Tasty Tuesday: Pineapple Pretzel Fluff

My friend Janelle showed up at my house with this bowl in her hands. It looked so pretty in the bowl that I did what bloggers do! I grabbed my camera and took pictures!!!


I was even happier when I discovered how amazingly delicious it was. I had at least 3 servings and possibly 4 (and if I could have had a 5th without embarrassing myself I would have lol!)


The next picnic I attend I'm bringing this! So who wants to have me over? lol!!
Here's how to make Pineapple Pretzel Fluff:


Ingredients
1 cup coarsely crushed pretzels
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup sugar, divided
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed


Directions
In a bowl, combine pretzels, butter and 1/2 cup sugar. Press into a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees F for 7 minutes. Cool.


Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until creamy. Fold in pineapple and whipped topping; chill until serving.

Break pretzel mixture into small pieces; stir into pineapple mixture and layer some along the top.


Viola - Yum-O!

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, Dining With Debbie , Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and Tuesdays at the Table recipe exchanges. For more blogger recipes go to these links.

What My Mom Taught Me About Marriage

My mom and dad are celebrating their 42nd wedding anniversary tomorrow. This day in age, that's a rare anniversary to celebrate. The statistics say divorce is on the rise and as a result any marriage over 21 years is remarkable - much less double that! I know that I am blessed to have parents who have role-modeled to me a Biblical Marriage and so I asked my mom to write and share with you her story.

My mom writes:

Forty two years ago, on June 1, l968, two somewhat naïve but madly in love 20 year olds made a lifetime commitment before God, family and friends to love and cherish one another . . .until death do us part. My husband and I were Christians, but baby Christians who really had no idea what we were getting ourselves into! We had virtually no marriage counseling, so we looked to our parents' marriages to pattern (or not) pattern after.


It was the era of the 60's, and the traditional roles of men and women in marriage – well, they were a'changin'! Being a woman who wanted to keep up with the times, I took my cues from the world. “Be your own woman, do not let a man own you.” “Do not be an appendage on a man's arm, known only as your husband's wife, make a name for yourself.” It was the the age of “I am woman, hear me roar!”


Obviously, this is not what God's Word says, and if I had pursued that path, I don't believe I would still be married today. Thankfully, God in His grace led me to a women's Bible study at my church. These precious women patiently and kindly showed me what God says in His Word about the role of a wife in marriage. Being the strong willed individual that I am, I balked and said, “If I had known all of this, I would never have gotten married.” But I WAS married, so what to do? I loved God and wanted to please Him. I loved my husband and wanted to please him too. I got on my knees and prayed to God - “Help me to become the godly wife you want me to be.”


God led me to the example of a well known married couple in Scripture, Abraham and Sarah. Sarah's relationship to Abraham helped me to develop the proper Biblical ATTITUDES and ACTIONS towards my husband. 1 Peter 3:6a: “Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.”

Pretty radical for 2010, right?!

Sarah called Abraham “lord.” It was a term of respect. Sarah saw her husband as her supreme authority, her master, her leader. Because Sarah had the proper Biblical ATTITUDE of respect towards Abraham, she was then able to follow with the proper Biblical ACTION - Sarah “obeyed” her husband. She voluntarily placed herself under or beneath her husband as a subordinate, obeying/following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her.


I know this teaching is challenging, especially in the culture in which we live. This is evidenced by the fact that so many brides today choose to omit the word “obey” from their wedding vows. But whether we like it or not, it is a principle from the Word of God. We must learn it and apply it if we want to have a marriage that honors and glorifies the Lord.


If you are struggling with respecting and obeying your husband, take it to the Lord in prayer. He will give you the strength and the grace to do it. If you have failed in this area as I so often have, remember that our God is a God of mercy and forgiveness. He is also a God of hope. It is never too late, so look to the future. Change what needs to be changed, and improve in the areas that need to be improved. Then thank God for the wonderful husband that He's given to you and for the privilege of fulfilling your God given role as his wife.


