The Royal Wedding
To be a princess…
Standing in front of a full-length mirror, she saw herself, a bride. Dressed in lace, decorated with jewels, and trailed by a beautiful veil, she would soon be a princess. Did she always dream about becoming a princess? As a little girl, did she twirl in pretty dresses and pretend to be swept away by her Knight in Shining Armor? On April 29th, many of us day-dreamed about being Kate Middleton, or should I now say, ‘Her Royal Highness Princess William Arthur Philip Louis, Duchess of Cambridge, Countess of Strathearn, Baroness Carrickfergus.’ Wow! In one day, she went from a commoner to Royal Highness, Princess, Duchess, Countess, and Baroness. What a title!
In my own daydream, I remembered a box full of beautifully worn and torn old prom dresses that I used to play with in our childhood basement. They were my mom’s dresses from the 70’s. Bold multicolor striped, magenta, green shin length, long-sleeved burgundy lace, these dresses were anything but spectacular, but to me and my girlfriends, these were not just old prom dresses; they were ‘special’ dresses that could transcend us from my Garfield Heights basement in 1987, to a Royal Ballroom wedding celebration for us and my our very own ‘Knight in shining armor!’ I laugh when I think back to those times in the basement. Little girls almost always dream about being somebody’s princess.
Humbly, I realize I have been so very blessed to feel like somebody’s princess… three times.
I started dating when I was three years old. Really! My dad took me out once every couple months for the entire day. He called it, ‘Queen for a Day.’ The date began with breakfast, followed by a trip to the beauty salon, and finished with a grand finale like the Goodtime III or the Bolshoi Ballet. I will never forget those ‘Grand Finales.’ My dad sure is something. The entire time we were on our date he would open all doors for me, pull out my chairs before I sat, never let me walk on the outside of the side walk (in case a car jumped the curve he walked closest to the street) and he would insist that any man worth marrying would be sure to do the same. He was right. My husband did all of those things on our first date, and he continues to do them to this day. His selfless love and commitment to me is what makes me feel like a princess; for the second time.
Still, there is someone who’s Royalty and Kingship has actually given me the truest title of Princess Josephine. Really, I AM A PRINCESS! Oh now don’t be jealous, this King would be more than happy to make you His princess too. I’ve been on a poem kick. Here is one to help you understand.
Oh to be a princess
Someone’s real Cinderella
The Grand Ballroom, a big white dress,
And just the perfect fella’.
Red carpet, glass slippers, with jewels that glisten and shine
First class, fine dining
and to know it was just all mine
That Someone would find me the fairest
More than any other one before
To think that I was the one and only
His Royal heart would adore
Then I understood…
The One who sought my heart
Was the One who put it all together
He knew that I was flawed in many ways
But none of which He wouldn’t weather
With immense joy He pursued me
Showering me with precious gifts, patience and love
I knew His heart for me was different
Only to understand it was from above
No Earthly man could ever
Love in a way so pure and true
This Love is unexplainable
Because Love equals You.
Ladies, we can be thankful that God is a gentleman and anxiously awaits an invitation to be the King of our hearts. We at least can agree that we all have that same burning desire to be genuinely loved; even though we are often unlovable. To be perfectly frank, although they love me the best they can, even my dad and my husband cannot fulfill that love I desire. You know why? We were purposefully created with a part of our hearts that would never be satisfied by any earthly object or being. Our Creator intended to make us, His creation, with unfinished hearts. He did this to know that He wasn’t forcing us to love Him, but rather giving us the choice. See, relationships worth having are never forced, they’re chosen, agreed upon, and then continuously worked on and nurtured. A relationship with God, a true King is no different. He gave us a choice to choose Royalty and be made whole, or to remain unfinished in constant pursuit of love (1 John 4:10, Romans 5:8). Only love from this King can ever satisfy the heart of a princess.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8”
HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD!
You’ll never know what our relationship means to me. Thank you for being my first date, setting a Godly standard, and ALWAYS ENCOURAGING ME! I love you.
Easy Recipe for Chicken ALA “KING”
1 pkg. frozen peas (10 oz.)
1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. minced onions
1/4 c. minced garlic
Dash of red pepper flakes
1/4 c. all purpose flour
1 c. chicken broth
1 c. milk or light cream
2 c. cooked diced chicken
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
Cook peas, drain and set aside. Place butter, onion, garlic and red pepper flakes in a 3 quart glass casserole dish. Cover and microwave 2-3 minutes or until tender. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk. Microwave 3-7 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Add peas and remaining ingredients. Cover and microwave 5-7 minutes or until bubbly. Stir once during cooking. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve over rice or egg noodles.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Update & Article
In trying to better understand the blogging world, I have been taking a break to learn and collect information on how to improve my writing and blogging efforts. I am thinking about starting over in a sense, and I am also looking at the benefits of wordpress in comparison to blogger. I know God has put something on my heart, I want to be accurate, effective, and faithful with how I share it. Until I get this together, I may be on here only briefly. For anyone who reads this, please pray that I will hear Him and follow through. Thank you! Here is the last article I wrote for a local column. Hope it blesses you!
