My review on goodreads: It may be difficult to adequately put into words how this book impacted me. It had been referred to me by a friend, and also is a book that our pastors and interns at the vibrant, growing church we are part of have all been reading, as well. The author focuses on a verse, or a quote in each chapter, and gives us a deeper, beautiful, insightful understanding of the heart of Christ. That from which everything He did on earth, and all that He is, flows from. Each chapter captured my heart in understanding more deeply what a loving, merciful, compassionate God we have. I highly recommend this book, and wish that each person I know would have an opportunity to read it. |
PAGES: MAIN TOPICS I WRITE ON
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
Loving Good Books: Favorites from 2021
Monday, January 17, 2022
In the Kitchen: Menu Planning
When I actually prepare the recipe, I'll write it into the chart itself, and place a small check mark on the post-it-note. The reason for using post-it notes is that they can be easily moved around to a different week than originally planned for, if I wish. I am loving the simplicity and flexibility of this plan.
I like to switch up my categories of recipes that I pick from during the different seasons of the year. For January through March, I picked from three main categories of recipes in my collections:
One recipe from my SOUP section.
The next from my collection of CHICKEN main dishes.
And the third, changing off between FISH, PORK, or BEEF main dishes.
I'm only choosing three main dish recipes for each week (in this empty nest season of life we are in), as that is most likely the number I will need to prepare each week. The other days we will use left-overs from previous meals, or use a frozen meal that I've made on a previous week, or else we may be gone from home and need to pick up fast food wherever we are that day.
Also, at the bottom of each menu planning page is a space where I often put other ideas for the week as well: lunch ideas, sides or breads or desserts to make. Usually on post-it notes, as well, so they can be moved around, if needed. But the most critical planning for me are the plans for the main dishes each week.
I'm always looking for ways to live creatively in the home, and also, to simplify the responsibilities of life, leaving more time for the things of ultimate importance ... loving God, and loving those around us. Preparing tasty, nutritious meals is just one way to let His love shine through us. And menu planning is a big part of making this happen!
Friday, January 7, 2022
A Practice, A Habit, A Way of Breathing
It’s a daily practice,
a habit, a way of breathing,
as I take the first steps
into each day …
Before I continue on in my
reading through His Word
chronologically, now in the OT.
First of all … pausing, and
writing out my gratitude,
recounting His gifts, glimpses
of His love and care from
the day before, with thanks
and with adoration.
And then …
pulling out a verse card,
just one, from my collections.
Writing it out word for word,
letting His truth sink into
my heart and soul, truth to
hold close throughout the day.
Today’s verse, beyond my
comprehension, love beyond
compare. Our greatest gift,
to be loved by Him. A lifetime
and an eternity of being loved.
Each day, each moment.
I love each of you with the same love
that the Father loves Me.
You must continually let My love
nourish your hearts.
If you keep My commandments,
you will live in My love,
just as I have kept My Father's commands,
for I continually live nourished
and empowered by His love.
My purpose for telling you these things
is so that the joy that I experience
will fill your hearts
with overflowing gladness!
(John 15:9-11 TPT)