Hard Grace

Do you see your children as a burden or a blessing? So often as moms we can let the bad things our kids do be magnified in our hearts and in return the good only shadows behind. Its hard...I am learning... but I know every moment is God-given.

  Each one of my children are different...as I am sure each of one of yours are. My boys...are...well BOYS. Wrestling in odd places of the house, curious about many things, and loud. Did I say loud? They are strong, and very attentive during bible time, and they do break stuff. They are silly and love to give me raspberry kisses. They are mine. Given to me by God.

My daughter is very fragile. She loves dainty tea cups, finding quiet moments throughout the house to read-and has learned sometimes curling under a tree outside is the quietest place of all. She is growing up fast and loves learning about what the bible says on how to become a wise woman. She thrives in the kitchen and gets giddy in front of a blank canvas and new paint brushes. She still loves holding my hand. She is mine. Given to me by God.

I confess my to-do list was BIG today.. I was sick all week and felt like so much was left undone. I wanted to get back into a "normal" (well as much as possible) school schedule Monday. I hurried through each room.  I soon realized God had many interruptions planned for my attention.  It wasn't too long before I found myself feeling like I wasn't going to get anything done. Inside I felt like there were many "discipline" moments. Moments that felt like burdens.

I scurried to my to-do list and he pulled on my shirt.
"Mommy can you hold me?"

He's not my little guy anymore...and rarely asks to be held...I bent down and he wrapped his arms tightly around me. I melted.

The decoration he broke last week faded.

The Lego's he forgot in his pockets then discovered in the pew Sunday morning were only a memory.

Those became shadows in the light of that moment.

He sat there for only a few minutes then ran eagerly back to his toys. I watched him and was grateful. It wasn't long before I saw another...and another...in all of my children. They were little things. Things I am sure I would walk right past in my haste to complete the  To-do's for the day. They were blessings and I begun to look closer.

As I vacuumed I prayed. My mind was overwhelmed with all the hard moments. My heart was focusing only on the "wrong" things they had done. As moms we need to be diligent to discipline when needed. I believe God gives us every moment. But sometimes I wonder...what  if the hard moments are not just meant as opportunities for us to mold their hearts towards Christ, but also to mold ours as moms to grace. Grace that sees the blessings in each and every child of ours. Grace that is full of love when one more thing breaks. Grace that offers forgiveness. Forgiveness that keeps us from thinking only of their mistakes.These children are gifts he has given me. Every moment is His.

Keep an eye out today for Hard Grace....find those moments and hold onto them tightly. For it is here where our Joy as a mom...our love for raising them...gives us a small glimpse on God's love for us.


Many Blessings,
Dawn

Pew Prayers

                                               Dear Lord...
Its been a hard day. I've yelled more often than not. Please forgive me for not forgiving quickly and for keeping your grace all to myself. Thank you for the hearts of everyone in my home. Thank you for the many hands to help get heavy things moved. I am grateful. Thank you for the rain. The sounds of it on the ceiling and  the smell of dirt being filled. Thank you for small hands holding me close and hugs. Thank you for your grace...unfailing and your love...always there. Give me strength to serve you and my family in the morning. Help me to see your wisdom and apply it.

Amen

"Our New Beginning"

Its nearly Fall...summer has seem to fly by so quickly! The last few months our home has been filled with laughter, tears, fellowshipping with new friends, the smells of new recipes, the beginning of a new schedule (which may still need some adjusting)and the humming of a sewing machine that has stayed silent for years! As I open the windows and let the crisp fall air slip in I find myself refreshed. Do you ever just stand there feeling the breeze and sigh? I do :) Its those little moments that don't seem to last long in a house full of little (or big) ones. 

Just as spring has its new beginnings... Fall, for us, is a new beginning. A beginning of a journey towards expanding our family. It's been over six years since we have had little feet running through our home...and little hands reaching high for something to play with. The last six years have been very humbling for our family as we have seen God's grace and mercy and have followed Him as he lead us through many changes. At the beginning of that six year journey we decided that God was calling me to be a fulltime stay-at-home mom and my husband received a job at the local Christian University. A few years later we moved into our own home, set a little in the country, and the Lord lead us to a new church family. Our three children have grown much since then. Our oldest is blooming into a strong woman of God, taking an interest in art and interior design. Our oldest boy loves learning about missionaries and tells us he wants to be one when he grows up. Our youngest boy loves math and geography. My husband has continued to serve the Lord at the local university and I have found much to do here as I homeschool my children and begun opening my new business called "The Threshing Floor."

