Girlfriends With A Purpose

Date 2 Remember.

2012-02-17T19:53:00.000-08:00

I love when I accomplish a Pinterest idea!

Tonight I sat down and created one of my pins! Click on that link to see the original.

Here is my version and I changed it by putting a picture of our favorite road in the background.

We sure loved living on this street.

These are all the important dates in our family. I have the perfect frame for it to go in and it will hang in our entry way, next to a rustic letter "S".

What have you made from Pinterest lately ?

Friday Rewind.

2012-02-17T08:38:00.001-08:00

Holy Moly can I just tell you that busy is not better, and today as Friday is hitting I crave being a Mary and shoving the Martha 6 feet under.

The last week or so has been insanely busy.

In ministry there is times where you can control your schedule and times where you can't.

I let it get out of balance a little bit this past week and I'm pulling the reigns tight, so if you want a piece of me take a number and I'll see you in March, okay or on Pinterest.

Saturday 4th - House of Prayer in the PM.

Sunday 5th - Church, & Super Bowl Party @ Friends.

Monday 6th - Date Day with my hubby!!! (I preserve that as much as humanly possible!)

Tuesday 7th - Caught up and worked on Valentines & went to grocery store)

Wednesday 8th - Church in the PM

Thursday 9th - Bible Study in AM & Hubby and worship practice in PM

Friday 10th- I spoke at Mops (family time that night @pizza hut and ice cream!)

Saturday 11th - Dinner party at our house for 25 people

Sunday 12th - Church in AM, Soup dinner for missions after service, Valentines Banquet in PM

Monday 13th - B0o only got a date lunch because hubby had to go to mtg. Sectional Council in PM

Tuesday 14th - Valentines Day - I organized my oldest daughters party at school, awards ceremony and family dinner.

Wednesday 15th - Real Life Rally meeting & Church

Thursday 16th - Board Dinner PM

Friday 17th- TODAY ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!!

Saturday 18th- Pinewood Derby in the AM, but we are not participating we will go and say hello and have a family day.

Sunday 19th - Church, Business Meeting (annual) PM.

In the middle of this my hubby had a sinus infection that he lovingly passed to me, okay I asked for it. He wouldn't kiss me because he didn't want to get me sick but I MADE his kiss me, and well he's better and I'm not. Bottom Line, MY FAULT.

My youngest got the same thing.

My two older all had puking episodes somewhere in the middle of that.

I am 100% convinced that we all got our sickness ailments because we were run down and exhausted! This momma will be pulling the chains a whole lot tighter and protecting my babies and hubby a whole lot better. I control my calendar, and I should. I understand their are busy seasons, and my husband and I are 100% all in, but if we are exhausted and run down everyone including our family will get left overs.

Balance = Good Thing.

Team player - great thing

However sometimes people on your team need a time out, before they burn out.

I remember in our church planting day's trying very hard not to fill the calendar to overflowing so our volunteers wouldn't burn out.

Busy isn't better.

What's on your calendar that you can purge ?

Are you being intentional with your church calendar ?

Vision.

2012-02-16T12:24:00.001-08:00

Have you ever been apart of something that you just got, and understood the importance of ?

I remember when we planted our church, and how we wanted to make the vision that God gave us so clear that our congregation could repeat it and say it within a 30 seconds to anyone who asked. Doing this allowed them to know our hearts, see where we were going, and take ownership.

Love God, Love People, Change The World.

Love God - Using discipleship to grow people's relationship in the Lord, and that everything we do must come under us Loving God.

Loving People - Loving people right were they were. intentionally loving them. How often do you recognize your leaders ? People who greet, run the nursery ? They must feel loved and valued.

Change The World- The great commission going out into the all the world and sharing the gospel.

Could be thru providing quarters at the laundry mat, free childcare, giving water bottles to people when they come out of the bar at 3:00 in the morning. The list is endless, but basically to serve.

I know several churches that have such a "Simple" approach to their vision and church.

WE as a body of believers and ministry leaders complicate things so much .

We have programs for programs and we keep our calendars full and busy.

We spin a bazillion plates at one time praying that one won't hit the floor while the others are all spinning.

However is your vision or lack of vision so complicated that you aren't even taken care of your first responsibilities.

1) Your relationship with the Lord

2) Your relationship with your spouse

3)Your Children

4)Your Ministry/Job

So often #4 dictates #1-#3 umm how backwards ?!?!?

My friend Melissa Elswick recently said in an online conference.

“Tip the scale toward ministering to our family first, our children are our most important disciples. Don’t just say yes to a good thing… say yes to a better thing… your family.”

My friend Angie and her husband planted a church and have had a huge life changing event, but in that so much good has come. I know Jon & Angie will someday be able to share how out of balance people have come in ministry. Check out this post here. If your critical of her thoughts, I can pretty much tell you that's the Holy Spirit tapping on your shoulder saying (cough cough).

So back to my main point - Vision.

Keep it simple. - Great Book to read on this.

Keep it follow able by people in your church.

Become Fearless but Fear the Lord (If God is leading you to do something, but you don't want to ruffle feathers, you will ruffle more by sitting and doing nothing, and you will lead your church to a slow death, and probably your family.)

Most of all Have a Vision. (winning souls isn't just enough, people want to see and understand the "how" behind it, and know what happens once they find Jesus). Not only does a lack of vision not lead the people in your church, but you'll go thru staff so quick because they have nothing to follow.

If you have lost the vision, you have lost the passion or your church is controlling the way you Pastor or lead your doing nothing more than prostituting yourself to believers trying to get them to buy into a mystery of your ministry.

Eventually, you will loose them because they don't know where they are going or what to follow. All ministries in your church should support the main vision of the church, if they don't peace out, that ministry needs to go away!

Last story, I remember when we were felt God leading us to pass off our church plant to someone else. The feeling of starting over, moving or having to go to another church, and learn their problems (all churches have them) was exhausting.

However, I feel so strongly if we would have stayed the church would be falling apart because God was done with us at this church. Staying longer would have been detrimental.

Part of having Vision is realizing when you have done what God asked and when it's time to move on. You may be holding your church back or you could be missing a HUGE blessing God has for you!

Final thoughts - If any of the above is you, it's never to late to shift the tide. Have a simple vision that is the umbrella of your church that all other things fall under. If it's not under the vision umbrella - it's gone.

Don't exhaust yourself, your family, your staff, your friends, and mostly your relationship with the Lord all for the sake of busy, and lack of vision.

Poor Man's Caviar

2012-02-15T07:33:00.001-08:00

Several years ago my friend Tami was hosting a garage sale. Well what does any good friend do when she is hosting a garage sale; yes that's right invite all her friends to bring their junk and sell it as well. Well one afternoon at the garage sale Tami brought out some yummy chips and poor man's caviar ??? I was skeptical but now I'm hooked. Most ministry events where I need to bring something quick that feeds a bunch of people I whip this up. It's kinda addicting, okay well some refer to it as crack but that's a crude comparison but it's pretty amazing.

I normally double all the non spicy ingredients so my kids can eat it. Feel free to add more fire to your liking.

First of all do you love Ikea ? I do! It meets so many of my shopping needs in one store. Oh and their cinnamon rolls yup to die for, you should really try one! Well my friend Alisha who is living in Romania was flying into town, and what better to do then go to Ikea when your by the airport! She pointed these bad boys out to me and I love them!!! They are thin laminated type paper cutting boards that clean up oh sooo easy!

Okay so get out your fancy cutting board or one from Ikea for $3 and grab a red/purple onion.

Dice it up really fine,(yes the whole onion) and place in a large bowl. I like to use glass so you can see all the pretty colors.

Then your going to add all the canned stuff to a big bowl.

I double up on the beans and the corn but not the Rotel.

Next chop up a green or red bell pepper.

Then add the crushed garlic, cilantro & red pepper.

Your end results will be a beautiful colorful dip just waiting for you to devour.

This was prior to mixing. If you look below you see a gorgeous photo I took off of this site.

Poor Man's Caviar

1 can black beans drained & rinsed

1 can corn (or 1 1/2 cup frozen corn) drained

1 can rotel tomatoes

1 red onion diced very small

2 cloves garlic crushed

fresh cilantro snipped (add to your taste)

crushed red pepper, start with 1/4 tsp and add as needed

lime juice

1 pepper diced (red, greeen or yellow)

salt to taste

Mix all together and let sit for a few hours to blend flavors. Can be made a day ahead. For more heat, add nore garlic & crushed red pepper.

Pin It

Christmas Cards.

2012-02-03T09:09:00.000-08:00

Right, I know it's February and a little un-timely, however maybe you will enjoy this and can remember to do this next year.

I by any means didn't invent this idea. A matter of fact I know several families that put them in a basket on their table. We used to do this but little hands would go thru and they would get to messy and out of order.

This year I hole punched all of our christmas cards and put them on a little keychain ring.

Each night we take turns as a family (including the kids) to pray over one of the families.

I love how it gets our children praying for other people. We also keep a journal of needs that we know of, and we pray over them every-night until the prayer has been answered. We also record the praises ! At the end of the year we will rejoice in what God did and continue to pray over the needs in our family, and friends lives.

How are you being intentional about praying over people and teaching your kids to pray ? Would love to hear your ideas!

Birthday Freebies!

2012-01-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

Birthday's can be so much fun in the coupon world... if you plan in advance! Below is a list of restaurants and retailers that will bless you with something Free or close to Free on your birthday! So take some time and browse thru the list and see if something sticks out to you and sign up! I'm sure I don't have to even say this but I will because I know someone may get upset, but this list could change at any minute and I have no idea when these businesses will change or take down their "birthday specials". This is just for fun, and I don't get paid a cent to advertise for them.

Restaurant Deals

Auntie Anne's Pretzel ~ Upon Sign up you will get a BOGO deal and on your birthday!

Baskin Robbins ~ Free 2.5 oz scoop of ice cream or a swirl of soft serve!

Benihana's Japanese Restaurant ~ This is amazing! Join the Chef table for free and you will get $30 FREE on your birthday! Yes please!

bd's Mongolian Grill ~ $5 off upon sign up and Free Stir Fry on your birthday.

Carrabba's Italian Grill ~ Free dessert on bday & comp. appetizer upon sign up.

Firehouse Subs ~ Free Medium celebratory sub on bday. Free drink w/purchase of sub upon sign up.

IHOP ~ Free Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity Meal. (amazing eggs, meat and smothered pancakes w/fruit)

McAlister's Deli ~ $5 off coupon

Noodles & Company ~ Free Bowl of Noodles

Romana's Macaroni Grill ~ $5 off upon sign up & Free slice of cake for your birthday

Sonic ~ Free Medium Drink

Souper!Salad! ~ upon sign up 20% off. Free bday lunch or dinner.

Captain D's ~ Kids Sign up for Free Bday treat & I was told adults get one to when signing up for their insider D's club. (You do enter your birthday, so crossing fingers)

Ruby Tuesday's ~ Join their so connected group and receive a free Burger on your birthday!

Retail Deals

Aveda ~ Free gift up to $24 value on bday & free lotion upon sign up

Old Navy ~ $10 off a $50 purchase

Sephora ~ Every year it's different. Last year was lip gloss, year before nail polish.

Enjoy these awesome deals! Let me know in the comments if you find that one of the links doesn't work or the policy has changed! If you know of any other freebies or discounts let me know!

2012.

2012-01-02T19:07:00.001-08:00

We have set our goals and they will be hung on the fridge as soon as I get some more ink for my printer. I'm really excited about this year and I hope you are as well!

So after you read and see mine you will see I need some good book ideas. I don't really care for fiction so what's some of your favorite reads ?

A little bit of this and that with picture fun.

2011-12-22T23:05:00.000-08:00

Our kids have been out of school since last Wednesday.

We are having a great time.

This week we got a bunch of snow dumped on us in the Rocky Mountain Region.

Monday we got about 9 inches.

Then we got another 7-9 Inches between Wednesday night and today.

It's midnight and just now tapering off. You can see the bottom picture to the left is my three year old and that is the snow at her height.

