Forty Days of Lent - Day #21

So today I learned something new about different traditions during lent.  I was told that today is the 18th day of lent and not the 21st.... I learned that Sundays are not included in the 40 days the lead up to Easter.  Each Sunday then in Lent is a celebration of Easter.... so interesting - I never knew that.  So my apologies for those that may be reading and have noticed that my lent count does not match yours.  My focus is to do 40 days in a row of scripture, because of Jesus forty days of sacrifice in the desert.  So you will find that when Easter week (Holy Week) comes around I will still be counting and if I counted correctly we will be up to 47 days when we reach Easter Sunday.  I hope my count doesn't mess you up and you will all show me grace as you now understand the method of my scripture madness (kinda like March Madness, but no one loses in this one).

Our scripture for today comes from ....

Luke 10:38-42 

At the Home of Martha and Mary

 ³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”   ⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”


This passage is so convicting to me - I am a Martha!  I am reminded of that daily as I so often value tasks over people.  My husband - is so much more a Mary - he always values people over tasks and though it often frustrates me - I know he is choosing what is better.  I am afraid that if Jesus were to come to my house I would be so busy making sure he was fed, and was comfortable that I would miss sitting at his feet.  I need to focus on that this week.  Who are you more like?  I would love to hear you thoughts on this one.

Forty Days of Lent - Day #20

It is hard to believe we are already half way through Lent - So happy hump day everyone.  This weekend we were blessed to have Sue Thomas - former secret weapon of the FBI come to our church and share, Joel and I even had the priviledge of taking her and her assistant to Cruisers for lunch - she loved our fries and bison burgers!  Anyway - she shared how God spoke to her through Hosea 14 - so I thought today I would share that with you.

Hosea 14

Repentance to Bring Blessing

 ^1 [a]Return, Israel, to the LORD your God. 
   Your sins have been your downfall! 
² Take words with you 
   and return to the LORD. 
Say to him: 
   “Forgive all our sins 
and receive us graciously, 
   that we may offer the fruit of our lips.^[b] 
3 Assyria cannot save us; 
   we will not mount warhorses. 
We will never again say ‘Our gods’ 
   to what our own hands have made, 
   for in you the fatherless find compassion.”

 ⁴ “I will heal their waywardness
   and love them freely,
   for my anger has turned away from them.
⁵ I will be like the dew to Israel;
   he will blossom like a lily.
Like a cedar of Lebanon
   he will send down his roots;
 ⁶ his young shoots will grow.
His splendor will be like an olive tree,
   his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.
⁷ People will dwell again in his shade;
   they will flourish like the grain,
they will blossom like the vine—
   Israel’s fame will be like the wine of Lebanon.
⁸ Ephraim, what more have I^[c] to do with idols?
   I will answer him and care for him.
I am like a flourishing juniper;
   your fruitfulness comes from me.”

 ⁹ Who is wise? Let them realize these things.
   Who is discerning? Let them understand.
The ways of the LORD are right;
   the righteous walk in them,
   but the rebellious stumble in them.

The subtitle is Repentance to Bring blessing - how true is that - I love this passage because you see God's goodness and blessing for his people because they have turned away from their sin and turned to God.  How would our lives look different today if we took the time to take to God our unconfessed sin?  I want to live a blessed life, but in order to do that I know I must wade through my mess of mistakes and sin and take them to the cross!

Forty Days of Lent - Day #19

This is the Day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!  Is that how we started the day today?  I must say when the alarm was going off I was just thinking how my head hurt - how long my day would be, and what I needed to get done before heading to church, which didn't go as planned since the keys to my car were already at the church in Joel's pocket....thankfully for my friend Bonnie - she came and took me to church.

The scripture for today is

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.


This is my prayer for all of us this week as we soon close up our weekend and head into the craziness of the week ahead.  I pray that we will find our strength in God and that at the mention or thought of His name - our heart would leap for joy! And our face will shine the joy of Jesus!  

Forty Days of Lent - Day #18

It is a Psalm Saturday!!!  To me one of the best places to turn for encouragement is the book of Psalms - there seems to be at least one for every feeling or emotion.

Today is one of my favorites.....

Psalm 46

 ¹ God is our refuge and strength,
   an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
   and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
   and the mountains quake with their surging.

 ⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
   the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
   God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
   he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

 ⁷ The LORD Almighty is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.

 ⁸ Come and see what the LORD has done,
   the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease
   to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
   he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.”

 ¹¹ The LORD Almighty is with us;
   the God of Jacob is our fortress.

The words speak for itself - take some time to be still today!

Forty Days of Lent - Day #17

Happy Friday everyone!  I hope and pray that this scripture this morning will encourage you in your journey with the Lord.

Jeremiah 29:11


"For I know the plans you have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

This verse brings back a great memory of my time in Africa.  While in Kenya for a month we worked with a group of street boys that were taken off the streets and given a home in the bush called the Taraja Home.  These boys had seen and experienced more in their short live than I could ever have imagined.  They had very little material possessions, many only had one shoe - but for them it was great because they could kick better in "football" aka soccer.  Upon meeting these boys they would introduce themselves and say my name is Steven Embogo and I love Jesus!  These boys lived out faith in a way that I had never experienced.

