tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50635126749078613832024-02-19T08:22:58.540-05:00Eating At Home and....... finding nourishment for our bodies, minds and souls. My journey to nourishing my family in Him.Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-91303280147430392212017-04-03T20:59:00.002-04:002017-04-03T20:59:20.117-04:00Dawn of a New Project ...I am a blogger. A writer. I try to hide from it but I always come back. It's ingrained in me. It makes me giddy to type the keys and put my voice out there.<br />
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I don't know about you other mamas out there but I struggle. A lot. Struggle to find my own voice. Struggle to find the time. Struggle. One of the things that I have been struggling the most with is my position in the home. Not .. being mama. Not being home. But with feelings of not helping to provide. Not helping to bring the green home. It's so silly. Really it is. However, I often think about just going to work part time or trying to work at home. Um. Let's face it. I don't want to leave my babies and I stink at direct sales. That's about the skinny of it.<br />
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Last night while driving around doing errands, I started thinking. Scary. I shouldn't do that but I started thinking about all the money I "make" by having the time to do things that I totally didn't and wouldn't do if I worked at all. I started tallying all the crazy things I do and the money they save. It started adding up!<br />
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Now this isn't a MOMMY WARS thing and my numbers and thoughts might not add up to yours but that's okay.<br />
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This is my journey. My journey to finding there are monetary benefits to my staying home. I do "make" money in my own way.<br />
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Let's face it. Even if there were no monetary benefits, the benefits of sharing every moment with my children and taking care of our home and my husband are so much more important.<br />
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I am starting out approximating what I think I would make annually if I were to go back to work. This wouldn't be a fancy job, I am just basing it on what I am trained to do and what I would consider doing.<br />
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With all that in mind, I am using the number <b>$26,000 per a year </b>as my salary.<br />
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With all that "Jodi Math", here is more "Jodi Math"... Today (in my mind! haha) I "made" $132. Now I know that time is money. I get that! (Some times I buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts because I just don't want to deal with a whole chicken. *Gasp!*) However, I am at a time in my life where money is a whole lot more scarce than time!</div>
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Today ...<br />
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<li><b>We didn't use childcare because I was home with the kids. </b>Now I know that if my kids were in public school, I would only need childcare for Ellison. I only considered childcare for her when coming up with this number. I searched the average daycare charge for our area. I know it could be higher and could be lower but I just went with an average.</li>
<li>Now I know that this may lose some of you. I hear ya but please stick with me on this journey.<b> I pulled two 8' x 5' area rugs out of a neighbors trash and cleaned them up. </b>I know. I know. Ick! I just get such a rush when I find something we could use in our home and with a little bit of elbow grease, it works out great! I often find myself shouting (yes! I am strange.) "Yes, Jesus! Thank you! I receive this blessing and I thank you!"</li>
<li><b>I refilled our laundry detergent bottle. </b>This should cost but it didn't! I was (once again!) blessed when a neighbor was moving and left these materials for me to use! Once again... "Thank you, Jesus! I appreciate and receive this blessing!"</li>
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So this is today's tally of money I "made". Join me tomorrow when I share my cleaned up "new to us" rugs and how much we spent on decorating our family room! </div>
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Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-76804877751409634182016-03-08T07:21:00.001-05:002016-03-08T07:21:48.669-05:00Down and Dirty<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and 'sinners' were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the 'sinners' and the tax collectors, they asked his disciples: 'Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?' On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick, I have not come to call the righteous but the sinners." - Mark 2:15-17</i></div>
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For a while now, I have known Andy and I and our little family make people uneasy. We often dance to the beat of our own drum and dive in head first. From our quick marriage to our "many" kids to our now homeschooling to now jumping in the arena of adoption. I know we look like a circus and I know a lot of people often wonder what we are thinking. </div>
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Honestly, some days it feels like I should be selling popcorn as others sit and watch our side show. Ha!</div>
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Honestly, some days I am extremely hurt. </div>
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And most honestly, days such as today, I am thanking the Lord for a husband who understands me and likes to get messy with me.</div>
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You see, Jesus dealt in messy. He came for messy. He died giving his life for messy. </div>
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He was criticized. The Pharisees whispered and often questioned. And he responds "It's not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick, I have not come to call the righteous but the sinners."</div>
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News flash. </div>
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We are all sinners and each messy in our own way. Each. One. of. Us</div>
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And here is another one ...</div>
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WE are called to deal in messy. We are called to jump in and get dirty. Changing lives for Christ.</div>
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I think that's where people get uneasy with me. I jump in and get messy. It often hurts. It's often scary but my Jesus tells me to, therefore I do.</div>
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I have been part of the messy. I have been part of the lowly that scare people. The drug addicted, party girl. The unwed mother. I have dealt with the "Pharisees" of the church. And that hurts too.</div>
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I think that's why I am fine with getting dirty. I know someone has to. I'll be the one to jump in the muck. </div>
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However, I remind you. He didn't call just me. He called us all. He called us all to love and share the Greatest Message of all. </div>
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We are all called. We all have to give an account when we stand before Him. </div>
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Are you willing to get down and dirty for Christ?</div>
Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-5663196225602462942016-03-07T07:39:00.001-05:002016-03-07T07:39:31.373-05:00Leave My Mama? Say What?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(<a href="http://www.fomquincy.com/">Photo Credit)</a></div>
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It never ceases to amaze me how much wisdom I glean from God's Word. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't learn or take something new from it. God is truly amazing.</div>
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This morning I began the study of Mark chapter 1. Just a few short verses in and I was already back in time and sitting on the banks watching John the Baptist baptize and listen to confessions as he walked through the wilderness. </div>
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I think the thing that excites me the most when it comes to reading my Bible is relating.</div>
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Let's be honest. </div>
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Really honest.</div>
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People that do God's work and listen to His calling are weird. Really. Weird. </div>
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Take John the Baptist for example. John Mark begins telling us about John the Baptist and his crazy clothing tastes (may there is more to it and I'm just not in the old times fashion "know") and his crazy eating habits (Um. Yuck.). </div>
