Living as a Victorious Christian Woman

There's nothing worse than having to start a conversation with a confession, but here we go. One of my goals for the new year was to read more books. We bought three new bookshelves last fall, and I filled two of the three large shelves on one with the books I own that I haven't read yet. It really put my book collection into perspective because I desperately want to know what is written inside each and every one of them.  That's why it's so difficult for me to choose what book I want to read next. I feel like choosing one of them tells the rest of them that they're less worthy. It breaks my heart. The moment 2022 began, I knew I wanted to reread Priscilla Shirer's book Fervent, which goes with the War Room movie. I can't think of a better way to start the year than by rewriting my prayer strategy for my prayer closet/war room. If you haven't read this book, seen the movie or both, do it. We all need a battle plan! For Christmas, a friend gave me John Ma...

So. I turned the page in my planner this week and it said February at the top. I flipped back for a minute, then turned it again, and it still said February. I'mm not exactly sure how that happened, but it's right there in black and white. And red. And pink. And a little bit of purple.   I've determined in my heart to make this month all about love: God's love, love for my husband and my family, love for the church, Jesus' love being so deep that He willingly laid His life down for me. My study verses will be 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and the surrounding passages. I want to become love, just like Jesus was. Love isn't a feeling or an emotion. Love throughout the Bible is a verb, an action word. Paul wrote that you can have everything in the world, but if you're not acting with love as your motivation, you have nothing. I want to weave love through everything I do and say this month, lifting others up and sharing the truth about the Lord, who loves them even more ...

The only time I can get all four dogs to sit still and look pretty for a picture is when I'm holding food in my hand. The attitude you can see on their faces is from their unswerving desire to eat this entire plate of pupcakes. And because they're healthy and (apparently) yummy, they did get to eat the entire plate of pupcakes. I think the plate might also have been licked clean, but there is no evidence of that left. But at least they didn't eat the plate, too. Ingredients for pupcakes: 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1 banana 1 egg 1/2 tsp baking soda 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick spray. 2. Mash the banana with a fork. Mix in the egg. 3. Stir in peanut butter and baking soda until smooth. 4. Spoon batter evenly in the muffin tin.  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes. Tops will spring back when pressed. 6. Cool completely on a wire rack, then try keeping them away from your dog, which definitely won't happen. 

This motivational planner spread is incredibly special to me already, and it's not even Monday yet! Last week I interviewed for and was offered the job of executive director for our convention and visitors bureau, and I couldn't be more excited! My first full week as director may mean I need some encouragement from my planner. Each journal block of this layout has alternating washi tape that coordinates with the inspirational stickers I chose. All from the same sticker book, the flowers and phrases all go together in a beautiful, neutral palette. I love how elegant they are and how pretty they are without loud colors or bright images. We all need encouragement and motivation at times during our week, and our planner is just one place we can put Scripture, quotes, our favorite flowers or just a color or pattern that we love. What ways can you encourage yourself - and others - in your planner, your work space, your home, at church this week? Let's get creative and lift each o...

It hurts to admit this, and I will probably be shunned by those who love me, but I'm not a big fan of burgers. There. I've said it, and it's out there.  It's probably because I've had too many dry, tasteless, crumbly burgers in my lifetime. But when they're made to be juicy and full of flavor, I'll gladly eat those burgers! These quarter-pound patties are marinated in pineapple juice, making them absolutely wonderful. Grilled inside or outside, they're definitely burgers I would eat any day of the week. Ingredients: 1lb ground sirloin 8 1/2oz can sliced pineapple 1 cup BBQ sauce 1. Shape ground sirloin into four 1/4-pound burgers. Place them in a small baking dish.  2. In a small bowl, combine the juice from the pineapple and the BBQ sauce.  3. Pour the marinade over the four burgers and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. 4. Heat grill pan to medium-high heat and spray with non-stick spray. 5. Remove the burgers from the marinade and arrang...

There are so many amazing Christians in the world who are sharing their faith in many different ways. As I look through social media and online resources, there are countless Scriptures, photos and quotes that are posted to uplift, encourage and convict our hearts. Here are some of my favorite faith quotes I've read recently: Ask God to bless your work. Don't ask Him to do the work for you. Sometimes God will put you in a battle empty handed so that when you do get the victory, you'll it was Him, not you. I don't have to be able to see how God will do it or why God will do it. I just have to believe that He will do it. I am not in control, but I am deeply loved by the God who is. You don't have to be afraid of the unknown. It is unknown only to you. God is well aware of where you are of every step He is asking you to take. On my bad days, I seek God. On my good days, I thank God. On my great days, I praise God. Every day, I need God and am grateful He is always here...