Do you remember that childhood game, Mother May I? One lucky individual got to be the caller, ‘Mother’, and keeper of the privileged porch position, while all of the other kids asked from the sidewalk for precious steps to come near to her. They’d inquire, “Mother, may I take three steps forward?” ‘Mother’ could say yes or no, or instruct to take one bunny hop forward or three baby steps back. There were all sorts of steps: giant steps, umbrella steps, baby steps, and I recently read that there were Cinderella steps too! Only ‘Mother’ determined everyone’s steps, picked who was next to gain that favored position, and directed at what pace they would attain it.
In a sense, this game is very much like childhood. Depending on the parenting, moms greatly influence how their children will develop in life. Many never know the influence of an actual birth mom but experience childhood with foster/adopted parents. Some never enjoy a ‘mom’ at all. Yet, everyone, no matter how they were parented, has someone influence their childhood and ultimately play a role in how they now live their adult life. Not every mom is a June Cleaver clone. ‘Mom’ could be the elderly neighbor lady that showed you how to sew and cook. ‘Mom’ could be the loving lady at church that followed you as you grew, offering words of wisdom whenever the opportunity was present. ‘Mom’ could be the teacher/coach that invested quality time, effort, and sacrifice to see you succeed. ‘Mom’ could be the grandma that took over. ‘Mom’ could be Dad! ‘Moms’ are those that gently and lovingly came along side of you to help you through life as a child, adolescent and an adult. They were there even when you were not obedient, lovable, or receptive. Think of the ‘Mom’ in your life… now wait, that thought right there, the one that just warmed your heart- what did your ‘Mom’ do that let you know you were genuinely thought about and loved?
I have to tell you about my mom…
Mother?
May I keep toys to myself, never offering to share?
NO you may not, you better not dare!
May I steal this candy, and pay for it another day?
NO you may not, and your monthly allowance just went away!
May I call my brother names, he called me something bad.
NO you may not, get in that room, I’m getting your dad!
Mother?
May I wear a short skirt and shirt too tight?
No you may not, unless you want a fight!
May I drive with my friends and stay out late?
NO you may not, and you’ll wait ‘til 40 to date.
May I skip school and try a cigarette?
NO you may not, and I’ll teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.
Mother?
May I change my major or quit for a while?
NO you may not, this is just a test, a perseverance trial.
May I call off work for no reason at all?
NO you may not; it’s a measure of character, but at this point it’s your call.
May I fight with my husband and just leave when I’m mad?
NO you may not; we believe in commitment, though I’m sorry you’re sad.
MOM
May I tell you thank you for all your selfless guidance and love?
Your determination to see me make it is a gift from God above.
May I close with my indebtedness for your life of sacrifice?
You offer me all you are, and for that there is no price.
I truly do not have enough space in this paper to write all that I thank the Lord for when it comes to my mom. He picked her as the one to give birth and raise me, on Sept 16, 1982- and I am so very humbled and thankful that He did.
He could have picked someone that would have abused or abandoned me. He could have picked a teenage girl, who was unwed and claimed virginity, while she displayed a big ol’ baby bump, only able to give birth in an area that housed smelly animals… wait, He reserved that kind of girl to deliver Him… God in flesh, Savior of mankind, and Creator. Could you imagine being a mom like Mary? She birthed the One who created her! Kind of crazy if you think about it. Mary accepted the responsibility of being a mom who would never have final authority over her Son. She would never be able to stop Him once He decided to leave. She would have to suffer immense ridicule from those who thought her Son was weird, crazy, and unstable. Sadly, she would have to painfully watch her Son go through a horrific death and ultimately she would have to trust her own Son to be the Savior of her own life. Mary probably never heard, ‘Mother May I’?
Unfortunately, kids can be unruly and moms can disappoint- Thankfully, there is One who promises that NO MATTER WHAT, when we trust Him, He will always love, protect, comfort and provide more than any earthly mom can. Psalm 68:5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God... (Great verses- Psalm 27:10, Job 29:12)
May 8th is Mothers Day.
Let the ‘Mother(s)’ of influence in your life know that they are
appreciated, respected, and loved.
“My Mom Hall of Fame”
Angie Gangale- Compassionate and Giving Grandmother of my husband (and me). Loyal and Loving Mother of two. Always teaching me so much.
Philomena Valley- Selfless and Dedicated Mother of four boys, including my husband (God Bless Her), and always Wonderful to me.
Marcella Butkovic (Late) – Tender and Kindhearted Grandmother of mine. Patient and devoted Mother of six. Taught me much about stick-to-itiveness.
Josie Graceffo- Encouraging and Nurturing Grandmother of mine. Compassionate and enduring Mother of four. (Gram- You will never know how thankful I am for all you do/done for me and our family).
Nancy Butkovic- Amazingly understanding, unselfish and generous Mother of two. I Love You Very Much Mom! I hope you like the poem. Happy Mother’s Day!
Mother ‘May’ I?
