Scripture and a Snapshot

I took this shot of me walking in the creek bed.  My family went on a picnic and then played in the water!  I found this verse and thought it was perfect for the shot.  When you are walking in the creek there are lots of places where you sink into the mud and sand, I found this flat rock to stand on and still be able to keep my feet in the water!  God is always looking to bring us up out of the muck that we get ourselves into :)  Enjoy your week.

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Katie Lloyd Photography

Feasting in Fellowship Fridays

I haven't done a recipe for a while but last night I made a simple, quick recipe and when my 7 year old asked if it was a recipe I would pass down to all my kids I thought I just might share it :)  I love that it is easy and so cheap to make and the kids and hubby LOVE it.

Ramen Noodle Meal

3 pkgs ramen noodles

2 cans mixed veggies

1 lb ground beef

Brown meat and prepare noodles according to pkg directions,

drain noodles and meat and mix together in serving bowl with veggies. 

I didn't cook the veggies because they warm up with the other things.  Serve hot!

This meal was for a family of 5!

Forever Changing,

Liz

Linking with Comfy in the Kitchen

Scripture and a Snapshot

I took this picture of the sunset near the end of a 5 hour drive!  I was getting tired of being in the car and so were the kids.  I looked over and saw this great shot, God has a way of showing us just what we need!  The verse is one of my favorite childhood songs and I think it goes well with this picture.  Every day is from God and we should be glad we get to see all of the amazing gifts he gives to us!  Have a great week.

Forever Changing,

Liz

Linking with Katie Lloyd Photography!

Through His Eyes

My younger daughters is taking photography in 4-H this year, so we have been taking a lot of pictures for her project book.  We have gone on walks, went to parks and took pictures of each other!  It has been tons of fun for us.  I was so excited when I came across this challenge, I just have to share!  Growing In His Glory has a great 30 day challenge "Come & See God: Teaching Our Children about God through His Creation" going on.  It's all about teaching your children to look at everyday things and praise God for them!  Click here to read about it!  I am going to do it, will you join me?

Forever Changing,

Liz

 

P.S. - here are a few shots we've taken :)

Scripture and a Snapshot

Happy Father's Day to the Greatest Father ever!  My heavenly Father!  So glad that he gave me life.  Have a  great week everyone.

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Katie Lloyd Photography

Scripture and a Snapshot

This picture really captures a moment.  Our daughter had just struck out for the first time this season and she was upset.  Instead of yelling at her or telling her she can do better, (like I hear a lot of during sports) he sat down with her and talked her through it!  It is amazing all of the learning opportunities we have with our children.

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Katie Lloyd Photography

Scripture and a Snapshot

Love, love, love when my children share love!  This verse is so great and what better way to apply it then at home with the ones that are always there for you. 

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Katie Lloyd Photography

Scripture and a Snapshot

I love daisies!  It makes me so happy to see them in bloom now.  My wedding flower was daisies, and my husband loves to bring them home to me.  When I see them they remind me of my wedding and how happy I was to be marrying my best friend.  This verse goes so well with the picture because when I see the flower it renews those memories of the day and now I will also think of this verse and try drawing nearer to God!

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Katie Lloyd Photography

What's the weather?

The other day the kids and I went to the park and my little guy started talking to a couple of kids trying to fly a kite.  They tried for a while but never really got it going.  Well, on the way home he said, " Mom I know what makes the wind.  When God yawns, that's what makes the wind!"

It's raining, it's pouring!

As only he can seem to do, it made me start thinking.  When I was younger, all of us kids always said that when it rained, God was sad; thundering he was angry and stopping around way up there; and when it was bright and sunny God was happy!  With all the RAIN we've been having lately, I am really beginning to wonder about this.  I know just by looking at the newspaper, watching the news on TV, and surfing the net that they aren't tears of joy :(  I mean there are a lot of good things going on, but lets face it, the bad really seems to be outweighing the good. 

So... what does the rain mean to you?  I always try to think of how the rain produces good crops and brings up all the pretty flowers.  Sometimes, it seems nothing is ever going to bloom and then, SURPRISE, here are all these great new blooms.  With all the rain we have been getting maybe GOD is trying to produce a great crop this year.  Are you helping him by planting seeds?  Maybe he wants us to realize that some of the things we are doing is making him sad?  Maybe he is just trying to get us to learn to dance in the rain? 

I know he's gotten my attention, is he getting yours today?