I don't have many pictures of Connor, because he really doesn't like the cold for to long. He enjoys it for a bit and then loves the hot chocolate afterwards. Secretly I think he goes inside and plays star-wars thru the whole house.

Below is some serious redneck ways of playing in the snow. When we lived in Michigan we had all the snow gear you could possibly think of; sleds, boots, shovels. Well when we moved to Georgia I got rid of most of it and the stuff I didn't get rid of well accidently got left behind in Georgia.

The top picture is my neighbor shoveling his grass ?!?! FOR HIS DOG!!!

Reason #598 why we don't own an animal.

Picture two to the right... Sled in Georgia = Sand box lid as lid in Colorado.

Hey whatever works right ?

The last one on the bottom... doesn't everyone use shovels, and sand buckets when they play in the snow ?

30 toes.30 fingers.

2011-12-22T22:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes after baths we take the extra time...

we clip and file...

we trim...

we paint...

we blow...

we giggle and smile because it tickles our toes...

30 toes...

30 fingers...

now look oh so sweet.

Thank goodness my little man only gets trimmed and isn't into polish.

Freezer Cooking.

2011-12-21T14:04:00.000-08:00

I am currently sitting in my favorite chair, the Christmas tree glistening, my children watching "Polar Express" (anyone else find that movie creepy @ all ?), and looking outside at the snow that is blanketing the ground all while the sun is being eaten by the new snow clouds rolling in over the mountains. Ah. Oh and my coffee is brewing, can't wait until it's done... man I sure hope my mom and dad got me the Keurig for Christmas, instant gratification, can I get an AMEN!

Okay back to the point of this post. NONE of the above would be possible if I didn't take time last Saturday to plan our meals and have them cooked, and froze and ready to thaw and eat at a moments notice! I am taking every minute of Christmas break and enjoying NOT being in the kitchen. Actually, I love being in there but I'm like this change of pace.

So how did I do it and what did I make ?

Well if you google "Freezer Cooking" your going to find a bazillion blogs, and I have yet to find one that is bad. If you go to Pinterest well same thing your mouth will be watering with amazing ideas! I did a little of both and made a detailed shopping list.

* The meat will be your most expensive item, so try and find that on sale or buy in bulk.

All that I made took me about 2 hours to mix up, flash freeze, bag up and cover.

I should also say that my family is not PICKY! My hubby is amazing that he is not a meat and potatoes kind of guy and a casserole is okay with him. He knows what a blessing it is to have food on the table and not care what it is :) My children also understand that I'm not a restaurant, that they eat what is made.

Breakfast Freezer Items

*Pancakes *Take a regular pancake mix and mix up the whole box, cook on your griddle or skillet. Once cooled lay on cookie sheet and "flash freeze" or "quick freeze" until they are solid.

Place in baggies and all you will have to do is pull out and put in the toaster! This is great for whole wheat or healthy options- versus store bought loaded down with junk pancakes.

*Sausage Patties - I took a roll of ground sausage and froze until just solid a little bit, and then i pulled it out and sliced. Cooked it in the skillet and let cool. Once cooled I did the "flash freeze" method and put in a gallon size ziplock. Now in the morning it just needs warmed in microwave for a a few seconds.

*Mini Quiche* Mama and Baby Love have a great recipe and tutorial. I use whatever meat is cheapest or on sale.

*Seasonal Muffins* Lady Bird Lane has a great recipe for freezing, and you can do whatever add in's you want for whatever season it is.

With these items I will pair either... Yogurt, Fresh Fruit, Granola (my recipe) or oatmeal with those.

Lunch.

I don't really do anything special for lunch. I do either leftovers, or a quick sandwich with popcorn and a fruit or vegetable.

However there is a great recipe for Mac & Cheese @ Once Upon A Month Mom and she has a ton of great ideas over there!

Dinner.

*Spaghetti* I mix it all up the noodles, sauce, cheese and meat. The only thing i do a little different is undercook the noodles because they will cook more when unfrozen. I pour into a freezer dish and when ready to eat, thaw in fridge in the morning. Bake it at 350 until warm add more cheese and sauce if necessary. I make a huge pot and divide into two separate dishes for my family.

*White Chicken Chili* I will post this recipe later sometimes but basically I doubled it, cooked it and then let it sit and cool. Once cool put in gallon size bags and froze.

*Shepherds Pie* Once again I usually make two at a time. I can post a recipe if you ask, but really google and your would find a bazillion. Mine usually consists of meat,corn,mashed potatoes and cheese, maybe cream of sauce if I have any, and seasonings.

*Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf* What's cooking Chicago has this yummy recipe and it's super simple. If you don't have some of the spices I don't think it's a big deal.

*Chicken Club Pizza* Basically any Pizza you want because I make about 4-6 pizza dough balls and freeze those. Then make whatever Pizza you want. I use Chicken on this pizza so it's already cooked and shredded in my freezer. I use Pioneer Women's pizza crust. Read to the bottom for instructions on freezing.

*Taco Meat* Cook meat and freeze in bag.

*Baked Chicken Parmesan* My real life friend Jennifer told me about this and it's yummy.

I have several more but that is a few to get you started! Let me know if you have any questions!

Creative Friends Wanted.

2011-12-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

So we are in the home stretch to Christmas, my most favorite time of the year! I mean really I could not ooze my excitement all over the blog if I wanted to. Since I was a child I have loved it, and as an adult the meaning and feeling just become deeply rooted over the years.

That brings me to today Monday Night, exactly 6 nights until Christmas!?!?

My husband and I have been in a position for the last 3 years where we have not exchanged gifts to do lack of funds. I think last year we did something small in our stockings, but nothing major. Every year we also get each other Christmas PJ's (ha about the only time of year we buy pj's), but not this year.

This is where you come in...

I want to do something creative for my husband that cost $0.00. Is that even possible you ask ? Umm I'm sure I mean there is a few obvious one's that I could do that I won't post on my blog ;)

I have googled, and used Pinterest (I heart that site), but still my creative brain just isn't coming up with anything.

So sweet friends... Have you ever done something like this before ?

If so what have you done ?

I know I will come up with some sort of idea.

This year is really special to me, to do something unique.

You see he has had a growth/cyst for several months, and had it removed.

I only told a few people because my nerves were kinda rattled. I trusted God and knew things were going to be okay, but prayer from other folks totally helps when you feel your on the front of the battlefield ya know.

Well today at his appointment the pathology report came back and that ucky C word that is thrown around way to often was used in a positive light. His body is Free of it!

Thank you Jesus.

I wish it didn't take moments like those to wake you up a bit, but well I'm human and it did.

So can u help me come up with something ???

Yippee can't wait to read your ideas!

P.S. ----> This blog was not asking for $, just asking for ideas!

Can Martha have a "Mary" Christmas ?

2011-12-16T12:49:00.000-08:00

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42.

Now before we all start slinging eggs and telling Martha how her priorities are out of whack, let's honor her side of the story. If Martha was alive today, and she was like any typical women she would freak out if she found out guest were coming. She would be washing linens, heading to the local Piggly Wiggly to stock up on groceries, and spend the rest of the day preparing for her guest by cleaning and cooking. She wants her guest to feel honored and special when they come especially since one of those honored guest was Jesus. The twenty-first century women are just like the Martha way back when. Do I think Martha was wrong ? No. I think her priorities were out of sync a bit.

If time doesn't allow us to spend time at Jesus feet which is the better, then maybe we need to change our Martha approach. Christmas is coming maybe the Martha inside of us needs to plan a little more, and do a little less. Instead of Roasted Lamb with 15 sides she serves a Roast out of the crock-pot with 2 or 3 sides. Maybe make one room in the house the catch all room that everything gets shoved in. If your choosing to spend more time prepping to serve your guest and not equivalent or more serving and sitting at the feet of Jesus, the sweet baby who was born in a dirty cold stable then the Martha side of you has won over.

As women in ministry we lead by example. If we are always being Martha then the women who serve with us and next to us will never learn to appreciate the restful, peaceful side of what's better. Simply sitting at Jesus feet; listening, honoring and cherishing the simplicity of the moments. If we choose to lead from a place of simplicity, and what really matters the women around us will get a healthy balance on how to be Mary & Martha.

This Christmas I urge you to choose what's better. Sure, things still need to be done, but choose your priorities wisely. I saw this anonymous quote somewhere and wanted to leave it with you.

"Thinking about how much time I am spending on Christmas and how much time I am spending on Christ. It is too easy for the first one to have nothing to do with the second."

So to help simplify your Christmas I am sharing a yummy simple recipe, that I acquired many Christmas's ago.

Ingredients

1 package (18 oz) Oreo cookies1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened

1 container Chocolate Chips

Directions

* Take your oreos and place in a food processor until all all coarsely chopped.

* Add cream cheese to your oreo mixture and mix in the food processor until they are well combined.

* Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper lined on a cookie sheet.

* Place in refrigerator until firm. A few hours or overnight.

* Melt chocolate according to package directions.

* Take your balls that you have rolled and dip in the chocolate, and place on the wax paper to dry. Place back in the refrigerator, and serve them chilled.

Feel free to mix chocolates dipping some in white and some in dark chocolates. Sprinkle some reserved oreos on top if you would like. These are really rich and really yummy!

Hard Lotions.

2011-12-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

Since moving to Colorado I'm absolutely sure that my skin does not like it!

My daughters poor hands are completely chapped and red poor girl.

We have tried everything!! Nothing works and everything makes her cry.

So I searched the internet and asked a friend who has experience and she guided me to a great recipe. I tried it and my daughter is in heaven and for the first time didn't cry when putting it on! The other thing is that this same recipe serves as a lip balm!

Hard Lotion, I had never heard of it but now I love love love it! All natural products

Beeswax.

Coconut Oil.

Shea Butter.

This is the completed project.

2 oz of amazing natural goodness.

How do you use ?

Just like you would soap. When getting out of the shower dry off, and apply. It's thicker than liquid soap but will work wonders on dry skin, eczema, or someone who is tired of so many chemicals in their lotions. The lotion bar will melt off by the heat of your skin.

*Did you know that most of the lotions you buy for cracked & dry skin actually have perfumes and chemicals that actually make your skin worse ???

Your skin is a living organism and whatever you put on your skin is going to go into your blood stream. That's why as a mother I couldn't stand to keep trying things that are just not good for you. Sure it might help her skin for the moment but what's it doing to her blood stream ??? AHHH!

This is the tiny .5 oz and are perfect size for a child. It has a cute snowflake symbol stamped on it. All of the hard lotions have a melting point that normal store lotions don't have. That means you don't want to store these lotions in a warm place. The good news is that if it melt just pop in the freezer and tada it's solid again!

These make great stocking stuffers (as long as the fire isn't roaring below =) ).

Great teachers gifts.

Awesome gift for someone who washes their hands thru the day often.

Someone who suffers from eczema.

Dry, Cracked Skin.

If you would like to purchase - please email me @ thevintagelane@gmail.com

2 oz lotion bar $5.00

Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Available in Lime, Natural, Peppermint

.5 oz snowflake lotion bar

Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Available in Lime, Natural, Peppermint

Shipping is $3.00 for regular parcel post

or Priority Mail for Christmas - $4.95

I will send you a paypal invoice and once cleared I will ship.

Some days.

2011-11-16T08:41:00.001-08:00

Some Days you just need one of these nice cups...

add to it some yummy hot chocolate mix and some steamed milk.

Then take one of these low fat, no calorie, zilcho sugar marshmallow stir sticks...

and I promise you that you will get one of these...

a priceless smile from your three year old.

Now you don't think after yesterday's post that I would partake in such indulgence do you ?

No of course not... I was eating the other treat choc. covered oreos ;)

Chocolate Covered Oreos

*Pack of Oreos

*Almond Bark/Candy Coating

*Christmas Sprinkles

Step one- Check for broken oreos and eat immediately :)

Step two- Melt your chocolate. (I do thirty seconds at a time until fully melted in microwave, yes I know the microwave sucks your brain cells, and distorts the nutrients but really I think in this case the nutrients are long gone.

Step three- Using a large fork to balance cookie dip in chocolate. Let it drip a bit and then set on wax paper to dry.