Because tomorrow is our anniversary, I want to tell my husband how much I love and admire him. “My beloved is mine, and I am his.” (Song of Solomon 2:16) What a blessing to have shared 42 years together with my beloved, my partner, my provider, my protector, and spiritual leader. Thank you for holding our marriage in honor among all!

And to all of Courtney's readers, may you continue to “walk with the King” as you live out your marriage according to the design of God.

***Thanks Mom! You never cease to challenge and inspire me to do what is right! Thank you!

Where Do I Start in the Bible? Are Your Kids Bored With It?

Yesterday there were two commenter questions I want to answer.

The first one came from Christy and she asked how am I keeping my kids from getting sick of me reading the Bible to them over breakfast and lunch.

My children are now 5 and 7 and I have been doing this for at least 4 years now and truly they love it! I don't think they know anything different and they have never once been bored - I think I keep it fresh - or I try to anyway ! We have fantastic discussions and they eat it up. I always read straight from the NIV and we do small portions and define the words to be sure they understand it.

For example on Wednesday, we discussed I Corinthians 5:33 "Bad company corrupts good morals." I had to define - "company, corrupts and morals" and then explain how this passage is useful when we apply it to playing with the neighborhood children.

We have a "Kitchen Bible" -this Bible never leaves the kitchen and it's always on the table or counter ready to go! My children see the joy it gives me to learn and read it and they follow right along! I also pray that they will always love God more than anything this world offers. Pray over your children daily that God will give them a hunger and thirst for him and then be faithful in reading with them - if you don't - who will?

The second question came from Anonymous:
"I would love to be able to sit down and memorize some scripture and spend time learning about God's word. I am a very new beginner and my question is - where do you start? I don't belong to a church and have been intimidated on how to get started along this journey. I feel like if I just open up the Bible and begin somewhere, I'll be lost or extremely confused since I have not read the Bible before at all. Any suggestions for me?"


Oh Anonymous - I am so glad you asked! Bear with me - my answer is LONG (I apologize in advance lol!):


The Bible can be a challenge to read because it does not read like an ordinary book from cover to cover. It was written over thousands of years, by nearly 40 authors and in several languages. To put it in simple terms, the Old Testament gives us a foundation for who God is, his character and the foreshadowing of Christ's coming. The New Testament is about Jesus' life, crucifixion, resurrection, the spread of the gospel and instructions for Christian living.

So where do you start? Let me go book by book in order of where they fall in the Bible and explain it - I will give you my recommendations as I go. Hold on to your seat - cause here we go on a ride through the entire Bible!

The Book of Genesis tells us how God created the world, how mankind fell into sin, and the impact of the fall. This book is necessary for a complete understanding of God's word.

Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are filled with the Jewish law - which can be difficult to read...so you may want to save those books for later in your journey. But don't miss them because all of God's word is meant to be read!

Joshua through Job gives a lot of Jewish history. When I studied these books I kept a "Character of God" journal - where I wrote down all the things I learned about my God. I learned so much about how my God works in the lives of real people. These are not hard to read but they are not the place to start. Once you have a good foundation - head over to these books.


Then there's Psalms - which I LOVE - as history and poetry collide, again the character of God shines brightly. This is what I am reading in my quiet time currently.

Next comes Proverbs. It's a favorite of mine. It is filled with God's wisdom for relationships - marriage, parenting, friends and neighbors. This is a great book to commit to memory.

Ecclesiastes is a wisdom book and Song of Solomon is a great book about having a loving marriage...if you want to read some hot stuff - read here lol!!!

Isaiah through Malachi are prophetic books and again a very difficult read...don't avoid them - but save them for later.

Then there's the gospels - This is where you start!!! If you want to know more about Jesus, his life and teachings you MUST start in the gospels - the book of John is the most common book people refer beginners to - and I agree. All four gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are wonderful - but they overlap each other - so you may not want to read all four in a row. Start in the book of John!

In Acts - we see Jesus ascend into heaven and the beginning of the Christian church as we know it today. This is the sequel to the gospels so I recommend you read this after you read a gospel.