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Women Living Well

Scripture and a Snapshot

I love this verse and thought it went well with a picture of my children.  It reminds me that those that I love (God, family, and friends) are always there for me, just waiting to pop out from behind the scenes to help me when I need it!  Hope you all have a great week.

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Katie Lloyd Photography

Scripture and a Snapshot

This week both of my girls took some pretty awesome pictures!  I couldn't decided which to share so I am sharing one from each of them :) Hope you like them too!

Taken by my baby girl

Taken by my oldest!

Forever Changing,

Liz

Today I am linking up with Katie Lloyd Photography

Half Christian??

 The other day I heard my son talking.  This is what I heard, "Yes we are half Christians!"  Right away my heart dropped.  What?  How could he said that?  Where did he hear it?  So, I had to ask, if we are half Christians than what is the other half?  He looked at me with a "mom, you know" look and said "Duh, Human!"  I talked to him about what a christian is and explained that we are FULL christian and human and we could be both.

So that kinda got stuck in my head and the more I have been thinking about it, the more I think "well, he is kinda right!"  We are human but, our goal is to become more Christ like, to grow closer to God.  The closer we grow to him the further we grow from this world right?  I want to grow closer to God, but it is hard to give up these worldly things I have.  I worry about money, clothes, my hair, etc... and I should be worried about my God, my relationship.   

So really, I guess I am only half christian in that sense, if I can even say that (more like 1/4??)  Leave it to my baby to help me understand where I am and where I need to go! 

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking up with Good Morning Girls, Women Living Well, and Raising Homemakers!

New friends

This weekend I was so blessed to be able to go to the Homeschooling convention in Cincinnati.  I was so overwhelmed as a new homeschooling mom at all the options out there!  One of my favorite parts of the weekend would have to be meeting one of my blogging buddies!  I met up with Jaime over at My Delightful Life!  It was so fun to be able to spend some time with her and her beautiful family.  I love how God can bring people together, even though we don't even live in the same state! 

My daughters and their new friend!

 Not only did I get to meet a new friend, but my kids got to meet some too :)  My girls enjoyed it so much.  The Duggar's (from 19 and Counting) were also there!  While my son really didn't care to much that they were there or impressed that they were on TV, he was excited to meet and play with a new friend (Justin Duggar)  He was so sad that we had to leave his new "friend". 

My son (in blue) with Justin!  When we
got ready to leave, Justin gave the bag to
my son to take home :)

Here are a couple of pictures from my weekend.  Hopefully I will be able to get a post up soon about some of the things that stuck out in the classes!

Forever Changing,
Liz

I'm linking with Katie Lloyd Photography!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

1/2 package Puff Pastry Sheets (1 sheet)

6 table spoons peanut butter

 choc chips

mini marshmellows

Thaw pastry sheet at room temp (about 30 min)

Preheat oven to 400

Unfold pastry on lightly floured surface

Cut into 18 3" squares

Press squares into muffin pan, add  1tsp peanut butter, then 4-5 choc chips, and 3-4 marshmellows

Bake 12 min or until golden brown. 

Cool for 10 mins before serving! (the peanut butter is hot when it comes out!)

I cannot remember where this recipe came from but we love it and usually keep the pastry sheets in the house just for them, everything else we usually have in stock :)  Hope you enjoy!

Forever Changing,

Liz

Linking up with Comfy in the Kitchen

A Scripture and a Snapshot !

Here is my picture for this week.  I chose this verse and picture because it reminds me that no matter how big or small we are, God is our rock to rest upon.  He is always there for us.

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Katie Lloyd Photography

Just in case!

A while back my son decided he wanted to be a "lionbacker" when he grew up.  So him and daddy have been practicing football quiet a bit lately.  The other day when they were practicing, my husband said to him, "You have to try to catch the ball" and he responded, "Dad, I just want to be a linebacker!"  My husband, of course, went into the whole speech about sometimes you have the opportunity to make an interception and that even if your job isn't going to be catching the ball you still need to learn, just in case!  Well it really got me thinking, even though I feel like right now my "job" is just leading people to God and then letting someone else more qualified take over.   I still need to do my part in learning what I can, you know just in case.  I think sometimes I kinda say to myself, "well it's not really my job" and don't go as far as I should, or don't push as hard as I could to get someone to go to church or get to know God.  I am really going to try to start working on this area.  Just like in football, or at a regular job, the more you know and can do, the more valuable you are to them.  I want God to see that I am valuable, that I am working for him and trying my best everyday.  I am not just there Monday-Friday to get a paycheck, I want to be at the top of the ladder, in the front of the line at the gate!

