Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Football season is upon us and in honor of this great time of year I’m sharing one our family’s favorite tailgating snacks-Cheesy Buffalo Chicken dip.  Enjoy and…

Roll Tide!

6 Confessions of an Amateur Blogger

1.     Blogging is not a priority for me. I blog because I see it as an expedient in going into all the world and teaching the gospel (Mark 16:15) and because I enjoy it-most of the time anyway. But blogging is pretty low on the priority list for me. Being a consistent blogger is still on my goal list for this year but I have accepted the fact that this is a goal I may still be striving to achieve next year.

2.     Sometimes I feel like I’m just not doing it right. I know, I know, there is no set standard to blogging, so there is no right or wrong way to do it. Yet I read other blogs and find mine lacking - greatly. I see others’ success at this; even post multiple times a week and I’m astonished! I’m convinced these people have superpowers.

3.     I get blogging blocks. Sometimes I just don’t know what to write. It’s like I don’t know any words. zilch. nada.

4.     I feel like I have nothing to say that is worthy of your time and attention. For this reason you will find I tend to share links and quotes more than original thoughts.

5.     When it feels like a chore to blog, it’s time for me to take a break. Sometimes it ends up being a break that lasts several months-for many of the afore mentioned reasons.

6.     The length of a post can be frustrating. Sometimes a post seems too long and then other times it is far too short. Finding that balance is not always an easy task.

Mrs. Noah - The Woman Without A Monogram

The importance of the role of women in God’s Word cannot be overestimated.

-Cindy Colley

                  The rise and fall of nations can often be traced by studying the rise and fall of womanhood. Why you might ask? The moral fiber of a nation is determined primarily by women. A nation can maintain a moral strength no greater than the homes that make it up, and the home usually rises no higher than the ideals of the woman in it. Equipped with this knowledge, we realize that a heavy responsibility has been placed upon our shoulders-one we cannot afford to take lightly. With this in mind, I have embarked upon a study of women of the Bible. I hope to gain wisdom from a prayerful and careful examination of their troubles and trials along with their victories and virtues. Here is where I hope to share with you the valuable lessons I learn-lessons that can be applied to our daily lives. If we so allow, many of these women will inspire us to greater faith and a closer relationship with God.

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                If you attended Bible classes as a child, chances are you remember studying about Noah and the ark. I’m sure you could recite the story, but what if I asked about Noah’s wife? Could you tell me anything about her? We really aren’t given very much information about Mrs. Noah. In fact, her first name is never even mentioned. Is there really that much that we can learn about a woman whose name is not even recorded? I love my role as a wife. I feel incredibly blessed to fill the role of helpmeet, but I doubt I would be too pleased to read an account of my husband’s life where my name is never acknowledged. I don’t want loads of praise for doing what is expected, or even for going above and beyond in some cases, but who doesn’t like a pat on the back for a job well done? Credit where credit is due, right? Wrong. Clearly, I needed very little information to learn a very big lesson here. Mrs. Noah was a preacher’s wife. No doubt she became discouraged along side Noah, yet she continued to stand by her husband’s side as he did the will of God. She stood by him while his preaching was only well received by her, their sons and daughters-in-law. She was without doubt a crucial part of her sons’ decision to remain faithful and an influence for good in the lives of their wives. Although the Bible holds a great deal of instruction directed to fathers regarding child rearing, the mother is usually responsible for the spiritual direction they take. In 1 Timothy 5:14, women are commanded to “guide the house” which is a reference to the fact that while men are the head of the house (Eph. 5:23-25), his absence from the house so much of the time places the weight of the actual child rearing on the mother’s shoulders. Although family ties can be overcome, as evidenced by Noah’s daughters-in-law, it is no easy task. The recorded faithfulness of Noah’s family speaks volumes of Mrs. Noah-even without her first name.

Source:

Colley, Cindy. Women of the Genesis. Huntsville: Publishing Designs Inc., 2005. 

Duncan, Bobby. Fair To Look On. Huntsville: Publishing Designs Inc., 2001.

Mentionworthy Monday

Linkable

Safe Complaints - Extremely thankful for this reminder that no matter how we might rename or attempt to justify complaining, it does not change God's command regarding it and it is just that-complaining.