As our children have grown we talked about expanding our family. Back when my youngest was born we decided to have my tubes tied. It was a season of life where at times we felt overwhelmed and searched for stability as we adjusted to one income. In hindsight we wonder if our faith in God was a little shaken. For us it was a time where things always seemed soo hard. It seems God's plan for each family is different. Within the last two years we researched, set appointments, talked to caseworkers and agencies, and filed a file box of all the papers to examine. With hope we looked into many options. It seemed whenever we thought a door had opened... two closed. The Lord called my husband to serve at a university...we both knew it was exactly where God wanted him. My husbands income is sufficent and we are truly blessed! Sometimes we have just enough, other times our cup overflows!!! We knew the Lord's plan was better than ours and kept following Him. 

The last door closed on what we thought would be a great chance to rescue a orphan from within the states and my peace was gone. Soon I found myself surrendering it all to the Lord. It all sounded like a great idea-and I begun to pray. In our home we have a love for orphans, we have many many friends including our pastors family who have adopted. We know the need is great overseas and in the states and our hearts were opened. But you see sometimes the Lord's plan are way different from ours. Even though we felt like our plans were good and we have done much research nothing seemed to give us peace. Doors were not opening. During these days of confusion and grief a mentor of mine reminded me that I have three wonderful arrows and that I needed to focus on their hearts. It was in those days when the eyes of the three precious arrows we alraeady have, meant soo much more. It was here where contentment found me once again. That peace that passes all understanding and I begun to thank the Lord for every little thing in each of my children. I prayed that I would have their hearts and keep them focused on Him all the days of their lives. 
 We thought all the doors were closed but one day we were talking and I realized their was a window opened in my heart. A desire...a yearning...a moment in time where we felt we made a decesion in haste. It was that window that we realized was still there. Could it even be possible? Could the Lord have had that as His plan all along? After much research we found the Lord opening many doors in even the smallest details when it came to this option. So with faith, prayers and words of encouragement from friends we made our decesion to have a tubal reversal. To restore that part of our life to the Lord. It isn't going to be easy, and we know this isn't a popular choice. But we know the Lord is in control and He has promised to always provide our needs! We simply have to trust Him. 
With this decision we also know a great expense is required to get the surgery...something that will increase our faith even more. Its a long journey...one of faith, hope and love. A journey we hope will lead to the Lord blessing us with more arrows. Your prayers are very special to us and as a family we would like to ask you to pray for the following; for peace as we wait on God's timing, pray for faith as we trust Him for the financing, and pray for joy as we continue in the days ahead raising the arrows He has trusted us with already. 

 Many Blessings from our heart to yours, The Pickering Family

 "Lo children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward...as arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of thy youth. Happy is the man that has a quiver full of them."

 *If you would like to donate to our "Arrow Fund" feel free to email me here..we hope to have a paypal button up soon! simpleblessings@frontiernet.net

 P.S....if you have a Etsy shop and would like to help us raise funds by donating something that I could raffle off feel free to let me know! I am hoping to have some "raffle" giveaways in the coming months. Most importantly your encouragement and prayers are priceless! If you would like to receive our prayer letters throughout our journey please send me your email or home address. 

 Thanks again for walking this journey with us!

High Heels and Hot Wheels

Once I looked into the face of a little girl, sweet with rosy cheeks and  bright eyes under a lacy bonnet. She would squeal with excitment whenever daddy would lift her high. Her favorite thing was the M&M jar far above her reach. This little girl loved picnics and falling asleep next to mommy.

Soon this little girl became a little lady, blooming into womanhood and I stop...slowing myself down... try as I may to stop time. Could this be my sweet little one who I loved to carry in my arms ever so often?


Please join me at A Mother's Heritage for the rest of my reflections (and a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe)!

