{ Blog 365 #191 - Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/10/2023 }

 

Good morning friends, welcome back to Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

I feel like I haven't been here in forever, it's almost like my blog is a part of my life that has stalled, and is waiting to get kicked back into gear.  How I wish I had the time and the motivation, to get it back on it's feet.

I actually thought about letting it go, thinking maybe it was time to put an end to it, after all these years, but I can't do it.  It's such a huge part of my life, and I really don't want to shut it down.  Guess I'll continue like this for the moment, and see where it leads me.  I sure miss it though.

Anyway, let's get on with our post for today. 

So, without any more delays, let's get going.

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥ 

It's been hot with some pretty stormy weather too.  We actually had such a bad storm, a few days ago, that it flipped our pool and broke our huge pine tree in half.  It actually looks like a small tornado may have come through, from the damage to the huge tree, and the sound that it made before.  Just glad we are all safe.   

 

Monday -  Partly cloudy, 93

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 102

Wednesday - Sunny, 107

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 105

Friday - Mostly sunny, 103

Saturday - Partly cloudy, 100

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 98

♥♥  As I look outside my window ♥♥

My pool is still needing to be flipped back over, but we haven't had the time, as we've been getting ready for my brother in law.  He is returning from South Korea today, after 4 years abroad, and will be staying with us for the moment.        

 

 

♥♥  Right now I am ♥♥ 

Getting this post up, doing laundry and video calling with Jasmine.       

 

 

♥♥  Thinking and pondering ♥♥ 

About everything that is on my to do list today.  It's quite long, and to be honest, I don't feel like doing any of it.  Hahaha                

♥♥ Listening to ♥♥

To my daughter talking.           

 

♥♥  How am I feeling ♥♥ 

I'm ok.  My lower back has been bugging me the past 2 days, even walking around the store yesterday, was painful.  I honestly have zero core strength.  If I stand for a while doing dishes, my lower back kills me.  If I sit on my bed or the couch for a bit, it hurts too, if I walk around the store for longer than 20 minutes, it starts becoming unbearable.  For goodness sakes.               

 

 

♥♥  On the breakfast plate ♥♥ 

Coffee and weetabix.       

 

 

♥♥   On the lunch plate ♥♥ 

Not sure, might do a salad or a smoothie, if it's really hot.         

 

 

♥♥  On the dinner plate ♥♥ 

Arroz de Marisco....Seafood Rice and a salad.  

 

 

♥♥  What I'm wearing  ♥♥ 

Still in my black and white polka dot, nightgown.  Will change into some comfy shorts or a dress soon.                 

 

♥♥  On my reading pile ♥♥ 

My Bible and our study plans for church.

 

 

♥♥  On my TV this week  ♥♥ 

Currently watching Kan Cicekleri, but should be done with it later today.  

Next will no doubt be another Turkish show.  Glad there are hundreds of them to watch.  

 

 

♥♥  On the menu  ♥♥ 

Monday - Arroz de Marisco....Seafood Rice and a salad

Tuesday - Ono Barbecue Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Broccoli

Wednesday -  Spaghetti, Garlic bread  

Thursday - One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie, Salad

Friday -  Garbage Bread

Saturday - Slow cooker Tuscan Chicken, Pasta

Sunday - Carne de Panela (Portuguese Beef Tips), Rice, Beans

♥♥  Looking around the house  ♥♥ 

I need to do some dusting today and some vacuuming too.                     

 

 

♥♥  To Do List ♥♥ 

- Happy Homemaker Monday post

-  Laundry 

- Make sure guest room is ready

- Vacuum and dust

 

 

♥♥  Devotional, verse, thoughts  ♥♥ 

“With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” Psalm 18:29 (NIV)

{ Blog 365 #184 - Happy Homemaker Monday - 07/03/2023 }

 

 

 

Good morning everyone, hope you're having a blessed long 4th of July weekend!  

