Book Review - Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul

Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul is part a series called the Dragon Keepers Chronicles. I chose to read Dragonspell in order to be able to ensure its suitability for my fanasty, adventure loving sons. From the very first chapter I was drawn into the story of a young slave girl called upon to participate in an adventure filled quest in search of a rare dragon's egg. As she faces her fears, lack of knowlege, and willingness to serve Wulder, she comes to know more about who she is, her strenghths, and her weaknesses. The characters became my own friends and foes as I found myself emersed in this magical world. Best of all I look foward to introducing my boys to this author and her series. Dragonspell will serve as a wonderful platform for many character building discussions about the adventure with my boys! This series will be a welcome addition to our homeschool reading program for my 9 and 12 year olds. I highly recommend this book for reluctant readers, those that love fantasy, and those interested in going on an adventure that promotes Christian character!

Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes, however, this review is solely my honest opinion of this book I have read personally.

Legacy of Idol Worship

Yesterday we took our boys to see the the Cleopatra exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center. The artifacts are amazing and provided us numerous great opportunities to discuss the truth of the Bible with our boys. Several of the artifacts were from the time of Christ or very near to it. We were able to see a gold coin with the head of Caesar Augustus, the Caesar that called for the census in Luke 2:1 which caused Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem.

It was a great kick start for our study of Ancient History that we will be doing this year for school.

However, I was overwhelmed about halfway through the exhibit. Nearly every artifact was of a god or an instrument of worship of Egyptian gods. I have known of idol worship from scripture and history studies, but it smacked me square in the face.

Our preaching elder, Greg Birdwell, has been preaching through the book of Judges and the Idolatry of Man. It has been an amazing time of learning! Not until I saw this exhibit was I faced with the real, gut wrenching question. When I am long gone, what will be on exhibit for others to see? What will my exhibit show about who I worship? What will our generation's exibit show of our idol worship? I fear that the artifacts of my life may not point people to my worship of the One true God! The idols may change but the idol worship remains the same. Things, computer, cell phones, ipads, televisions, the latest kitchen gadget, cars, trucks, boats, even the houses that take more time to clean than we spend in the word or serving others can be idols that speak louder than our words. We can worship our careers, our self-sufficiency, our pride of life, and even our service.

I must begin today....I must not leave a legacy of idol worship! What is it that holds our attention more than God? What is it that you believe you could not live without? What do you treasure more than Christ? Let us take time to examine our lives and leave a legacy of worship of the One true God!

My Thick Skull and the Powerful Word of God!

I have developed a pet peeve over the last few years. I have the amazing Women's Bible Study Leaders at Highview Baptist church to thank for it.

Their goal was to draw women closer to Christ through teaching them how to feast on the word through and Inductive Bible Study approach. Though this method is not new or fancy it helped me to develop my peeve, CONTEXT!

When studying the word of God I used to really like topical approaches, after all I thought they really helped me to understand application. I used to like to study "women's" bible study books by all those well known ladies. (I bet you could rattle a few names off the top of your head.) Now, I am broken! Or am I fixed....hmmmm! These types of studies nearly drive me insane now!! Why?

When participating in one of these studies I can't stop thinking! Thinking you think wouldn't be a bad thing but for me it is. Let me explain. Many (not all) of these types of studies tend to focus on some key verses that help to make the point the author or leader wishes to make. Not so bad, right.? Except I cannot stop thinking about context. Many tend to blatantly disregard the all important CONTEXT! CONTEXT! CONTEXT!

The word of God is not meant to be used to prove our points. We are to study the word in it's context. If we fail to look at the word in the light of the context in which it was written we exponentially increase the likelyhood of wrong interpretation. The same goes for looking at commentaries on the word. Those that write the commentaries must be sure to write interpretation in light of its context.
We must not mindlessly read a commentary, bible study writer, or study bible notes and assume that author has remembered context.

