I guess I better get writing since I know I have readers now. ;)

Well, it has been a while since my last post. Sometimes I struggle with what to share on here. Sometimes I tend to be very philosophical. Then at other times, my posts seem to be about simple, everyday things. Maybe I will find a happy medium in my writing. Or maybe I'll realize that life is full of all ends of the spectrum and it is ok to write about all of it.

My special thought for today has to do with a realization I had during worship at church today. Life around us has been pretty crazy lately with a couple of friends dying way before it seems should have been their time. There's been some major struggles come up with the ministry we work with. Not to mention all the instability in our country in general. Throughout some of this turmoil, the amazing thing I have experienced is the "peace that passes understanding" that God promises us in Philippians. The realization I had today was about where the Lord has brought me. For a long time I struggled with the need to do something significant. To really impact people for the kingdom of God. The problem was that I felt discontent when I didn't see it happening the way I thought it should. He has brought me to a point where I don't have to be anywhere or do anything beyond where He has me right now. I only need to be obedient to Him and His word. I am so thankful for the contentment I've found in this place.

Comfort Food

I have discovered the ultimate in comfort food. It is so easy and gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling when you eat it. The most soothing food I have found so far (besides chocolate), is Pasta with cream cheese melted in it and sauce all mixed together. It is scrumptious. I had it the first time last year when my friend ordered a house casserole from a restaurant. I craved it for a month after that and determined eventually that I could recreate it at home. So there you have it. The ultimate comfort food. (Probably it is fresh on my mind because I just had it for the second time of leftovers of it. It left me feeling just as good as the first time.)

Family

It is amazing how many ways my heart has been stirring about my family. I have been reading an excellent book about parenting called, "Shepherding the Heart of Your Child, " by Tedd Tripp. It has really challenged me in the way I discipline and communicate with my children. Gerrad and I have also been watching a video series called, "Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World." The Bradrick Family put this out through their ministry Family Discipleship Ministries. I am realizing more and more how important it is for me to be home with my children and how they truly are my primary ministry in the short amount of time I will be blessed to raise them. It is sometimes a heavy responsibility, but also one that brings great joy. I am so thankful that God has helped me realize how important my role is in relationship to my husband and children. I can tell you, I have a greater sense of contentment, that my husband even notices. I think it came from finally accepting what God had for me and not thinking it wasn't enough. I'm learning how much enough it is. Almost, to the point of being overwhelming. But with God's help, I think I'm up for the task.

Recipe

Now for a lot less philosophical post. I was so excited to create a recipe last night. When I was grocery shopping last week, I craved this kind of meal and made it up as I went. And it turned out deliciously. That doesn't always happen when I get to creating. Here it is:

Southwest Chicken Pasta

1 lb cooked chicken breast, sliced. (I grilled ours.)
1 can Southwest Pepperjack soup
1/3 cup milk
1/2 cup black beans
Extra cheese, I used provolone because it was on hand (opt.)
1/2 box cooked penne pasta

Combine soup and milk in a pan. Whisk until smooth over medium heat. When bubbling add extra cheese (if you want to cut down spice a little), black beans, and chicken. Mix with cooked pasta and serve.

Fingerpainting

How much joy I get from watching my daughter create! In her stumbling, young ways, she is creating beauty. I thrill in the ways she is growing and learning and becoming more of who God created her to be. It makes me think about how God must view us, His children. My daughter is not old enough or skilled enough to make straight lines or use shading or other techniques of a mature artist, yet in her attempts at what she can do, there is art. If she did not begin with what she can do, she would never grow and develop in her skills. How often do I not do things because I feel a lack of skill or ability. I have a feeling God takes delight in my attempts, because I attempt. And maybe I should take her cue, and without pride, ask for help in the things that I'm not able to do on my own. Like me with my daughter, I think God is more than willing to lend help because I ask.

Wow! Guess I'll give this a try.

I've been really enjoying reading blogs lately, so I thought maybe I would take a try at writing one. I love journaling, but often wish I could share all the many day-to-day happenings and stirrings going on in my life and inside my heart. I'm home a lot during the week raising my two sweet precious toddlers. It gives lots of time to think about God and life and all the things going on around me. I also really enjoy being a mom and am thrilled with the task God has given me with my husband to raise these amazing little people. I've been given the gift of having these welcomed guests in my home for the next couple decades and I'm finding it to be quite the adventure with all its joys and trials. So with this outlet, maybe I can work through some of the things swirling in my heart and mind, and also maybe in some ways, be a blessing to anyone that reads this.