The Refining Fire: Part 2

In part one, I discussed going through The Refining Fire.  

Now in Part Two, I wanna discuss how God brought me out of this particular fire... (because of course we are never totally out of the fire, because if we were God wouldn't be sanctifying us) and the blessings I have received because I didn't run out of the fire too soon.

Here is my story:   

My husband recently started working full time. This enabled me to leave my job in retail... 

I wasn't sure exactly what I was going to do once I left. I thought about working at a bank, working part-time in retail somewhere... I really didn't know. Then I got an idea that just wouldn't go away. I thought I would be a nanny. So I took steps in that direction ... I made a Care.com profile and I tried to get connected with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) in hopes of finding a family.  I had a few responses but none that worked out at all. ..... I was about to give up. I thought maybe this wasn't what God had in mind for me, and I needed to just stay where I was for the time being.

Then during my week long vacation from work, I went to a friends bridal shower. There I got to catch up with my friends from college.  Three of them that were there are nannies and I was able to talk with them about their experiences.  One of the girls, also named Emily, told me that she may have a family who was looking for a nanny. 

Emily gave me the mothers information and I contacted her. Her name is also Emily (lol), and we spoke for several days back and forth. We found out that we had several things in common, besides the obvious, lol. One of which was Cerebral Palsy (CP). My younger sister has CP and the doctors told Emily that her infant daughter could possibly have CP.  I was able to answer some questions for her and ease her fears a bit.  

By this time I had come back from vacation.  I thought after being gone for a week I would come back refreshed ... But  I didn't... I was still very ready to leave.

After texting Emily back and forth for about a week, she had me come down to meet her babies. Owen is one and Aleah is 5 months. They also have a 2 year old named Scotty. He goes to preschool, so I only help get him breakfast and ready to go in the mornings. 

The reason they have 3 so close together is because the 2 older boys are adopted and Aleah was a surprise!  Emily and Sam (her husband) were Scotty's foster parents. When they found out his parent's rights had been terminated, they proceeded to go through the adoption process.  In the mean time they were also in the process of adopting a child from Taiwan. Sam and Emily then found out they were matched with Owen and started the process of bringing him home. Emily then found out she was pregnant with Aleah.

In November 2012, Scotty's adoption was finalized, in December Sam went to pick up Owen in Taiwan. And in January, Aleah came a month early.  They went from having Scotty as a foster child, to 3 children in 3 months time!  

Then at the end of April, is when I contacted them.  Little did I know, they had been searching for a nanny for awhile already. Just like I had been searching for a family for awhile.

I then met with Emily, the 2 babies, and Emily's mom.  I thought I was interviewing, but I found out when I got there that they already were giving me the job. They were just letting me meet them before I came for the first time.

All of this was a God thing.  Emily's mom, Cathy, was with me one day while I was watching the babies. And she shared with me their side of the story.  She said that after I left, Emily had such peace about me being their nanny, that she felt like she already trusted me even before meeting me. She felt like I was an answer to their prayer. And I got to share how I felt like they were the family I was going to nanny for even before I knew for sure. And how they were just as much an answer to my prayer as I was to their's. 

It was so cool to see God working. I knew that I was suppose to be their nanny, but I also needed a second nanny job for another 2-3 days a week. So I was still on the lookout. 

The second time I came to nanny for Sam and Emily, Emily asked if I had found a second family yet and I said no... She then asked if I wanted to work another 2 or 3 days at her office. She is the director of a Christian adoption agency in Springfield. 

I was thrilled, but I knew I needed to ask my husband because it is a 45 minute drive to Springfield and I was already driving 30 minutes to nanny for them.  

My husband said he didn't care, and so I messaged Emily that night telling her my husband okayed the drive.  She then texted me the next day saying she had approved my hire with her executive director! 

It all happened so fast! I didn't turn in my application, I didn't interview, I was just handed the job! It was so obviously God's doing that I couldn't ignore it! I have been working for Emily in her home and at her office for a little over a month now, and I am still in awe of God's provision and how He brought it all together! 

Not only am I working in my field of study, but it is a Christian environment and I am getting to do so many different things.  I care for babies 2 days a week, I get to work with families who are wanting to adopt, I get to do office work, and recently I have been painting so I'm also doing manual labor.  I love it because I'm not doing the same thing over and over again. I love the diversity. And on top of that I get to work from home on Friday's and only if I want to! So on the Fridays David works, I work. And if He is off on Fridays I get to spend them with him! I am so spoiled! I could not have dreamed for a better work situation and environment.  God is so faithful!  My heart is so full and overjoyed! 

