"Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgement." John 7:24 ~ Spoken by Jesus as he was teaching at the Feast about being judged for Healing a whole man on the Sabbath while they were performing circumcision on the Sabbath as they claimed was the Law of Moses. Which in fact, it was the law placed upon them by the patriarchs, not Moses.
~ How easy it is for us be decieved by what we "think" is right, just because our family has "always done it that way"... or even "because it sounds right". Unless we test what we believe by the written Word of God, how can we 'judge' it to be true, right, correct and Godly? Sometimes it is so easy to get mixed up in wordly recommendations, that we forget WHO we are and WHO we belong to. That we should in fact "take every thought captive" and "test" those things we take for truth. How else can we share our faith in God with others if we don't test what we believe? I find the best place to Test my beliefs is at the foot of the cross, being held by the one who loves me with a right judgement and a forgiving heart.
~ How easy it is for us to look at the outside and judge the entire person by "what it looks like". I have found myself at times, thinking thoughts that were not based on truth, just because of how a "situation" looked/appeared. But, by digging deeper and taking those thoughts captive, a bit of discernment will break through, revealing pieces of the puzzle that can change the entire picture. " But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1Sam. 16:7) Listening and believing that voice of truth can make a huge difference in impacting a life for the Lord. How easy it would be to judge and look the other way instead of reaching out with a heart full of compassion, a heart full of forgiveness, a heart full of comfort, or healing or whatever the Lord would have you share. It would be so simple to ignore that piece of iron which was placed there to sharpen you, instead of embracing the opportunity to change a life for the Lord... you never know, that life might be yours!
Thank you Jesus! <3
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Happy Anniversary
Well, Mr and Mrs Fish have officially been married for 10 years ! We were married on September 12, 1998 - it was a hot September day (which I was NOT anticipating) it was not all that common in Minnesota. It was a beautiful clear blue sky. All in all it was an awesome day!
Happy Anniversary, my love. I pray for many more fun and exciting years to come. You have taught me so much these past ten years and I am thankful for the 3 incredible guppies we have blessed with. Through everything, you have been there by my side encouraging me in our walk of faith. For all this and more I can honestly say ... Baby, you ROCK!
Happy Anniversary, my love. I pray for many more fun and exciting years to come. You have taught me so much these past ten years and I am thankful for the 3 incredible guppies we have blessed with. Through everything, you have been there by my side encouraging me in our walk of faith. For all this and more I can honestly say ... Baby, you ROCK!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
No Apples
I kind of knew this was coming and yet tried to deny the fact (funny how we do that) - but, it seems I am not going to have any apples this year.
Last year was AMAZING! We had more apples than we knew what to do with: we made applesauce, apple butter, apple pies, diced apples, apple slices, apple crips and more! But alas, the freezer is now apple empty and we have maybe 5 apples between the 2 trees (waaah!) I absolutely love the smell of apples cooking on the stove, especially during these cooler days. It is so easy to peel and pop some apples in the crockpot before school and then later reap the benefits during snack time. Oh how I miss it... I am seriously praying one of our neighbors has an overabundance - hahaha!
Funny thing though, even with no apples... I am still finding myself with plenty to do.
I am beginning to think that God just knew that I would already have my hands full with other things and thus, no apples. Would I really have time this year for apples with homeschooling all 3 children AND my part-time nonprofit job? Even though I only work 15 hours a week, it seems that now with my afternoons eaten up. Maybe it was the addition of 2 kindergardeners (that's what my daughter calls it - Kinder Gardener) added to our schedule? Although we did "school" them last year, this year requires a bit more time.
I shall just trust that God knows best and wait for the apple blessings as they come. I guess it is true that He never gives you more than you can handle...even if it is ... just apples.
Lesson Learned.
Last year was AMAZING! We had more apples than we knew what to do with: we made applesauce, apple butter, apple pies, diced apples, apple slices, apple crips and more! But alas, the freezer is now apple empty and we have maybe 5 apples between the 2 trees (waaah!) I absolutely love the smell of apples cooking on the stove, especially during these cooler days. It is so easy to peel and pop some apples in the crockpot before school and then later reap the benefits during snack time. Oh how I miss it... I am seriously praying one of our neighbors has an overabundance - hahaha!
Funny thing though, even with no apples... I am still finding myself with plenty to do.
I am beginning to think that God just knew that I would already have my hands full with other things and thus, no apples. Would I really have time this year for apples with homeschooling all 3 children AND my part-time nonprofit job? Even though I only work 15 hours a week, it seems that now with my afternoons eaten up. Maybe it was the addition of 2 kindergardeners (that's what my daughter calls it - Kinder Gardener) added to our schedule? Although we did "school" them last year, this year requires a bit more time.
I shall just trust that God knows best and wait for the apple blessings as they come. I guess it is true that He never gives you more than you can handle...even if it is ... just apples.
