tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6120644176956743842024-03-27T05:32:56.228-05:00Living as a Victorious Christian WomanLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.comBlogger3620125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-32959698382179764992024-03-27T00:00:00.004-05:002024-03-27T00:00:00.150-05:00Words For Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zN80E57TbVlEkSBhicrb-2B20LNbw9vaBHQcduHwkby66dtcdfHAZ2Nse2q6svJhVdDJhIruZRzXoubduxeqq4-C8790YdZ-O4v8OF7IkWMkr_WS0hksrz9vG396XO_CKIhBj-ep2fD71X0rAD416tEVycWPZm2pFMWAXqhYTqWVsSUxXlLvJyyKZGM/s500/2E1AD722-DF76-47B1-884C-F44417D42C00.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zN80E57TbVlEkSBhicrb-2B20LNbw9vaBHQcduHwkby66dtcdfHAZ2Nse2q6svJhVdDJhIruZRzXoubduxeqq4-C8790YdZ-O4v8OF7IkWMkr_WS0hksrz9vG396XO_CKIhBj-ep2fD71X0rAD416tEVycWPZm2pFMWAXqhYTqWVsSUxXlLvJyyKZGM/w400-h400/2E1AD722-DF76-47B1-884C-F44417D42C00.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-44583637744972930792024-03-26T00:00:00.057-05:002024-03-26T06:48:10.707-05:00Maple Pecan Cookie Cups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCSRqqQToZlgj1zQVHR6RF7o-EE672ABpjy2H_G_PELrEMtYMvhPm5sMIpzRBULFxZLMHK3YWNpSTptf-6I3MeiV6v78eCZj8pEQML9GWSLpT_7NGZGODbjPM7rXDcn-TvK-NPHrlgBcqpLNZ67j452myZuQr3ObE_55kDPL8eB44b038lVi6hS1JDcw/s4032/IMG_2082.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCSRqqQToZlgj1zQVHR6RF7o-EE672ABpjy2H_G_PELrEMtYMvhPm5sMIpzRBULFxZLMHK3YWNpSTptf-6I3MeiV6v78eCZj8pEQML9GWSLpT_7NGZGODbjPM7rXDcn-TvK-NPHrlgBcqpLNZ67j452myZuQr3ObE_55kDPL8eB44b038lVi6hS1JDcw/s320/IMG_2082.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Can a four-ingredient dessert be all that great? Don't you need fancy ingredients and lots of time and energy to make something lovely?<div><br /></div><div>The answers are definitely yes and absolutely not!</div><div><br /></div><div>We always have a variety of nuts in the pantry for baking and snacking. Right now there are seven different kinds, if you count the four flavors of spiced cashews, which I do! How many will you find in your kitchen today?</div><div><br /></div><div>These cookie cups are sweet, decadent treats that satisfy any sweet tooth. If you use pre-cut cookie dough, it makes them even easier. And the filling can change based on your mood at the time, which makes them even better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>1 24-count package of refrigerated cookie dough</div><div>1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped</div><div>1 1/2 cups whipped topping, thawed</div><div>1/4 cup maple syrup</div><div>24 pecan halves</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Place one square of cookie dough in each hole of the muffin tin and press in the middle to make a little cup. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Divide the chopped pecans between the 24 cookie cups.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Bake 16-18 minutes, until the cookie dough has browned. They will crusted on the top and slightly gooey around the pecans. Allow them to cool completely, then carefully turn each cup to remove them from the pan.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Mix the whipped topping and maple syrup in a bowl. Divide the mixture among the cups and top with a pecan half.</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-91564048732338476552024-03-25T00:00:00.001-05:002024-03-25T00:00:00.242-05:00Because He Lives: The Lesson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04RveoHlr1CbR8X_ko8dzRGJ8NAnYcOwG06vvXOo3USym4Wms9Zk6yumUOu2bfdacc3a9mV2tlXA74BhRAPc8150yPAQ3s454Nzvx37pD2NCQGSd1VvNsjAMMipcDwJIgjqn-Izox7LHQMOYLKL-YwYd9eENAX0QedBXJwsUXKo3sc4sJr0woXpagN6k/s3771/IMG_3268.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3771" data-original-width="2854" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04RveoHlr1CbR8X_ko8dzRGJ8NAnYcOwG06vvXOo3USym4Wms9Zk6yumUOu2bfdacc3a9mV2tlXA74BhRAPc8150yPAQ3s454Nzvx37pD2NCQGSd1VvNsjAMMipcDwJIgjqn-Izox7LHQMOYLKL-YwYd9eENAX0QedBXJwsUXKo3sc4sJr0woXpagN6k/s320/IMG_3268.jpeg" width="242" /></a></div>Once again, be careful what you pray for. God's always listening.<div><br /></div><div>A week ago, I sat down to write a multi-day lesson for our youth group's Easter study. Herein lies the quandary - I never want to give teenagers the kindergarten version of Easter, but I also don't want to give a college-sized textbook of detail and commentary. So what's a girl to do?</div><div><br /></div><div>Pray. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yep. I prayed that God would help me study and write this lesson as if I've never taught the story of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. If it wasn't new and exciting to me, it definitely wouldn't be new and interesting to junior high and high school students.</div><div><br /></div><div>Starting in the book of Matthew and harmonizing the last days of Jesus' life, God gave me so much material to work with. I shouldn't be surprised when He answers prayer, but this was above and beyond. Thanks to the inspiration and illumination of the Holy Spirit, my introduction was a full typed page. The difference this time, though, was that the page was filled with many new and interesting details. It made the whole story feel alive and breathing, instead of the same-old-same-old.</div><div><br /></div><div>The youth had a shadowbox craft with multiple layers of paper and cardboard to make the resurrection scene. For each layer, we looked at what each gospel writer wrote on paper and compared the stories. We talked about why some things were the same and some were different (who wrote it, who they were writing to, and whether they were eyewitnesses) and went beyond the little kids' story they've known for years.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you would like a copy of the lesson, including the eight layers of the story, you'll find it <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RtKDmkWWskLXEVC0bnmYzCScG1wTNrqD/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The two crafts are from Oriental Trading, but you can always design or draw your own. Have fun being creative with this lovely lesson on Resurrection Sunday.</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-85496237610666896402024-03-17T00:00:00.001-05:002024-03-17T00:00:00.131-05:00A Sunday Sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijO50CHriLbnHSNZ2yzsUUY61esCTEeYLvNN-RpKAGfuikU5wMzGFqGwUZWr05Kwd44HVFJIgsc8iwPM4J-kHZED8vqwpTtWwd4wzbRP9EBOK9d8yo9VzS7LBGecZ0t7QGqLJPA3PRPXExzsU3Cg-ar8AHP98x34VZ4S_ZhlTWQGS2TeDxtV1RN5J6Dvw/s2001/A225ADDC-FB1E-40DB-B23D-9040AC9A84A4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="2001" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijO50CHriLbnHSNZ2yzsUUY61esCTEeYLvNN-RpKAGfuikU5wMzGFqGwUZWr05Kwd44HVFJIgsc8iwPM4J-kHZED8vqwpTtWwd4wzbRP9EBOK9d8yo9VzS7LBGecZ0t7QGqLJPA3PRPXExzsU3Cg-ar8AHP98x34VZ4S_ZhlTWQGS2TeDxtV1RN5J6Dvw/w400-h286/A225ADDC-FB1E-40DB-B23D-9040AC9A84A4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-8510574210486236802024-03-09T00:00:00.067-06:002024-03-09T07:58:27.979-06:00Easter Tablescape Mixing The Old And The New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMr8SY0zv3voJwr2JCGYxQ0efyCMm53DktabTQBJFOa0NAnYUoB8e6prMVwA3ebpSzCFGBTl6Q-eFZn6Wacb3_bs4Bv2wK7YJV-Cw763NwWiux13mCg5XHU10xww64KPmEV_1FMbMRB1pjYo8VXqK5IbMm45ECil-Z3xZ1qmgd7xchgnlAdstNrE33rRM/s3761/IMG_3124.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2049" data-original-width="3761" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMr8SY0zv3voJwr2JCGYxQ0efyCMm53DktabTQBJFOa0NAnYUoB8e6prMVwA3ebpSzCFGBTl6Q-eFZn6Wacb3_bs4Bv2wK7YJV-Cw763NwWiux13mCg5XHU10xww64KPmEV_1FMbMRB1pjYo8VXqK5IbMm45ECil-Z3xZ1qmgd7xchgnlAdstNrE33rRM/s320/IMG_3124.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm beyond ready for spring. Winter was just weird this year, it was too cold for a couple of weeks, and the year isn't off to the best start. To remedy the situation, I turned our dining room table into a beautiful easter tablescape, and I hope it inspires you to do the same,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7fNO-cn92W9Rk_8Pz9D-dRIuZtDtzyj1fZNT1KPadRZ3i6mEOykPVJtjHUZOtQCbeJupPlHoEMsRuXcWoXbZTQ1F9oCt08FQIwvReflD0AqisaLc3KVmC8k_pfCjWABW0GlYW88rOs6leG-Aoy9A1TVUWDQv0ocRWuRYSDm0McfcIDX0KSZj8HVzDM0/s4032/IMG_3110.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7fNO-cn92W9Rk_8Pz9D-dRIuZtDtzyj1fZNT1KPadRZ3i6mEOykPVJtjHUZOtQCbeJupPlHoEMsRuXcWoXbZTQ1F9oCt08FQIwvReflD0AqisaLc3KVmC8k_pfCjWABW0GlYW88rOs6leG-Aoy9A1TVUWDQv0ocRWuRYSDm0McfcIDX0KSZj8HVzDM0/s320/IMG_3110.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Black labs are optional, but definitely recommended.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExHFiRlOQPKHX0PAhxfwkreDy_L0PO-SSHCzzWOemCq1tRYNYJrtrPCfegUuDByUKS1X_PK2tbqQqb7eNK0Re5BNu-SP3RNo5oLnBo_DbMfQjXOyVxu1qeh94lMFYE-e_CvcLBA3UMNmjGwK9bh-ArR2DO735dErpjaCi4mPlMiQ9QKiZxSj54_i1-Ag/s4032/IMG_3111.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgExHFiRlOQPKHX0PAhxfwkreDy_L0PO-SSHCzzWOemCq1tRYNYJrtrPCfegUuDByUKS1X_PK2tbqQqb7eNK0Re5BNu-SP3RNo5oLnBo_DbMfQjXOyVxu1qeh94lMFYE-e_CvcLBA3UMNmjGwK9bh-ArR2DO735dErpjaCi4mPlMiQ9QKiZxSj54_i1-Ag/s320/IMG_3111.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Start with a table runner that suits your theme. We've used this burlap runner on our Stuff From Trees display table for years, and it fits my spring vibe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNy4SBKvU8Grf_6jge_m8FESAgyXf01ec9DvyCc8O3nkYfZ9sSzknRrWzut9yNWKVCGQMqa1jNaAl8No0ldcPwraq1B5vUfyQhqIufiBO66I1Ut8D_J5c4N7up623ECkAXVplhR4XZCUut2W0nUShreBPfkGHMswSnKzc386cgU9VhZ4G0XU9WQHsRzE/s4032/IMG_3112.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbNy4SBKvU8Grf_6jge_m8FESAgyXf01ec9DvyCc8O3nkYfZ9sSzknRrWzut9yNWKVCGQMqa1jNaAl8No0ldcPwraq1B5vUfyQhqIufiBO66I1Ut8D_J5c4N7up623ECkAXVplhR4XZCUut2W0nUShreBPfkGHMswSnKzc386cgU9VhZ4G0XU9WQHsRzE/s320/IMG_3112.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I found these two garlands in my bulletin board decorations stash and had to cabbage them. I don't remember buying them or putting them there, so it's like Christmas in March!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKYHJpmo20lNWkqKGw3KyEtmjfe2n6joTaRONTDQMVWlbcy06FL7Mgp8DhLPARrrH53REI__rMMFPw4XfIU3KF7wsR1TRdnuGpnasLf1ATJX7D41cwzOhrEk4-X4GpD8cF7vRrYovd93OyG6hldGVAtfPXEY2YQSQwTiRAPEN_oDS7r6zt5SqDTqV3KQ/s4032/IMG_3115.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKYHJpmo20lNWkqKGw3KyEtmjfe2n6joTaRONTDQMVWlbcy06FL7Mgp8DhLPARrrH53REI__rMMFPw4XfIU3KF7wsR1TRdnuGpnasLf1ATJX7D41cwzOhrEk4-X4GpD8cF7vRrYovd93OyG6hldGVAtfPXEY2YQSQwTiRAPEN_oDS7r6zt5SqDTqV3KQ/s320/IMG_3115.