One of the biggest perks to my job is that I work Monday-Thursday/Friday.  So I can now go to church every week instead of once every other month. I am now involved in Sunday School and a small group, and I am making friends!  It may seem silly, but it has done my heart and walk with the Lord so much good! 

I just wanted to share with you about God's provision in my life, after I shared with you how difficult The Refining Fire was.  I wanted to share so that God would get the glory because it was all His doing! The fire was His doing, the lessons I received while in the fire were His doing, and now the blessings He is giving because of my obedience of staying in the fire when I wanted to run are His doing!  

I am so blessed! I am so thankful!

You see, if I would have left my job in retail when I wanted to and not when God wanted me to, not only would I have missed out on God's lessons, but I more than likely would not have the jobs I do now, because it would have been to early, the timing wouldn't have been right. God knew that I need to stay in The Refining Fire not only to learn the lessons, but also so His plan could come through! Of course, He would have used whatever I chose, because our God rocks like that. But better it be His plan to begin with, than Him having to work with ours.

So if you are in a tough place, know that God has you there for a reason... Learn the lessons, obey even when it's painful, and then watch and wait for God to bring you to the other side of His Refining Fire. 

In Part Three, I will talk about what God revealed to me after He brought me out of the fire... so stay tuned! 
For His Glory,
Emily 

Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake

Hello! 

Today, I want to share with you a dessert recipe. I rarely ever make dessert. This is a problem and I think I should probably change that... because dessert is amazing.  And this one is no exception...

Apple Cinnamon Cheese Cake.... need I say more?  

I didn't think so... So here we go.

What You Will Need:
For the Crust:

• 1/2 Cup butter, softened 
• 1/4 Cup packed brown sugar
• 1 Cup Flour
• 1/4 Cup oats
• 1/2 Tsp. ground cinnamon

For the Filling:

• 2 Packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 Can, 14 ounces, Sweetened Condensed milk
• 1/2 Cup apple juice concentrate 
• 3 eggs

For the Topping:

• 2 Medium Granny Smith Apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 Tbsp. Butter
• Splash of lemon juice
• 1 Tsp. Cornstarch
• 1/4 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 Cup Apple juice concentrate

To Make:

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees

-In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and butter. Add flour, oats, and cinnamon.

-Press mixture onto the bottom and 1 1/2 inches up the side of a 9 inch spring-form pan. This is a spring-form pan in case you didn't know. :)

-Bake for 10 minutes. Once done set aside to cool. Turn oven down to 325 degrees.

-In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with a mixer until fluffy.

-Beat in milk, apple juice, and eggs until smooth.

-Pour into crust and bake at 325 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until center is almost set.

-Let cool for 10 minutes, then run knife around the edges to loosen crust. 

-Refrigerate over night (DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!)

-Go to sleep.... Come back tomorrow and finish.

-In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add the apples and a splash of lemon juice. 

-Cook until crisp-tender (about 5 minutes)

-Let cool to room temp... I get impatient at this point so I just put them in the freezer for a few minutes.

-Arrange apples over cheesecake. Then eat the leftover apples if you have any.

-In a small sauce pan, whisk corn starch, cinnamon, and apple juice over medium heat until smooth.

-Bring to a boil while stirring constantly

-Boil 1 more minute or until thickened.

-Brush over apples immediately.

-Refrigerate one more hour. 

ENJOY! :-)

I rarely ever make this... because you have to let it chill overnight... then chill again.... I just don't have the patience for that! lol. But when I do decide to make it, it really is worth it! So go ahead and practice your self control muscles and give this one a try! 

For His Glory!

Emily

Pizza Balls! :-)

Hello!

Hope you are enjoying the Holiday! :) I am going to share a recipe that I make at least once a month.

Pizza balls!  

I don't have a set recipe, so just bare with me as I make this up as I go.... lol.

