Wonderful Wednesday / Project 31

I'm feeling awfully peachy on this Wednesday friends.

Is could be because...

My kids have the day off from school and we will be running errands together.

I read a few books in the Bible last night and I am already up to Job! I am pretty excited about reading that section, because it makes you think about your own life trials and about being tested by God and Satan.

I tried a new recipe last night and it was a big hit!

I'm looking forward to spending the weekend away with my husband.

I got my pictures in from Snapfish yesterday and can continue working on the girls' scrapbooks.

 I am sticking to a fitness routine. We played soccer at the park on Sunday, and I did the elliptical on Monday and Tuesday.

We have been pretty productive so far this week. We gave Cimba a bath, cleaned the yard, put up the border in the living room, and I shampooed our upstairs and downstairs carpets this week. 

I'm pretty sure my happiness comes from all of the above!

***************

For Project 31 we are asked to post a recipe for the day, so I am posting my recipe from last night.

A few weeks ago a neighbor gave us some lemons from her yard. We have already enjoyed a few pitchers of  lemonade, so next I wanted to find an easy lemon chicken recipe. I found one and it was really good!  I did forget to take a picture of the completed dish, so this photo is courtesy of allrecipes.com.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 4 (4 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Directions

1. In a shallow dish, combine the butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Place bread crumbs in another dish. Dip chicken in butter mixture, then coat with crumbs.
2. Place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Drizzle with remaining butter mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until juices run clear.
3. The last 10 minutes set to broil.

Along with the chicken I made a loaf of bread, cheesy broccoli rice, veggies and mashed potatoes. It was a pretty big meal, but sometimes it's nice to feast with the family. ;o) 

 

Have a fab day!

********************

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

Project 31 ~ What Jesus has taught me...

Day 10: What has Jesus taught you as a wife, mom or friend?

Jesus has taught me many things.

Christ embodies love, sacrifice, kindness, humility, surrender, compassion and so many inspiring traits, but the one thing that Jesus has taught me more than any other is forgiveness.

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Forgiveness is freedom!

We forgive people for their actions. We forgive life for throwing curveballs our way. We forgive ourselves for making mistakes. We forgive God when we have moments that make us question our circumstances.

Choosing to forgive has made me a better wife. It makes my marriage fun and carefree. It means that even when we disagree, we can quickly get over it.

I love my husband too much to remain angry.

Choosing to forgive has also made me a better mom. Even though I am no longer with my ex husband, my daughter sees that we get along. As she matures, she will know that we loved her enough to forgive each other for the past. Too many children suffer because of divorce. The parents choose to stay angry, the kids know all of the details of the divorce, they are thrown in the middle of arguments and the children end up having issues of their own.

I love my daughter too much to remain angry.

Choosing to forgive has also made me a better person. Life gets complicated. I have made many mistakes in this life, but I forgive myself. I have given myself a chance to start over and I encourage others to do the same.

I love myself too much to remain angry.  

Do not choose to be bitter, choose to be better.

We become bitter because we hold onto our hurts, but everyone has hurts. 

Choose Forgiveness.

Forgiveness makes us stronger. There is a misconception that forgiveness makes us weak. That when we forgive we are giving in to another person that tried to hurt us or a hardship that tried to bring us down. People believe that if we stay angry we are tough, but anger does not make us tough. Anger makes us unhappy and unhappiness makes us weak, and let us be honest, angry people are no fun to be around.

I have not seen an episode of Doctor Phil in forever, but yesterday, the show looked intense and so I kept it on. At the end of the show, Dr. Phil said these words,

"You don't forgive the people that deserve it. You forgive the people that YOU deserve to be free of. You deserve to forgive them. It does not mean that what they did was okay or that he/she deserves your forgiveness, it means that you refuse to invest your life and energy on them! Tell yourself this situation needs a hero and it's going to be me."

It was such a powerful ending.

He is telling us to set ourselves free. Forgive, not for them. Forgive for us.

The easy thing to do, the weak thing to do, is to stay angry. Anger, hate, bitterness...those are easy emotions. Forgiving and loving those who have sinned against us is hard work, but it is possible.

To do this we have to remove our pride, but who needs pride anyway?

We don't need to be proud, we need to be humble, we need to be grateful.

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)

We need to realize that everything we have and everything that we accomplish is because of God.

Every good and perfect gift is from above. (James 1:17)

Christ loves us and He wants us to let go of our hurts.

He wants us to forgive.

He will give us the strength to do so.

Jesus helped me to let go of my hurts and to forgive.

If you have not done so already, I challenge you to let go of yours!

Do not focus on all of the ways that she/he hurt you.