Step four- While still wet sprinkle with fun Christmas Sprinkles.

Stir Sticks

*Large Marshmallows

*Coffee Stir Sticks

*Bag of Choc. Chips

*Crushed Candy Canes

Step 1- Put the stir sticks in marshmallows

Step 2 - Crush candy canes

Step 3 - Melt chocolate

Step 4 - Dip Marshmallows

Step 5 - Sprinkle with Candy Canes

Step 6 - Let dry on wax paper

Step 7 - Wrap up in cute cello bags, put in a much with a packet of Hot chocolate. Inexpensive gift :)

My Core.

2011-11-15T07:37:00.001-08:00

This morning as I sit here, I'm pondering so much that God has done and is doing in my life.

The top one is my sore legs, arms and abs. I have been working out at least 4 times a week and well my body is screaming at me because of this.

I actually am really enjoying working out and feeling very healthy. However I would not be truthful if I didn't admit how much harder working out at 29 is versus when I was in High School.

I have had 3 children, and a surgery. What I'm learning thru getting my body back to a healthy weight is that my Core is going to determine how far I go.

After my surgery a few years ago, my core became weaker. When I refer to my core it's my heart. If my heart in my body is not strong my workout its going to be pretty difficult. If my heart is not strong and pumping blood thru my body and giving life and energy I can't run 1/4 mile let a lone 2-3 miles.

I believe it's the same with our walk with the Lord, if we aren't pumping life in and out it's not going to to guard us or keep us safe from harm. If we don't know to build up our heart muscle, the Holy Spirit will not be able to be at work within us. Sometimes we need to make our heart stronger so it can be broken for the things that breaks his.

So many times we see our faith as an outward behavior modification program.

We feel that if we stop swearing,lusting,indulging, gossiping(put in your choice word)in behaviors not glorifying to God then we will be the happy good and faithful Christian.

However we should see our faith as a heart transplant an internal heart transformation, and live from the inside out, and not the outside in. Trying to make our heart obey what were doing. Your heart is only going to be what you feed it. If your feeding your heart and soul with the word, and prayer and relationship, then God will change you from the inside out. A natural reflection will be shown. God gave us the Holy Spirit to give us freedom to be a christian and not just act like one!

Just like after my surgery I waited a long time to strengthen my body and work out again and it was much harder. The longer you wait to allow God to work in your heart the harder it's going to be to build and strengthen your trust and relationship.

So today I'm reminded to allow God to not just strengthen my core as I work out, but to also strengthen my core, my heart, his heartbeat.

"Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame." Song of Solomon 8:6

Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes

2011-11-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes in life you just need a little bit of chocolate, and then their are times that you need chocolate and well some peppermint :)

I love to bake cupcakes, and sometimes I am so thankful for an excuse to make them. Not that I need one, but well this time I had a reason :)

At our church here in Colorado we house students who are training to go into full time ministry. Well we adopted one of the chica's into our family. We just love us some Mary Helen! She's a sweet southern girl from Alabama who loves to say yes ma'am and make me feel way old.

Yesterday was her Birthday and since she is away from home well the girl needs something yummy to indulge in for her birthday! So I made her some yummy cupcakes!

She texted me a picture later of the pan of 2 dozen cupcakes that were demolished by the students.

Okay so I normally don't share my recipes but this is a cheater recipe that is soooo EASY!!!

Semi-Homemade Chocolate Cupcakes w/ a Stuffed Andes Peppermint inside (yummo) & Cream Cheese peppermint Icing. Sprinkled on top are the soft baking chips that andes makes at Christmas!

Cupcake Directions

Cupcake:

1 package devil’s food cake mix

1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix

1-cup sour cream

1-cup vegetable oil

4 eggs; lightly beaten

1/2-cup warm water

1 teaspoon of vanilla (could use peppermint, but I prefer to taste the chocolate)

Package of Christmas Peppermints (round and large)

Frosting:

8 Oz Cream cheese (room temp)

6 tbsp. unsalted butter (room temp)

1-2 tbsp peppermint extract (do it to your taste)

4 cups powdered sugar

2 tbsp heavy whipping cream

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

* Line muffin tins (this recipe will make close to 3 dozen)

* In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs, vanilla and water.

*Divide the batter into the prepared pans. I use a pampered chef melon scoop :)

*Bake for 15 minutes, and then take your Peppermint and unwrap and push down into cupcake. At this point your cupcake will not be all the way cooked that's okay!! Push it down and then allow the cupcake to "swallow it up" and continue to bake for another 3-5 minutes until the top is springy to touch.

*Cool cupcakes all the way before frosting.

To make the frosting, combine the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute.

Blend in the vanilla extract. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar until incorporated and smooth, 1-2 minutes. Add the heavy cream to the bowl and beat on medium-low speed just until mixed, then up the speed to medium-high and whip for several minutes until light and fluffy.

Once cupcake is cooled, grab your favorite tip and bag and decorate away. Sprinkle the top with red and white peppermint Andes (baking isle).

Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer!

Enjoy!

Date Night.

2011-11-12T09:31:00.000-08:00

I love that at our new church we have a date night. Random couples different each month that get together at different restaurants and enjoy getting to know each other, eat yummy food, and mostly enjoy time with our spouse. Then we head to Starbucks and chat some more.

What are some of your favorite date nights ? Do you have a favorite restaurant ? How often do you get a date night out ? Sometimes I know you have to be creative and have date night in when the kids are in bed, so tell me what do you like to do at home when you can't go anywhere?

Christmas.

2011-11-11T12:59:00.000-08:00

Love this new tune by Hillsong...

What do you think ?

Fractured Fairytales

2011-11-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

Last February my husband and I did a series titled "Love Struck." I think the enemy is always after our marriages, but lately I have been hearing it a lot. So I wanted to post some notes from our week#3 Fractured Fairy Tales.

Ways to Fracture Your marriage.

So often we are told the do not's and thou shalt not so her is your 100% honest truth guide to fracturing your marriage.

Because of the facade of “happily ever-after”, we get disenchanted with love and marriage.

We want OUT when it is not what we thought it was or wanted.

60% of men report having one affair in their lives

40% of women report having one affair in their lives

Things we say...

But you don’t understand what I am going through.

I am not happy.

He/she does not meet my needs.

He does not cherish me.

She does not believe in me.

He does not listen to me.

She does not understand me.

I am not compatible with him/her.

What is common among these statements? (I, me, mine - selfishness, self-centeredness)

Marriages end because of selfishness! Not to negate the feelings and hurt, but the root is selfishness,

Because of our lack of perfection, we sabotage the “love” in our relationships

So here are the Top 5 reasons we felt you could sabotage your marriage.

#1 - Withhold intimacy in your marriage

1 Corinthians 7:5 (NLT)

5 Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a

limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

No reason to really have to say much about this, without intimacy things are going to fall apart.

We all realize the saying, that most women are like crackpots and men are like microwaves, so in your marriage you need to communicate and discuss when intimacy works best.

#2 - Establish your standard of attraction outside your marriage.

Song of Solomon 7:1 (NLT)

1 How beautiful are your sandaled feet, O queenly maiden. Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of a

skilled craftsman.

Men, women need to know that they are your standard of beauty; not porn, not the hot cheerleaders on the football screen YOUR WIFE IS THE STANDARD OF BEAUTY IN YOUR LIFE!

Women your husband needs to know that he is your standard of HOT! That the newest hottest celebrity isn't who your lusting over but your husband is all YOU NEED and DESIRE! He is your standard of Hot!

Avoid tempting situations

1 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT)

18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality

is a sin against your own body.

Let other people know your standard, when they do they know your marriage isn't breakable, and they have no place!

#3 - Get rid of Accountability & Lose Ridiculous Honesty

That really requires no explanation. If you don't hold each other accountable or have friends that speak into your life you will have a much harder time keeping the straight and narrow.

If you can't speak the truth, and you find yourself lying about simple things your marriage is headed for destruction.

#4 - Be best friends or form relationships with the opposite sex.

* Flirting (body part talking, jokes about sex)

* Facebook. A good friend who is a marriage counselor told us his business will be well as long as their is Facebook; It is keeping me in business – Share your Passwords, know each other's friends. Emotional needs are being met thru facebook. Starts innocently but turns into disaster.

* Start discussing Marriage issues with opposite sex. Did you know that venting is not biblical….??? True story.

* Value doing Everything Together.

* Guard Interactions – Being alone with opposite sex in a private place, Won’t ride in a car alone with opposite sex, Counsel

with opposite sex alone, Set boundaries BEFORE things spin out of control.

So in a nutshell, Flirt, don't share passwords to email and facebook, Find your emotional need with opposite sex, Be alone and in places where things can happen. Do all of those things and truly you will ruin your marriage.

If your being 100% honest with your spouse sharing passwords is not big deal.

Last but most important

#5 - Shut God Out.

It's so easy to get "busy" with life, that you forget to bring God with you. When God isn't with you all of the above 4 things will creep in and you will be unaware.

Withdraw from church, friends, life groups. Replace with Sunday activities for your kids and you will see that those things will get value.

I'm not saying "church" is a must, but it's so important to refueling, getting teaching and community.

Shut God out of your marriage and you are doomed.

If you are going thru a hard time in your life feel free to email me @ girlfriendwithapurpose@gmail.com . I don't need to know what's going on just say Hey it's me and my husband and I will cover you.

Don't give up! Some of the best marriages I know of have went thru hell and back and hell again before they were amazing!

Blog Button Issues...

2011-11-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

If there is anyone in the html world that would like to help me out I would love you forever!!

Email me at girlfriendwithapurpose@gmail.com

My Girlfriends blog roll button isn't functioning and I have no clue how to fix it!

It's usually the button and below is the html to take it and post on your own blog...

Well I didn't touch it and it's messed up.

Pretty please help a girl out!

In the meantime while the button isn't working click this Link to connect with other women in ministry.

Failure = Success

2011-11-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

Today I'm a guest over at Sharpen Her with Tricia Lovejoy. Every Wednesday she host "Wednesdays Are For Women". Go check out my post, and while your there make sure you read thru her blog. You'll love it.

Also, their church Mountain Lake Church host a conference that is awesome. It really put so many things in perspective for our family, Velocity 2012, is for sure something you don't want to miss. Check it out and gift it to each other (you and your spouse) for Christmas! Such a life building time to meet and connect with other women in ministry! Your husband will also come out with so much wisdom! It's a must! Pop over and tell Tricia I sent you!

Peek A Boo

2011-10-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well hello there...

It's me you know the girl that blogs on a regular basis (HA)!

Well I have a really great excuse... we moved, and when I say moved I mean like really moved.

Our new city is amazing, the people are so friendly, and the view well that's just a given.

So with that said here is some pictures for you to make your guesses.

If you guessed Colorado you are correct.

Our church plant was passed into a couples hands that loved the city and felt God leading them in that direction.

We miss it at times. So much hard work, blood, sweat, loads of tears were poured out in Georgia. However I have so much peace for our journey and theirs.

We are the Music peeps at an amazing church! We love our new pastors, we love the people and we are excited for this journey. We have been here around three weeks and just got internet and getting life into a new routine.

I love what the message bible says in Ephesians 3:20

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.

God has worked within my husband and I so much in the last 2 years as we left security, and planted a church. Never did he push us around he worked with us, as we allowed him to gently mold us, change us.

As he did this he has given us more than we could have ever imagined.

So what is God gently working out in you today? Do you trust his heart and his best interest for you ? You should!!

9/11, The Plane I was on.

2011-09-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

We all have our story from September 11, 2001, which has now become known as 9/11.

Here is my story.

My day started out a little different, than my normal days. Normally I would be just getting home and going to bad after working my 3rd shift on the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit, at Lutheran Hospital in Ft.Wayne Indiana. However, 2 months earlier I had meet a man. This man lived south of Atlanta and I was taking a trip to go visit. It wasn't my first trip but it was a very important one for our relationship.

Flights out of Ft.Wayne were always crazy expensive so I always choose to go to Dayton Ohio and fly into Atlanta.