The only way we will know about context is to do the work of STUDYING THE WORD! Not merely cursory reading, but truly consuming and digesting the word of God. Inductive study provides a framework with which we can really get at the meat of the word of God without loosing sight of  context!

Many people today do not feel capable of studying the word for themselves, and I mean really studying the word! You do not have to be "capable" in order to study the word of God. You need to have a humble heart, a willingness to do the hard work of  digesting the word and the rest is done by the word itself.

The Lord provided a clear description of the word and its power in Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." A friend once said to me, "If the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart,  do you not think it is powerful enough to get through your thick skull?"

We must not relenquish our means for knowing our Lord and Savior to others. We must not surrender our understanding of His words to us to the thoughts of others. We must take hold of the word and wrestle with it  until that sword is able to penetrate our thick skulls!

Treasures in Gratitude - Counting to 1000

Whew what a week! It was busy but full of much to be grateful for.

21. for those that so faithful serve as missionaries so far away from home, friends, and family.
22. for my husband who so faithfully works to provide for us.
23. for the Lord's answers to prayer.
24. that Ms. Alice has recovered enough to return home after an unexpected serious illness.
25. for the women of Providence Bible Fellowship that have so warmly welcomed me.
26. for the brave men and women who so faithfully serve our country
27. for the families of those that serve our country.
28. for the justice brought to Osama Bin Laden.
29. for the Word of God which so lovingly corrects me.
30. for quiet times to chat with my boys about their thoughts and questions big and small.


Is there anything from this past week for which you are grateful?

Treasures in Gratitude - Counting to 1000

11.  the love of my husband.
12.  the opportunity to serve at New Life Mission for their Easter Celebration
13.  dinner with new friends
14.  our neighbors who regularly supply us with buckeyes and their baking trials.....yumm pretzels
15.  boys with minds that wonder....even if it means a billion-quadrillion questions = )
16.  a warm cup of coffee
17.  friends who stick with me through my sancification
18.  God's constant provision for our family
19.  Sunshine...after the rain!
20.  my sisters no matter how far away we may be from each other!

What are you thankful for in your life? Choosing to focus on the Multitudes of gifts that I am blessed with helps me to remain contented in this world while I wait for my eternal home!

Treasures of Propulsion and Boys

There is nothing sweeter than hearing boys declare...."COOOOOOOOL!"  as they discover that they can use the lego car pump to launch lego guys into the air. By the way did you know that lego guys scream! Thank you Lord for the joy of discovery and the laughter of boys both are treasures from You!

Treasured Friends

Yesterday we had a visit from some dear friends! It unfortunately was a good-bye visit....= (  We have come to know this family very well over the past couple of years. We met when they were single and then dating, watched their love for each other grow into marraige. We had the priviledge of having them as part of our family for holidays and for a short time after their wedding. We were blessed to be there for the birth of their daughter and go the joy of caring for her for a time.

They have grown in love and grace right before our eyes. Now though, it is time to say good-bye as they are preparing to move across the country. They will be missed!

This all got me thinking about our relationships with fragile, warm, sincere, sinful, and loving friends!

All relationships have their ups and downs, as well as joys and disapointments. How blessed we are in the body of Christ to know all the good, bad and ugly of our relationships are meant for our own sanctification process. What a gift from God! That God cares enough to allow us to build friendships that provide comfort and encouragement as well as challenge us to be more like Christ!

I must admit that I often fail as a friend! Yet I am still amazed that God sees fit to bring wonderful people into my life to be my friends. Not only here on earth, but with the assurance as believers that we will be reunited someday in heaven to sing praises to our God and King! Thank you Lord!

Treasures in Gratitude

I was at a new blog yesterday and was challenged with listing 1000 things for which I am grateful. Amazingly, this goes right along with my bible study on prayer by Carol J. Ruvolo entitled "Before the Throne of God".

A focus on gratitude or thankfulness on the blessing we have been granted by God has a marvelous way of  refocusing the eyes of our hearts.

So I will join in......



Gratitude for....

