"Would a Worm Go on a Walk" Book Review

        

             

My kiddos were simply delighted when this beautifully illustrated, faith-filled Children's book arrived at our doorstep today! "Would a Worm Go on a Walk" written by Hannah C. Hall and Illustrated by Bill Bolton is simply delightful, engaging for children of all ages, and has the most colorful, beautiful illustrations I have ever seen in a children's book. My children are ages 4 and 9, and they both loved every page. The publisher recommended age is 4-7.

“Would a worm go on a walk, if you could lead him down the street? / Would he wear his tiny tennies, if he had two worm-sized feet?" So begins this humorous and imaginative picture book that introduces children to the idea that animals are uniquely created by a loving and wise God. Would a Worm Go on a Walk?, with its colorful, comical illustrations, is a fresh, fun way to teach young children that God created all things very good. He gave all the animals, and children, too, wonderful qualities and unique strengths. Children will giggle over the ridiculous scenarios presented, and they will come away with the knowledge that we all are loved and special.

My children laughed at the silly possibilities each animal faced, and they loved the colorful pictures on each page. The end of the book was such a beautiful surprise as it focused on how God creates each person and animal for a unique purpose, and we all have unique gifts and talents. This opened up a beautiful discussion for my children as we were able to share with each of them what talents we see in them. I was able to tell them all the ways that God has made them special, unique and beautiful. I know without a doubt that this book will be a huge favorite in our home for years to come.

This book is available for purchase at:
http://shopbetterbooks.com/would-a-worm-go-on-a-walk

Guess What?? You have the opportunity to win a copy of this awesome book! Simply leave me a comment telling me what your favorite children's book is, and you will be entered into a drawing to win this awesome book. The giveaway will end July 4th at 10 p.m. CST.

Giveaway Disclosure:
"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Phil Wickham "Children Of God" Cd-a beautiful and intimate declaration of adoration and worship to our Heavenly Father

  

Hello Dear Friends! I was blessed with the opportunity to review Christian musician, Phil Wickham’s, latest CD Release, “Children of God”, and it far exceeded my expectations!  I had heard “Your Love Awakens Me” on our local Christian radio station and really liked Phil Wickham’s style, so I was excited when the opportunity arose to review his latest cd. I have listened to the cd on repeat since receiving it in the mail-it is simply that good. The opening Doxology calmed my heart and prepared me for a time of worship as I drove my children to church this morning. His entire album is a beautiful mixture of gentle worship music and adoration declarations to our Heavenly Father. My favorite songs on the album are Spirit Of God, Starmaker, The Secret Place, and Stand in Awe. Madison Cunningham joined Phil Wickham on “The Secret Place” and her voice mixed with his results in an absolutely breathtaking lyric. As you can tell, I had a very difficult time picking my favorites J. Very rarely do I find a cd where I adore each song and don’t skip over certain songs. This cd was an exception-every song is so very beautiful and drew me into an intimate time of worship. These songs will be a constant in our home for sure. I often listen to worship music on repeat while I sleep, and this will be my chosen playlist in the future. I strongly recommend this cd to anyone looking for a new worship cd. Phil Wickham’s passion for pursuing God shines through his lyrics and music. You can purchase his cd at the following online retailers:

iTunes: http://smarturl.it/PW-COGiTunes


Amazon: http://smarturl.it/PW-COG-Amazon

Spotify: http://smarturl.it/PW-COG-Spotify

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQyXsJMkUPg

#ChildrenOfGod #FlyBy

Blessings to you dear friends! You are dearly loved!

Valentine's Day Creativity~How to Share God's Love Extravagently

Valentines Day is my favorite holiday by far because it gives me extra opportunities to show my family how very much I love them and how deeply our Heavenly Father loves them. Here are a few ideas to lavish love on your husband and children this year.

 

 

Countdown to Valentines Day:

I made this Countdown to Valentines Day for my awesome hubby this year by printing off a blank February calendar (just google calendar templates), adding some red card stock and decorations, and including two of his favorite things...Dove chocolates and sincere compliments/praise. For each day leading up to Valentines Day, I wrote something that I love about him. I then taped a Dove chocolate over each day to hide the words. Each day he can enjoy something sweet for his soul and for his belly :-).