 

I'm getting ready for a barbecue tomorrow, so lots to do around here.  I actually almost forgot it was Monday.  Hahaha   Glad I remembered in time to come and post our Happy Homemaker Monday!

 

So, without any more delays, let's get going.

 

Oh, and thank you so much for being so patient with me, I know I've been the worst blogger lately, but I'm trying to get adapted to this new chapter in our lives, it hasn't been very easy, so I've pulled back from social media a bit, to try and get my thoughts in order.

 

Have a blessed week, sweet ladies, and thank you for always being here, even when I'm not.  I want you all to know that I appreciate you and your friendship. ♥♥♥

 

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥ 

Hot, and more hot.  We've had to turn on sprinklers for our chickens because the heat is unbearable. 

 

Monday -  Partly cloudy, 99

Tuesday - Mostly sunny, 100

Wednesday - Mostly sunny, 102

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 94

Friday - Mostly sunny, 100

Saturday - Mostly sunny, 104

Sunday - Partly cloudy, 105

♥♥  As I look outside my window ♥♥

Very bright and sunny outside.  Will definitely be a hot day.      

 

 

♥♥  Right now I am ♥♥ 

Working on this post, while working on plans for tomorrow's barbecue.     

 

 

♥♥  Thinking and pondering ♥♥ 

About the barbecue.  Also, my brother in law is supposed to return back home to the States, after a few years working overseas in South Korea.  So, we are preparing for that too, and getting the guest room in order.              

♥♥ Listening to ♥♥

Some Turkish music in the background, and the window air conditioner.         

 

♥♥  How am I feeling ♥♥ 

Actually slept well last night, so I'm doing wonderful this morning.             

 

 

♥♥  On the breakfast plate ♥♥ 

Coffee and toast.              

 

 

♥♥   On the lunch plate ♥♥ 

Not sure yet.       

 

 

♥♥  On the dinner plate ♥♥ 

Lulas de Caldeirada....Calamari Stew.  

 

 

♥♥  What I'm wearing  ♥♥ 

Pajamas still, being kind of lazy this morning.  I will change into a sundress soon though.                

 

♥♥  On my reading pile ♥♥ 

My Bible and our study plans for church.

 

 

♥♥  On my TV this week  ♥♥ 

More of my Turkish shows. 

Currently watching Kimse Bilmez (Nobody Knows)

 

 

♥♥  On the menu  ♥♥ 

Monday - Calamari stew, salad

Tuesday - Barbecue - Ribs, burgers, brats, macaroni salad, potato salad, greek salad, strawberry pretzel dessert

Wednesday -  Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, Rice  

Thursday - Oven Chili Dogs, Homemade Fries

Friday - 

Saturday -

Sunday -

♥♥  Looking around the house  ♥♥ 

I actually have nothing much to do around the house.  Aside from the usual daily chores, the house is clean and tidy.                    

 

 

♥♥  To Do List ♥♥ 

- Happy Homemaker Monday post

-  Laundry 

- Plan barbecue

- Make macaroni salad and strawberry pretzel dessert for tomorrow

 

 

♥♥  Devotional, verse, thoughts  ♥♥ 

This Sunday we talked about Barnabas and Paul.....more specifically about the transformation from Saul to Paul.  It is one of my favorites in the Bible.

 

Very often, people tend to not understand why God would work through certain people.  Some people seem to corrupt, too evil and too damaged to ever be used by God.  But that is where the mistake comes in, because He often takes those most broken and turns them into some of His biggest, toughest warriors.

 

The fact that Saul wanted to kill Christians, and then became not only a mentor but such an important figure for Christianity as we see it today, is a shining example of why we should never stray, or think that we are insignificant or not wanted, or not needed.  

 

There have been times in my life where I thought, God surely could not be interested in me.  Why would he bother, when there are people out there who are stronger in faith, stronger in their path with Him?

 

But it's in those moments that He has reached out His hand further, grabbed me, pulled me in and taught me some very valuable lessons.  He has strategically placed me in the path of people who needed to hear a word, a positive encouragement, or just needed to see His magnificence through my own life.

