When are you working on your Bible work?

I often hear (adults) say, "I don't have time to memorize the Bible."  In most cases, time is limited. As a mom I stay busy running 3 kids to music lessons, scouts, sports, Awana, church, friends houses, classes and to visit grandma. Our kids are also very busy. They don't have the free time of our parents generations.

 

However, God commands that we meditate and memorize His Words (Joshua 1:8, 2 timothy 2:15). Just keep the study time consistent and manageable.

 

From about fourth grade up, much reviewing for students can be done on their own in just a few minutes a day.

 

Think about when you have a few minutes.

In the shower (use a laminated card in the shower)
While brushing your teeth (use a dry erase marker on the mirror)
As soon as you wake up (try 5-10 min)
As soon as you lay down for the night (5-10 min as you lay down for the night)
In traffic (you can't cheat and look at the paper!  Have the kids quiz you, or each other)
At meal times
While cooking
While folding laundry (turn the TV off and work on learning Gods Word while matching socks)

 

I just found at least an hour a day for you!  Why not use that time to focus on God?

Chewy No Bake Granola Bars

Ingredients

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

• 1 cup rolled oats                                                                     
• 1 cup steel-cut oats                                                                     
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal                                                                     
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed dried fruit                                                                     
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds  
• 1/4 cup butter                                                                     
• 1/2 cup brown sugar                                                                     
• 1/4 cup honey                                                                     
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract                                                                     
•  1/2 cup mini chocolate chips                                                                     

Directions

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix rolled oats, steel-cut oats, rice cereal, dried fruit, and almonds together in a large bowl.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk until sugar is completely dissolved, about 2 minutes. Pour over oat mixture; stir to combine.
4. Spread oat mixture into prepared baking dish. Press chocolate chips into top. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

• PREP 10 mins
• COOK 5 mins
• READY IN 1 hr15 mins

 

I found this recipe at Allrecipes.com one afternoon before leaving on a mission trip.  When you have 3 growing children and a 6 hour drive, you need something to keep them filled to prevent melt downs.

 

This is a great 'base' recipe.  First of all, I used what I had on hand.  I used all regular quick cooking (store brand) oatmeal, along with store brand crispy rice cereal (obviously I don't care about name brands!)  With the fruit I added more than 1/2 cup.  I didn't measure, but it was probably closer to 1 1/2-2 cups.  I mixed raises, dried apple, dried cranberry and dried blueberry.  Instead of almonds, I used sunflower seeds.  I also left out the chocolate chips (going to be a hot drive!)  In the couple of times I have made this, I have changed up the ingredients a bit - just because I don't want to get bored with it.  Everyone loves it every time.

 

I have noticed with the South Texas heat that these yummy granola bars 'melt'.  My solution - wrap them in foil (easy to grab and go) and store them in the freezer.  The big kids love them icy cold.  They may be hard for a younger child to eat this way (just store in the fridge maybe)

 

Enjoy!

 

 

Honoring our heroes

On the 4th of July we spend a lot of time honoring our fallen heroes.  Don't get me wrong, I think this is great.  What better way to celebrate our freedom than honoring those that help defend it?!  But, why do we wait until they are gone to honor them?  I know, I know there are parades and small ceremonies at events, but are they really honored at these?  It seems to me like they are recognized, but we don't spend much time thinking about what they have given.   What do YOU do to honor them?

 

 
There are several groups that do this every day.  If you Google "support our troops"  you will get over 27,000,000 hits.  Not all of them are credible organizations - so beware.  Wounded Warrior project is one of many that helps those who have been injured. I love what they do and how involved they are in every part of the soldiers lives when they come home.

 

Any soldier has volunteer Soldier "contacts" on the "Where To Send" page. They list what the folks they represent want and need. Click through the names and YOU select who YOU wish to support, then YOU send direct to them.  They have a unique search capability so you can easily identify what the troops need, who you wish to support, etc.

 

 Millions of times each year at hundreds of locations around the world, the USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families.  A nonprofit, congressionally chartered, private organization, the USO relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations and corporations to support its activities. The USO is not part of the U.S. government, but is recognized by the Department of Defense, Congress and President of the United States, who serves as Honorary Chairman of the USO.

 

 

So, I ask again - what do you do?

 

When you see a soldier, how do you react?  Do you say anything? Do you do anything?  Do you pray for them immediately (not necessarily out loud with them, but at least quietly right then and there before you forget)?  Do you, in any way support them at least once a month?

 

I am not a soldier - I have a strong military heritage, as does my husband.  Hubby was a Marine and my son wants to be in the Air Force.  Any time we see a soldier out to eat, we immediately pay for his meal.  One time that meant that we didn't eat out (we waited until we got home - it was just jack in the box, it was ok :). 