 

 

 

U R A Winner Valentine Cards for my son's 1st grade class:

To create an affordable, easy, and fun Valentine for my son to give his friends this year, we cut red and pink card stock in four rectangles, and my son drew tic tac toe boards on them and wrote the words "U R A Winner" on top. We put them in a ziplock bag and included 18 M&M's (9 each of 2 different colors). His friends will have fun playing tic tac toe and then will have the added benefit of enjoying a few yummy M&M's.

 

Pop Quiz (Ring Pop) Valentines

To add to his Tic Tac Toe Valentines, we made these cute Ring Pop Valentines with anyone free printable tag that says, "Pop Quiz-Will you be my Valentine". The link for the tags can be found here: http://www.overthebigmoon.com/kids-valentine-printable-pop-quiz/

I found heart cellophane bags at the Dollar Tree and Valentine Ring Pops at Walmart.  

 

 

 

February Family Devotions:

I stumbled across this idea on Pinterest, and quickly purchased the 99 cent download. http://frugalfun4boys.com/2014/01/20/kindness-action-devotions-families-loving-god-loving-people/
 The blog author has written short family devotions for the 28 days in February on the subject of God's love and loving others through acts of kindness. I printed out each devotional, cut out the days, put them in individual envelopes, and decorated a bag to store them in. There are 6 "Kindness in Action" days where you are asked to perform an act of kindness as a family. There is a printable list of possible ideas for you to choose from or you can come up with your own ideas. I look forward to sharing these devotions and sharing God's love through acts of service with my family each day during the month of February.

 

 

 

 

Valentine Mailboxes:

This is a recurrent Valentine tradition in our home, and my 7 year old son starts anticipating it as early as January 1st :-). I have a mailbox for my husband and two children, and each day I fill their mailboxes with a sweet note, a special snack or candy, or a small toy or book. I found the mailboxes for a $1 at Target and Michaels, and the treats I buy during after-Christmas clearance sales or from the Dollar Tree. My son goes to bed each night in February super excited about waking up to see his mailbox surprises :-).

 

 

Valentine Treats:

I also love making special Valentine treats each year. Here are a few links to Valentine recipes that I have posted in the past:
 

 Toddler Valentine Snack Mix:

http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2013/02/toddler-valentines-snack-mix.html

 

Baked Heart Shaped Donuts:

http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentines-day-baked-chocolate-donuts.html

 

2 Ingredient Strawberry Fudge:

 http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2012/02/2-ingredient-strawberry-fudge.html

 

Valentine Chex Mix:

http://butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2013/02/valentines-chex-mix.html

 

Blessings Dear Friends!

May your Love overflow and overwhelm others with kindness this Valentines Day. God's Unfailing Love enables us to Love Deeply with no other purpose than to draw others to the Agape love of our Heavenly Father.

Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats

Because it is Autumn; Because I love all things Pumpkin; and because my sweet two year old baking assistant LOVES marshmallows, we spent a rainy morning creating these yummy Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats.

Cream Cheese Frosted Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats

Ingredients:

1/4 cup corn syrup

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1 teaspoon vanilla 

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 box Instant Jello Pudding (Pumpkin Spice flavor)

*you could use French vanilla if you can't find the pumpkin flavor*

7-8 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

1 Bag Pumpkin Spice Flavored Marshmallows

1container cream cheese frosting

Cinnamon Sugar to dust on top

Directions:

In a very large bowl, place 7-8 cups of Rice Krispies. Next, in a medium sized saucepan, melt the butter with the corn syrup over medium heat. Add the pumpkin spice marshmallows, and stir well. Add the vanilla extract, the pumkin pie spice and the dry pudding mixture. Stir until smooth. Pour the marshmallow/butter mixture over the cereal in your large bowl. Use a soft rubber spatula to stir the cereal gently, making sure to coat it completely. Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 inch pan. Let sit 15 minutes. Open your container of cream cheese frosting and spread it over the top of the Krispie treats. Sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar (mix 2-3 tablespoons sugar with one tablespoon cinnamon). Place pan in the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour. Remove and slice into squares. Enjoy with a yummy cup of cocoa or a pumpkin spice latte :-).

Enjoy dearest friends! Remember that your job today is to HOPE in The Lord. He will sustain, strengthen, and love you with an EVERLASTING LOVE.

Jeremiah 31:3
Long ago the Lord said to Israel:“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself."