 

I'm so blessed, so incredibly blessed.  You are too.  Don't ever turn your back on someone because you think they are not worthy of God's love.  Those people are often the ones who will impact you the most, who will change the world, and make a difference.  Remember that! 

{ Blog 365 #177 - Happy Homemaker Monday 06/26/2023 }

 

 

Good morning everyone, and a happy Monday.  

 

I'm running a bit late today, so going to get straight into the post.  Hope you all have a blessed week! ♥

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥ 

Summer came and I'm ready for it to leave.  Ugh!

 

Monday -  Sunshine, 101

Tuesday - Partly cloudy, 108

Wednesday - Sunny, 113

Thursday - Mostly sunny, 106

Friday - Mostly Sunny, 103

Saturday - Scattered Thunderstorms, 96

Sunday - AM Thunderstorms, 93

♥♥  As I look outside my window ♥♥

The sun is shining, and it's already super hot.     

 

 

♥♥  Right now I am ♥♥ 

Sitting down to work on this post, video chatting with Jasmine and getting ready for my busy day.   

 

 

♥♥  Thinking and pondering ♥♥ 

Not really thinking or pondering on anything this morning.  That's a first.  Usually, my mind is racing with all these things.            

♥♥ Listening to ♥♥

The air conditioner, and my daughter on video chat.         

 

♥♥  How am I feeling ♥♥ 

So tired.  Had another night of no sleep, just tossing and turning.           

 

 

♥♥  On the breakfast plate ♥♥ 

Cup of coffee and a sandwich.              

 

 

♥♥   On the lunch plate ♥♥ 

Cobb Salad.      

 

 

♥♥  On the dinner plate ♥♥ 

Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Bake.  

 

 

♥♥  What I'm wearing  ♥♥ 

Still in my pj's, but changing soon.              

 

♥♥  On my reading pile ♥♥ 

My Bible and our study plans for church.

 

 

♥♥  On my TV this week  ♥♥ 

More of my Turkish shows. 

 

Üç Kız Kardeş

AlpArslan Buyuk Selcuklu - Turkish historical action drama series, depicts the political events and wars during Alp Arslan's rule as a Sultan of the Seljuk Empire.

Uyanis Buyuk Selcuklu  -    Turkish historical drama television series, focuses on the life of Malik-Shah I, and his son, Ahmad Sanjar.

 

 

♥♥  On the menu  ♥♥ 

Monday - Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Bake

Tuesday - Greek Moussaka, Broccoli and Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce

Wednesday -  Homemade Meatballs, Fries, SaladChicken Alfredo Ravioli Bake, Cheesy Garlic Bread  

Thursday - Baked Ricotta Chicken, Rice

Friday - Lulas de Caldeirada (Calamari Stew)

Saturday -Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, Egg Noodles

Sunday - Leftovers

♥♥  Looking around the house  ♥♥ 

We had my brother and his family over for dinner, on Saturday.  I still have my dining table extended with the leaves, so need to put that away.

 

Just need to do a little pick up and tidying and it will all be in order.                  

 

 

♥♥  To Do List ♥♥ 

- Happy Homemaker Monday post

-  Laundry 

- Put away table leaves

- Give Chickens frozen veggies

 

 

♥♥  Devotional, verse, thoughts  ♥♥ 

In Sunday School we talked about Esther and Mordecai, their relationship, and what Esther went through.  

We often get caught up in life around us, and worry so much about what others will think and say.  As Christians, we are under constant attack, and sometimes we get scared and feel under pressure to not make a stand.  We fear retaliation, or being shut out, or criticized, but Esther taught us that no matter what the circumstances, we have to stand up as Christians and not back down.  

 

Esther, with the help and support of her cousin Mordecai, did just that.  She was put in an impossible position, but still stood firm in her belief.  Her words "If I perish, I perish." are powerful.