Then there's the book of Romans - this book clearly defines salvation and grace - I love this book. So after reading the Gospel of John, then Acts, read Romans. If you read these three books -you will have a very strong foundation for what you believe!

From there we delve into the epistles - they are all helpful for how to apply the principles of God to practical life - but some are easier to understand than others.

My favorites are Ephesians, Philippians, James and I John. I recommend you read these next after reading John, Acts and Romans.

Then finally we come to Revelation - a book of prophecy about the end times. This is a hard book to understand but certainly a fascinating one. Read it when you feel comfortable with some of the other readings above.

After you've finished these New Testament books - I'd go back and hit Genesis, Psalms and Proverbs but my mom would say don't miss the solid doctrine in Hebrews and Revelation. Oh girlie - it's all fantastic - open it and just enjoy the meat of God's word! It's delectable!

And for my seasoned Christian Bible readers - please chime in - what are your favorite passages and what would you recommend for those who are new to Bible reading? There is no right or wrong answer to this question so it's okay if you have a different suggestion.


The key is - Walk with the King!

Quiet Time Tip #3 - No Time for a Quiet Time!

First, I have to share with you the joy of seeing the Good Morning Girls summer session begin! We are now at over 90 groups, 600+ women, 31 states and 5 countries represented. And I have one word for these groups - PERSEVERANCE!

As we walk with the King it takes perseverance. There will be days you literally cannot find a minute to be alone and just drink a tall glass of God's living word! Those can be frustrating days when you are honestly longing to sit at the feet of Jesus.

I have a solution for Mommies who are so busy caring for their little ones that they literally do not have the time. First let me share my dreamy ideal quiet time. I rise early and feel well rested and wide awake. I sit alone with a hot drink in my hand and bask in the presence of God. I can linger over his word with no interruptions and remain focused in a long steady prayer time for all my loved ones. I finish by journaling a few bits of what I have learned and then I move on into my day.

Here's my reality some days. The alarm goes off and I hit the snooze. The alarm goes off again and I drag my sorry self out of bed. I find my way to the kitchen and pull out my Bible and journal. I go to the cupboard to get out a mug and lo and behold a fuzzy haired sweet pea is staring at me. I say - "sweet heart go back to bed, it's very early and mommy needs her quiet time." And from behind her is a giggle of my other child - argh! How can you both be up and with so much energy? Please oh please, give mommy just 5 minutes alone with Jesus!

Some days it just can't happen. And it would be wrong for us to legalistically put pressure on ourselves to always create this dreamy scenario - as we would selfishly have to push our children's needs aside.

So what's the solution?

Learn how to meditate on God's word.

Joshua 1:8 says "Do not let this Book of the law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it."

Meditating goes hand in hand with last week's tips on memorization. If you are memorizing then most likely you are also meditating. But it is possible to meditate and not memorize. Here's how a busy mom can meditate on a passage of scripture day and night.

1. Choose a passage of scripture for the week.

2. Write out the passage of scripture on a note card and slip it in your pocket - pull it out periodically and read over it. Keep it in your purse all week long and pull it out at convenient times and read through it.

3. Open your Bible in the kitchen on the counter to the passage you want to meditate on. All day long when you walk through the kitchen, pause, read the passage and then move on.

4. Read the passage out loud to the children during breakfast and lunch time. (This is our regular Bible reading time in our house - along with bedtime.)

5. Read the passage first thing in the morning as soon as you get out of bed.

6. Read the passage again one minute before you go to bed at night.

7. Write out a verse or two at the top of your to-do list so every time you look over it you can read over them.

Squeeze EVERY drip of nourishment out of the passage you have chosen all day long through these short readings of scripture. Meditate on God's word day and night. And you will soon find a life transformed by the renewing of your mind! (Rom. 12:2) Persevere!

Walk with the King!

What Do Your Children Think of You?

Wordful Wednesday: Proverbs 31:28 "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her."


