While in the Castle

See the tall towers of the castle?  That is where my husband has put our daughters...far away from the chance of any knight in shining armor finding them.  Just kidding.  They are in the castle, though, preparing for that day when they will join their knights.  Jerry Ross has an excellent book called Stay in the Castle  (http://www.stayinthecastle.com/). Highly suggested... My husband and I were talking about what to do while staying in the castle.  So...my daughter is writing again (yay).  I am really looking forward to reading what she has to say about keeping busy while in the castle.

So, whether you are courting or not you can be preparing for your future.  Cooking, cleaning, sewing, and organization are very important things to know.  If you already can do all of that...wonderful!  Preparations go deeper than that. 

In my reading I have found that one of the dangers in a relationship is that danger of..."It's in the bag...I am in a relationship...no more work...no more worries..."

WRONG!  It is time to work even harder!

Are you walking with Christ?

Are you a blessing? 

Are you the kind of helpmeet your knight needs?

Are you a better person because of your knight?

Are you actively working on improving yourself?

Are you working on your relationships with your family?

Eric and Leslie Ludy, When God Writes Your Love Story, says this about family..."If you discard those oddballs in your life called family, you will have thrown away your own private training ground for a divine romance.  If you don't learn now to be like Christ in the way you treat "them" in your life, it will be that much more difficult to treat your "them of the future" with the dignity and love they desperately need."

Challenge for today...take those preparations to a higher level.  Maybe do a word study in the Bible....See what God says about being faithful, trustworthy... the list goes on!

Now....

I know....I shifted gears on you....welcome to my husband's world.  I am ALWAYS doing this to him.  In less than two weeks we are taking Sara Rose to see Eugene.  They will be going to the college's Valentine Banquet and we will be able to spend some time with him.  Very exciting days around here!  My menu is planned...We try to save money by making some of our own food while on trips. 

I found this recipe on Pinterest ( http://www.chef-in-training.com/). I think we will give it a try!

Cafe Rio Chicken

2 lbs. chicken

1/2 bottle zesty Italian chicken
1/2 tbl garlic
1 pkg dry ranch seasoning mixed with 1/2 c water
1/2 tbl chili powder
1/2 tbl.cumin

Put in crock pot for 5-6 hours (high) or about 8 (low).  When done shred chicken...put on tortilla shells...I will probably add some taco toppings!

My next post I will have a little bit more about the trip, the food...and of course, the big event!

Thanks for stopping by!

"Just keep talking, just keep talking..." (Add music notes)

"Why courtship?"

I have been asked that a good bit lately.  When I was growing up, I do not remember hearing about courtship.  I grew up in a very conservative Christian home.  Dating and boys were not really "encouraged" until I discovered dating in college.  Multiple boyfriends, the term "going steady", break-ups....some would say that it is part of growing up...it is just part of life. 

Now, as my husband and I have prayed and followed God's leading as far as raising our children, we are doing what we know is right for our family.  You might not feel the same way for your family, and that's fine.  I don't think there is a formula that gives us the perfect solution to courtship.  I have done a lot of questioning and researching only to discover one thing....there are Bible principles that we can follow.

God continues to fine tune our beliefs as far as raising our children.  Definitions of terms (courtship, engagement),and opinions on how things should be handled will vary.  I know that each of my children are so wonderfully different that even courtship will vary as each gets to experience this.

In our home courtship is a period of time where the young woman and young man get to know each other better under the guidance of their families. Courtship is not a promise of marriage.  It is a wisdom-guided relationship that could possibly lead to marriage.  Our young man has asked us several times if there is anything that he needs to work on.  Why?  He desires to make sure things are done decently and in order...and he cares for our daughter.  Our daughter shares what is going on in her thinking and her heart with me...(several late nights sharing... treasured  times!)

In an article written by Joe Lechner, he presents some thoughts to consider for the courting couple.

 ~ Does your relationship reflect joyful obedience to God’s Word – even in the details?

~ When our relationships are characterized by obedience to God’s Word, we are saying that God’s commands are good and that he deserves to be obeyed – and thus God is glorified.
The selfless desire to do what’s best for the other person –
~ In this relationship, am I fully committed to sincerely serving the other person and not my own selfish or emotional desires?
~ Am I fully committed to trusting God and allowing him to draw us together, if it be his will, rather than trying to manipulate the emotions and desires of the other person by excessively flirting or saying and promising more than I am ready to commit to?
 A selfless desire to do what’s best for the other person is the natural overflow of a genuine love for God. To love God means you’ll love others, and you can’t truly love others unless you genuinely love God. This is why understanding the goal of courtship and what makes a courtship “successful” is so important.
How true this is!

Remember the part in the movie Nemo,  "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming..."?  I thought of this because our courting couple is encouraged to keep talking...keep talking...keep talking.  Question each other, share with each other, and be honest with each other. 