1.  Another day of life!
2.  Eternal salvation in the Blood of Christ.
3.  my ever faithful husband!
4.  my mother who continues to be an inspiration in  serving others.
5.  the dearest of friends.
6.  my son N's tender heart for the things of God.
7.  napkin sword fights with my son E.
8.  the birds that visit our feeder.
9.  the moments of quiet before N and E get up!
10. our new church home.


Take a moment each week to give thanks for the Treasures in the Everyday with which you have been blessed.....gratitude breeds contentment!

Where is your Treasure?

Where is your treasure? Or maybe a better question is what is your treasure? It is so very easy to have the things in this world block our vision of those things that have eternal value. For me the things that tend to block my vision are my bank account, the rising prices of everything,  two very old cars, those that are blessed with much, health, whether or not my hair behaves that day.  Yes, even the very small and insignificant can cause us to lose our eternal vision!

Jesus shares in Matthew 6:19-24.....

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where theives break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where theives do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

I am challenged everyday to keep my focus on the things that will last. My time in the word of God and Prayer needs to be my very first priority and treated like a treasure that I guard at all costs.  My relationship with my husband needs to be more important than facebook time. My focus on my children and their growth to becoming Godly young men not stressing about having a picture perfect home. My focus needs to be on being the hands and feet of God in serving others instead of always worrying about my own needs.

My needs are not really needs.....they are WANTS! Wants for my own ease of life and convenience. I have been given much, much more than I need. Our pantry and freezer are full, we have more clothes and shoes than we need, we have a home that is comfortable and safe, we have each other.

Thank you Lord for reminding me that you are my provider and all I need to worry about is treasuring that which has eternal value!

Prayer - Treasure the Transformation

Ray and I have been blessed by God with an amazing new church family. Since our first Sunday in Ohio we have attended Providence Bible Fellowship in West Chester OH. It is every bit a gift from God. The preaching is solid, biblical and expository. The people are loving, welcoming and ministry minded. But one of the biggest blessings has been the Women's Bible Study that I am priviledged to be a part of on Wednesday mornings. They are transparent, Godly women who seek truth and to grow in God's grace and love. We have been studying prayer and I wanted to share the study we are working through. It is probably THE most life transforming study on prayer that I have seen in my many years as a believer. I have been a person of prayer but this study will challenge your concepts, foundations, and desires for prayer in your life. It has humbled me before the Lord and refocused my walk with the Lord! It is sooooo worth the time and I hope you take the time to explore Before the Throne of God by Carol J. Ruvolo!

Here it is!

Be transformed!

Marcia

Beef Stroganoff

This recipe was a favorite in my family since I was a child. Then my Terrific sister Teri gave it her special touch.....and it is even better. Most of you are probably used to serving beef stroganoff with egg noodles.  Since childhood I have had an aversion to slimy, slippery egg noodle.....(I know childish....but what can I say) So my mom would make some white rice for me. My kids don't even know about egg noodles, beef stroganoff always comes with rice which they love!

So here it is....

Beef Stroganoff a la Teri

1 1/2        lbs      cubed beef (really about any cut will do)
1              tsp     seasoning salt
1/2           tsp     chopped garlic
3              T       red wine vinegar
2              cans    Cream of Mushroom soup
1              can      sliced mushrooms drained
2               T        Dill weed
1/3            C        Sour Cream


Brown with season salt, garlic and red wine vinegar. Add mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms and dill weed. Stir together and let simmer for 20 minutes.  Cook rice or egg noodles. Stir in sour cream and let simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve over rice or noodles.

I usually cook about 2 cups of rice.  


Hope you enjoy!

Treasured Books

Just a couple of books I recommend for reading!
I just finished 90 Minutes in Heaven (excellent!) and am currently reading the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin to satisfy the inner history geek in me! I love early American history!

                   

Just a Few Pictures of My Treasures

Honey Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Someone asked for my recipe for my homemade bread....the one that Agent E loves!