 

Often we back down from God's way because we worry too much about our flesh and human life.  If we learn to stand by His word, and let Him take the reign, we will have a much easier way of life.

 

I only hope that I can be more like Esther.  It's something I  truly aspire to. 

 

{ Blog 365 #172 - Wordless Wednesday }

 

The village of Otschsar is located in the famous district of Kappadocia and is only seven kilometers away from the city of Nusheir, the most important of which is the castle of Otschsar and the houses dug into the mountains, which are now used as tourist attractions.

{ Blog 365 #171 - Perimenopause kicking my behind }

 

 

My word, you guys, I can't even tell you how this month is going, when it comes to these symptoms.  I feel the closer I am to entering Menopause, the worse they get, and the more they affect my daily life.

I have the worst hormonal headache and light headed feeling, ever.  *sigh*

{ Blog 365 # 170 - Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/19/2023 }

 

 

 

Good morning everyone, welcome back to my blog.  Albeit, a pretty boring blog lately, isn't it?  I feel like I've fallen back into the once a week posts, which is something I really didn't want to do.  The 365 was going well, and then life came through, pulled the rug from under my feet and set me scrambling, trying to get through the day.  By the time the day comes to an end, I am so tired, that my head hits the pillow and I'm fast asleep.

 

I've learned that life has these cycles.  Some slow ones, some busy ones, and the worst thing we can do is fight them or complain about them, because nothing changes.  So I'm riding it out.  My intent is to go back and try to get posts caught up.....will that actually happen?  I don't know, but I would like to.   

 

Anyway, on with today's post.  Have a blessed week ladies, and may the Lord keep His hand and His favor over you and your families.

♥♥♥♥

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥ 

Welcome summer, we've been expecting you.  This marks the first week of triple digits.  It also marks the first week of incessant sweating, and thigh chafing....yep.  Fun!  Hahaha

 

Monday -  Sunshine, 102

Tuesday - Sunny, 102

Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 98

Thursday - Partly cloudy, 94

Friday - Sunny, 97

Saturday - Sunny, 103

Sunday - Sunny, 103

♥♥  As I look outside my window ♥♥

The sun is shining really bright.  There is also a breeze moving through the trees.  I don't know why, but sun shining and reflecting off the green leaves, with the wind blowing through at the same time, always seems magical to me.   

 

 

♥♥  Right now I am ♥♥ 

I just finished doing dishes, making hubby some coffee, starting the first load of laundry and making my bed.  I am now sitting down to work on this post. 

 

 

♥♥  Thinking and pondering ♥♥ 

About the state of the world we live in.  I feel so disappointed and sad, at the same time.  It is this immense feeling of sadness that overwhelms me at times.  We want nothing more than to raise our children, in a kind and loving world, but every day, there is some news about horrible things happening.  

 

Anyone else feel like people have lost their mind?  The battle between good and evil, couldn't be more glaringly obvious.  May God have mercy on us all.           

♥♥ Listening to ♥♥

The turtle tank filter, it sounds like a fountain.  I find the sound of water to be very soothing and calming, so I love having this noise in the background.       

 

♥♥  How am I feeling ♥♥ 

I am PMsing.  That should answer it all.  Hahaha         

 

 

♥♥  On the breakfast plate ♥♥ 

Cup of coffee and a cheese and ham sandwich.            

 

 

♥♥   On the lunch plate ♥♥ 

Tuna salad.      

 

 

♥♥  On the dinner plate ♥♥ 

Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole, Salad.  

 

 

♥♥  What I'm wearing  ♥♥ 

Comfy shorts and a v neck t-shirt.            

 

 

♥♥  On my reading pile ♥♥ 

My Bible and our study plans for church.

 

 

♥♥  On my TV this week  ♥♥ 

Everything and anything Turkish.  Yes, I am quite obsessed with the Turkish shows.  In my defense though, they far surpass Hollywood, in every way.  The shows have substance, they are beautiful to watch, and the actors and actresses are stunning and brilliant at what they do.  