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<i><span class="text Mark-1-6" id="en-NIV-24222" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24222H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24222H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and he ate locusts<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24222I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24222I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and wild honey.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> - Mark 1:6</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">This gives me a renewed hope that I can reach souls for the Lord in my yoga pants, mom pony and drinking coffee! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">The next part that stuck out to me the most was when He called the twelve disciples.</span></div>
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<i><span class="text Mark-1-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.</span> <span class="text Mark-1-17" id="en-NIV-24233" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Come, follow me,”</span>Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“and I will send you out to fish for people.”</span></span> <span class="text Mark-1-18" id="en-NIV-24234" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">At once they left their nets and followed him.</span><span class="text Mark-1-19" id="en-NIV-24235" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.</span><span class="text Mark-1-20" id="en-NIV-24236" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him. - Mark 1: 16-20</span></i></div>
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Um. Wow! </div>
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Does anyone else read this and just let your eyes bulge?! Now <b>THIS </b>is some amazing blind and complete obedient faith.</div>
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Stick with me.</div>
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Here you and I are just hanging out by the lake. Casting our nets. Sipping sweet tea we got at McDonald's on the way in to work and waiting on some fish to bite. We are chatting about the weather. Just chilling. All of the sudden a man we don't know who is but many have heard about comes walking up. "Come on guys we are heading out. Come with me and you're going to reel in some people," </div>
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<b>And get this. We JUST FOLLOW.</b></div>
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Then we are strolling along following this guy and we come to some other casters out in their boat and he hollers, "You two. Come on. Let's go." </div>
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And here it is... They GO! They leave everything behind - jobs, families, friends, the town they know, everything and go!</div>
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<b>They. Leave. It. All. to follow Jesus.</b></div>
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Here is the big part... NO questions asked.</div>
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That's the part that gets me. There is no plan. Jesus does not consult them. He does not call a team huddle or a friendship circle. He just walks ahead and they follow.</div>
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Now I don't know about you but I'd need some plans. This control freak would have to have a going away with my friends and family. I'd need to pack. I'd need a map. I'd need an agenda. I'd need some time to process. I'd need to get to know this guy that asked me to leave my mama. I'd need a bit more.</div>
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But the faith of these disciples are amazing. They just listened and followed. </div>
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Oh to have a faith like that. Oh to be so secure and trusting in Jesus that I could just drop it all and follow. No questions asked.</div>
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Today that is my prayer. To live my life in a place of complete surrender, without question and follow His calling. My prayer is to have a faith that I can say "Lord I drop my comfort zone and I follow you." </div>
Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-68879586281763209002016-03-06T07:39:00.001-05:002016-03-06T08:55:14.253-05:00The PictureThat Changed My Life...I have always been frugal. Always trying to save money and save for our future. Save to pay off debt. Save so times aren't always tight. Save so that we can do whatever we want and not really have to pay attention to the cost. Save so that my kids can be given all they deserve. Saving for the farm in which all my dreams can come true.<br />
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Facebook changed my life. Sounds silly, doesn't it? Facebook? No way. Yet it has. And I am scared to death but there is such a sweet joy and peace in following God's calling. Peace that you are in His hands and that He will provide.<br />
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Here is the picture. When you look at it, do you feel your heart break in two and this longing to do all you can? Do you feel God calling you to "take care of the orphans"?<br />
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So many stirrings in heart. I do not even know how to begin to express all the thoughts and stirrings in my heart. God spoke to my heart. Touched it in a way that is so sincere.<br />
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All my thoughts of the future have been replaced by thoughts of bringing a child into my home. All those thoughts of giving my kids what I believe they deserve have been changed into thoughts of how all we really deserve are the firey gates of Hell but Jesus saved us from that certain death. So many children deserve what I believe children truly deserve - love, shelter, food, basic necessities and a whole lot of being wanted.<br />
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God quickly spoke to my heart through His Word that He has blessed Andy and I abundantly. Not that we can afford all kinds of wants but we have more than enough for our necessities AND we have a whole lot of love to shower on a child who needs it.<br />
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After praying and praying and praying and praying some more, I went to Andy with the calling on my heart. "Crazy woman" was the look on his face. Love was the gleam in his eye. And "Um. I don't know about that" was what came from his lips. I have to be honest, I felt a bit defeated. So I went back to the Lord. I knew He would not call me without calling Andy.<br />
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A few weeks later, Andy came to me and together we talked with the boys. Here is where I know God has blessed me and called our family to be a missional family. God has given me children with huge hearts. They quickly became excited and jumped on board with mama's crazy new idea.<br />
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I know that I have kids that will open their hearts to a new sibling. One who needs an extra dose of "being wanted" and I know they are praying right along side mama and daddy.<br />
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My dreams of being completely debt free and having savings and for Andy to be able to retire some day are very much still there but for the right now, my dreams of giving a child a home and love is so much greater. Time to shower our blessings and love on someone looking for a family.<br />
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Going to bed last night, I was excited. As the night drug along, I became anxious.<br />
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"The money we need is not a lot to some but is a lot to us. The whole adoption journey through Action Adoption takes an average of 5 -7 months. That's not a long time to come up with thousands of dollars. There are a lot of stories of adoptions where things didn't turn out great. There are a lot of stories that they turn out wonderful." Back and forth my thoughts went all night.<br />
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That's when His peace comes in.<br />
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<i>Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your desires to God. - Philippians 4:6</i><br />
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We are listening to God's call. We are thankful for all we have and we are listening. There is no need to be anxious. He's got this. We are right in His hand, as is the precious child He has waiting for us.<br />
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Please join us in presenting this adoption before God. And if you feel lead, please help ease the financial uncertainty by <a href="https://www.bonfirefunds.com/davis-family-adopts">purchasing a t-shirt</a> or <a href="https://www.youcaring.com/andy-and-jodi-davis-533981">donating </a>. #davisfamilyadopts<br />
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Being His hands and feet,<br />
JodiJodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-44763997275063952522016-02-15T13:54:00.001-05:002016-02-15T13:54:11.602-05:00A Gift The same argument.<br />
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The same consequence.<br />
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Over and over again.<br />
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Time and time again.<br />
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So many times I get discouraged. What am I do? Am I doing it right?<br />
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I must not be. They don't hear me. What is going on?<br />
