Angel's Reflections

A Little or A Lot, It All Counts

A friend gave me some great advice awhile back concerning exercise. She said the problem with your thinking is if you do not get to go to the gym and spend 45 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes on weights you don’t do anything at all. “Oh well I am not going to be able to exercise today.” The right attitude is every 15 minute walk around the neighborhood, every trek to the mail box, every extra climb up the stairs counts! Doing a little bit everyday will give more results than 1 hour once or twice a week. When you get the hour GREAT, but when you only get the 15 minutes that is better than not exercising at all! The most important thing is the lifestyle change of movement when and where you can get it.

The same is also true with cleaning. I only have 15 minutes before I have to get the kids, but I can clean a toilet, a sink, a mirror, and sweep a floor in 15 minutes. (Time yourself. You will be amazed what you can do in that time.)

It is also true with our spouses. We as women know it is the little gifts on a consistent basis that is the most important. Everyone remembers your birthday and anniversary, but the small bouquet of flowers (or for me the Reese’s cup he thought to pick up for me 🙂 ) “Just Because” means more than the expensive weekend away for our anniversary. It shows that I am on his mind “just because” he loves me.

The same is also true with our relationship with God. As Tracy reminded me today. It is not always the amount of time we spend with God, or when or how, but that every day we find time. It may be 15 minutes of “Lord I thank you for this day” today and an hour of worship and intense bible study tomorrow. God, and quiet time, are not a check to mark off your list, instead He is a breathing relationship. As moms we get so busy. I do my best to get up and spend time with God early in the morning. But there are some mornings I hit the alarm one to many times. Here recently I have fallen asleep on the couch with my coffee and bible in hand. But time with God is not about the planned date everyday, sometimes it is the 15 minute “phone call” while you are sitting in the car pool line just to say “hey, I love you”. You can even talk to him when you are squeezing in that 15 minute walk! 🙂

Just remember relationship, like life, is living, breathing, and ever changing. So cultivate where you can get it!

Blue Cheese – Barbecue Chicken Hoagies

A friend of mine gave this to me, and all I can say is YUM!

Ingredients:

Boneless/Skinless Chicken Tenders
Barbecue Sauce
Blue Cheese Dressing
Hoagie Rolls
Flour
Italian Breadcrumbs

Directions:

Mix in equal parts flour and Italian Breadcrumbs
Roll Chicken Tenders in The Flour/breadcrumbs
Cook in Olive oil on both sides (Flavor with Garlic Salt and Pepper)
On Hoagie Roll add Barbecue Sauce and Blue Cheese Dressing

Bombs Bursting In Air

The bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Francis Scott Key penned this Line as he sat on a British ship awaiting the battle to be over. He could not tell in the dark of the night whether America was proving victorious or not. But when the bombs burst in the air in the night it provided enough glimmer of hope to Key. He could still see the flag flying and knew that meant America was winning the war.

The bible says “Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy Comes in The Morning.” (Psalm 30:5) For everything there is a season, and at the end of a season of darkness and struggle, there will be light (clear vision) and joy. When you sit in the darkness you can’t see what is in front of you, whether you are moving in the right direction, whether you are winning or losing.

Francis Scott Key found a way to find peace in the midst of the darkness, God gave him just enough light to have hope that all was well. To this day, his words inspire us to know that even in the darkness the hope is there that we are winning the battle.

As I have walked through hard time I always look for the breakthrough, but while the breakthrough is coming but not here yet, God gives “bombs bursting in air” of hope. It may be the unexpected check in the mail that provides what you need for today. It may be the positive Dr.’s report that the cancer is decreasing, it may be the phone call that says I am praying for you today. It may be sharing in someone else’s victory. (Because God is no respector of persons, and if he will do it for them he will do it for you) It may be that scripture you read this morning that you know spoke right to your circumstance. Whatever it is, the bombs bursting in air do two things: they are weapons which are destroying the enemy, and they are light for you to see, to give you a hope of victory! They are proof through the night that GOD is still there!