This verse that I am using today is a verse that many of the boys had memorized and during their chapel times they would stand together and recite it - believing and trusting that God trully did have an amazing plan for their lives.  They had nothing but in Christ they had everything - we have everything but in the midst of that I think we forget Christ.... where are your priorities today?

Forty Days of Lent - Day #16

Good morning friends!  This is the scripture verse for yesterday, it is just appearing today.  As I was opening up my Bible this morning this verse popped out to me.  Hope you find a challenge and encouragement from it today.

Psalm 86:17


"Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me"

Do you believe that God is good?  Do you believe that God still shows Himself to us and to others?  How often to we pray for God to show himself not just to us but to others, maybe others that critise us and God.  We need to pray that God would show his goodness to the world around us.  I struggle doing this at times because I feel there can be a fine line between asking God to show himself and testing God.  Ask God to show himself to someone today - but then don't be amazed when He does it - I end with this quote by Louie Giglio - "We, so often, expect the usual, while claiming our God is supernatural!"

Forty Days of Lent - Day #15

Rain and Snow - it is March in Central PA - I did hear someone say today that in like a lion out like a lamb and lambs are white and fluffy just like snow.... anyway on to our scripture of the day.

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.


This was our theme verse one year for our tennis team at Messiah College.  We liked the idea of serving having ties to our sport :)  Anyway - this verse is a great verse to memorize.  If we are going to speak - we need to speak truth!  If we are going to serve - we must serve as Jesus did - without selfish motives.  Our lives are to point to Christ, so he gets the glory and not us.  That was our goal when we stepped onto the court in college - we wanted people to know that we were going to be honest, do our best, and reflect God in all that we did so when others played us they would see that we were different.  Do people see that you are different when you step onto the court, into the playing field, when you walk through the door.  Today is a day to get that in check!

Forty Days of Lent - Day #14

It is Tuesday and the sun is shining through the windows, but I am stuck in bed with Strep Throat - yuck - despite being sick it has been a good productive day of writing!  Now for our scripture for today....

Colossians 1:15-20

 ¹⁵ The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.¹⁸ And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

God became flesh!  He wrapped himself in flesh and came to dwell among us.  Have you taken time to think about how big of a deal that is....Jesus is God!  Jesus walked on this earth, he was tempted, he experienced emotions...he was God!  As I read this scripture I am blown away by the "Rare" Jesus (as Doug Fields calls him)  This man was fully God but fully human!  Only God could do that.  This same Jesus mentioned in this scripture is the Jesus that loves you, that died so that you could have life, and have it abundantly!  Do you know that Jesus?  Are you living your life for that Jesus?  If not, why not start today!!

Forty Days of Lent - Day #13

Happy Monday - This is the day that the Lord has made - we will rejoice in be glad in it - is that your prayer to God this morning - despite the rain and despite feeling sick?  Our scripture this morning comes from Phillipians.

Philippians 4:4-9 

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

This passage is so full of direction for us as followers of Christ - simple yet profound instructions.  Rejoice in God despite your circumstances.... be gentle to all (that is a tough one for me).  Don't be anxious (is it possible to be a woman and not struggle with that), but instead PRAY!  Simple - yet so hard to do at times.  Paul then goes on and gives us a list of what is good and what we should be thinking about - let's think about those things today and put them into practice!

Forty Days of Lent - Day #12

Once again playing catch-up - Sundays are busy days at the church and by the time I got home I just crashed.  Needless to say I didn't get to post yesterday like I had hoped.


Our scripture for the day is from Ecc. 4:8-12

⁸ There was a man all alone;
   he had neither son nor brother.
There was no end to his toil,
   yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.
“For whom am I toiling,” he asked,
   “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?”
This too is meaningless—
   a miserable business!

 ⁹ Two are better than one,
   because they have a good return for their labor: ¹⁰ If either of them falls down,
   one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
   and has no one to help them up. ¹¹ Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
   But how can one keep warm alone? ¹² Though one may be overpowered,
   two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

This was the passage of scripture that we used at our wedding.  I love this scripture because it shows the importance of relationships.  The cord of three strands mentioned at the end of the image of Christ woven into your relationship.  Relationships are hard - but when Christ is your focus as a couple you have a foundation that can not be shaken!

Forty Days of Lent - Day #11

I was up early this morning - and I will be honest - I wasn't too happy about it - I had a bad attitude and I felt crappy, and I had to go to the church to lead worship - let's just say I didn't have the right mindset and my heart was not in the right place.  As I was sitting there I asked God to give me a soft heart and prepare me to lead.  Then a pastor got up and shared this classic verse.

Psalm 118:24 - "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it"


I was immediately convicted!  I didn't start my day off giving it to God, and you could tell!  How often do we wake up and grumble about the days activities that lie ahead of us - instead we need to start the day reciting this verse and giving the day to God, because after all - it is his day!

My challenge to you today is for the next week - say this verse first thing when you get up in the morning - see how it changes your attitude towards that day ahead!

Forty Days of Lent - Day #10

Happy Friday everyone!  Today our scripture comes from I Thessalonians 2:8


"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well"

This was our theme verse when I was a Young Life leader.  One of the things that I have found to be true in life is that people are more willing to listen to you and the Gospel when you have shared life with them.  The idea of earning the right to be heard.  We can't just go around preaching at people without investing in them.  Taking care of their physical and emotional needs as well as the spiritual needs.  Jesus did that in every encounter that he has with people.  He loved people and cared about their needs and asks us to do the same.