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Day in and day out. Over and over. And now... My husband and I are discussing bringing our kids home from the government ran education system.<br />
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What. Am. I. Thinking?<br />
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Clearly I'm not.<br />
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But then I look to scripture...<br />
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Say what?! Is this a white elephant gift? These children are a gift from God?<br />
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Then I sit and watch.<br />
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A smile. A hug. Laughter. Sharing. Bickering. Learning. Belonging. Growing. Loving.<br />
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It is a gift. I am doing kingdom work. I am doing His work. I am shaping the future for the kingdom of God. I am raising an army.<br />
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These little squabbles are perplexing and aggravating but they are necessary. Necessary times for my to shepherd these young hearts. Times for my to choose grace instead of anger. Forgiveness instead of grudges.<br />
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We are on a journey together - child and mother. We are a long road to becoming the ones called us to be. We are His.<br />
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Even in the exhaustion in the day to day grind. Children are a gift. I am abundantly blessed to be called mother and raise them for the kingdom. <br />
<br />Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-36647262602721369042016-02-05T16:07:00.001-05:002016-02-05T16:07:09.447-05:00Balancing Dreams<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD27zKxYxp7I-WV2CClLvf8LOZlm7n0qv1Xk4mw6sHa0BXpmvbQTMgoYmBakTvTEpNsD5XKaO6jYqDD1OzNfhZJBSlM-j5SQ6CMDfjsnku-TtCVy7tQRv2-PuVsLxuer1tIlgS7gRV_iQ/s1600/34077_1386550916155_38766_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD27zKxYxp7I-WV2CClLvf8LOZlm7n0qv1Xk4mw6sHa0BXpmvbQTMgoYmBakTvTEpNsD5XKaO6jYqDD1OzNfhZJBSlM-j5SQ6CMDfjsnku-TtCVy7tQRv2-PuVsLxuer1tIlgS7gRV_iQ/s400/34077_1386550916155_38766_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Dreams are such a tricky thing.<br />
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I have such big dreams. Often times I wonder if they align with God's will.<br />
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I am certain they do NOT align with our wallet.<br />
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Balancing dreams are even more of a tricky thing.<br />
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Finding the balance between contentment and working towards those dreams is so tricky.<br />
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How do I save for the future and think of all the things I'd like to achieve but live in the today, knowing that we are not promised tomorrow?<br />
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Is being a mom and wife and staying home compatible with having dreams?<br />
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The only place the answer can be found is in the Word.<br />
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<i>Commit to the Lord, whatever you do and He will establish your plans. - Proverbs 16:3</i><br />
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<br />Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-7509166457873096392016-02-04T20:08:00.000-05:002016-02-04T20:08:13.354-05:00Yearly Check-InWow! I guess I am really bad at updating.<br />
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A year... That's all.<br />
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A new baby.... That's all.<br />
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A girl! ... Wowza. 'Nough said.<br />
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This year is bringing a lot of changes in our lives and coming back to the table is bringing on yet another meaning.<br />
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It's been a hard year. A lot of school drama. A lot of family sickness. Just a lot of stuff.<br />
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Time to cowboy up. Work through it. And, you guessed it, write through it.<br />
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<br />Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-76776949862610484462015-02-24T16:21:00.001-05:002015-02-24T16:21:19.460-05:00The Imaginary Land of EqualityEvery little girl grows up dreaming of being a wife and a mama, correct?<br />
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Um. No. Not this girl. She was never going to have children. She was going to be a doctor. An independent woman. She'd only answer to herself.<br />
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Enter God's snickers.<br />
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You plan. God laughs.<br />
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Yep.<br />
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Now here comes marriage and babies and a husband that wants her to stay home and care for the babes.<br />
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Um. What?!<br />
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I fought it. Goodness I fought it. I still fight it. Its ugly.<br />
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Why should I stay home and scrub baby butts and dishes while HE gets to go to work and talk to adults?! Be his own person! Have an identity! *Stomps foot*<br />
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Here I go. Here is my bold statement. My belief. My opinion. I'm ready for the old fruit to be tossed...<br />
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The feminist movement that continues. The cry for equality is a door Satan uses to get a foothold on the mother's heart and in turn the family. Mother's are the heart of the family.<br />
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*Duck and weave*<br />
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Women have become discontent with their lives because they have began comparing their roles to the husbands.<br />
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I often find myself looking at my husband. He looks tough but he's no tougher than I am. He is brilliant but he's no smarter than I am. Seriously, what makes him anything special to be the leader of the home, the ultimate decision maker?!<br />
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Um. God's word. Simply put.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
But I want you to realize that they head of every man is Christ and the head of woman is man... - 1 Corinthians 11:3</blockquote>
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Oy vey. How does my hormonal cray, cray self come that was going to be an independent woman (Cue Beyonce!) deal with such madness?<br />
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This is the first place I find myself. I want to be the man. I want to be the decision maker and the leader. I want to be the provider. I am bossy.<br />
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With another babe on the way, I find myself strugglingn with this again. And where do I need to find myself? At the foot of the cross. Not only submitting to the Lord but submitting to my husband.<br />
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Oh good grief! Not the dreaded "S" word!<br />
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SUBMIT?!<br />
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Oy vey. What makes my husband so special?! How is he that I am to submit?!<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Eph-5-22" id="en-NIV-29327" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29327A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29327A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> as you do to the Lord.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29327B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29327B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Eph-5-23" id="en-NIV-29328" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29328C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29328C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> his body, of which he is the Savior.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Eph-5-24" id="en-NIV-29329" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29329D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29329D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in everything. - Ephesians 5:22-24</span></blockquote>
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Now that is a hard pill to swallow but here is the thing. When I stop fighting my call to submit to my husband, there is FREEDOM and love! Weird, isn't it? When I finally submit to God's word and submit myself to the Lord and give my selfish yearnings and MY FIRST! attitude, I am free. Free to embrace my role as wife, mother and keeper of the home. An amazing feeling!<br />
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I need not fear and feel like I am losing my "rights" by having another babe. Because of God's mandated role, I am free to embrace being a mom and having another baby.<br />