Being carried by the Lord

                           (when my head aches and my heart is weary)

The last few weeks my body has been weary with sickness. I have let my heart out there for many to pray over, and I have leaned on my Love more than ever before. It was a long healing process...walking pneumonia took most of my energy, caused my nights to be restless full of coughing and made my days very long. As I look back-now fully recovered,  I see the Lord's hands. His hands were there when my youngest needed encouragement to use kind words. His hands were there when my oldest son bowed his head and pleaded for my healing. His hands helped guide my oldest as she prepared many lunches.My strength wasn't enough but His was. He carried me. I. am. thankful.  I have a God I can turn to when I needed to. And in the midst of many days of struggle the Lord has so graciously poured out sweet blessings...showing me He is there.The prayers of righteous friends, (even though they were through blogs and phone calls) meant so much more! Friends willing to become family as they offer to carry any burdens I am willing to let go. And the love of my life being my strength when I was weak. Those are the moments that I treasure...and even though being sick for over two weeks really made my heart weary I can rest knowing that even in the midst of sickness the Lord has blessings waiting for me to pick up. Be encouraged dear friends! Those simple blessings are all around...I hope you will be looking for them as you go about your day today! And Thanks so much to all of you who reached out, may God bless you in a special way!!

Many Blessings,
Dawn

Seeds of the Heart

What seeds are you planting in the Hearts of those around you?

Please join me over at http://amothersheritage.com today as I share about the different kinds of seeds we are planting in the hearts of all those who watch us and how my family turns Dandelion seeds into a wonderful bread!

Passing on God's word

I awake to the sounds of a soft voice....
I turn to see the time...
Closing my eyes for a few more minutes I meditate on His choice....


Its a day of remembrance, a day full of honor, and day when He choose me.


A sinner, a life full of brokenness and sin. As a little girl I cling to a bible under my pillow. A bible that would be my comfort in times of struggle. A bible that would teach me about the cross and the grave.


We arise, still weary from a long night, and after we are all ready, gather around the table. Its Easter and things look a little different this morning than in years past. There are no Easter baskets filling our table. No eggs to be found, and no candy to indulge in. In front of us we think about the empty grave...we read.


We read about the angel, and the grave clothes, and the nails. We talk about the choice he made to die, we talked about the sins. We give him honor and praise. His presence fills our home. A holiness, a hush. We stop and pray. We meditate on the cross.





Across the room the old wood splintered and stained of age sits on our mantel. A homemade cross. Made from salvaged wood. A cross from the very walls of our home. Its a small reminder of that day. A way to keep our eyes focused when all around us the world is begging for more. Begging for me and my children to turn away from its importance. Begging in the midst of grocery isles for us to make other things more important.


We share with our children the importance of this day...we pray with them. We explain how we can walk with him all the days of our lives, and our desire for them to pass that love on. We pull out their first gift....A new bible.

Squeals of excitement fill the room, the smiles are priceless...the comments are of awe. Tears fill my eyes....its no Easter basket filled with new toys, no candy, no brightly colored eggs....and they are overwhelmed with joy.


Small blessings are wrote in each one with the hands of their father. He reads them in a soft gentle way, as he presents each child his own. We stop....little hands holding them tight.

In this moment we talk about the importance of sharing the good news. We present them with their second gift....the oppurtunity to choose to buy tracks or new bibles for those in the mission field. After all its Easter...that's what it is all about. His story!


All at once they seem to claim their choice....with smiles of little faces they are still full of joy.
We write down a list, to give to a Gospelink missionary, to order for the people in Vietnam.



I pray...that those little hands, and eager hearts to spread the gospel will flourish with the passion for souls as they grow. I hear my husbands voice instruct them to calm and we prepare to close out our family worship with one more gift. A gift of challenge. A gentle reminder that everything we do should be honoring to the Lord.





Every book we read should create in us wisdom that agrees with scripture.


And Every song we listen to will challenge us to become a disciple.

And every toy our hands play with will inspire us to be the kind of men and woman God has called us to be.


The grave is empty. We think one more time about the grave clothes laying motionless. We talked about this year being the beginning of new tradtions. Our heads bow and we close in prayer.





