Living as a Victorious Christian Woman

It is now three days after my 49th birthday, and I feel like I'm 90 years old for some reason. Maybe it's because I was so busy in July that I only read six books all the way through. Oh, I have several started with a couple pulled for the TBR pile, but only finished six. And one of those was a birthday present! Here are the books I read in July: Dave Barry Slept Here: A Sort of History of the United States by Dave Barry. In honor of the 250th anniversary of our nation, it felt right to bring out this favorite. If you've ever read one of his books or newspaper columns over the years, our senses of humor match perfectly. Knowing more about (actual) history than the last time I read this classic, it's funnier than ever! Hidden In Time by Michael Phillips. I had to keep reminding myself that this is a novel about discovering the ark of the covenant, a work of fiction, because it was so well written. It is full of Bible truth, along with several very clear and well-written ...

What measurements do you use for your personal ministries? How do you judge if you're successful in what you do? How many people show up?  The number of unbelievers who get saved? The comments you receive after you do something? If you're congratulated, promoted, or awarded for what you've accomplished? Whether your name is in the bulletin or program or announced for everyone to hear? If the numbers are high and the "standards" are met, we're on top of the world. God's been good, He's blessing, He's smiling and proud of us, right? But if there's no one there or we don't get any recognition, then we must be doing something wrong. It seems like we're the ones lacking and less than based on the actions and reactions of those we're supposed to be ministering to. There have probably been times when we've all done one or some of these measurements, trying to see if we're living up to the "standards" we think have been pu...

Have you ever found something in the refrigerator or pantry that you forgot you had and it was a little like Christmas? You immediately pulled it out, found some other ingredients, and enjoyed it right then and there?  If the answer was no, what are you waiting for? Go see what's in the back there that you could use tonight? If the answer was yes ... isn't it the most wonderful feeling? Sometimes it's all the creative spark you need to come up with a whole new meal or recreate a favorite. For me this week, it was these big, fat, lovely chicken tenders. With just four more ingredients that I already had on hand, and you probably do too, these lemon butter bites came together in a matter of minutes.  Ingredients: Olive oil Chicken tenders Chicken seasoning (I used Blues Hog's Rodeo Rub) Lemon juice 1/4 cup butter 1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry.  2. Shake chicken seasoning over one side of the chicken tenders an...

Literally - hooray, it's my birthday! I have loved my birthday week ever since I was a little girl, and even at this last milestone year before I turn 50, it's still really special. It will be the third one without my mom, and that hasn't gotten any easier, but I know she would be celebrating right along with me. And don't forget that the number isn't important - I'm just happy to be here! There is very little rhyme or reason to my planner layout this week, except that it's full of every lovely birthday-themed sticker set I could find in my collection. My birthday is on Wednesday, so that box is especially stacked. And I filled up the to-do list section as a reminder that it doesn't have to be a run-til-ya-get-stuff-done kind of day. My basic plan was to make little clusters of words and images and sprinkle them across the layout, and I think I accomplished that beautifully. There will be something to make me happy on every day, even after the party is t...

There is very little better in the kitchen than a well-prepared chicken thigh. Whenever we get them in our Butcher Box, which means it's free-range and pasture-raised, they're always the first package that we thaw.  Why are chicken thighs so amazing? They have more fat in them so they are naturally juicer and have much more flavor. They soak up marinades and seasonings, and they're incredibly versatile through many different cooking methods. And, bonus points, they're often a less expensive cut when you're browsing the meat counter. What I love most about this brown sugar/apple cider chicken thigh recipe is that you make everything in one skillet - from the meat to the pan sauce, it's so quick and easy. A simple sear, a 6-ingredient sauce, and less than 30 minutes from skillet to table, and all you have to add are a couple of side dishes to this fabulous main dish. Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs Salt and pepper, to taste Olive oil 3 Tbsp garlic, minced 1/2 cup br...