So I got up extra early and drove to Dayton got my luggage checked and took my time getting to my gate. Everyone was bustling around trying to make morning flights. People were laughing, kids were running, the mood was light. Security was a howdy hey how are you and a very small town feel. No one was worried or afraid just ready for their normal day. I found a pay phone and used a calling card (remember this was 10 years ago). I called my mom to tell her I made it to the airport, and then I called Ben to tell him my flight was on time. He had about an hour and forty five minute drive to the ATL airport.

Boarding had just begun so I hung up and went and got on my plane. I was seated next to a lovely couple who was headed to ATL to get married. They were so excited. Within minutes you could see things shift on our airplane. People's pagers started going off, and people started to look a little panic, but they remained silenced. I remember them locking us in the plane, and them coming on and telling us that the President of The United States has grounded all Commercial flights. As you can imagine things got a little tense. When it was our turn a crew from the airport came to our gate opened the plane door and escorted us off 1 at a time. We were told there would be no flights out today and probably not for several days. There was 1 tiny television in a barber shop in the airport, and hundreds of people were taking turns coming out of there. Every person young, old, male, and female all walked out with tears in their eyes. I made my way in and saw a glimpse of what looked like a horror movie on the television. Did I mention that September 11th is my birthday ?

I made my way to the phone again and called Ben first. He was relieved to hear my voice. He was getting ready to leave his house for the ATL airport and happened to flip on the television to see the war zone that had begun. At that time there were still hundreds of planes in the sky, and mine was one that would have been up there if President Bushes orders hadn't grounded them.

I told him I was still coming and that I was going to drive. I told him that I would call with more details after I let my family know I was okay. Between the phone call to Ben and to my mother, I noticed the couple I was sitting next to on the plane. They were clearly upset. I asked her what was wrong, and she begin to tell me since we sat on our plane for so long there was no rental cars available and she had no way to get to her wedding. So I did what anyone would do and offered for her to ride with me :) I then called my mother and told her about said strangers and how they were coming with me, and that I would be in contact with her as I could along my drive.

As we began to drive the landscape of America changed before our eyes. Suddenly red, white, and blue could be seen in directions all over the highways. On overpasses flags hung down, on business signs read "We Love America". I also got a speeding ticket which was a complete joke because the amount of traffic on the road was insane. Wall to wall cars because no one could fly. We saw the heartbeat of America at it's best. Not thru a journalist but thru the people. We made it to our destination and all was well. I realized that day Ben was for sure going to be my husband. See it was him who I wanted to be with during this crazy adventure and as much as I love my family they got trumped by him. My mother even said she knew that was the day I was going to marry him as well.

Was my plane one that was headed for CDC in downtown ATL like they said ? I will never know.

Was my life taken. No.

Did that day forever change my life ? Absolutely!

God bless the ones who gave their lives, and the families left behind.

I will never forget, nor will anyone else. I pray that on the 10th anniversary that the people who may have been scared and fearful and ran to Jesus or to a Faith for their answer that this year on the 10th anniversary they would find Jesus for who he is and for what he has done for them. My prayer would also be that they wouldn't be sacred into a relationship, but find a genuine relationship.

Praying that something like this never crosses our soil ever again.

Fear Struck Down....

2011-08-21T18:10:00.000-07:00

So I have a had a few fears in my life.

I know fear isn't from God, however this is something that has been ummm very real in my life.

Since living in the area we have lived in the last almost 2 years, some people have suggested for me to get a weapon.... specifically a gun. Ummm NOOOOO!!!

I hate them. Backstory to why I hate them but I do. Everything about them.

Well today I was at a birthday party and they live on some acreage and well the opportunity presented itself. With the encouragement from some friends I shot it!!!

I had tears, and was scared out of my mind but I did it.

That puts me no where closer to purchasing one or having one in my home, however I held it, and shot it and well.... not sure how I feel but I did it.

Here are a few pics....

Oh and yes I'm in a skirt (at least i traded the heels for flip flops)

Oh and my stomach is sticking out and ummm making me look prego and I'm totally Not... I blame on camera angel.

So please tell me a fear that you need to stand on.... even if its completely strange!!!

North VS South Weather Version

2011-08-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

So me being from the North (Indiana) and living in Michigan for several years have a love for snow and fall :) However I have also lived in New Orleans and now here in Georgia where all things are Hot and winter is a wet cold.

I know that people think I'm nuts for loving the North and it's great weather, however I just don't see pleasure in 100 + degrees everyday for months (where we live now), It's plain nasty and sweaty.

When I lived in the North there was an Elite group of people who called them self "Snowbirds". They leave the North and the beginning of Winter and head to the South mostly Florida and enjoy the 70-80 degree winter weather there.

So if you could choose weather wise, would you live in the North or the South ???

Oh and for the record I don't mind cold and snow for like 6 months of the year I do mind 100 degree's + for over a month....

Cinnamon Roll Pulls & Dryer Sheet Substitues

2011-08-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

So if that's not a random title I don't know what is.

First I told you of my love for all things Pinterest.

So when I found this Yumminess, I knew I had to indulge I mean make it for my family.

So here is how my turned out.

Cinnamon Roll Pulls

The original recipe is found here.

What you need.

1 Round Sour Dough Bread (Found in your local store bakery)

1/2 Cup Butter (Softened)

1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar

1/4 Cup Honey

Dash of vanilla

1/2 Cup Cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon

(Mix)

1 1/2 Cup Powdered sugar

1-2 Tablespoon of Milk

First Make Honey Vanilla Butter. Whip up Butter and Powdered Sugar together, and mix in honey and vanilla. Set aside.

Next Cut the bread long ways but not all the way thru to the bottom, about 1/2 inch between each one.

Take your Butter you made and butter between each slice.

Then rotate around 90 degrees and cut again, but not all the way thru.

Now put your butter in between all those slices.

Perfection is not a must just make sure you get it all over :)

Then take your cinnamon and sugar and generously spread in between the slices. You may have a little extra.

Wrap up in foil and bake for 25-30 minutes (until warm all the way thru) at 350 degrees.

As soon as you pull it out take your frosting mixture the powdered sugar and milk combo and drizzle over the bread. Put on serving plate.Serve while warm!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So along time ago I read somewhere a book, a magazine, yup I don't remember about reusable dryer sheets. To say I was skeptical is an understatement.

Well I have used it for over a year and I love it!

So here is the method I use.

Get one of those Lemonade Plastic Jugs (Think $ store people).

Some Sponges. I have like 6-8 (I think)

A bottle of fabric softener.

Take your fabric softener and pour into Lemonade rubber maid container,add equal part water.

Place your sponges in the mixture in the Lemonade Plastic Jug.

Each time you throw your clothes in the dryer throw in one of the sponges (squeeze out first).

This will last you 2x as long if not more.

Let me know if you try either of these!!!

My random thoughts.

2011-08-09T05:35:00.000-07:00

*Complete sad to me that my two oldest have been back in school for almost a week.

(I'm a mom who actually gets sad when my kids go back to school)

* My hair has had 3 hairstyles in less than a month. It's true. Before I took a two week journey back up North I had it cut. When I got to Michigan again I felt a little bit more edgy so chopped some more. Than I got blessed with some fabulous highlights.

(Here is a funny side view of the final hair, and yes I'm pretending to kiss this fabulous chic! She is my BFF)

* Returning from out 2 week journey to the great North my daughter Ellianna became scared of her room. We have prayed, switched the worship music, tried different stories before bed. She doesn't even want to play in there ??? Any suggestions ??? Seriously this came on so randomly??? Isn't she cute thought ?

* Pretty sure if Child Protective Services get's a hold of this next photo I would be locked up. When in reality we had been in the car for way many hours (talking double digits) and we had stopped to get slushies and I thought it would be funny to post on fbook how tired they all looked and that yes we were getting slushies in our pj's. I however did not pay attention to the backdrop one bit. Yup super mom right here!

Shaking head.

* Please tell me that you share your love with Pinterst ??? It's got so many amazing goodness posted and I'm just getting into it! Do you need an invite leave me your email in a comment and I'll add you. However please don't blame me when your up at 2:00 in the morning on your iphone laying in bed addicted to this goodness!!!

So tell me something new with you!!! I am spending tomorrow with coffee, my couch and catching up on all things techy related. Including my fab friends blogs who I have missed!!

Friendship Perspective.

2011-07-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

I thought this post would take me a few days to write, however as I wrote it, I saw my passion come to life on my keyboard.

This is a very guarded area by many. A touchy don't go there. I am going to go there, even at the risk of offending someone. Why you ask ? Well I get weekly emails from women in minis

try who are lonely and don't feel like they have a friend in the world.

Did you know you can have thousands of people around you and be so alone ? Yes it's possible, and I know this for a fact.

After an email I got tonight, I sat and cried to myself.

Women in ministry are so alone. Big Church, Little Church, it doesn't matter.

I once read that there are people who want to be your friend because you are in leadership and it looks cool. There will be people who DON'T want to be your friend because your in leadership. There are people who will want to be your friend because they don't care about either!

I am sooo blessed to have that best friend! Can I tell you he is my husband.

If your married and your in ministry he is going to be your safest friend.

Now if your like me you want a girlfriend, someone to shop with, get your nails done with go on play dates with. My "other" best friend is In Michigan. She is 1000 miles away. She was someone I prayed for. A gift from God. She reminds me that my Best friend is my husband and doesn't ever try to replace that.

I remember the lonely times before I meet Cheryl and my marriage was not great.

In those moments I wish I had a girlfriend.

Women in ministry can I share with you a secret....

There are soooo many resources out there for you to have a friend.

I have a Girlfriends Blog Roll so you can find like minded women who understand your position. Leading and Loving It is fabulous, plus an awesome church planters website coming soon.

It's going to be up to you to decide if it's safe to have a friend in your church. All churches are different, all people and areas of the country are different. Use the Lord to guide you and pray.

I think it's possible to be a friend to everyone and everyone to be a friend back, but not everyone was made for your living room couch and your intimate thoughts.

So today ladies I encourage you to look around and be a friend. I am here for you and am praying that God would give you the perfect person, even if it's an internet friend 1000 miles away or on the other side of the ocean.

I also encourage you to remember to make your hubby your #1 BFF. He after all was a gift to you.

If you are apart of the body of Christ and have a ministry head a pastor and wife, remember they are genuinely trying to love everyone and while you may not be best friends, it takes an effort on both sides to be friends. They cherish friendships that are genuine, because they are hard to find!

Still makes my heart flutter.

2011-05-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

There is something about when my husband sings that makes my heart still flutter.

You know it goes pitter patter....

Still does flips.

We have been going thru some amazingly hard times that are shaping us and molding us.

We have been stripped down to the bare bones so to speak.

Great salary down to just our needs being supplied.

Having amazing friends to now pouring into the unloved, hurting and new christians.

Counting the cost everyday of the calling that Jesus made is for sure not easy, and not for the weak at heart.

Somedays I feel so incredibly weak. How am I ever going to lead and disciple women older than me ? How am ever going to have enough $ to support our family. How can our children thrive here in this city? Here is the thing though.... Our family was called. God thought highly enough of me, my husband, and our children.

Sometimes the vehicle to the calling changes and God uses different modes to get there. I have grown up enough in my walk of faith to know that as long as I'm obedient and my family walks in his will, we are good.

I love my husbands heart on this song...

I hope it blesses you, but more than that I hope that you desire to say "I am Yours".

"I Am Yours" Worship Blast (Pt2) from Benjamin Scott on Vimeo.

Straighten Your Crown

2011-05-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Though the cherry trees don't blossom

and the strawberries don't ripen,

Though the apples are worm-eaten

and the wheat fields stunted,

Though the sheep pens are sheepless

and the cattle barns empty,

I'm singing joyful praise to God.

I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.

Counting on God's Rule to prevail,

I take heart and gain strength.

I run like a deer.

I feel like I'm king of the mountain!

Somedays lady's everything is wrong, but just remember your a princess and it's time to straighten your crown and do a cartwheel and stand on top of the mountain and have the strength to say we will make it.

Praying for you today!

Hootenanny & Chewy Granola Bars

2011-05-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yummy!!!