What I Learned When I Quit Facebook - I haven't completely quit Facebook, but I have scaled back a bit and because I was never a huge Facebook advocate, this leaves my presence there scarce to say the least...and you know what? I haven't missed it. Don't get me wrong there are things that I enjoy about Facebook but I also enjoy not feeling like I NEED to check it. Technology is great until we get so caught up in it that we're doing more internet browsing than verbally communicating. Sometimes we need to take a step back and reevaluate where we are-we need to make sure these modern conveniences are truly that and not our masters. Incidentally, here's another article for you about that particular problem...A Disconnected Connected Society.

How To Have A Real Conversation - In line with the above links, Kathy Pollard shares a reminder on what a REAL conversation should consist of.

Pinable

With it being Monday this seemed especially appropriate... 

It's Time for Coffee

Quoteable

I know you have seen the videos of buckets filled with ice water being dumped over the heads of willing participants. You may have even been one such participant; either way I have little doubt your news feeds aren't filled with these. And on a side-note: I understand this is all in support of a good cause. I am a little fuzzy as to how opting to have a bucket of freezing contents poured on your head rather than donating to the cause is actually helpful. Feel free to clear me up on that, but in the meantime think on these wise words.

"Amazing how many jump at the chance to be doused with ice cold water on behalf of a good cause but balk at being baptized in warm water for an even better cause."

-Barry Grider

Mentionworthy Monday

Linkable

Creating A Go-To SPIRITUAL Schedule - Emily Hatfield shares some great tips for single and married ladies alike in this podcast episode. She reminds us that while we may have many other important duties, our spiritual nourishment should always be our focus. To keep our priorities in order, we need a focused yet flexible schedule-fitted to our specific needs of course. Emily shares some things that work for her and will hopefully work for you as well.

The Top 10 Things Moms Do at Target - If you are a mom, you will appreciate this. If you are not yet a mom, read this anyway-you'll still laugh because we know you've seen us doing some of these very things...but beware if you choose to laugh...you might be a mom one day too.

7 Things You Didn't Know About The Wizard of Oz - I remember being terrified of this movie as a child. That wicked witch of the west and her flying monkeys were just a little too much for me. I am happy to report that while I might sometimes pick the moments that her face fills the screen to refill the drinks or popcorn bowl, I have a much greater appreciation for this classic now.

Pinable

3 FREE Scripture Coloring Pages

Whether you are a mom of little ones, a classroom teacher or a Bible class teacher these cute coloring pages would be welcomed additions to your curriculum.

Quotable

"We have to get back to the Bible. The Doctor has the medicine, but the patients won't take it because it may produce side effects that make me deny myself of things that I want."

- BJ Clarke

(Healthy) Banana Cinnamon Pancakes

   This recipe is easy and it tastes great so it finds its way onto our table regularly. I love it also for its versatility. I made these the other day and also included some nutmeg and ginger. I haven't tried adding fruit to them yet but I would dare say you could do that as well. I am a huge fan of sweet potato pancakes (thank you Cracker Barrel), but I have yet to find the perfect recipe. Perhaps this one could be adapted...if so you'll see a slightly different version of this recipe coming soon!

10 Classics on My Reading List

                  It’s probably my favorite room; a white comforter covers the bed in its center, a mountain of pillows line up against the headboard, nightstands supporting burlap-shaded lamps on either side.  Above hangs distressed black picture frames, displaying frozen moments from our wedding day with the words uttered from Ruth to her mother-in-law, Naomi (Ruth 1:16) hanging in the center. An antique white dresser faces opposite that inviting bed, holding a preserved bouquet of once white lilies. On the two walls running parallel to the nightstands hang shelves filled with books. Books that have transported me to far off places. I have travelled from the mountains of Montana, to the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, to Wisconsin’s big woods, and even to Forks, Washington.  They have allowed me to visit the mansion of Manderley, the New Jersey home of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, and the town of River Heights. Then there are the books that wait to take me on a magical journey. They rest on one of those nightstands. To many they might lend to the idea of clutter or disarray, but to me this cluster of books is but a mountain for to climb. Among this pile rests the words from the creator of Duck Commander, the recollections of a child actor, and the story of a dog at ground zero. There is no particular order to their arrangement. It is a mismatch of fiction and nonfiction-with a few biographies in between, but there is something missing from this stack. Classics. I have read classics. I’ve listened to Kate Chopin describe the summer getaway place of Isle. I’ve imagined the grandeur of the parties thrown in West Egg, Long Island. I’ve longed to visit the Coleman home in the beautifully described Ozark Mountains, but I have never looked between the cover of Panther in the Sky. I can only assume the content of War and Peace is true to its title. There are many classics I’ve simply never read. That’s right I’m admitting it…there are classics I have never read. Of course, I plan to change that starting with these ten.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