We are to week 20 of our Proverbs 31 woman series and today's verse hits home with me! Isn't this what we all dream of? Our husband and children praising us? We have seen this woman pour her life out for her family - from caring for her husband, children, servants and even the poor. We've watched her rise early, stay up late, plant a vineyard, sew her own clothes, her family's clothing, the tapestries and beddings! And here we find her reward - "Her children arise and call her blessed"!

I am going to address the husband's "words of praise" next Wednesday because it correlates with next week's verse and it's a HUGE topic for me - I can't wait to write on it!

Today we will solely look at the children.

1. Who is praising her? It's not the people in the PTA, nor her church Bible study group, local newspaper, co-workers or neighborhood association. It is her children!

2. Who you are at home is who you really are. If you find that all of your accolades come from sources outside of your home - and inside your home is a train wreck? Then you can be sure that your priorities some how have been derailed!

3. If you have little ones and even teens, this may not be the season where they arise and call you blessed so be patient! The words "arise up" mean that the children are full grown. Often times, it's not until children gain a bit of perspective in life that they realize how much their mother has sacrificed for them.

4. Arising and blessing their mother is not just about the "thank you" but about them arising and living honorable, noble, God fearing lives. This fruit is evidence of a mother's hard work. This is a mother's true reward!

What are some practical ways to get to this point?

1. Do not focus on raising your children to be straight "A" students, captain of the basketball team, doctors or missionaries. Focus first on raising children who fear God and desire to serve him. And let their success and vocation be left in God's hands.

2. Pray daily for your children to love God and desire him more than anything this world has to offer!

3. Work on creating order, fun, memories, warmness, and a haven in your home. Make your home a place where children feel comfortable to open up their hearts and talk, where they are free to laugh, make mistakes, be silly, yet always sensing the presence of God. We must first have God's word present in our lives in order for the children to sense the presence of God in their lives. Read the scriptures together, memorize them, sing them, and delight in them.

4. There is no room for giving up, giving in or surrendering to the wayward child. We must continue to parent our children - not until Jr. High, not until they are 16, not even until they are 18. They will make CRUCIAL life altering decisions between 18 and 25 - their vocation and who they will marry. Stay in the game with a fierce face! Persevere in guiding, praying, loving, talking, and creating special time with your children. Your children need you.

5. Remember - you are irreplaceable. They are YOUR responsibility to train, instruct and release. Walk humbly and fearfully as you fulfill this high calling!

A huge challenge lies before us today as we consider our parenting skills? Have we blown it? Apologize. Have we failed to pray? Start today. Have we been too wrapped up in our own lives to spend meaningful time with the kids? Turn off the TV and computer and give your children the best of you.

Let me close by arising and calling my own mother blessed! If you are reading mom "THANK YOU" for all of the sacrifice and unconditional love and for riding out every wave with me. Since I was a baby you have taught me the truth of God's word and role-modeled what that looks like lived out in high heels! You are deserving of high praise - I love you!

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

Tasty Tuesday: How To Cut A Watermelon

(I am reposting this from July 2, 2009 because I thought this would be perfect for Memorial Day! Plus, I know I have a lot of new readers who might just find this useful ;) !)

Have you been hacking at your watermelon for years? I have! Actually, I am a little scared of cutting watermelons - I feel like it's dangerous - because the first slice is so difficult.

BUT 2 summers ago, my sister Kristen taught me this really neat way to cut up a watermelon quite easily! I shared it with a few of my friends this week and when I saw the amazement in their eyes - I thought what a typical blogger thinks - I better blog about this! lol!

So I'm compelled to share it with you all since there will be lots of picnics this summer - you can offer to bring the watermelon and wow your friends!

Here's How to Cut a Watermelon:

Step #1 Slice the watermelon long ways into four pieces.

Step #2 Take one of the quarters and slice it with your knife straight down in rows.

Step #3 Now take your knife along the side and slice it long ways making squares on that side.

Step #4 Turn it and slice it long ways on the other side - making squares on that side too.