So today, in whatever darkness you may be consumed with, hurting finances, hurting marriage, hurting children, sickness, or whatever struggle you face, there are bombs bursting in the darkness to remind you that God is still there. He still cares and though you will not see it fully until the morning hours, you are victorious!

Mac ‘n’ Burger

This is a recipe my mom used to make. I made it for my kids the other night, and they loved it.

Ingredients:

Macaroni and Cheese Mix (Get the Creamy cheese, not the powder)
Hamburger
Onion
Garlic Salt and Pepper
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Directions:

Saute’ diced onion in 1 tbs. Olive oil
Add Hamburger and cook until browned. Drain.
Cook Macaroni and Cheese according to directions on the box
Mix Hamburger and Mac ‘n’ Cheese together in a casserole dish
Top with Shredded Cheese
Cook in Oven 15-20 min. or until cheese is melted on top.

For a healthier option: You can make your own mac ‘n’ cheese with Whole Wheat Pasta and/or Turkey Burger.

Don’t Burn Out.

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. Romans 12:2; 11-13

Every time you turn on the news today we hear gloom and doom. The media reports that this big ship is sinking, and we all need a “savior” to come and rescue this country for better times. While I will exercise my right to vote this November, I also know that my hope is not in the President (whoever that may be) nor do I rely on the tax breaks, or promises the candidates make, to make my life abundantly blessed.

The above letter from Paul could have been written today. How many times have we allowed ourselves to watch the news and find ourselves fearing for our children, our future, our economy? How many times do we look at our bill books and ask ourselves “who is going to fix this”? Our actions speak that our trust is not in God.

I have heard people talk about corrupt leaders, and I have experienced injustice in my life. But when Joseph was exalted to second in command of the greatest nation on the earth, it was not a “Judeo-Christian” government, when Daniel was placed in wise counsel with the King, it was not a godly government. The early Christian church grew more under a non-Christian government than the church in America has in the last 50-100 years! Each of theses examples did begin with persecution and injustice, and even in the pit and in the Lion’s den God was there.

So why do we fret and worry that our job security, retirement, or health care is going to be left up to politicians and government. (Did you know when the Israelites were in the desert for 40 years, no one got sick, no one even had to work for food because it was there every morning, and no one outgrew their clothes or shoes!)

No matter what the next 4 years bring, or the leader chosen to lead this country, I know that my God is bigger than any of that. We must stand secure that God is all the things he promised he would be, including healer, provider, and righteous judge.

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder!

Focus on progress instead of perfection.

Believe it or not, perfectionism is a very common cause of disorganization. Seems counter-intuitive that a perfectionist could be disorganized, doesn’t it? Well, the desire for perfection is often so strong that it creates immobility, both at the onset of your organizing projects, and anywhere in the process if you begin to realize things aren’t turning out perfectly.If you feel that perfectionism is getting in the way of your desire for a more organized home and life, the first step is to recognize this fact. Then, look for ways to take small steps in the direction you want to go. Give yourself permission to organize imperfectly by focusing your attention on progress instead of perfection.

When I read this, it triggered a thought process in me… This “perfectionistic” attitude grabs us, and paralyzes us, in every aspect of life. I want to exercise, but I do not feel like I am consistent enough to make a difference, so I never try. I want to eat right, but I had that cookie today, so I will start again tomorrow instead of at the next meal. I want to spend more family time with the kids. I will plan game nights, and outings, etc. but because I miss a week or two of game night we find ourselves not doing them again at all.

My husband’s favorite quote is “You don’t have to get it right, You just have to get it going“. I am reminding myself this a lot these days. So let us try to remember this great advice in whatever thing you are trying to conquer today; Clutter in your home, your body, or your mind!

Freedom Of Religion….

Just thought this was an interesting speech, and wanted to share it:

This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School, Kingston , Tennessee , by school Principal, Jody McLeod. (acccording to snopes.com, this is a true story)

“It has always been the custom at Roane County High School to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country.”

Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a Prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it “an alternate lifestyle,” and if someone is offended, that’s OK.