You will need:
-Rhodes frozen dinner rolls dough

 - Block of Cheese (I have used mozzarella or colby jack, both are good! Also you want block cheese, I have used shredded, but block is easier to work with!)
-Flour
-Parmesan cheese (optional)
-Pizza toppings! This can be whatever you like on your pizza! I usually use pepperonis, onion, mushroom, and black olive.  You could also try hamburger (cooked), green pepper, bacon.... literally what ever makes your belly happy!
-2 tablespoon butter
-Italian seasoning
-Garlic Powder 
-Pizza sauce for dipping

To Make:
-Set out the amount of dinner rolls you would like to eat on a baking sheet and let them thaw out for 30-45 minutes.... For the two of us, I usually make 12ish, because they fit easiest on a baking sheet and that will leave enough for one of us to have lunch the next day.
-Cut your cheese. I do about a quarter of an inch think slices and then cut the slices in half.... I hope that makes since. But do however much you like!  
-Chop your veggies! I don't chop the mushrooms because I buy them in slices and it is just easier to keep them that way. I use a ninja chopper for the rest! I cannot tell you how much I love this thing!! I use it all the time! It is like a slap chop only electric! Love it!! They are about $20 at Target if you're interested.

-Once the rolls are thawed out, dip one in flour, otherwise they are sticky, and flatten it into a circle about the size of a baseball. 
-Put the toppings in the middle. I have found it easiest to start with 2 pepperonis on bottom, next a cube of cheese, then a mushroom slice, about a 1 1/2 teaspoon of black olive, 1 1/2 teaspoon of onion, sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese if your using it, then top it off with 2 more pepperonis. 
-Then your going pull the edges of the dough to the center on top of the last 2 pepperonis and pinch them together. Place the rolls pinched side down on the baking sheet.  About half way through you will want to preheat your oven at 350 degrees.
-Repeat these steps for the rest.
-Brush the tops of the pizza balls with melted butter.
-Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
-Bake them for 20 minutes. They don't really turn golden brown except where the garlic is so don't wait for them to brown, they should be done after the 20 minutes.
-Serve with a heated jar of pizza sauce!

Finished product:

These are really easy to make, but a little time consuming to put each one together... they are worth it though!

Enjoy!

For His Glory!
Emily

The Refining Fire

 I struggle with fear.... Fear of what other people think of me. I let what others think of me determine my actions instead of what God thinks of me. I've been trying to apply Luke 12:4-7 to my life:

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows." (ESV)

"Why fear a kitten, when we should fear a lion" is one of my favorite quotes to paraphrase the first few verses. :-) 

But I still struggle with letting people tell me who I am and giving me my value instead of letting God. I was shown this through a very difficult boss that I had earlier this year, January-April.  Not only was I learning where I mistakenly place my value but also how to love my enimies, forgive, and go through struggles in a way that glorifies The Lord.

 It was not easy, and I was so tempted to run!  My husband gave me permission to leave before he found a job if I wanted to, and at first I was thrilled about the possibility of moving on from a job I couldn't stand and a boss who treated me poorly. But as I prayed about it and talked it through with my father-in-law, I knew the Lord was telling me I was running from conflict and from the lessons He wanted to teach me.

This was not easy to accept, and I cried a lot. I was so angry at the time knowing that it was God's will for me to stay when I so badly wanted to run....

 It's hard accepting God's timing... It's hard laying down your rights of making your own choices and letting God decide what you're supposed to do.... Because sometimes Gods way is painful, it is not usually the path of least resistance... He wants to put us through His refining fire, so that we come out on the other side looking more like His Son.

 Learning the lessons of placing my value only in Christ, forgiveness, loving my enemies, and having the proper attitude amidst trials is very important. Because these are life lessons..... 

Where to place my value is important bc I also don't want to place it in my husband, how well I manage my home, or my future children because they are not ultimate... Christ is ultimate. 

I need to learn how to bless and forgive when it's hard and learn to go through trials in way that honors the Lord because marriage and motherhood are not easy, I will need to forgive and bless my husband even when I don't feel like it, and who knows what trials life may bring... Bringing glory to God in all I do is my sole purpose. 

This situation also taught me to have an eternal perspective instead of the here and now..... Looking at what God is accomplishing in my life through trails and pain, what His purpose is.... and not at the trial and pain itself.   

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV)

I wish I could say after having this revelation all was wonderful and I was able to persevere without fault, but then that wouldn't be the truth....

It was still hard to go to work everyday, I confess I complained in my head and out loud often. :-/ And I am not all that sure I learned these lessons well... It seems I am still in kindergarten with most of these lessons....