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So how am I going to walk in the Word and be joyful about my role as a woman?<br />
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Honestly, I am still going to struggle. I need to continually submerge myself in the Word and in prayer. Daily, I am going to have to give over my need to have control (oh man!) to the Lord and ask Him to use me.<br />
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If I make this sound easy, believe me, there is nothing further from the truth. However, I can do all things with Christ!Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-88332487387507377742015-02-23T14:38:00.001-05:002015-02-23T14:38:39.091-05:00He Uses the Blessings to Test Our Faith<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Children are a blessing and a gift from the Lord - Psalm 127:3</i></div>
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You pee on the stick and look down. Pregnant! How exciting! You cannot wait to call your husband and share the news! Pregnant?! Wow....</div>
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What happens when those are not the feelings of jublilation you feel when you learn the news? </div>
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Surely. Something is wrong. What kind of mother and person am I?</div>
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For months, I have been feeling like a failure. A failure in joy. A failure in relishing in the blessing of a baby. A failure as a daughter of the king. </div>
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I have been annoyed with my children. Less than thrilled with my husband and pushing away all that could possibly see me as a fraud. </div>
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At church we have been studying the will of doing the things of the Lord versus doing the evil things of the world. We feel pulled to do good but at the same time, feel pulled to do things that bring us further from Christ. </div>
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For the past week, I have been quietly thinking about how Satan takes something that is supposed to be so joyful and wages spiritual battle using it. He is a crafty snake. </div>
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Why am I sharing this? Why am I allowing myself to look like a horrible mother? Allowing my transparency to set me up for judgement? Because if I feel this way, surely someone else does as well. Surely someone else questions God's plan. Surely I am not alone. </div>
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One day, my sons will marry. Some day, Lord willing, I will have daughters you will be questioning their sanity and wondering how they can possibly be equipped to be the mother they long to be. Someday I want them to read this and know, they, with God's help, will have victory.</div>
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The bottom line is my faith is not where it should be. My focus is on the things of this world. I am running from what God has planned for me. I fear I am inadequate. I fear I will have to die to my desires and I am selfish. I do not trust that He holds the future in His hands. </div>
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<i>We know the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. - Romans 7:14</i></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Join me as for the next few weeks, I dive into the Word and seek His calling for me, a mother, a help-meet and a daughter of the King. </span></div>
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Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-66574448312321396412014-12-01T20:04:00.002-05:002014-12-01T20:04:29.495-05:00Sayonara Social Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The screen on my cell phone that once held my Facebook, Messenger, Snapchat, and Twitter widgets is now bare. There's nothing but a picture of my smiling family in the background.<br />
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Now to start this post off honestly, I am quite the eccentric chick. When I get an idea in my mind, no matter the weird/wild factor, I'm all about it. I know this post might cause some of you to look at me and be like "Wowza. That mama has lost her noggin." but... Please. Please. Stick with me. Hear me out. Listen to my heart.<br />
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Today, December 1st, 2014, I am, for the time-being, saying sayonara to social media. I have deleted all of my accounts and removed all the installations from my phone. If you know me, you know this is huge. You know that I get super lonely as a stay-at-home mom and often reached out to people via Facebook. I would tweet all about the excitement of folding laundry. It was my way to the outside world. It was my escape.<br />
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As I type all of that, I am beginning to think I have lost my mind. I better dive right into the reasons behind my crazy toss of communication.<br />
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<b>The NUMBER ONE reason is my walk with Christ.</b> Sound absurd? Stick with me. Social media is not of itself a defining factor of sin in one's life but it became one with me. Instead of going to the Lord with problems or frustrations with the mundane of my life, I took my venting to the world wide web. I need to shut down the Facebook chat and seek out the Lord and His word. Hit my knees in prayer and crack open Life's Manual.<br />
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This leads into number two.... Women. We are our own worst enemies. If we aren't being hard on ourselves, we are being hard on each other. So. Much. Judgement. So much comparing. Once I was there venting on the world wide web, I began comparing and coveting what I saw before my eyes on the screen. Someone's house was always cleaner. Kids always cuter. Their body always better. Husband always helping more. I began to resent the blessings in which God had given me. I serve one gracious Father and He has given me much. It is time I shut the computer or put down the phone and rejoice in little faces He has given me or dance with the man He has made for me.<br />
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With number two easily came number three... (This is a hard one to admit, friends!) With the comparing and coveting, I began to, in black and white terms, lie. A lie is any manipulation of the truth. I would stage my house or stage my kids or clean a certain counter just for a photo to make my life and my family and myself appear to be a certain way. While we are indeed one cool bunch, we are in no way close to the perfect, put together family or people that I so longed to exude.<br />
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Parenting is my number four reason... Andy and I decided that THIS was the year we were going to follow through and cut back on Christmas gifts for the boys. As I was wrapping some of them today, my mind wondered to some of the posts of how much other moms spend and buy for their children. I began to doubt my conviction. I began to feel awful. So many times I feel strongly about a certain aspect of our arrow making and disciplining and then I get on social media and see what the Joneses are doing and let it fall by the wayside because I want my kids to have "normal". I cannot allow my convictions and calling as a parent to be swayed by the "normal" social media is portraying.<br />
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Number five.... TIME SUCK! "There is so much to do and no time to do it!!" I scream in a stressed, frazzled state. In all honestly, most things would be done if I just put down the phone or tablet and got down to business. There are so many things in my home, with my kids and in my church that can take the place of that down time at the computer.<br />
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SIX!! I get sad a lot. Besides horrific news, politics and everything else popping up in the feeds, I often felt left out and all alone. I'd see ladies doing things and posting pictures and my feelings would be hurt at not being involved. High school insecurities? Maybe but we all just want to fit in.<br />
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Last but not least.... When my boys are a little more grown and we are hanging out, I don't want them constantly texting, checking their phone and playing on Facebook when we are spending time together. I need to stop the cycle now!<br />
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Those are just some of the bigger reasons that I am saying Sayonara to social media.<br />
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<i>What kind of affect does social media have on your life? Do you need to make changes? </i><br />
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<i>*</i>In all transparency, I do still have a limited instagram account to keep up with some lovely graduates whom I adore. AND help me get the word out, with not being part of the social media world, how am I going to get my writings out?! :) I am one wise chick. (haha!) But in all seriousness, if you know of someone who might need to read this, share it with them. And PLEASE pray for me as I know I will be tested. <3 *Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-64505283863410397552014-09-29T11:32:00.003-04:002014-09-29T11:32:49.248-04:00Monday Table Musings: The TableI miss writing more than I ever thought I would. It's amazing. I have so many thoughts. So many good ideas. Every now and again, I even find I have wisdom and thoughts that bring forth sage advice. How strange. Me? A simple woman who the Lord redeemed and washed new? I crazy woman rockin' yoga pants and a mom pony tail... I - me, Jodi- might have some things to say that will shape the world for the better? That might meet someone right where they are? Might help reach my future daughters and wives of my sons? I just cannot believe that to be true.<br />