Apple Pie Monkey Bread Bundles

For our Mothers of Preschoolers meeting tomorrow, I wanted to bring something new and yummy. I perused my pantry and fridge and came up with these wonderful goodies. I called them apple pie monkey bread bundles because they are like a cross between a hot apple pie and gooey monkey bread :-). Try them for your family this weekend. They will make your tummy happy, your home smell heavenly, and your heart smile as you watch the joy they bring to everyone who tries one :-). 

Have a Blessed Day dear friends! You are dearly loved and prayed for! God sings and dances over you with delight...remind your children of that often (they need the encouragment and love so much)!

Zephaniah 3:17

For the Lord your God is living among you

   He is a mighty savior

He will take delight in you with gladness.

  With his love, he will calm all your fears.

  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

~~~

Apple Pie Monkey Bread Bundles

Ingredients:

1 can Pillsbury Grands Biscuits (I used the Southern Style type)

4 apples, chopped finely 

2 teaspoons apple pie spice
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping

1/2 stick butter, melted

1/4 cup cinnamon sugar mixture

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel and chop four apples finely. Put the apples in a large bowl and add two teaspoons apple pie spice. stir gently. Drizzle 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping over the apples and gently stir. Open the can of biscuits. With a rolling pin, flatten each biscuit. Place a heaping spoonful of apples in the center of each biscuit. Fold up the sides of the biscuit and cinch them together with your fingers. Melt the 1/2 stick of butter in the microwave for 30 seconds. Meanwhile, put 1/4 cinnamon sugar in a small dish. Take each biscuit bundle and dip it in the melted butter, coating all sides. Next roll the buttered bundle in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Coat a muffin tin generously with cooking spray. Place each bundle, seam side down in the tins. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes (until lightly browned). Enjoy this yummy breakfast treat!

Serves 8

Triple Fudge Oreo Crunch Cookies and Patience in the waiting

TRIPLE FUDGE OREO CRUNCH COOKIES

These cookies should come with a warning label...they are that AMAZING and VERY ADDICTIVE :-). I recently found this recipe on the baking blog, Bakergirl, and since I already had all of the ingredients in my pantry, I decided to give them a try. These cookies were shared with many people who almost instantly requested the recipe. So bake some today and share with friends and family....I promise these cookies will make you a star :-)! The original recipe can be found here:http://buddingbaketress.blogspot.com/2012/01/triple-fudge-oreo-crunch-cookies.html

Have a Blessed week dear friends! You are dearly loved and prayed for!

 This verse encouraged me so much today as we continue on our adoption journey (www.emmacharity.blogspot.com) and I wanted to share it in case any of you have been called by God and are growing impatient in the waiting.

"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day." ~Habakkuk 2:3

Triple Fudge Oreo Crunch Cookies

Ingredients: 1 cup butter-flavored shortening 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar  2 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips or chunks 12-15 Oreos, roughly cut into quarters 3/4 cup white chocolate chips Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease baking sheets with  no-stick cooking spray and set aside.  In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening, sugar,  eggs, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda,  and salt. Slowly add to the sugar mixture and beat until  well-combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the chocolate chips, Oreo chunks,  and white chocolate chips until incorporated. Scoop out dough  and roll into 2 tablespoons-sized balls. Place on baking sheet  about 2 inches apart and slightly flatten with your hand.  Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until done. Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then remove to cool completely.

Apple Pie Brownies

I stumbled across a recipe for apple brownies that I tweaked, and the result was delicious. These brownies would be the perfect addition to a brunch or breakfast party. Their cinnamon scent smells just heavenly.

Enjoy! You are dearly loved by your Heavenly Father and prayed for daily. This song has blessed me this week given the many tragedies our country has faced recently. http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=B3mTk148NBs&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DB3mTk148NBs
Our God is always Faithful, and His love is unending!

Apple Pie Brownies

Ingredients:

3/4    cup    butter ( (1 and 1/2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened ) 

2    cups Light brown sugar 

2    eggs 

1    teaspoon vanilla extract 

2    cups flour 

1/2    teaspoon salt 

2    tablespoons baking powder 

1 can apple pie filling

2 tablespoons apple pie spice

Cinnamon sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking powder, salt, apple pie spice and apple pie filling.  Mix well. Spread in a greased 9x13 pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