But progress is progress. And the progress made was the realization that these sins are living within me.... 

But the wonderful news is that so is the Holy Spirit who is waging war against my flesh! He is drawing these things out so they can be dealt with... So they can be put through the refining fire... So I will become more like Christ. The process is not easy, and it is painful.... But in the end it's "achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 

For His Glory,

Emily

So It's Been A While

Hello,

It's been a while since I've written anything. 

The shopping fast has been over for for almost a month now.  I have bought a few new Spring tops, 2 clutches, sunglasses, and brown flats (closet staple I didn't have!) and mint flats. 

I have seen changes in my thought process.... I question myself more before buying something. Asking if I really love it, does it fit properly, is there anything I would change about it. Because I ask myself these questions I have put a lot of things back that I would have bought before the shopping fast. 

I am still not perfect at this, I still could spend less. But it has gotten better. Progress is progress. 

I may do it again in a few months. 

For His Glory.

Emily

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So Life is Crazy ....

Hello!

So it's been awhile since I have written anything....

Life is Crazy! ... And because it is I am just going to write when I can.  Originally I thought I'd write every day and have a theme each day... I am now finding with how my current work schedule is, that is just not possible. 

My husband and I have been making life decisions these last few weeks and then I worked almost 50 hours last week. Ugh. Gross! 

Now that my husband is graduated we are working on switching roles. Where my husband works full time and I find a different job and work part time.  That way I can focus more on homemaking. Currently my husband does most of it since I work different hours every week. I am grateful he is so helpful, I'm just ready to take on my role. 

"That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." -Titus 2:4-5 (emphasis mine)

Just the thought that this may be in the works almost brings me to tears. :-)

Anyway, the clothing fast is going well. It is actually much easier than I thought it would be. When you only have the choice to say no, you just do it. I am curious to see what it's like when the fast is over. 

Already I see a change though. I used to spend about an hour a day on Pinterest looking up outfit ideas (time wasting anyone?). And now it is a very rare occurrence. Small progress.... but progress is progress. 

For His Glory,
Emily 

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What She Wore Wednesday!

Hello!

Here is what I wore my last few days off of work! 

P.S. I love days off!! I live for them! 

White Oxford (Maurices), Sweater (Maurices), Necklace (Maurices), Jeans (Maurices),
 Brown Riding Boots (www.windsorstore.com)

Black Button Down (Maurices), Red Sweater Cardigan (Maurices), Jeans (Maurices),
Brown Riding Boots (www.windsorstore.com)

Mint Sweater (Maurices), Jean Button Down (Maurices), Cream Sweater Cardigan (Maurices), Jeans (Maurices), Jeans (Maurices), Brown Riding Boots (www.windsorstore.com)

For His Glory,

Emily

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Tasty Tuesday - Potato Soup

Hello!

It's Tasty Tuesday! 

I am going to share a Potato Soup recipe that I found on this blog.

It was so easy to make!! 

And delicious!! 

WIN and DOUBLE WIN!!!!

Here are the ingredients:
-1 30oz bag of hash browns (I used the cubed Ore Ida with the red and green peppers!)
-3 14oz cans of chicken broth
-1 can cream of chicken soup
-1/2 cup chopped onion (I just used a half a medium sized onion)
-1/4 tsp ground peper
-1 Package cream cheese (Don't use fat free if you want it to melt.... which you do... so ya.)

Here is how you cook it up!:
-Dump everything into a soup pot, heat it up on med/high heat, stir, stir, stir, taste test when cream cheese has melted to make sure potatoes and onions are tender. And that's it!! SO EASY!!!! That's my kinda a recipe!!! OH YA!!! 
-Serve with cheddar cheese, green onion, and bacon bits if you like!

Check out her blog for more great recipes!!! She had some good ones!!

Enjoy!

For His Glory,
Emily

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Marriage Monday - Books

Hello!

It's Marriage Monday, actually taking place on Monday! What a concept! lol

I love to read! I buy a ton of books! Mostly Christian marriage and family books and Christian fiction. 