Forever Changing,
Liz

A Scripture and a Snapshot :)

I love this shot of my beautiful family!  And I love this verse to go with it, I always pray with JOY.  Hope you like it too.

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Katie Lloyd Photography!

Hope you all had a great week!  I love pictures that show interaction between my husband and the kids.  I can't remember if he was showing the girls some fish or something else in the water?

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Katie Lloyd Photography

Busy

It seems that once you get out of the habit of doing something it is hard to get started again!  We have had a busy couple of weeks here (so glad the weather is getting warmer)!  I am still doing my 90 day challenge and the James study with my wonderful GMG's

I joined a new homeschooling group that is doing all kinds of great things.  We are doing a flat traveler and a geography box club right now.  The flat traveler is a "person" that we made and then we trade it with different people from across the world (kinda like a flat Stanly).  We keep their traveler and take pictures of things we do, places we go, and write in a journal about the stay.  The "host" family of our traveler does the same.  So the kids get to "see" what different families do and learn about different places too!  The geography box, is just a shoebox that we put all kinds of things that represent OH in and then send it to someone in a different state and they do the same.  Another great way to learn about different places.  The girls are also interested in doing a pen pal exchange with some girls from the group! 

Our flat traveler!

We decided to join 4H!  Since my little man isn't quit old enough to do a project he will be in Cloverbuds, and the girls are busy picking what projects they want to do.  We are defiantly doing photography and cake decorating.  I am glad that they are choosing projects that will help them to become Proverb 31 women :)  As both of these projects could provide extra income for them when they get older, and allow them to be SAHM!  We are really excited about getting into their projects too.

We also started some of our seeds inside for our garden this year.  I am so glad that we are going to be able to have one.  Although it will not be a big one, every bit helps and the girls really love the idea.  I really want them to learn how great it is to be able to plant, put in some work, and then be able to eat the food! 

Another thing that we are gearing up for is Soccer and Softball/Baseball.  This is something that daddy loves to do with them and they are learning working as a team and building confidence.  We are really trying to focus on getting out and doing a lot of things in the community right now.  The more people that we get to know the more people that we can share God's love with!

Forever Changing,
Liz

I am linking with Raising Homemakers and Good Morning Girls!

Imagine

Everyone is blessed with an imagination. 

Some just know how to use it better than others.  Developing your imagination takes some effort.  Don't quench your creativity with thoughts of "I could never do that," or "That's impossible," or "Maybe some other day." 

Let your mind dream big.  Brainstorm, just letting your thoughts run rampant. 

You may even hit on something that will change the world! 

Don't settle for premade, premeasured, prepackaged life.  Keep your friends and family guessing what you'll do next.  Make life an exciting adventure for you and for them!" -Luci Swindoll

I want my children to live this!  This is one of the big reasons why my husband and I decided to try homeschooling.  I want them to dream big, do things that they are interested in, learn to question what others say, not go with the flow.  I want them to read the bible and know what it means to them.  I don't want them to take everything for face value, I want them to dig in to things.  I want them to crave more.  Without an imagination and big dreams to keep pushing yourself, how far will you go?  Make life exciting, do something different.  Maybe you will hit on something that will change the world for the better! 

Forever Changing,
Liz

Linking with Raising Homemakers and Good Morning Girls!

A Scripture and a Snapshot!

Yesterday my family went to the Newport Aquarium, located along the Ohio river, on the Kentucky side.  I took this shot of my daughter with the Cincinnati skyline in the background and love it.  Oh how awesome and beautiful the world, and pretty my little girl is that God created for us.  And to only imagine how much more is waiting in heaven for me!  I pray a prayer of thanksgiving to God!

Forever Changing,

Liz

Katie Lloyd Photography link

God is Awesome



Jimmy and the kids :)

 So blessed!  I love when the weather is nice, it just reminds me of all of the great things God does for me.  He has blessed me in so many ways;

My family
God has given me a wonderful husband and best friend!  I am so thankful that he has a job and works so hard for us.  We are so blessed to have three healthy children.

My church
I love having a church that I can feel great about going to.  One that teaches from the bible and doesn't sugarcoat things.  One that has amazing fellowship!

My online support
I have the best Good Morning Girls and Bible in 90 day groups!  I love that I have accountability and all of the great new friends I have met through them :)  Getting to know all of them and their stories have brought me so much closer to God.