Step #5 Slice along the rind while not letting the squares fall off. Then lift your watermelon over the bowl and let the pieces slide off into beautiful squares in your bowl!

Isn't that gorgeous in the bowl! Serve and Enjoy! Have a great Memorial Day!

Walk with the King!

I am participating in Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, Dining With Debbie , Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and Tuesdays at the Table recipe exchanges. For more blogger recipes go to these links.

Advice For The Adulterous

Serena Woods, who is a fellow speaker at the upcoming Relevant Conference, made a Youtube with advice for someone currently having an affair. If you are the adulterous, please know that Serena speaks as a woman who has been there, she knows what you need to hear.

Serena's Life Verse: Luke 22:31-32, “Simon, Simon. Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But, I’ve prayed for you, Simon, that your faith won’t fail and, when you come back, strengthen your brothers."

For more from Serena, visit her at her blog at http://www.graceisforsinners.com/ And for more marriage posts click on one of these two buttons!

Walk with the King!

How To Do A Messy Bun Up-Do

For years I've warn a head band or pony tail on days when I didn't have time to fix my hair. But I discovered this messy bun this winter and have found it to be a nice quick way to pull myself together on days when I have no time for fixing my hair. So I thought I'd teach you my trick if you are looking for some up-do ideas!

Walk with the King!

This is linked to Kelly's Corner.

Quiet Time Tip #2 - Bible Memorization

When I sit down to the piano it just flows. My hands begin to play Pachelbel's Canon without effort. How does that happen? Memorization and practice - years ago I determined to learn this difficult song and I practiced and practiced until I mastered it. And now, it comes easy, almost naturally.

Think of all the meaningless information you have memorized over the past 20 years - old phone numbers, old addresses where you used to live, or old songs from the radio.

It is incredible the possibilities our mind has, to take information in and retain it. But if we are not practicing this muscle and being intentional about memorizing God's word we will never have God's word hidden in our hearts. We must determine to put an effort in to reap the rewards. And so this post is going to be highly practical!

Bible memorization simply put is the repeating of words. Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, "Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That's where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization" ("Spiritual Formation in Christ for the Whole Life and Whole Person" in Vocatio, Vol. 12, no. 2, Spring, 2001, p. 7).


Keys to Bible Memory:

1. Pick a passage that's meaningful to you. Be intentional.


2. Meditate on it - dissect it - ingest it! Be intentional.


3. Write it out. Where you might ask? On post-it notes or index cards. Then put them in the bathroom, kitchen, by your computer or in your car. Be intentional.


4. Get the entire family memorizing and chart your progress on the refrigerator! Give out stars for progress - this gives you accountability. Speaking of accountability - you could also do this with your Good Morning Girls Groups! Be intentional.


5. Draw a picture of the verse you are memorizing - this is my favorite technique for the kids! Be intentional.


6. Count how many words there are in the verse - right it out that number of times and you'll have it! Be intentional.



7. Write it out and put it as lunch notes, letters to a friend or in an email to a friend. The more times you write it, the more it will sink in! Be intentional.


8. Be sure you memorize WHERE it's found! Be intentional.


9. Here is a place where you can type in a verse and it will convert it to just the first letter of each word. http://www.downes.ca/memorization.htm


10. Here is an on-line site where you can track all of your Bible memory work - I just joined their Facebook page! http://www.memverse.com/tutorial

Practice, practice, practice and before you know it the verses will overflow out of your mouth with ease. Be intentional. Arm yourself with the word of God!

To see a powerful Youtube of John Piper giving us 8 reasons why we should memorize scripture go to GoodMorningGirls.org and page down - don't miss this!


Walk with the King!

Managing Our Time, Family and Home

Wordful Wednesday: Proverbs 31: 27 "She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

We are to week 19 of our Proverbs 31 woman series and today's verse sums her up! She does not eat the bread of idleness! We have seen her diligence in every aspect of life - from caring for her husband, children, servants and even the poor. We've watched her rise early, stay up late, plant a vineyard, sew her own clothes, her family's clothing, the tapestries and beddings! And the cherry on top of all of this woman's work is excellence!