Do you remember that childhood game, Mother May I? One lucky individual got to be the caller, ‘Mother’, and keeper of the privileged porch position, while all of the other kids asked from the sidewalk for precious steps to come near to her. They’d inquire, “Mother, may I take three steps forward?” ‘Mother’ could say yes or no, or instruct to take one bunny hop forward or three baby steps back. There were all sorts of steps: giant steps, umbrella steps, baby steps, and I recently read that there were Cinderella steps too! Only ‘Mother’ determined everyone’s steps, picked who was next to gain that favored position, and directed at what pace they would attain it.
In a sense, this game is very much like childhood. Depending on the parenting, moms greatly influence how their children will develop in life. Many never know the influence of an actual birth mom but experience childhood with foster/adopted parents. Some never enjoy a ‘mom’ at all. Yet, everyone, no matter how they were parented, has someone influence their childhood and ultimately play a role in how they now live their adult life. Not every mom is a June Cleaver clone. ‘Mom’ could be the elderly neighbor lady that showed you how to sew and cook. ‘Mom’ could be the loving lady at church that followed you as you grew, offering words of wisdom whenever the opportunity was present. ‘Mom’ could be the teacher/coach that invested quality time, effort, and sacrifice to see you succeed. ‘Mom’ could be the grandma that took over. ‘Mom’ could be Dad! ‘Moms’ are those that gently and lovingly came along side of you to help you through life as a child, adolescent and an adult. They were there even when you were not obedient, lovable, or receptive. Think of the ‘Mom’ in your life… now wait, that thought right there, the one that just warmed your heart- what did your ‘Mom’ do that let you know you were genuinely thought about and loved?
I have to tell you about my mom…
Mother?
May I keep toys to myself, never offering to share?
NO you may not, you better not dare!
May I steal this candy, and pay for it another day?
NO you may not, and your monthly allowance just went away!
May I call my brother names, he called me something bad.
NO you may not, get in that room, I’m getting your dad!
Mother?
May I wear a short skirt and shirt too tight?
No you may not, unless you want a fight!
May I drive with my friends and stay out late?
NO you may not, and you’ll wait ‘til 40 to date.
May I skip school and try a cigarette?
NO you may not, and I’ll teach you a lesson you’ll never forget.
Mother?
May I change my major or quit for a while?
NO you may not, this is just a test, a perseverance trial.
May I call off work for no reason at all?
NO you may not; it’s a measure of character, but at this point it’s your call.
May I fight with my husband and just leave when I’m mad?
NO you may not; we believe in commitment, though I’m sorry you’re sad.
MOM
May I tell you thank you for all your selfless guidance and love?
Your determination to see me make it is a gift from God above.
May I close with my indebtedness for your life of sacrifice?
You offer me all you are, and for that there is no price.
I truly do not have enough space in this paper to write all that I thank the Lord for when it comes to my mom. He picked her as the one to give birth and raise me, on Sept 16, 1982- and I am so very humbled and thankful that He did.
He could have picked someone that would have abused or abandoned me. He could have picked a teenage girl, who was unwed and claimed virginity, while she displayed a big ol’ baby bump, only able to give birth in an area that housed smelly animals… wait, He reserved that kind of girl to deliver Him… God in flesh, Savior of mankind, and Creator. Could you imagine being a mom like Mary? She birthed the One who created her! Kind of crazy if you think about it. Mary accepted the responsibility of being a mom who would never have final authority over her Son. She would never be able to stop Him once He decided to leave. She would have to suffer immense ridicule from those who thought her Son was weird, crazy, and unstable. Sadly, she would have to painfully watch her Son go through a horrific death and ultimately she would have to trust her own Son to be the Savior of her own life. Mary probably never heard, ‘Mother May I’?
Unfortunately, kids can be unruly and moms can disappoint- Thankfully, there is One who promises that NO MATTER WHAT, when we trust Him, He will always love, protect, comfort and provide more than any earthly mom can. Psalm 68:5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God... (Great verses- Psalm 27:10, Job 29:12)
May 8th is Mothers Day.
Let the ‘Mother(s)’ of influence in your life know that they are
appreciated, respected, and loved.
“My Mom Hall of Fame”
Angie Gangale- Compassionate and Giving Grandmother of my husband (and me). Loyal and Loving Mother of two. Always teaching me so much.
Philomena Valley- Selfless and Dedicated Mother of four boys, including my husband (God Bless Her), and always Wonderful to me.
Marcella Butkovic (Late) – Tender and Kindhearted Grandmother of mine. Patient and devoted Mother of six. Taught me much about stick-to-itiveness.
Josie Graceffo- Encouraging and Nurturing Grandmother of mine. Compassionate and enduring Mother of four. (Gram- You will never know how thankful I am for all you do/done for me and our family).
Nancy Butkovic- Amazingly understanding, unselfish and generous Mother of two. I Love You Very Much Mom! I hope you like the poem. Happy Mother’s Day!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
6 Word Mania, I Tell Ya!
Once again I am feverishly pursuing the scholarships graciously available through
This scholarship is through the She Reads ministry and it really is an amusing one.
