I just made this yesterday and wanted to share!  It was a "hit" with everyone!  I wish I would have made more!  It was my first time ever making a soup with dried peas and in a slow-cooker.  I am finding that even though I haven't a clue how to cook, just trying recipes really does work!  My family thinks I'm a great cook, even though I really don't know how, I just open a cookbook and try new things - try it sometime!  Don't feel intimidated that you never learned how to cook - that's what cookbooks are for!  I have SO many cookbooks, and sadly most sit on the shelf, but let's face it- if we want to eat healthy, we're going to have to learn how to cook healthier meals for our families, not just rely on Costco to do it - besides - you save LOTS of money doing it from scratch, and your family will appreciate the efforts!

SPLIT-PEA WITH BACON CHOWDER

(I got this recip from:  Fast Cooking In A Slow Cooker Every Day Of The Year - A Slow Cooker Vegetarian Cookbook)  (only I cheated and added bacon for flavor and WOW!  It's yummy!)  :-)

(You should really double this recipe, it doesn't make very much, but if you're just wanting to try it, go ahead and use this recipe - I wish I would have doubled it though because everyone loved it!)

3 cups water

1 cup rinsed and drained split peas (dried)

1 cup peeled potatoes (I left the skin on) cut in bite-size pieces

1 cup thinly sliced, chopped or shredded carrots

3/4 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped celery

2 bay leaves (remove at the end)

1 1/4 teaspoon salt  (I also added a pinch of pepper)

3 pieces cooked bacon broken in small pieces

Put all the above in the slow cooker (I used the hottest setting) and stir every once in awhile until the veggies are tender, then add:

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder (I used garlic salt)

Stir it all up, do a taste test and enjoy with some bread or crackers or just by itself!

This is a very healthy recipe!  (lots of fiber and protein as well as other vitamins)

Here is a recipe we have tried and if you double it, you will have leftover pancakes to store in freezer bags for an easy and quick breakfast on another day!  We have some saved for when we move for a few easy breakfasts.  Try them - they are yummy and healthy too!

3 cups whole wheat flour

2 tbsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups skim milk (I used organic soy milk)

1/2 cup egg substitute

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Mix all dry ingredients in seperate bowl.  Combine wet ingredients in large bowl and mix well.  Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well (batter will be slightly lumpy) (To make it easier for pouring, you can add more milk.)

Lighly grease non-stick pan and warm griddle.  Then add a 1/2 cup full or 1 cup full for large pancakes.  When sides are done and bubbles start coming up in the middle, it's time to flip.  YUMMY!! 

(I got this recipe from "Southern Living" and substituted all purpose flour for whole wheat flour.)

It seems there are a lot of people now choosing to homeschool their children, and that's GREAT!  One thing though that I have seen, is that some people give up, or some people don't even try, because they say things like, "Well, it wasn't for me" or "I've tried, but I just can't do it."  etc.  There have been times when I felt like I wasn't adequate enough (still do!) and thought maybe Ashley might be better off at a Christian school, but now I see things differently.  I remember a year and a half ago, when we were thinking of homeschooling, because back then, the only 
Christian school was taking in all the "rejects" (the worst of the worst who weren't even accepted in public schools anymore) and the teachers were morally corrupt, and I just couldn't take it anymore, so we decided to attend a S.C.O.P.E. homeschool conference in Sacramento, CA.  I still remember just about everything.  The day was so full of the Spirit of God dealing with me on several things, that there were times I couldn't keep from crying throughout the day....I just stood in awe of God that day and what He had begun in my husband and I.  Hearing the speakers talk about not just "homeschooling", but instead focusing on training up our children to learn God's Word, and secondly education.  The priority wasn't making college entrance, but in teaching the children how to love God, love learning, and love...life!  Since children are so different, you can't possibly give each child what they truly need in a classroom setting.  And, usually they end up learning more than just "school"....things from "Johnny" down the street, who smokes, cusses, and does other things that we can't mention....  Well, homeschooling that day was no longer an option for me.  It became a conviction.  After learning that the responsibility of teaching and training my own children are mine, not the public or even Christian school teachers, and learning that that is the way God ordered it all along, was learning in a family setting, at home, and that the parents were the teachers (because they still are, even if they do go to school!) and that is the way children were raised for centuries, it made me really think.  Again, we have become victims of our own society, and this generation has missed so many things that our forefathers got to experience. 

I have heard people say that the homeschoolers they knew were "weird" or "not sociable".  Hmm....the ones I met were neither one!  They are very sociable, and not weird at all - they may be more Godly than public school kids, and they may be smarter and more polite, but I've rarely seen homeschooled kids that were "weird". 

If you are worried your kids will turn "weird," well - you will be their teacher, so if you are weird then I guess they will be, but if you aren't, then why do you fear?  I don't know why so many people fear the "socialization" thing - if your children interact with other siblings, you as parents, and church families, etc. then what have we to fear?  We aren't isolating them alone on an island somewhere!  If anything, you can mold and train your children to be more polite, and treat others with respect, instead of learning from other kids in school disrespect and dishonoring adults. 