The Proverbs 31 woman knew that homemaking was her God given role and she OWNED it! She didn't idly sit by and let the clutter and laundry pile up! She was busy embracing her highcalling. She was busy managing her time, family and home well!

Proverbs 31:27 says:
1. "She watches" - this means her eyes are fixed on her own family as her first priority. She's not watching what others are doing. She's not watching Oprah or the status updates on facebook. She's watching closely her home and the needs that are there.


2. What does she watch over? "the affairs (or ways)" What are your family's ways? What are their habits and routines? Are they healthy? Are they glorifying to God? Is everyone getting their rest, getting time in the Word of God, getting enough tender listening time, love and affection, enough exercise and healthy food? What are your family's ways? You shape the ways of the home by your influence.


3. Whose ways does she watch? "her household" Let me reiterate -she is thinking of her household first. She is not thinking about pleasing her boss, pleasing her mother-in-law, or meddling in other's business. She is focused on her household because she understands and embraces the powerful role she plays in the home.


And then the verse ends with a kicker! "She does not eat the bread of idleness". This statement is so powerful. The Proverbs 31 woman knows how to manage her time, family and home! As she resists idleness, she embraces her work and she serves her family.

Do you see how irreplaceable she is in this home? She is the one who is making everything run smoothly! It is her watchful eye and her diligence that makes her home a pleasant place.

The appearance of your home doesn't lie. It is very clear to the eye when a home has been neglected. And I am convicted by my own post today.

I want to encourage you, do not grow idle in your mundane tasks. Manage your time, family and home well. Mundane tasks are the hidden treasure to creating a home that is a haven. Watch over the ways of your family. Embrace this hidden treasure as the Proverbs 31 woman did and you too will be blessed!


Walk with the King!

I am participating in Seven Clown Circus Wordful Wednesday and 5 Minutes for Mom Wordless Wednesday.

Tasty Tuesday: The Duggar's Tator Tot Casserole

If you watch the Duggar's Show titled 19 Kids and Counting, then you may have heard Jim Bob say this Tator Tot Casserole is his favorite! Look how simple it is with only 5 ingredients - woohoo! That's my kind of recipe and yes - it's good - the kids ate it! (Alexis took some coaxing but eventually she ate it lol!)

Ingredients for the Duggar's Tator Tot Casserole:

1lb ground beef, cooked

2lb bag of tator tots (frozen)

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 12oz can of evaporated milk Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then layer the ground beef first and the tator tots second (frozen).

Mix the soup and milk together and pour them over the meat and potatoes.

Bake them in the oven for 1 hour!

Voila! A wonderful meat and potato dish. Just add a side salad and you are set to go!

Enjoy! I am participating in Tempt Your Tummy Tuesday, Dining With Debbie , Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and Tuesdays at the Table recipe exchanges. For more blogger recipes go to these links.

Walk with the King!

Forgive Your Husband

I apologize for the shaky camera work . My 7 year old son was my camera man and the first take was shakier than the second - so we went with the second lol!

Matthew 18:21 and 22 says "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy seven times."


Stop poisoning your marriage! Forgive your husband today!


Walk with the King!

Let Me Introduce You

Please allow me to introduce you to one of my best friends since high school - (yes, we have known each other nearly 20 years! Now that really ages me!) Why do you need to know her? Because she is my new partner over on GoodMorningGirls.org and I know once you meet her you will fall in love with her too.

We have double dated together, attended the same youth group, and were even in each other’s weddings. We’re blessed to have known each other through so many seasons of our lives.

Angela graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College with a degree in Elementary Education and worked as a 5th grade teacher while putting her husband through medical school. She has also earned a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology from Bowling Green State University. She has worked for a total of 7 years in the education field before “retiring” and becoming a stay at home mom and wife.


Angela is married to her best friend Dirk, who also happens to be her high school sweetheart, for 10 years. She is the proud mommy to her sweet daughters Paige (4) and Addie (2).