Here are the requirements:
In 6 words tell your story… That’s right, the WHOLE ‘she’bang!
From start to finish, just six words to bedazzle em’!
Ernest Hemingway did:
Baby Shoes. For Sale. Never Worn.
Therefore, I can too. So can you! If you’re interested at throwing your hat in the mix, and attending an amazingly God centered Spirit lead women’s conference, check this out!
To the hard part…
Deciding on my overall ‘she’bang, however, was not easy.
My story is less than typical.
More than redemptive.
And everything necessary in between.
ALL FOR HIS GLORY!
A Few For Fun!
FAIRYTALE ASPIRATIONS. DUNGEON. HAPPILY EVER AFTER...
CINDERELLA DREAMS. CINDERELLA’S HANDMAIDEN. HIS CINDERELLA…
= Reflections of my formative years.
VACANT. PARTIALLY AVAILABLE. NOW OCCUPIED…
= Reflections of my heart.
WASN'T SURE. WAS ASSURED. NOW INSURED…
= Reflections of my growth.
HELP! SEEKING CARPENTER. NEEDING PLANKS REMOVED…
= Reflections of my attitude.
Settled,
after five billion hours of these little six word rockets blasting away in my brain,
after five billion hours of these little six word rockets blasting away in my brain,
on this one.
DELICATE CRYSTAL. SHATTERED PORCELAIN! CLAY POT…
= REFLECTIONS OF HIS PLAN.
I lived my life my way. Pursuing the American dream, one heartache at a time...
1st- A Delicate Crystal.
Saved at 5 yrs. old
Fairytale Princess
Enamored Over Love Stories
2nd- Shattered Porcelain!
Lost...
Testimony, to popularity.
Money, to night life.
Dignity, by choice.
Hope, after 11 year break-up.
Isaiah 64: 8 NIV
Yet, O LORD, You are our (my) Father. We are (I) the clay, You are the Potter;
we are all (I) the work of Your hand.
3rd- Clay Pot
Humbly Surrendered to His Sovereign Molding...
My pursuit of the American Dream was a painful and expensive one.
I cry when I think about life as the delicate crystal.
I cry because my Loving Father knew well my heart then.
He helped my find my way back to those original desires.
He gave me a love story far beyond
ANYTHING my imaginative mind could have created.
My husband, a prince, loves Jesus and He loves me.
I love Jesus and am now content being His clay pot.
May I always ponder the cracks that keep me bowed.
Loved this idea, again thank your for forcing growth!
I cry when I think about life as the delicate crystal.
I cry because my Loving Father knew well my heart then.
He helped my find my way back to those original desires.
He gave me a love story far beyond
ANYTHING my imaginative mind could have created.
My husband, a prince, loves Jesus and He loves me.
I love Jesus and am now content being His clay pot.
May I always ponder the cracks that keep me bowed.
Loved this idea, again thank your for forcing growth!
Prayers and Peace to you as you make your decision!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Deep Desire to Be Deeply Desired
My pursuit for love was a relentless one.
I never thought myself desperate. Yet, glimpses in the review mirror show otherwise…
Knuckles white from my grip on the wheel, my hands start to loosen and I look up.
There in the rearview-
I see her- long brown hair in a bow, dress slightly swaying, and insistent on interrupting every adult conversation in progress. Front and center she takes the stage, or the patio ledge. With hairbrush in fist and hand on hip, from the top of her lungs an offbeat in tune rendition of –
“On the Good Ship Lollipop”- pours out so heartily.
They clap and cheer. She is delighted.
Their approval was all that mattered. Desperate.
Head is down. I tightly clutch the wheel again.
Thinking of that little girl reminds me of all that life has changed.
She was bold, fearless, and magnetic.
Confident just as she was…
Apprehensive, I cannot help but lift my eyes one more time to the rearview.
There she is again starry-eyed, seventeen, and helplessly writing love notes. A pretty, popular, high school cheerleader and homecoming queen, she holds many titles. He is a football player, handsome, and admired. He took her love notes, read them, gave them meaning for a long while,
used them, and handed them back to her in pieces.
Just desperate for the title of being his- she sacrifices much.
This glimpse from the past hurts a bit more than the previous.
Feelings of vulnerability, rejection, and loss fill my heart as tears fill my eyes.
I glance away from the rearview- it hurts.
Suddenly warmth fills me, I am calm and safe.
My chin is lifted, not voluntarily, and my eyes again peer through the rearview.
In a deep gaze, I see something quite different.
Long brown hair in a bow, dress slightly swaying, and I take the patio stage
with hairbrush in hand.
with hairbrush in hand.
There is no audience except for the Silhouette of One.
I finish my performance eagerly awaiting praise.
The Silhouette is clapping, however I can’t hear it.
The Silhouette has an endless bouquet of roses, and boxes of fine chocolates but I fail to see any of it.
I put my head down.
My chin lifts. I stare.