Forty Days of Lent - Day #9

Totally forgot to do my post yesterday!  My goal for the rest of lent is to be daily with my posts!  Hope you are encouraged by God's word.

Today's scripture is a from II Corinthians and is one of my life verses.  II Cor. 12:9,10


"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why for Christ's sake I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.  

There is something so attractive about God's grace!  It is undeserved loved!  We can't earn it, it is given to us as a gift.  Some of us chose to accept that gift and live our lives forgiven, however so many deny the gift and live a life that is seeking something other than God.... have you accepted the gift of God's grace

Forty Days of Lent - Day #8

Today the scripture chosen focuses on prayer... it is a section of scripture that Paul is encouraging the people of Colosse on how to pray and also to pray for him.

Colossians 4:2-6 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.  Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."


There are so many great biblical truths and encouragement in this passage of scripture, however I want to focus just on one in particular.  Paul is preaching the word and he has asked the people of this church to be praying for him because it is hard.  I think this scripture is a good reminder that we need to be praying for our pastors.  That they would "proclaim it clearly".  It is a hard job being a pastor - I have worked for a church and I am now married to one.  Criticism runs rampant in the church, but the sad truth is that pray doesn't.  We would much rather criticize that pray, or step up to help.  Today I want to encourage you to do some searching of your heart...are you praying for your pastor?  or are you criticizing and complaining?

Forty Days of Lent - Day #7

Happy Tuesday friends!  Our verses for today are from a very familiar passage.

Matt. 5: 13 - 16  "You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.  You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put in on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."


Though this is a familiar passage - too often we read and we never change anything about out lives.  This whole idea of salt was very different in bible times than it is today.  We salt our food to give it flavor, so it does have a purpose, but it is not a necessity.  In bible times - without salt they would starve.  Salt was used to preserve the food.  And it is our job as Christians to help preserve those around us!  Jesus you ARE the salt of the earth - it is not optionally - you don't get to chose if you want to be it or not - you are to do it!  Are you being obedient to God's call to be salt?

Forty Days of Lent - Day #6

It is Monday - a new day and a new week!  For me I can't think of a better way to start the week than with a Psalm to get our hearts focused on the Joy of the Lord.  I hope this scripture encourages you this morning.....

Psalm 96

 ¹ Sing to the LORD a new song; 
   sing to the LORD, all the earth. 
² Sing to the LORD, praise his name; 
   proclaim his salvation day after day. 
³ Declare his glory among the nations, 
   his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

 ⁴ For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
   he is to be feared above all gods.
⁵ For all the gods of the nations are idols,
   but the LORD made the heavens.
⁶ Splendor and majesty are before him;
   strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

 ⁷ Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations,
   ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
⁸ Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name;
   bring an offering and come into his courts.
⁹ Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness;
   tremble before him, all the earth.
¹⁰ Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns.”
   The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
   he will judge the peoples with equity.

 ¹¹ Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
   let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
¹² Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
   let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
¹³ Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes,
   he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
   and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Forty Days of Lent - Day #5

Oops I forgot to post this yesterday... with all the craziness in my life - sorry!  Anyway here is yesterday's verse - just think of today as a two for one scripture deal.

Isaiah 6:1-3

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.  He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,  to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion -  to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

This my friends is our call as Christians!!!  This is how we are to serve others and share Christ - with our actions - we can't just talk about Jesus - we need to be Jesus!

Forty Days of Lent - Day #4

Today's scripture is one of the first verses that I memorized... it is a classic (if you can call a scripture that) Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him and He will make your paths straight"

Such a great verse.... with a simple straight forward message - yet in all honesty - it can be one of the hardest verses to follow and live out.  As selfish controlling people it is really hard for us to trust - we say we trust, but when push comes to shove we rarely fully trust God - we trust ourselves.  Today - transfer your trust to the rightful owner.  Relinquish control - and let him give your life direction.

Forty Days of Lent - Day #3

Our verse for today is Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

This is the verse that I will be using this weekend as we head to Wesley Forest for the first ever Taraja Ministries Crafting retreat.  I am so excited about what God has in store for this weekend get away.  Since we will be crafting I thought that this verse was a great reminder that we are also crafted!  By the creator of the Universe.  How awesome is it to think that the One who created the heavens also created you.

Today I want to encourage you to stand in awe of the One who created you!  And he created you to do good works!!!

I will be showing this video while we are there - it is a bit long - but worth every minute!

Forty Days of Lent - Day #2

Our verse for today comes from Psalm 25:4-5 "Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."


I love the Psalms because they are just honest, heartfelt cries out to God, mostly from David but some others as well.


This verse is a longing to know God's path for your life.  Have you thought about that - do you long to know where he wants you?  It can be a scary thing to long for and pray for - because I think as Christians we have a fear that he might send us somewhere uncomfortable.  I know that from experience - it is hard to trust God and leave a place that is safe and familiar for a new place - but God is so faithful we need to trust him in that.