Today, I wanted to share with you my favorite marriage books! (These aren't in any particular order)

1. The Politically Incorrect Wife by: Connie Grigsby and Nancy Cobb

2. Creative Counterpart by: Linda Dillow

3. Love and Respect by: Dr. Emerson Eggerichs 

4. Created to be His Helpmeet by: Debi Pearl 

5. Becoming the Woman of His Dreams by: Sharon Jaynes

6. Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by: Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald

7. The Five Love Language by: Gary Chapman 

8. The Excellent Wife by: Martha Peace

9. When I Get Married by: Jerusha Clark

10. For Women Only by: Shaunti Feldhahn

11. The Power of a Praying Wife by: Stormie Omartian


I am currently reading This Momentary Marriage by: John Piper


And these marriage books are on my to read list: 

1. A Wife After God's Own Heart by: Elizabeth George 

2. What's it Like to be Married to Me? by: Linda Dillow

3. Sacred Marriage by: Gary Thomas

4. God, Marriage, and Family by: Andreas J. Kostenberger

5. Real Marriage by: Mark and Grace Driscoll


Do you have any favorite marriage and family books to share?

For His Glory,
Emily 

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What She Wore Wednesday

Hello!

It's What She Wore Wednesday! ..... 5 Days late, lol.  I have been all over the place lately!!  Not having a set schedule at work makes having a schedule in other areas of life very difficult .... at least for me. lol. 

Here is My Pinspiration for what I wore:

Over sized white shirt and black blazer

and again

and again....

And here is what I wore:

White Under Shirt (My husbands dresser, lol),  Black Blazer (Maurices), Scarf (Gift from my mother-in-law from Guam), Jeans (Maurices), Brown Riding Boots (www.windsorstore.com)

And here is my Pinspiration for my next outfit: (I think it is one of my favorites so far!)

Hoodie under a blazer  and Hoodie over a oxford/ button down shirt

And here is what I wore: 

Blue Oxford (Maurices), Cowl-neck sweatshirt (Maurices), Black Blazer (Maurices), Jeans (Maurices), Brown Riding Boots (www.windsorstore.com) 

I obviously have been really liking my black blazer and brown riding boots! LOL!  Those are 2 of the things I bought right before the clothing fast that I had been wanting for a long time, so I have been wearing them a ton!  I had several outfit ideas for the black blazer that I was excited to try and I just love those boots! Lol.... so they appear A LOT!  Sorry. 

And it has been freezing here lately! So pictures are being taken inside unfortunately. :-/ 

For His Glory,
Emily

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Tasty Tuesday .... On Thursday!

Hello!

Sorry it has been a crazy couple of weeks here, so I haven't been very consistent in writing. I've had several posts planned, so I am gonna go ahead and share them! 

So it's Tasty Tuesday! .... On Thursday.. :-/ lol

Today I am sharing a recipe I discovered on allrecipes.com.  If you haven't heard of this site it's great to check out!! I use it often if I want to make something but don't have a recipe for it! Like a few days ago my husband requested oatmeal cookies! And I didn't have a recipe so I looked one up on my allrecipes app. :-) 

This one is called Devouring Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies! And that they were! I made a batch and brought them to a family get together and they were gone when we left (and there were only 10 people there, lol)!!

What you'll need:
-1 Cup butter (2 sticks), softened 
-1 Cup brown sugar
-1/2 Cup white sugar
-2 eggs
-1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
-1 1/2 Cups All-purpose flour
-1 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
-1 Teaspoon baking soda
-1 Teaspoon baking powder
-1 Pinch salt (I went ahead and used 1/8 of a tsp because I had a measuring spoon for that, a pinch is approx. 1/16 of a tsp, yes I looked it up because I'm a crazy perfectionist like that, lol)
- 3 Cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 bag chocolate chips (I always use milk chocolate chips because they're my fav!)

Make and Bake:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or if your like me, just rub some oil around on it!
2. Beat butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs and vanilla until creamy.
3. Add flour, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir, stir, stir it up!!! Or get out a mixer, they are wonderful. 
4. Gradually add oats 1 cup at a time and mix until will combined.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips 
6. Place 2 tablespoons worth of dough per cookie on greased baking sheet (or just use a cookie scoop if you have one), make sure cookies are 2 inches apart. Bake for 9-10 minutes. Let them sit 2 minutes on the baking sheet then transfer them carefully to a cooling rack. 

Nine minutes was perfect for my oven! They came out looking doughy in the center, but once they cool they were chewy!! The ones I left in for 10 minutes, got crunchy overnight, so if you like crunchy cookies go ahead and bake them for 10! 

