Rachel's Ramblings

Feasting and Fasting Day 18

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I just finished my lesson for today. I generally try to do it earlier in the day, however I had kids around all day and I wanted to wait until it was quieter so that I could really focus on my lesson.

Today is my last day of liquids only. Tomorrow morning when I get up I will probably have a banana for breakfast. I must admit there is a level of fear at eating again. Will my stomach be able to tolerate food after going without all this time?? I keep reminding myself that is exactly why they have the transition out days of eating only raw fruits and veggies. To give my system a chance to adjust to having food again.

I'm also a little fearful of beyond the transition days. When I'm able to eat again will I go crazy eating all the foods I've been craving during this fast?? I do want to go back to the Phase 1 eating plan. However I do plan to take a week before I go back to that. I want to be back on the same schedule as I was before so if I start up right away it will have me going right into a juice day the day my fast officially ends. I don't think so!! I'm also toying with the thought of simply eating normally with an added fast day once a week.

Today was a pretty good day. I didn't have a lot of strong cravings. When I saw the chicken my family was having for dinner, it looked mighty good and I wanted some. But I quickly pushed the thought from my mind and went to get my liquid "dinner".

My lesson today was all about how the sword of the Spirit can be used wrongly. I hadn't thought about all the different ways that it can be wrongly used. There are a lot.

One of the ways is to take it out of context and use it to say what you want it to say, using it to back up your specific point of view.

Isaiah 8:20
To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.

We need to be careful to seek the whole counsel of God, not just pieces from the law or bits from the testament.

Another way it is misused by some is to exhalt themselves rather than Jesus Christ. There were many others ways that God's Word is misused, but I don't have time to cover all of them here.

One that the Lord brought to my mind as I was doing the lesson is mearly reading it as something to check off my to-do list so that I can move on with my day. I'm afraid this is the one that I've been most guilty of most often. Lord, please help me to savor your Words as I read them, not just rush through them so that I can get onto doing what I want to be doing.

I'm still at 167. But this again seems to be my pattern. Spending a day or several at the same weight before dropping another pound. My best friend came to drop her son off to play with my kids today. She said, "You're shrinking! I can tell that you're getting smaller!" I must have been grinning from ear to ear when she said that!!

MamaBuzz Tour: Potluck Survival Guide: Care and Feeding of the Athletic Supporter by Cherie Kimmons

I love potlucks!  So much food and of course I can't try it all and one of the hardest parts is deciding what I should bring - but oh they provide so much time for fellowship and new recipes.  When I had the chance to review Potluck Survival Guide by Cherie Kimmons I couldn't have asked for a more neat review!  Here is a guide that anyone who ever goes to a potluck should invest in - wether it's for a sporting event (don't let the subtitle fool you - it's not just for the athletic supporter), church gathering, homeschool group - whatever you have a potluck for this book will be a big help. 

I really enjoyed the easy to read layout and conversational style the author maintained through out the book.  Begining with how to choose a menu and how to balance things like appearance (some potlucks do look thrown together), weight (coordinating entree with the dessert), techniques and flavors - Cherie really gives great ideas.  Most potlucks will include children and she gives great ideas and hints to include children and make sure they actually eat, I know mine will not eat anything they can't recognize so that usually means mac and cheese and deviled eggs.  With Cherie's hints and tips geared for children and child friendly recipes I know my children will be eating at the next potluck.

Then we get to what the author's sub-title means, feeding the athlete and having a potluck before or after a game.  I had no idea that athletes need certain foods before a game like heavy on carbs but low on protein and fat and a post game meal should include protein with a carb for maximum muscle recovery.  She breaks down what meals are good for which meals and even foods that can be choosen from fast food places if need be.  What she calls trunk foods - which are foods that are good to eat after a game to help calm stomachs and fill up the seemingly endless time void of travel.

Getting food to the people in attendance can feel like an overwhelming challenge especially when there are many people, so Cherie also gives ideas on how to contain the crowd and make sure everyone gets fed.  Along with her buffet tips like labeling each dish (nothing can slow down a buffet than not knowing what that mystery dish is), serving foods at different levels can also provide eye appeal, with several other ideas that will make it a pleasing and organized buffet line.  A food bar is another idea that may appeal to some and Cherie gives ideas for this version of feeding the masses.  

Recipes - the heart of any potluck for any type of dish are included like appetizers, breakfast, entrees, soups and sandwiches, side dishes, salads and desserts.  Sprinkled throughout are notes about the recipes to make prep quicker or make sure the recipe is a hit.  To me, a potluck is a hit if I come home with no leftovers!    The nice thing about these recipes is some can be made in advance and frozen and pulled out when the need arises, of course this would also work if you have a large family and like to have ready meals.

Cherie covers all her bases by providing information on calculating quantities that will be needed so there is enough food to go around.  Discussing the ingredients to use, which are best and so forth and also how to transform (decorate) the choosen spot for the potluck.  Most ideas seem to be frugal and wouldn't cost a whole lot of money (good for a homeschool group).  This book would definitely be great assesst to any family who participates in many potlucks or even to have in a homeschool group's library.  The Potluck Survival Guide can be found at Five Star Publications website.