Easter to us has become a holy day. A day to focus on the cross. For us a day to not want, but to give...passing on God's word. In the hands of our children (and the generations to come) and in the hands of those around the world looking for a Saviour. The story of the cross.


May you and your family continue to see the love of our Saviour everyday as you think and teach your own children about the holiness of our Lord.





Blessings,


Dawn

Rainy days...

are good for rearranging the sewing corner....

and for organizing fabrics.... (in a new vintage trunk!)

and for hanging newly rescued doilies from the ceiling

Rainy days are also good for....



little boys' birthdays!

The Lord's Table

"...I remember the first time I confessed to Him that I had not been wise with the meals I had provided my family with. I saw a deep sorrow in my heart for I felt I was robbing my family of the strength to do all God calls them too, from not having healthy meals. Recently we found some food allergies and so begun my journey to Wise Meals as I take my family down the GF and Diary Free path. "





Please join me today over at http://www.amothersheritage.com/





as I share one of our favorite GF and DF meals. One that is kid-friendly and approved by a meat-and-potatoes-kind-of-guy!

"Cookie Cutter Prayers"

~How we can cultivate a heart of prayer in the hearts of our children through everyday things~
One thing my kids love to play with is cookie cutters. We tend to have gathered quite a collection. (one that actually fits into a old wooden barrel to be exact!) I personally love the metal cookie cutters. They tend to bring me back to a simpler time in life when children were encouraged to stand by mom all day as she cooked or cleaned. When boys would find contentment and adventure in a pile of sticks and stones, and the occasional tree in the backyard.

Cookie cutters will always find themselves somehow on our table during the week. Whether we are making cookies by scratch, practicing our alphabet, or trying to draw towns made out of shapes....our cookie cutters are much loved.

Cookie Cutters to most are just a simple everyday thing. Something that comes in many shapes and sizes and can give children of any age hours of fun. Did you know cookie cutters can also be a tool to teach those young hearts the importance of prayer? Since many of my cookies cutters are different colors and so often my kids are sharing or digging in the barrel for their next favorite one...I have a little game we play...it goes soemthing like this.

You will need:

~A timer of some sort

~Pieces of cardstock cut into squares or index cards cut in half

~Markers

~A list of prayer requests (or topical prayers)

Directions:

~On each piece of paper write down a specific prayer request or topical prayer

(ex: Missionaries, Daddy's cold, Self-Control with my hands)

~Before children play with cookie cutters explain when the timer beeps they will draw a new card of prayer from the "prayer pile" and pray (outloud or quietly) about those requests untill the timer stops

~You can also say whenever you touch a "yellow" cookie cutter, or a "round" cookie cutter you have to pray about ________(prayer card)

It's a fun way to make a simple moment into something so precious-listening to your family talk to their Saviour!

As with any memory there is usually a mess not to far behind. And with children messes are not that hard to make. But on the other hand picking up messes usually is no fun at all. So how can we take a pile of toys and teach our children that when we put our toys away we can spend time talking to God?

Here is another great idea....

You will need:

~A piece of paper to hang in the bedroom or playroom

~Markers or caryons (because every list seems to be a little more exciting to read when done with lots of color!)

Directions:

~Write down the top 10 toys or everything your children will be picking up in one column

~Draw a arrow to the second column and write down what they can pray for when they pick up that item and put it away

~Hang in a place where the kids can see this on a daily basis and encourage them, even walk them through it a few times. Afterall messes become more important as you pray your way through them with your children by your side!

(Example:

1. LEGOS (which are in the millions in my boys' room)------------>pray for missionaries who are building churches

2. SHIRTS-------------------->thank God for daddy and all the hardwork he does providing for us

3. MATCHBOX CARS----------------->Pray for God to provide the momey to our friends so they can go to the Mission field soon

4. DOLLS--------------->Pray for the girl orphans. And that God will give them a loving family

5. DRESS UP CLOTHES------------------>Pray for anyone who is sick. That God will heal them

You see its more than just, another pile. And as a mom you can say more than just simply, "Go clean your room." .....Its a oppurtunity to teach them the importance of prayer!