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These lead crystal candleholders were in one of my mom's boxes, along with a note that she bought them in Germany. I love their shape and the fact that they're so very pointy. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoJVASRF0bH62viw04xJj-3UTe3VQGTFJHCghwCXtkCdKOFM0-VDz7BuBAE87nr4mniL79dt9FkifWI2sRAf1f_gr62kDmQr5X8-g516BcYi7LQy6S3TbuakAk9YDjYxiobSWX7UOJSud5-nwHgVDNSu-snRNKppwWs7tCV49D-Um8w1hfsEECkzh39Y/s4032/IMG_3116.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEoJVASRF0bH62viw04xJj-3UTe3VQGTFJHCghwCXtkCdKOFM0-VDz7BuBAE87nr4mniL79dt9FkifWI2sRAf1f_gr62kDmQr5X8-g516BcYi7LQy6S3TbuakAk9YDjYxiobSWX7UOJSud5-nwHgVDNSu-snRNKppwWs7tCV49D-Um8w1hfsEECkzh39Y/s320/IMG_3116.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I took apart a stem of green grass left over from another floral project and tucked the pieces into the garland for filler.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEZ4KgKX19DhyphenhyphenDrv9Z9jHNaiIdmEkdbT3llM8Kgilo1OF9-vUmsRGmnBWYYDlR2vqmRemRAFzLZp09H_12_Vw98qgjUUtJrfEbnZ3zhxjU8g_b7Esq-AgAKy1_zWZs7iPo3duV9mP_lrXFw3DG4-Af4w6n2qne3geMGH4OLd1b1PppvLXdQfIU1HvsPI/s4032/IMG_3117.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEZ4KgKX19DhyphenhyphenDrv9Z9jHNaiIdmEkdbT3llM8Kgilo1OF9-vUmsRGmnBWYYDlR2vqmRemRAFzLZp09H_12_Vw98qgjUUtJrfEbnZ3zhxjU8g_b7Esq-AgAKy1_zWZs7iPo3duV9mP_lrXFw3DG4-Af4w6n2qne3geMGH4OLd1b1PppvLXdQfIU1HvsPI/s320/IMG_3117.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These are the easter decorations I grew up with. Some we bought at local craft shows, others were on sale at the store the Monday after easter, and some were gifts picked up along the way. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw25wo5S_xmTKz0QQp7aarr-cTlS1LMAbRfhNJ44qMeejpfmCXBy_PiW7nRk60UI_AHJUnI8XQnQTCDSwgtJmkjKJEBLpwTUSfkxQG6vLTvqYWNuNd2JeaRmaoS7c2qU8GKRDWV5htlEjWamvOs4KNYnDmZjGivxsRm8i6uwhvh51i5VhB3bygyvIal2A/s4032/IMG_3118.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw25wo5S_xmTKz0QQp7aarr-cTlS1LMAbRfhNJ44qMeejpfmCXBy_PiW7nRk60UI_AHJUnI8XQnQTCDSwgtJmkjKJEBLpwTUSfkxQG6vLTvqYWNuNd2JeaRmaoS7c2qU8GKRDWV5htlEjWamvOs4KNYnDmZjGivxsRm8i6uwhvh51i5VhB3bygyvIal2A/s320/IMG_3118.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This one has traumatized me for decades, as it looks directly into my soul. I love it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlALASZmpunFPljKeEaZ0y2Q0BE7VHs5xSq_oEkOqLu0TNDy4qoOUtau-0VVaPiFjJ-uuM8kVplPecEp7OD3w6fCjBQXbF0UlIafcTaTLNHnhQYH4JMy9yMUOPKji4issCjDN31FFe9LT_foVLjIEwwl-AM2NN-oVvetg7aSciyqwod-MED4UBgPRaiU/s4032/IMG_3120.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlALASZmpunFPljKeEaZ0y2Q0BE7VHs5xSq_oEkOqLu0TNDy4qoOUtau-0VVaPiFjJ-uuM8kVplPecEp7OD3w6fCjBQXbF0UlIafcTaTLNHnhQYH4JMy9yMUOPKji4issCjDN31FFe9LT_foVLjIEwwl-AM2NN-oVvetg7aSciyqwod-MED4UBgPRaiU/s320/IMG_3120.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlALASZmpunFPljKeEaZ0y2Q0BE7VHs5xSq_oEkOqLu0TNDy4qoOUtau-0VVaPiFjJ-uuM8kVplPecEp7OD3w6fCjBQXbF0UlIafcTaTLNHnhQYH4JMy9yMUOPKji4issCjDN31FFe9LT_foVLjIEwwl-AM2NN-oVvetg7aSciyqwod-MED4UBgPRaiU/s4032/IMG_3120.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Retro decorations are in style for all occasions right now, so I'm rockin' the old-school stuff. I think these honeycomb animals and eggs are older than I am, and they still make me smile. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAujz2p6TDktEIjsTEybbCmrMyd4IpPa6WdpRjP3lj027Zr1-5scoHpdtujF6BZm4AAXDZKupscyExWwRADw9sZMtnqLi4vb6YcTJUdEQ0NLB5QQCPlNFJzVG38GywPLjvIz1VoMkyeFNJw_ADMVQp73KMV6wfEkBOMJA8KK63-aSNCZyCvK84ri9hJxM/s4032/IMG_3122.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAujz2p6TDktEIjsTEybbCmrMyd4IpPa6WdpRjP3lj027Zr1-5scoHpdtujF6BZm4AAXDZKupscyExWwRADw9sZMtnqLi4vb6YcTJUdEQ0NLB5QQCPlNFJzVG38GywPLjvIz1VoMkyeFNJw_ADMVQp73KMV6wfEkBOMJA8KK63-aSNCZyCvK84ri9hJxM/s320/IMG_3122.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Scatter and random are two words I don't do well with, but they definitely worked for this tablescape. I'm more of a centered, even, all-in-a-line design girl, but this layout turned out so pretty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJeTqoqLvsGh-POzvhKGh9FZqNZ1NuKVp6KJwnVU_FaUKKS2wtz_hTdIEwxkx3dFxthlQgThsVPcOOmG3nr9FZXMH1_H-xiZS-BAN8H4BmCiCU4ItifLa3s6xs9dfwuuRcU65rvZXy-0qAXaVt4tpA2HRhQxunTDN-sUgh_1h8jtjGh4z2kXQ_bP_wEw/s4032/IMG_3123.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJeTqoqLvsGh-POzvhKGh9FZqNZ1NuKVp6KJwnVU_FaUKKS2wtz_hTdIEwxkx3dFxthlQgThsVPcOOmG3nr9FZXMH1_H-xiZS-BAN8H4BmCiCU4ItifLa3s6xs9dfwuuRcU65rvZXy-0qAXaVt4tpA2HRhQxunTDN-sUgh_1h8jtjGh4z2kXQ_bP_wEw/s320/IMG_3123.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Do you have favorite easter decorations that always come out each spring? What do you already have that could be matched up with some new-school pieces to create a new spring vibe?</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-24550130475692919012024-03-08T00:00:00.067-06:002024-03-08T08:12:47.028-06:00God, The Master Planner<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_1_45_5"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dEXDO6Mf2149jWj1-9t1gxlVVQm-J6gb7auRTpo9HBfLT_Fbf3ddPGostHlqWce8d9tpTmyRUE30vFXKtBqYG5hN7hHqWzuzZd-g3WQbglYSkOt5zWZBxoCAYbnjubEFa3nekK6npJd-PQmnTflU1NP-zsOCOnJ33OKHXBqAp7hn89KDjrQPA_XdEkU/s500/F898A8A7-A282-4530-BF33-B0DC365F0C17.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dEXDO6Mf2149jWj1-9t1gxlVVQm-J6gb7auRTpo9HBfLT_Fbf3ddPGostHlqWce8d9tpTmyRUE30vFXKtBqYG5hN7hHqWzuzZd-g3WQbglYSkOt5zWZBxoCAYbnjubEFa3nekK6npJd-PQmnTflU1NP-zsOCOnJ33OKHXBqAp7hn89KDjrQPA_XdEkU/s320/F898A8A7-A282-4530-BF33-B0DC365F0C17.png" width="320" /></a></div>In January 2023, our youth group began a chronological study of the Bible. After 13 months, with a side trip to Job to follow the Bible's timeline, we studied through Genesis 36. That dropped us on the doorstep of Joseph, a teenager no older than some of our youth. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_1_45_5"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_1_45_5">In a matter of weeks, we've talked about some of the major themes in Joseph's story: fratricide, passive parents, jealousy, anger, God's presence, the Master's plan for our lives, and resisting temptation. We've really been digging into the deep topics, getting away from the kindergarten and Hollywood versions of the story. These are the issues our teens are dealing with right this minute in their own lives, and we want to show them how the Bible is full of truths that apply to the here and now.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_1_45_5"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_1_45_5">So I wasn't surprised when the Lord gave me a nugget for my own struggles smack dab in the middle of a lesson for teenagers. He's good like that.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_1_45_5"><br /></span><span class="highlight_1_45_5" style="font-style: italic;">Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">For these two years</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">hath</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">the famine</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">been</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">in the land: and yet</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">there are</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">five years, in the which</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">there shall</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">neither</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">be</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">earing nor harvest. </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">So now</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">it was</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">not you</span><span style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic; text-align: initial;">that</span><span style="text-align: initial;"><i> sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. </i>Genesis 45:5-8</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;">The question that was planted in my heart as we studied this chapter was, who am I to question God's perfect timing? He has my life planned out to the moment, all the ups and downs and ins and outs. He has designed every breath I take for His glory and my good. So who am I to fight against the pull of the Holy Spirit?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;">I don't have to know the plan to trust the Planner.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;">This is a hard one for me because I am a planner myself, just on a much smaller scale. I have notes and lists and notes about what's on the lists and lists detailing my notes. But my plans pale in comparison to what God has arranged for me.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">And God sent me before you...</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;">If you can imagine it, which I'm not sure I can, He knows the exact path of our entire life. From the beginning of time, He has the perfect timeline to use us to our full potential and accomplish His purpose. He knows the journey, He knows the roadblocks and stumbling blocks, and He knows where the heartaches will come. And He already has a plan for offering us the peace and comfort we need in those heartbreaking moments.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;">God sees His entire plan from beginning to end.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;">I do not.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;">Let's read that again. I do not know God plan for humanity from beginning to end. Everything in this moment of time is exactly as God has made it. Life is happening in the way He has appointed it to, not as it appears to my blurry eyes and finite mind.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;">And that truth should be a relief to each and every one of us. What a beautiful burden to not carry! I don't have to know the future because the God of the universe has already been there and taken care of me. The difficult moment, joyful moment, aching moment, or peaceful moment I'm in today is preparing me for what's going to come next. It hurts, but if the pain has a God-designed purpose, I don't want to miss out on it.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: initial;">Thank You, Lord, for Your perfect timing. Please give me Your peace and comfort as I trust Your plan.</span></span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-87883592032916982112024-03-07T00:00:00.037-06:002024-03-07T00:00:00.354-06:00I'm Not Lucky, God Has Blessed Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8oZ3AM8B-mpXRxjdhypyKz2Ie2S4IYzwbtz09Vx1Gb2JFapAL7kKB5T4udOxntz3Z0ocgILr9p5mzeQqmxfTC9nNWuEDQpPr3s4ouONkyh8C2VxYziAqJJOH6nXPeSFZdm7m2SDAslgLrOnvHFhcbHqMzFekGp-sES5TaIr1aYZ3CuEbQanqA0DXhWw/s3774/IMG_3094.