It also talks about being guided in truth - the truth is in God's word - if we aren't in his word how can we know truth and how can we know his will.  When was the last time you studied God's word?  I am guilty of not doing that enough!  


So today I challenge you to get into the Word of God - long for truth and knowledge!

Forty Days of Lent - Day #1

After a month hiatus I have returned to the blogging world, just in time for my Lenten Series. The last month has been a bit crazy here, but it is nice to return.

Lent is the time of year when you hear about a lot of people giving up things for 40 days. This is a tradition for many churches - however there are many churches that do not formally celebrate lent. Lent is the 40 days leading up to Easter, it represents the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the desert. People are then encouraged to fast from something to draw them closer to God.

Though our church does not formally celebrate Lent - I have over the years given up something or tried to add something to my daily schedule that would draw me closer to Jesus. I have given up some crazy things - one year I gave up going to Walmart, another year I gave up dating. On the other side of adding a spiritual discipline - one year I did a prayer journal each day of lent, read a chapter of the bible each day.

This year I am going to do a scripture meditation. Each day during Lent I will have a different scripture posted and a few thoughts about that scripture and maybe a question or two to think about. I hope and pray that you will join me as we venture through scripture this lenten season.....not just going through the motions but allowing God to draw us closer to Jesus each day.

Our scripture for today is....Galations 5:13 - "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedoms to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."

That has been our theme verse at church over the past two months - this idea of service is to be a part of who we are and how we live our lives. People will not always listen to what you have to say as a Christian - however, there is a guarantee that they will be watching what you do! Joel and I have experience the receiving part of service so much over the past two months much of which has been spent on bedrest. We are so thankful for people reaching out to us and loving on us - it is humbling!

As you reflect on this scripture today, ask yourself - when was the last time I served someone? Would you consider doing something for someone today?

Joy in Simplicity - #29

Simply Love - how do we live out the trait that Jesus said is the greatest of these: Love.... in a world that doesn't value loving others above yourself, how do we go against the flow and show love to others.

Several years ago I read a book that was life changing for me. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman... it helped me to see giving and recieving love in a whole new way. I learned that not everyone needs words of affirmation like I do (that is my love language). Each person has a primary and a secondary love language. Loving a person in their love language helps us to fill their love tank.

I use this book and concept with all the couples that I do marriage counseling for. It can be revolutionary for a marriage. In fact I have not only used it in pre-marriage counseling but with couples who are having problems and it has changed their marriage.

But it is not just a romantic love, it works for everyone - children have love languages....ask anyone who has several children - they will tell you how different they are. One may be very much a cuddler, the next may need to know you think they are doing a great job. When we fill others love tanks they are better able to in turn love others.

The love languages include Words of Affirmation, Gift Giving, Quality Time, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. Which is your love language? Which one is your spouse, your kids? Take a little time and find a love language test online to help you figure it out, or better yet - read the book - it is awesome!

This changed how I taught my students, and how I did ministry, and it makes a huge difference in my marriage to understand Joel's love language is not mine, it takes a little more effort but the more we feel loved the more connected we are as a couple.

Joy in Simplicity - #28

When I was in college I spent a lot of time studying and talking about exercise and physical fitness. Since I was a health and PE major that makes total sense. However one of my favorite things to talk about in the midst of all the Kinesology and Physiology was PLAY! The basic premise of the importance of playing.

Playing is a simple yet essential part of our life as humans. We need play to help us develop motor skills, to help us develop relationships. Play is not sports, play is not competition - though both of those things can be a part of play - they do not define play.

Today I want to encourage you to allow play to be part of you life. Play is not something that is limited to children, it is something that as adults that are so filled with deadlines and responsibilites - we need play all the more!

Tomorrow we are expected to get a big snow storm....my solution for the snow - PLAY - go outside and build a snowman - have a snow ball fight with your family - make snow angels. But take time to play! It is essential for our health and our well being!

Joy in Simplicity - #27

Today I want to talk about a must have. Which is kinda funny when so much of this blog series is about simplifying your life and getting rid of things. Today I want to encourage you to have something.... an "Encouragement Box."

What is it? For me it is an old cardboard box that I wrote on with a marker that says Encouragement Box - kinda crazy if you knew how much I love baskets and containers. But it is what it is. For other people it may be a pretty decorated basket with a lid, or a modgepodged box. It is filled with letters, cards, and special notes of encouragement.

Why is it a must have???? Because we all have bad days. We all have those moments in life when we feel like we just aren't making a difference in anyone's life. It is those days that I pull out my box and just pick out a couple letters from people I love that have poured out their love for me through a letter or card.

I cherish that box! Well, I actually cherish the words in the box. Those words help me get through those days!

If you are more of a computer person, you may want to have a special folder on your computer for those special emails of encouragement. Two of my youth ministry friends have two very different names for those files. The one girl calls it her "Smile File" and the guy calls it his "I Suck" File - so opposite but yet for each of them it works - he calls it that because when he is feeling like he sucks he reads that and feel better about himself.

So what are you waiting for - start a box today!

Joy in Simplicity - #26

Have you looked in your medicine cabinet or bathroom closet lately.... I have (just in passing) and oh the stuff that I never use! I have facial scrubs, and lotions, and samples, and dried up nail polish, you name it I probably have it. I can't tell you when was the last time I purged those products.