Angela enjoys spending time with her family, photography, web surfing and reading books on parenting, marriage, prayer and fasting.


Angela’s home church is LakePointe in Rockwall, Texas.


Angela’s passion is to encourage women to love their husbands, love their families and realize their God-given importance in being the glue that holds their family together.


I hope you will join her on Monday over at www.goodmorninggirls.org as she gives the first challenge for the Good Morning Girls Groups (by the way we are at 60 groups now, with nearly 350 women, with over 26 states represented and 4 countries! The deadline to sign-up was yesterday, but if you are still working on your group - just come on over this week, we'd love to have you!!!)


Walk with the King!

Inexpensive Teacher Gift Ideas

The picture above was taken from The Executive Homemaker. And if you go there you will find the template to print the label for these s'mores! It is just too cute to not share with my readers!

I also found the most FANTASTIC list of thrifty gift ideas - I just had to share them with you!!! These would be great to give to your children's Sunday School Teachers, Pastors, and School Teachers.

I found these on Skip to My Lou during teacher appreciation week...

“You are out of this world” tag attached to a Milky Way or Mars candy bar

“You deserve an extra payday!” tag attached to a Payday candy bar

“There is no ’sub’stitute for you!” tag attached to a gift card for the local sub shop

“You are ‘extra’ special” tag with a pack of Extra Gum

“Thanks for helping Blake ‘bloom’” tag with a bouquet of flowers

“We appreciate the ‘mounds’ of work you do!” tag attached to a Mounds candy bar

“Thanks for giving Blake a hand” tag with hand lotion

“Thanks a ‘latte’!” tag with a gift card from local coffee shop, special coffees or travel mug

“You are ’souper’! - soup mix, custom decorated soup bowls or homemade soup

“You are a ‘treasure’ tag with Treasures candy

“You really measure up” tag with a cool ruler, yardstick or measuring tape

“You are the apple of our eye” with a basket of apples (construction paper leaves with nice sayings—A+ teacher, you’re special etc. can be hot glued to the stems)

“You are ‘tea’rrific!” tag with a selection of teas

“You deserve a ‘break’ today! Thanks for your hard work” tag with a McDonald’s gift certificates

“You are a smart cookie” tag with homemade cookies

“Thanks for a ‘picture’ perfect year” tag with movie coupons or nice picture frame

“Thanks for making our school year bright” tag with a package of highlighters

“Thanks for helping Blake grow” tag with flower seeds

“You are o’fish’ally the best!” tag attached to Goldfish Crackers

“Thanks for lighting the way” or “You light up our world” with a nice candle

“We are your biggest ‘fan’!”with a cute desk fan, hand held fan or paper fan.

“Thanks for the ‘time’ you spend with Blake” tag on a cute clock, fun watch or pretty appointment book

“We are fortunate to have you!” tag with a Chinese take out box filled with fortune cookies

“You have been a ‘bright’ spot in our year!” tag with a package of highlighters

“You are a joy!” tag attached to an Almond Joy candy bar

“Thanks for giving Blake a hand!” tag attached to work or garden gloves filled with candy

“You have been just ‘write’ for Blake!” package of nice pencils or pens in a case or container

“You rock!” tag with pop rocks, rock candy, Rock Star soft drink or painted rock for a paperweight

“You have been ‘key’ to Blake’s success!” tag attached to a key ring, maybe a pretty handmade beaded one

“We are ‘nuts’ about you!” tag attached to some nuts

“You ‘float’ above the rest” tag attached to a balloon or a fun pool float for the summer

“You are worth more than a 100 grand to Blake!” tag attached to a 100 Grand candy bar

“Here is a ‘pat’ on the back for doing such a great job!” tag attached to a gift certificate for a massage

I thank the Lord for the outstanding Sunday School teachers my children have had this year. Teachers need to know that their investment in our children's lives are appreciated. Take the time to pick up something small and let your children write out the card to show show their gratitude.

Walk with the King!