Do not hold on to the fact that not all of your prayers have been answered.

Don't hold on to all of the illnesses that have affected your family.

Don't focus on the losses you have suffered.

Just let go and let God.

It really is empowering...

Allow yourself to forgive.

Allow yourself to let go.

Allow yourself to be free.

Allow Christ to work miracles in your life.

Project 31: My Virtue, My Focus

 

Today is day 9 and I am asked:

What virtues do you value in yourself?

....

As I took a moment to think about this question,

I found myself feeling a little insecure. I was tempted to not post for this day. Why?

Because the post is all about liking...me.

Yesterday was about me. Days 2, 4, 6 and 8 were all about me, and now I have to write about me again?

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it.

Isn't talking about myself this frequently a little

narcissistic and boring?

I have those people in my life that have no problem talking about themselves, but they are interesting.

I'm...just...me. 

It is easy for me to talk about things that I find inspirational! To share the things that God has placed into my heart. To share the blessings that I have in my life. It is easy to write about my children, my husband, and projects that I am working on at the house.

But to post about what I like about myself?!

That is insanity, scary, hard! 

In fact, I skipped Day 6 because the world's definition of beauty has jaded me and I sometimes don't feel good enough. 

It is easier not to talk about the wrong, and so, I did what I always (well almost) always do. I eliminated the negative, the hard stuff, and I focused on the positive.

And I realized, THAT is what I like about me.

I like that I focus on the good stuff. I like that even when I have problems with family, finances, children, and health, I focus on what is positive.

I am not saying that I do not have sad moments. I am not saying that I do not try to "fix" certain issues, but no matter what happens, I always move on, I always get over it, and I always forgive.

I know that this life has too much happiness available to focus on the hurts. 

Everything that I had gone through in my previous marriage is the past. Occasionally something will come up and I am like oh my goodness, I dealt with that! But ya know what? I forgot all about it, because I chose to let it go and forgive. 

The things that come up in my current marriage can be difficult some days. I could blog about all the issues that arise with blended families and all of the outside factors that affect us, and friends, sometimes I am tempted to, but I don't! I just pray about it, look at things from another's perspective and focus on the good.

Sometimes, I get to a point where I feel like I have done all I can do, and I say, "I'm done, that's all. No more."

BUT

In my heart, I know I am not.  

I am full of compassion, empathy and forgiveness. I care too much to quit.

It is my strength and my weakness. I know it is. According to my hubby, it means I sometimes allow people to walk all over me. It means that sometimes, I excuse poor behavior from others. It means that sometimes I spoil our children.

I have thought about this many times and I have come to a conclusion,  

I would rather be giving away too much love and forgiveness, than not enough.

I focus on the good stuff.

That is what I value about me.

 

 

P.S. Only 2 more days until my giveaway,  Click Here

Project 31: Be-YOU-tiful

Today is Day 8 for Project 31:

Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!

I have mentioned in the past that I like all things girly (and artsy). I love loud colors with black, A-line dresses, chunky earrings, and shoes that have some flair. My face makeup is pretty minimal, but I usually play up my eyes. They are my favorite feature and have become my focal point. (That's a beauty tip I learned, after my sis-in-law Nancy kept encouraging it.)

I believe in silliness, without it life would be pretty dull. I have been told for years that my laugh is loud and that everyone knows when I am home, because they hear me laughing. A while back my stepdaughter gave me card that said I always have a smile on my face. I don't know about "always" but it felt good to hear, because I try to be happy even on the "gray" days. I know that my my expression, is the most important thing I wear!

I try to get "pretty" every day, even on the weekdays when I am just home cleaning house and doing laundry, I'll add lip gloss and a spray of perfume before my hubby gets home. When I look good, I feel good. I try to keep the romance alive in our relationship and I feel like a beauty routine even on the days that nothing is going on is important.

True beauty is confidence! It's loving the skin that you are in...no matter what people think. I snapped this pic yesterday (after my hubby teased me about my hair.) This is me, with my hair natural. It's a little wavy, but mostly frizzy. I'm working on loving me for me and the 'not caring part', because natural is beautiful and so much easier! 

• Another, part of my beauty routine is being in a clean environment. I cannot relax or enjoy myself in a dusty, cluttered living space. The only thing in the house that I will allow to have stuff pile up on, occasionally, is our desks. I like a clean house with a fresh smell. It makes no sense to clean and decorate my body, and then to live in a dirty house. That friends, is my opinion of a "don't".

Last but not at all least, is the old adage, "True beauty comes from within. It's an oldie, but a goody! If you aren't beautiful on the inside, ain't no makeup gonna cover that! I Peter 3:3-4 says, Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 

Any thoughts on beauty that you would like to share? As always, I'd love to hear them!

