through the book and outline the chapters.  I started with the first two today.  I will just share the key points and verses that I want to study more.  If you have any insight or comments on this topic I would love to hear what you have to say.  (Anything taken directly from the book is in quotes.)

Chapter 1-God's Gift

• "You don't just marry the right man and then live happily ever after."
• Husbands and wives are both sinners.
• "A good marriage, just like anything worthwhile, takes doing the right things every day...every hour...every moment."
• God gave Adam a gift-a woman.
• "If you successfully do the job of leading the family, you will not find satisfaction in it.  It is far better that the job be done poorly by your husband than to be done well by you."
• "The role of being a perfectly fit helper does not make one inferior to the leader."
• "God's perfect will for my life is that I be a help meet to my husband."
• Genesis 2:18
• Proverbs 18:22
• 1 Corinthians 7:34
• Proverbs 12:4
• 1 Corinthians 11:8-9
• Question:  "If God created a special woman, perfectly suited to be your husband's helper, would you be that woman?"
• "Think of ways you can be a helper to your husband.  Start today."

Chapter 2- A Merry Heart

• "Stand by your man."
• "God's perfect will is that I learn to be the best help meet possible."
• "God's will is for a wife to have a merry heart, a cheerful countenance and a glow that will refresh the most stressed and tired husband on the planet."
• Joy is written 167 times in the Bible.
• Smile!
• "Make a habit of praise and thanksgiving."
• Proverbs 17:22
• Proverbs 15:13
• Song of Solomon 8:6
• Psalm 107:22
• Psalm 100
• Question:  "What can I do today that will make him (my husband) smile?"

I hope that by writing out these key points that I will be able to not only better understand what I read, but also to be a better help meet to my husband.

I am linking this post with Motivate Me Monday at The Fifth Street Palace. 

Created to Be His Help Meet: Chapters 1 & 2

Menu Plan for the Week of February 7th.

I thought I would start today's menu post by sharing some photos of my daughter making her first pie.  Julia is 10 years old and is such a big help around the house.  However, learning to cook is something she has only recently wanted to know.  So, this weekend we made a pie.

Around Thanksgiving my sister-in-law let me borrow her new cookbook.  It was The Amish Cook's Baking Book.  I enjoyed reading the cookbook and loved the little stories that were shared along with the recipes.  My daughter and I copied a few of the recipes we wanted to try.  One was the Pat-a-Pan Pie Crust recipe and another was a recipe for Chocolate Chip Pie.  The crust was very easy and we just mixed all of the ingredients right in the pan. 

 

Then we mixed up the ingredients for the filling and it was ready to pop into the oven.

 

Once the pie cooled she and I tried it.  (Someday she won't be happy I posted a picture of her with food in her mouth.)  The pie was very rich and very tasty.  Of course, Joshua couldn't have any because of his allergies and my husband was good and didn't eat any because of his diabetes.  This might be the kind of pie to take to a carry-in.  We had a fun time together and I was happy to share this time of learning with my daughter.

I am going to start just posting our supper menus since I don't plan our breakfasts and lunches usually.

Supper Meal Plan

Sunday-Leftovers
Monday-Tacos or Taco Salad, Orange Slices, Chips & Salsa, Carrot & Celery Sticks
Tuesday-Baked Chicken, Butternut Squash, Cheesy Broccoli, Peaches, Biscuits
Wednesday-Macaroni & Cheese with Hamburger, Cooked Carrots, Tossed Salad, Pears
Thursday-Baked Tilapia, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Fruit Cocktail, Bread & Butter
Friday-Creamy Chicken & Rice Medley, Applesauce, Cooked Cauliflower, Bread & Butter
Saturday-Chili Soup, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Carrot & Celery Sticks, Apple Slices

I am linking this post with Menu Plan Monday at Organizing Junkie.

Menu Plan for the Week of February 7th.

Baby, it's cowl-d outside! (AKA a Crocheted Cowl)

I was trying to be cute with my title, but decided I better add what it was I was actually posting about lest anyone think I don't know how to spell.  Anyway...

I decided that while I was in the crocheting mood I would make myself a cowl.  I had seen several free patterns and decided upon one from Confessions of a Compulsive Crafter. I am not sure why I like the idea of a cowl so much, but maybe it has something to do with being tall and having a long neck. 

I used some yarn that was given to me in a ball with no wrapper.  Therefore, I had no idea if there would even be enough.  (I think the yarn is called Homespun.)  Thankfully, I had just enough to finish the project as evidenced by the picture above.  My sons enjoyed playing with the little bit of yarn that was left.  

The cowl stitched up quickly and the directions were easy to follow.  I have never worn one before, but I think I like it.  I apologize for the worn-out mom photo that my son took.  This has been a long week of minimal sleep due to my oldest two boys' sicknesses.

I do like the fact that it can be worn like a hat/scarf/hood combo, but I am not sure I will use it that way.  Either way it was a nice break from all of my hat crocheting and it used up some yarn in my stash. 

I am linking this post with Strut Your Stuff Thursday at Somewhat Simple.

Baby, it's cowl-d outside! (AKA a Crocheted Cowl)

Recycled Crayons Valentine's Day Idea

Check out the fun and frugal craft I just posted on my preschool blog.  Pocketful of Posies

Recycled Crayons Valentine's Day Idea

The Climber

My five year old son has always been a climber.  I realized this when he had just turned one year old.  I was cooking and had turned my back on him for a just a minute.  When I turned back around he was standing on the table.  This was the first of many climbing adventures with Joshua.  It just seems natural to him to climb on everything from the furniture to even the walls. 

 

This is a prime example of what I am talking about.  He had absolutely no help getting up there.  While he was up there I figured he could hang on a few more seconds while I snapped a picture.  :-)

I later started thinking about what this climbing might mean for my son as he gets older. Joshua is the kind of kid that you never have to wonder what he is thinking.  He is always quick to share his opinion. He is strong in his stance and often won't waiver.  We are trying to teach him to know and love God, and I pray that the strong character traits he possesses now will mean that he will stand strong in his faith no matter what happens in his life.

While I can find the positives to these character traits (others might call them flaws), I am here to say it can be hard to parent him some days.  When our wills clash it is easy to get frustrated with him.  I want him to learn to obey and know right from wrong.

However, there is something about Joshua that I don't ever want to discourage--his love of climbing.  I don't mean this in the literal sense like in the picture above.  (I hope he outgrows this before he is big enough to pull the molding down.)  What I mean is that I want to encourage him, and all of my children, to rise above the things of this world and always strive to do God's will.

May we all be climbers..

¹ If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  Colossians 3:1-2

I am linking this post with Motivate Me Monday at The Fifth Street Palace.

The Climber