 

So far, I have watched:

 

Dirilis:  Ertugrul

Ramo

Kanunsuz Topraklar

Kalbim Sultani

 

 

This week, there are a few on my watch list:

 

AlpArslan Buyuk Selcuklu - Turkish historical action drama series, depicts the political events and wars during Alp Arslan's rule as a Sultan of the Seljuk Empire.

Uyanis Buyuk Selcuklu  -    Turkish historical drama television series, focuses on the life of Malik-Shah I, and his son, Ahmad Sanjar.

 

 

♥♥  On the menu  ♥♥ 

Monday - Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole, Salad

Tuesday - Shepherd's Pie, Steamed Broccoli

Wednesday -  Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Bake, Cheesy Garlic Bread  

Thursday - Greek Moussaka, Salad

Friday - Chili Oven Dogs, Curly Fries

Saturday - Ervilhas com Ovos (Portuguese Pea and Egg Stew) , Bifanas (Portuguese Pork Sandwiches)

Sunday - Leftovers

♥♥  Looking around the house  ♥♥ 

I thankfully, don't need to do any cleaning today.  Our weekend was once again busy, so today that Curt is home, is practically our one and only weekend day to relax.  That's what we plan on doing.                

 

 

♥♥  To Do List ♥♥ 

- Happy Homemaker Monday post

-  Laundry

 

 

♥♥  Devotional, verse, thoughts  ♥♥ 

" They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. — Mark 10:32 We all face hardships in this journey of life. When we feel like quitting, we need to remind ourselves that Jesus kept marching toward his destination. And now that we are freed from sin and death through him, we can share Jesus’ hope and peace with everyone around us.

{ Blog 365 #169 - Sunday School - Discipleship Lesson 3 }

 

LESSON 3
MATTHEW BECOMES A DISCIPLE

Scripture Text: Luke 5:27-39

We can all relate to one word in our lesson today. That word is taxes. We would like to get rid of taxes and thus remove tax collectors. But taxes and tax collectors are here to stay, so we must get along with them. Christ knew taxes were necessary to support the government, so He instructed men to give to the government that which belongs to it and to give to God that which belongs to God. In today's lesson, Jesus converted a tax collector. He recognized Matthew's life as belonging to God. He called him to Christian
service. Christ extends to all men a threefold call.

MEMORY VERSE: They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. —Luke 5:31
 

 

Christ Calls Men to Be Something

For this reason, Christ calls men to repentance. Men cannot be what they ought to be without genuine repentance. Matthew's call to be something involved at least two things: transformation of character and reformation of conduct. Christ saw him as he was, and He saw him as he could become. By changing his character, or in giving him a new Spirit, He reformed his conduct. Christ deals with all men in this manner.
Each of us is two persons: the person we now are and the person we could become.

 

Christ Calls Men to Do Something

Matthew's first job was to arrange for his friends to meet Christ. He prepared a feast in his home, invited his friends, and brought Jesus to them. They saw and heard Him for themselves. The larger one's circle of society, the greater is one's opportunity and responsibility to introduce others to Christ. Compare the personal approach of Andrew to the mass evangelism of Matthew. Matthew lived and worked in a much larger social circle and had a feast for that purpose. Both methods are effective in helping others to
find Christ. Everyone does not have to work in the same way. Why?

Christ Calls Men to Suffer for His Cause

Matthew had to pay a price to have a relationship with Christ. What he did brought to both him and Christ the ridicule and criticism of the scribes and Pharisees, who were the religious sects of that day. It must have been extremely embarrassing and trying for Matthew to have these folks enter his home and criticize his Guest. Christ is always more than a match for His critics and can handle every situation, as He did here, if we will only allow Him. It is always much easier to face persecution when Christ is near. Are
we willing to answer Christ's call today to be something, to do something, to suffer something for His cause?