I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity, by dispensing condoms and calling it, “safe sex.” If someone is offended, that’s OK.

I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a “viable means of birth control.” If someone is offended, no problem…

I can designate a school day as “Earth Day” and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess “Mother Earth” and call it “ecology.”

I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as “simple minded” and “ignorant” and call it “enlightenment.”

However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.

This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments.

Nevertheless, as a school principal, I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical… I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.

For this reason, I shall “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s,” and refrain from praying at this time.

“However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM, in the name of JESUS, to Bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that’s not against the law—-yet.”

One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray.

They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer’s Box!

The only place they didn’t pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America the Seat of “Justice” in the “one nation, under GOD .”

Somehow, Kingston , Tennessee remembered what so many have forgotten. We are given the Freedom OF Religion, not the Freedom Religion. Praise GOD that HIS remnant remains!

JESUS said, “If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER.”

No Scars To Be Seen

I know there is the universal age-old question of why God allows us to suffer? While I can say adamantly that God does not cause suffering or affliction, obviously our Supreme creator allows suffering.

While I can not explain all suffering that is afflicted, I know God yet again used my daughter to teach me about His nature and why He allows us to walk through some things.

In an earlier post I wrote about my daughter Anna’s trip to the Emergency Room. It was nearly bedtime, and she in her innocent state is twirling and dancing in her room. She trips and falls into the bookshelf busting her head wide open. We rushed her to the Emergency room, where by the end of the night she would come out with 5 stitches. But here is what I saw through her eyes for a few moments. I explained to her that she had to have these stitches and she would have to lay still for them or they would have to hold her down. She didn’t understand why she had to have the stitches, she thought the bleeding had stopped so what would be the big deal. But I saw and knew, in my infinite wisdom ( 😉 ) , that 10 years down the road she will be glad I made her have those stitches, when there is no scar left to be seen. So, she chose to trust me, laid down and did not move while the doctor stitched her, simply holding my hand and cried the whole time. Even though she was scared, and unsure she trusted I knew (and would only do) what was best for her.

This is how God is with us. There are times in our lives, either by our own volition, or by extenuating circumstances, that we fall down and bleed. We need more care than a simple band-aid to heal the wound, to repair the damage in our life. We don’t always even understand that the wound is as deep as it is, yet we are told this is going to require stitches. Our loving Father sees down the road why we need what we are going through right now. We look at him not understanding, but holding his hand and choosing to trust Him. Even through our fear, we trust that we will be glad He took us through the process… No scars left to be seen.

Fight Like A Girl, Not Such An Insult Anymore!

Then Saul outfitted David as a soldier in armor. He put his bronze helmet on his head and belted his sword on him over the armor. David tried to walk but he could hardly budge. David told Saul, “I can’t even move with all this stuff on me….And he took it all off. 1Samuel 17:38-39

Considering the current political uproar of a female V.P. candidate, Sarah Palin, I wanted to, again, comment on women’s roles in society. It is possible to be both strong, moral, and feminine. I am thankful to the new generation of women that are rising up, women I am proud to point to my girls as examples and role model. In the past we have had such extremes, either left or right. I am glad to see women who love God, love their children and their husbands, and can be leaders in their communities, churches, and in the world. This is the example I want for my life, and for my daughters:

Have you ever heard the insult “You fight like a girl”? Well, have you ever seen a mother fight when her child has been threatened. No man has ever been so tough. While women may not be as physically strong as men, God has created a resolve and inner strength in women that rivals any man’s muscle. Thus the saying, “Behind every good man is a good woman”. It is her inner-strength and resolve, not his muscle, that has pushed through to greatness. Genesis clearly shows that women are not the problem, but the solution. God says “It is not good for man to be alone”, and then he proceeded to create the beautiful specimen called WOMAN! Therefore, I have always been confused by the outspoken groups who obviously hate men, but apparently hate being a woman. And while I am very confused by their contradictions, I am very much in favor of any gender or race doing or being anything they want to be. I believe if a woman wants to be President of the United States she can. ( However, I vote for my political leaders based on their ethics, morals, and political views, not their race or gender.)