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But then... A small voice stirs and hear the Lord say, "I have a plan for you. You are still here for a reason. You will be used."<br />
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So here,again, I began writing. Praying that I will be used in any way the the Lord sees fit. Any way that I can bring him glory.<br />
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These musings all started this morning at my favorite place in our home. The table. It seems like such a simple thing but it's not. Our worn and dirty table is so much more.<br />
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As I sit here and write this post, these ramblings, here is my exact view. At first it looks like just a mere table. There are some crumbs, a toy and a lonely drink. Evidence of a little use and even less attention to cleaning but if you close your eyes and search beyond that you can see so much more. </div>
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As I close my eyes, I see and even hear God's blessings. Here are a few... </div>
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I see myself dragging down the stairs and wishing it wasn't so early but hear the laughter of three little men, that I have been entrusted with, sharing breakfast together and ready to tackle the day. My heart smiles. </div>
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I see myself pouring a cup of tea and sitting with my Bible open. Praying for my children and begging for God to intercede where my babies need Him to throughout the day. My heart leans on Him for our protection.</div>
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I see my head down on the table crying as I pray for those who are hurting. Myself included. I see my head lift to the ceiling as I feel His gentle touch and I know if I trust, it will all turn out. My heart clings to His promises.</div>
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I see games spilling over, off the table, on to the floor. My little man is loving every ounce of attention he is getting from me. His smile is vivid and full of joy. My heart sings.</div>
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I see a friend come over and we share in His word and laugh and hold on another accountable. Oh the smiles and reassurance that we are not alone. My heart sings praises of gratitude for bringing someone along who I can call and trust as a friend.</div>
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I see dinner being served. Smiles over conversations. Talking. Noisy talking. Love as we partake in a meal together. My heart is nourished.</div>
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I see my husband and I sit down with a snack and a cup of coffee. A small little time for us. A snuck in date. My heart feels such love.</div>
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A table is so much more than a piece of furniture. It hold so much more than folded laundry and papers. It is the center piece of my family. It brings us together. A table. A simplet table.</div>
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Thank you Jesus for our table.</div>
Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-76468581603428326762013-07-17T08:36:00.001-04:002013-07-17T08:37:56.638-04:00Home ResponsibilitiesI take my call to "train up your children" very strongly - whether it be in their faith, actions or even home responsibilities.<br />
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Before the summer began, I made it my goal to get a Home Responsibilities Plan implemented and routine before the school year started back up.</div>
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Once summer began, sickness invaded. While I could have started anyway, I decided to let Dylan just heal and get better. He was really, really sick.</div>
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Now that everyone seems to be on the mend (and summer's almost over... oy!), it's time to get down to business. Here lies the next problem....</div>
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Where do I start? Where is the line between "my way to get it done right" and teaching them to do it correctly to the best of their abilities? Where does the patience come from when I just want to get it done and it takes 45 minutes to do a 10 minute task?</div>
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How do you implement chore systems or home responsibilities? Do you start them young?<br />
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I'll leave you with a picture collage of my youngest. He is, by far, the one that wants to help me clean. :) (Oh and he dressed himself that day. Haha!)</div>
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Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-60594879070999304052013-07-16T12:09:00.000-04:002013-07-16T12:09:07.848-04:00Seeking...This morning as I was cleaning up the breakfast mess, I was reflecting on just how rough the morning and even days before had been. There had been sickness, physical but it was more than that. There was an aura that reeked of sickness. Not physical but emotional sickness.<br />
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Heart sickness you might say. There was the stench of unhappiness both on my kids parts and mine.<br />
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As I continued to reflect, I heard the Lord speak to my heart. I am angry and for quite a silly reason. I am angry because I am not the mother that I want to be. The mother that I'm called to be. My attitude stinks of unhappiness but what my kids don't know is that it's unhappiness with myself, not them.<br />
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Deepening my reflection, I became more and more angry. I feel convicted and called to be a more intentional mother but how? If He's going to call me to do something, shouldn't He be guiding me?<br /><br />Praying, I decided that I needed quiet time. I need to dive in the Word.<br />
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I remembered that our recent sermon series have been coming from the book of Proverbs so I began there.<br />
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Proverbs 15...<br />
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The first verse smacked me upside the face. It hit so hard that it hurt. Physically.<br />
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<b><i>"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."</i></b><br />
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My answers to my children had been harsh, even hateful. And while they continue to forgive me - time and time again, the anger comes on my part. The anger that I cannot control my tongue and feelings.<br />
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So today, I am working on the first verse. (I am so ashamed that I couldn't make it to the second but this is going to be a work in progress). I am going to work on showing love through my answers to my children. I refuse for the Devil to have a strong hold on my tongue and cause hurt to the children that I love.<br />
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I refuse. I am taking a stand.<br />
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That brings me to the second part. This blog.<br />
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I have for a long time been writing in journals because I want to some day pass on the knowledge that I have learned through this season to my daughters (Lord willing) and daughter in laws. But today it struck me, I might not be alone. There might be young mothers and sisters in Christ who need to hear what I'm saying and walk with me as I learn.<br />
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Why hold out for tomorrow what could be used today?<br />
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So this blog is going to move from only physical nourishment to nourishment abroad. Nourishment of the soul.<br />
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I'm scared. I fear that now that I have proclaimed Jesus over my home, family, parenting and writing that He's going to use me in ways that I'm not ready for. But I am joyous and ever so grateful that I'm proclaiming Jesus and banishing the Devil. I feel peace and joy abound.<br />
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Join me as I journey deeper into His words and learn. Learn His plan for me and Lean -lean on Him. Give Him control. Today, I am giving Him control of my tongue...<br />
<br />Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-83508825305105281472013-07-10T22:11:00.000-04:002013-07-10T22:11:58.265-04:00Tickle My Tummy Thursday #1I am trying to get into a routine of doing certain household tasks on certain days. I need the structure and discipline.<br />