I ran across the recipe for Hootenanny's the other day and thought I would try it. We had for dinner last night and the kids loved it!! That is a huge score if the kids approve!

Ingredients:

1/2 stick butter

1 Cup Milk

6 Eggs

1 Cup flour

Dash of Salt

Cinnamon

Additional toppings.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees . While preheating place the butter in a 9 x 13 pan WHIlE the oven is preheating. In a blender or mixer mix together eggs & milk; add flour and a small dash of salt and blend again. Pour the mixture into the pan with the melted butter. sprinkle cinnamon on top. Bake 15 - 20 minutes.

This will RISE really big but won't run over the pan I promise.

Cut into squares and serve like a pancake. Add syrup, jelly, fruit, powdered sugar, cool whip!

We added Cool whip and cut up strawberries and served with turkey bacon.

Now for the Chewy Granola Bars

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Peanut Butter or (sunbutter)

1/3 Cup Honey

1/4 cup coconut oil (or other oil of your choice)

1 Cup Oats

1 Cup total of any combination of sesame seeds, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, dried fruit or nuts.

In a medium sized pan, melt together peanut butter, honey, and oil.

Remove from heat and one cup of oats. Choose your favorite combo of sesame seeds, coconut flakes, sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, dried fruit or nuts, to equal a total of ONE CUP.

Pour in and stir well.

Stir well, then spread mixture into 8x8 or 9x4 pan.

Chill for several hours, then cut into bars.

I wrap into individual plastic wrap for a quick grab and run.

They are chewy and if you add chocolate they melt quickly! Not a good outdoor snack. I keep in fridge in a basket.

Menu Monday

2011-05-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

Does my Monday menu count if it's on Tuesday! Umm yup it sure does!!

So it's summer time and our food consumption is way up. I have extra mouths to feed and I can't wait to have yummy popsicles and watermelon all summer long!

My breakfast and Lunch will fluctuate from day to day, but I will list a few things we have.

Breakfast - Eggs, Grits, Muffins, Cereal, Quiche, Egg Tortillas, fruit

Lunch - We do a lot of PB & J, Mac & Cheese, Fruit, Egg Salad sandwiches usually paired with some sort of popcorn, crackers or chips.

Dinner Time!

Monday - Hootenanies with cool whip and strawberries on top. Turkey Bacon served with as well.

Tuesday - Walking Tacos and Watermelon

Wednesday - Italian chicken served on a Bed of Rice

Thursday - Pizza Penne Bake with Garlic Bread

Friday - Leftovers (mommy has girls night out)

Saturday - Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad

I will post recipes to the above items shortly :)

Summer Fun List

2011-05-21T13:13:00.000-07:00

Go to the Park

Go Swimming

Go To Stone Mountain Laser Show

Go to a National Park

Picnic that each of the kids plans

Play Outside on the swing set

Ride Bikes @ The River

Bonfires

Sparklers :)

Eat Popsicles

Make Popsicles

Plant flowers & maintain them

Kickball with friends

Museum on a rainy day

Vacation Bible School... somewhere

Have Friends over often..

Cars 2

Watermelon... our favorite!

Go Canoeing

Summer Library Book Program

Day Trip to St.Simons Island or Tybee Island

Ice Cream Floats

Make Homemade Lemonade & Share with a friends

Side Walk Chalk

Pick our own food (love this)

Water Balloon fights

Sweet Tea on the swing

Nature Hikes

Star Gaze

Make Dinner for the local Ronald McDonald House in Macon

Paint toenails... (except Connor & daddy)

Root Beer floats

Movie Night Outside w/ popcorn!

Wash the car with sponges and soap

Play Tag

Hide & Go Seek

Bored Games

Movie Day on a rainy day

Arts & Crafts

Sprinklers

Cookouts

Take Family Pictures

Skip stones at a lake.

Make a CD of your favorite summertime songs.

Have a scavenger hunt.

Visit a flower garden and/or butterfly house.

Turn up the music and dance.

Tie-dye a shirt

See some fireworks.

Make smoothies

Have a garage sale

Catch Lightning Bugs

Having family devotionals and memorizing Bible verses

Go Fishing

Climb Trees

Paint the house (inside)

Go on a family trip!!!!

Rainy day indoor picnic - yummy food and bored games !A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day. Proverbs 15:13

*Encouragement Boxes- Decorate shoes boxes and put each family members name on it and then take turns a few times a week leaving "mail" for each person.

But encourage one another daily as long as it is called Today Hebrews 3:13

*Make a child smile - Make cards for children who are ill all across the country. www.makeachildsmile.org.

Then the little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. Math 19:13

Nature Walk & Feeding Ducks- Many O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done Psalm 40:5

Bubbles!!!

Write a newspaper - Friends near and far will be thrilled to read all about your family! Use pictures and photos and get creative!

Tea Party - Bring out fancy china and invite some friends over for some finger foods and tea! If this is coffee, please bring me some tea; but if this is tea, please bring me some coffee.

Dare to Dream- Poster boards, glue, magazines! Glue your dreams and have fun making up stories!

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Cloudy Day!

Sit outside and see what shapes you can make out of the clouds!

Look up at the heavens and see;gaze at the clouds so high above you. Job 35:5

Trash Pick up Day - Go to a local park and pick up trash! Reward with playing and ice cream after!

Video Grandparents- take a video and ask grandparents questions from when they were little, or their favorite family recipe. Video It!

Is Wisdom not found among the aged? Does long life not bring understanding. Job 12:!

I am converting to Y'all

2011-05-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Wow let me straighten my tiara and dust off my keyboard! Lord have mercy I have been slammed so busy and this blog has taken a back seat (as it should), when life is busy.

This past Sunday I spoke on Mother's Day and guess what I listened back and I am sounding COUNTRY!!! I can't even count how many times I said Y'all. For those who live in the south that is huge for a northerner to convert over.... it's usually "You Guys". If you here me start saying I want a soda we are in real trouble!

So i wanted to take a second and invite you to listen to my talk. "I Double Dare You" and also come be friends with me on fbook, I tend to update that way more often with you know important things like where I went shopping, and how during my latest retail therapy trip in Atlanta I got rear ended. You get the point.... So here I am on Facebook (please tell me your from the blog or I will hit "deny"!) Facebook and my Sunday talk... I Double Dare You!!!

Rock on sweet princesses! Your making a difference!

Walls.

2011-04-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

I am stumped.

I have had pretty much blank walls in my house for over a year now.

Some of the walls still need paint.

I vision Pottery Barn meets Ikea prices ???

What do you have on your walls ?

What are some creative ways to incorporate my family on the walls without having 10 million picture frames all over the wall ??

My couches are a brown leather and I like pretty simple clean lines....

Help a Girl out....

Alarm.

2011-03-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

We are now armed with an alarm.

We have one for the church, but haven't for our home.

I am grateful.

Although it doesn't take away all the sound passing by, it sure does help knowing that there is a small device connected to the police that in a moments notice i can say Help and they should come running!

I'm still working on my heart.

There is some roots that are in there, and I'm praying that God would establish all my thoughts and feelings in love.

Hard one.

In other news. I am hoping in the next few days to do a post on "around my city". I think some of you would like it done in pictures...

So that is the plan.

Would you all do me a favor and go read this funny post ? What kind of hugger are you ? My friend Jennifer sure knows how to make a girl laugh...

Seriously I loved it.

She didn't even bribe me to send you over :)

Sunday In The Raw...

2011-03-02T18:50:00.000-08:00

So Sunday In the Raw on Monday ????

Ha we have had such a busy week so I'm going to run down the whole week...

Thursday- Sunday (1:00 am.) My hubby was out of town.

Saturday - Found out that my washer, shower, and sink were all leaking out a hole in a pipe under our house :0) and that it had been for quite a while.

Then after making close to 70 cupcakes my kitchen faucet decided to spray all over the place and ummm needed replaced)

So are you keeping track... No washer, shower, or no clean dishes...

YES!!!

Sunday rolls around and I speak again with my hubby...

Fractured Fairytales...

Want to fracture your marriage go listen on how....

http://familyroomonline.org/familyroom/talks.html.

After the service we had a vow renewal for couples and we had a cupcake bar to celebrate!!

After hubby being gone, little sleep and a Sunday service guess what.... We had some amazing friends come over and fix the "plumbing" issues...

This week has been just as busy but I'm thankful for my hubby to be home... well at least until Friday :)

Cupcakes.

2011-02-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned before that I have a love for cupcakes.

I would open up a store if I had the money.

They are a great outlet for me for creativity and for my cravings.

However, I rarely eat one!!

I love to give them away, I have sold them, and have used for fundraisers.

Here are a few of my favorites...

Sorry for the lack of quality of these pictures (from my phone)

Luscious Lemon With buttercream frosting with a halved strawberry.

Chocolate Cupcake Snicker Stuffed with a Carmel Frosting with Carmel drizzle and chopped Snickers on top.

Chocolate Cupcake With Marshmallow frosting and graham cracker crumbs sprinkled on top.
Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcake with Mint buttercream frosting and andes peppermints on top.

Banana Split Cupcake with Buttercream frosting topped with a cherry and swirled with chocolate.
Peach Cupcake with Cream Cheese frosting sprinkled with brown sugar.
Chocolate Cupcake with A surprise Thin Mint Cookie inside buttercream frosting with soft peppermint andes on top.

Reese Peanut Butter Cupcake With a Peanut Butter Creamy Ganache inside topped with Reese Peanut Butter Cup

Chocolate Banana Cupcake with a Ghiradelli Chocolate banana frosting and a banana slice on top.

Okay so there are a few of my specialties.

What is your favorite cupcake flavor ?

Do you ever go to cupcake shops ?

Do you have a favorite cupcake blog ?

Choosing.

2011-02-22T08:01:00.000-08:00

Today.

I have not many words.

Today I am pondering my heart.

I am choosing to not be hurt.

Choosing to trust.

Choosing to believe that God has it.

Choosing to see the bigger picture.

Choosing to believe in miracles.

Praying thru.

Choosing not to be offended.

Choosing to put on big girl panties.

Choosing to believe your promises.

Choosing to hold your love in my heart and connect to my mind.

This song is my heart beat today.

Sunday Night Meltdown.

2011-02-20T17:38:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I had a conversation with a friend at Starbucks, and we got onto the topic briefly about being raw. I said sometimes I leave blogs in "waiting" or on "hold" until I have gotten over the emotion of what I was writing about and can read over it again, and change the tone.

Today I ask myself is that being real, or is that having wisdom ?

I am going to dare to say it's a bit of both.

So I have decided that your going to get a raw me on Sunday Nights.

When I'm tired.

When I'm emotional.

When I don't have much left.

Why ? Because that's the real me.

Maybe just maybe it will reach out to someone, who thinks they have to hide....

thinks they have to carry it all.

Maybe it's just for me.

So Sunday Meltdown 2/20/11

Creating a culture of people who willing will serve is difficult. We do have some awesome volunteers and I can't wait to see God bring us the ones we are praying for.

Children's Ministry is an area that I think will be ever growing, ever changing and ever evolving. Did you know that I don't feel "Called" to Children's Ministry ?

What I do feel called to is serving in a capacity that God needs me to, which means serving in Children's Ministry and other areas to allow others to be in service.

Did you know I'm not perfect and make mistakes in this area ?

Yup.

We are praying feverishly for God to provide for our needs in this area. We are needing to split to 3 rooms, and need more workers, and we would love to hire a children's/family Pastor. I love this problem. It means we have the opportunity to speak into the lives of children every week.

Will you pray for some solutions to this problem ???

So although I don't feel called I do what I need to do to make it work, and help create an environment where the children can thrive and learn about Jesus.

Okay enough about our awesome children!

Sunday's sermon: Put A Ring On It.

I actually saw this sermon title last year, and forgot about it, but as my husband and I were working on our Love Struck series this title came back to my mind and just fit.

The sermon was on SEX.

Yup we went there. So many people are shocked that this would be discussed in church but guess what EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE else is talking about. So why not know what God says about it ???

We established the Marriage and the Marriage bed and what God intended.

We went over pain,shame,regrets.

We talked about how it's not a bad word and how it is intended to be a beautiful thing when used in it's proper context.