I don't know why I always feel the need to save things just because someone gave it to me. I have lotions - from when I was a teacher at Clearfield - I hardly ever even use lotion except maybe during the winter time. I have great intentions it just never happens, they just sit there.

I will feel guilty no longer! If it is over five years old - I need to get rid of it! If I haven't used it I probably won't. Next time I get a smell that I am not fond of - instead of letting it sit on my shelf I just need to give it to someone who will enjoy it.

With my job I do a lot of traveling, so hotel samples have become something that I have collected. I figure I am paying for them I might as well use them. But I have established some rules.

Here are a couple ideas for your samples:

1. Put them all in one bottle, so you don't have 100 little bottles laying around.

2. Donate them to a local shelter - they are always in need of beauty supplies.

3. Soaps - I always collect my soaps and use them for my OCC shoeboxes! I take my own soap with me so I can collect all my samples while I am there then I just put them in my OCC tub.

4. As far as the other stuff in the closet - if I am not using it - I need to get rid of it!

5. While you are at it - check the expiration dates on your meds - if they are outdated - pitch them too!

Hope this will help you de-clutter your space! As soon as I am allow out of bed - I am all over this task!

Joy in Simplicity - #25

Today I thought I would do a nutritional simplicity blog..... as most people know by now. I am expecting! We are so excited! However due to a few minor complications I am on bed rest. But it will be so worth it. Tomorrow will be 8 weeks! I am hoping to start up my MS, baby, and me blog again soon. Maybe today - stay tuned for that.

Anyway - one of the things that tell you to do when you are pregnant is to drink lots of fluids - in fact - they want you to drink 64 oz. at day! Wow that is a lot! I must admit that for the first couple weeks I totally failed at that one. But I have turned over a new leaf and it makes a difference for sure.

I think in general we just don't drink enough water every day. I am going to be honest I would much rather a raspberry Ice Tea any day than water, but I have gone almost a whole month with not one Rasp. Ice Tea (because of the caffeine) I think I may have been a bit addicted - I love the stuff. But water is better.

How are your water drinking habits? A regular person (meaning non a pregnant person) needs to also drink 64 oz. of fluids a day...gosh where have I been - I have rarely ever done that, but to be honest I think it is making a difference and I am losing weight - just a few pounds which is healthy don't worry.

Consider the water challenge - try to see if you can for one week drink 64 oz. of water a day. I am guessing you will feel better, and save money all at once. Simple yes - life changing you better believe it!

Joy in Simplicity - #24

One of the things that I was never really good at was reading. I always did so poorly on those reading comprehension tests. In college I read my first Novel....I had to ask for an extension, which went against every part of my being, but since then I have grown to appreciate books. I don't spend a lot of time reading books for fun, I read for information, and to gain knowledge on different topics. Since I have begun to do retreats, my reading has definately increased and for that I am grateful.

So today I want to encourage you to find a good book and take some time over the next couple weeks to read it. Reading helps us practice the art of being still. In a world that is always rushing around like a chicken with your head cut off.

A couple simple tips...find a good reading spot, a chair in the corner, near the fireplace snuggled up on the couch. Pick a book you already have on your shelf that you just never got to read yet. Because let's be honest we all have a stack of those books. If there is a book you are dying to read - ask a friend if they have it before borrowing it. If you are an electronic book reader - they now have programs where you can trade books with friends for free.

What book will you read next?

Joy in Simplicity - #23

Working on catching up with my blog series. I am committed to finishing this series! And hope that I can do some catching up today!

Today I want to challenge you to live your life with a signature of significance! But before I go on I want to give credit where credit is due. I didn't come up with that title or this idea, it is straight from the mouth of Louie Giglio, but more importantly straight from the heart of God.

On Sunday when I was skipping church once again (bedrest) I decided to check out a sermon by Louie and found this one. It was so awesome - I even took notes as I was laying in bed. It's main theme from scripture was the passage in Col. 3 that says - whatever you do, do all in the name of the Lord! (that is a bit of a paraphrase)

The premise of the whole talk was that whatever you do - you should be excellent at it, whether you are a plumber, a dancer, a pastor, a housekeeper, a housewife.... be awesome at it! Because at the end of the day our lives are to point to Jesus Christ. And to quote Louie "excellence always builds a platform for us to share Jesus Christ with the whole world"

Your platform may be cameras and a microphone, it may be a conversation with a client asking you why you choose to integrity over dishonesty, in a world that rarely values the first.

So my challenge to you is to simply be excellent at what God has called you to be! Remember excellence is not an act, it is a habit! Live it!!! Find Joy in it!!

Joy in Simplicity - #22

This blog will focus on the importance of dates! Even for you married folks! And if you aren't married friend dates are important too!

I was finally working on my Wedding Shower scrapbook and one of the cool things that my friends did for me was to have everyone fill out a card with words of encouragement and marriage advise. There was some great wisdom on those cards! But one of my favorites from my friend Shoots was to continue to go on dates!

The danger in marriage is that we become too comfortable going through life co-existing. We forget the romance and the fun of when we were dating, because now we see the person everyday and we know almost everything about them (though it often doesn't make sense) and we become complacent in our relationship.