Here is the original recipe!!

Enjoy! 

For His Glory!
Emily 

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Thoughtful Thursday - Discovery!

Hello!

It is Thoughtful Thursday! 

Once again, this isn't necessarily thoughtful.... (But remember that wasn't the point of "Thoughtful Thursday" I could be thoughtful or it could be just something I want to share ..... It can be anything I want it to be.... SO, no complaining when it isn't very insightful, thought provoking, or intuitive! lol) 

But I wanted to share with you something I discovered today!! And I am SUPER DUPER PUMPED ABOUT IT!!!! :-D

I discovered a new blog via Caitlin's blog! (You should remember her, she is a tool the Lord used to get me to start the Clothing Fast I am currently on!) 

The new blog I discovered is called Putting Me Together.  I love this girls style! She has a lot of really cute outfits I want to try! I haven't been reading her blog very long at all, like a few days, but she gave a shout out to her sponsors today.  One of them was Go Chic or Go Home.  I haven't gotten a chance to play with it very much at all, but it sounds like something I will love once I get a chance too! Basically you can upload pictures of all your clothes and create outfits without having to have a mess all over your bed!! (Anyone else have that problem? It is me on the daily!! ... Well on my days off anyway!) You can also upload pictures from online to see if the item will go with other things in your closet before you buy it! Brilliant!! Click Here to read what Audrey at Putting Me Together has to say about it!  She knows WAY more than I do! 

The reason I am so excited about this is because it will help me mix and match and create new outfits from what  already have in my closet!! It may help me put together outfits I haven't thought of before and when I am able to buy something (after the fast is over) I can see whether it would be a good purchase or not!! I'll give a review at a later date once I start using the site more!!

For His Glory,
Emily

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What She Wore Wednesday ... On Thursday

Hello!

Blog post #2 for the night since I am trying to catch up! lol


It is What She Wore Wednesday on Thursday! :-P



Here is my Pinspiration for what I wore Sunday:

And here is what I wore!:

Blue Oxford (Maurices),  Black Sweater (Old Navy), White Blazer (Maurices), Necklace (Maurices), Jeans (Maurices), Black Flats (Target)

And here is my Pinspiration for what I wore Saturday:

And this is what I wore:

Denim Shirt (Maurices),  Red Plaid Scarf (Aeropostale), Red Jeans (Maurices), Brown Boots (windsorestore.com)

For His Glory

Emily

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Tasty Tuesday ... On Thursday

Hello!

So this week has been crazy!! Hence the lack of blog posting happening! I am determined to catch up tonight though! 

I am going to share with you a recipe I got from my mother-in-law!!

Her salsa is the best and super easy to make!! We always have it in our house!


What you'll need: Makes aprox. 1 pint

-1 (28oz) can of mild Rotel
- 1 tsp oregano
-1 tsp cumin
-4 cloves garlic
-1/2 small onion
-1 bunch of cilantro
-Juice from 1 lime (can use a lemon)
-Salt to taste

Put all ingredients into a blender/ food processor and blend away!!!

It fits perfectly in a 1 pint mason jar! :-) 

Enjoy! 

For His Glory,
Emily 

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Faith Filled Friday- Week 1 Down

Hello!

So my mom and sister came to visit Friday night - Sunday afternoon so I didn't get a chance to blog on Friday.  So here is Fridays post.


Week one down of the Clothing Fast. 

I was tempted to buy something already. I didn't though! Working retail presents its challenges . . . or should I say temptations. :-/

What I need to start asking myself is why?  Why do I want these things. 

I know it is because I think this new thing will make me happy.  More content. 

I also know that it is a lie.  It is a lie I chose to believe even though I know it is a lie. That makes it sin.

 It is a lie that pulls me away from Who is ultimate, what is true, and Who will bring me lasting fulfillment.  It pulls me away from Jesus and His Word.  It distracts me from going deeper, it keeps me surface level . . . it feels safe.

I can hide here.  

I can hide in my material possessions instead of taking risks . . . instead of searching my soul . . . instead of working out my sin with the One who can heal me, the only One who knows me fully and wants to be known by me. The one who is calling me out from where I hide. 

Calling me to something greater. Greater than my self, my desires, and my will . . . He is calling me to a new perspective . . . 