 

JUST A THOUGHT
The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

{ Blog 365 #168 - Calming moments }

 

Have a busy Saturday, but trying to squeeze in some minutes to calm my chaotic life.

{ Blog 365 #167 - Period Drama Friday }

 

Kalbimin Sultani 

Mahmud brings Anna to his palace to teach his children French. The Russian ambassador also sends Anna there with the pressure to 'spy on the sultan's country'.

 

 

This was a really sweet and short period drama.  I wish it was longer, because it was only 9 episodes long, but it had everything you could ask for in a period drama.  Romance, heartache, humor.....I actually laughed out loud quite a few times.  It reminded me a bit of the romance in Magnificent Century between Sultan Suleiman and his wife Hurrem.  

 

You can watch on Turk Fans, where you will find the first 8 episodes.  The last episode is actually on Youtube. 

{ Blog 365 #166 - Cooking Thursday }

 

Nutella No Bake Cheesecake

Source:  Nigella Lawson

10 oz graham crackers (I used a sleeve and a half)
5 tablespoons soft unsalted butter
1 x 13 oz jar Nutella (at room temperature)
¾ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
1 lb cream cheese (at room temperature)
½ cup confectioners' sugar (sifted)


Break the digestives into the bowl of a processor, add the butter and a 15ml tablespoon of Nutella, and blitz until it starts to clump. Add 25g/3 tablespoons of the hazelnuts and continue to pulse until you have a damp, sandy mixture.

Tip into a 23cm/9inch round springform and press into the base either using your hands or the back of a spoon. Place in the fridge to chill.

Beat the cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth and then add the remaining Nutella to the cream cheese mixture, and continue beating until combined.

Take the springform out of the fridge and carefully smooth the Nutella mixture over the base. Scatter the remaining chopped hazelnuts on top to cover and place the tin in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight. Serve straight from the fridge for best results.

{ Blog 365 #164 - Busy packing for Jasmine }

 

 

A day of  laundry and more laundry, as Jasmine moved out on Sunday, I am now working on her bedroom, giving it a good deep clean, washing all bedding and the clothes she still has left here, before she takes them.

{ Blog 365 #163 - Happy Homemaker Monday - 06/12/2023 }

 

 

Good morning everyone, and a very happy Monday! 

 

I have had a busy 2 weeks, and can now finally take a breather.  I feel that our lives go in phases, we have busy times, we have quiet times, just like that, a constant rinse and repeat.

 

Jasmine moved out yesterday, so leading up to that it's been crazy, and then this weekend was another flurry of activity to get her finished packed up, and moved out.  I moved through it all with a smile on my face, encouraging her, giving her advice, answering her questions and doubts.  But Lord only knows the desperation and sadness I felt within.  

 

As mothers, we carry them for 9 months, give birth to them and nurture them until they're ready to go out on their own.  When they do, we feel an immense sense of pride and accomplishment, in having our part well, but they take a piece of our hearts with them.  I guess I am now part of that mom club.  It's a huge change for us, and the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.

 

I am thankful for every day that I had my girl within my home, but now I hand her back to the Lord to watch over.  And so a new life cycle begins.  Am I ready for it?  I don't know, are any of us ever ready for this part of motherhood?  

 

Anyway, please continue to pray for my girl and her new life, this is a huge change for her as well.  

 

Also, I know my blog is severely behind, I have miserably failed at the blog 365, although I am hoping to go back over the next week, and try to catch up.  

 

Now, let's get on with our post.  Have a blessed week my friends, and remember that no matter what happens, keep your eyes up and focused on our Lord. 

 

♥♥ The Weather ♥♥ 

 

Monday -  Variable clouds with strong thunderstorms, 76

Tuesday - Cloudy, 83

Wednesday - Partly cloudy, 88

Thursday - Mostly sunny, 97

Friday - Mostly sunny, 103

Saturday - Mostly cloudy, 99

Sunday - Mostly sunny, 102

♥♥  As I look outside my window ♥♥

It is quite early in the morning, so I can't see much but the lights around the house. 