 

 

Project 31 - A Letter to YOU

Today I am writing a letter to

YOU

To the one who has been hurt

The one who is feeling

inadequate, incapable, fearful, and alone

The one who may feel like you are barely holding on

That nothing is as it seems

That your world is crashing down around you

I am writing to remind you

YOU are strong

Happiness is within your grasp

Hope is all you need

Just to Believe in Yourself

(1 Corinthians 1:24)

I promise that if you believe, everything else will follow

The ones that matter already believe in you

SO

Believe...

That you are loveable

That you are worthy

That you deserve the best

Know...

That you have a purpose

And that He has a plan

(Proverbs 16:9)

Ask...

Ask for what you want

Ask for what you think you need

(Matthew 7:7)

Trust...

Trust that His plans for you will be simply amazing!

You have a great big life ahead of you

Much to live for

Much to see

Much to enjoy

And happiness is just waiting for you to find it!

A big chunk of happiness is waiting for you

To scoop it up and put it in your cup!

He promises that your cup will overflow! 

You will get there...

~To that place~

Where nothing can shake your faith,

Because true contentment has found you

And the knowledge that even on the toughest days,

He is standing next to you!

(Deuteronomy 31:6)

You will understand that sometimes you will make choices that hurt you

And sometimes others will make choices that hurt you

And your life will change

But you will be okay

Because you have endured!

That life goes on!

That even with your faith,

You are going to have moments of weakness

And in those moments of weakness

You will find yourself weary, hurt and uncertain 

But that those moments pass

And one day,

You will look back on those moments of weakness

And realize just how small those moments were

And just how big YOU are!

(Philippians 4:13)

Project 31 & A Tribute

Today is day 5 for Project 31 and the focus is "someone who made my heart come alive."

Of course, the obvious answer is my husband! He is the first person that comes to mind, because of how absolutely thoughtful and loving he has been to me and my daughter. These past 3 years have been amazing and I am so blessed.   

However, some of you know, this has been a difficult time for many of my family members. We have had 3 deaths this month. One of which, was my Great Aunt Ramona. 

Ramona Casias (left) 2008

About 10 years ago, I was collecting letters from family members and friends to create a personal memoir/ scrapbook. Sweet Aunt Ramona, who I am sure made many hearts "come alive" mailed me a beautiful letter and I would be honored to share it:

 *************************************************

First I must apologize for being so late, as it is way past Thanksgiving.

My name is Ramona Casias. I am 76 years old. I was born in Lamar, Colorado on August 8th, 1924. My parents were Apolonio and Relles Rodriguez. They were born in Aguas Caliente Mexico and came to the United States in 1912. They raised a family of 12. Seven girls and five boys. We always worked out on farms. We all attended school in Delta, Co and in 1940 we moved to Montrose, where I met the Casias family.

In 1946, I married Roy Casias after World War II and (after he completed) his service. He was in the South Pacific for almost 3 years, mostly in New Guinea and the Philippines. He came home January of 1946 and we married on the 19th of January.

Our first son, Steven, was born May 23, 1947. Our second son, Daniel was born 1949. Our daughter Martha was born 1952. Our son David was born in 1955. I am very proud of my children.

My family is the most important part of my life. My nieces, my in-laws (Florence, Virginia, Rose, Virgil, Tere) and all of their families and my sister in Sacramento, Ca. I only have 1 brother and 1 sister left.

Roy and I liked to attend church regularly. He and I were Eucharistic ministers at mass. I still attend mass. I am a lifetime member of Ladies Veteran Auxiliary and Roy was a lifetime member of Veteran of Foreign Wars. He was very proud of his service to his country.

After he came back, he thought God had brought him back for a purpose and he built many houses.
Our marriage was always busy. We both worked hard and God blessed us for 52 great years. He was one great man. I have missed him every day since he has been gone, but God chose for me to go on living.

My most memorable moment was the birth of my children.

My favorite prayer is the 23rd Psalm.

I have enjoyed life. Everyday is a miracle that God gives us. A beautiful sunset or sunrise. The beauty of a rainbow. The beauty in a child's eyes. The love a mother has for her child. God has given us so much.

What you are doing has made me think of my life, my childhood, my life in general and I truly think God has blessed me.

Thank you so much and may God Bless you always.

Love Always,
Aunt Ramona

 ***************************************************

 When I think of Aunt Ramona I think of a petite woman, with a big heart. We have heard that the eyes are the window to the soul and this statement comes to mind when remembering my Aunt. She had these eyes that looked at you with so much love and a smile that exuded kindness. 