There she is again starry-eyed, seventeen, and helplessly writing love notes.
He took her love notes and handed them back to her in pieces.
As I look further, I see the Silhouette with papers in hand.
Many papers wrinkled and taped, but whole.
My love notes.
He waited to lavish me with flowers and chocolates following my grand performance.
He kept every love letter with anticipation to show me His.
The truest gentleman and lover of my heart.
Yearning only to be my deepest desire.
Delight Yourself in the Lord and He will give your hearts desires' to you. Psalm 37:4
He knows and loves our hearts. He desires to truly fill them.
I post my heart hoping to connect yours with His-
The One who graciously walks around our hearts and patiently waits in our thoughts-
just to be desired.
I have to be honest. This entire blog is product of a burning desire to share His deeply satisfying love to the species that craves relationship most- women. In pursuing these scholarship opportunities, this blog was birthed. As I started to follow and read from all of the women's blogs involved in this pursuit, the Lord was doing a tremendous real work in my heart. Because of these opportunities, I have learned so much so quickly. There is a whole world of information out there that I never knew existed. In one month I started a blog, submitted an article for a chance to be published in P31's great magazine, am teaching myself to tweet (kind of), found a friend, and wealth of resources: Cecil Murprhy's Writers Blog, and Holy Experience, are just a couple. Who would of thought? But you know what I am learning most, through visiting the blogs of these women and gleaning wisdom from their stories- anything that is truly beneficial to another person, is only that which He has whispered clearly in their hearts- nothing extra. As He leads, He works. I pray that He will lead and trust me to be a tool He uses to touch the hearts of women. Do you desire the same? Check out the She Speaks Conference. I have to already say thank you to the She Speaks community, I have been forever blessed in this pursuit. Thank you for pushing me forward. Ann, your post broke me. Thank you- If you haven't seen it, you need to; and you can also apply for this scholarship-HERE Thank you for this opportunity.
Monday, March 28, 2011
‘Raw’ & Easter
I was thinking about a piece of raw chicken. Pretty gross to sight, and if eaten in that form, could probably cause some serious illness and discomfort! Yet, after a meeting with a mallet, a dip in the marinade, followed by a seasoned dredge and a friendly fryin’- that raw piece of chicken becomes a tantalizing sight of delectable mouth watering goodness! What about a raw potato? What a funny looking little food it is, brown, misshapen, and ladies- talk about dimples in the wrong places? Leave it alone too long or too far from its root and it becomes susceptible to rotting, spores and disaster! Nevertheless… a nice wash, a little slicing, and a visit from its friends- pepper, salt, onion, chive, sour cream, and cheddar- and Voila! That potato is now every emotional woman’s, ‘hormonal hero’ of yummy bliss! You see, anything raw usually goes through a hard and sometimes painful process of preparation before its final product can actually be realized…
Well, like a raw piece of chicken, I had to go through my own process of preparation. I guess it’s safe to say we are all a work in progress- Anyway, strained by the events of my life, a breakup after eleven years followed by a family tragedy, I found myself completely wedged between the life I was living and the life I desired to have. So, I started to sort and sift through life’s purpose. Here is what I found- please do not read this as religious, just something personal from me, and fitting for this Easter season.
My life really was in raw form. God gave me a fresh slice of reality when He showed me that through these various trials. All I could see was my crumbled life. What God saw, however, was just a heart that needed defrosting! He truly changed my diced view on life and started to use my circumstances to help me learn, grow, and trust His great plan for me. I can say with 100% honesty that I have never been more content than I am right now. Did I think at that raw state of life that I would be where I am today? NO WAY! God perfectly prepared me- 2 cups of heartache + 1 cup devastation + 1 tablespoon desperation = My Attention! (Well that is what He wanted anyway) The Creator of my life’s recipe gently brought me through the process of raw to realized, by showing me my own desperate need to get out of ritual/traditions and into real relationship with Him. Like the potato, He grated my heart to get to the core. Now that I have truly let Him in there, He is able to discard that which is unusable, (habits, thoughts, and actions) and replace it with things that are healthy, nutritious, and beneficial for me. Now I am a partially finished product of submission and trust. I began to submit to His ways and trust His promises- (Jeremiah 29:11.) Do I still have problems? You better believe it! After all, I am a woman! At least now I have His hope!
What does any of this have to do with Easter? Well, I wouldn’t let this month pass and not discuss what this AWESOME time represents! We all will have many processes to go through in this life, and thankfully, there is help if we ask for it. Jesus, while on Earth, willingly went through a draining, brutal, painful, and humiliating process that led up to a ‘seemingly’ final product of death on the cross- Although He said, “It is finished,” He wasn’t talking about His life. He was talking about the road He paved for us from Earth to Heaven- He did this ALL for the sake of humanity. Thanks to hundreds of eye witnesses, we know that 3 days later there was an empty tomb and a risen Savior! … From the grave to Resurrected, just like He promised.
He is Risen Indeed! This is definite cause for a Happy Easter!