Just some random thoughts this morning....

Well, tomorrow will be 2 weeks left until we have to move!  Oh the joys of moving!  One thing that's good though, is that it forces you to get organized!  It also forces you to throw out some clutter that you don't need, and get rid of old things that normally, you would have just thrown in a drawer somewhere!  I like that aspect of it.  Well, the hard things though, are having to live in boxes for weeks, (because I hate waiting until the last minute to pack, so I usually pack everything up early!) and not being able to find things, or packing something you need later, or having to buy new things for the house (new expenses).  We are moving into an older house (built in 51) and there are NO window coverings!  I am leaving all these window coverings here, because I thought that's just what you do - but in this case, we're going to have to buy all new window coverings!  There are things that need to be done in the house too, not things I can't live with for awhile, but things like REALLY old windows (that don't even open!) and old flooring in the bathroom, an old (and really ugly) medicine cabinet, a laundry room that is not the way I like it, an electric range that needs replaced, no dishwasher or disposal (yikes!) and just some maintenance that needs to be done as well as updating light fixtures and such.  (Oh, and there is NO mailbox!)  So, these things add up quickly!  We also need to buy rugs for the floors, because they are all hardwood, (and rugs are quite expensive!)  Once I get everything I need, it will be very cute and cozy.  I am also going to turn the back porch into a sunroom eventually and tile the floor, as well as fix up the laundry room, and tile the tub surround and floor of the bathroom, get new windows for the house (they are single paned) and possibly fence the yard. 

Sooo much to do today!  Well, hopefully we won't be moving again too soon so we can actually settle in and enjoy the house longer!  We still haven't even explored NC since we've been here, so hopefully we can do that more now. 

Well, better get back to work! :)

"Use hospitality one to another without grudging."  1 Peter 4:9

"Be kindly affectioned to one another, with brotherly love; in honor, preferring one another;  not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;  Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer;  Distributing to the necessity of the saints, given to hospitality."  Romans 12:10-13

This morning, a random thought went through my head of a past experience.  It was a few years ago, when I was invited over a friend's house after church.  I remember when I walked into this very humble mobile home, things were a bit out of place, the mobile home was almost in shambles, and yet, I felt a warmth there.  We were welcome.  We were loved, and this dear lady wanted us to feel at home.  It wasn't anything pretty, her furniture was old and in poor condition, the kitchen was totally outdated, and yet, I didn't really even notice that too much, at least it didn't bother me.  The thing I noticed the most was her warm welcome, and that even though her home was humble and poor, it felt warm and cozy, and I could have lingered there for a long time, enjoying their company. 

I think we ladies sometimes (especial us perfectionists!) think that everything has to be in it's right place, everything has to be "perfect" before we can invite anyone over.  Well, now that we have been in NC for over 5 months now, I'm a bit starved for fellowship, and I think that just about any person can come into my home and they will be welcome.  I also think sometimes I am only looking to have the Christians that are more like-minded as I, with similar convictions, etc. to invite over.  But what about discipleship?  What if there are some rather "shallow" Christians that just don't know any better because they haven't been taught, or haven't met any mature Christians yet to really take the time with them? 

I think God designed us to be hospitable, to mold and shape each other and build each other up in the faith, to sharpen each other, and really study and ponder the Word together.  I think it also makes us more accountable in our lives, and we open ourselves up to others, for correction and righteous judgment.  If no one saw our flaws, then we would never change.  If no one ever challenged us in a way we think and live that isn't Biblical, then perhaps we could stay in that state for years, without knowing it!  It seems that in today's modern society, we are too busy, or just too out of that way of thinking to even invite anyone over.  I think also, sometimes we just are too tired from the day, and want to come home and relax, in our pj's or something, without worrying about entertaining others.  Sometimes we're just lazy, too. 

Well, after I talk to my husband about this, I think we need to just find someone at church and invite them over.  Who cares if we think our house is too small, or we don't have enough places at the dinner table?  We can adjust, and perhaps eat on T.V trays, or around the coffee table, or even on our own laps!  The point is, we need to reach out to others and find out who our fellow believers really are!  No one can really get to know someone at a church service.  That's not what God intended for the "assembling of ourselves together."  He meant intimate relationships, so we can encourage each other, and folks, we are made for fellowship!  Not just with God, but also with His people.  "How sweet and pleasant it is for the brethren to dwell together in unity."! 

