Archive for September 21st, 2007
There is enough groceries in my cabinet, freezer, and frig to feed a small army. Most of it isn’t what I would call easy ingredients. Artichoke hearts, black olives, and navy beans are not what my kids would call food. In order to make the reserves work, I’ll have to use some thought, creativity, and a dash of sugar. (Just a spoonful of sugar helps even medicine go down).
The first step in using what you have it to make a list of exactly what you have. Ever can, bag, and box in the panty – every cheese, bread, veggie and meat in the frig, and every item (including frozen waffles) that you have in the freezer. Put them in categories so that it is easier to see what’s available.
Now thing of ways to use what you have. Look through cook books, or even better is looking online. Many recipe sites offer a search by ingredients. You may find a new family favorite that you would never have discovered otherwise.
The next step is to make a menu for one week. Include the recipes you have found for easy access. If you have time, and the energy, make three of these packets. Now you can rotate the weeks and keep everyone happy. Plus, having the recipes on hand means making a grocery list is a snap.
It is important to use up the items you’ve had in tucked away. You don’t want them to go bad and you don’t want to be the person who waits until the local canned food drive to get rid of the canned beets. Save money by using what you have. It isn’t always easy, but it can be a game for you and the whole family.
“Hey, tonight why don’t we play – Let’s Make a Menu – I’ll give you and ingredient and you have to come up with a new and interesting way to use it.”
It’s not just dinner anymore, it’s an adventure.
September 21st, 2007
There was a brief moment in my life when I thought I might want to be like the Proverbs 31 woman. Her husband praised her to his friends and her family declared how great she was. I could live with that kind of pat on the back.
Then I began to read about the Proverbs 31 woman and what she did in the day. I even took the time to write it out (using the Amplified translation) into tasks I could understand. This wasn’t a normal woman – it was Super-Mom incarnate.
The more I have studied the Proverbs, the more I realize it is not about the number of acts we do. She wasn’t the great and wonderful person she was because she buzzed around from dawn to dusk. Everything in my life must be about God. The Proverbs 31 woman was rooted in God, put God first, and trusted in God. If God is the focus of each and every moment then the rest of the day will be balanced and complete.
In my own way, I am a Proverbs 31 woman. I seek God in the morning and try daily to make every step one that is guided by His word. The tasks that I face are ones I face with the idea that God will give me the wisdom and strength and I don’t have to (or need to) do them on my own.
It is by developing a personal, intimate relationship with God that I get to the place where my children rise up and call me blessed.
Thought for the Day: Wisdom, stature, and favor come when God is first in every aspect of life.
Proverbs 31:30b (KJV) “a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
Suggested Reading Proverbs 31
Lord, give me the wisdom, strength and tenacity to do all that I need to do and the understanding that there is no way to get there with out You in the lead.
September 21st, 2007
Yesterday was crazy around our house. Laundry day is normally a little chaotic, but this one was exceptionally so. I was determined to get everything done at all costs. It surprised me when I actually accomplished most of what I set out to do.
Laundry – washed, folded, AND put away
Meals – cooked, eaten, AND cleaned up
Living room – mopped and straightened
Articles – written and submitted
Study time
Bath time
Dishwasher loaded (and started before going to bed)
Story time
Bible study with the kids
We even took time out of the day to have company over for a visit. It worked out perfectly. They showed up just after the baby went down for his nap and left just as he woke up. The other mother and I were free to talk and enjoy each other’s company.
As I was finishing up last night, I wondered what I had done differently. It’s simple, but it’s not easy. To get it all done requires that the things that need to be done are done. That means I didn’t stop to watch a television show (or shows). Yesterday was just one push after another.
My thought this morning was “can I keep it up?” The only way to continue doing what needs to be done is to push aside my selfish thoughts. I get time for myself (I was able to take a bath last night before bed). It just may be that the time I want or the things I do aren’t what I would have done before.
Truth is, I don’t need to watch television. I get caught up in the 4 million channels that are available and just keeping telling my mind and body – after this show. There is always another one that comes on that I just have to watch.
Instead of wasting time in front of the tube, I’m going to be getting to the things that I need to do. What are you doing instead of doing what you should?
September 21st, 2007