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2305" data-original-width="3774" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8oZ3AM8B-mpXRxjdhypyKz2Ie2S4IYzwbtz09Vx1Gb2JFapAL7kKB5T4udOxntz3Z0ocgILr9p5mzeQqmxfTC9nNWuEDQpPr3s4ouONkyh8C2VxYziAqJJOH6nXPeSFZdm7m2SDAslgLrOnvHFhcbHqMzFekGp-sES5TaIr1aYZ3CuEbQanqA0DXhWw/s320/IMG_3094.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My life has absolutely nothing to do with luck. My God has blessed me every step of the way, and that's the message I wanted to convey on our church bulletin board. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM0pn6iJ42m6cziwjI32083PnQ864vpYQgyfF1dKFfSXNqjDHsggqDKbbi-fUSa4ust3RyoAwZZOiqSbCOhLkobDRg0RN7xKMeqE2L2NWmbATIYZFKJd50xdR88FSWwIeB3xeUn8N5DIzNqXODsakBJDzWa7rytYz2B03rMddfu3ZzQHlFy4LLeRJuNA/s4032/IMG_3095.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM0pn6iJ42m6cziwjI32083PnQ864vpYQgyfF1dKFfSXNqjDHsggqDKbbi-fUSa4ust3RyoAwZZOiqSbCOhLkobDRg0RN7xKMeqE2L2NWmbATIYZFKJd50xdR88FSWwIeB3xeUn8N5DIzNqXODsakBJDzWa7rytYz2B03rMddfu3ZzQHlFy4LLeRJuNA/s320/IMG_3095.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't been able to find posterboard letters that I like lately, so I printed my own on card stock and cut them out. Word programs these days have so many free fonts that it's easy to find the good ones.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82q-jBbxh89Sq9_fu1FL9O-Zlz4HOo3sDCogwC-QDp79B31NjNA9zcbYtupASxMkTRaQ21mK5jawVBnsTln6W6xS0rWX_EHVrPmgNsHhhYiHlnpiOC6BtcQK0EEFSvaBLo0pdNCbIXWSxq2DxLqjXUnwakWAVfGjllzszjPkEw7wBFx2ikvyH3IGGml0/s4032/IMG_3096.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82q-jBbxh89Sq9_fu1FL9O-Zlz4HOo3sDCogwC-QDp79B31NjNA9zcbYtupASxMkTRaQ21mK5jawVBnsTln6W6xS0rWX_EHVrPmgNsHhhYiHlnpiOC6BtcQK0EEFSvaBLo0pdNCbIXWSxq2DxLqjXUnwakWAVfGjllzszjPkEw7wBFx2ikvyH3IGGml0/s320/IMG_3096.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The shamrocks were also printed on card stock, and the foam table scatter was attached with yellow sewing pins. This way they not only have a 3D effect, but they spin. My thanks to one of our little girls who figured that out for me! It was fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjubDqxb2vQgxUU86NqMIB1MFgDymiuorrDT2M5F0Pq78OWLQeEPf85HA3FIAfsSBCmSRIKDEAJnywqLkc2X2FfnjY9LSZuHtv5pVC05W90_IUx45poz6GDw4sDw-ervUI__mkQdTk4jt2_gvle964HRlPElLaLOv43Nil0XeOk6kIfIhZvQARc12vjA/s4032/IMG_3097.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjubDqxb2vQgxUU86NqMIB1MFgDymiuorrDT2M5F0Pq78OWLQeEPf85HA3FIAfsSBCmSRIKDEAJnywqLkc2X2FfnjY9LSZuHtv5pVC05W90_IUx45poz6GDw4sDw-ervUI__mkQdTk4jt2_gvle964HRlPElLaLOv43Nil0XeOk6kIfIhZvQARc12vjA/s320/IMG_3097.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Instead of just stapling or pinning the shamrocks to the pot of gold, I taped them to lollipop sticks and tucked them in behind the gold. Three staples on the sides and bottom of the pot leave the top open for tucking in the sticks. I love the way they look like they're trying to escape.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs9E9QF5hXB9gtvpOOD9KQWamhjSaSJjTFT1DwrdTBbvn-7OtEzwZ2PYiBaUCS0RiuaWsiN4jsg7T5xDPY01wieySDJdySjei8FvgbCKJBJbVOoHLXQht2A8POW0e28fGW2PKfkhlBZ9ZebIRQ20Dt3D2io-CKgPkhFW2anreZHB-sEzP66u7hIE37Xk/s4032/IMG_3098.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGs9E9QF5hXB9gtvpOOD9KQWamhjSaSJjTFT1DwrdTBbvn-7OtEzwZ2PYiBaUCS0RiuaWsiN4jsg7T5xDPY01wieySDJdySjei8FvgbCKJBJbVOoHLXQht2A8POW0e28fGW2PKfkhlBZ9ZebIRQ20Dt3D2io-CKgPkhFW2anreZHB-sEzP66u7hIE37Xk/s320/IMG_3098.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are two different garlands - one for the whole border and one to drape across the top to hang down the side. If you look closely, there's also some beaded garlands layered in there. One can never have too many garlands, or so they say. It's the little touches that make this project so much fun. How are you showing that you're blessed, not lucky, this month?</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-37135682484735052882024-03-06T00:00:00.001-06:002024-03-06T00:00:00.356-06:00Words For Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U8Gs36jvyuevaJrdADzW8G6eFH0pIT4z-cQcRn8RlvVvpVNCVcMcES80J0gkVRxhYY388Ke5qnNzf2azb5W3Igubu8_FtVg097bR2et6fvNPswrMUKgglY5csMdvbWpj4Npqak3oKjQjzwGpg9ZzuRjBRjQyAoqVAq7g1NiiZH6y-ynbw-KXR7gvaz8/s2304/But%20cleave%20unto%20the%20LORD%20your%20God,%20as%20ye%20have%20done%20unto%20this%20day..jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="1728" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_U8Gs36jvyuevaJrdADzW8G6eFH0pIT4z-cQcRn8RlvVvpVNCVcMcES80J0gkVRxhYY388Ke5qnNzf2azb5W3Igubu8_FtVg097bR2et6fvNPswrMUKgglY5csMdvbWpj4Npqak3oKjQjzwGpg9ZzuRjBRjQyAoqVAq7g1NiiZH6y-ynbw-KXR7gvaz8/w300-h400/But%20cleave%20unto%20the%20LORD%20your%20God,%20as%20ye%20have%20done%20unto%20this%20day..jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-23096725672691148082024-03-05T00:00:00.013-06:002024-03-05T00:00:00.247-06:00Chewy And Crunchy Pecan Pie Bars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCqaPvZZgfuxKDPVtTRZvJKrBqyosHDwsa2Vi3e6Tv2jngEYrm9_WrXyONUwHCAg9e0-XfLxNmfFJTUj3bun-2mSpL3WXGljOmIz9clTVXjcM086VQcUCgB5ebYexzyhOm8QNq2rmGnPgpaydnCFsj3h_yJ2wY4qOMkLi4IvZNJctb5Qwc6G7Psxzu1s/s4032/IMG_2506.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdCqaPvZZgfuxKDPVtTRZvJKrBqyosHDwsa2Vi3e6Tv2jngEYrm9_WrXyONUwHCAg9e0-XfLxNmfFJTUj3bun-2mSpL3WXGljOmIz9clTVXjcM086VQcUCgB5ebYexzyhOm8QNq2rmGnPgpaydnCFsj3h_yJ2wY4qOMkLi4IvZNJctb5Qwc6G7Psxzu1s/s320/IMG_2506.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>It's amazing how many different recipes and creations you can use a 13x9-inch baking dish for. As much as I love a good, savory dish, I'll experiment with sweets all day long!<div><br /></div><div>These bars are a perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy all in one bite. My recommendation is making a double batch so you can ... sample it before sharing it. Yep, that's what I'm going with.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div>Crust:</div><div>2/3 cup sugar</div><div>1/2 cup butter, softened</div><div>1 tsp vanilla</div><div>1 1/2 cups flour</div><div>Filling:</div><div>2/3 cup brown sugar, packed</div><div>1/2 cup corn syrup</div><div>1 tsp vanilla</div><div>1/4 tsp salt</div><div>3 eggs</div><div>1 cup coarsely chopped pecans</div><div>1 cup chocolate chips, melted</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, and vanilla. Stir in flour to make dough for the crust. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Press dough into the bottom of the baking dish, pushing it up about an inch on the sides.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes. The edges will brown slightly.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. In a separate bowl, beat brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, salt, and eggs. Stir in pecans.</div><div><br /></div><div>6. Pour the filling into the dish when the crust is ready. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set.</div><div><br /></div><div>7. Remove to a cooling rack. While still warm, run a knife around the edges to loosen them. Cool completely.</div><div><br /></div><div>8. Cut the dessert into bars and drizzle or dip each piece in melted chocolate chips. Serve when chocolate has cooled and hardened.</div></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-16840359852450012722024-03-04T00:00:00.001-06:002024-03-04T00:00:00.240-06:00Clinging To Scripture In Difficult Times<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QSdK56ZX-lC7LFC-eILXTkKBr1Ked4G6-lGuyMPvTYGJDc6A5kMAEz_G6cVPnW6-P02oMWWkEIqg7NrCcD-Ek1sissohLdMPdzRNswXWy_XYeRTRq5kSETIWXPd33FFni388_FMmMGfHcJCPmNxmtUm9YTsa-Vyf9FWYQy4MxHtGOFsf2be85yxcvhc/s4032/IMG_3100.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QSdK56ZX-lC7LFC-eILXTkKBr1Ked4G6-lGuyMPvTYGJDc6A5kMAEz_G6cVPnW6-P02oMWWkEIqg7NrCcD-Ek1sissohLdMPdzRNswXWy_XYeRTRq5kSETIWXPd33FFni388_FMmMGfHcJCPmNxmtUm9YTsa-Vyf9FWYQy4MxHtGOFsf2be85yxcvhc/s320/IMG_3100.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>God's word is so amazing.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;">I had no idea that the Scripture used in our church's Sunday service last weekend would affect my heart so deeply this week. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;">I had no idea how I would cling to the words God gave King David thousands of years ago.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;">And I had no idea that my mom would pass away the day after I studied these verses from Psalm 19.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;">The law of the LORD</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="gra" style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;">is</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;"> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;">perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;"> </span><span class="gra" style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;">is</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;"> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); text-align: initial;">sure, making wise the simple. </span></span><span class="highlight_19_19_8">The statutes of the LORD <span class="gra">are</span> right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD <span class="gra">is</span> pure, enlightening the eyes. </span><span class="highlight_19_19_9">The fear of the LORD <span class="gra">is</span> clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD <span class="gra">are </span>true <span class="gra">and</span> righteous altogether. </span><span class="highlight_19_19_10">More to be desired <span class="gra">are they</span> than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. </span></i><span class="highlight_19_19_11"><i>Moreover by them is thy servant warned: <span class="gra">and</span> in keeping of them <span class="gra">there is</span> great reward. </i>Psalm 19:7-11</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11">My heart is broken and raw, but Scripture is the salve I need to heal. God's word is the comfort I need when I'm absolutely aching. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11">David simply echoes what's going through my mind today.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11">I believe the word of the Lord is perfect.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11">I know that all the wisdom I need for this terrible time is found there.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11">I know that when I read it, it will always bring my focus back to Him.