 

We live right by an Air Force base, so it is not uncommon to see soldiers in the stores, banks, and restaurants.  I don't salute, I'm not a soldier, but I always like to be extra nice to them.  I have no idea what they are going through today.  I don't know if they just got back from another country.  I always try to thank them.  Nothing embarrassing, just respectful.  It's the least I can do.  I want to pay my respects now while these heroes walk among us, not at a memorial service. 

 

What do you do?

Smores Pancakes

Is there a better way to start off the 4th of July than with S'mores pancakes?   Well, if there is.... I haven't found it yet!

I cannot take any credit for this recipe.  After months of looking and debating, I tried this recipe this morning and we ALL fell in love with it.  I love the simplicity of everything and the ooey gooeyness of the yummyness (I think I am still on a sugar high!).  I will give you fair warning - they are very filling and very tempting.  I was able to get my kids to do anything I asked as long as I was cooking them.  But then again, what kid can resist the idea of S'mores for breakfast!?

I didn't play with the recipe, but followed it exactly.  I found it at We are not Martha. com, and will probably look at that blog a lot more in the coming months ;)

S’mores Pancakes
Marshmallow fluff:
• 2 egg whites• 1 C corn syrup• 1/4 t salt• 1 1/2 C powdered sugar• 1 T vanilla• 1/4 t cream of tartar



In the bowl of a standing mixture beat together the egg whites, corn syrup, and salt on high speed for 4-5 minutes until it thickens quite a bit. Your mixture will have started clear, but after beating, it will turn bright white… like fluff!


Now, simply mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream of tartar on low speed, until combined.
See? Easy. And it looks exactly like what you’d buy in the store.



You can make this ahead of time and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fine in your fridge for about 10 days and if you’re making it for these pancakes, you’ll have a couple cups extra, for lots of peanut butter and fluff sandwiches. Or just plain fluff on everything.

Next, I started making the graham cracker pancakes. Which are basically the same as regular pancakes, but with graham cracker crumbs.

Graham Cracker Pancakes:
• 1 C flour• 1 T sugar• 1 T baking powder • 1/2 t salt• 3/4 C graham cracker crumbs (about 8 crackers)• 1 egg, beaten• 2 T butter, melted• 1 1/4 C milk (I used light vanilla soy, but any kind should do)


Take about 8 graham crackers, put them in a plastic bag, and whack them with something like a meat tenderizer, until they’re in fine crumbs.



Now, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and graham cracker crumbs until well combined.



Add whisked egg, melted butter, and milk into the flour mixture and mix until blended.



Heat a griddle or pan at medium heat and spray lightly with cooking spray.
Pour a couple tablespoons of batter onto the griddle and let cook about a minute on each side.


T
hey’ll be pretty light and fluffy, thought the graham crackers give them a little extra denseness.



And well, if you’re going to make s’mores (in any form) you need chocolate. I made a super simple sauce with a Hershey’s bar because if you’re making s’mores, you need to use Hershey’s chocolate.

Chocolate topping:

• 1 bar Hershey’s Milk Chocolate



Just break the chocolate up and put the chocolate in a double broiler (or in a saucepan over another saucepan of boiling water) and stir it until melted.



Really, my photos aren’t all that pretty. And I probably should have made these pancakes a second time before posting about them. But, to be honest, these pancakes are a once a year sort of meal. As tasty as they were, they’re as decadent as anything and after eating a plate-full, the pancakes and I need a little time apart. I think they understand

You can arrange these any way you want. I started by spreading the marshmallow fluff on the top of one pancake.



Then I put the second pancake on top.



I put a little chocolate sauce on top of that.

Family Disaster Plan

Living anywhere on Earth, you have to be prepared for a natural disaster.  Fortunately, in Houston we do not have tidal waves, tsunamis, earthquakes, or tornadoes.  Most of the disaster that happen are fires, floods, and hurricanes.  Not saying I would prefer one over the other, but at least with floods and hurricanes you get a bit of time to prepare.

I have previously posted about having a hurricane kit, but what about writing down your plan, updating it, and making sure that your entire family knows the plan. 

Along the journey of adoption, we are supposed to do just this.  Where do you start?  I have an easy start for you.  The American Red Cross already has a pdf to get you started.

Also, try Ready Set Go kits.  Not only will you find a plan for your family,  you will also find one for your pets.  You can also find info on how to turn off your gas, water, electricity, ideas on how to teach kids to PROPERLY call 9-1-1, and much, much more.

Even if you are not on the journey to adoption, this is something that could help keep the calm and maybe save a life.