So, I want to challenge you, if you are never invited anywhere, don't get sour, go invite someone over your house!  It doesn't matter what day of the week, just pick a time you both can get together, and do something easy, like a slow-cooker recipe or tacos, or a pasta dish.  Don't make it too fancy - you might get too stressed out to enjoy your company.  And don't worry if they will like your cooking.  Remember - it's not about the food anyway.  Ask ahead of time a few things they might like to eat, or better yet, ask them if there is anything they can't eat, or don't like. (Some people don't eat red meat, for example)

I assure you - that once you do this, you will want to keep doing it.  The experience of true fellowship will always ignite a desire for more.  Don't keep to yourselves as a family - you need the Body of Christ and they need YOU!  :-)

Siblings are wonderful....  I have an eleven year old (Ashley) and a six month old (Mark III) and just now, I peeked over, and saw her reading her history book to him.  He was just as content as ever, listening to her read.  I never really got the benefit of seeing this for so many years, because Ashley was an only child.  She has been a tremendous blessing and help to me for her brother.  If only I had known sooner about what they don't tell you about birth control, I probably would have a few others by now.  After my eyes were opened to the truth, (B.C. causes abortions, as it causes the womb to not allow a fertilized egg to thrive, thus aborting it) it baffled me that we, as Christian mothers have been lied to, misguided, and mistaught about this subject.  Why is it that we have come to this place in church history of accepting the world's system of birth control?  How could we have been so blind as to see children as only "materialistic decisions", like buying a new couch or something.  Or getting a family pet.  We just "decide" we are or aren't going to have one, whenever we feel it is convenient. 

Over this past year, I have come to realize that everything in my life must be based on the Bible, and if it doesn't stand the "Bible test", then I need to throw it out.  Does "Birth Control" stand the Bible test?  Well, let's take a look:

Ask yourself these questions:

1)  Do we see Birth Control mentioned in the Bible?  .....NO

2)  Is our current popular family size (1-2) mentioned in the Bible?  ....NO (In fact, the more children they had, the more blessed they were deemed to be, and it was seen as a CURSE if women were barren)  Hosea 9:14, Deu. 7:14

3)  What does God say about bearing children?  Well, the very first commandment in the Garden of Eden was, "Be fruitful and multiply...." Gen. 1:28, and again He said to Noah after the flood:  "Be fruitful and multiply..."Gen. 9:1 

Also, other references as to God viewing it as blessing us with fertility:  Gen. 17:6,20  Gen. 28:3, Gen. 35:11, Gen. 41:52, Lev. 26:9, Psalm 107:34 (curse referred to unfruitfulness of the womb), Psalm 128:3, Psalm 127:3 Hosea 9:16 (speaks of a curse by cutting off the fruit of the womb) Deu. 7:13 (speaks of the covenant blessings, one of them being the blessing of the womb and multiplying the fruit of the womb)

So I will pose another question to ponder:  Are we willingly taking on a curse by cutting off our own offspring?  Hmmm.....think about that for a minute.  Who is God the creator of?  LIFE!  But yet, we prefer to cut off that life because of our own selfish endeavors, or carnal fears, or our uncomfort or our own preference?   Do we think God is pleased with US being the lord over our wombs, or is Satan pleased?  Well, the answer is obvious.  God wills for the righteous to produce Godly offspring, the devil prefers the other way around - no offspring.  Why?  Because God's people can thwart his wicked plans, and produce more Christians by way of evangelism or even just by raising up more Godly offspring in Christian homes! 

You see, birth control was started only in the last 100 years, by an athiest, who wanted to control the races, eliminating the "inferior" races, but we have adopted it into our modern culture as a way of "convenience".  Are we trying to play God?  Can we tell God, "No, Lord, we don't want to raise up more children for you, or allow you to bless us with more children, because it's too expensive, or because it will mess up my plans I have for myself and my future."  Whatever the reason, you need to examine your motives right now before God, and ask Him to search your heart.  I've even heard people say, "The Lord told me we were going to have 3 or 4, so we're stopping there."  Oh really now?  Well, if God is who opens and closes the womb (Gen. 30:2) , and if He really told you that, then you shouldn't have to depend upon birth control to live out God's will, right?  You can trust Him to fulfill His word!  He won't give you any more, right?  Who are we really trusting in, God, or the flesh? 

Precious ladies, (if you even made it this far) the real question is this:  Who is lord over our wombs?  Is it us, or is it the LORD?  Who has control?  Us or God?

Who are we really submitted to?  Our wills, or the LORD's will? 

Think about it....

I just have to say how much I enjoy No Greater Joy's ministry.  Their ministry has changed my life!  After reading "Created to Be His Helpmeet" that really put the "smack" down on my role as a wife (ouch!) and wow, did I learn some things about myself!  Also, I love reading their articles about child-rearing.  I have learned so much, and it has really helped me to see things differently, and to love and enjoy my children more.  I also love Rebecca Joy Anast's Bulk Herb Store and also the Well Tell Me website/blog.  I want everyone to know about these websites!!  Well Tell Me is an awesome resource for all sorts of health issues, as well as all sorts of other issues and is a Christian website.  Just wanted to share!!