Growing up we often traveled to Colorado for family reunions and other celebrations. They were fun times, full of chatty people that were happy to reunite and catch up on the latest news. I always noticed that Aunt Ramona sat quietly with the other women in our family. She seemed to spend most of her time watching, listening and smiling. She struck me as timid and I always felt comfortable visiting with her, because I was quite shy myself. 

As I read her favorite prayer, the last line really comforted me, "Surely goodness and love will follow me all of the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." I smiled, because I noticed that she had passed just a few days before her Wedding Anniversary and I could just imagine Uncle Roy welcoming her into Heaven with a big hug, just in time to celebrate.

~And God Bless You Aunt Ramona...

Until we meet again.

A Valentine Craft, Project 31 & Linky Parties

Happy Monday!
I decided to join a few linky parties today, but first..... 

I am super excited about my most recent (and might I add very inexpensive) craft project!

I ran to Dollar Store on Saturday and picked up 6 floral bouquets, 1 roll of tulle and a wreath.

I have been wanting to make my own wreath for months and I figured Valentine's Day would be the perfect opportunity to do so, since I have never bought one specifically for this holiday.

The wreaths that I have purchased in the past have cost me anywhere from $20-$40, but my homemade wreath cost me much less.

It only cost $8 to make! Awesome!!
Since, I already had the glue sticks, hearts and ribbon,
I saved anywhere from $10 to $30 and not to mention I enjoy this stuff!

Now, moving on to Project 31!



The topic for today is to post a picture of myself in my favorite outfit. I don't have very many pics of me dressed up these days since I am usually the one with the camera, and to be honest, most days I am in t-shirts and jogging pants.

However, I did find a recent picture of me at my nieces birthday party. As I was helping my sister blow up balloons, I took a minute to wave to my husband who happened to be taking a picture.
I'm wearing a LBD from Macy's. I love the layers of fabric used to make it. It has lace, silk and cotton. Being that I am a girly-girl, I love to dress up and I wear dresses any chance I get!

I was also wearing a pair of black wedged boots that I got for my birthday last month.

They are my favorite pair of shoes at the moment. I love boots, but I have a hard time finding a comfy pair that gives me some height. (Notice, even with the heel, I am nearly the size of the kiddos ;o) 

Okay, I have to admit, I was a bit depressed last night, even close to tears! I miss my family! However, today I am extra excited, because today my little Joc comes home and my hubby comes back tomorrow! I can't wait. This house has been wayyyy too quiet for the last few days and well, I love them!

On to the linky parties...

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your most significant other? Florida
3. Your hair? Brown
 4.Your mother? kind
5. Your father? smart
6. Your favorite? chocolate
7. Your dream last night? none
8. Your favorite drink? kool-aid
9. Your dream/goal? author
10. What room you are in? den
11. Your hobby? writing
12. Your fear? evil
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
14. Where were you last night? bed
15. Something that you aren't? tall
16. Muffins? blueberry
17. Wish list item? bedding
18. Where you grew up? AZ
19. Last thing you did? text
20. What are you wearing? comfy
21. Your TV? off
22. Your pets? small
23. Friends? beautiful
24. Your life? peaceful
25. Your mood? mixed
26. Missing someone? yes
27. One place that I go to over and over? Fry's
28. Something you want: excercise
29. Your favorite store? many
30. Your favorite color? pink

 

Project 31: Who Inspires Beauty & A Guest Post

Today, I am linking up with Mandy at She Breathes Deeply. She started a blog project called Project 31 which is focused on celebrating the beauty of women and Proverbs 31. Today's topic is...

Who inspires beauty?

My Mom.

The bible says that God knows our hearts, and I am sure that when he looks into my Mother’s heart he sees the epitome of beauty; what a woman should be.

A wife of 33 years.

A mother to six (now 11).

A grandmother to 13.

Strong, compassionate, honest, loving, embracing, hardworking, forgiving, fair, selfless, repenting, generous, and so much more…

There is not a memory that I have of my mother that I would not be glad to share with the world.

Even those moments when her eyes were full of tears, her face full of worry, or her mouth turned down with frustration she was filled with dignity, strength and grace.

My mother is a listener. When she does choose to speak about a situation her words are worthy and her intentions are pure.

She prays about everything and encourages all of the women in her life by modeling a Christian life.

As I raise my own children, I find myself always looking back and asking, how would Mom handle this situation?

She is the perfect example of beauty and

of what a woman should be.

I am blessed to call her Mom.

I was given an opportunity to do a guest post for Warren at Family Fountain  today. He has a wonderful book that I am reading at the moment and I really enjoy his site. It is always filled with so much wonderful and useful information. If you have a moment please stop in!

Happy Sunday!