Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Consumed with
 Sorrow or Joy?
“I’m Tired, I’m worn.  My heart is heavy, from the work it takes, to keep on breathing.  I've made mistakes. I've let my hope fail.  My soul feels crushed by the weight of this world. (Tenth Avenue North, Worn). These lyrics exemplify the burden of depression felt by many Christians across the globe.  If you battle this monster too, then let me show you how to win with Jesus.  “I know that you can give me rest.  So I cry out with all that I have left.”  
I had just come from the doctor.  I was tired of crying in secret. I had a strong and seemingly happy persona that I couldn't maintain any longer.  I left that office with a script for antidepressants.  Surely there was hope and happiness in this little pill.  After months of taking this, I felt no sadness, nor happiness. One day I sat on the side of my bed and stared at the tiny elixir. I thought, “Is there anything better than this?”  A gentle and kind voice answered, “Yes, my child, let me show you.”  It startled me to the point that the white concoction fell from my pale hand and onto the floor, never to enter my body again.  Jesus sent me on a journey that I pray you will take. 
I battled moderate depression from childhood.  I also did not believe that the Savior of the world understood anything about depression or could deliver me of it. But that morning led me to a way out.  The answer was in Matthew 26: 36-42.  Jesus went to the garden with his disciples to pray.  He was about ready to pay the ultimate price for our sins.  Jesus, in his flesh, didn't want to do it. Let’s look at verse 38. “Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (NIV) The Amplified says he was sad and deeply grieved. New Living says crushed with grief and the King James says exceedingly sorrowful.  Depression is defined as a state of feeling sad, unimportant, and hopeless.  Jesus was depressed about what he had to do.  However, Jesus didn't stay there. 
I had to know. What did Jesus do to get out of this heaviness, this worrisome state of mind? Read on to verse 39. “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”  Oh, did you catch that?  Let me show you again.  “GOING A LITTLE FARTHER, HE FELL WITH HIS FACE TO THE GROUND AND PRAYED.”  If you were sitting with me now, we could jump up and down with excitement and thankfulness.  The answer to this battle is so simple.  Fall on your face; fall on the grounded Word of God and pray!
Jesus was given grace. He wasn't delivered from the cross and persecution that you and I put him through.  He asked for deliverance and was given peace, comfort, love and grace. These last for eternity.  Our circumstances are temporary. Remember Psalms 30:5, “Weeping may come in the night but joy comes in the morning.”
Don’t stay in your sadness.  Jesus fought the battle of depression already.  Walk by his example.  Get on your face in the Word of God and pray often.  Then dance, sing and get ecstatic.  Because of Jesus, I will never be the same again. Peace and joy will always be mine.  It can be yours too!


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

This is what we (might) eat this week!

I have to return to menu planning.  My budget couldn't handle our eating out so much; the waistline doesn't care for it either.  I try to stick to the plan but this doesn't always happen.  Honestly, menu planning is a least favorite activity. But it works, I helped dig ourselves out of debt in the homemaking department by menu planning, as well as homemade cleaners and other money savers on the home front. Next goal for saving money is.....comp shopping.  Ugghhh!


Breakfast                                                      

Oatmeal and leftover oatmeal muffins                                               
Cereal and Fruit                                                      
                       
Eggs, sausage (or bacon), toast and jam                                            
Pancakes and sausage                                                                    
Muffins                                                                                          
smoothies

Snacks

Pb and J
Popcorn and Chocolate
fruit 
Veggies and Dip
Toast and cinnamon honey and butter


Lunches and Dinners

Chili (x2) from dried beans, tons cheaper
Chicken & homemade noodles
Beans and Dumplings
Bacon Burgers and homemade seasoned fries
Potato Soup
Red Beans and Rice from scratch
Stroganoff(no idea how to spell that, neither does spell check) from scratch (Sunday dinner)
Week night lasagna
Pasta with white sauce
Tuna Mac
Chicken nuggets 
Grilled ham and cheese and tomato soup

This meal plan includes a lot of bacon.  It is very expensive but we are in love with bacon.  It is our splurge. Every one has to have a splurge. Otherwise, we'll all go crazy. 
 It also includes two dinners out. Let's face it, Zack and I love to eat out.  We will be one of those old couples that eat breakfast and lunch at our favorite diner (D-Dubs better still be in business in about 40 years), order enough for leftovers, then go home and eat that.  No need for a kitchen in the retirement home....just kidding. 
I didn't list sides.  Those will consist of in season veggies and some frozen veggies.  Sometimes a side is a one pot dinner instead. Our breakfast and snacks are usually the same weekly.  Those meals may also be leftovers .  Oh so crazy, we know!
So here it is. I have to do it.  With four kids, four pets, and a trip to save for (Georgia here we come), this is what needs to be done. 
What are you eating this week?