Lesson Learned.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Too many cucumbers = pickles
I am absolutely NOT a pickle fan...
but my family is (go-figure). Well, basically for me it is the dill that drives me away. APPARENTLY, I ate a few too many dill pickles as a 4 year old and well, now I can't even stand the smell of dill. *blush*
Anyhow, I decided to make pickles out of all these cukes we were blessed with...but not dill. I typically don't even attempt to eat pickles without dill because, well, the thought never occurred to me before yesterday *duh*. So, i sliced up 2 cups of Red Onions (cuz i like them) and chopped 2 cloves garlic (cuz i like them too) and then washed and sliced (the long way) one ice cream pail of cukes. I dumped the onions, garlic and cukes all into a large glass bowl. I then took out a stainless medium sized pot and began to concoct my "vinegar" -- this is basically the same recipe as refridgerator pickles.
I used:
6 cups vinegar
3 cups sugar
3 T sea salt
I stirred it until the sugar was mostly dissolved and brought it to a boil for about 10 minutes and promptly poured it over my fresh veggies, making sure that the "juice" came over the top of the veggies. I let them all cool on the counter then dumped the whole mess into the ice cream bucket, covered and popped into the fridge. I did steal some onions and thought they were awesome.
Today, before breakfast *blush* I ate one... guess what-- I liked it :)
Hope you do too!
but my family is (go-figure). Well, basically for me it is the dill that drives me away. APPARENTLY, I ate a few too many dill pickles as a 4 year old and well, now I can't even stand the smell of dill. *blush*
Anyhow, I decided to make pickles out of all these cukes we were blessed with...but not dill. I typically don't even attempt to eat pickles without dill because, well, the thought never occurred to me before yesterday *duh*. So, i sliced up 2 cups of Red Onions (cuz i like them) and chopped 2 cloves garlic (cuz i like them too) and then washed and sliced (the long way) one ice cream pail of cukes. I dumped the onions, garlic and cukes all into a large glass bowl. I then took out a stainless medium sized pot and began to concoct my "vinegar" -- this is basically the same recipe as refridgerator pickles.
I used:
6 cups vinegar
3 cups sugar
3 T sea salt
I stirred it until the sugar was mostly dissolved and brought it to a boil for about 10 minutes and promptly poured it over my fresh veggies, making sure that the "juice" came over the top of the veggies. I let them all cool on the counter then dumped the whole mess into the ice cream bucket, covered and popped into the fridge. I did steal some onions and thought they were awesome.
Today, before breakfast *blush* I ate one... guess what-- I liked it :)
Hope you do too!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
grandma
Grandma's are such special people in a person's life, no matter how old you are.
Today, I am thinking of my grandma... see, she is pretty ill and well, they don't give her much time. BUT, she is one tough lady.
Over the last few months, I have spent a lot of time reminiscing and remembering all the fun we had together... like sitting in the shopping mall watching people and laffing our butts off till we cried. We never went to the mall to shop really, but more to enjoy ourselves by walking, talking and laffing. I remember racing her to the only restroom on a vacation only to have her pull trump on me by saying she was older than me and I should respect my elders. LOL I have to admit, I learned to bake from the best darn baker in the world, Grandma Hazel!
My grandma was like a second mom to me... she helped my mom to raise us after mom and dad got divorced. She taught me to tie my shoes, she taught me to clean house, she taught me some good life lessons - but most of all, she taught me how to remember to laff once in awhile. She was an incredible woman...and still is.
I love you grandma!
Today, I am thinking of my grandma... see, she is pretty ill and well, they don't give her much time. BUT, she is one tough lady.
Over the last few months, I have spent a lot of time reminiscing and remembering all the fun we had together... like sitting in the shopping mall watching people and laffing our butts off till we cried. We never went to the mall to shop really, but more to enjoy ourselves by walking, talking and laffing. I remember racing her to the only restroom on a vacation only to have her pull trump on me by saying she was older than me and I should respect my elders. LOL I have to admit, I learned to bake from the best darn baker in the world, Grandma Hazel!
My grandma was like a second mom to me... she helped my mom to raise us after mom and dad got divorced. She taught me to tie my shoes, she taught me to clean house, she taught me some good life lessons - but most of all, she taught me how to remember to laff once in awhile. She was an incredible woman...and still is.
I love you grandma!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Crockpotting 365
Oh my! This blog is absolutely a crockpotter's paradise!
Stephanie of Crockpot 365 has vowed to use her crockpot every day for A WHOLE YEAR! And the best part of the whole deal.... she is GLUTEN FREE!! Which makes this fish a happy happy momma!
See, I am gluten free and I LOVE my crockpot. So, by default Stephanie and I should just be the very bestest friends -- she totally makes you feel that way when you read her blog. She not only gives you an awesome recipe to try, but also posts the "verdict" of her cooking as well. It ROCKS!