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11">I know that regardless of my circumstances, His word will soothe my heart.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11">I believe, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the answers I need right now are found in Scripture.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="highlight_19_19_11">I know that when I hurt, I will find peace in the word of God.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever you're going through today, Scripture has the answer. Our merciful heavenly Father has filled our Bibles with everything we need for today, tomorrow, and the rest of our earthly lives. And when we're living with Him for all eternity, we'll have the mind of Christ and understand just how perfect His word is.</div><div><br /></div><div>So let's dig in.</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-27010882434273776432024-01-06T00:00:00.055-06:002024-01-06T00:00:00.260-06:00How The Puppies Celebrated The Holiday Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7v2GyXDoAJtghLuiCunqKB0pE4bm4fPVIrg01z70-3ah_ZK6HL6WBczgYun0xo_gqunP82yp_mbSkTdkmf5BYE441t6F3gxGKzu4QqaSF8KxOLCvsAhpm64uyWF2q1FpoRK7uMmcxPFv0sVDOP5CLc91WoYvMvZTuUitCKpPKGQt6S-mVzoDis6aALHI/s4032/IMG_2394.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7v2GyXDoAJtghLuiCunqKB0pE4bm4fPVIrg01z70-3ah_ZK6HL6WBczgYun0xo_gqunP82yp_mbSkTdkmf5BYE441t6F3gxGKzu4QqaSF8KxOLCvsAhpm64uyWF2q1FpoRK7uMmcxPFv0sVDOP5CLc91WoYvMvZTuUitCKpPKGQt6S-mVzoDis6aALHI/s320/IMG_2394.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been quite a while since the puppies were featured here, and I just have to share their holiday celebrations with you. They slept (like Parker is here), they ate, they played, they napped, they pulled the tree skirt out from under the tree, and they barked at wildlife through the window. The end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWapK06lzsGjNmLABlBAfuodb2UWbPPHWzEevv3FPUesbH3rGtx5fflzl_HQF5a6HGRaL2YxEFW7KZyJogJdcWjIt59S4Ub7xeV-WG6RAgcV7tC6cT4hzdFvegTVsthgnHKdhyxWOpdVbHoArHlpIY2-BeYXZA1W9VRn5Z5NNJl4CaG-NIh3R5dwcbkM/s4032/IMG_2153.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWapK06lzsGjNmLABlBAfuodb2UWbPPHWzEevv3FPUesbH3rGtx5fflzl_HQF5a6HGRaL2YxEFW7KZyJogJdcWjIt59S4Ub7xeV-WG6RAgcV7tC6cT4hzdFvegTVsthgnHKdhyxWOpdVbHoArHlpIY2-BeYXZA1W9VRn5Z5NNJl4CaG-NIh3R5dwcbkM/s320/IMG_2153.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, they also rearranged their blankets multiple times a day. They were pretty busy with that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKG1SfdxlPpeJfeAko2hs7VyPR1HOxs_ldiZ5Cqvp4QJnj2q304UFhhQL5cBUE7SLTA5_hpaLLtRsBWpgkrkjCVTlUi6xCdcldhqkV-CcND6pOEMwLCIe8a1lgaSJX3eggkLCrVCuvhKaMU5tqnGJn0ZbYSYvgdV2HBPv2PxxlxYG92SsMmjQlv52A2Q/s4032/IMG_2599.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQKG1SfdxlPpeJfeAko2hs7VyPR1HOxs_ldiZ5Cqvp4QJnj2q304UFhhQL5cBUE7SLTA5_hpaLLtRsBWpgkrkjCVTlUi6xCdcldhqkV-CcND6pOEMwLCIe8a1lgaSJX3eggkLCrVCuvhKaMU5tqnGJn0ZbYSYvgdV2HBPv2PxxlxYG92SsMmjQlv52A2Q/s320/IMG_2599.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then they had to take a nap to recover. Lined up. In the sunshine. You understand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5Ka6xPPmtP35MvAWlcBL5yrlqmJwXcmb7jac7L1wXVG7Eupp7xNoCVgArh1i4wPOkmMxhiI1TnsEE9mv3H7mJhlzs40R2zto5eSs8NiLsv6KHudROY3b2JaNrNCV_0b83OxbA3WdLuvVQxoG0IWC_dlqIdoEWyUTRYn-PYBu3VRBuPp9lIaztS37CgA/s4032/IMG_2435.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5Ka6xPPmtP35MvAWlcBL5yrlqmJwXcmb7jac7L1wXVG7Eupp7xNoCVgArh1i4wPOkmMxhiI1TnsEE9mv3H7mJhlzs40R2zto5eSs8NiLsv6KHudROY3b2JaNrNCV_0b83OxbA3WdLuvVQxoG0IWC_dlqIdoEWyUTRYn-PYBu3VRBuPp9lIaztS37CgA/s320/IMG_2435.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And sometimes they didn't even make it to the floor. Their schedule was so exhausting that they fell asleep right where they were. Diesel usually chooses to doze with his chin on the couch. Just his chin, though, because puppies aren't allowed on the couch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyv3x35C2kK4kTWanOu65aj1u2WiQdIBa-IGP7Dan9mX6rYJBGN8SLPyrpuGaQEWMsxQOUh3skkQb606d2_P1j2C4YJqrHJZgi4_Rfzry4XjEpqbD_pmK6bzNkNVLqatmV6U3hD350CGkvGw6Vcaby8V4Z6-bjm6z9RX04gwJuD5kxZms3k2SkwUzSNDI/s4032/IMG_2521.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyv3x35C2kK4kTWanOu65aj1u2WiQdIBa-IGP7Dan9mX6rYJBGN8SLPyrpuGaQEWMsxQOUh3skkQb606d2_P1j2C4YJqrHJZgi4_Rfzry4XjEpqbD_pmK6bzNkNVLqatmV6U3hD350CGkvGw6Vcaby8V4Z6-bjm6z9RX04gwJuD5kxZms3k2SkwUzSNDI/s320/IMG_2521.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But don't tell Molly that. She sleeps like this every evening, making sure she can keep an eye on me. Doesn't her graying fur make her look so distinguished? She turned 10 in November, and she'll always be the four-legged love of my life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBrIIJGfej1WLIhg0cVGHnNZeBKBuIIrPeXDkKWF7Yb0LqoIKP7j8pSyhILELFEnIEXbLKpt1SWovYp1bQgfrRVbybFfWDtczRiOVBqCMPe6FKGXlc_6esZHUPkvpiK3IeJAa9UM0RyPrWQn4sztJzBykRfnz60SeG3iKM-Mbq1Os7tIk4zv0lkvf7c0/s4032/IMG_2587.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizBrIIJGfej1WLIhg0cVGHnNZeBKBuIIrPeXDkKWF7Yb0LqoIKP7j8pSyhILELFEnIEXbLKpt1SWovYp1bQgfrRVbybFfWDtczRiOVBqCMPe6FKGXlc_6esZHUPkvpiK3IeJAa9UM0RyPrWQn4sztJzBykRfnz60SeG3iKM-Mbq1Os7tIk4zv0lkvf7c0/s320/IMG_2587.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a ruff life being a puppy, especially as we transition from one year to the next. We all six stayed up until midnight and welcomed 2024. And the holiday celebration ended with a puppy puddle at the end of the day. They all try to be as close to each other as possible, and it's the cutest thing I've ever seen. Hopefully they'll stay this sweet in the year to come.</div><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-64854441633288572062024-01-05T00:00:00.001-06:002024-01-05T20:29:26.004-06:00Trusting That God's Way Is Always Higher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGQn3-7wkurOu_CfFznAGLjALGPJKSaPoK0-fwtucRrXpu0lRSanIglMKEyw4IKzpk1tLDf_3AqDbyjuzDXM_16UQgWESAUwiyc_oNakO_W4cKVFB61-vthRY0UDCt0cwBajtvf2haFuddOjOUTyVD23-2qOIBl0T4qdKSDWXvVNIfIR_ufiQX0uihF8/s2000/the%2016th%20annual%20ascot.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="2000" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGQn3-7wkurOu_CfFznAGLjALGPJKSaPoK0-fwtucRrXpu0lRSanIglMKEyw4IKzpk1tLDf_3AqDbyjuzDXM_16UQgWESAUwiyc_oNakO_W4cKVFB61-vthRY0UDCt0cwBajtvf2haFuddOjOUTyVD23-2qOIBl0T4qdKSDWXvVNIfIR_ufiQX0uihF8/s320/the%2016th%20annual%20ascot.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Danny and I have always said that we study Scripture for our own personal growth, we just let the youth group listen in while we talk about what we've learned. We pray every week that the teens will get something out of what we teach, and if it's even a fraction of how we're affected by God's word, then He will do the work in their hearts. He is definitely working in ours.<div><br /></div><div>That's exactly what happened to me this week in our Wednesday night meeting. We were talking about how to trust God, even in the hard times, every day for an entire year. It seems daunting, this trusting God completely. It's easy to question, to doubt, to wonder what's really going on when you're knee-deep in troubles and trials. But to trust God no matter what? It sounds like a church phrase that we say without thinking.</div><div><br /></div><div>NASA says that the sun is 93 million miles away from the earth. It would take the fastest rocket ever designed around 100 days to get there. That's really difficult to wrap my brain around, especially when I have no depth perception whatsoever. But beyond that, it would take that same rocket more than 7,000 years to fly to the next closest star. That noise you just heard was my brain on overload.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is practical, scientific data. It's trying to put into perspective a concept of distance, time, and relativity all into one astronomy lesson.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until you add Scripture to it. </div><div><br /></div><div><i>For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. </i>Isaiah 55:9</div><div><br /></div><div>While I'm busy thinking about rockets and stars and measuring time and distance, God speaks through His word. 93 million miles and another 7,000 years diminish to a tiny blip on the radar when I place them next to the ways and thoughts of God. He exists outside time and space. He is so far above all I can comprehend that He can see my past, my present, and my future all at once.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everything that I have done, am doing now, and will do in the future has already gone through the filtering hands of God. In the beginning, God. He's walked behind me, stood beside me, and gone ahead to prepare the way for me ... all at the same time. No one but God is capable of that.</div><div><br /></div><div>And this same God is asking me to trust Him. Trust Him today, trust Him with my future, and trust Him to guide me all along the way, until I can spend eternity in heaven with Him. He's done all the heavy lifting. All I have to do is trust.</div><div><br /></div><div>All I wanted this week was to celebrate the New Year with our teens. I wanted to encourage them to trust God above all else, for the next 366 days, since it's a Leap Year. But I was the one who found encouragement in that lesson. I may be struggling today, but I still have to trust God that He is preparing something for me. Or He's simply preparing me for something. Either way, He wants to see me rest in Him, take that next step that He's calling me to, and come out the other side praising Him for the victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't wait to see how He's going to move in 2024. How about you?</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-70743146646350830242024-01-04T00:00:00.143-06:002024-01-05T19:54:30.684-06:00Cranberry Wild Rice Bake With Blackened Chicken<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuSm0Tp7L9u4RQ6CcIjSdCwRkQt9ek07UPiIw5qggfBAaFIqxV4dIfiMvK-dwmqUZtNv5y9_pWJKP9BfpS7yLC3MAHHYFD7EpPzQ0CaubYVCvocHVgbtMf64lANg3mmTgsF7xirHcXKWMG-8ert3HSXhsLJwp7SN3yhwjun2AeEpy1h38DFQaeGbEKcc/s3870/IMG_2049.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2922" data-original-width="3870" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGuSm0Tp7L9u4RQ6CcIjSdCwRkQt9ek07UPiIw5qggfBAaFIqxV4dIfiMvK-dwmqUZtNv5y9_pWJKP9BfpS7yLC3MAHHYFD7EpPzQ0CaubYVCvocHVgbtMf64lANg3mmTgsF7xirHcXKWMG-8ert3HSXhsLJwp7SN3yhwjun2AeEpy1h38DFQaeGbEKcc/w400-h303/IMG_2049.