I can't for a second imagine that that is how God created relationships to be. Our marriage is to be a picture of Christ and the church. Though it is awfully weird thinking of Jesus taking the church on a date; Jesus invested in the church and gave up his life for us! That is beyond a date.

All this to say, that if we are to have a thriving marriage, we need to have dates. Dates don't even have to cost money! Some of my favorite dates with Joel were ones that we just spent time together.

Here are some ideas of some of my favorite date nights/days

1. Christmas light tours - I can think of a better way to spend time together than at Christmas time enjoying the lights - sorry you will have to wait until next year to try this one.

2. Games Night - lay in bed together and play games....okay before you get the wrong idea - I have been on bedrest for the last couple weeks, so Joel grabbed a desk of cards and we just layed in bed and played cards together.

3. Picnik - inside or outside - Last year for my birthday - Joel and I grabbed some subs and headed up the top of the mountain at the Alter and had a picnik - it was so fun and cost us little.

4. Other's Choice - Growing up I never was really into theater - I mean really I grew up in Galeton we didn't even have a movie theater at the time. So it was never something I got into, but my husband on the other hand - he loves the theater - so one night while on vacation I called up a dinner theater and made reservations for us. He loved it - they even called him up on stage. I had a great time because I knew he loved it.

5. Matthew Beish Questions - a date night can be as simple as sitting on the couch together spending time without the TV on. You might be wondering what this one is all about - well I had a dear friend from Clearfield named Matthew Beish and he asked the best questions! They were deep and thought out and there was no way you could just answer them with a yes or no. So take some time with your spouse and ask some deep questions that require thinking and talking - it will be well worth your time.

I hope that you are able to take some time in the next couple weeks to have a date night - if you aren't having at least one monthly you need to make that a priority - and if you have children - make sure they see the importance of a date night for you even as married people. Your kids are watching - be a great example setter!

Joy in Simplicity - #21

Well as you can see I am a little behind - but hopefully I will catch up today. It was one of those weekends. But you know - I talked about the importance of rest - so I took myself up on that. Anyway - this was to be Friday's blog so here goes.....

Family Night - when was that last time you had a family night - that means - not leaving the house to taxi your kids to a game, or to a social event. It is not everyone being home but in their own rooms doing their own thing. It is quality time together. You don't even have to leave the house (which saves on money too!)

I have always admired the Stewart family - friends of mine from Clearfield. They would have Stewart Family fun night and they would all stay home and play games and laugh together.... there was always a part of me that wished I was in the Stewart family because it sounded so fun. In fact they still have Family Fun night even though there children are grown! I love the concept and I want that for my family.

When I was in Youth Ministry I would cancel Youth Group once every semester for the soul purpose of Family Night - I encouraged the families to do something together, to build memories.... I am not sure if any of the families actually did that but I sure hope they did. It is of utmost importance!

Here are some fun ideas!

1. Fondue Night - A great tradition of the Dittmar Family - loved that they did that together.

2. Game Night - pick some games that will get you talking and laughing together!

3. Outdoor Adventure - find a place outdoors (this is a summer activity) to go as a family, create memories together.

4. Dinner and a movie - Have each member of the family pick their favorite food and have all of them that night - even if they don't go together.

What are some things you have done as a family - would love to hear you share your ideas!

Joy in Simplicity - #20

Today I want to share with you a simple, yet one of the most life changing verses in the bible. Now some of you may read this verse and disagree with my statement about life changing, however I will explain myself and hopefully you will understand. This is a verse to memorize - put it on your dashboard of your car, put it on your mirror in dry erase marker, and save it in your heart, you will never know how handy it will come in.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer" Rom. 12:12

How simple these words but how profound of an impact they have had in my life. Three simple commands on how to respond to situations in life. First "be joyful in hope" - when Christ is in our life we have the greatest hope, we have something amazing to look forward to. Hope is trusting that something better is to come - even when we can't see that in our immediate future.

"patient in affliction" - there is no way we can escape hard times - they will happen to use, but this verse calms me down, it helps me put things into perspective. I am not alone in my affliction - Christ walks with me through it all.

Finally - we are to be "faithful in prayer" that part has always been my kick in the butt. I am always faithful to complain, faithful to be upset, faithful to do everything but pray - so I am thankful for this simple reminder that whatever the situation - I need to bath it in prayer!

It is my prayer that today you will find joy in the simple yet profound words from Romans 12:12.

Joy in Simplicity - #19

As I promised today's blog will focus on some simple tips to help make your pet happy and well trained. Most of these tips come from our (Tucker and Mine) experience with Fred the Dog trainer. We have taken several classes from him, and as a whole I would say that Tucker is a very well behaved dog for the most part - he has a few things that we still need to work on, but it is mostly our fault for not keeping at him with with training.

I believe that the more well trained your dog is, the more your life will be filled with joy and peace, because seriously - who likes to constantly be yelling at their dog for doing something wrong.....not me.

Here are some tips!

1. You are the owner! Always be sure that you are calling the shots. You should always be leading, keep your dog to the inside when you are walking.

2. Tell them once! This was the hardest part for me - if you want him to sit - you tell him once, and if he doesn't do it - you do it for him. If you tell him to come - he should come - if not you give a nice swift pull to the leash, practice this over and over again.