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Here is what I will be in the kitchen making tomorrow:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Pumpkin bread</li>
<li>Applesauce bread</li>
<li>Kefir - dairy</li>
<li>Kefir - water</li>
<li>Vanilla creamer</li>
<li>Start sourdough</li>
<li>Start yoghurt</li>
<li>Chocolate chocolate-chip muffins</li>
<li>Peanut butter chocolate muffins</li>
<li>Cut carrots </li>
<li>Can peaches</li>
</ul>
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Lots of work to be done but looking forward to the all the yummies! </div>
Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-38471586886048815322013-07-09T18:50:00.000-04:002013-07-09T18:50:04.089-04:00Blueberry CobblerHello. My name is Jodi and I want to be a baker.<br />
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I want to be a baker really bad. I am a cook but not a baker.<br />
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When I bake, things happen. My kitchen turns into a mad scientist laboratory where green things are exploding and there is crazy bubbling. A lot of bubbling. All the while, I am standing there with this dumbfounded look on my face and wondering what happened.<br />
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I have these grand notions of making my house smell of breads and my family slicing it and putting butter on it. They will be gazing at me with love because I shared my love for them through making bread...<br />
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Yeah I'm a baking romanticist.<br />
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So I am here to share my latest romantic baking recipe. Are you excited? I'm quite the romantic, just ask Andy. :)<br />
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<b>Blueberry Cobbler </b>(Doesn't that just sound like scrumptious summer right there?)<br />
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1 1/4 cup of unbleached white flour<br />
1/2 cup of honey or succanat<br />
1/4 tsp. sea salt<br />
1 1/2 tsp. aluminum free baking powder<br />
3/4 cup whole milk<br />
1/3 cup butter - melted/softened<br />
2 cups blueberries - fresh, frozen and thawed, canned (I used home canned)<br />
1 cup quick oats<br />
1/2 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1/3 cup brown sugar<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, add flour, sea salt and baking powder; blend. After well blended, add honey or succant, milk and melted/softened butter. Spread in a greased 8 x 8 inch baking dish. Evenly spread blueberries over mixture. In mixing bowl, combine quick oats, cinnamon and brown sugar. Evenly sprinkle over blueberries. Bake in heated oven for 40-45 minutes. Serve warm with or without ice cream. Enjoy!Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-52174741015720389662013-07-08T21:02:00.000-04:002013-07-08T21:02:48.342-04:00Be Gone MSG - Homemade Taco Seasoning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Did you know that MSG could be contributing to your headaches and doing many other crazy things to your body? Yeah, it's true....<br /><br />I am trying to rid my house of all prepackaged foods and foods that contain MSG. So today when I went to make dinner and found myself needing taco seasoning and none on hand, this was a good time to make some. It was so easy and most ingredients you'll have on hand. You should totally give it a try.<br />
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<b>Taco Seasoning</b><br />
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1/3 cup (heaping) chili powder<br />
1 3/4 tsp. garlic powder<br />
1 3/4 tsp. onion powder<br />
1 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes<br />
1 3/4 tsp. oregano (dried)<br />
2 tbsp. paprika<br />
4 tbsp. ground cumin<br />
2 1/4 tbsp. sea salt<br />
2 1/4 tbsp. pepper<br />
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Put all ingredients in a container and seal (air tight). Shake. Use seasoning to taste. (Andy said tonight that he thinks the amount we use depends on the meat we use.) Enjoy!<br />
<br />Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-51806600017074987062013-07-06T21:55:00.000-04:002013-07-06T21:55:00.639-04:00Menu Plan - July 7<b><u>Sunday, July 7</u></b><br />
Pumpkin bread, yoghurt<br />
Chicken enchiladas, refried beans<br />
Re-runs<br />
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<b><u>Monday, July 8</u></b><br />
Smoothies<br />
Sandwiches, pretzels<br />
Grilled steaks, baked potatoes, salad<br />
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<b><u>Tuesday, July 9</u></b><br />
Scrambled eggs, cheese<br />
Re-runs<br />
<a href="http://www.stacymakescents.com/chicken-with-cream-sauce">Chicken with cream sauce</a>, broccoli, salad<br />
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<u><b>Wednesday, July 10</b></u><br />
Use up cereal<br />
Re-runs or sandwiches<br />
French toast, eggs, bacon<br />
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<b><u>Thursday, July 11</u></b><br />
Yoghurt, fruit<br />
Cheese, crackers, fruit<br />
Chicken gnocci soup, salad, bread<br />
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<b><u>Friday, July 12</u></b><br />
Breakfast cookies, fruit<br />
Macaroni and cheese, peas<br />
Pizza, fruit ad veggie tray<br />
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<b><u>Saturday, July 13</u></b><br />
Pancakes, eggs<br />
Re-runs<br />
Salmon patties, macaroni and cheese, salad<br />
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<br />Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-61677842785072656872013-07-06T12:34:00.001-04:002013-07-06T12:34:31.062-04:00Adjusting Our Eating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was talking to a girlfriend on the phone yesterday. We were talking about all the crazy sickness that has been going on around the Davis' house.<br />
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It seems like all the sickness has increased when I stopped putting so much effort and thought into nourishing eating.<br />
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Here's the thing. I stopped worrying about nourishment and began worrying about getting our bellies full. Just getting dinner on the table.<br />
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Looking back, it links back to when we went back to store bought milk and not good, hormone free meats. We had sickness but not near what we have had now. Dylan's asthma was less persistent, I became pregnant without assistance and colds/flu didn't seem to be so frequent.<br />
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With all these thoughts of bringing my family back to the table and bringing nourishing foods back to our stomachs, my mind has been reeling with where to begin again. What I think are the most important things to implement back in our diet are...<br /><br />Here is the list I have come up with:<br />
<ul>
<li>milk from Farmer Haney</li>
<li>good hormone free meats from Landes</li>
<li>raw cheese</li>
<li>fermented dairy</li>
<li>raw sugars</li>
</ul>
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It's going to take a while to get all these healthy steps into place but I feel better just thinking about these changes. </div>
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Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-74576001120306617262013-07-05T10:47:00.000-04:002013-07-05T10:47:19.261-04:00Fast Dinner Friday - Cooking Meat Ahead of TimeOne of my secrets in the kitchen is to cook meat in bulk.<br />
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If I have a family pack of chicken breasts, you will find me putting them all in the slow cooker or marinating them and baking them. Five pound package of ground beef? You won't always see me cutting it into one pound packages. Brown it all at once.<br />
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You're going to be cooking at least some of it then so why not all?<br />
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This is a HUGE time savor.<br />
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Tonight our family is having chicken enchiladas. With already having the chicken cooked, the prep time is cut in about half to three-quarters. Here is my "go to" chicken enchilada recipe.<br />
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<b>Creamy Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas</b><br />
2 cups cooked chicken<br />
pepper<br />
cumin<br />
garlic powder<br />
10 wheat tortilla shells<br />
2 cups cheese (I use white cheddar)<br />
1/4 c. butter<br />
1/4 c. flour<br />
2 cups chicken broth<br />
1 can (4 oz) diced chiles<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 and great a 9x13 baking dish.<br />
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In bowl, mix chicken with a pinch of cumin, pepper and garlic powder. Then add one cup of cheese and mix. Fill tortillas with one-fourth to one-half of the chicken and cheese mixture. Place side by side in baking dish.<br />
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In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour. Cook on medium-low until mixture is bubbly. Slowly stir in chicken broth. Whisk over medium - high heat until thick and bubbly. Turn down or take off heat.<br />
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Add sour cream and green chiles (I always puree my chiles). Be careful not to have on full or high heat. You don't want the sour cream to curdle.<br />