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I've never had this happen before. I found a bag of dried cranberries in the pantry. I don't remember buying dried cranberries. The expiration date is a couple of years down the road, so I must have bought them recently. </p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So what do you do when you unexpectedly find dried cranberries? Combine them with wild rice to make a delicious side dish, of course! Go see if you have any secret cranberries in your pantry, and let's get started.</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ingredients:</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 cup uncooked wild rice</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3 Tbsp minced garlic</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 cup dried cranberries</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 tablespoon butter</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1/2 cup chopped onion</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1 cup sliced mushrooms</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2 1/2 cups chicken broth</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2 Tbsp olive oil</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">6-8 boneless, skinless chicken tenders</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Blackening seasoning</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. Rinse rice according to package directions.</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. Heat wild rice and water to boiling in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes and drain.</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and mushrooms to the butter, stirring</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">occasionally, until the onion is tender. Mix the wild rice and onion mixture in the baking dish.</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">5. In a separate bowl, combine the broth, salt, and garlic. Pour this mixture over the rice.</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 75 minutes. Stir in the cranberries, cover, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">7. While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Rinse the chicken, pat it dry, and coat both sides in blackening seasoning.</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">8. When the oil is hot, cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side. The blackening seasoning will get crusty and yummy. Don't overcook the tenders, or the seasoning will begin to smoke and fall apart.</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">9. Serve the chicken on a bed of cranberry wild rice bake in your favorite bowl.</p></div><div><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-5264658548549857162024-01-03T00:00:00.011-06:002024-01-03T00:00:00.124-06:00Words For Wednesday<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AureD3BSoYwFSua2vAcVHcFrid6gQBezzVrFXMRLrcKrWadP4vfUbJpB3D7G9ggteN9-sjN4fyLNyiCxKF0Er3aYsnMr5snuYJesp8UnEoIwIz0XipyJg5Q2sCnhPMQdKca0883ebrzyPNw6_BSX0g003bmgWyYg53rNjVXF4S6NrvP059kqToXNeQQ/s2304/Is%20anything%20too%20hard%20for%20the%20Lord.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AureD3BSoYwFSua2vAcVHcFrid6gQBezzVrFXMRLrcKrWadP4vfUbJpB3D7G9ggteN9-sjN4fyLNyiCxKF0Er3aYsnMr5snuYJesp8UnEoIwIz0XipyJg5Q2sCnhPMQdKca0883ebrzyPNw6_BSX0g003bmgWyYg53rNjVXF4S6NrvP059kqToXNeQQ/w400-h300/Is%20anything%20too%20hard%20for%20the%20Lord.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-33765186200065800632024-01-02T00:00:00.071-06:002024-01-02T00:00:00.135-06:00My Favorite Books Of 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4m6gDS8Xz06r_Dxm8MeVHcywrNr06_FsjBnt42PVScd4FenZrTAKOYw1hkDyymkYn8Oy56-Djpw8NlM9IMD0olICIPwxLlyeZ_YdKvsPpBR1kanXz5Lln_ANbMi5iqYQuxiKokmmX5Nv9kWh2gtr57spUCkpoliYKavoFLY-bUkNrYg64UJPV8CQu5Pk/s3432/IMG_2595.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3432" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4m6gDS8Xz06r_Dxm8MeVHcywrNr06_FsjBnt42PVScd4FenZrTAKOYw1hkDyymkYn8Oy56-Djpw8NlM9IMD0olICIPwxLlyeZ_YdKvsPpBR1kanXz5Lln_ANbMi5iqYQuxiKokmmX5Nv9kWh2gtr57spUCkpoliYKavoFLY-bUkNrYg64UJPV8CQu5Pk/s320/IMG_2595.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I always feel terrible when I write about my favorite books. I've read so many books this year, and it feels like I'm telling the other dozens that they're not as good. But they were! They'll just have to understand, I suppose.<div><br /></div><div>The most exciting thing I learned in 2023 was that I love history. I've never even liked history. All through school, I felt like I had to learn names and dates about a bunch of made-up events. History didn't seem real, even after our eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C. It just wasn't interesting, so I didn't care. Until this year. I've read so many history books in the past 12 months, probably more than I've read since high school. And a large section of my TBR bookshelf is about history topics, so get ready!</div><div><br /></div><div>My favorite history book of the year was Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer. It's written as a novel, keeping with the historical timeline of those days in April 1865. It is filled with details I don't ever remember hearing before, and they're presented in story form in such a riveting way. I think it took me only two or three days to read this one because I couldn't put it down.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the opposite end of the historical spectrum, the humorous Dave Barry Slept Here, A Sort of History of the United States is absolutely hysterical. I'm a huge Dave Barry fan - The Book of Bad Songs is an all-time personal favorite - and this history "text" didn't disappoint. Instead of remembering all those dates, everything happens on October 8, and the discussion questions at the end of each chapter set up some great jokes of their own. I may have to read this one every year just to get a good laugh.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've really wanted to grow in my professional and leadership skills, and there are so many good books about cultivating your work life. Two of my favorites this year were John C. Maxwell's Leadership: Promises for Every Day (a devotional that I'm still reading through into 2024), and Captain D. Michael Abrashoff's It's Your Ship (yes, this Army wife read a Navy book, but it's ok). I readily admit that I have so much to learn about succeeding in business and leading others, so I soaked up these books like sponges. When God wants to accomplish something, he calls up leaders devoted to Him, and I'm so blessed to be chosen for something powerful in our community.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two more books that I loved this year, but am also still finishing, are Angela Mills' Bless Your Husband and 90 Days to Stress-Free: Renovating the House That Worry Built by Jami Amerine. Each of these devotionals touch on areas of my life that I would love to grow in - strengthening our marriage and taking care of my home. I only have a few days left of each, but I wanted to include them here so you can add them to your own TBR pile for 2024. All of these books stand out in my mind because I learned something, they changed my way of thinking, or they drew me closer to the Lord. And what better reasons are there than those to read a new book?</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-42639275724788880422024-01-01T00:00:00.054-06:002024-01-01T00:00:00.136-06:00Why Prayer For Yourself On Your Anniversary Is Important To Your Husband<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y8lwVUiQ-CuBK3fzd9Pud50OSvsvgJ0HVG5rDpdy-r3M9Rl6Zg5NLHSEuFOl98-gyXNKl_9Dtw_EJAkxaEDcZfs_-_AUcBe-EVqtfPPvs1l5FapCrbisx8FHqtkM6d137G_oK5_HW3Q1g8TYv0x5jLtDw_QLuZu-1l-qpk3VyRGae3Zdu2KqV-TUHTI/s3088/IMG_1520.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y8lwVUiQ-CuBK3fzd9Pud50OSvsvgJ0HVG5rDpdy-r3M9Rl6Zg5NLHSEuFOl98-gyXNKl_9Dtw_EJAkxaEDcZfs_-_AUcBe-EVqtfPPvs1l5FapCrbisx8FHqtkM6d137G_oK5_HW3Q1g8TYv0x5jLtDw_QLuZu-1l-qpk3VyRGae3Zdu2KqV-TUHTI/s320/IMG_1520.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Gracious heavenly Father, help me to love You first, with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind. I am Yours before I am my husband's, and I love and honor him because I love and honor You.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Touch my heart, help me not be jealous, not boastful, not self-seeking, but patient, kind, always trusting, hoping, and persevering. These are difficult fruit of the Spirit to cultivate, but with You, all things are possible. My husband is my heart, and I want to show him mine every day. Please help me to treat him the way I want him to treat me.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;"></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;"><span style="color: #222222;">Enable me to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. I desire these traits in my character so that I can prevent communication problems before they begin. Let my words be kind, uplifting, and full of Your truth. Keep me from speaking lies, half-truths, and exaggerations.</span></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Help me be content in all my circumstances so I can treasure my marriage, my home, and my husband as blessings from You. I know that You have blessed us beyond measure, and I thank You now for what You've already done for us, what You're doing today, and what You already have planned for our future.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;"><span style="color: #222222;">Through whatever trials we face in our life together, help me to consider it pure joy because I know that the testing of my faith produces perseverance. You have not promised that our path will be easy, but You have promised to be with us as a three-fold cord that cannot be broken. Show me how to focus on You each step of the way.</span></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMAqCExohV712p_8NwyadfRocnbRAgM_xqAjDUaaAsHYLzdX9gmtMVLiVRBJF6U2Wkbflv7TTEmUr1yyzs0k__7yqujZQ60h-1tC5uPVddeZQmjDovuFnEk2G9V_LqbJjT_pgmki-6CEhEKOvToCgNX5AEirOst9V2eGz6p1nmp5FvnPGmDrOheynPf4/s4032/IMG_1063.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMAqCExohV712p_8NwyadfRocnbRAgM_xqAjDUaaAsHYLzdX9gmtMVLiVRBJF6U2Wkbflv7TTEmUr1yyzs0k__7yqujZQ60h-1tC5uPVddeZQmjDovuFnEk2G9V_LqbJjT_pgmki-6CEhEKOvToCgNX5AEirOst9V2eGz6p1nmp5FvnPGmDrOheynPf4/s320/IMG_1063.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Please help me cultivate inner beauty, to be gentle and quiet in spirit. Let my gentleness be evident to all, especially to my husband. Encourage me to love him, respect him, and pray for him every day for the rest of our lives.