My Super Easy Easter Artichoke Dip Appetizer
Josie’s Artichoke Dip
2- 8 oz. Pkgs. Cream Cheese
¾- Stick of Butter
3 Jars of Marinated Artichoke Hearts (mostly drained & chopped)
1 Cup Parmesan
½ Package Italian Blend Shredded Cheese
¾ Tablespoon Minced Garlic
Salt, pepper, & crushed red pepper (all to taste)
Preheat oven to 350. Melt first two ingredients in a microwavable bowl, mix very well. Stir in artichokes, cheeses, garlic, and seasonings. Sprinkle top with a little extra parmesan, (browns nicely) put in a square pan, (8x8 or 9x9) and bake about 20 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbly. Serve with Triscuits! YUM!
Monday, March 21, 2011
My Home, My Family- Japan
Aren't we all connected? Humanity that is. Although different in ethnicity, culture, belief, and gender, there is one thing we all have in common- Emotion! Did we not all feel joy when the minors were rescued in Chile? I felt like my long lost brothers had been found! Were we not all relieved when they found vaccinations for polio, meningitis, and now influenza? Did we not all sit in terror as we watched the towers fall that awful day? SO- are we not all feeling the desperation, fear, and uneasiness for the situation going on in Japan? My heart is so heavy for my family there. I call them my family because the reality is- what is effecting them is and will effect us all. This is a wake up call of great proportion... In an instant, lives were taken, changed, and forever altered by two simultaneous natural disasters. An earthquake that's magnitude was the worse Japan has seen in hundreds of years, and a tsunami that has caused a death toll far into the thousands... We ALL will feel this one.
Connected by heart felt emotion, it is my home also that has suffered this devastation- my family, whose lives have been turned upside down- why? Emotion- a genuine heart felt concern for the hearts of my fellow brothers and sisters- no matter where they live. God's Word tells us that His greatest commandments are to 1. Love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. 2. To love our neighbor as ourselves... Japan is my neighbor. I pray that this will help us all open our lives to the brevity of time. Looking at the overall portrait- we see a painting of life that is lived by a second to second basis. None of us are secured in the arms of a tomorrow... With understanding that today is a privilege, I ask- Did anyone tell those people that were instantly without life in Japan, about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Would you be more inclined to share His love today if you knew tomorrow was not going to be there? Minutes Matter in this life, I pray that I stay aware of the urgency He is showing us by the events taking place. These are the signs He told us to look for- are we paying attention? Find someone today to tell about the joy you have in Jesus! Praying I will have an opportunity!
Looking for ways to help other than prayer? Check this out.
Connected by heart felt emotion, it is my home also that has suffered this devastation- my family, whose lives have been turned upside down- why? Emotion- a genuine heart felt concern for the hearts of my fellow brothers and sisters- no matter where they live. God's Word tells us that His greatest commandments are to 1. Love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. 2. To love our neighbor as ourselves... Japan is my neighbor. I pray that this will help us all open our lives to the brevity of time. Looking at the overall portrait- we see a painting of life that is lived by a second to second basis. None of us are secured in the arms of a tomorrow... With understanding that today is a privilege, I ask- Did anyone tell those people that were instantly without life in Japan, about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Would you be more inclined to share His love today if you knew tomorrow was not going to be there? Minutes Matter in this life, I pray that I stay aware of the urgency He is showing us by the events taking place. These are the signs He told us to look for- are we paying attention? Find someone today to tell about the joy you have in Jesus! Praying I will have an opportunity!
Looking for ways to help other than prayer? Check this out.
Post For RENEE SWOPE- SHE SPEAKS CONFERENCE
Minutes in ‘March’-ing…
Hypothetically, let’s just say that normal people usually are sleeping by 12:00am. So from 12:00am until about 7:00 am, 420 minutes have marched right-on and out of their day, permanently unused and never to return. Ok- a bit dramatic, but realistically, we only get 1440 minutes each day- these are not recyclable. We are now left with 1020 minutes to do as you will…
I was thinking if I could really see the minutes I have in a day, would I use them differently? If I understood that once they have marched by me and I can no longer grasp them, would it change the amount of enthusiasm with which I approach my day? I thought to myself, “If I actually could see how many minutes I waste, I bet I’d be much more likely to use them a bit wiser!” We are visual beings. Greater impact is made when we can attach a picture to a thought in our mind. Although we can’t see- armed, legged, and ‘top-hatted’ minutes’ marching on by, the reality is that these minutes indeed vanish if not used immediately!