As a mom I see that I am constantly training their hearts to think biblically, quick to disciple them onward towards Christ, and always find a to-do list much too long for the hours I am awake. But as a mom I can find peace and joy in the everyday things as I look forward to those moments as a way to share God with my kids. Today I would like to enocurage you to start a passion in the young hearts of your children in praying throughout their day. It is a wonderful thing to join in Family Worship at the end of each day praying for the burdens of those close to you...and it is important to thank the Lord for each meal He has provided. But it can be a glorious thing when we see our everyday chores as stepping stones to a more personal, intimate relationship with Jesus.

I hope you are encouraged....and never look at a stray toy or a cookie cutter and a container of play dough the same again :)

Prayers of Blessings from my heart to yours!

Dawn

My Mountain of Prayer

This week I had a mountain in my way...one that seems to sneak in every so often. (Mostly when I'm not looking!) I wonder if they seem to visit you too?


This is a picture of my mountain...its here....its real....and I found myself having a hard time motivating myself to conquer it. So what do you do when you have a mountian of laundry that seems to get higher and higher each day? Well, if you're like me you find a way to blog about it :) So today I would like to share with you a new way you can move those mountains!!!
( And the beginning to my new series: "Household Prayers"!)

Pray your way through them, literally! As I sat down I decided for every item I picked up I would say a quick prayer...a short one. Some were a full sentence others were a few words. I was excited...motivated...and full of joy...to fold laundry!!!

Lord, Thank you for always providing food for us. Help me to be a better steward of our meals, and as I dry all those dishes and wipe up spilled messes help me to see it as a blessing...your provision.

As I hung up clothes I noticed a few tattered shirts. And I am convicted...reminded on how much my heart is tattered.... with selfishness. Lord forgive me on focusing on myself and help me to serve the ones in my family with diligence and joy.

My youngest sons red tie. (He loves to wear this to church, next to his Larry boy one of course!) I prayed that the Lord will teach him self-control as he sits in the pew with us during family worship.

I thank God for wonderful blankets that my kids love to use when reading. I prayed over a dear friend of ours, Mrs. P who made the bear blanket for our first child when she was born (11 years ago). I prayed for God to bless her and fill her with joy. I prayed for the missionaries on our fridge as I folded the map blanket.

I prayed for my daughters desire to wear more skirts and dresses. That she will have a heart of modesty all her life. Honoring her king...with her clothes. I prayed that we would be able to start sewing some skirts patterns she so desperately wants.

I prayed for my sweet girl as she slept that night. Give her peace, and dreams full of your glory Lord.

I found a belt, those occasionaly find themselves in the washer. I prayed for my boys that they will have a hunger for God's word, girding themselves with strength.

I prayed for everyone who brushes their teeth that we will remember to speak with gentleness and kindness throughout our day. (As I layed out the bathroom rug under the sink)

I prayed for my daughter. That God will give me the key to her heart. That she will strive for holiness and learn how to be a wise woman. I also prayed that if it's God's will another little girl will twirl around in the ruffles of this dress as we begin our adoption process. I prayed that I will reflect "holiness" as I go about my day. Showing my husband and my kids Gods mercy, forgiveness, grace, and love as I serve them.

" Lord please help me as we adjust to a diray allergy. Give our bones strength and give me wisdom as I start this adventure. "

"Lord please help us to be a witness to others around us. Telling others about the purity you offer through your blood. Afterall you are "One size fits all"

I prayed over my husbands uniform. His shirts and pants. Telling the Lord how greatful I was for his hard work. Asking him to give him strength as he goes about his day. I asked God to help me to be a better helpmate, and that I will create a home full of joy when he returns.

I was reminded of all the "stains" we have in our life,

and as I put our "rags" in the rag bucket I knew God has a plan for each of us....

Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things (even the scraps of our life) work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose."