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Teach me to put away all bitterness and instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving as You have forgiven me. Only then will I be able to be all that You have called me to be as a wife. Don't allow the trials of life to harden my heart, but soften it and fill it with love and compassion for my husband and those around me.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">May Your peace, which passes all understanding, guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. Peace in my heart will translate into peace in my home, in my marriage, and in my everyday life. Stir up my heart to build our home, not</span><span style="color: #222222;"> tear it down, and Your peace and hope will make that possible.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117); color: #757575;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">As we celebrate our 18th anniversary and the new year, let me always remember that Your grace is sufficient for whatever comes our way in the days to come. All these things I pray in the precious and holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.</span></span><br /><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-90974816932271362322023-12-31T00:00:00.042-06:002023-12-31T07:49:28.784-06:00Trading Resolutions For Grace<div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxUyQ75hu2mnGtMP6AXeYH-DcJwQRY2P8Td33ocFHzW89oWAl5hHUPZ2O2_G8TKwKNkfXqyqbUkdRvJYVf-FTSuAabZ8EutJGIOWwMrBFTZJAd8nAzD1hKpsXXPJoJTV9jW11Y00gmSBT-AjV6Ew1eZhA7cJc5O3HObIHFA4BdMg3m_1EykHzIM5pvzA/s500/6133AB12-0B46-472B-BF33-19043048976C.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxUyQ75hu2mnGtMP6AXeYH-DcJwQRY2P8Td33ocFHzW89oWAl5hHUPZ2O2_G8TKwKNkfXqyqbUkdRvJYVf-FTSuAabZ8EutJGIOWwMrBFTZJAd8nAzD1hKpsXXPJoJTV9jW11Y00gmSBT-AjV6Ew1eZhA7cJc5O3HObIHFA4BdMg3m_1EykHzIM5pvzA/s320/6133AB12-0B46-472B-BF33-19043048976C.png" width="320" /></a></div>Starting tomorrow, millions of people will set their New Year's resolutions and face them head-on. For a day, maybe a week, hopefully longer...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);">Has this ever happened to you: you start the new year with a handful of resolutions that will make you healthier, smarter, prettier, and more spiritual. You're motivated and ready to go, and you do pretty well for a while.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);">But then your schedule stops you, your relationships hold you back, your plans fall apart, and soon you've decided it's easier to just go back to the way you lived before your resolutions.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);" /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);">Sound familiar? For most of us, this is what the first few weeks (ok, days) of the year look like. There's no lasting motivation to keep going with that exercise plan, Bible study, or house cleaning schedule, so it falls by the wayside.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);" /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);">Unfortunately, this also means that our spirits take a beating. Our best intentions turn into something we stick in the back of a closet, only to be pulled out again next January. Suddenly we're depressed and discouraged because we're failed once again.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);"><i>And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. </i>2 Corinthians 12:9</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);">If we try to start the New Year under our own power and with our own ideas, we're bound to fail. But if we're completely surrendered to God's will in our lives and stay obedient to His word, His grace will fill in the rest. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);">It's not about me. It's about the Lord.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);">It's not about my strength. It's about His.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);">It's not about my plans. It's about His.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);">And that's the grace-filled plan for the New Year. It's all about Him.</span></span></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-83939136069718340442023-12-30T00:00:00.051-06:002023-12-30T00:00:00.255-06:00New Year's Star-Stuffed Sugar Cookies<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6_CFY3OTDL1nJ8gbDvO-scKVQJcEN83sHcPR3MGcCnP4LMhlVTyOk-P7LL4-mP6ENqehx8KbyEZAR9NpjbjJSIa0_8KTtUYIuEODaS2QF8YdaUYyqjh2SbCOR5ZJoCIW4w6yXiTJf829ZRZvfksJZ3WEkrR9rEt8yKg0U4TAV-O1PBGzsp0JWJp1JzQ/s4032/IMG_2314.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6_CFY3OTDL1nJ8gbDvO-scKVQJcEN83sHcPR3MGcCnP4LMhlVTyOk-P7LL4-mP6ENqehx8KbyEZAR9NpjbjJSIa0_8KTtUYIuEODaS2QF8YdaUYyqjh2SbCOR5ZJoCIW4w6yXiTJf829ZRZvfksJZ3WEkrR9rEt8yKg0U4TAV-O1PBGzsp0JWJp1JzQ/s320/IMG_2314.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cookies are amazing. Cookies with frosting are even better. Cookie sandwiches with frosting and candy inside knock dessert out of the park!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjOLDTf4Zj0xbrX0AOehanTBNdzf-W2zbv1iYzz1s2aeLk9gSmQvpBnwtGGHbt5qV49QaxNsIjRHEDvFS5iGcsPjC3Xat78ykZ47Fz3oG8a6HW6Y9EL8qkxaJa1j3lsg4SVF85qztYzrzmNhg3cOpjBTMY3A6n3rYKmN4KRojR95afgsjpY6Rcw6kfwg/s4032/IMG_2301.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjOLDTf4Zj0xbrX0AOehanTBNdzf-W2zbv1iYzz1s2aeLk9gSmQvpBnwtGGHbt5qV49QaxNsIjRHEDvFS5iGcsPjC3Xat78ykZ47Fz3oG8a6HW6Y9EL8qkxaJa1j3lsg4SVF85qztYzrzmNhg3cOpjBTMY3A6n3rYKmN4KRojR95afgsjpY6Rcw6kfwg/s320/IMG_2301.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And being so simple to put together is the icing on the cake ... or cookie in this case. You can use store-bought cookies or make your own. Just make sure they're as flat as possible. Then all you need are frosting, candies, sprinkles, sanding sugar, and something to cut a circle.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52XHHg93oStdcS_7vyo-rSCTTuNjE0SzgGxplcUbN_NgKvxeHGC3_LSZXMZCQ2vqWcg4WzXW0GR5NqR0DgGq4Kyt3QJ9qi7nh0ntJokJJnd6r-ELG7ZSjwzewyGdBL1F4QumsA9dZx2qtd0_jcKgcX-5jA1-m8IlS5GzwKrKMhYQh8wr0ZzBlxt9RYmA/s4032/IMG_2302.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52XHHg93oStdcS_7vyo-rSCTTuNjE0SzgGxplcUbN_NgKvxeHGC3_LSZXMZCQ2vqWcg4WzXW0GR5NqR0DgGq4Kyt3QJ9qi7nh0ntJokJJnd6r-ELG7ZSjwzewyGdBL1F4QumsA9dZx2qtd0_jcKgcX-5jA1-m8IlS5GzwKrKMhYQh8wr0ZzBlxt9RYmA/s320/IMG_2302.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Use your circle cutter to cut the middle out of a third of the cookies. Use something with a sharp edge like a cookie cutter or small glass.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRWjw62sEUpYCy_KtoEaTGifkk6KgKCemJ2r0g0ZRAJ03-QjtSYoSaDy5KIUEYc1GnJC7pBRah7VvBmGUPUD6m9nx5kzHId7FlP96IkHDUNnjsIOCDUkzj0s1rEDnHSkY_KR7vM9OhkR2m3Fcy-TuiHhwGV6Fdyp_vHSpT3jhMODubCyn4FUsy6fu8uI/s4032/IMG_2303.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRWjw62sEUpYCy_KtoEaTGifkk6KgKCemJ2r0g0ZRAJ03-QjtSYoSaDy5KIUEYc1GnJC7pBRah7VvBmGUPUD6m9nx5kzHId7FlP96IkHDUNnjsIOCDUkzj0s1rEDnHSkY_KR7vM9OhkR2m3Fcy-TuiHhwGV6Fdyp_vHSpT3jhMODubCyn4FUsy6fu8uI/s320/IMG_2303.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then frost one cookie.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgze7hZQd514u4GOrwIfY3mTopyMzMfJlEYSL6zyXaYObY7OrfQO0PKe54V8XiKOHWVgf6G4JEmAk8E7Xzs3anE3l8fIHP76cbGsQYF1PsuD6PZMORpUQk18_YzNjBRamuZKUtzqz7yqWMXSHk0qnYjymJEHVBY4DDBAwbdGu_AA8lH6pjd5juzxE41KhI/s4032/IMG_2304.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgze7hZQd514u4GOrwIfY3mTopyMzMfJlEYSL6zyXaYObY7OrfQO0PKe54V8XiKOHWVgf6G4JEmAk8E7Xzs3anE3l8fIHP76cbGsQYF1PsuD6PZMORpUQk18_YzNjBRamuZKUtzqz7yqWMXSHk0qnYjymJEHVBY4DDBAwbdGu_AA8lH6pjd5juzxE41KhI/s320/IMG_2304.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Layer the cut cookie on top, pressing it down in the frosting to hold it in place.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar8gM_6kYBa1goKUaEPRCte2zK9CT4SAKzzj3sP4P8QFYweEZHVXbfT4ZrecBwWjoiZSE-V_L-hwTK1wpRlzEG9RYeV-0-YLFsmwjqgGzfNmCdBHHRKWQE8ET3xAv3JTOwRF0cpeS8hZWKv0FjDPJj8AhN00BWNEpg1Ee-52h_fg_c2bdeEbv_ay-OQg/s4032/IMG_2305.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhar8gM_6kYBa1goKUaEPRCte2zK9CT4SAKzzj3sP4P8QFYweEZHVXbfT4ZrecBwWjoiZSE-V_L-hwTK1wpRlzEG9RYeV-0-YLFsmwjqgGzfNmCdBHHRKWQE8ET3xAv3JTOwRF0cpeS8hZWKv0FjDPJj8AhN00BWNEpg1Ee-52h_fg_c2bdeEbv_ay-OQg/s320/IMG_2305.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add the candies to fill the cookie hole.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHw5kBrZWP5q_Mfh9jV9di-LNUHv_J5H-mBhCGfRmI3wI5pZoKTcZ1NyiYt0ycXfwQ-8DGgWeI6JsmNEwDYz_bQJO4_K0RIuGEUF6TgMybAz8C4bTrgfoK3FrJbTLX5J0Fv3cF6jTTy4fgA28hym8BJM-dsd_dELnHJ9_oXTJZ03We-u_MikuKY4YVP4/s4032/IMG_2306.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHw5kBrZWP5q_Mfh9jV9di-LNUHv_J5H-mBhCGfRmI3wI5pZoKTcZ1NyiYt0ycXfwQ-8DGgWeI6JsmNEwDYz_bQJO4_K0RIuGEUF6TgMybAz8C4bTrgfoK3FrJbTLX5J0Fv3cF6jTTy4fgA28hym8BJM-dsd_dELnHJ9_oXTJZ03We-u_MikuKY4YVP4/s320/IMG_2306.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then frost the entire top of the cookie to hold the candies in place.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFD5Yskqt4-dB4Azg2WDgZura8BZpwqyHpq2mIfXW7kFY6pM3wsA7hFQ_POKt0MCRRbGcPsapkU5YCevHbGl9z8jZvqblRueypviJVH5nMdfCIjTvhntWdkiIkkObm021HxAkVCkicCsHw7x4eXRVf5ds6gjkRK2MMaA6YFJ-U62MeaskW_Zmwkbx2rc/s4032/IMG_2307.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFD5Yskqt4-dB4Azg2WDgZura8BZpwqyHpq2mIfXW7kFY6pM3wsA7hFQ_POKt0MCRRbGcPsapkU5YCevHbGl9z8jZvqblRueypviJVH5nMdfCIjTvhntWdkiIkkObm021HxAkVCkicCsHw7x4eXRVf5ds6gjkRK2MMaA6YFJ-U62MeaskW_Zmwkbx2rc/s320/IMG_2307.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Top that cookie with another cookie and frost the whole thing. Fancy it up with a little sanding sugar for that New Year's Eve look.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQTlqtk8xy9M5nuGRzgAKVoMXuKk8kcmOvtn-1z_FhlyIb-ph8zDdMEH7OqrEGAkPM76c_lK006ES1ad4bTZPY00lVRMs1JoDhBZwotYCOef-MJoTHVCY4DxtHZE0G1tx1wQT4nClEwMnLJFd4Dxw76VLm1T_8SJKqN0rMDjL7YwqwufRXiWuy00fQ6I/s4032/IMG_2312.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQTlqtk8xy9M5nuGRzgAKVoMXuKk8kcmOvtn-1z_FhlyIb-ph8zDdMEH7OqrEGAkPM76c_lK006ES1ad4bTZPY00lVRMs1JoDhBZwotYCOef-MJoTHVCY4DxtHZE0G1tx1wQT4nClEwMnLJFd4Dxw76VLm1T_8SJKqN0rMDjL7YwqwufRXiWuy00fQ6I/s320/IMG_2312.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now when you cut it open, you'll find the candy surprise inside! How cute would these be for a New Year's party, Valentine gift, or birthday surprise? And changing up the flavor of cookies, type of frosting, and theme of candies make for a never-ending set of possibilities.