Stella & Dot Adoption Fundraiser: Buy your "Emma Charity" Jewelry Now

We are so blessed to have a new friend, Ashley Jones, who has provided us with a wonderful fundraising opportunity for Emma's adoption. Ashley sells the beautiful Stella & Dot jewelry, and she is hosting an online jewelry party for us and donating her comission to Emma's adoption.

She and I have selected a few pieces from the Stella & Dot line that will be the "EMMA" line. Each piece holds special significance to our family regarding Emma's adoption. The Odette collection is the "INFINITY" line. Emma Charity which means "complete" or "infinite" "love".  Adoption is similar because you share God's infinite love with a child who has no one...crossing borders and loving completely. Within the Odette collection there are two infinity necklaces, three pairs of infinity earrings, an infinity bracelet/cuff, and an infinity ring to choose from. These items can be viewed here:http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/catalogsearch/result/?q=odette

We are also offering the TREE OF LIFE charm necklace which signifies family and being rooted together in Christ despite distance or circumstance. It is available in sterling silver or bronze.http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/tree-of-life-necklace-sterling-silver.html
http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/tree-of-life-necklace-bronze.html

And, lastly there will be a child's bracelet, called the "Little Dottie". We chose this piece for all the precious little girls who love to dress up and wear jewelry and who will love that they have helped bring Emma home by choosing this special piece.
http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/little-dottie-bracelet.html

How can you shop?  It’s easy!  Head to www.stelladot.com/ashleyjones.  At the top you will see “Find your Hostess.”  Click there and type in Christina Burrell.  At that point you can browse the site and shop away!  You may find all the beautiful jewelry overwhelming so we chose a few pieces that have special meaning and will tie us all together for Emma.  The show is open to shop now and will close on April 29.

We will receive 100% of the commission from every item that you purchase and you will have a special piece of jewelry to remind you/link you to our princess from Moldova, Emma Charity. It is our hope that each time you wear the jewelry you will say a special prayer over our family.

The online party will remain open until April 29, 2013, so place your orders soon. Please feel free to share this blog post and the party link and details with your friends and family. Every order brings us closer to our Emma.

If you would like a flyer or more information on these items mailed to you, then please email me at christinaburrell@hotmail.com If you have any questions, you can also call me at 956-566-6756.

Thank you so much for your consideration in buying an "EMMA" piece and for helping us spread the word by sharing the link and the party information. May God pour out His LOVE and BLESSING on each of you!!
http://emmacharity.blogspot.com/

Our Moldovan Adoption-Online Auction for Awesome Items and Other Fundraising Opportunities

For those of you who do not know, we are in the process of adopting a little girl from Moldova. To read about our adoption story, visit our adoption blog here:

http://www.emmacharity.blogspot.com/2013/01/our-complete-love-emma-charity-is.html

We have been so blessed to receive many wonderful things to auction off for Emma's Adoption costs. To everyone who has donated an item, we say "Thank You" from the bottom of our hearts! Each gift is a blessing.

The auction is now live. You can view the items here:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10200641005888837.220131.1270923703&type=1

To bid, simply make a comment under the picture. The auction will run until Friday, March 15th at 10:00 p.m. (CST). At the conclusion of the auction, each winner will be contacted via email with instructions on how to pay for the item. If your item needs to be shipped, there is a shipping cost. Please pay for your items within 7 days via PayPal or a Check or Cash.

Please feel free to share the link with your friends, family, on your blog, etc... The more people who bid, the more money we will be able to raise for Emma's adoption. If you have any questions, contact me at christinaburrell@hotmail.com

We ask for your prayers as we follow God's leading to Moldova. Pray for precious Emma to be surrounded with love and compassionate care while she is in the orphanage.

There are several ways that you can support our adoption financially.

One way that you can help support bringing Emma home to our family is by purchasing coffee from our store at: http:/www.justlovecoffee.com/TheBurrells

For every bag of coffee that you purchase, we will receive $5. Thank you so much for helping in this way. Please forward the link to everyone you know who likes coffee, hot cocoa, or tea. The coffee is absolutely delicious! My hubby is especially fond of the Rwandan.

We also have an online store where we are selling tshirts (both adoption-themed and Christian-themed). For every t-shirt you purchase, we will receive $8 to put towards our adoption. Please consider purchasing a shirt and forward the link to the store to your coworkers, friends, and family. The link to our store is: http://www.adoptionbug.com/burrellmoldovanadoption