I prayed that our kids will find contentment in the car as we go throughout town, and I thanked God for the noise of them all singing bible songs as we headed to the bank.
I washed and dryed all of our winter glooves, and hats. Its Indiana and we have been blessed with a very very mild winter.So I kept the bag close to the garage door just in case it gets really cold again. And I prayed for the "seasons" ahead. I surrendered my will to his. I am nervous, and unsure of what will happen in my life untill I pull these out agian. But I know He is in control!
I folded the last scarf and prayed for my sons throat. It was red and a little sore tonight. I prayed for God's healing stripes to comfort him.

Prayer. Its such a simple task. Something we can do so often and yet forget to do most of the time. It took me three hours to get to the otherside of my mountain. Three hours into the wee hours of the morning. Three. hours. of. prayer. My heart rejoiced and I was humbled! That was the longest I prayed in my whole life. Short, simple prayers. Laundry Prayers! Prayers that covered everyone in my home. Prayers of thankfullness, and prayers of conviction. A intimate conversation with my first love. My Lord.

***I would love to invite you to my next series: "Household Prayers". This week I will be sharing how we can turn our home, our to-do lists, and tidying up into a divine appointment. A holy conversation. One full of prayer!

By His Grace,

Dawn

His Mercies are New!

Its the beginning of a new day...the sun hasn't awoke from its depth and the kids are still warm under their blankets. I find myself refreshed and full of Joy today. No particular reason really, just knowing my God is faithful and He is here.

~He is here beside me as I fold my mini mountian of laundry...(all it took was a little faith...you know... the kind found in a mustrad seed?)

~He is here when the dishes say good morning and I say, Oh yeah I forgot about you last night. ~He is here when my floors seem to never stay clean and I hope no one sees the evidence of our very much lived in living room carpet.

~ He is here when I find my heart burden for the path of my children as I teach them God's way, and yet so often than not I feel like I am not doing it right.

~He is here....

As I sip my tea and look down at my two Ginger snaps (not a very healthy breakfest but a sweet one nonetheless) I am greatful that He is here. I know I can't go about my day without Him. Without His grace, His mercy, His wisdom, and His forgiveness. Its a new day one that I want to give Him fully. Its all His afterall.

~My gentle, loving husband is His

~My daughter full of beauty with a heart so fragile as she discovers who God wants her to be is His

~My sons who love adventure and thrive on learning new things are His

~This home and all within are His

My family, all unworthy of my love...all saved by grace and all given to me as gifts. All whom I can't love without Him!

The sun is lifting, and the birds a waking...my children are stirring and... I pray....

Dear Father,

I need you today. I need your love so I can love them. I need your grace so I can pass it on. I need your forgiveness when I fail in my fallen skin. I need your spirit to guide me and give me wisdom when all else is gone. Be my hands, as I prepare meals. Be my feet as I go from room to room to tidy. Fill my voice with gentleness and grace as I speak loving, encouraging words of Hope.

Father thank you for your love. For the cross. And for your word. Thank you for giving me soo much I don't deserve. Thank you for another day to wake up early and spend this time with you.

Please Father give everyone who comes here... Joy.. For no reason really, but just because you are with them. You are there beside them no matter what season they are in. You are with them no matter what comes their way today. You are with them wherever they go. You are there. They are not alone.

"O Lord you are my God, and I rise early to seek you."
~Psalms 63:1

"My Cafe Daughters"

My family and I have been honored to have two young ladies become a part of our home and our hearts this past year. These ladies attend the local university and are a part of the CAFE ministry at our church. A ministry where Titus 2 woman and families are called to "adopt" a college student, carrying their burdens in prayer, fellowshipping with them, encouraging them, and bringing them into our homes when they need a good home cooked meal.

I have been so honored to hear these ladies speak about their dreams, and hopes.

and share their family life back home.

As moms we wear many hats throughout our day....

but God has called us to wear a very special one....

the hat of a Titus 2 woman.

Titus 2:4 "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."

As these women grow and move onto a new season in their lives

I pray they will continue to radiant with beauty.
The beauty found in living their lives for the Lord,
and honoring him in all they do.

Thank you Ren and Linnea for opening up your heart

and letting my family "adopt" you into ours. You will always

have a special place in our home and heart and hope this is just the beginning of

a strong friendship lasting many years!!!

As I train my daughter towards biblical womanhood I pray that

when she enters that season of life she will be strong in the Lord,

and radiant with beauty like you.