Well here it is....it is not entirely whole wheat flour as he much prefers bread that is a little softer in texture.
This recipe is designed for a bread maker but can easily be made without it, I will give directions for both. I hope you give it a try and enjoy! Let me know how it goes or if you have any questions.

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

1/3   C     Warm Water (between 90 and 110 degrees)
2/3   C     Warm Milk (between 90 and 110 degrees)
1      lrg    Egg
3      T     Butter
1     tsp    Salt
4      T     Honey
2      C     Bread flour
2      C     Whole wheat flour
2 1/2 tsp  Active dry yeast

Breadmaker Directions
If using a bread maker simply put all ingredients in the pan in order. Make a small well in the flour to put yeast in and set breadmaker to basic setting. Now make yourself a cup of coffee or tea and sit back and relax.

I kind of have a thing about the lovely little holes that the breadmakers paddle so I like to put my breadmaker on the "dough" setting and then shape in a loaf pan and bake in the oven for 25-30 mins at 350 degrees. Then I have pretty little loaves with no holes in the bottom, which makes me happy.

Hand/Mixer Directions - Stir with sturdy wodden spoon (then with hands) or use a stand mixer like a kitchen aid with a dough hook (the snakey looking thing).....your hand mixer will not be powerful enough to handle.....it will burn out the motor.
Mix water, milk and, 1 cup of flour (either kind), honey and yeast in a glass or plastic bowl. Stir together and let sit for 15 minutes. It will create a "sponge" which is a fancy word for a bubbley, foamy, yeasty mixture. (So I guess sponge is a little simpler to say!)This will let you know that your yeast is good and give it a head start on helping your bread rise.

To your sponge you will add egg, butter and salt. (I find it easier to melt the butter or at least soften it). Mix well slowly add remaining 3 cups of flour one at a time mixing well. Mix until your dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and make a ball. If by hand, fold and knead for about 5 minutes and then shape in your bread pan. If using a stand mixer continue to knead with dough hook for about 3-5 minutes and shape dough and put in bread pan.

Set bread pans in warm location (I put them on top of my preheated oven covered by a light kitchen towel).
Allow to rise to double the size (or there abouts). Bake in 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.

Treasures.....

I wanted to let you know why my blog was named "Treasures in the Everyday". A few weeks ago I was reading in my Bible in the books of Matthew and Hebrews and just pondering my life.

I came to the realization that in the past 5 years I have nearly constantly been in a state of change. Prior to this time my life was really kind of on cruise control. My life was marraige, friends, family, career, children, church.....some minor changes here and there but the same basic boat, floating down the same basic river with the same passengers.

We moved 5 years ago with a plan......well, let's just say that very little if anything has gone according to plan. First, let me say that I do not regret any of my life, for what God has chosen to change in our plan has only led to changes in me that could not have happened otherwise. I am not saying that all was fun, easy or even pain free.....not in the least! I am trying to let you know that I have survived and I have become a different person through it all.

Somewhere along the way though I lost something......how to live each and every day searching for the treasures in life. It seems as though with all the changes I have been in a constant state waiting......waiting for the other shoe to drop, waiting for answers, waiting for the next move, waiting to settle in.........waiting, waiting, waiting. I have been so busy thinking about what was to come that I feel as though I forgot to live each day!

I have made a decision......life is anything but smooth....so I want to stop waiting and start embracing each and every day. I want to simply put up my hands and scream and enjoy this rollercoaster called life! I can't control all of what will happen in this life, both good and bad, but I can choose sit paralyzed waiting or simply embrace this ride called life!

Take a look at Matthew 6:25-34 .

......My paraphrase.......The creator of the universe and me knows what I need, when I need it.....so chillax!

So, I will choose to search for the treasures in the everyday of life!

Today's treasures.....My son's passionate love for my homemade honey whole wheat bread and the joy it brings him. My sons' abilities to get on my last nerve....for I have them and they challenge me to grow in patience and love!

Yummy Granola!