My Friend Flicka by Mary O’Hara

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Catch 22 by Joseph Heller

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Arthur Conan Doyle

So there you have it-ten classics on my reading list. What do you think? Have you read these? Would you recommend them? What classics are on your TBR list?

A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.

-Italo Calvino

Eve-A Woman of Many Names

 The importance of the role of women in God’s Word cannot be overestimated.

-Cindy Colley

                  The rise and fall of nations can often be traced by studying the rise and fall of womanhood. Why you might ask? The moral fiber of a nation is determined primarily by women. A nation can maintain a moral strength no greater than the homes that make it up, and the home usually rises no higher than the ideals of the woman in it. Equipped with this knowledge, we realize that a heavy responsibility has been placed upon our shoulders-one we cannot afford to take lightly. With this in mind, I have embarked upon a study of women of the Bible. I hope to gain wisdom from a prayerful and careful examination of their troubles and trials along with their victories and virtues. Here is where I hope to share with you the valuable lessons I learn-lessons that can be applied to our daily lives. If we so allow, many of these women will inspire us to greater faith and a closer relationship with God.

 

                  The mother of all living. The first woman. The first to sin. Eve is described in many ways, but did you know that Eve was actually named three times? First in Genesis 2:23, she was called woman by Adam. Then both Eve and her husband are called Adam (Gen. 5:2). This speaks volumes to the marriage relationship. God’s design for the husband-wife relationship is to be one, an unbreakable union. God made them one flesh and he game them one name. Finally, Adam gave the name Eve, because she was the mother of all living (Gen. 3:20); a name describing her role and function in life.

                  Eve was the first tempted by Satan to sin. Sometimes I believe we are too quick to blame Eve for man’s fall, but we would do well to remember that Eve’s adversary is still ours today and we often fall to the same deception. We should also take note that by giving in to temptation, Eve allowed Satan to use her. “She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (Gen. 3:6). Satan might never have been able to succeed in getting Adam to sin, had he not used Eve. 1 Timothy 2:14, tells us unlike Eve, Adam was not deceived. Adam took of the fruit simply because his wife did. Perhaps Eve was deceived into thinking God simply didn’t mean what he said. Much in the same way that some in the church today say, “Yes, it says that but that only applied to that time period.” Regardless, Adam’s actions are a testament to the great influence we have on our husbands. Eve allowed herself to become a stumbling block. She was created to be a helper and instead became a hinderer.

                  If you were to only read through Genesis 3, it would seem there was no happy ending for Eve, but if you read the next chapter you will find evidence that Eve once again allowed God to rule her life. Although Adam and Eve were forgiven, they still had to suffer the consequences of their sin. Fellowship with God was restored, but they were not restored to their position in Eden. Eve could have spent her life grieving past mistakes, but she didn’t. She focused on the present blessings God had bestowed upon her (Gen. 4:1, 25) and the hope we have in the future. 

Sources: Women of the Genesis. Cindy Colley.

Women of the Old Testament. Peggy Hall

Mention Worthy Monday

 Linkable:

TLN - After a short break the light network is back and for that I am so thankful! Have you checked out the podcast called The New You? Robert Hatfield does a (short) daily podcast that will help you in your Christian walk. The Book Club by Brad McNutt is a must listen for all my fellow book appreciators. Ladies, you must, must, must spend some time with Emily Hatfield in The Royal Family and Wifey Wednesdays. Also, tell your husbands to check out Biblical Manliness by Chris Clevenger. My husband and I often spend our time in the car listening to The Church on Trial and Torrey Clark's Culture Shock. These are only a few of the many (FREE) podcasts TLN provides.What are you waiting for? Go check it out!