A perspective of eternity. Letting go of the here and now and pressing forward to what is to come. This life is short in the time frame of eternity.  So why store up material treasures today? Why not choose what is better?  Why not choose treasures for eternity? Why settle for a hot dog when you can have a 5 course meal made by the finest chef?


 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21


What is your treasure? Is it Jesus? Or is it someone or something else?


Where do you hide?  What is Jesus calling you out from?  


What holds you back from taking the risk?


I hide in many ways . . . buying clothes is just one of them.  This clothing fast is a step of obedience. 

It's a start . . . A step of faith.  What is yours?


This is a great song if you are in need of encouragement. :-)

For His Glory,
Emily

P.S. Follow Me on Pinterest!

Thoughtful Thursday - Or Maybe Not

Hello!

It's Thoughtful Thursday!! - Or maybe not.

So this isn't really thoughtful ..... but it is useful and money saving! So if you're into that sorta thing then read on! 

For our wedding we received mason jars.  One of laundry detergent and one of fabric softener. ALL HOMEMADE!! And with it the recipes to remake them!!! Great gift!! WIN!! 

A couple of months ago I ran out of the ones gifted to us, so I got the supplies and made more!  


Here are the recipes:

Laundry Detergent - Makes approx. one gallon (see pic below): 
(This will last you forever!)

-All ingredients can be found in the laundry isle of Wal-Mart. 

-6 Cups Borax
-4 Cups baking Soda
-4 Cups Washing Soda
-2 bars Fels-Neptha bar soap (or Ivory soap)

-Shred the bars of Fels-Neptha with a cheese grater or food 
processor or blender. 
- Mix all ingredients together well.

-Use 2 Tablespoons per load (see why it lasts you forever!).
-Let Washer fill with water and soap before adding clothes.




Fabric Softener - Makes approx. 3 quarts (see pic below):

-6 Cups HOT water
-3 Cups white vinegar  
-2 Cups Suave Conditioner in your favorite scent 

-Mix conditioner and HOT water well, until conditioner dissolves completely (if your water is not hot enough it will take forever to dissolve! I found this out the hard way when I used warm water instead of hot). 
-Add vinegar and mix well.

-Use 2 Tablespoons in the fabric softener spot in your washer or in a downy ball, whichever suits your style. 

Here are my containers filled and ready for laundry duty! :-)





I found these containers in the kitchen section of Wal-Mart for around 5 bucks a piece (I think).  They are working great for storing the finished product! They are recloseable and can be poured right from the container !!  And are of course reusable which makes them even better!!!  Sorry I was just really excited when I found these!! lol!

I saw the same recipe online making much less.  They did the math and said for 24 loads of laundry it will cost you about $2.30 (depending on where you live).  Where as you'll pay $6-$9 (average) dollars at the store for laundry detergent doing the same amount of loads .  AWESOME SAVINGS!!! I'LL TAKE IT!!!  

Enjoy!

For His Glory!
Emily 

P.S. Follow Me on Pinterest!

It's What She Wore Wednesday

Hello!  

It's What She Wore Wednesday!

I told you I liked preppy and layering, so here we go again! lol.  Maybe I will try something new for next week.....

Maybe. :-)

Anyway here is my Pinspiration for what I wore on Sunday:

 


And here is what I wore:

Yellow Sweater (Target), White Oxford (Maurices), Necklace (Maurices), Jeans (Maurices),  boots (windsorstore.com  they are the exact ones in the photo of my pinspiration but it's kinda hard to tell)

Here is my Pinspiration for what I wore yesterday:

And here is what I wore!:

Navy Sweater (Old Navy),  Plaid Button Down (Gift, Rue 21), Cross Necklace (Maurices), Grey Jeans (Aeropostale), Boots (windsorstore.com,) 

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." - Proverbs 31:25

I really like this verse located in the Proverbs 31 listing of what a Wife of Noble Character looks like. 

This verse shows that she is not a afraid of the future because she is clothed in strength and dignity. But not her own.  It is the strength and dignity given to her by God. She has no fear because she knows Who goes before her and has confidence in Him.

Are you fearful of the future? Pour into the Word of God, ask the Lord for what you lack, and receive your clothing of strength and dignity! And go forth, not in your own strength, but in the strength of Jesus!  

Remember what you wear on the outside is vastly less important, than what you clothe yourself with on the inside! 

Have a great rest of the week!

For His Glory,
Emily