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A Moment in Meditation

Christ Himself has made peace between [us] by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us. NLT Ephesians 2:14

Am I working toward peace or away from it? Do my words and my actions reflect my desire to love others? How do I react during conflict? Am I creating unity or separation? Lord, help me to live in peace by acting peaceably.
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Messy Blessing

Sometimes, in the hectic day to day tasks, in between the repetitive screams of “Mamma mamma mamma” and the “Honey, where is my ___,” and the laundry, and the cooking, and the spilled juice I get caught up in the events of the day.  I forget the true purpose of each day.  I get frustrated. I get down. And then I remember…

My job is to equip my family for God’s service.  I get so wrapped up in the chores of care-taking that I lose sight of the blessing that it is to be the care taker of my family.  I have the awesome privilege of being wife and mother.  I am the help-meet.  I am the glue that keeps us together.  I am the woman behind the man.  I am the teacher, the guardian, the…well you get it.  I don’t just sweep the floors- I am the Keeper of Our Home.  I am responsible for these people.  How they face the world and what they do in it are a result of how well I care for them, nurture them, train them, and KEEP them.  They are not just workers, not just students- they are Kingdom servants with Kingdom assignments.  Our home is to be a place of warmth, hospitality, and Godly instruction.  My job is to tend it and these people to the glory of God.  What an honor! What a blessing! I am so grateful for this blessing, messy though it may be.

Do you ever get caught up in grind?  Do you get discouraged in the mundane tasks of the day?  How do you see yourself and your duties?  Do you ever feel un-important?  Encourage yourself in the Lord. Of all the people on Earth, He has assigned that family to YOU- because of your unique talents and abilities.  He created YOU just for them.

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A Moment in Meditation

I’m so excited about starting a new series on scripture meditations. For each mini-post, I’ll highlight a Bible verse.  These are the verses that I contemplate throughout the day.  Scripture meditation is a powerful way to practically apply the Word to your daily life and super-charge your faith.  I’ll begin with a scripture that was stationed on my sidebar for awhile.  It makes me re-think my to-do list.
I glorified You on earth by completing down to the last detail what You assigned me to do. MSG John17:4

I am busy, but with what? My own agenda or with His? What’s on my to-do list?  Is it just busy work or is it really worthwhile? Lord, let me yield to Your will for me. Thank you for giving me the grace and strength to complete the plans and tasks that you have for me.
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Three in Thirty

Week Two- Progress

3in30 I'm In!!

I am really digging technology right now. Thanks to lovely gadgets,  I am writing my post from my big ole comfy chair. And it is big.  Big and comfy.  In front of the fire.  All nice and cozy.

Post-surgery bed rest has provided a kind of a mini- epiphany moment for me.  I’ve been stressing for-evhah about finding time to write.  I’ve had this idea of sitting at my desk, all alone, at an appointed time, with my research and notes all laid out before me.  I like things all straight, neat and nice like that.

Sunday by mrsmarybetht, on Pix-O-Sphere

All this time… and it’s been right here all along.  I don’t need a certain space or even quiet time.  It’s even better that I’m not alone.  Hubby and DS4 are happy watching a movie.  And I am happy with my notebook computer.  Perfect world.  They don’t feel neglected and I don’t feel like there’s not enough time for everything.  It’s working…for now.

I have already completed one of my goals.  I have finished gathering all passwords into a secure iPad app.  Loving the iPad, by the way.  It’s been wonderful entertainment while recuperating.  Not only is it entertaining, it’s a powerful organizing tool.  If I had acquired it earlier, I wouldn’t have troubled with my home management binder.

I’ll be setting aside time each night to type my new scripture confessions.  I’ll also set aside time on Saturdays to write.  I’m pleased so far.  And comfy.  Really comfy. I’m going to be surfing this weekend from my cozy spot- checking up on my #3in30 Gals.

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Three In Thirty

Week One – November Goals

3in30 I'm In!!