"A Titus 2 Prayer"

(from my heart to yours)

Dear Lord,

I thank you for bringing these special woman in our lives. I ask you to please give them wisdom as they seek you for your plan for their lives. I pray that you give them peace and contentment wherever you may lead them. I pray that you will fill their hearts with joy

and give many memories that can encourage them to become stronger woman of God as they finish this year. Carry them Lord when they fall, hold them when they cry, and fill them with joy in the days ahead. Bless them Lord and keep our hearts connected in the years ahead. Thank you again for the honor to have them as a part of my family.

Amen

***A Titus 2 challenge:***

~I would encourage you blog friends to read Titus 2 and try and pray about some way you can be a blessing. Whether to a young mom, a college student, or more personally to your own daughter(s). It is a joyfull thing to be able to be used by God in this way...to pass on a legacy of sorts to the next generation.

Many Blessings,

Dawn

The Blessing of a Toddler

He grabs the yellow school bus and squeals.......
He smiles with a heart full of joy

His hands are small...

But he is Oh so eager to help smash the strawberries for Jam

He wants to race, to play alongside the others......

and to eat more grapes.

His adventures of the day consisted of chasing the cat....

giggling when the dog gives him kisses.........

and playing in the bowls of water.

He is a little guy who can barely see over our farmhouse table,

he has won the heart of my daughter (and mine) and he loves it here!

"Above all, think beauty in the ordinary..."

~Emilie Barnes

He is a friends little guy and when we are blessed to watch him my home rings with the sounds of a toddler again....something I have missed!

My children are growing so fast...for my daughters 11th birthday she asked for her first pair of high heels and has been wearing them everyday since. My boys are big enough to climb trees and make their own tents in the backyard.

I will always keep the memory of my childrens tiny hands in mine and belly giggles tighlty in my heart....but when I can have a little one curl up in my lap again (my youngest is getting so big he can't do that anymore *sigh!*) I rejoice!!!

Many Blessings to you my blogging friends...and if you still have a toddler in your home I challenge you to find the beauty in the ordinary throughout your day and lock those memories up tight in your heart-for one day those toddlers will be much much bigger!
Love,

Dawn

Simple Italian Chicken

"In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust:
let me never be put to confusion."
Psalm 71:1
~As I seek the Lord for wisdom on what to feed my family, and as we discover some allergies that have been hindering our health our recipes have become an adventure of sorts for me. I have had to put my trust in the Lord and know he will give me wisdom. So today begins the first "food blog" post. As I "try" many recipes or adjust the ones my family has come to share and love I would like to share them with you and hope you will enjoy them also!


"Simple Italian Chicken"

You wil need:
~Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 per person)
(I use a bag of frozen ones I buy at our local Aldi store)
~1 whole tomato sliced
~a good melting cheese (we found a wonderful white Farmers
cheese at our local Amish market...it tastes almost like
mozzeralla but with a more buttery taste)
~1 TB of Basil


~I find pouring out some basil onto a (pretty)
little dish makes it easier to pinch

~Place your chicken in the oven at 350

for about 20 minutes then I pull it out and place the toppings on

~Lay a slice of tomato on top each chicken breast

(or you can leave one off for that little 5 year old who thinks

tomoatoes are too mushy)

~Then place a thick piece of sliced cheese over each tomato and sprinkle

a little basil on top

~I then sprinkle each chicken with a dash of Olive Oil

~Place back in oven and cook for another 20-30 minutes untill juice

is clear and chicken is done ~And there you have a healthy, wonderful Italian chicken dish!

~Now its time for its close up!

~We served ours with frozen green beans and mashed potatoes

(when we mashed our potatoes we replace the milk with Almond milk

since we have noticed some diary allergies. NO ONE seemed to notice a difference!)

~The cheese was perfectly melted..the tomato was rich and juicy,

and the basil gave it a wonderful earthy taste!

One of the highlights of dinner for me, while we sit around the table eating,

is to listen to my husband read from God's Word.

Food for Thought:

The best dessert any wife can ask for is a good dose of God's word

read from the man she loves and adores!

From my kitchen to yours,

Dawn