With two girls, it is very important to teach them that they can do anything they want to do in life. So here is my thing. Why would I ever tell them they can do anything a man can do? Who ever decided that “man” was the standard for what can be accomplished. I say that my girls can do ANYTHING they want to do, period. This encompasses being an athlete, being a leader, being a scientist, being a construction worker, and also… being feminine, being lady-like, being a Princess, liking the color pink, and choosing it as the color to paint their fingernails.

Lisa Bevere’s book, “Fight Like A Girl, The Power Of Being A Woman” helps best define my beliefs of being a woman; we have something to offer this world that no man can. How can a woman feel good about being female when society paints it as a negative thing? Why is it that our success as a woman is measured and weighed by that of a man? Why can it not be that being feminine actually brings its own strength to the table?

So my desire for this generation of young women is to swing the pendulum back into balance. I want to teach my daughter that she can be anything she wants to be in life, Doctor, Lawyer, Minister, Athlete, U.S. President, ballet dancer, Olympic Champion of Catapulting, or Stay-At-Home-Mom and Devoted wife. Whatever she desires to be is encouraged by me. (I would discourage the pole dancer thing, seems degrading no matter what your views 🙂 ) I want to help her embrace femininity and know that she has something to offer to society because she is a strong woman, not in spite of it. I believe that difference between the sexes does not mean inequality, but rather that we each have our own strength. Just like when David tried to wear Saul’s armor, it was not wrong for Saul, but it was not fitted for David. His strength and defense was different. I want our daughters to view femininity as our greatest strength, not our greatest weakness. Instead of my girls trying to adapt to the ill-fitted mold of a man, I want them to see the power God has given them to make their mark on the world… as a woman.

A Day of Firsts.

Tuesday, September 2nd was the first day of the Republican National Convention (Which means a week of speeches, analysts, and news for my household.), Anna’s first day of Pre-school (with many prayers, including her own that her teacher would like her and she would not get in trouble. This has been her prayer for about a week now, it even replaced her prayer for God to never make it thunder again. 🙂 ), and her first day to the Emergency Room. (I hear the sighs and gasps around the world.)

The day began with excitement and a few tears (of my own). I did not cry when I sent Emily to Pre-school for the first time, but then again I held a 6 month old in my arms at the time. Now that 6 month old is the one who walked boldly into her classroom, hung her backpack up like a big girl, and, finding the playdough on the table waiting for her, never looked back to see where mommy was. I know I have done my job well when that happens, yet the mixed emotions of pride and sadness resulted in a few tears as she marched on without me.

When I picked her up from school she was glad to report that Mrs. Mills liked her and she liked Mrs. Mills, and she did not get in trouble, so her prayers were answered and she was happy. (and so was I)

Last night we prepared for bed, and Ben and I were ready to begin a night of the R.N.C. (you can call Ben a political junkie, so the last two weeks of conventions has been a great high for him. 😉 ) Anna was so pumped because she was going to school again the next day.

One of Anna’s favorite energy activities is to spin and twirl and laugh until she falls down dizzy (oh if we could bottle 3 year old energy we would need no debates over the energy crisis in America. 😉 ) This time, however, she spun and twirled right into the corner of Emily’s bookshelf. She screamed, and as any mom who has two or more kids, I assumed she would come running in the kitchen if she were really hurt, and I did not pause in what I was doing. Then Ben screamed out and I knew that was worth a response. It only took a moment to assess her head to know we needed to go to the E.R. Thus her second first of the day.

Four hours later we had a fantastic Dr. (who happened to specialize in Pediatric Plastic Surgery) sew five stitches while she willingly held her head and body still. She was not strapped down as most little ones would have to be, but we told her this was the alternative, and because she is so smart she chose to hold mommy’s hand and control her own body. The second time I cried in the day with pride and sadness for my little one.

Sorry, for all the political comments. You can tell the R.N.C. speeches play in the background. 🙂