Homeschooling
I have to say that I couldn't have imagined a couple of years ago that I would be homeschooling my children, but now I really love it.  Like being able to take the kids to the park and meet up with daddy today for lunch!  I have found so many other mom's to help support me and love the decision we made to try it.  Again I am so thankful again that my husband works so hard so I can homeschool them!

There are many more things that I am thankful for but just thought I'd share a few today with you!  What are you thankful for today?

Forever Changing,
Liz

Fixing It

Ever noticed how when you go to fix one thing, three other things seem to need fixed?  This seems to always happen to us.  So the other day while my husband was hard at work on the sink, the washer, and the main water valve to the house, my thoughts turned to the book of James.  In my Good Morning Group, we have been doing a study on this book and I thought this was a great example of chapter 1:2

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Sometimes it is easy to get frustrated at these little things but I had to think of what a joy it is that I HAVE a washer,  running water in the house, and a sink to do my dishes!  That is a joy, after a few days without them you know what a blessing they are.    The added bonus, he wasworking on the washer and the sink on Valentines Day, so I didn't have to do the dishes or any laundry either!  I had to thank him for the perfect Valentines Gift! lol

Although none of these things were big things, my husband  was also showing my kids not to give up just because it isn't working out the way you wanted it to.  Perseverance is not something that you can show your kids once and then be done, it is something that they have to see you do over and over again.  I am glad that they have a father that can show them that even when times are tough, they shouldn't give up. Even if it's not what they had planned, it will work out for them if they perserve.  Weather it's a small trail or big, I pray that my children will have the perseverance to get through anything with God.

Forever Changing,

Liz

Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day!  I have to say that each year that I am married I love this day more and more.  It's not because of what I get each year, some years there has been nothing tangible to show, but not because my man forgot or didn't want to. Life happens, there were bills to pay, diapers to buy, food to get.  There were more important things I could use than a dozen roses or chocolate!  My husband gives me the best gift I could ever ask for, time together.   Each year we are married, we grow closer and love each other more, that is all I could ask for, time with him.  Once right before I got married my mom said, "You know, he won't always be bringing you flowers.  It will stop."  My thought was, then and still is, that as long as he is around I wouldn't care.  The flowers have slowed down, but now he brings me even better things!  Things that still let me know he cares about me and that he is listening to me.  Things like a new kitchen sink, because I was always complaining about the old one (it had one huge side and one small side), or the piano when I really wanted it, or a jug of tea because he knew I was out... The list could go on and on, love notes, cleaning out the car, picking up something on his way home.   I know he cares and does all he can for me and I love him for that.  What kinds of things does your husband do to let you know everyday that he loves you?

Forever Changing,

Liz

This weeks link up with Katie Lloyd Photography,  Scripture and a Snapshot!

What a great verse and great reminder to me.  I know I would do anything for my children, and then to know that God can give so much more!

Forever Changing,

Liz

17

 Last night as I was driving home from taking my 17 year old niece to get maternity clothes, listening to KLOVE I heard a great message.  They said, God uses our brokenness to help change others. (Since I was driving it is not a direct quote but the idea is huge).  God can use our past sins, our pain, our bad times to help someone else get through theirs.  

My niece is in the same position as when I was 16, struggling to graduate, find money to support the new baby on the way, and working on building a relationship.  Although I had talked to her a lot about not getting pregnant and telling her to wait, I can't help but understand because I have been there.  There is nothing that she can do now to change the past and I feel that she needs lots of support to help her through a hard time ahead.  While my parents were helpful with me, it would have been nice to have a supporter.  Someone who wasn't telling you all the time that you were making a huge mistake and your life was over, nothing would ever be the same.  I knew that but I still wanted someone to tell me that with hard work and love I could do it.  That is why when Klove came on and said that, I prayed.  I prayed that my niece would know that we love her, we are here for her, and I prayed that we could help show her God's love and that she would come to know him and raise her baby to know God.  It took me awhile to find these things and I think that God will help me to get close to her from my past brokenness.  Please pray that I would be able to bring her to Jesus and that she will see all that God can do for her. 