3. Dogs are smart - they can learn over 200 commands - but keep them simple. Off means get off the furniture, or off the person - down means lay down on the ground - be sure you are clear and don't mix these two commands. The word NO is vague and meaningless to dogs - it must be specific - I only use no along with a command - NO Bite! Then I grab his mouth and hold it until he settles (that was a puppy thing).

4. Crate Train them - I always felt badly leaving Tucker in his crate because he couldn't run around the house when I was gone, so I thought I will let him try to be out on his own at 6 months - big mistake if you have a Lab - he ate two couches and two pairs of glasses - not all at the same time, but at different times. He is great now and hasn't used his crate since he was one, but it took some training and hard work. Some dogs actually love their crates - it is their home.

5. Training tools - be sure to have a prong collar (it doesn't hurt them, but it will make walking a joy), a can of cheese wiz (a little squirt will be a great training tool when they do something correctly, then as they master things just give them a "good boy".

6. If your dog seems to be a little aggressive with his food put your hand in the bowl as he is eating it - it will help him be broken of that habit. If he spazzes out when you are working on commands with him you can lay on him (if he is big like Tucker) or hold them down until they relax and submit - you will feel it in their posture.

7. Spray Bottle with water and a little dish soap - don't worry - it will not hurt them - but this will be your best friend - if they jump on someone or something they are supposed to - spray them in the face. If they are barking or whining - spray them in the face. If they are chewing on something they aren't supposed to - spray them! You get the point - we don't even have to spray Tucker anymore we just get the bottle out and he stops.

8. Dog Food - so many people feed their dogs people food - our trainer says no way - first it then encourages them to beg for food when people are eating. It is also not good for their systems. The only people food that our trainer allows is carrots, peanut butter, and an occasional ice cream treat! (Good thing we own a ice cream diner) Also Fred says - Rawhide is not good - not sure why but that's what he said, so we stay away from them. I guess I could google it, I just figured he knew what he was talking about!

Hopefully these tips will help you simplify the stress of owning a dog! I am so thankful now that we did all the hard work to train Tucker. Good luck with your dogs!

Joy in Simplicity - #18

Today I want to talk about the joy of pets! Some of you out there are not pet lovers and that is okay but there are others that would say their pet is part of their family, and others that land somewhere in the middle.

For me pets are part of the family....when I got sick a few years ago I was single and my pets were my companions, Tucker was there when I went through my first steroid treatment, he was only 13 pounds at the time, so he easily snuggled up with me on the couch. He is now 90 pounds and still snuggles up with me when I am not feeling well, or just when I need a good foot warmer.

My kitty Boo was the same way - she was a cuddler, the last couple months have been a hard since she was 17 years old and failing in health. She passed away last week after a long life! I miss her, because she was also a cuddler. She would lay by my side with Tucker at my feet.

I think God gives us pets to bring us comfort, because no matter what happens, they are faithful, they are constant, you can correct them one minute and the next they are right back by your side ready to love you again.

Pets have theraputic value as well, if they didn't hospitals and nursing homes would not allow them to come through their doors. Have you ever thought about training your pet to be a therapy pet? Tucker is trained - he just has to take his test!

Today I encourage you to be thankful for your pets! I know for me - my pets bring me great joy! (Lots of hard work too - but well worth it) Join me tomorrow for some tips to help you have a well behaved pet, tips directly from Tucker's Obedience classes!

Joy in Simplicity - #17

Today I will conclude the three day series within a series of the 30 healthiest foods. I would love to hear your thoughts, ideas for recipes with these items, and your feedback. Without further waiting - here are the final 10 items on the top 30.

Avocados -Funny story about these - a few years ago when I was down at Liberty taking a class someone was sharing pieces of their avocado - first of all I didn't know what it was then I mentioned I had never tried - they were appalled (we don't have avocados in Potter County - give me a break) Anyway they are high in fiber and lower your cholesterol. Cut one in half and drizzle with soy sauce, lime juice, and sesame seeds for a great side dish

Black Beans - magnesium and helps protect your nerves and muscles (sounds like they would be a good fit for MS patients - too bad I can't eat beans) Toss with olive oil, cumin and salt and spread out on a sheet - bake 450 for ten minutes - makes a great snack!

Sweet Potatoes - the dark the color the better - filled with beta carotene. Steam cut up sweet potatoes with cut up apples for a great side dish.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - you had to know that this one was coming especially since most of their recipe ideas include it. Sometimes my hubby will just eat spoons full of this because it is so good for you. It reduces your risk of heart disease. Idea - slowly heat the oil, mix in some herbs and add to pastas, breads, or vegetables.

Edamame - (never heard this word in my life) This is a baby soybean filled with fiber and protein. Puree these with some olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for a quick hummus recipe.

Chard - green leafy vegetable. Filled with fiber, calcium, vitamin B, and beta carotene. Sautee it with garlic and add to your favorite whole grain pasta.

Kidney Beans - (I see a bean theme happening - I wish I could stomach them, especially since they are so good for you) One of the richest antioxidant foods! Make a quick salad with beans, olive oil, lime juice, and cilantro.