Examine yourself with the above questions.  Keep the finding out things about each other.  Ask the Lord  to help you keep your focus.

Courageous....

What a good family time we had this past Saturday!  I love movies, but I especially love movies that encourage us to do right...to encourage us to strive to do better when it comes to our families.  I am trying to not give anything away..in case you have not seen the movie Courageous.  If you have seen it...well, you know what I am saying.  So, grab your family, a munchie, and probably a box or two of tissues...let the Lord use this movie in your life. 

We tried a new dip while watching Courageous. 

Crab Rangoon Dip!  5-star rating for this one. 

 I found this recipe on http://www.recklessabandoncook.com/  while searching Pinterest.  Very good dip and it is easy to put together....and it also helps that I love crab rangoon!

Mom's Retreat Breakfast Casserole

I was recently at a Mom's Retreat for home school moms.  On Saturday morning there was a wonderful brunch!  So much delicious food...there was a breakfast casserole there that I knew I needed the recipe...soon!  I have the recipe...but have renamed it...my family does that to help us remember certain recipes....

Mom's Retreat Breakfast Casserole
24oz frozen shredded potatoes
2 c shredded cheese
2c cooked ham
salt and pepper
1 can cheddar cheese soup (or cream of chicken works too)
milk (2 soup cans full)
10 eggs
optional (half cup each)
chopped onion, green pepper, sliced mushrooms


Combine all except cheese. Mix/beat very well. Put into 3 quart casserole and top with cheese. Bake 350F for 45-55 min or until knife in center comes out clean.

Thank you, Jill!
There was another brunch type recipe with spinach....still trying to track that one down!

The retreat was a great time to relax and laugh with other women who have similar experiences...a time of song with the snow falling outside...the Word of God challenging us to step it up a notch with our families....to cherish the time we have with them and to raise them in a God-honoring home. 

Take time, Mom, to give your family some time today!

Seeking God's Glory...

" The goal of any relationship and what determines whether or not any relationship is successful is whether or not God is glorified in the relationship. God’s glory is the greatest goal in every arena of life and this must be the highest priority and starting place as two people pursue courtship. The couple involved in a courtship is seeking to glorify God inwardly through their motives, thoughts, and intentions; and glorify God outwardly through their obedience to God in the way they relate to each other."  (Joe Lechner)

I thank the Lord for two young people who desire to glorify God in their relationship. 

 Sara Rose has returned from her visit with Eugene and his family.  Everything went well...Eugene made the week a very special one.  A candle lit Taco Bell dinner to dinner at the nicest restaurant in town...taking fun pictures together, much needed conversations....and daily devotions together.  Watching each other's reactions when things like work and school change plans...being able to be flexible....All is so important!

Next big event on the calendar?  A Valentine Banquet...that has already created quite a stir around here!  A dress has been bought for the occasion....my girl will be beautiful-inside and out.  No dress details are to be given...it must be kept a total surprise. 

"Moving beyond motive and intentions, it’s important to ask yourself questions concerning character: In the ways that I relate to this person now (in word and action), am I guarding this person’s heart or am I selfishly and prematurely seeking to draw their affections to myself? Are the choices and decisions I make in this relationship genuinely serving the other person or serving my own desires and wants? A relationship where two people are committed to God’s glory is a relationship where two people are fully committed to biblically serve one another above themselves. " (Joe Lechner)

And the story continues....

Thanks for stopping by!

A Courtin' We Will Go...

"Courtship is a season for two people to grow in friendship, to get to know each other's character, and to see how they interact as a couple."  Joshua Harris

On the night Eugene asked Sara Rose if he could court her...and she accepted;  her Dad gathered the family to pray with them.  Two people with the love, support, prayers of two families. 

Is this a pre-engagement? No.  No big announcement....although word is spreading!  We want people to know so they can  pray for this couple who are both seeking God's will.

Is it a pre-arranged situation? 

 Two sets of parents picking and deciding God's will?  I mean, "courtship" sounds so old-fashioned....No.  Although we do like Eugene a lot.....we did not do a search....

These two young people have decided to build on a friendship.  Two young people wanting to see if they will be able to benefit the other, not building a relationship on selfish needs and desires.

This week our Sara Rose gets to spend about a week with Eugene and his family before his next semester of college begins.  They are so excited!  I am really looking forward to hearing all about the trip!

Yep...here it comes...a RECIPE!  One of Eugene's favorite snacks....

Puppy Chow

9 cups crispy rice cereal squares

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate; add peanut butter and mix until smooth.
2. Remove from heat, add cereal and stir until coated.
3. Pour powdered sugar into large plastic bag, add coated cereal and shake until well coated. Store in airtight container.

Eugene and Sara Rose, we are excited about this opportunity for you to spend this time together.

Enjoy!