Christmas in...august? - You're probably thinking, "Christmas?! Wait, did I read that right?" Those were my exact thoughts a few days ago when I saw a friend post "20 Fridays until Christmas!" I don't know about you, but this struck a bit of panic in me. I didn't feel this twinge of panic because I don't like Christmas (quite the opposite actually), but "20 Fridays?!" is not long to prepare. I'm one of those people who likes to get everything done early so that I'm able to enjoy the Christmas season with my family. Early prep means money spent wisely and lower stress levels. So I took this reminder and started my preparations. Here is your reminder as well, along with a link to free printables to help get you started.

Pinable:

Let It Overflow | Benevolence Bags

I have often been at a spotlight and seen those signs we're all familiar with, "Please help" but I have nothing to help with. I wasn't prepared for that moment and as I drive away I can't help feeling an opportunity to help and share the gospel has been missed. I came across the idea of keeping a bag of items in your car to hand out in such situations and I thought it was great, however there wasn't much information regarding what to put in the bags. This pin/link is by far the best blessing bag assembly I have read and decided to model.

Quoteable:

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"So many people want Jesus as their Savior, but not their Lord. He's either both, or He's neither."

- Cliff Goodwin 

Lighthouses Don't Compete

                  How many followers do you have on Twitter? How many retweets did your last post get? How many followers do you have on Pinterest? What about Instagram? How many likes did your last picture get? How many people subscribe to your blog?

We live in a world-an online world anyway-that judges by numbers and if we aren’t careful, sometimes that number mentality carries over into our church mentality. For example, rather than considering ourselves working as one we begin competing with one another. We compare ourselves to other local congregations. Then we start looking for ways to “top” them. And what about within our own local congregation? Do we find ourselves comparing our circumstances, material possessions and even our talents to our fellow brethren instead of rejoicing as well as hurting with them?

Too often I catch myself with a case of the-grass-is-greener-on-the-other-sideitis. This is a dangerous place to be and it can lead to equally treacherous ground when the tables seem to turn and we find ourselves in the pridelands (forgive The Lion King reference). You know, that point when you begin patting yourself on the back because of the talent or wit you shared and others felt it worthy of sharing as well (be it online, word-of-mouth, or otherwise). If you have any doubt that this attitude is the complete opposite of what Christ intended take a look at Ephesians 4. Verse 1 through 6 says,

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all

KJV

We are one in Christ. Christ commanded us to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. When we compete and compare, the Lord’s church dies. So how can we overcome those feelings of comparison and competition?

1.     Pray. Pray. And than pray some more. Pray for the strength to overcome those feelings.

2.     Count your blessings. It may sound cliché but remember that comparison is the thief of joy and in line with the-grass-is-always-greener syndrome, someone is probably wishing for the very blessings you enjoy.

3.     Encourage those who are doing good works. Looking for the good others are doing can encourage us to follow their example and place our focus where it should be-away from ourselves…which leads us to the last point…

4.     Focus on the good you can do for others Imitate the good example brothers and sisters set for you. Look to the example of Jesus and remember the words in Matthew 16:24,  “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” and on things above. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” (Col. 3:1)

Jesus told us we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but how can we be the salt and light (Matt. 5:13-16) when we are busy comparing and competing with one another? I heard it best described this way…

“Lighthouses don’t compete.”

Mention Worthy Monday

I recently discovered a new (to me) author and I wanted to share her amazing work with you.

Her name?

Emily Nelson.

What I've read?

The Locket.

Favorite Quote:

"In the end, after time and

breath steal the rest away, some things linger still.

Some memories whisper in your heart forever. 

Love goes on, even when life doesn't."

What's the big deal?

 Emily is a Christian author. You do not have to worry about encountering foul language, inappropriate scenes or such like when you read her work. The Locket is a beautiful love story. Although it is short fiction, it is a true-to-life story of overcoming hardships and celebrating life's beauty. (And I'm going to go ahead and admit to reading this in one day. Yes, it was that good.)

What's on my list to read next?

Reflections: A Collection of Poems and Short Stories

When the Church Forgets to Blush

I cannot wait.