If you feel led to just donate directly to our family, we promise you that 100% of your gift will go towards her adoption. You can contribute money by making checks out to Darin and Christina Burrell (please email me at christinaburrell@hotmail.com to request our address) or through paypal at the paypal address: christinaburrell@hotmail.com

Our greatest need is prayer-prayer of protection over Emma and prayers for God's provision and timing on the entire adoption process.

Thank you to everyone for your continual support, prayers, and lovePraying her home, Darin, Christina, Jaythan and Bella Joy

Contributing to Beauty

Do you ever feel worn out, just burdened by so many things, on the verge of exhaustion, overwhelmed, inpatient, etc? If you are a Mama then the answer is "Yes". Lately, I have felt all these things, often at the same time. This morning in church, I could feel the tears on the crisp of falling. I fought to hold them in because I was fearful that if they started to fall it would be an avalanche of brokenness. I am not good at expressing my feelings or my hurts, and they often get bottled up inside only to surface at the most inappropriate times in a not-so-pretty manner.

Right now our family is burdened with two house payments, raising provisions for our adoption, health issues, family concerns, ongoing grief over our daughter in heaven, insecurities, and recovering from two months of sicknesses in our home. Exhaustion mentally, physically, and spiritually overwhelms daily.

So when I first heard this song, "Worn" last week, I felt like God was speaking clearly to me (song link is below). He is able to carry my burdens, to give me the rest I seek, to heal our sicknesses, to sell our home, to give peace in our grief. My God is Able in ALL things. How often I forget that.  I think as Christians we often get so consumed in our messy lives that we forget who can make beauty from those messes. God sees the final picture, and that picture is a beautiful masterpiece. My current messiness is just a small part that contributes to that final beauty. So, I can choose to see my discouragement and anxieties as contributors to beauty or as a mess. When I choose the "mess" option, my heart will feel the same-an utter mess. However, if I focus on who I know God to be (Faithful to keep His Promises; Able to perform miracles; Always Present with me; Always for me; Always loving me; Never giving up on me) then, and only then, can I view my circumstances as "contributors to beauty."

No matter what you face today, dear friends, your circumstance is a CONTRIBUTOR TO BEAUTY,  so surrender it to God. He is the only who can bring beauty from ashes and joy in the morning.

"Worn" by Tenth Avenue North

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UUEy8nZvpdM

Romans 8:28

The Message (MSG)

^26-28 Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Easy Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Pie

My hubby loves chocolate and he loves cheesecake. Each year on his birthday and Valentine's Day I make him one of my famous from-scratch cheesecakes. They are enormous and take forever for him to eat (no one else in our family likes cheesecake). So this year, I experimented a little and came up with a quick, easy, homemade smaller version of his favorite dessert. He declared it to be absolutely amazing, and he says he looks forward to eating all eight small slices :-). This would be the perfect dessert to make when cooking dinner for a new mom or some one who is sick. It is delicious, easy, and the perfect size to share. 

Enjoy my friends! You are dearly loved by your Heavenly Father and prayed over! Zephaniah 3:17 reminds us that our Heavenly Father rejoices over us with singing! Wow! That humbles me with the knowledge that He loves me that much! How Awesome is our God!

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Pie

Makes ones 8-inch pie

INGREDIENTS for Cheesecake:

• 1 (8-inch) store-bought graham cracker crust – chocolate or regular*
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 egg
• 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

INGREDIENTS for Chocolate Glaze:

• 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (I use 1/3 cup chocolate chips)
• ¼ cup whipping cream (or milk)

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Arrange 1/2 cup chocolate chips on the bottom of the crust.

Beat together cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Beat in egg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix well.

Carefully pour on top of the chocolate chips in the crust.

Bake 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, or just until set. Cool completely.

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate and whipping cream together over low heat, stirring often (I do this in the microwave for 45-60 seconds.

Pour over the cheesecake and then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips on top. Chill several hours before serving.

*NOTE: If making your own graham cracker crust, keep in mind that this recipe is designed for an 8-inch pie pan (and many pie pans are 9-inch). If you use a 9-inch, you will probably have to adjust the cooking time (and obviously, the finished product will be slightly thinner).