 This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: Five Star Publications for this review

~Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce A. Ware~

I received the following book free from Crossway publishers for the sole purpose of review.  I received no monetary compensation for this review and all opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the book:

With Big Truths for Young Hearts, Bruce Ware, a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6-14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand.  Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their woldviews early, based on these truths.

The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, amking it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children.  With this great format, parents will be emboldened to be their chidlren's primary faith trainers-and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way. 

About the author:

Bruce A. Ware(PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor Christian theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He has written numerous journal articles, book chapters, book reviews, and has authored God's Lesser Glory, God's Greater Glory, and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

My Thoughts:

 Dr. Ware has written book that is filled with wisdom and great theological lessons to teach your children.  Each lesson is broken down into easy, teachable lessons that could be done once a week or nightly.  They end with a few thought-filled questions and a scripture to memorize.  I appreciate the years of parenting that Dr. and Mrs. Ware share in this great tool.   I recommend buying this book if you do not have a lot of knowledge in biblical and Christian theology, yet want your children firmly rooted in them.

Feasting and Fasting Day 17!

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I'm sooo tired tonight! I was having such a discouraging day this morning! Well, maybe I should say that I felt very discouraged this morning. I was quite depressed for some reason. I also found out that our insurance will not cover Kight #2's new med. I called and got an appointment to go see the doctor and discuss our options next Wednesday.

I was having a really tough time dealing with the kids. Knight #2 has been such a challenge since we started this new med. I hadn't been out of my house in I don't know how long. But God is sooo good!! He sent hubby home early today. He had to work nearly all day Saturday so his dad said that he could have some time off because of that. I was able to go to Michael's to get some yarn to finish up the project I'm making for Maiden for Christmas. I took my time there while fingering the yarn and paging through crochet books etc. I even helped another lady find coloring books for her grandkids for Christmas!  It was sooo nice to get out and have a break like that!

When I got home hubby was in the middle of doing a "deep cleaning" in our bedroom. He said that everytime he walked in there his sinuses shut down. So he wanted to get all the under the bed bens and other stuff out from under our bed. He also gathered a bunch of clothes and other stuff to give to Salvation Army. I'm so thrilled that he did all this for me because I'm highly allergic to dust mites. If I'd have had to do that I would have been sooooo sick and had a horrible headache.

Well since he was so busy doing all this wonderful stuff, I was commissioned to go out to get them a pizza for dinner. I went to the little Walmart Market Place near here and was also able to get a few more things that we needed. So once again, I was able to get out by myself.

So I had my broth for dinner while the rest of the family had that scrumptious looking pizza. Then Knight #1 needed to be taken to youth group. Daddy was still busy so I had to take him. Ok, this getting out business is starting to get old, can I stay home for the rest of the night?? Daddy gets to go pick him up in a bit. Like I said, "I'm sooo tired tonight!"

Oh, I didn't mention that I also folded several loads of laundry, got more going and worked out on the eliptical for a few minutes today. Ok, I'm not just tired, I'm exhausted!!

But only one more day till I can start eating raw fruit and veggies! I got myself some yummy looking salad fixin's today. Oh, I forgot to get the fruit salad stuff. Oh, well hubby can pick that up for me tomorrow.

It is amazing to me that I have gone for 15 days with nothing but smoothies and broth. I haven't died of malnutrition, haven't even gotten sick from lack of food. I've proven to myself that my flesh will survive if it doesn't get what it wants when it wants it. God gets all the glory for helping me.

Today's lesson was about the sword of the Spirit and how to properly utilize it. It is to be used for making us wise unto salvation, helping us to grow and mature, allowing us to find victory over sin and satisfaction in Jesus Christ, overcoming temptation, finding direction in life, and to teach, reproove, correct and train others. I'm so glad that God has given us His Word!!

I'm down another pound to 167. Woohoo!

Tightwad Tuesday ~ A Tip To Make Using Milk In Baking And Sauses Cheaper

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A Tip To Make Using Milk In Baking And Sauses Cheaper

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I have been trying to recall ways  or habits that I do without out really thinking to make our dollar stretch further.  One thing I have done for years in my baking is it to dilute 1/4th   2 % milk or whole milk to 3/4ths water of what the recipe calls for. 

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for example.... if the recipe calls for 2 cups milk  I use 1/2 cup of milk( what ever type you want) and then 1 1/2 cups water.

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 Also in soups I use 6 parts of chicken broth to about 1 part of cup of milk or  in my white sauses.  I don't miss anything b/c the broth is so flavorful. 

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for example....  6 cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk. 

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I hope the examples make it more clear.

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Now to join in the fun of Tightwad Tuesday....

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  Link your TWT post click on MckLinky and give exact the URL of your post.   (each Tuesday that  you join in on the fun)  

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example of a URL ...

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Canadagirl/693425/

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  Now go ahead link and read and comment on all these other's wonderful TWT's. 