Forever Changing,
Liz

Easy Pleasing Meatloaf

Easy Pleasing Meatloaf

2 eggs, beaten

2 lbs lean ground beef

1pkg Stove top mix

1 cup water

1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided

Preheat oven to 375F  In a small bowl, beat eggs lightly with a fork.  Mix meat, stuffing mix, water, eggs, and 1/4 barbecue sauce in a large bowl until just blended.  Shape into an oval loaf in 13x9 pan.  Top with remaining barbecue sauce.  Bake 1 hour or until center reaches 160oF

Forever Changing,

Liz

Linking with Feasting in Fellowship Fridays over at Comfy In the Kitchen and Raising Homemakers

Beautiful

I read the secret of looking beautiful today, and surprise you can't buy it at a drugstore, on ebay, or anywhere else!  When I found this quote I just had to smile and think how very true it is.  It doesn't matter how much make-up I put on or weather I dye my hair.  It doesn't matter what kind of clothes I buy or if I have designer shoes.  It doesn't even matter if I have wrinkles (once I told my son that I was putting on wrinkle cream and he said he wanted some wrinkles too.  I put a little on him and he asked how long it takes to work.  I laughed and told him about 20 years!  His answer, "Mom how come it worked so quick on you then!")  It all comes down to this;

Did anyone ever tell you how beautiful you look when you're looking for

what's beautiful in someone else? -Barbara Johnson

When I am looking for the good in others, my heart is in the right place.  When I am looking at others the way God wants me to, they see God through me.  What could be more beautiful than that?

Forever Changing,

Liz

I've been so busy these last couple of days!  My son broke his arm.  Although I am sad that he got hurt, it is such a great reminder for me that anything can happen and things can change in an instant.   My son is doing great with the cast, but it is a big adjustment to only have one "working" hand right now.  Little things like putting on his coat and shoes, he has had to learn to do differently right now.  This is something little, but it just reminds me that I really need to be thanking God everyday for everything that I have and that I am able to do!  It is a great lesson for my children too!  I am taking this as a hint from God to slow down and enjoy things more right now.

Forever Changing,

Liz

Time

Yesterday a missionary visited our church.  His family moved here from Kenya, Africa.  Since this is where my husband went on his mission trip I was really looking forward to hearing from him!  The message was great, I loved listening to him, you could feel his passion.  He was good at getting everyone involved in the message.  One of the things he said when he started was, "we have a saying in Africa, Americans may have watches but we have the time."  Remember back a few weeks ago when I wrote about this, my husband saying that church was so long.  I thought to myself when he was telling me this, "How could you sit there that long?"  Now I know, the missionary went a little over our "normal time" but it didn't feel like it was that long.  It almost felt like it was just me and him having a conversation.  It was so neat, and I loved the accent! 

Anyway it just really gets me thinking, as American Christians we plan trips to go over there and help them out.  They need it, they are poor, I have seen the pictures and heard the stories of how they live.  But then to here that they come over here to show us what it's like to give EVERYTHING to God.  It is hard when we have so many things and they get in our way, everyday things.  We are so busy.  One of my friends recently did a survey of why people didn't attend church, a lot of them said it was because they were either too busy on Sundays, or so busy during the week that they were to tired to get up on Sundays!  I know that I can't get rid of my clocks and watches but I want more time.  As a Christian I have to think, which do I think God wants me to have, a watch or TIME!

Forever Changing,
Liz

I'm linking up with Good Morning Girls!

A Scripture and a Snapshot

Here is my picture for this weeks link-up with Katie Lloyd Photography! 


My little guy!

I love his face in this shot :)  He is trying so hard to hang on!  Hope you enjoy.

Forever Changing,
Liz

Butterfinger Pie

Butterfinger Pie

1 tub cool whip

6 frozen butterfinger candy bars

graham cracker crust

Beat candy bars with end of spoon until very finely chopped.  Add to the cool whip.  Spoon into the pie crust.  Refrigerate for a couple hours before serving for best results!  Enjoy :)

Forever Changing,

Liz

I am linking up over at Comfy in the Kitchen for "Feasting in Fellowship Fridays", and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, and Raising Homemakers

Like a mother

Sometimes I get so caught up in how much I want to change and grow, I forget to help lift others up with me.  Today I was reading in 1 Thessalonians and felt very convicted of how Paul writes.  He wants everyone to grow.  He writes in in chapter 2:7-8 &12

"but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. 

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only

the gospel of God but our lives as well."  

"encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his

kingdom and glory."