</div></div><p></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-69528927293446545732023-12-29T00:00:00.133-06:002023-12-29T00:00:00.155-06:00Prayers For The New Year From 1 Thessalonians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssbYFuev7ALJsxdv2DwX-RaR8oBy9bjBROpwQQnaS8PFMUqHnHh1SBpq3nFTyMYjhyphenhyphenufhrdwLje47kj5arcV-aOBiNGJicaOITmzcfhxGeWUuN8rL5stNiFOaLiPQ_N6ToUx3VCAYH6jUHKVjsBoaRYHfUx4eFPiyhek9PZvAPLgAK1H43SKiA8XhzOo/s2001/326E4465-B457-4088-A8F9-34A644AF27B2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="2001" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssbYFuev7ALJsxdv2DwX-RaR8oBy9bjBROpwQQnaS8PFMUqHnHh1SBpq3nFTyMYjhyphenhyphenufhrdwLje47kj5arcV-aOBiNGJicaOITmzcfhxGeWUuN8rL5stNiFOaLiPQ_N6ToUx3VCAYH6jUHKVjsBoaRYHfUx4eFPiyhek9PZvAPLgAK1H43SKiA8XhzOo/s320/326E4465-B457-4088-A8F9-34A644AF27B2.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><h2 style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lord, I read Your word, and I find myself praying to You using Your own words. The new year is coming so quickly, and I want to live the way You would have so I can serve You the way You desire.</span></span></h2><h2 style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: initial;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all </span><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic;">men</span><span class="gra"><i>. </i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal; text-align: initial;">v14 </span></h2><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(117, 117, 117);"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hate to pray for patience, Lord, because I know You will put me in situations where I need patience. But I know this is how I grow, though, and I pray that You will move me, change me, and help me be more compassionate.</span></span></div><p class="bible" id="52_5_15" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_15"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>See that none render evil for evil unto any </i><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic;">man</span><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic;">; </span><i>but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all </i><span class="gra"><i>men. </i>v15</span></span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_15" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_15"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="gra">Show me how to be a positive spiritual influence on everyone in my sphere. Help me to follow hard after Your good things, both to be an example and to strengthen my faith every day.</span></span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_16" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_16"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Rejoice evermore. </i>v16</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_16" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;">In You, my joy is full. I pray that You will show me the moments of joy in the year to come, that I will see them everywhere, and that the joy in my heart with spill over to everyone You place in my path.</p><p class="bible" id="52_5_17" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_17"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Pray without ceasing. </i>v17</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_17" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;">May my heart also be in an attitude of prayer, praising You, and thanking You for the countless blessings You fill my life with. Strengthen our relationship so our conversation is constantly going.</p><p class="bible" id="52_5_18" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_18"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. </i>v18</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_18" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;">Remind me how much there truly is to be thankful for and see Your hand moving in my life. Show me that this moment is Your will and has gone through Your filtering hand.</p><p class="bible" id="52_5_19" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_19"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Quench not the Spirit. </i>v19</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_19" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;">Please don't let any of my choices go against what Your Spirit wants from me. Help me hear Your still small voice above all others.</p><p class="bible" id="52_5_20" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_20"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Despise not prophesyings. </i>v20</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_20" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;">I want to take all Your words - preaching, teaching, reading - to my heart. Move within me to accept what You say and find comfort in Your grace.</p><p class="bible" id="52_5_21" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_21"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. </i>v21</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_21" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;">Lord, touch my heart and convict me to find Your truth in Your word myself. Don't let me rely on others, but find Your good and hold on to it as tightly as I can. Don't let me be swayed by those around me who don't know You.</p><p class="bible" id="52_5_22" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_22"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Abstain from all appearance of evil. </i>v22</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_22" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;">It isn't just staying away from evil things, but staying away from anything that even looks like it's not from You. I don't ever want to give the impression that </p><p class="bible" id="52_5_23" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_23"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and </i><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic;">I pray God</span><i> your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. </i>v23</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_23" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_23"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cleanse me, Lord, see if there be any wicked way in me, and preserve me until You return to gather Your children. That is the desire of my heart.</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_24" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_24"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Faithful </i><span class="gra" style="font-style: italic;">is</span><i> he that calleth you, who also will do </i><span class="gra"><i>it. </i>v24</span></span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_24" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;">Thank You for Your faithfulness, which I see every minute of every day. You have promised me so many things, and I look forward to seeing how You will do them in the new year.</p><p class="bible" id="52_5_25" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_25"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Brethren, pray for us. </i>v25</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_25" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_25"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lay the people on my heart who need my prayer the most, so I can intercede in every way I can. Remind me that prayer is my greatest weapon against the enemy, and keep the lines of communication open.</span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_26" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;">As we begin 2024, Lord, keep me close to You. Help me live the way You would have so that Your will be done and Your purpose be fulfilled.</p><p class="bible" id="52_5_26" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;">In Jesus' precious and holy name, I pray - Amen!</p><p class="bible" id="52_5_28" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_28"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_28" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_28"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_28" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_28"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="bible" id="52_5_28" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(41, 47, 51); color: #292f33; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 16px; margin: 0.4em 2px; text-align: initial;"><span class="highlight_52_5_28"><br /></span></p>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-21185188879499536332023-12-28T00:00:00.062-06:002023-12-28T00:00:00.155-06:00Create Your Own New Year's Mad Lib<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX7DINZb27lwmxAdT7eLDetngAeScXXwsr7EjJ0VL0mpmOk2efD48gULtXQiPnaaof3ovYDvHY34JkcaVZ40l4S9SfU6LQ-C62PCUAY05PRHauQE19xk8l8AebRYPUy2xEn7zXCzAt7Wra0CmdG2eC9X-_MZ4BWfPMXaHP4aeEpKDgylciQegu-BPEHY/s3698/IMG_2338.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2853" data-original-width="3698" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX7DINZb27lwmxAdT7eLDetngAeScXXwsr7EjJ0VL0mpmOk2efD48gULtXQiPnaaof3ovYDvHY34JkcaVZ40l4S9SfU6LQ-C62PCUAY05PRHauQE19xk8l8AebRYPUy2xEn7zXCzAt7Wra0CmdG2eC9X-_MZ4BWfPMXaHP4aeEpKDgylciQegu-BPEHY/s320/IMG_2338.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">What better way to spend New Year's Eve than in riotous laughter? There is no better way, I promise. </div></span></div><div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: left;">As part of our New Year's Eve Sunday School lesson, we're going to do a good, old-fashioned Mad Lib! These were the staple of all entertainment when I was a teenager, and our youth group loves them, too. (We just have to teach them what adjectives, verbs, and nouns are, which I assumed they would learn in school, but apparently haven't.)</span></div><div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div>To make my own Mad Lib, I started a letter template in Canva. You could use any word processing program or design software that you're comfortable with, but I use these pre-designed templates so I don't have to start from scratch. I'm just lazy like that...</div><div><br /></div><div>As I wrote the form, I left out certain words that would completely change the sentence with different random words. For example:</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my (________) memories of the year was when (________) (________).</div><div><br /></div><div>The first blank is an adjective - "favorite" would be the obvious choice, but some fun ones might be "colorful," "shiny," and "deep." The person can be someone they know or someone famous. And the verb could be "roundhouse kicked" or "skydived."