I already use my crock probably 3-4 days of the week, because I enjoy coming home and not stressing over getting dinner ready. Since I work from 2-5pm 5 days a week plus the 20 minute drive, Crockpot is simply... the way to go! I have gotten a lot of GREAT ideas from Crockpot 365 and for this I say, "Thank You Stephanie!!! My new bestest friend " LOL
My only problem now is that I need to buy another crockpot, one just does not seem to be enough!
Stephanie of Crockpot 365 has vowed to use her crockpot every day for A WHOLE YEAR! And the best part of the whole deal.... she is GLUTEN FREE!! Which makes this fish a happy happy momma!
See, I am gluten free and I LOVE my crockpot. So, by default Stephanie and I should just be the very bestest friends -- she totally makes you feel that way when you read her blog. She not only gives you an awesome recipe to try, but also posts the "verdict" of her cooking as well. It ROCKS!
I already use my crock probably 3-4 days of the week, because I enjoy coming home and not stressing over getting dinner ready. Since I work from 2-5pm 5 days a week plus the 20 minute drive, Crockpot is simply... the way to go! I have gotten a lot of GREAT ideas from Crockpot 365 and for this I say, "Thank You Stephanie!!! My new bestest friend " LOL
My only problem now is that I need to buy another crockpot, one just does not seem to be enough!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Webkinz craze invades our home
So, my newly turned 8 year old son has gotten this really cute little stuffed animal for his birthday. I think it is really sweet and I dismissed it as "just another stuffed animal" ... boy was I wrong!
This is the biggest thing among his friends Webkinz
WEBKINZ are these cute little stuffed animals that come with a little "tag" attached to them. This tag contains a code, which you enter online to officially "adopt" your little pet. After adoption, you are given a room for your pet and a vehicle. Mr. Tiger has this screamin' cool convertible. LOL Mr. Tiger has arcade games, rooms that you can buy and decorate, an academy, a clubhouse to meet your friends, a job center and so so much more!! It's an entire Webkinzworld out there in cyberspace - haha! You can grow a garden, play games, dig for gems... the list seems endless.
My son is now concerned about doing his daily "chores" online to care for his adorable Mr.Tiger. This really works well as a tool for Mom to encourage him to 1- do his schoolwork, 2- to be diligent about his work, 3- to do his 'real life' daily chores and oh so many other things LOL.
Thing is......... IT WORKS!! He will happily and joyfully do his 'real life' chores in order to be able to care for hisWebkinz later. It really is fun. BUT, now he wants another Webkinz so Mr. Tiger won't be so lonely. UGH, I see his money jar dwindling soon.
I guess this adventure will lead to a much bigger lesson in handling money. Which is good, as up to this time, he hasn't really wanted to spend his money on anything. We really aren't the type to just hand out cash to our children... when they receive money either as a gift or for doing little things here and there (we sometimes will just reward him for a job well done, but it is not an allowance per se', that day is coming) he will divide his rewards into 3 piles. Saving 10%, tithe 10% and the rest is his "spending" money. He has been really diligent about following the plan and his "spending" pile has grown .... So, I guess we are off to find a friend for Mr. Tiger. ... let's go shopping!
This is the biggest thing among his friends Webkinz
WEBKINZ are these cute little stuffed animals that come with a little "tag" attached to them. This tag contains a code, which you enter online to officially "adopt" your little pet. After adoption, you are given a room for your pet and a vehicle. Mr. Tiger has this screamin' cool convertible. LOL Mr. Tiger has arcade games, rooms that you can buy and decorate, an academy, a clubhouse to meet your friends, a job center and so so much more!! It's an entire Webkinz
world out there in cyberspace - haha! You can grow a garden, play games, dig for gems... the list seems endless.My son is now concerned about doing his daily "chores" online to care for his adorable Mr.Tiger. This really works well as a tool for Mom to encourage him to 1- do his schoolwork, 2- to be diligent about his work, 3- to do his 'real life' daily chores and oh so many other things LOL.
Thing is......... IT WORKS!! He will happily and joyfully do his 'real life' chores in order to be able to care for hisWebkinz
later. It really is fun. BUT, now he wants another Webkinz so Mr. Tiger won't be so lonely. UGH, I see his money jar dwindling soon.I guess this adventure will lead to a much bigger lesson in handling money. Which is good, as up to this time, he hasn't really wanted to spend his money on anything. We really aren't the type to just hand out cash to our children... when they receive money either as a gift or for doing little things here and there (we sometimes will just reward him for a job well done, but it is not an allowance per se', that day is coming) he will divide his rewards into 3 piles. Saving 10%, tithe 10% and the rest is his "spending" money. He has been really diligent about following the plan and his "spending" pile has grown .... So, I guess we are off to find a friend for Mr. Tiger. ... let's go shopping!
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