We gave several ways to keep to a commitment and to honor God.

Did I mention my hubby and I did this together ??? It was really fun, and only a little awkward. (His parents come to our church)

Then we decided to help be the solution. When we looked around us, talked to couples and heard what they all had to say we knew that offering a wedding was the best option. So many say it cost to much, just not sure where to start.

So this summer WE ARE HAVING A WEDDING!!!

We will be doing pre-marital counseling for any of the couples who are wanting to honor God with their commitment.

Then we will be providing Wedding Decorations....

A Cake.

Invitations to send out.

Flowers to carry.

We will also be providing a photographer.

Why are we doing this....

So many churches want to point out the sin...

Point out how awful you may be for having sex...

For living with someone...

We want to point you to the truth...

We want to help you honor and follow God...

We want to take you back to your

"Once Upon A Dream"

Worth It.

2011-02-18T07:11:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day.

Many years this day has held unnecessary expectations.

Having to out due every other date of the year.

Flowers.

Chocolates.

Great Sex.

In our home those expectations in my mind were never met. I built it up to something that was not even possible. The day usually ended in a argument because I was to selfish to admit that my expectations that were way high in the first place were not being meet.

Now it wasn't because my husband didn't try because he is amazing and ALWAYS does his best to meet my needs, wants, and desires.

We came to the conclusion that we have awesome, fun dates all thru the year and those have no expectations because of a "day". It's just us. 365 days are dedicated to us loving each other like crazy so why on earth do we put so much pressure on Valentine's Day ?

So this year.... We decided we would give up 1 day since 364 days we get to sleep in each others arms. We decided on this 1 day we would dedicate to those who didn't get to have that significant one with them, or haven't meet them.

I cooked a fun dinner, used our great china, Lit some candles and when we were all done eating we tore down the table set- up and got our Wii on.

Nothing over the top.

Nothing spectacular.

Just a fun time with some great people.

Worth Every Minute of giving up our Valentine's Day to share with others.

My expectations were beyond met and we had a great time!!!

Chocolate.

2011-02-16T09:27:00.000-08:00

Definition of Chocolate = CRACK.

Totally addicting.

Must have.

What is it about chocolate that just makes you go ahhhh life is better (until you get onto the scale), at which point you freak and swear off all chocolate for the rest of your life...

My friend Lisa made this and I was sold. I have made it now way to many times to count... well wait on my scale I can.

This is Brownie Trifle.

You will need: Brownie mix or already made brownies

Sweetened condensed Milk

8oz cool whip

16 0z cool whip

1/4 cup water hmm or was it 1/2 cup... I will have to look and see.

3.9 oz chocolate instant pudding mix.

ice cream carmel topping

Heath Toffee Bar Bites.

1. Mix together Sweetened Milk, water ,8 oz cool whip, pudding mix.

2. Cut up brownies and put in bottom of trifle dish or big bowl.

3. pour.... I mean drizzle the carmel on top of the brownies.

4. layer the chocolate mix you made over the brownies.

5. sprinkle heat toffee bar bites on top.

6. spread cool whip layer on top of the bites.

7. Repeat.

8. On top of the last layer of cool whip i put more heath toffee bar bites...

The picture above doesn't show chopped bites but that's what I use :)

What's your favorite Chocolate dessert ?

Love Struck.

2011-02-11T05:57:00.001-08:00

Lot's of "Love" is in the air. Here are just a few things up our sleeve over the next few days :)

Each of the children have a Valentine's Party (well not Ellianna), at school and we found this super fun idea to make our own Valentines Cards! I so love how they turned out!

Our Church starts our Love Struck Series on Sunday!! Watch our fun promo video below!

Love Struck Series Trailer 2011 from The Family Room on Vimeo.

Then on Monday we decided to open up our home for anyone single!!!

Full of yummy food, games and just a distraction from a day that can be really blue.

What are your plans ??? Any great dates ??

Spiritual Management.

2011-02-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

I sometimes get overwhelmed, do you ?

Good so glad it's not just me!

I like to think of my house as something that I am the manager of.

The Meals & Snacks.

The Laundry.

The monetary responsibility.

Mostly are spiritual body.

Today I would like to hear from YOU!

Does your family do devotion time together ?

Do your children have their own time with Jesus ?

Do you have prayer/bible reading/ devotion time with your hubby ?

Do you have that time by yourself ?

Tell me your favorite devotion book for family, children, marriage.... I think you get the point.

How do you manage your time in this area ?

I will blog about our families time later :)

Hi Friends.

2011-02-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

Everyone in awhile I like to remind everyone that I have a blog roll for women in ministry.

The purpose of this is to create a community of women who share things in common. We are all married to a man in ministry. It can be a lonely world but can also be oh so rewarding!

I would also like to add in your businesses if you have one. One thing I have learned is we need to support each other in all areas. So if you have an online store let me know and I will add you to the blog roll as well!!!

So in the comments below please leave your blog address or shop address. Your name :) and the position you or your hubby hold in ministry.

Then you can go to the sidebar over there <------------------ and there is a bunch of symbols and numbers. Take that add it to your blog and other women will see a place to gather. Yeah!!!

Oh and also who would be interested in a private Girlfriends With A Purpose facebook room ?

For the love please leave a comment, and let me know you are out there!!!

Remember When ?

2011-02-03T06:43:00.000-08:00

My friend Jennifer did a post about saving $ at the grocery store. It took me back in time when I was a grocery store Queen. Seriously I used coupons like crazy! We had an amazing stockpile and well people would come shop @ my house for toiletries and other food items.

It got to the point that myself and a few others started teaching a coupon class at the church. Our first meeting we had over 100 people. We gave people the basic skills to go and get items for a fraction of the cost and a lot of times FREE!!!

The extra items or things they wouldn't use got donated to our newly opened food pantry that was pretty much stocked by all our new coupon friends!!!

So after reading Jennifer's blog post... I got inspired again!!!

Thank-you friend.

When we moved I kind of fell of the band wagon.

I saved some photos from before... Now do i really need all the things all at once in the picture below ??? No.

However I can donate or save for when I do need it, or when I hear of a need.

My total cost on these items ? $3.38!!!!

Now this is a great one!!! I paid $.38 for all the items below 99% Savings.

So I hope you don't mind if I start posting some websites that help with coupon and planning meals! I need to rock this out again!

Oh and I'm going to be making my own laundry soap!!! If you live local and want to join in let me know!!!

Tell me some ways you like to save money (not limited to just the grocery store) ???

Michigan Friends You Are Wanted!

2011-02-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

Hey friends in the Michigan area. My friend Su needs your help! She needs Volunteers to work some shows with some amazing artist. You get in free, and depending on the job you get to see the concert. Please see the following info. Email her or go to the website listed.

Volunteers needed for the following shows:

2/12 (Sat.) Rock and Worship Roadshow - Breslin Center/East Lansing

MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Thousand Foot Krutch, Matt Maher, The Afters & Bart Millard (from MercyMe) will be speaking.

3/23 (Wed) WinterJam - Dow Event Center/Saginaw

3/31 (Thur) WinterJam - EMU Convocation Center/Ypsilanti

The Newsboys,Kutless, Francesca Battistelli, Red, NewSong, KJ-52, Sidewalk Prophets, Chris August and Guest Speaker, Tony Nolan

Volunteers must be 16 & up, arrive at venue by 3:30 PM and stay until an hour after the event ends. Jobs include money taker, merchandise sales, money counter & ushers. Jobs will be assigned upon arrival. Depending on job, volunteers may not see show.

Email su.fella@gmail.com or visit 4the1ministries.blogspot.com to sign up. Please leave name, email address, phone # and show(s) you can work.

Volunteers will be emailed more information the week of the event.

One Day-One Lunch Project

2011-01-31T06:25:00.000-08:00

Last year I had the privilege of meeting Amy and her sweet family at the Royal Celebration of Princess Chrissie. I briefly got to talk to her daughter Addisyn and how she felt about adopting and really in those few moments of talking to her she has an amazing heart!!!

With that being said please take a moment and read what Addisyn has been doing for the last 100 days.

This is taking from Building The Blocks (Amy's Blog)

Often times we are guilty of doing nothing because we can’t do it all. Often times we excuse ourselves from doing God’s work because we don’t believe we can make a difference with the little we have to offer.

On February 3rd marks 100 days of my 15 year old daughter, Addisyn, eating a small bowl of soup and piece of bread for lunch, like the children at the feeding program receive. Addisyn decided to do this so that she can donate her lunch money to Lifesong for Orphans for the children at the Adami Tulu preschool. You can read about what God taught Addisyn through our trips to Ethiopia on Amy's blog.

What to some may seem a small gift, God see’s the heart behind her efforts. He sees a child who is willing to give up the little she has for others who have nothing at all. He sees a child who did something for them- and in essence-did something for Him- with what she’d been given. Through a simple bowl of vegetable soup God has taught Addisyn so many lessons- in sacrifice and in integrity. He also blessed her efforts through a friend who decided to join in- doubling the gift.

As I was praying the other morning and thanking God for working in Addisyn's life- God brought to mind the little boy with five loaves of bread and two fish…. and how He took that child’s gift of giving what he could and multiplied it.

If you are reading this today- yes YOU… I’d like to ask you to be a part of something big. God usually preferred to work through His people. People just like you and me-and my 15 year old daughter. You have two choices right now. You can click off this page and pretend you didn’t read this and go on with your everyday life- or you can choose to see that God brought YOU here- to read this- for a purpose- to be a part of something big.

Do not worry, I am not going to ask you to do something you can’t- I am asking you to do something you can. The Average American spends between $2.00 and $8.00 a day on lunch. If everyone who reads this blog post would simple choose- on February 3rd to give up their ‘lunch money’ and then donate what they would have spent on lunch that day to Lifesong for the Adami Tulu preschool - can you image what Jesus could do? A mere $3.00 feeds a child for ONE MONTH. Can you imagine the impact we could make- simply by being willing to make a small sacrifice for someone else?

But more than that… can you imagine how it would affect those around us as we say ‘enough’. Enough of over abundance. Enough of the waste. Enough of going on with our lives like we are the only ones that matter. Enough of turning our back to the needs of others in this world. Enough of pretending we don’t know what to do. If a 15 year old can think of something to give, then so can you and I. No more excuses- all it takes is one day and one lunch.

So mark your calendar for Feb. 3rd and spread the word about the One Day- One Lunch Project. Put it on Facebook, add it to your blog- ask your friends, coworkers and church family to join in. Let’s make a small sacrifice- to make one big difference.

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."
~ Mother Teresa

Online donations: http://www.lifesongfororphans.org/donation.html
**indicate for the Adami Tulu Preschool.

Mail checks to:
Lifesong for Orphans
PO Box 40
Gridley, IL 61744
For the Adami Tulu Preschool

Here is the facebook invite page let's show Addisyn some amazing support!!!

Apple Snickers Salad

2011-01-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

This is one of those recipes that doesn't "look" yummy but really does taste amazing!

I actually have not made it in a long time, but we were having Mexican Night with some friends last night and I needed something quick and simple and as close to "sugar free" as possible.

Large Cool Whip (I used sugar free)

Dry Instant Vanilla Pudding mix (sugar free)

Mix these together.

Chop of 4 Green Granny Smith Apples

Chop up 4-6 Snickers

Mix all together.

Chill.

Serve.

Yup that simple and that good.

It's the little things.

2011-01-25T11:22:00.001-08:00

Today my hubby is running to the store for me.

On the list is something special for him :)

Just a little thanks for running to the store for me.

That's all.

Pearl of Great Price.

2011-01-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the look-out for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value,he sold everything he owned and bought it! (Matthew 13:45-46)

I am about to explain my limited knowledge on how a pearl is created. Please don't correct me if I'm wrong because it would just ruin my whole story. :)

Inside an oyster is a tiny muscle in the course of the oyster’s development, a foreign substance such as a grain of sand gets into the little muscle and irritates the oyster. In response, the oyster covers that irritant with a secretion. The longer the irritation is there, the more the oyster coats it. Pearl oysters vary in size and can be quite rough and ugly. Yet what is happening inside is a combination of rainbows, moonlight, and bits of flame. Once the oyster accepts the irritation as part of itself, the pearl begins to develop. The worst storms, gales, even hurricanes will not dislodge it. As time goes by and this oyster is finally pulled up from the bed where it has been for many years, it is opened only to reveal a beautiful pearl.