One of my favorite breakfasts is yogurt with a yummy granola mixed in and maybe even some fresh blueberries, raspberries, banana slices. Unfortunately, granola is expensive! So I did a little research and a little practice and TAH-DA! Here it is.....and it is virtually fool proof as even I can make it!

The "Treasure in the Everyday" is the wonderful way this granola will make your house smell as it is baking! MMMMMMMMMMM!


Honey Nut Granola

4     C          Rolled Oats (Not Quick Cooking)
3     C          Nuts in any combination you like of the following- Chopped Pecans or Walnuts,
                    Sliced Almonds, or Raw Sunflower Seeds
1/2  C          Canola Oil or Vegetable Oil
3/4  C          Honey
1     tsp        Vanilla or Almond Extract
1 1/2 T         Cinnamon

1     C          Raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates (optional)

Combine Oats and Nuts in a large bowl and mix together well. Drizzle oil over oat and nut mixure and stir well to coat. Drizzle Honey and extract over mixture and stir to coat well. Sprinkle cinnamon over mixture and mix well.

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spread Granola mixture on large ungreased baking sheets. ( I love to use parchment paper on my baking sheets for super easy clean up.) Bake for 10 minutes, stir and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool completely (and add optional dried fruit) before storing in an air tight container. I usually divide a bake in two batches.

In the Kitchen

Though the kitchen may be a daunting place for some....it has become a place for me to challenge myself.  I am not all that creative in cooking but have enjoyed returning to some basics that we seem to have lost in our busy world.

I love to make homemade bread, canning, and exploring the way women cooked about 100 years ago. I even attended a wonderful class on Hearth Cooking. Hearth cooking is the use of the fireplace hearth to cook meals using coals, cast iron and wrought iron hooks and roasting spits. It just fascinates me that we have made things both easier and more complicated at the same time with our modern conveniences.

I hope to post some of my recipes, successes and failures in the coming year and I hope some of you will be inspired to try or share with me.

Feel free to sign up to follow this blog if you are interested in joining me.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all!

2010 was a year of great challenge, change and triumph for our family. In the beginning of 2010 we downsized our home (by more than half)....and unfortunately ended up in a townhouse that was poorly managed. This created much frustration and many delays in settling in. Live and learn!

Homeschooling went well! Despite all of the upheaval the boys made good progress! Agent N really improved in his reading and tried out soccer for the first year! His team was second in their division and Agent N gained lots of new soccer skills. Agent E had a huge breakthrough with reading this year....he figured out he CAN read and well! (Sometimes Agent E is skeptical and stubborn) He also finally allowed us to take the training wheels off of his bike...certain he would die if we did! Well 30 mins into his first ride sans training wheels he was a maniac on the road!

We spent our vacation this year with the Cub Scouts! (50 of us) Yep, the most amazing trip ever! Eight days of adventure....Camping and fun at Ace Adventure Park, sleeping on a battleship in New Jersey, Laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetary, Visiting the Liberty Bell, Visiting Harper's Ferry, Washington DC, Hiking the Appalacian Trail and lots of fun and laughs in the vans together!

The Man of my Dreams worked extremely hard this year managing at Red Robin! We attempted to transfer the Seattle WA area but God had other plans. Just as we had settled on staying put in Louisville KY.....we were presented with a new option. OHIO! We got the offer, made a decision, packed and moved all in 4 weeks! Yep, two moves in one year....and we downsized again! We are still enjoying some of the boxes that have yet to be unpacked! But blessing upon blessing, we found a wonderful apartment community that has already far exceeded our last experience. We are home......Maineville, OH.

Never a dull moment!

We are blessed beyond measure! We have work, family, friends, fellowship, food, and shelter! We may not have much in the eyes of the world but we are RICH! We look forward to a New Year of adventure! In these often difficult times called life take time to recall what went well in 2010, embrace the challenges you have overcome, and prepare to face more! Life is not joy unending....but life in Christ is!