Oranges - finally one I can stomach! (My friends tell me I have a middle school palette, I just say that I am a super taster so foods are more intense to me) Great source of Vitamin C - can help the body burn fat. Roast some oranges with your salmon for a little change.

Spinach - I have grown to like this over the past several years. Filled with Iron and folate. The magazine suggests putting a handful into your smoothies - but I am going to suggest Spinach Totellini soup - it is awesome - let me know if you would like the recipe!

Pumpkin - what a great one to end on! I love pumpkin! Helps keep your skin healthy and the potassium helps lower your blood pressure. I love to make pumpkin butter - make it almost the same ways as apple butter. Check online for some easy recipes.

Hope you enjoyed the list! Now let's simplify our diet by choosing to eat healthier! Have a great day!

Joy in Simplicity - #16

Yesterday I started to share with you the list of the top 30 most healthy foods - today we will do the second ten on the list.

Almonds - keeps your blood vessels healthy and it lowers your cholesterol - chop them up and add them to a salad or to a grain side dish - also my sisters like to eat them raw - try it out!

Eggs - The whites are filled with protein and the yolks are filled with vitamins B12 & A - you can't go wrong with ways to use eggs - don't be afraid to experiment! I love making Jana's cheesy egg surprise (scrambled eggs with a twist)

Nonfat Greek Yogurt - Filled with probiotics and 8 grams of protein! Mix with some cilantro, cumin, and cucumbers and serve with grilled chicken

Chicken Breasts - Low in fat - high in protein! The recipes are endless for Chicken! We enjoyed some really good stuff today - ask Michele for the recipe!

Wild Salmon - Filled with Omega 3 - wild because it has less toxins - I am not a big fish person but I have had salmon on the grill and it was a hit with all that dined that evening!

Sardines - (I just can't eat these but maybe you can!) Rich in protein, Omega 3, Vitamins B12 & D - chop them up with some cucumbers, tomatoes and parsley - Yuck but maybe it will work for you!

Kale - Another item on the list I have never used or eaten. Leafy green filled with Vitamin C. Try making Kale chips tear leaved apart toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper - lay on a cookie sheet and 20 - 30 minutes at 300 degrees and there you go!

Kiwi - Can you believe that I have never tried these - I just can't get past the furry outside - I am going to try them this month though - I promise. More Vit C than oranges and more Potassium than bananas - Slice thin and drizzle with honey and toasted coconut.

Blueberries - packed with fiber and anti-oxidants. A great treat along with some frozen yogurt and sprinkled with cardamon.

Broccoli - Vitamin C power house - 80% of your RDA in one serving. Toss with olive oil, garlic, and pepper - roast at 375 until tender and sprinkle with parmesan cheese!

Come back tomorrow to hear the final ten healthiest foods!

Joy in Simplicity - #15

"When you don't use it - you lose it"....What I am referring to is that I used to be a health teacher, and I spent a lot of time educating my students on healthy choices for their health - one of those areas was nutrition. I saw it as a very valuable topic that needed to be shared. To be honest we simply are not a healthy society..... I think we have good intentions - we desire to be healthy but we get a lot of mixed messages as far as our health goes. I am going to try to avoid giving you a lot mixed messages, I simply want to give you a list of some healthy foods that if you incorporated into your diet on a daily basis could make a lasting difference in your heath and that as we all know will bring us great joy!

Over the next three days I will be bringing you 10 of the top 30 healthiest foods. I will tell you why they are healthy and give you an idea of how to use them. I am going to be honest - there are a couple of these items I have never heard of or used in my life, so this is an education for me as well. The information from these three days will be taken from Real Simply Magazine.

1. Skim Milk - contains 9 essential vitamins - take a break from your morning coffee and warm a glass of skim milk with a dash of cinnamon.

2. Mushrooms - I love these!! I was thrilled to see them on the list - if only Joel felt the same way. Helps to regulate estrogen levels for women, and when substituted for meat can slash 400 calories. A favorite recipe would be Chicken Marsala

3. Whole Grain Pasta - note that is not multi grain - just because there are several different kinds of grain does not mean they are whole grains! Toss with some pesto and lemon juice!

4. Walnuts - a great source of Omega 3s - they actually highly recommend these for pregnant women. Great on salads and with your morning cereal or just put a few in your lunch box to munch on.

5. Peanut Butter - All Natural - I am going to be honest - I am a Jif person and I have tried the natural and just can't do the texture but if you can - go for it! Great when mixed with soy sauce and brown sugar to make an Asian stir fry

6. Oatmeal - Helps keep your cholesteral down. Try to mix in some olive oil and parmesan cheese for a change to your normal breakfast routine

7. Barley - To me this sounds like a boring grain but it is great for you. It is high in fiber! Sautee with Mushrooms and Sherry vinegar for a great side dish

8. Quinoa - another one that would not come to mind - ever - great plant based protein for vegetarians. Sauteed with dill and lemon juice

9. Lentils - I will be honest (once again) not a bean person - a protein powerhouse as the article states. Great in soups or salads if you are bean person.

10. Bulgur - that sounds like a stomach problem - made from steamed wheat. Filled with potassium, calcium, and vitamin B. Cook it like oatmeal and add some honey and chopped nuts!

There you have the first ten of the top 30 healthiest foods I would love to hear how you use these superfoods for your family.