So why I'm a telling you about a pearl you ask ? You see I am pretty sure it represents most of our lives (in ministry or not).

1. God sees something in you (like he did the oyster)

2. He plants a special seed in you and covers you with his Grace

3. When chosen sometimes it's ugly, we cry because it's not what we had planned and we don't want to embrace it.

4. However we say "Yes"

5. Overtime the outside is so ugly as we are growing, but what God is doing in our hearts is amazing!

6. Sometimes it takes years for God's beauty to be unveiled to the World and those around.

Specifically for you in Ministry, Adoption ect... God planted something amazing in you! He in-trusted you with something... what an honor, and privilege (I understand it doesn't always feel that way).

I know that sometimes that little spec of dirt or seed that God planted in us to something BIG sometimes feels at a stand still, but just remember every pearl comes out a different size, shape and color and yours may not look like anyone else's but it was God given,and God planted.

Embrace the Pearl of Great Price.

Remember the scripture above he gave up EVERYTHING to buy that one great pearl.

Some of you have given up everything and putting all your eggs in the pearl that God has asked you to nurture and carry!

Be thankful that God choose YOU!!!

There are things to embrace while going thru those small tough hard beginnings or those long overworked days.

While your in the oyster being beautified what can you embrace ???

Haiti on my Heart

2011-01-18T10:22:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce to you, Ellison & Rose.

These two beauties are now apart of our church family!!

Our Children's ministry is sponsoring these children monthly to provide for them their needs.

The Children are going to be taught about giving.

The Children are going to give, not the adults.

The Children need to earn the $.

Take ownership.

They will write letters to Ellison & Rose.

They will see how spoiled and well they have it, and how difficult daily life is for Ellison & Rose.

15 Children need to give $1 a week. That's $4 a month for each of those 15 children.

I'm pretty sure they can give up Juice, Candy, run a lemonade stand etc... to see Ellison & Rose learn about Jesus, get food, and be loved on by the folks at Holt International.

We are teaching our Children they can make a difference....

Here

Now.

I will leave you with this.

James 1:27

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Church Planters.

2011-01-18T10:11:00.000-08:00

So Ladies I'm leading a Virtual Group over @ Leading and Loving It

It's specifically for Church Planters Wives!

I am inviting you to join apart.

My group will meet 1x a month on Tuesday's @ 10 EST.

There are other groups that could fit your need or time schedule.

Go HERE to register and be apart of this community of women!!

All instructions are on the above link!!

Messy Church.

2011-01-14T10:22:00.000-08:00

Your Invited...

Messy Church Trailer from The Family Room on Vimeo.

An Award for me ?

2011-01-12T05:50:00.001-08:00

Happy Wednesday to me!!! Thank you to my friend Jennifer @ Happiness Here, for bestowing on me this fun award! I might add that Jennifer is actually a friend in real life! Her writing is fun & lyrical and sometimes I wonder if we were cut out of the same cloth because of our likenesses. The only difference would be her slight southern draw and my extroverted ways.

So here are the rules.

1. Make a post + Link back to the person who awarded you this award (completed)

2. Share 7 things about yourself (i think i can)

3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers so we can share the love (no problem)

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them they’ve won (okie dokie)

Seven Random Things

1. I absolutely love being creative. I like to dream up images in my head that I will sew, the only problem is my sewing machine is packed up and put away and I only know a few basic things on it. Fabric is my downfall. I prefer to look thru fabrics and textiles and dream of little girls outfits, blankets, or wall art projects than clean my house. I love to blog hop and find new creative ideas for DIY projects.

2. I am a Food Junkie all the way! I love restaurants, coffee shops, and the delicate art of creating things in my own home. I love to BAKE! If I could open up a cupcake shop I would. It would have yummy delicate cupcakes served with individual cupcake stands, and Southern Hospitality that would make you want to sit a spell all day long!

3. This next one is well a little embarrassing (blushing). I love the Bachelor, Bachelorette, and Bachelor Pad. Ah I know start throwing the stones. No matter what is going on this show can take me from bad mood to giggling in about 30 seconds straight at the desperation of these girls. Yes do they walk around in bathing suits that would fit my daughters barbie dolls... yes, however at the end of the show it's nice to find my hubby and snuggle up and be so grateful that God sent him my way, and I never had to go on a show to look for love!

4. I got married young and had babies young and don't regret a single minute of it! When my kids are older I will still be young and able "keep up", and have amazing dream dates around the world with my hubby.... right ???

5. I hate an empty house. I love to have people in and out, although the "loudness" can get old, I just love to be in the company of others. I love to serve them, cook for them, hear their stories, laugh together, and play games.

6. I deep down really wish I home schooled my children again. I miss them dearly while they are away. I'm not one of those momma's who looks forward to "sending them back". I wish we could snuggle and watch Anne of Green Gables all day long, or bake.

7. I love Jesus with all my heart. I will follow is call at any cost, and want to honor him with all my being. I want to always give him glory for the things I have been given and for who I am.

Okay Now Tagging 15 Great Bloggers (okay I had to stop @ 10)

A Preacher's Wife (pretty sure Lisa will not participate lol)

Speaking The Truth In Love & Laughter ( Emily your humor inspires me)

Authenticity

The Dietzel Family (just because they are fun and i'm sure Jessica has 7 amazing random things to say)

A Steady Rain

All Are Precious In His Sight

Time to Vent.

2011-01-10T19:10:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite versus is 1 Corinthians 13:11-13

~We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long until the weather clears and the sun shines bright. We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us...but for right now, until that completeness, we have 3 things to do….

Trust steadily in God. Hope unswervingly. Love extravagantly. And the best of the 3 is love.

If you read my blog you will know that I started a challenge with myself to say something everyday about my husband or something uplifting about him on facebook for each day of the year.

He actually goes looking for it... and if I forgot ( I have), he asks me did I miss it ? It's not because he has a big ego or needs to be fluffed up, however it's something he looks forward to. Kind of like Christmas when you check the mail hoping for a Christmas card!

I have had a few reactions to my postings. Most are positive, but you know there is always someone that you can tell or has commented that is hurt, offended, or has something to say.

I understand that I am a blessed women to have a great husband, awesome father to my children, and spiritual leader of our home. I would like to say that it has not always been that way.

I remember days where we would be screaming at each other and fighting. Day's where I felt alone raising children because he was to busy or just wasn't into it. He didn't really have a father who "played" with him, but did show him and guide him spiritually. He had to learn how to help in the house and to be a daddy and husband.

NOT EASY IF YOUR MARRIED TO ME!!

I feel for women who are married and not happy. It makes me sad. I was one of those women.

There is something YOU can do if your one of those women.

PRAY*PRAY*PRAY*PRAY*PRAY*PRAY*PRAY

That is something that is life changing, earth shattering and will move your situation.

I'm going to be blunt, but please know it's in LOVE.

Being Sad.

Being Lonely.

Being Depressed.

Being Repetitive (doing the same thing and getting no where)(or repeating your story over and over)

Is all okay to do that.... however you can't stay there!!!!

I wish there was a crystal ball to show you God has it under control.

God knows!!! He is greater!!!!

So with that being said... if your one of those women who wishes your husband would

get a job

stop being lazy

help with the kids

take you on dates

go to church

play with the kids

lead your family spiritually

find Jesus

would clean up after himself

would stop drinking

would stop doing drugs

you get the picture.

Get a piece of paper out, write a Dear Hubby Letter (don't worry you don't need to give it to him).

I want you to write a letter explaining everything you want form him in love.

Then here's what you have to do:

Dear Jesus ~ Please change my expecations of my marriage. Anything I hoped or dreamed of is yours and I ask that you would give me a new desires for my husband a new love, passion and that you Jesus would change me first.

Then I think it's okay to list specific things that you would like starting with things like his salvation, or coming to church as a family. Pray that God would stir those things in his heart, and would send a Godly man into his life.

Lastly Ladies it's easy to avoid our hubbies when we feel they aren't being there for us or giving us what we need. What you need to do and where you need to be is with your man.

That means on all levels.

It's easy to withhold but I urge you to go above and beyond... even when you don't want to.

The Other Side.

2011-01-06T19:54:00.001-08:00

I now have an IPhone. I got a deal that couldn't be resisted and I'm saving almost $75 a month from Verizon. Anyways, what are your must have Apps ???

Tell me them all...

Granola.

2011-01-06T08:12:00.000-08:00

One of the recipes I seem to get asked for a lot is Granola. It's so easy to make and so super yummy. Your home will smell amazing while your making this.

¼ Cup Oil

½ Cup Honey

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon

3 Cups Old Fashioned Oats

1 Cup Coconut

1 Cup Pecans or Any Nut

1 Teaspoon Vanilla

Optional: Raisin or any other dried fruit

Mix Oats, Coconut, Cinnamon

Melt Oil & Honey in microwave until it gets bubbly mix well and add Vanilla.

Mix the Oil/Honey Mixture with the oats mixture and bake at 375 for 14 Minutes.

Stir at end of 14 Minutes then add any nuts and put back in over for 4 minutes. Stir it up and then put back in over for final 4 minutes. Pull out of oven and let cool, place in air tight jar/container.

Great to serve over yogurt, or ice cream.

The 3rd one... sigh...

2011-01-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

The third child is defiantly calling for my mother resignation.

How does this sweetness...

Turn into this...

Ellianna Rejoyce we love you with all our hearts, however I have never had to work so hard thru the 2 year old stage ever(and one would think i'm an expert since I've done that 2 x now).

* You love to make a mess yet insist when we say it's time to go and are leaving something a mess to SLOWLY take your time and clean up. However if I ask you to clean up and we have nothing to do or nowhere to go you pretend you can't hear me.

* You love to kiss and snuggle your sister yet will smack her in a heartbeat.

I am puzzled how a 5 year old and 7 year old can be brought to tears by YOU... a 2 year old.

However... You will pray over a boo boo on someone, give kisses on the lips, and say Hey Ya'll in a true southern fashion just as quick as you can turn on a temper tantrum.

Dear Blog world what is your 2 year old secret to keeping the peace ???

Out and About.

2011-01-03T07:16:00.000-08:00

The current temporary residence of my family is in North Carolina @ The Great Wolf Lodge.

Our amazing church family gave our family a gift certificate for Christmas!

We are having a blast!! We used to go to the one in Michigan so this has been a "feels like Michigan" trip.

The kids are loving sleeping in their little cabin, and enjoying their own "tv" at night time.

I am enjoying playing with them in the waterpark, watching them play the WII, and eating some yummy food!

On another note I'm trying to think of a great way to do the 365 days of encouraging your man, so we can all encourage each other to continue to do this!!! Something on a weekly basis where we all check in and say it's going great or something like that.

365 Days.

2011-01-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

Ever been with a group of women and they have nothing nice to say about the men in their life... specifically their husbands ??? I have. It drives me crazy!

I have an amazing husband! Amazing. Do we always agree... NOPE. Do we argue... YUP. Do we still love each other... Absolutely!!

So if you are friends with me on facebook you will see me post something about my hubby for the next 365 day's.

I think other women need to know it's okay to speak life over your husband and to say things that make him feel loved and special. I think doing it in a public manner will help other women to look for the good in their man, and I think it will help show the healthy marriage you can truly have, if you really try.

I am not great with words, but I'm going to take the next 365 days to do my best to make known how great my hubby is.

So tell me... what do you love about your husband ????

Easy New Years Recipes

2010-12-31T06:38:00.000-08:00

With New Years Eve we know some of you are looking for a quick easy recipe. Trust me it doesn't get much tastier and simple than this.

You need :

(2) packs Hot Dogs

1 Bacon

Toothpicks

Brown Sugar

Dried Diced Onions

Your going to cut the hot dog's in half.

Cut the Bacon in half.

