A View into My Life

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... rainy and dreary.  But it did get above freezing! 

I am thinking...of the Passion of Jesus.  I experienced an overwhelming feeling of being scandalously loved and forgiven during communion and then through the entire service.  It really messed me up for the better.  I haven't been able to shake that overwhelming grip today - hope I never do...

I am thankful for...my life.  Simple? Yes.  Boring?  Never!

From the kitchen... Tomorrow I am hoping to bake some banana muffins and apple muffins.  If I can, I will post the recipes tomorrow.  Will start marinating the roast for Sauerbraten for Small Group dinner Wednesday.

I am wearing... what I wore to church this morning - black cords, white tank top and black and white fleck sweater.

I am creating... a message God is burning in my heart.

I am going... to finish the laundry tomorrow.  Also, I need to go through my closet again.  I'm running out of clothes and I hate to shop.

I am reading... a new Lenten devotional - Reliving the Passion by Walter Wangerin, Jr.  and the norm - The One Year NLT Chronological Bible, Beth Moore's newest, So Long Insecurity (You've Been a Bad Friend to Us), and several books to prepare a message God has laid on my heart for a ladies retreat/conference. 

Pondering these words... "Jesus has many who love His Kingdom in Heaven but few who bear His Cross.  Many follow Jesus to the Breaking of the Bread, but few to the drinking of the Cup of His Passion.  They who love Jesus for His own sake, and not for the sake of comfort for themselves, bless Him in every trial and anguish of heart, no less than in the greatest joy."  Thomas a` Kempis The Imitation of Christ

I am hoping...that spring comes soon.  The kids have cabin fever and need fresh air.  We need sunshine desperately!  It's been a long winter and it doesn't seem to want to end.

I am hearing... ice dancing on TV, dog snoring on the floor, Chris snoring on the other couch. A content woman's Sunday evening.

Around the house... cleaning, laundry, cooking...life as normal

One of my favorite things...hearing my kids pray to Jesus. 

A few plans for the rest of the week... another dentist appt, Bible study Monday night, finalizing the tile order for kitchen and bath, preschool, ChristCare (small group) Wed night.

A Glimpse of the Simple Yet Crazy Life

This Week's Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... it is now dark but there is still snow on the ground and hearing we are supposed to get more tomorrow and Tuesday.

I am thinking... about all that needs to be done.  House needs to get a thorough cleaning so construction can begin.  Katie needs to be moved back into her room.  Kids clothes need to be donated.  Bible study notes need to be prepared. 

I am thankful for... the great conversation Chris and I had today about John 16:33.  To be married to a man who loves Jesus.  To have kids whose hearts are tender to Jesus.  It gives me goosebumps to know that they really believe Jesus can do anything and everything. 

From the kitchen... homemade chicken noodle soup (my version of a Paula Deen recipe) and biscuits.  (Recipe follows - low cal and low fat and simply delicious!)

I am wearing... my favorite Coldwater Creek jeans and my Yellowstone sweatshirt with a white turtleneck.  My sweatshirts makes me long for WY - my favorite place in the world!  My favorite jeans need to go to Goodwill - they are just too big.  It will be like saying goodbye to a good friend.  Bittersweet!

I am creating... a message to be delivered in April on John 16:33.  Once the date and venue is confirmed I will tell you when and where!  Very exciting!

I am going... to clean the house tomorrow top to bottom.  Too much stuff and clutter stresses me out!

I am reading... The One Year NLT Chronological Bible (I am behind - again), Beth Moore's newest, So Long Insecurity (You've Been a Bad Friend to Us), and several books to prepare a message God has laid on my heart for a ladies retreat/conference.

Pondering these words... "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world" John 16:33.  Do we believe that Jesus has overcome?  What has He overcome?  Are we trusting Him and believing Him for more than just our eternal home?

I am hoping... To get the house orgnaized so it is easier to function when construction begins.

I am hearing... couples figure skating on TV, dog snoring on the floor, Chris snoring on the other couch.  A married and content woman's Valentine's Day.  We are home, happy and content.

Around the house... have I mentioned my goals of cleaning tomorrow?  Need to work on our menu for the week (maybe tomorrow night), kitchen and bath "stuff" is accumulating in the dining room.  New fridge, new range, new wine cooler, new trash compactor, new dishwasher, new jacuzzi tub, 2 toilets, 7 new doors, new wall oven, new microwave.  I could open up my own Lowes!  Where oh where will the cabinets and tile go when it gets delievered? 

One of my favorite things...homemade chicken noodle soup.

A few plans for the rest of the week... dentist appts, Bible Study, finalizing the tile order for kitchen and bath, preschool, (Hopefully - with all the snow days and the stomach bug I think Benjamin has only been 2 or 3 times since Christmas!)
 
My [Healthy] Version of Paula Deen's Chicken Noodle Soup
Note: This makes a large recipe but freezes very well. If you need a smaller amount, just halve all the ingredients.

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
5 quarts water
2 onions peeled and left whole
4 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
5 cloves garlic, minced
6 bay leaves
5 chicken bouillion cubes
Salt and Pepper to taste
 
Add all ingredients to stock pot.  Bring to a boil and cook until chicken is tender, aout 35 to 40 minutes.  Remove chicken from pot and shred and set aside.  Remove and discard onion and bay leaves. 
 
3-4 cups sliced carrots
3-4 cups sliced celery
3-1/2 to 4 cups whole wheat egg noodles, uncooked (look for whole wheat, no yolk, low fat noodles)
1/2 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
 
Bring stock back to boil.  Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes.  Add celery and continue to cook for 5 to 10 minutes.  Add noodles and cook according to directions on package.  When noodles are done, add shredded chicken breast and parsley.  Cook for another 2 minutes.  Adjust seasoning if needed.
 
Low Cal/Low Fat, Delicious Old Fashioned Drop Biscuits
 
1-1/2 cups Bisquick Heart Health
1/2 cup skim milk
 
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Mix together until soft dough forms.  Drop by tablespoons on ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake 10 mins or until slightly golden brown.
 
Have a Soup-er Day of Warm Blessings!
~ O'Nealya