 

 

♥♥  Right now I am ♥♥ 

Enjoying my cup of coffee, isn't the first sip in the morning, always the best?         

 

 

♥♥  Thinking and pondering ♥♥ 

About what I need to do.  I have to give Jasmine's room a deep clean, and start working on turning into a guest room.           

♥♥ Listening to ♥♥

Our air conditioner just turned on, so that is what I am hearing at the moment.       

 

♥♥  How am I feeling ♥♥ 

Sad but happy for my girl.  It's a bittersweet feeling.       

 

 

♥♥  On the breakfast plate ♥♥ 

At the moment, just a cup of coffee with peppermint creamer.  Will probably have a sandwich or some scrambled eggs later.          

 

 

♥♥   On the lunch plate ♥♥ 

Not sure, might make a tuna salad with black eyed peas.      

 

 

♥♥  On the dinner plate ♥♥ 

So Jasmine hates seafood of any kind, while the rest of us 3 enjoy it, which means, I very rarely made any recipe that included seafood because I knew she wouldn't eat it.  Now that she's moved out, Nick is actually thrilled that he gets to enjoy seafood again.  Hahahahah   

 

He is sad his sister left, but happy for the change in food.  With that in mind, tonight's dinner is one of our favorites, which I haven't made in years.  Padre Island Shells.

 

 

♥♥  What I'm wearing  ♥♥ 

Grey and pink summer nightgown.            

 

 

♥♥  On my reading pile ♥♥ 

My Bible and our study plans for church.

 

 

♥♥  On my TV this week  ♥♥ 

I am on Season 4 of Dirilis:  Ertugrul.  One more season to go, then I'll move on to Kurulus: Osman.  

 

 

♥♥  On the menu  ♥♥ 

Monday - Padre Island Shells, Garlic Bread, Spinach salad

Tuesday - Galinha a Jardineira (Portuguese Chicken Stew), Roasted Garlic Squash

Wednesday -  Pork Schnitzel, homemade fries, mixed veggies  

Thursday - Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole, Salad

Friday - Shepherds Pie, Steamed Broccoli

Saturday - Ervilhas com Ovos (Portuguese Pea and Egg Stew) , Bifanas (Portuguese Pork Sandwiches)

Sunday - Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Bake, Cheesy Garlic Bread

♥♥  Looking around the house  ♥♥ 

It is a disaster at the moment, well, the living room and dining room.  Jasmine had boxes in and out all weekend, so it needs a good tidy up, vacuum, carpet clean and dusting.              

 

 

♥♥  To Do List ♥♥ 

- Happy Homemaker Monday post

- Start Jasmine's room

- Clean bathrooms

- Clean chicken coop

 

 

♥♥  From the camera  ♥♥ 

No pictures today, I need to recharge my camera battery, and start taking pictures this week.       

 

 

♥♥  Devotional, verse, thoughts  ♥♥ 

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me … For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." -- Psalm 51:10, 16-17 (ESV)

{ Blog 365 #162 - Sunday School - Discipleship Lesson 2 }

 

LESSON 2
THE FISHERMEN ARE CALLED

Scripture Text: Luke 5:1-11

Last Sunday, we studied about Peter, Andrew, James, and John and their first meeting with Christ. Today, we study about their call to full-time service. Salvation is free, but discipleship costs. We pay the first payment when we are converted, and the remainder is paid in daily installments of one's property, time, and talent. What Christ required of the early disciples, He requires of us today. They forsook all.

 

MEMORY VERSE: Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers
of men. —Mark 1:17

 

Christ Demands the Use of Our Property 

Verse 3 reads, "And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's."  Christ took command of Simon's ship. Christ always takes command of all that He enters, whether it be ships, men, homes, or workplaces. What would you do if Christ suddenly entered your car or place of business? Would He
be able to take it and use it as a place to preach to others? The value of your property is determined largely by the use to which it is put. Christ's choosing Simon's ship for a pulpit caused its value to go up. By getting Simon, Christ was able to get Simon's ship as well. Find out what a man has his property dedicated to, and you will find what he is most interested in.