</div><div><br /></div><div>Once the word sheet is filled out, we transfer the words to the story and have at it. I generally read it out loud and completely seriously, like it's the most exquisite piece of prose ever written. I think my tone of voice makes them laugh even more. I'm just funny that way...</div><div><br /></div><div>What themes and topics can you create a Mad Lib for?</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-48200140415082857612023-12-27T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-27T00:00:00.137-06:00Words For Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4N2EKIbA5Ac1zjbfN-UXfgmp3DQccSrRPeUYdjNIehDjiyl3NdMv-9BgRj5JerYbuPsQLifhZq9QGk6bnelTi4p1IbVxh504ymOtB1sVqy3gtyPefuev_GbuaaZRrT1Za8-QgmLxXrxXbT2axEmrX42GckWR_lC2xCXo2ORfeKZHqMxyBCWqOEVKESBQ/s2304/I%20will%20give%20unto%20him%20that%20is%20athirst%20of%20the%20fountain%20of%20the%20water%20of%20life%20freely..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="1728" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4N2EKIbA5Ac1zjbfN-UXfgmp3DQccSrRPeUYdjNIehDjiyl3NdMv-9BgRj5JerYbuPsQLifhZq9QGk6bnelTi4p1IbVxh504ymOtB1sVqy3gtyPefuev_GbuaaZRrT1Za8-QgmLxXrxXbT2axEmrX42GckWR_lC2xCXo2ORfeKZHqMxyBCWqOEVKESBQ/w300-h400/I%20will%20give%20unto%20him%20that%20is%20athirst%20of%20the%20fountain%20of%20the%20water%20of%20life%20freely..png" width="300" /></a></div><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-45445503620874163752023-12-26T00:00:00.034-06:002023-12-26T00:00:00.245-06:00New Year's Eve Countdown Gift Bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxY_cRljzsQGgAbxSfjernpFNRlVXcxskH_obQTRcIF-CWUR2QwOyTwSBGISzt-9WIpsU5owyU7bdLsH1jq424kczRjC2V_QnZ98CSWHrRWrXIvlj5Xx-yok3NsLCZvkmNIc2makTHTzm5o6HUgR7D1KabQi7JzLNWX7DyBNrh5IYtPf55pQBzkmtGLIg/s4032/IMG_2043.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxY_cRljzsQGgAbxSfjernpFNRlVXcxskH_obQTRcIF-CWUR2QwOyTwSBGISzt-9WIpsU5owyU7bdLsH1jq424kczRjC2V_QnZ98CSWHrRWrXIvlj5Xx-yok3NsLCZvkmNIc2makTHTzm5o6HUgR7D1KabQi7JzLNWX7DyBNrh5IYtPf55pQBzkmtGLIg/s320/IMG_2043.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What could be more fun than looking forward to the New Year? It's a special day in our house, and I found a fun way to celebrate all day long! These countdown gift bags are perfect for marking each hour of New Year's Eve, culminating with a midnight kiss.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gkox_7gVf8su0I3sZT-DNJQA8wbNoxWmq0aZn33SXbhxfDPeih5h9Ky514CUC5g_nnZ9f0rRT4WFCyaPF-uGmGsfYb89PKmM84hyTMGxIjBpTw8v4oCVE0DF5eAodPEnUReflAY_HJgJqAojdE5V5ux61IffOiQ87iLhuAna61fpo2-dDwOl5ycD75s/s3920/IMG_2038.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="3920" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gkox_7gVf8su0I3sZT-DNJQA8wbNoxWmq0aZn33SXbhxfDPeih5h9Ky514CUC5g_nnZ9f0rRT4WFCyaPF-uGmGsfYb89PKmM84hyTMGxIjBpTw8v4oCVE0DF5eAodPEnUReflAY_HJgJqAojdE5V5ux61IffOiQ87iLhuAna61fpo2-dDwOl5ycD75s/s320/IMG_2038.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To make these bags, you only need a few supplies: some clock faces, paper bags, ribbon, and a little embellishment. Decide on a color scheme or theme and coordinate all your supplies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZl2lMO_IaprOmRz7oAaRkAjmbj_6sjiGATflLu-IqBdRcnzimb3mJvBdGEZiBWkqZq55bRQIWQUEYsmk9ZQN0ng2yLESmVqe9gwM21MwMSLwTxH4OLcMcHW6Lglgj6lwAAULv6ldH6qT5gBbUBn7IPyy6mSHYGcoEiEWO_Gap6VBtTL1LCN3CbqfSEA/s3143/IMG_2039.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3143" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZl2lMO_IaprOmRz7oAaRkAjmbj_6sjiGATflLu-IqBdRcnzimb3mJvBdGEZiBWkqZq55bRQIWQUEYsmk9ZQN0ng2yLESmVqe9gwM21MwMSLwTxH4OLcMcHW6Lglgj6lwAAULv6ldH6qT5gBbUBn7IPyy6mSHYGcoEiEWO_Gap6VBtTL1LCN3CbqfSEA/s320/IMG_2039.jpeg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found my clock faces on a teacher's website and printed all 12 hours on card stock. You can print more or fewer, depending on how long you want to celebrate - or how many gifts you'd like to give!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWK1FCPXweY3Ii6Kv-WWFxoid_UlA51nxNFsP1ikTyCcHvzZE-eCTBuSFcXlEMt_tkg_1qZvqQTLztJ-RJJd0apR2mafh9bbchvsQtwIsye7rUjQTdnj0qpPZgzFnYejhPj5mT8AR16weWaeyuxmcg-V47GsI8V24g6pOroX9CZXZur2o4fLl7gk7sgWw/s4032/IMG_2040.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWK1FCPXweY3Ii6Kv-WWFxoid_UlA51nxNFsP1ikTyCcHvzZE-eCTBuSFcXlEMt_tkg_1qZvqQTLztJ-RJJd0apR2mafh9bbchvsQtwIsye7rUjQTdnj0qpPZgzFnYejhPj5mT8AR16weWaeyuxmcg-V47GsI8V24g6pOroX9CZXZur2o4fLl7gk7sgWw/s320/IMG_2040.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I folded the top of each bag over twice and punched holes for the ribbon. Remember that your gift has to fit inside after the bag's been folded and tied, so plan accordingly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime7UCb0bKwuwbw49pglxrxGXiVvkHXjWsFcuKL4d0Qt6-Pj_oF_Y3g1Lm_lDFKBOTewXc0lfY-labKn3a_sNibxep1J6_TnSsNkWucxkujWEx6t6SRSYL_SndM5rI1uSkJJ7oBvSPxjHm0xBEZPaC42gyDk98OhqBi4vkeSFiTxaunuwy4AIfhriYohM/s4032/IMG_2041.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEime7UCb0bKwuwbw49pglxrxGXiVvkHXjWsFcuKL4d0Qt6-Pj_oF_Y3g1Lm_lDFKBOTewXc0lfY-labKn3a_sNibxep1J6_TnSsNkWucxkujWEx6t6SRSYL_SndM5rI1uSkJJ7oBvSPxjHm0xBEZPaC42gyDk98OhqBi4vkeSFiTxaunuwy4AIfhriYohM/s320/IMG_2041.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little double stick tape keeps in the times in place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fbsD6IA1_1bABSZMKuLapAkVdFM2q0b3E-1hWTSoq4KFWIyrWIF0irOq0Zm6lp7BuD_zUSGpcOvmpuCzZ_6a-aQgw7rhOCUfWokuO8Ompkro14TUwqa9BymRYILnc3jA8BaTolvkLZlQRCdPWPXJCMVyhOke4d9KvyU3mUlfVptKxdYMwzRUDBigmYo/s4032/IMG_2042.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fbsD6IA1_1bABSZMKuLapAkVdFM2q0b3E-1hWTSoq4KFWIyrWIF0irOq0Zm6lp7BuD_zUSGpcOvmpuCzZ_6a-aQgw7rhOCUfWokuO8Ompkro14TUwqa9BymRYILnc3jA8BaTolvkLZlQRCdPWPXJCMVyhOke4d9KvyU3mUlfVptKxdYMwzRUDBigmYo/s320/IMG_2042.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After tucking the gift inside, I folded the top down and ran the ribbon through. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcOv0a6b41bE-hmZEORuwuIBl-yOOZ151an_ZC2N40hHZrW3a8nQnxbdyLcCvEzmVt9iSJEvTEiMAx1VpKAHolgQx_AfWOLqzcdudy_2FAvog5XvcNLE7eauRC_S1O8wPwpNdf_PjlBICzpnnyHUN_qPP7QgzKI3tCZBQmiQLOzey_-Iej4G-xs3fBvw/s4032/IMG_2044.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcOv0a6b41bE-hmZEORuwuIBl-yOOZ151an_ZC2N40hHZrW3a8nQnxbdyLcCvEzmVt9iSJEvTEiMAx1VpKAHolgQx_AfWOLqzcdudy_2FAvog5XvcNLE7eauRC_S1O8wPwpNdf_PjlBICzpnnyHUN_qPP7QgzKI3tCZBQmiQLOzey_-Iej4G-xs3fBvw/s320/IMG_2044.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I tied the glittered flowers on and curled the ribbon. Rinse. Repeat. Create a whole lineup of fun gifts that will lead up to your New Year's celebration. </div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-31311929989709718862023-12-25T00:00:00.001-06:002023-12-25T00:00:00.139-06:00Remembering The Reason For The Season - Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsRNL2JGjEbnjIFDfqM8rlCehDSgamyW5H-XJUS6tBVw72oDFXwygNYQFxHDXe62qgvXgFJNkAffIJCLcZjJy2mmk2CNi4la5Oghg03uCqm3LY_tDviwL5mV4DWM9v4Rj4qKyGsojey3fbGA7BpfLqRG28ANOfs9wuyfUaJZuBwqWL3R_mSQEgOAwrjI/s2304/Add%20a%20heading.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsRNL2JGjEbnjIFDfqM8rlCehDSgamyW5H-XJUS6tBVw72oDFXwygNYQFxHDXe62qgvXgFJNkAffIJCLcZjJy2mmk2CNi4la5Oghg03uCqm3LY_tDviwL5mV4DWM9v4Rj4qKyGsojey3fbGA7BpfLqRG28ANOfs9wuyfUaJZuBwqWL3R_mSQEgOAwrjI/w400-h300/Add%20a%20heading.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-48756747799386444602023-09-23T00:00:00.001-05:002023-09-23T00:00:00.137-05:00Happy First Day Of Fall 2023 - And a Bucket List!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6W3_Hg0OS459VtG4SuMyYDLd794n1MgzwaQ1DrPvkQ7MWigMIFZZLhrqDRP1XKehQZ-d-8G8omE1lsF8n1QVENaQEmHTN6mo6nfAaRjQPXdaU31s_iM5KCoIz5dCX4hzzQooCUjoivD4hXhSGIiotMLTeaHsBUUT9OBsGkFlpMBGr58N8hWqgYgR312U/s2000/Beige%20Orange%20Cute%20Simple%20Illustration%20Leaf%20Autumn%20Bucket%20List%20Checklist.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1545" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6W3_Hg0OS459VtG4SuMyYDLd794n1MgzwaQ1DrPvkQ7MWigMIFZZLhrqDRP1XKehQZ-d-8G8omE1lsF8n1QVENaQEmHTN6mo6nfAaRjQPXdaU31s_iM5KCoIz5dCX4hzzQooCUjoivD4hXhSGIiotMLTeaHsBUUT9OBsGkFlpMBGr58N8hWqgYgR312U/s320/Beige%20Orange%20Cute%20Simple%20Illustration%20Leaf%20Autumn%20Bucket%20List%20Checklist.png" width="247" /></a></div>It's the first day of fall, and I hope I'm not the only one excited about it! This is my season - the colors, the crisp air, the smells, the flavors, and the need for sweaters and fuzzy socks. Throw in a fluffy blanket and some apple cider and you've just designed my perfect time of year.<div><br /></div><div>Whether you're totally on board with the change of seasons or you're gripping the last moments of summer with all your strength, let's make a plan for the fall. A bucket list, if you will, with everything you'd like to tackle between now and the end of November.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've put together a fun graphic for you with just a few ideas to start your creative flow. You can make one of your own - on your phone, on a pretty piece of paper, printed off the computer or tacked to corkboard on the kitchen wall. Or use a clipboard so it's portable and you can take it in the car.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not sure what to put on your fall bucket list? Check out your local tourism office's website. If the convention and visitors bureau or chamber of commerce is like ours, they'll have tons of ideas for places to go, itineraries to follow, and definitely where to eat. Use that information to pick and choose what you want to include for yourself and your family.<span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>What from your community will be on your fall bucket list?</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-612064417695674384.post-52821381965524064532023-08-30T00:00:00.001-05:002023-08-30T00:00:00.144-05:00Words For Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVakZDq1uRQTlrDFhRw4tPl0IHLfRWENtpMDWPVqeUYVFq96gQWfFVfJgBrkbuGXqHMP4Uwk76-TVpzkw7flJQxc6Cu8X1LAm97aR--EnAnBwYXq7CXY1CUmOIsy8taegOEWQ7NsncW5tlE7aueEf4MXA-262vV7TUqCsvu5oL8zk_v08Mojk3Wg9228/s2304/Class%20of%202021%20BS%20Business%20Administration.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVakZDq1uRQTlrDFhRw4tPl0IHLfRWENtpMDWPVqeUYVFq96gQWfFVfJgBrkbuGXqHMP4Uwk76-TVpzkw7flJQxc6Cu8X1LAm97aR--EnAnBwYXq7CXY1CUmOIsy8taegOEWQ7NsncW5tlE7aueEf4MXA-262vV7TUqCsvu5oL8zk_v08Mojk3Wg9228/w400-h300/Class%20of%202021%20BS%20Business%20Administration.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16904421801878948318noreply@blogger.com0