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 Lets save our pennies, nickles, dimes, and dollars  together !

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"There are only a few big ways to save money but there are many small ways ....that all adds up."

Feasting and Fasting Day 16

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I'm going to try to keep this update short. It has been a long day of dealing with kids and cramps. Due to not feeling well, I didn't get much of anything other than crochet done today. I'm feeling rather discouraged with my self for that. I'm really hoping that I feel better tomorrow so that I can get some stuff done.

I just had to get up from typing this because I heard Knight #2 in his room screaming, "Dad! Dad!" Thankfully this was a pretty mild episode. He calmed down pretty much right away. I pray that this is the only one he has tonight.

I have only 4 days left of this fast. Now I'm beginning to understand why some people regret to see it ending. And yet, it seems to be getting harder because I know the time is short. The cravings seem to be getting more intense again. Please pray that I will continue to have the strength to resist.

I'm going to skip talking about my lesson today because I have a migraine coming on. I plan to take my Rx before going to bed. I'm still sitting at 168. I'm confident that that is not where I will stay for ever though.

Muffin Tin Monday ~ The Biggest Snowman Ever ...

I am happy to be getting back to Muffin Tin Monday.  This week's theme is Christmas books.

We read The Biggest Snowman Ever for our Muffin Tin Monday activity.

I decided that it would be fun for the kids to make marshmallow snowmen for their muffin tin treat.  I only used what we had on hand.  It would have been nicer to use white frosting.  However, my southern children never see enough snow to cover the dirt so all snow gets muddy quick. The "mud" on the snowmen seemed normal to them.  LOL!

Clockwise ~ Chocolate kisses, big marshmallows, toothpicks, sprinkles, frosting, mini-marshmallows.

Blessings,

Dawn

Correction to my last post...

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I just read my mentor's note from earlier today. She pointed out that I was at 168 yesterday and now I'm saying that I'm at 178. Ack! I sure hope not!  I'm actually at 168! I'm guessing that I spent so much time at 178 that my mind is having a hard time adjusting. LOL

Feasting and Fasting Day 15

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I'm feeling so much better today! I hit my netti pot before I went to bed last night and again earlier today. Man, I should have taken my friend's advice and done that much earlier! Amazing how much it helps!

I stayed home from church anyway because I didn't want to be spreading this crud anymore than it is already spreading like wildfire around these parts.

Had a really tough night. Hubby was gone to "Fight Night". A bunch of the guys from church like to get together for the UFC fights. It's a chance for them to have some guy time and just be MEN. I think that is great! My problem here was that Knight #2 was having night terror episodes. Three of them to be exact. My poor little guy cries uncontrollably and also shakes uncontrollably. He kept looking at something I couldn't see and seemed terrified by it. I prayed with him, held him, cuddled him and did all I could to comfort and calm him. I finally ended up leaving the hall light on and his bedroom door open. That seemed to help. He didn't have any more episodes after that.

I'm convinced that the reason he's having these agian is because he has so little medication in his system. Nothing to help him slow those non-stop thoughts of his and help to calm him. His racing thoughts follow him into his dreams. He started the 2 mg dosing today so hopefully we will start to see an improvement not only in what we deal with during the day but also at night. He layed down in his room and slept for quite a while this afternoon. Sure wish I could have done the same!

It is getting easier to ignore my growling stomach. Not that I don't still crave food. I think that is just something that goes with the territory. If it didn't then there would be very little good reason for fasting. It's how I handle that craving that is important. Wow! That's cool! That line of thought just occured to me! That is so encouraging!

Today my lesson was about having the sheild of faith. This was yet another really good lesson. Faith is a gift from God. Faith also comes by hearing. I love what Mike Clevland (Setting Captives Free founder) says, "The important thing to understand is that "faith comes by hearing," not by what we heard. We must ongoingly "hear" the gospel, biblical truths, etc. in order to ongoingly exercise faith. This is the importance of feasting on God’s Word as often as possible, because faith is created in us fresh by hearing (listening to, reading, etc.) God’s Word."

Matthew Henry says, "The beginning, progress, and strength of faith is by hearing. But it is only hearing the word, as the word of God that will strengthen faith."

Ephes. 6:16
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

Allow me to share one of the flaming darts that Satan tried to hit me with last night: The thought jumped into my head, "I want some freedom to eat what I want!" Then I quickly realized what was going on and told myself, "No you don't! That's not real freedom!" These arrows could easily bring me right back to where I was before starting TLT and worse. Praise God for the shield of faith to fight those arrows with!

I'm still at 178 today and I'm ok with that.

Christmas Presents

This year I decided I wanted to make my children some Christmas presents and I'd like to do more next year.  For Christian I wanted to make two shirts for him in a car and dinosaur motif and I was happy when I found the snuggle flannel on sale.  They will be warm but with the short sleeves will keep a little guy who gets very hot, very fast somewhat cool.  I had some help from a friend on the first one and had to find a video on youtube to walk me through the collar.  I had fun making these even if I did stress on the collar at first but now they are all done and I can't wait for him to open them on Christmas morning.