I know that my life is but a vapor- I am only here, in the real scheme of things, for a time so short that I really have no business letting my ‘marching minutes’ miss a beat! Do I grab onto my minutes and hand them to someone else- i.e. Sending help to Japan, helping a neighbor here, feeding the homeless, visiting a widow, mentoring children, or investing at all in the ‘what really matters?’ Or do I grab my minutes and tuck them into my pockets only to be used for my own needs- pull twenty minutes out for a power nap, fifteen more minutes for a disgruntled phone tangent- minutes #897-#1000 spent on facebook and twitter, while the rest of my minutes get divided between all things that benefit the cause of… ‘Me!’ With a guilty sigh, I regretfully confess, that my marching minutes have often charged right out of my day and into someone else’s. Unfortunately, I have lost many an opportunity to give minutes away that could have potentially turned someone’s minutes of divorce, grief, loneliness and need, into minutes of hope, love, and peace. Then the Lord gave me something…
I have now been married ten joy filled months, and I have really been able to so see my ugly heart in the reflection of my husband’s predominantly God-centered one. The transition from single and slipping by, to married and accountable is a rough one filled with humility, grace and mercy. This is when the Lord put something on my heart. In learning more about relationship with Him, how to be a wife, and how I had changed from worldview to WORDview. Over a three year period (& many many minutes…), He did the changing while showing me every step along the way (and we are still walking). In those precious minutes with Him, He stirred my heart with a desire to lead women to be bold, deep, honest, and true about where they came from and where they are going.
I noticed that so many of my ‘Christian sisters’ may have unconsciously accepted being proclaiming ‘Magic Prayer Say-ers.’ That is who I was before those three years with Him. I was a church going good girl with a Pharisee heart. I knew all the Bible verses, I talked all the lingo, hey- I even shared a time or two about how to be a Christian, “just say this prayer… “What I was gravely missing, was a life altering real encounter with a Risen Savior! Wow… I needed relationship in the worst way- and so do many of the teen girls I work with now, and sadly some of their ritual driven momma’s! (Not to be judgmental). I was so comfortable in just knowing I was going to Heaven- because at 5 years old I asked ‘Jeshush’ in my heart (I had a lisp, & still do :0)
At some point, many of us have fallen underneath the umbrella of ‘safe because I know I am going to Heaven’ living. It is my passion to stir urgency in our behavior; Purposefully living with eternity as our focus- for our families, our friends, at work, in everyday! I am learning life is but a vapor and our time here is short, but vital. Therefore I need to think on what counts- minute after minute…
Please help me share this vision by creating/leading/speaking/writing about a curriculum the Lord put on my heart.
(Should copyright this- another reason this conference would sure be a blessing;-)
My idea is— ‘Molding Modern Mary’s’ (based on Mary of Nazareth, Mary ‘Lazarus’ )
I would love to lead woman in an in depth look at how to be intimate, obedient, and transparent, out of devotion to the heart of Jesus- A thorough understanding on the lives of these women and how to apply their life principles to our modern day…Making being ‘Mary’s’ cool to every generation of ‘transitioning’ (from umbrella living, to loud by lifestyle proclaimers of Jesus Christ) -preparing teen girls with character, homemakers with spunk, delighted to be servants of the King, in love with a Savior that intended to have an intimate relationship with them- The problem- I have no idea how to get this going! He does and that is why, since the first scholarship came out, I have created my first blog, wrote many a’ stories, applied to all the scholarships offered so far and am continuously learning how to manage a small business, finish paying for my recent schooling- A Master Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University (thank you Abba), while providing, by the grace of God, all we need while my husband cannot work as he is now in his schooling. Needless to say, a scholarship would help!
Renee, I thank you for this opportunity. I will be praying for your heart and the hearts of the applicants. God has given me so much in my heart to share and lead with- if I could just show you or let you feel for yourself the desire He has put in there, you would never give it back :0)
“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” ~ James 4:14
A note to Cecil Murphy and the Staff of the She Speaks Conference.
Thank you so much for the scholarship opportunities! I pray the Lord will richly bless you, your staff, and these amazing ministries. I am aware that nothing I post could ever truly illustrate the desire in my heart for His service, women, and an opportunity to combine them all at this conference. With that, I started to pray diligently. Here is what the Lord put on my heart.
The She Speaks Conference is for any woman with a desire to lead, speak, write, or serve for/to women. This conference can help you understand how to fine tune (and tone down)
ministry ideas, network with Sisters who share these passions,
learn how to write with focus, speak with precision, and above all else, how to accurately-
REFLECT HIS GLORY & SPREAD HIS STORY...
(This Post is for Renee Swope Who is Graciously Offering a Scholarship to the She Speaks Womens Conference)
ministry ideas, network with Sisters who share these passions,
learn how to write with focus, speak with precision, and above all else, how to accurately-
REFLECT HIS GLORY & SPREAD HIS STORY...
(This Post is for Renee Swope Who is Graciously Offering a Scholarship to the She Speaks Womens Conference)
‘Onward Minute #978’
Imagine if you will, an actual minute. You know, one minute- as in a measurement of time. Like an hour, second or day. Now imagine this minute with arms and legs- silly I know, but really, just try...You can even put a top-hat on it if you’d like! There are actually 1440 minutes in a day. Now imagine all of these minutes- armed, legged, and all lined up in a row. Then at the start of each new day, 12:00am, they begin marching right alongside of you, top-hats and all! However, these minutes do not stop marching. They march continuously onward only able to be stopped by you!