Wrap the Bacon around the hot dog and stick a tooth pick in.

Do this until completed. Now there won't be an even # of Bacon to Hot Dog ratio so you will have a few leftover Bacon strips. Just put in a ziplock and wait for later.

Then your going to generously pour brown sugar and the diced onions over top. There is no magical amount. Sorry I don't really measure when it comes to these type of dishes.

Then your going to cook for 45 minutes at 350 in your oven.

Then your going to generously pour brown sugar and the diced onions over top. There is no magical amount. Sorry I don't really measure when it comes to these type of dishes.

Then your going to cook for 45 minutes at 350 in your oven.

Check at about 30 minutes and make sure it's not burning.

Some ovens are different.

Pull out and cool.

SO YUMMY....

Black Friday?

2010-11-17T07:17:00.000-08:00

So tell me are you all about it or can't stand it and want to stay inside all day and hide from it ?

I LOVE IT!!!

I love the sights, the sounds, the smells.

I go with no agenda (other than a peppermint mocha from bux) and have fun people watching and just taking it all in. If I find a great deal then I'm happy but if not it doesn't really matter.

So do you venture out ?

What are your top stores ?

This year I will be working on black Friday and I'm really excited about that! I really I'm. I love helping people find the perfect gift at a great deal!!!

Oh and what time will you brace the madness ???? 4am or earlier ?

This year I think I'm going to go to Tanger Outlets at Midnight!

Tell me all about your Black Friday...

Shocked. Sad. Not Surprised.

2010-11-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

So last week I posted this poll and out of the 87 plus of you that follow my blog and the 1000 or so that hit it weekly only 20 of you took the poll.

My heart was so sad to see the results.

The question was: "What is the biggest area that is hurting your marriage ?"

This was geared more towards ministry women but really goes for anyone.

40 % said Lack of $

30 % said Disconnected

25% said Ministry taking up to much time

5% of you said Young Children.

Which one am I shocked over you ask ? That only 5% of you say young children and 30% said disconnected...

I would like to hear your take on this. Click anonymous or send me an email girlfriendwithapurpose@gmail.com

I have a couple post that will be coming up to hopefully hit on these topics! Love you girls and please know that your not alone!!

Loads of Love...

2010-11-09T19:28:00.000-08:00

Several Months ago my husband and I drove to Charlotte, North Carolina to lead worship for a conference. I don't know about you, but sometimes these little trips are exactly what we need to plan and brainstorm for the future of our ministry. I propped a whole bunch of sticky notes and a huge calendar up on my lap, with a pencil for notes. On the 5-hour drive we were able to accomplish so much, and get so much down on paper. We got to to dream and scheme without interruptions. Our church has a huge vision to love our city. Red. Yellow. Black. White. Gay. Alcoholic. Addict. We think you still deserve to feel God's love. We like that do do that through tangible acts of service. Doing things that leave people going "Huh?" Loads of Love was one of those acts of service. Continue Reading HERE

I NEED YOU!

2010-11-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

Okay so i know that i have a lot of you that come to my blog and read about my life and all the boring that I have to say...

See blogs have a tracker and it tells me you stopped by :)

However I really need help today which involves you participating!

A majority of you are women in Ministry and I have been getting several emails from you that your struggling in your marriage.

I wanted to run a poll...

Please Help me so I can help others! I welcome any comments on ways you help protect your marriage or make it a priority!

In Every Season

2010-11-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

Some of you are walking thru the Desert and need to be encouraged. No matter what my God is a God that will provide, give you peace and hold you up!

No weapon formed against you will prosper!

What can I pray with you about girlfriendwithapurpose@gmail.com or leave me a comment.

My man is better than your man...

2010-11-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

Seriously our smiles here are cracking me up! This was waiting to get on the monorail @ Disney. I think we were happier than our kids to be in Disney! I'm still soooo grateful for the friends who sent us there!

The reason for this post... My man.

This post was meant for October but um life happened and this post didn't make it.

I wanted to just say a few things about him.

He loves me unconditionally, even when I act like a selfish brat (oh come on you do it to).

He has help my hands up and stood by my side thru post part-um depression not once but twice, and helped pray me thru so it didn't happen a third time.

He does his best to meet my needs.

He leads our family with integrity.

Is not afraid of failure, and not afraid to show that to people.

He is genuine.

He makes me laugh although i am more of the prankster in our home.

He puts up with my jokes!

When we moved he didn't second guess the call of God to start a church.

He is doing an amazing job helping with our kids while I have to work part time.

He loves people with his whole heart.

He is an amazing singer but more than that anointed.

Passionate.

Humble.

He is real.

He's not afraid to get his hands dirty and serve.

He helps with laundry!!!!

He puts my wants and desires before his.

The list goes on and one, but really his heart and love for Jesus is the top one.

I love you babe and i'm proud to call you mine!

Woody's Birthday

2010-11-01T04:57:00.000-07:00

My sweet Connor Benjamin turned 5 on October 12th and let me tell you that boy was so excited to have a party!

With starting a church plant sometimes you wonder how your kids will fare out in making friends.

Will there be any friends ? How will they meet them ? Well after homeschooling during our transition we decided public schools for elementary was our family decision. We prayed and that's where God led us.

Anyways, Connor started Pre-K and he loves it! He is doing fabulous and has made some great friends! His party was all Toy Story 3 and he dressed up like Woody.

Seriously he was so cute and felt so loved that day!

Thanks friends for loving on my little man.

Where's October ?

2010-10-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

This last month has seriously gone by so fast! My blog has gotten neglected because of well... LIFE! So here is a quick update and i'm sure I will detail it more in the next few days with pictures! We all know I love pictures! I have slow week (well slower) and hope to do lot's of blog hopping and blog loving!

So here is my crazy list.

* Me out of town in Springfield MO with ladies from our former church for 5 days.
* During that same time my husband was in Cleveland TN doing worship @ a conf. with our 2 oldest.
* My daughter that is 2 spent her time in Atlanta.
(P.S. Thanks so much to my amazing home team girls who helped with our nutso schedules and holding our arms up!!!) We love you girls!!! IF your a Ministry chic and don't have a home team or know what one is let me know and I will fill ya in :)
* Getting back from out of town we had 5 fieldtrips between 2 children.
*Kerry are amazing friend from Michigan relocated here and we helped her settle in, which included meals, and laughs with her family and trips to Atlanta to the airport.
*A Birthday Party for 18 little Pre-K children. My sweet Connor turned 5!!!
*I started a part time job at Bath and Body Works
* Loads of Love - Outreach at the Laundry Mats
* Crisis Pregnancy Banquet
* Fall Break
* New Life Group Launch
* Hubby working & Music Lessons
* Dance Practice
* Soccer Practice & 4 Soccer Games& Final Awards Ceremony
* Friends from Michigan in town for 5 days
* Normal Sunday Service
* Deep Root's Festival where our church had a fun Photo Booth!
* In between all of this lot's of family loves, kisses, little ice cream dates here and there. Some late night snuggles and early morning loving. Lot's of awesome Jesus moments!

Can I also say this month still has a week left!!

So tell me has your October been as crazy ????

Winner!!!

2010-09-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Hey girls! Thanks for taking time to enter the giveaway!

Here is our winner!

That would be Jennifer!!

I also have a few prizes looming... sigh

Jennifer and Rachel it's coming this week!!

Jennifer please email Rachel @ rachel@twenty6blog.com

and tell her you were the winner!!

Giveaway Time!!!!

2010-09-23T07:48:00.000-07:00

I would love to introduce you to a blog friend of mine. Here name is Rachel.

Rachel & Her friend Andrea just started a new business together.

Here is a little bit of information about Andrea & Rachel.

We have been great friends since 7th grade!! Our memories together include chats at our lockers, pop quizzes. youth group, sleepovers, P.E. (yuck!), boys, primping in between classes (mostly to impress those boys!), and our high school Senior trip. We've been friends through both high school and college graduation, both of our weddings, and three pregnancies. Most importantly, though, we've shared laughter, tears, prayer, and support. We thank God for the friendship He's given us!

Why Twenty 6?

When we decided to start a business/blog together we thought long and hard about a name that would represent our long-standing friendship. We found a scripture passage that sums up our feelings perfectly:

Proverbs 20:6

"Many can say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?"

Hence, the name Twenty 6!!

What's in your Etsy shop?

Both of us have always been very "girly"! We love feminine and pretty things. Andrea has had fun exploring the world of "girl stuff" since she had Alaina in 2009.

We sell a variety of things that girls ages 1 to 99 will enjoy. You will find adorable handmade bows as well as personalized bow holders which are hand-painted by Andrea's sister, Lisa Dickson. We are so excited to share her wonderful artistic ability with you!

Twenty 6 Shop continues to be a work in progress. We have some exciting additions planned, so check back often for new products and great sales!

We can't tell you how excited we are to share this friendship journey with you. We hope that Twenty 6 Blog is a warm and welcoming place to all who visit, and we are looking forward to meeting many new friends!!

So now the give away part.

Go to their blog and follow then come here and tell me you did :) - 1 entry

Go to their etsy shop and tell me what you like - 1 entry

Here is what your going to win.

A reader will get a "friendship bracelet of their choice" including free shipping. I will run the contest until this Tuesday at midnight... so spread the word.

Dessert & Games

2010-09-20T10:34:00.000-07:00

I love having a community with other girls.

When your first building a church i can't tell you how valuable friendships and relationships are.

I love the fact that we can cut loose, let our hair down and have fun.

We had a girls dessert & game night Saturday at the church.

Every girl brought a dessert to share.

We decorated with fall decor.

We played some fun team games and Apples to Apples.

I think my favorite team game was telephone charades... you must try it.

I did a 10 minute devotion on your influence and spreading it on other people.

We gave away some prizes for best dessert and everyone got to take home a mini smores pack.

Here are some pictures to go with the night...

This is Nancy & Brianna, God brought them down here from Michigan! We are so thankful for their servants heart and willingness to serve where needed.

The Cafe' area.

All the girls/women got the pack of "Here's S'more Loving"

Some of the prizes included Gift Certificate for a pedicure.

An adorable watch from Jack & Darcy was one of the favorite prizes.

This is Nicole, she just loves kids!

Natasha & Rhonda what sweet ladies.

Emily & Anna what sweet sisters.

Sweet Family.

2010-09-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

A few days ago... okay more like a week or so ago I posted a few adoption blogs that make my heart smile, my eyes cry and my spirit leap.

Precious Selah who had found her forever family at His Hands His Feet Today went home to be with Jesus .

I actually know Kim in real life and know most of her children.

I never got to meet Selah but her 55 days of life she was able to be loved.

Please go read her story, and be in prayer for her mother and father and her 10 siblings.

This princess at 55 days old impacted earth with God's love in ways some people never will.

Here is a quote I heard from Lorraine @ All are Precious In His Sight.

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."
~CS Lewis, The Four Loves

The Green's love with huge vulnerability, they adopted KNOWING there was a cost. Not $ cost but of their hearts. They gave anyways and because of that a precious child was able to know love, and many others found Jesus and encountered his love.

Candy Corn Bark.

2010-09-09T05:21:00.001-07:00

I love love love fall time!

I love sweets.

None of these are secrets about me :)

I am going to share with you a recipe I found somewhere (so bad about that).

I promise it's so easy!!!

My daughter sold this last year to earn $ for Operation Christmas Child. I was so proud of her! She put together 4 boxes and blessed 2 boys and 2 girls with an awesome box!

What you need:

A bag of pretzels (skinny small stick kind)

a package of oreos

a package of seasonal candy corns

a brick of white choc. candy coating

Step 1 - Take your pretzels and break them up and spread all over a cookie sheet.

Step 2- Did you know they make seasonal oreos ?

Well break them up and spread on top of Pretzels.

Also take the candy corns and spread them on top of the oreos.

Step 3 - Melt your white chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals.

then poor on top of the pretzels, candy corn, and oreos.

Also sprinkle a few candy corns on top to make pretty!

Step 4 - Put in freezer for like 15-20 minutes or until it's all set.

This is what it will look like :)

Step 5 - Break apart and Enjoy!!