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Pour sour cream and chile mixture over enchiladas and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese on top is browned.<br />
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This meal is really easy to do all the prep work and stick in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Just add a couple extra minutes and dinner will be a super Fast Dinner!Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-67411258996028607662013-07-02T11:53:00.000-04:002013-07-02T11:56:13.332-04:00Now is the TimeWe are two days into the challenge and we just got back from Bob Evans for lunch.<br />
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I screwed up already, you say?<br />
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Well one could say that but I choose to say that we survived.<br />
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Dylan has had pertussis for quite some time now. We are all exhausted. We are grasping on straws to keep it together.<br />
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Dylan has the complication that every time he coughs (which is often with pertussis) his nose starts squirting blood.<br />
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Gross. I know.<br />
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Today the doctor wanted us to come in.<br />
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Ok. Well with Caleb and Tyler here as well, that makes five boys.<br />
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We can do this. So off we go.<br />
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They were so well behaved at the doctor's office but were starving and all wanted different foods when we got out.<br />
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I was in no mood to fight over lunch.<br />
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So some might say I have failed already but I say I succeeded. Instead of making a challenge more important and having a bad attitude, I took all five boys to eat cheerfully. I am much more relaxed and the boys' tummies are full.<br />
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Tonight we will eat at home and tomorrow we will pick back up. I will not be discouraged by today.<br />
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So I encourage you, no matter how today went, pick it back up. You'll be glad you did.<br />
<br />Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-19322197990945074172013-07-01T10:49:00.001-04:002013-07-01T10:49:36.742-04:00Not My Fave.Besides eating at home, I have also been reading and following blogs that talk nutrition and nourishment. I would have to be crazy to say that I didn't see issues in my families diet - too much sugar and flour, not enough fruits and vegetables are among the list.<br />
<br />
I know this sounds juvenile but I just don't like them. I can't stomach the thought of eating them so I don't make them and therefore my children do not have a chance to form an opinion. I have these crazy childhood memories of sitting at the table for hours or being forced to choke down lima beans as I sat gagging. I still don't like lima beans and don't even offer them at our table.<br />
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I also struggle with fruits. I hate fruit. Nothing disgusts me more than fruit. It's not the flavor. It's the texture. I know it sounds crazy but it's so gross.<br />
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I am also very particular about the vegetables I eat. I tend to lean towards the carb veggies and leave the rest sitting.<br />
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There are articles after articles talking about the health benefits of fruits and vegetables and I just cannot ignore the facts anymore. In my opinion, it's one thing to be ignorant of the facts and a completely other to know the facts but ignore them. I cannot ignore any longer.<br /><br />I pray for an abundant and healthy life for myself but even more so for my children.<br />
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As parents, we want to give them every advantage - put them in sports so they can meet friends or even get a scholarship, put them in the best school so they have every academic advantage and the list goes on.<br />
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Why if we want the best for our children is nutrition put on the back burner?<br />
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For me, it's pure laziness and lack of motivation. Why make a good meal when there is carry out down the street?<br />
<br />
For the Davis house, the tide is turning. It's beginning with our journey (once again) to the family table and as we join hands around it, we will be thankful. As we get eating at home down, we will move into more healthy and nourishing preparations and foods.<br />
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I'd be kidding myself if I said this is going to be easy. It's not but I can tell you that watching my 8 year old son with debilitating asthma is much more painful. Here is where I take my stand. <br />
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Will you join me? If not for yourself, for the health of your family.Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-60677358008452058742013-06-30T12:42:00.000-04:002013-06-30T12:42:07.324-04:00Shall We Give it a Go?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibq3av6SEY7oJuSFQGii0E7w390_f1Ua6zL2iNqChqvrTY0LR0Jhayogv5DiVLi0AitJyfgfPJnBSOwuxMIPQnguveGOdLPxvWsmLpk0esOq8MGlxWowZFWi_6y49m4GBMM_YG-07cOG4/s1600/false.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibq3av6SEY7oJuSFQGii0E7w390_f1Ua6zL2iNqChqvrTY0LR0Jhayogv5DiVLi0AitJyfgfPJnBSOwuxMIPQnguveGOdLPxvWsmLpk0esOq8MGlxWowZFWi_6y49m4GBMM_YG-07cOG4/s400/false.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A fun little fact about me...<br /><br />I am really competitive.</div>
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In order to be successful, I need to make it into a game and compete against myself or others. </div>
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Today is day 179 of the year 2013. </div>
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Do you know what that means? That means we are about half way through the year with only 186 days left. </div>
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Scared yet? :)</div>
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Our last attempt at coming back to the table for every meal for A YEAR was cut short. <strike>We</strike> I didn't have the grit for it. I lost interest. I stopped caring. </div>
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So here I am to try again. This year, however, it's going to be a little bit different. I am going to challenge myself to get meals on the table, around our home table for the remainder of the year 2013. </div>
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This time, I am not going to be so ridiculous. This time, I am going to allow myself a little wiggle room. The downfall of the last experiment was that both Andy and My's families go out to eat to honor each other on their birthdays. That's just something they do. I got so tired of feeding our family then heading to a restaurant and then hearing my kids fuss that we didn't get to eat. This time, I am going to allow us to take part in family birthday meals. If we are invited to dine with friends, we will.<br /><br />This time we are going to focus on nourishment and fellowship instead of a challenge. </div>
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Now will I still make this into a personal challenge? Why of course! That's how I operate. However, I will not resent the challenge but embrace it. </div>
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The challenge this year is..</div>
<ul>
<li>to eat at home all meals except for meals in which we are celebrating a extended (as in not someone in the house's) birthday and if we are invited out to fellowship with friends.</li>
<li>to get on and blog something about how the day went. Whether it be recipes, menu plans, complaining, putting up food, anything to bring my focus back to my home and the family table.</li>
<li>begin tomorrow, the 180th day of the year, and go through Tuesday, December 31st, the 365th day of the year.</li>
<li>Don't be too hard on myself or my family. No resentment! :) </li>
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Can we do it? Who knows! But we're going to try. What do we have to lose?</div>
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Will you join me? Bring your family back to the table. Need just a little more of a push? <a href="http://backtothetableonedayatatime.blogspot.com/2012/01/eight-reasons-to-get-your-kids-around.html">Check out this post</a>!</div>
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<br />Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-87561974610313396752013-04-24T10:29:00.001-04:002013-04-24T10:32:28.751-04:00When life hits you square in the nose...How is eating at home going for you?<br />
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Here?<br />
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Um... We're doing better but life always seems to happen and happen hard.<br />