 

Christ Demands the Use of Our Time

"Launch out into the deep." After Christ had Simon's boat, He asked for Simon's time and energy; He asked him to man the oars. Fishing was an honorable job in Jesus' day. Jesus noticed they were busy. They showed no sign of laziness. They were robust, skillful, and courageous, but they were humiliated by failure. Thus, Jesus found them at their work and immediately called them to follow Him. He could see what they could be for Him. 

Peter had no desire to launch out again. His feelings said, "No," but his faith in Christ said, "Yes." The result was a great "draught" of "fishes."  Many men who have failed in their own strength have succeeded greatly after taking Christ as a partner.

Christ Desires the Use of Our Talents

Christ knew what He was doing when He took over Peter's ship. He came to Peter at a time of failure, and He turned failure into success. He helped Peter to see his talent to catch fish was going to be used to catch men and not fish. This brought to Peter a sense of purpose. He transformed Peter from a fisherman to a "fisher of men" (Matthew 4:19). Christ is still calling for men and women to dedicate their time, talent, and property to Him today. Who can deny Him these things?

 

JUST A THOUGHT
There is no reaching Heaven except by treading the only path that leads there.

 

 

 

{ Blog 365 #161 - Slow Saturday }

 

Just a slow day, watching my newest favorite Turkish shows.  

 

Obsessed, people.  I am obsessed, and rightfully so, because they are just wonderful.

 

My favorite list is growing.  You know how usually you will have like the one, the favorite, the one that stands above them all?  Recently I claimed that Magnificent Century was my favorite and that was it, nothing else could manage.

 

I wish I kept my mouth shut because right along came Dirilis: Ertugrul, and made me eat my words.

 

So now, I have two.  (I should probably say, for the moment, because I have a gazillion shows to watch still, and no doubt will find another one that will latch right onto my heart.)

 

These two ♥

No words.  Engin Altan Düzyatan and Esra Bilgiç.  The chemistry between these actors, is equally as insane as the actors from Magnificent Century.

I will say this, one thing I am loving about the Turkish shows is that there are no love scenes, no sex, nudity, not even a lot of kissing.  Most kisses between the couples are on the hand or the forehead, and yet, they are able to convey and ooze love and affection, through the screen.

That is not easy to do, but these Turkish actors are unlike any actor I've seen in Hollywood.  Thank the Lord!!!

Anyway, if you haven't watched, do yourself the favor, and add this one to your list as well.  You won't regret it. 

 

{ Blog 365 #160 - Making Sun Tea }

When we were stationed in Arizona, the summers were brutal.  Actually, all year was brutally hot, but summers especially where tough to get used to.  One of the things I constantly kept on hand, was iced tea, and especially sun tea.

 

I mean, if the sun wants to be that way, then we will use it to our advantage.  

 

I became quite used to making sun tea, and to this day, it is one of our favorite beverages to have, on a hot day.....which by the way, here in Texas, during the summer, we see plenty of triple digits too. 

 

 

Sun Tea

4-6 tea bags
Filtered water


Put 4 to 6 tea bags into a clean 2 quart glass container. Fill with water and cap. Place outside where the sunlight can strike the container for about 3 to 4 hours. Move the container if necessary to keep it in the sun. When the tea has reached its desired strength, remove from sun and put it in the refrigerator. You may or may not want to remove the tea bags at this point. (I always remove mine)

The tea will probably taste more mellow than what you are used to from using boiling water. The slow seeping has a way of bringing out a slightly different flavor from the tea. Also, because you didn't use boiling water, you should refrigerate the tea and drink it up pretty quickly - a day or two. It will not keep as well as iced tea made from boiling water.

You can add in some mint leaves or I usually add in lemon, orange or lime slices.