#3in30 has really helped me get things in order. Even in the months that I didn’t officially participate in the blog challenge, I did spend time intentionally growing in my relationship with the Lord, participating in social media, and getting my home organized. These little monthly snippets have yielded great overall progress that I am proud of. I’m so inspired and encouraged by reading your posts. I have gotten so many great ideas and learned so much from each of you…big thanks…y’all are fantastic!

This month I am going to:
Type out the scripture references from the inspirational book I read in October,
Continue writing on Saturdays, and
Compile all my passwords in a secure application/location.

I will be using (get ready for the shout out) my new iPad2 to accomplish these goals. Thank you to my wonderful hubby for such a great anniversary present! Smooch smooch to you, Honey.

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Three in Thirty

Wrapping Up

3in30 I'm In!!

I have completed my goals (well, almost). I have just a few pages left in my inspirational book. I have set Saturdays as my day to write (yeah, let’s see if that one works out). I have decorated my home for fall. It feels so good to complete something.

I’m already looking ahead to November.  What about you? Are you getting close to the finish line? I’m so proud of all of us- not for accomplishing the goals, though.  I’m proud that we set goals and worked on them.  We’ve spent intentional time improving our lives and our homes.  Any progress at all is worthy of applause.  I’m clapping for you.  Oh wait: I have to stop typing.  OK, now I’m clapping for you. Great job, Ladies!

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What’s Missing

You’re making an effort to take better care of yourself.  Say you’re having a good week:  you’ve exercised, eaten nutritious meals, and maybe even had a spa day.  Great job! Is something still…missing?  To find out, please join me at Living Self Care.    

  

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Super Easy BBQ

I’ve posted a recipe over at MommieKate. (It’s a part of my #3in30 post.)  Come on over for a super delicious, easy- peasy, melt in your mouth and slap-your-mamma pulled pork sammich!

(Okay, don’t really slap your Mamma.  She’s liable to slap you back! It’s just a southern expression for sho- nuff real good food.)

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Three in Thirty

Week Three – Encouragement

3in30 I'm In!!

I’m plugging along:

  •  almost finished the inspirational book
  •  still trying to find the right day for writing time (looks like Saturday, maybe.  Don’t hold me to it)
  •  finished with Fall decorations.
I’d like to encourage you today by saying, “hang in there.” Great speech, huh? No really, just keep going. Keep moving forward- even if its just baby steps.  Wherever you are, what ever you’re doing, just take one step forward.  Then another.  Then another.
Since everyone is doing so well, I’m making supper for all my #3in30 Gals.  That’s right! Supper.  Here is THE. EASIEST. SUPPER- evhah, Baby.
Here’s what you’ll need to make the most wonderful, delicious, moistest (did I mention easiest?) Pulled Pork Sandwiches
  1. Crock pot
  2. Pork loin
  3. BBQ Sauce
  4. Buns
That’s it.  Super easy.  
Separate your pork loin if it comes two to a package.  Place it in the crock pot and pour an entire bottle of BBQ sauce over it.  Fill the empty bottle with water and add a half or more of the water over the loin.  You have to eyeball this one.  The amount of liquid depends on the size of your pot and loin.  Don’t overfill as the crock pot creates moisture.  You knew that already, I know.  I just had to say it. Put the lid on and bake on low for 8-10 hours.  An hour before you intend to serve it, take two forks and shred the loin to pieces.  It’ll be so tender it will just fall apart.  At this stage it may absorb more of the sauce so you will want to check it after 30 minutes to see if you need to add a little more water.  Serve on buns.
We use Ubon’s Dipping sauce.  I’m not sure you can find it outside of the South.  It’s made locally.  Any BBQ sauce will do.  My family enjoys using Hawaiian Bread as buns.  We also top our pork with coleslaw (Kroger prepared package- just add a little mayo) and a dab of Sweet Baby Ray’s. Serve with chips or fries.  Enjoy!
(Disclaimer/Credit: I have no idea where this recipe came from.  I’ve been making it this way for so long I have forgotten who told me about it.  Heck, I may have even come up with it on my own. Who knows? Just enjoy. Feel free to share.)