It is easy for me to say a kind word or do something to help someone out, then dust off my hands and head home.  Paul shows me here that I really need to invite them to be apart of my life.  I think that a lot of people have the impression that as Christians we don't have the same struggles as them.  I know I have a neighbor like this.  She will come over after fighting with her boyfriend and talk about all the things they said and just cry to me.  She was so surprised that I could even relate.  I told her before my husband and I started going to church we would have those same fights.  "Really!" she said, "well how did you change that."  Of course my answer was that we started going to church, and then God started convicting us to change our ways.  We didn't change to go to church, but rather started going to church seeking change.  I can see how, if someone sees me do something nice, they might just blow it off and say, "well they don't know what it's like for me."  I used to say that!  I want to bring them in show them my life, like Paul!  That is a hard pill to swallow, for me to let my wall down, show inside MY space.  Is this something you struggle with?

Real Love

My sweet babies!

With Valentines Day coming up, I have been flipping through some of my craft books in search of something great my children could make for their grandparents.  There are so many neat ideas, its hard to chose.  As I was looking through the book remembering back to all the Valentines I had worked on for my parents, I thought of God.  How I am suppose to love everyone.  How much he loves me.  So I got out my bible and started looking at all the passages that had to do with love.  This one really stuck out to me.

Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;

according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord" -Psalms 25:7

I have done a lot of stupid, immature things, rebelled against God and forgot about all he had done for me.  But God forgives and forgets.  He remembers me and loves me for who I am now, who he knows I will become.  That is true love.  I cannot think of a better Valentine than that of Jesus on the cross, giving me everything I will ever need!

Forever Changing,

Liz

My reminder

A few weeks ago I was in a store at the mall (I love to go look but hate to buy anything, its just to expense to justify!), looking for new crafting ideas.   Anyways, I seen a sign I just had to have.  I picked it up, crossed my fingers and flipped it over, $3, so I bought it!  The sign now sits in the entryway, and I love coming in the door and seeing it.  It reminds me of God's love, my husband, and to be thankful because everything I have God provided for me!  It took God a lot of lessons for me to get the house the way I like it, like good things come to those who wait.  When we first got married we tried doing the rent-2-own thing for the entire house and then watched them take things back, as we couldn't afford all the payments.  Now we know to look at thrift stores, yard sales, and save up for the big stuff.   It took even more lessons from God to get my relationship to the great place we are at today.  Getting married young and not having great christian friends got in the way some, so did people giving bad advice (don't work on them, it won't get better, get a divorce, etc..) and not turning to God with our problems.   And even though God has always loved me, it was taken many, many lessons for me to realize what that love really means!  I know that I still have many lessons to learn, but having that reminder helps me to put my focus into trying to improve and learn from everything.  So what does this sign say.... 

Every life is a fairy tale written by God's fingers



Forever Changing,
Liz

I am linking with Far Above Rubies and Women Living Well!

Someone to help you up!

In my Good Morning Group, I am getting to know some great people.  Sometimes it is hard to let yourself out there.  To tell about your past.  To let people know where you have stumbled, fell.  But without letting this out, I would not have gotten to know some of these wonderful women.  God brings people in your life to help you, and when he brings someone to me that has had a similar background it is so awesome.  I like the feeling of not being alone, in my struggles.  I have many great christian friends that I know are always there for me, but sometimes its nice to be able to talk to someone that relates so well to your story!
 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"

I like these verses, sometimes when you stumble and fall it's so easy to just stay down.  The next time you fall it will not hurt because you won't  fall so far.  But it is those people that have been through what you have, that have had the same hard times that you can look at and say, I can do it.  They have went through it and got back up, so I can too!   The hard part is putting yourself out there so that you can meet and get to know those people.  So I challenge you to put yourself out there, connect with a new friend.  You will be amazed at what you have in common and enjoy together, someone that can help you up too!

Forever Changing,
Liz

Scripture and a Snapshot! 

Today I am linking up at Katie Lloyd Photography.  All you have to do is take a picture and add a verse that goes with it.  Some of the links are really, really GOOD.  Here's my picture, hope you enjoy and have time to head over to her page and see some of the others too!

Forever Changing,

Liz

Brunch Casserole

Today I am linking up with Comfy in the Kitchen.  I really like recipes that are easy (can you tell) and do not have a lot of ingredients.  Hope you enjoy this one!

Stove Top Easy Brunch Casserole

1 lb bacon, cooked & crumbled

2 cup Stove Top

6 eggs

2 cup milk

1 cup cheese

salt to taste

Heat oven to 350F.  Mix all ingredients in large bowl, spoon into greased 13x9 pan. 