Valentine's Chex Mix

I whipped up this super yummy and easy Valentine's Chex Mix this morning to share with friends and my family. The red and pink candy make it look so pretty-almost too pretty to eat :-).  Almost :-).

Mix some up to share and show God's love to others with a smile and a yummy treat that lets them know you are thinking of  them.

John 15:13 (the Message)

“I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you. I’m no longer calling you servants because servants don’t understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I’ve named you friends because I’ve let you in on everything I’ve heard from the Father."

 



 

Valentine's Chex Mix

Ingredients:

1 box Rice Chex cereal

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup Valentine M&Ms

1/4 cup Valentines sprinkles or red and pink hearts

 

Directions:

Place cereal in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, microwave the butter, peanut butter, and white chocolate chips uncovered on high 1 minute (stirring at the 30 second mark). Stir until melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate/peanut butter mixture over the cereal, stirring gently until all cereal is evenly coated.

Place 1/2 of the cereal in a paper lunch sack or gallon-sized ziploc bag. Add the 1/3 cup powdered suar. Seal the bag and shake until the cereal is coated with the sugar. Spread on wax paper or foil-lined cookie sheet to cool for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, stir the m&ms and the valentine sprinkles into the remaining cereal mixture. Spread on wax paper or foil-lined cookie sheet for 15 minutes to cool.

In a large bowl, mix both cereals together gently and then store in cute valentine themed bags or a sealed containers. Share with friends.

 

Makes 11 servings (1/2 cup each)

Toddler Valentine's Snack Mix

Today, I enjoyed making a yummy Valentine Snack Mix for my precious little Bella and her toddler MOPs class. Twice a month, I am blessed to attend Mothers of Preschoolers at our church. While Mommy gets some girl time, craft time, etc.., Bella enjoys playing with her toddler friends in Moppets. This Friday, we were asked to bring a Valentine Snack for the kiddos, so I whipped up this Valentine themed Cereal Mix that seemed age-appropriate for 18 month olds. You can adjust the mix with your favorite cereals or dried fruits. I have posted the recipe and a few pics below.

I am super blessed with a sweet toddler who loves giving kisses and hugs and loves her Mommy. She brings my heart so much JOY daily. She is a constant reminder to me of God's Abundant Love! I pray that each of you knows the depths of your Father's Great Love for you!

Ephesians 3:18

"And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is."

Toddler Valentine Snack Mix

Ingredients:

1 box Elmo X&O cereal

1 box Strawberry Shredded Wheat

1 box Welch's Yogurt Covered Strawberry Fruit Snacks

1 cup Craisins

1 cup Valentine M&Ms

 

Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl gently, and then store in bags or an airtight container. Enjoy!

Mocha Cappuccino Munch

My dear hubby has been out of town for work all week, and I miss him tremendously. Thankfully, he is coming home tonight so I whipped up this yummy treat as a surprise. He loves mocha cappuccinos and chocolate so this is the perfect combo for him.

Blessings my dear friends! You are deeply loved and prayed for by your Heavenly Father.

Mocha Cappuccino Munch

Ingredients:

1 box Rice Chex
1 Tablespoon instant coffee
2 Tablespoons very hot water

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)

1/4 cup shortening

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup Jif Chocolate Silk Peanut Butter

2 cups powdered confectioners sugar

1 bag chocolate covered espresso beans or mini espresso cups (found at Walmart or the Dollar Tree)

Directions:

In a microwaveable safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, chocolate silk peanut butter, and butter. Microwave for 1 minute and stir. Stir ground coffee into the two tablespoons hot water until the coffee is dissolved. Add the coffee and the shortening to the chocolate mixture and microwave for 45 seconds more. Stir until smooth. Place the rice Chex in a large bowl. Pour the chocolate mixture over the top and gently stir until all cereal is coated. Place the powdered sugar in a large plastic bag or paper sack.  Spoon the Chex mix into the bag. Shake until everything is coated. Spread onto a wax paper-lined cookie sheet and let set. Sprinkle the chocolate covered espresso beans over the mix. Spoon into storage containers. Store in a sealed container for 7 days. Enjoy!

God is My Refuge, my Constant, my Hope!

In the past five years our family has experienced heartache,the loss of a daughter, a new job and subsequent move, many changes, a crazy adoption journey, redirection and financial uncertainty. Each day, I wake up, and my only choice is to surrender to the fact that God sees it all and He is my only CONSTANT and He is Always, Always in Control.

In recent months, there has been one resource that has helped me trust God more completely and run to Him and Him only on the days when I feel so overwhelmed. I have been so blessed to be a part of the review team for a new 12 week Devotional entitled "God is My Refuge" by author, Kathy Howard (http://www.kathyhoward.org/god-is-my-refuge)