Hypothetically, let’s just say that normal people usually are sleeping by 12:00am. So from 12:00am until about 7:00 am, 420 minutes have marched right-on and out of their day, permanently unused and never to return. Ok- a bit dramatic, but realistically, we only get 1440 minutes each day- these are not recyclable. We are now left with 1020 minutes to do as you will…
I was thinking if I could really see the minutes I have in a day, would I use them differently? If I understood that once they have marched by me and I can no longer grasp them, would it change the amount of enthusiasm with which I approach my day? I thought to myself, “If I actually could see how many minutes I waste, I bet I’d be much more likely to use them a bit wiser!” We are visual beings. Greater impact is made when we can attach a picture to a thought in our mind. Although we can’t see- armed, legged, and ‘top-hatted’ minutes’ marching on by, the reality is that these minutes indeed vanish if not used immediately!
I know that my life is but a vapor- I am only here, in the real scheme of things, for a time so short that I really have no business letting my ‘marching minutes’ miss a beat! Do I grab onto my minutes and hand them to someone else- i.e. Sending help to Japan, helping a neighbor here, feeding the homeless, visiting a widow, mentoring children, or investing at all in the ‘what really matters?’ Or do I grab my minutes and tuck them into my pockets only to be used for my own needs- pull twenty minutes out for a power nap, fifteen more minutes for a disgruntled phone tangent- minutes #897-#1000 spent on facebook and twitter, while the rest of my minutes get divided between all things that benefit the cause of… ‘Me!’ With a guilty sigh, I regretfully confess, that my marching minutes have often charged right out of my day and into someone else’s. Unfortunately, I have lost many an opportunity to give minutes away that could have potentially turned someone’s minutes of divorce, grief, loneliness and need, into minutes of hope, love, and peace. Then the Lord gave me something…
I have now been married ten joy filled months, and I have really been able to so see my ugly heart in the reflection of my husband’s predominantly God-centered one. The transition from single and slipping by, to married and accountable is a rough one filled with humility, grace and mercy. This is when the Lord put something on my heart. In learning more about relationship with Him, how to be a wife, and how I had changed from worldview to WORDview. Over a three year period (& many many minutes…), He did the changing while showing me every step along the way (and we are still walking). In those precious minutes with Him, He stirred my heart with a desire to lead women to be bold, deep, honest, and true about where they came from and where they are going.
I noticed that so many of my ‘Christian sisters’ may have unconsciously accepted being proclaiming ‘Magic Prayer Say-ers.’ That is who I was before those three years with Him. I was a church going good girl with a Pharisee heart. I knew all the Bible verses, I talked all the lingo, hey- I even shared a time or two about how to be a Christian, “just say this prayer… “What I was gravely missing, was a life altering real encounter with a Risen Savior! Wow… I needed relationship in the worst way- and so do many of the teen girls I work with now, and sadly some of their ritual driven momma’s! (Not to be judgmental). I was so comfortable in just knowing I was going to Heaven- because at 5 years old I asked ‘Jeshush’ in my heart (I had a lisp, & still do :0)
At some point, many of us have fallen underneath the umbrella of ‘safe because I know I am going to Heaven’ living. It is my passion to stir urgency in our behavior; Purposefully living with eternity as our focus- for our families, our friends, at work, in everyday! I am learning life is but a vapor and our time here is short, but vital. Therefore I need to think on what counts- minute after minute…
Please help me share this vision by creating/leading/speaking/writing about a curriculum the Lord put on my heart.
(Should copyright this- another reason this conference would sure be a blessing;-)
My idea is— ‘Molding Modern Mary’s’ (based on Mary of Nazareth, Mary ‘Lazarus’ )
I would love to lead woman in an in depth look at how to be intimate, obedient, and transparent, out of devotion to the heart of Jesus- A thorough understanding on the lives of these women and how to apply their life principles to our modern day…Making being ‘Mary’s’ cool to every generation of ‘transitioning’ (from umbrella living, to loud by lifestyle proclaimers of Jesus Christ) -preparing teen girls with character, homemakers with spunk, delighted to be servants of the King, in love with a Savior that intended to have an intimate relationship with them- The problem- I have no idea how to get this going! He does and that is why, since the first scholarship came out, I have created my first blog, wrote many a’ stories, applied to all the scholarships offered so far and am continuously learning how to manage a small business, finish paying for my recent schooling- A Master Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University (thank you Abba), while providing, by the grace of God, all we need while my husband cannot work as he is now in his schooling. Needless to say, a scholarship would help!
Renee, I thank you for this opportunity. I will be praying for your heart and the hearts of the applicants. God has given me so much in my heart to share and lead with- if I could just show you or let you feel for yourself the desire He has put in there, you would never give it back :0)
“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” ~ James 4:14
A note to Cecil Murphy and the Staff of the She Speaks Conference.
Thank you so much for the scholarship opportunities! I pray the Lord will richly bless you, your staff, and these amazing ministries. I am aware that nothing I post could ever truly illustrate the desire in my heart for His service, women, and an opportunity to combine them all at this conference. With that, I started to pray diligently. Here is what the Lord put on my heart.
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