Bake 45-50 min or until center is set.

Forever Changing,

Liz

Snow

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
   wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. -Psalm 51:7

Living in Ohio I see lots of snow.  As I was driving through town today, I though about the verse above.  I kept glancing down at all of the black snow along the road, and thinking how just days earlier how white it had been.  I pray and ask God to forgive me of all of my sins, he washes them away and I am whiter than snow.  Than life happens, plows come out and move the snow to the side of the road, cars go by and it all turns black.  So like tonight, God will again blanket the ground and roads with snow and cover all of dirt from the past few days.  I love when it first snows and everything looks so peaceful out, everything slows down.  Its like that on Sundays for me, during bible studies, and when I go to fellowship also. I feel great, white as snow.  Then slowly cars come by, sin creeps in and before I know it, I am all black again.  I talk to God, "Please take away my sins", and he washes it away again.  Thank you God for all you do for me!

Forever Changing,

Liz

Way Back Then

As I am reading through the Bible in my 90 day challenge, it is becoming so clear what it really meant for Jesus to be on that cross!  Over and over again I am reading the stories of those who lost sight of God and were put to death.  It tells about how God destroyed whole towns, cities and tribes because of their sins.   God made the law and they could not keep it.  Since they were unable to keep the Law, then they were punished by it. God wanted me to be saved, but somehow the Law must be satisfied.  That is why God sent his Son.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,

but to save the world through him." -John 3:16-17

How amazing and heartbreaking!  Someone has to pay for my sins and the price is very high.  "For  the wage of sin is DEATH..." -Romans 6:23.  God sent his son to die on the cross for me, he paid the price for me,  I owe him everything!  I was reading in a book the other day and it was talking about the cross.  It talked about what the cross was really, an instrument of death.  What Jesus did ON the cross for me was an amazing beautiful thing, but the cross itself is not so beautiful.   Now when I look at that cross I not only see what a great thing Jesus did for me,  I also think of all the pain it caused and I see all of those people in the Old Testament that didn't have that promise too.  I think of how blessed I am that Jesus took that pain for me, that he would do that for me, and unlike the people in the Old Testament I can have a personal relationship with God.!

Forever Changing,
Liz

Caution Work in Progress

Ever read over Proverbs 31 and thought to yourself,  "wow God, there is no way I can even compare?"  I have thought that many times.  I am very far from this women!  Reading in my Bible tonight I realize what God is trying to tell me with these verses.  He is telling me what I can do with all that he has given me.  He is showing me where I should go, the path that I need to take.  He is showing me the many opportunities I have to use these gifts he has given me.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares  the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a purpose."  
These verses in Proverbs are not new to me but I am always asking God to show me my purpose.  Here is God showing me my purpose!  How much clearer can he get?  I know I will not get there quickly, or without bumps in the road, but it gives me something to work on, someone I want to become.

Proverbs 31: 10-31 

¹⁰A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I am linking up with Time-Warp Wife and Women Living Well, and Moms Mustard Seed.

Forever Changing,

Liz

Mondays

my new Bible

Mondays are my cleaning days.  On the weekends I do only what has to be done, mainly cooking, and try to just spend time with my family!  However, I am one of those people that don't like things unfinished, if I start something it has to get done before I stop.  I like things to be in order, neat.   I have tried to do the one-room-a-day thing but find I just can't.  By Monday morning I am ready to just get it all done.  I work all day on Mondays and then, most of the time, only have to do little clean-ups the rest of the week.   When I got up this morning I read a little in my Bible, but just kept thinking about how I needed to get the house clean.  So I started cleaning.  As I was walking from room to room picking up, dusting, etc.. I kept catching glances at my new Bible (my birthday was this weekend and my sweet husband got me a new study Bible :) It was sitting there, waiting for me!  Well of course, stubborn me, finished all of the housework, got dinner done and finally sat down to finish my reading for today (90 day challenge).  I finished up and was flipping through admiring all of the new pages and skimming over some of the stories and this one really stuck out;

 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things,

but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better,

and it will not be taken away from her."  -Luke 10:41

The story in my Bible says "In Mary-fashion, we need to learn to hear God calling us away from our tasks for a pit stop.  At Jesus' feet we'll be refueled.  Then we can dash off to "Martha" the world that awaits us.  Ok God, I hear you.   So are you a "Mary" or "Martha"?

Forever Changing,
Liz


I am linking up with Raising Homemakers!

Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas

1 can (18.5oz) Chicken and Cheese Enchilada Soup

1 can (10oz) enchilada sauce

2 cups chicken shredded

2 cups shredded cheese

10 tortillas

Preheat oven to 350 F.  Stir soup and sauce together.  Spread one cup of soup mixture in ungreased baking dish.  In large bowl mix 1cup of soup mixture with chicken and 1 cup cheese.  Reserve remaining mixture .  Spoon the chicken mix onto the tortillas, roll, and place in the baking dish over the mix.  Pour remaining soup mix over the tortillas.  Add remaining cheese.  Bake for 30 min.

I serve mine over rice and corn!

 I am participating in Feasting in Fellowship Fridays over at Comfy in the Kitchen, and Raising Homemakers.

Forever Changing,

Liz

Teacher

"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.  If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea." -Isaiah 48:17-18

As I was looking through my bible a couple days ago these verses really stood out to me.  This week I have read and reread them many times.  I am always asking God to give me peace.  I worry about money, the kids, homeschooling, cleaning... everything!  Am I doing a good job?  God is my teacher, he will direct me in the way that I need to go.  If I pay attention, IF I PAY ATTENTION, peace will be like a river.  In school I was one of those kids that liked to sit at the back of the room and stare out the window, daydreaming.  I could hear the teachers, just didn't really listen to them.  I got good grades but had I applied myself I could have gotten better ones, I just did enough to get by.  That's not how I want my walk with God to be.  I need to learn to pay better attention, listen to the teacher!  Read the Bible,(I'm doing the Bible in 90 days challenge) and  study it (studing James over at GMG.  I want to pass the tests that my teacher gives me.  How will I know if I am passing?  I will have peace.  I want an A on my final.  I want to go to Heaven! 

Forever Changing,
Liz

Location

Growing up, the house that I lived in had shingles on the walls instead of siding, it was old, it was ugly.    I remember not wanting my friends to see where I lived because at first glance the house did not look great, but once they were there we had so much fun.  There was a natural spring in the backyard, a creek across the street, plenty of climbing trees, and tons of cornfields around. I could have easily hid inside and complained about what the house looked like.  Instead we built houses in the weeds, made "dishes" from the clay in the creek, built dams in the water, caught "food", played tag in the fields, swam in the creek, climbed in trees, the list goes on and on!  It was a great place to spend the day.   Everyone wanted to come over.  The location was great!  I compare that old house and land with my relationship with God!  It doesn't matter what kind clothes I wear, car I drive, or house I live in, it's about what I do with what God gives me, it's about where I am spiritually.  Do people see God in me, do they see how he is working in me, all of the great things he has given me?   I want the "location" of my heart to show people that God is awesome!  He is the reason I (try to) keep my house in order, cook with love, do dishes, homeschool my children.  I want people to say "Even though she is not a perfect package, I want that "location"! I want God in my life too."

Forever Changing,
Liz

Grouchy

My son being grouchy

Today I was grouchy!  It was all me, my husband gets one day through the week off and they decided to switch it to today.  I was feeling great this morning (after being sick for 3weeks) and just wanted to dive in and do something.  Well... my husband saw that as me saying "we" need to do something and while he really just wanted to relax, he came upstairs to see what he could do.   I should have been glad, excited, but it was just messing up my routine, I just wanted him out of  the way.  I knew what I was doing, I am capable of doing things myself.  After I was kinda mean, he left the room and I knew it was his way of saying "If you need me, I'll be right here."  Just days before I really wanted him around all the time, he even made Potato Soup for dinner one really rough day.  He was great when I was sick.  Wow God is this how I treat you?  Dear God, I need you, I'm sick, I've sinned, somethings wrong.  Then in the next minute, it's ok God I got this I'll give you a call when I need something!  Today in my Good Moring Group this was our verse;

 

"...testing of your faith develops perseverance. 

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may

be mature and complete, not lacking in anything" -James 1:3-4

I looked up perseverance, Perseverance is commitment, hard work, patience, endurance, being able to bear difficulties calmly and without complaint, is trying again and again.  I need all of these things to be able to fight off Satan, and sometimes to get along with my husband.   The more I listen to God the more I will develop these great qualities.  Today though, I have to say I was far from them, I was not mature at all!  If I would have let my husband help, calmly, without complaining, and with patience, we would have gotten it done and had time to spend together.   I owe God and my husband an apology for my actions today.  I will work on them.

Forever Changing,
Liz