I recently blogged about how much Kathy's chapter on Healing had ministered to me on a day when I was feeling so very weak and burdened. You can read about that here:
http://www.butterflykissesntastydishes.blogspot.com/2013/01/god-is-my-refuge-when-i-am-weak-and.html?m=1



If you are struggling with fear, brokenness, worry, illness, weariness (this applies to all us mamas :-)), grief, discontentment, temptation, loneliness, or facing troubles of all kinds, then this devotional will be a huge blessing to your soul. Below I have included an interview with author, Kathy Howard, so you can understand more about the book and her heart for helping women find refuge in God through prayer, time in His Word, and scripture memorization.

I pray you each consider using this resource in your daily quiet time. I wanted to share one of my favorite worship songs that helps me remember that God alone is my REFUGE and NOT FOR A MOMENT WILL HE FORSAKE ME. Blessings dear friends!

"Not For A Moment" by Meredith Andrews:

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=XD0cvWImVjA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DXD0cvWImVjA



God Is My Refuge: 12 Weeks of Devotions and Scripture Memory for Troubled Times

Interview with the author, Kathy Howard

1. How can this devotional book help and encourage Christian women?

Christian women are not immune to trials and difficulties. In fact, Jesus clearly warned His followers that we will have trouble. We live in a fallen world and the effects touch everyone. However, believers have a safe place to go in the midst of trouble. Our God invites us to take refuge in Him. He is our “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.”

Most Christians believe God can help, but many don’t know where to go in the Bible to find the comfort, peace, and guidance He longs to give. God Is My Refuge provided the direction Christian women need to discover, understand, and apply the “ever-present help” only God can give.

2. What makes God Is My Refuge different from most other devotionals?

God Is My Refuge is more of a purposeful quite time guide. The overall intent for the book is to help women discover the help God offers in times of difficulty. Each day’s devotion includes the following components:

• Scripture reading of 5 to 8 verses

• Brief illustration and commentary on the verses

• Three questions for personal reflection and application

• Prayer prompt

• Memory Minute

Each of the 12 weeks focuses on a specific area of trouble like financial need, illness, broken relationships, grief, or fear. Each week highlights a verse that the reader is encouraged to memorize to internalize God’s truth. The daily “Memory Minute” gives quick, practical steps to facilitate memorization.

3. Tell us about how God used this book in your life while you were writing it.

Not long after I began working on this devotional our family entered a time of crisis. God used every moment I spent searching His Word and studying His promises to minister to me in my time of trouble. I needed what I was preparing for others. He comforted me with His Words of love. He filled me with the peace that can only come from Him. He strengthened me with the presence of His Spirit. God has truly been my refuge and ever-present help.

4. This devotional includes a Scripture memory component. Why is this important?

Memorizing God’s Word solidly entrenches it in your heart and mind. When you internalize His truth like this, God can use it to minister to you in powerful and personal ways:

• Provide you with comfort, encouragement, peace, and strength (Col 3:15-16; Ps 1:1-3)

• Give you guidance and wisdom (Ps 37:31; Ps 119:24, 98, 105)

• Foster your spiritual growth (2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12; 1 Pet 2:2)

• Prepare you to share your faith with others (1 Pet 3:15; Acts 18:28)

• Fill you with joy and pour out His blessings (Ps 119:24, 47, 103; James 1:21-25)

5. Memorizing Scripture overwhelms many Christians. How does God Is My Refuge help readers overcome this?

Memorizing Scripture is often overwhelming because we are looking at the “big chunk.” We see the end – having a verse or section memorized – and think “there’s no way I can do that!” You’ve heard the old saying about how to eat an elephant? The answer is “one bite at a time!” The same is true with memorizing Scripture. This devotional gives readers small, daily, doable steps to help them succeed. One bite at a time, until the verse is memorized! We also review all the verses throughout the course of the devotional to help them stick.

6. What is main takeaway of God Is My Refuge?

Christians will have trouble in this world, but God is there is help us in the midst of it. He will not leave us to stumble around on our own. He has the desire and power to help us. We just have to turn to Him. This devotional helps us do just that!

For more information about God Is My Refuge, and to download a free day’s devotional, visit Kathy’s website:

http://www.kathyhoward.org/god-is-my-refuge/

To purchase a copy of God Is My Refuge on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/God-My-Refuge-Devotions-Scripture/dp/089112330X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1356913454&sr=1-1&keywords=god+is+my+refuge+by+kathy+howard