Pumpkin patch

Each Fall our family loads up into our mini van and drives on over to the local Pumpkin patch 2 towns over.



It's our favorite because it has soo much more than just pumpkins! It has animals to feed, a corn maze, and tons of pumpkins to choose between.



So after everyone found the perfect pumpkin for them we returned home. Where tonight we will begin the great carving, painting & decorating of the pumpkins!!! Stay tuned for more pictures. Bwahaa!!


Amy

Perfect pairing

Jesus died for us so that we can live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes. (1 Thessalonians 5:10 NCV)


-Amy

Word

Words are such powerful things! Words can incite passion. Fan the flames of war, encourage us or tear us down.

If words can hold so much impact shouldn't words be careful selected to pour into our kids and spouse. I have 3 daughters and the media is constantly bombarding them telling them they are not enough. Pretty enough, classy enough, etc..

With that in mind I choose to call the girls "beautiful". It has become such a habit that I really don't think about it much. (for example: bye beautiful girls have a nice day, hi beautiful girls did you have a good day?). The other day one of my daughters had a friend over and as the girls were leaving I said my traditional bye. That's when I heard the friend say "your mom called us beautiful. Nobody has ever called me beautiful before.".

Every girl should be told that they are beautiful and smart. What words are you selecting to use with your children. Are you filling up their love tanks, or are you tearing them down?

The bible says in Proverbs 25:11 "The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl.".

So choose your words carefully your children, your spouse, and everyone else in your life is listening.


-Amy

Learning a new way

When I first got married, I threw myself in to learning how to cook, how to entertain. That's how I meet Martha Stewart. Oh, not in person but I would meet her daily through her tv show and many books. Needless to say my "To do" list grew.

Then when I became a mother. I read tons of books and took classes. Heard all kinds of advice. Needless to say my "To do" list grew as well as what I thought was or made a good mom. Heck, a great mom and wife.

Busy and hectic was how I would describe my life. I was proud of it I wore it like a badge. It was my proof that I was doing.

Doing what should have been my question. I became exhausted but I thought that was what I needed to be doing. However, God has been showing me there is a better way.

Instead of rushing through life. God wants me to Slow down!! Yes, that means saying "no" to volunteering and doing. However by slowing down I began to see, I mean really see the people in my life and the people I encountered. I became aware of needs. By slowing down I also had the time to invest and pour Gods love into their life. Through practical needs and words of encouragement.

What have you been to busy to see or notice? Who are you trying to imitate Martha Stewart? The "fun mom" down the street? Or Christ?


-Amy

A day without prayer

I tried my hand at a new recipe today: Oatmeal cookies. They came like all good recipes from a family cookbook & I could not wait to bake them!

However when the timer went off and I went to take the cookies out if the oven, this is what I found.




Yuck! What had happened? The batter had looked right, it had even tasted good (hum..) moving right along now. I reviewed the recipe and noticed that I had forgotten 1 teaspoon baking soda. Who knew after cups if ingredients that not adding 1 teaspoon would keep the cookies from rising.

That's when God quietly spoke to my heart and reminded me that is exactly what happens to my day when I forget to start it with prayer.

So don't forget to add all the ingredients if your baking. Don't forget to add God to your day to be able to rise to the days challenges. Hope you have a blessed day!

Oatmeal cookie recipe:
1 C shortening
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 C flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves & nutmeg
3 C quick cooking oats

Cream shortening & sugars. Add eggs & vanilla. Stir all dry ingredients together, then add to mix. Stir on oats last. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cookies are best if chewy, do take out of the oven before they get brown.

Fun Snail Mail

I have had so much fun participating in the "Elevated Envelope" exchange for Fall! The theme for this swap was "Malicious Surprise" as in fun Trick or Treat style.




So I folded scrapbook paper to look like a tombstone. (with the help of glue & some sewing). I also glued flowers at the bottom of the tombstone like you see.



I used a hole punch and ribbon to make sure the envelope would keep closed in route. Also because this was made in the spirit of fun and for the enjoyment of receiving fun snail mail. I made a little pocket by seeing the sides of a strip of paper & enclosed fun tea that came in the color of orange to complete the look & the package.




Hopefully the people who receive these envelopes will enjoy them!



I hope your having a good week & enjoying this fall weather!

Amy

By the way.....

The other morning my youngest daughter came and climbed in bed with me to snuggle for a few minutes before she got up and started to get around. It's our morning routine. However, on this morning my precious daughter said "oh, mom. By the way,I threw up last night in my sleep." which I asked "did it get on your new comforter?", which she answered "no, just the floor and a shoe."

Now you and me both know I felt tired upon hearing this. I wasn't even out of bed yet and I already had a surprise mess to pick up and clean. It wasn't like anyone else was going to come clean it up. (I did not get angry at her, i just groaned in my mind and thought great! Then I went back to sleep. Since no one else was going to clean it up, it would have to wait until I was awake)

Then God spoke to me, and gently showed me that when I explode in anger it was a lot like throw up, but he had to Clean the mess up by working in my heart.
Just like I could not ignore the mess in my daughter's room, I could not ignore the mess of emotions & thoughts inside me. It's best to let God come into my heart and mind open the window air out it all out. Wash it all up, sanitize it, and be someone who can share the love of Christ.
I am really learning a lot through the Unglued Bible study! God is using this to teach me how to control my emotions, in a world that encourages us to just "tell us how you feel", "you can't be wrong if it's how you Feel". That is not the truth, that is a lie because based on that thought that gives fuel for my feelings, to take control of my thought life, then produces ugly, un-Christ like actions. I need to submit my emotions and feelings to God so that I can grow to be more like him in words, actions, and deeds.
-Amy