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Here is a little preview of what's been going on in our neck of<br />
the woods...<br />
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Boy meets end table... End table wins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofC0HTEmOw_iCqHcrVCW8VyifDb2BXSuD8jNjZl6xsbGPSEqhvZ-LemDGdOLiTJxrTo0Sspl1J4mQlGfAPXuoMPIaxVow4OO-Ne1lEpg86GCPSRawBHqqsUwLEUQOzfARktVFYa1qOrs/s1600/894842_10200898510255397_38728614_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofC0HTEmOw_iCqHcrVCW8VyifDb2BXSuD8jNjZl6xsbGPSEqhvZ-LemDGdOLiTJxrTo0Sspl1J4mQlGfAPXuoMPIaxVow4OO-Ne1lEpg86GCPSRawBHqqsUwLEUQOzfARktVFYa1qOrs/s320/894842_10200898510255397_38728614_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Spidey band-aide makes it all better, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyv3Vb_n_7eJ3KaCcg0dm0I1fwaCl6oFZ3GFJD6qfBB9Ddn1ooJ5IvvhGaMYx6p6BoqxnHnHJTapZERyHK-a73PSW3bKkjp_2sI17zAjmyPcv3XTZ3a-G-WxYufFY2v5Fe9bb8PLt7Plk/s1600/13980_10200898509775385_744935945_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyv3Vb_n_7eJ3KaCcg0dm0I1fwaCl6oFZ3GFJD6qfBB9Ddn1ooJ5IvvhGaMYx6p6BoqxnHnHJTapZERyHK-a73PSW3bKkjp_2sI17zAjmyPcv3XTZ3a-G-WxYufFY2v5Fe9bb8PLt7Plk/s320/13980_10200898509775385_744935945_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Wrong. After a week of continued whining and crying, I take him to the doctor. Broken nose. Here it is a week later... He's still so beautiful though. I could eat up his cheeks and stare into those eyes forever!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVtywhzpVHPuWLnQ-lcaeA7ZbhjPJZuYFojfvL4MkUmdoay_uQR7U0xALXHPQhRw6nhefIJ0wMHYgyEIdzJMY8mJuTH4Lch-wRgl2ADD3KDgieofA3LPPuqZJiwQyk6SpVTxhQRfz4Wg/s1600/529113_10200911607182812_1431767515_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVtywhzpVHPuWLnQ-lcaeA7ZbhjPJZuYFojfvL4MkUmdoay_uQR7U0xALXHPQhRw6nhefIJ0wMHYgyEIdzJMY8mJuTH4Lch-wRgl2ADD3KDgieofA3LPPuqZJiwQyk6SpVTxhQRfz4Wg/s400/529113_10200911607182812_1431767515_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So let's recap... End table vs. Kristian - End table wins. End table vs. Mama (always a day late and a dollar short.) - End table wins.</div>
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But here is the rest of the story.... When I took him to the doctor. They thought there was a blood clot so down to the emergency we go. Praise God it wasn't a blood clot. Mama always had an anyurism worrying but Kristian is good! Woohooo!!<br />
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Happy day! :)</div>
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Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-54798910062045594542013-04-11T19:18:00.002-04:002013-04-11T19:18:21.393-04:00Fast Dinner Friday - Take ONE!One of the biggest obstacles that stands in our venture to eat at home is lack of time.<br />
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Sometimes, we are just busy and overwhelmed or just plain tired. Sometimes we just don't want to cook. Sometimes we don't want the mess. Sometimes we just don't want to. Plain and simple.<br />
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I want to dedicate Fridays to fast foods. Foods we can make in a hurry without a lot of mess or work. If we come together and share our good "Fast Dinner" recipes, we'll soon all be around the table instead of being at a true fast food establishment.<br />
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So with that little announcement, please take part. Add your blog or favorite recipe to the comments and if we get enough growth, we'll add Mr. Linky! :)<br />
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Here is my recipe for Fast Dinner Friday!<br />
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We are really working on adding more beans and lentils to our menu . It's a slow and not always yummy process but we are getting there.<br />
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<b>Bean Soup - Slow Cooker Style</b><br />
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<u>What you'll need:</u><br />
* large slow cooker<br />
<b>* </b>about a quart jar of your choice of beans<br />
* ham bone<br />
* salt and pepper - to taste<br />
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1. Go through beans and toss all cracked and nasty beans.<br />
2. Put ham bone in bottom of slow cooker.<br />
3. Add beans and salt and pepper graciously.<br />
4. Cover we water to the rim of crock.<br />
5. Allow to cook on low for 24 hours.<br />
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With this amount of time, the beans will be mushy. However, that is how we like them. It kind of makes a gravy and is delish! All you need to do in the evening is make a batch of cornbread and toss a salad!<br />
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Now this might not be a start to finish quick dinner however, it is little mess and little work. My kind of meal! :)<br />
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<i>Your turn! Post your favorite and tried and true fast recipes so that we can go and check them out! </i><br />
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<br />Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5063512674907861383.post-8105652418218869182013-04-07T12:21:00.003-04:002013-04-07T12:21:59.016-04:00Are We Weirdos?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeLBkDhaQ00YxL2tlP8jmgwx52m-LAOQe_7eR8zMbOpAF5OOnWIu12leB2cCQpyj12iAVDwoeSK4YuL6LEChzdms9r0VtfItyCgyjFMmTfTFshWzku_s96eTViW7mdxR0Ohm_XgY0aKc/s1600/537925_867247898260_446923335_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeLBkDhaQ00YxL2tlP8jmgwx52m-LAOQe_7eR8zMbOpAF5OOnWIu12leB2cCQpyj12iAVDwoeSK4YuL6LEChzdms9r0VtfItyCgyjFMmTfTFshWzku_s96eTViW7mdxR0Ohm_XgY0aKc/s400/537925_867247898260_446923335_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Are we weirdos? Are we not normal?</div>
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Those were the questions Andy asked as I was kneading bread this morning. </div>
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Why would you think that hunny? I just opened our fresh wheat berries, grinded fresh wheat flour from them and now I'm kneading homemade bread.... Are we different? Hmm....</div>
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I looked at him puzzled. He went on to talk about how birthday celebrations are usually done eating out or having pizza ordered. Not homemade and definitely not organic.<br /><br />Maybe, he isn't crazy and was on to something. </div>
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I had a friend that was in utter horror that I make family's birthday cakes and not purchase them from a store.<a href="http://oneblessedmamaofboys.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-do-you-live-without-baby-carrots.html"> Kind of reminded me of the baby carrots moment...</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-GRk5cFNrGZiUFCf8LaHNQQRTrJj2SAgyhUIKSRrtaZvas0W6gkm-O-wszWsQo0ROfmjR2Uoz2ZBfqhnaKje9zvG4RJhy82WysCv6kZ6xRu8arSKS3fG1QvC2A3CWKeiJUSonx6VC6I/s1600/548507_867248791470_545182011_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-GRk5cFNrGZiUFCf8LaHNQQRTrJj2SAgyhUIKSRrtaZvas0W6gkm-O-wszWsQo0ROfmjR2Uoz2ZBfqhnaKje9zvG4RJhy82WysCv6kZ6xRu8arSKS3fG1QvC2A3CWKeiJUSonx6VC6I/s400/548507_867248791470_545182011_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Lincoln's five year old cake... Not too hateful, right? :) </i></div>
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With all of this talk about us being weirdos, my mind starting wondering... Do a lot of people not celebrate in their homes because of all the work they *think* it is to cook for a group?</div>
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Cooking for a group does not have to be expensive, hard or take a lot of time. </div>
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In fact, the meal for over 25 people yesterday was easy and I used ONLY things I had on hand. Actually the food was made early and just left in the refrigerator until it needed heated for the party. </div>
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The feast included - </div>
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* bean soup</div>
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* chicken and noodles</div>
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* chili</div>
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* cheesy potato soup</div>
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* corn muffins</div>
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* salad (delegated)</div>
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* fruit (delegated)</div>
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* pumpkin bread</div>
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* cookies</div>
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* cake</div>
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* ice cream sundae bar</div>
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The BEST part! Most of the left overs could be put in the freezer for a later meal. Easy clean up and everyone loved it! </div>
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<i>What are some quick, inexpensive and easy ways that you feed a large group? Do you get carry-out or pizza for celebrations? Do you make your own cakes?</i></div>
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Jodi aka One Blessed Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05658451428090108007noreply@blogger.com0