Strawberry Dessert - Low Calorie- 4th of July Dessert

This is a great recipe for a low calorie, crust free strawberry dessert. 

INGREDIENTS:

 4 Cups Fresh Strawberries

1 -  pkg  COOK & SERVE Vanilla Pudding Mix

1 - pkg Sugar-Free Strawberry Flavored Gelatin (or regular gelatin)

2 Cups Water

Whipped Topping (Cool Whip) - Optional

1.  Slice up strawberries and arrange in a pan.  

I used an 11"x7" rectangle pan, but you could use a pie pan, too.

**Make sure to have cook & serve pudding**

2. Combine PUDDING mix, GELATIN & WATER together in a saucepan. 

3.  Bring pudding mixture to a FULL BOIL.

4.  Pour gelatin mixture (after it reaches a full boil) OVER the sliced strawberries.

5.  Refrigerate 4-6 hours.

6.  Serve with a dollop of whipped topping.

For this upcoming  4th of July holiday you can add blueberries and have a festive holiday dessert!!

Happy 4th!!

Surviving A Job Loss Series : Our Response As A Wife & Christian

Getting the news that you have been let go can give you the feeling of being punched in the stomach, especially if it is out of the blue and unexpected.  The first time my husband lost his job I remember asking God WHY?!  God showed us He is in control and has better plans for our family.

One of the great things we as Christians can have in this kind of situation is Peace.

Peace knowing..... 

God is in control.  God is for us.

   Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

  

   Proverbs 16:9 -A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. 

   Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Even in the valley, God is Good

He will provide.  He cares & loves us.

 
   Philippians 4:19 - And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

   Matthew 6: 31-32 - (Jesus speaking)  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things

  1 Peter 1:7 - Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

                                                                                                                                                                    

Your response as a wife.

• Be an encourager.  A husband who has lost his job does not feel like a gallant soldier, he is at his lowest point.  There may be feelings of bitterness, worry, depression, insecurity, and/or stress. Encourage your husband with positive words.                                                                                You may be feeling some of those feelings, too, but remember God is in control.  

• Make the atmosphere around the house a pleasant. Time of unemployment can bring about stress in a household.  Do your best to have a have a positive attitude.  Be honest with your children about the job situation, but make sure to discuss major issues (ie...money, bills, worry..) away from them.  There is no need for the kids to be upset and worried.

• Pray for your husband.  What a great gift we have as Christians to have a loving, powerful, all knowing Heavenly Father who is there for us.
  What you might pray for:
  Patience
  Strength/energy
  Job Opportunities
  Wisdom
  Finances
  Any fears he has in learning a new job
  Attitudes
  Priorities

Going through a time of unemployment can bring so many emotions.  Know that God cares for you and loves you.  You are going through this because He has a better plan for you.  We may not think that or even comprehend that, but our thoughts are not his.....He knows the ultimate outcome and it will be for His glory.  Looking back, you will see the how wonderful God's plan has worked out and rejoice and praise Him for the bummer time of being unemployed. 
Look to Him, take comfort in His word.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:6

FREE Christain Magazine Subscription from Focus on the Family

The other day in my mailbox I received a new magazine from Focus on the Family full of great family ideas and parenting articles.  The magazine is Thriving Family.  It has articles that pertain to all phases of parenting from infants through to teens; for parents who have special needs children, military families, adoptive families.  Articles for just moms, just dads, single parents and articles that deal with extended family (cousins, aunts, uncles...)

Most importantly, these articles are written from christian perspective, which I appreciate.  Our minds can get so cluttered with philosophy from the world.

Focus on the Family offers this magazine for FREE.  You can sign up for a 1-yr subscription (4 issues) either calling 800-A-FAMILY or by clicking HERE.



I

It Is Not Easy

                                                    To apologize,

                                                    To begin over,

                                                    To be unselfish,

                                                    To take advice,

                                                    To admit error,

                                                    To face a sneer,

                                                    To be charitable,

                                                    To keep on trying,

                                                    To avoid mistakes,

                                                    To endure success,

                                                    To profit by mistakes,

                                                    To forgive and forget,

                                                    To think and the act,

                                                    To keep out of the rut,

                                                    To make the best of little,

                                                    To subdue an unruly temper,

                                                    To maintain a high standard,

                                                    To shoulder a deserved blame,

                                                    To recognize the silver lining,

                                                     BUT IT ALWAYS PAYS.

                                                                      ----Unknown

Being Prepared - Everytime - All the Time

It is GREAT to be prepared!!  Check out these neat "Grab & Go" bags featured at Better Homes & Garden site.  I love this idea of having an organized bag that you can just grab before heading out the door on an impromptu picnic, playdate or road trip and know you have everything you will need.

  It takes seconds to grab the bag as opposed to several minutes thinking what you should have and rounding it up.  Plus it makes it easy for  Dad to help - if he just has to grab the "travel games" kit you already had prepared.

Source: bhg.com via Jolanthe on Pinterest

You do not even need to invest in clear cosmetic bags, Zip-lock storage bags would work just as well.

Check out the Better Homes & Garden site for FREE printable labels for your bags.

What type of  "Grab & Go" bag would you make up?

Laundry Soap

Have you ever met anyone famous?  I think the only person I have met that was famous is Sparky Anderson, who was the Detroit Tigers manager in the 80s.  My son thinks that is pretty cool. 

Yesterday, my friend, Susanne, who really is the sweetest person I have ever met, told me she was headed up to Nashville today to meet the Duggar family!  I am so excited for her. Our family LOVES watching the Duggar family on TLC's 19 Kids and Counting.  We have family plans Saturday night, otherwise, we would be traveling to Nashville to meet them, too.

A couple weeks ago, I made Homemade Laundry Soap with a recipe from the Duggar's website.  I did half the recipe, I did not need detergent for a whole year!!  I have been pleased with it and it cost....MAYBE $2.00 for 2  1/2 gallons.  It was really easy!

2  Cups - hot tap water +
1/2  Fels-Naptha soap bar
1/2 Cup - Arm & Hammer WASHING SODA
½ Cup Borax

Clean 5 gallon bucket (you can get from Home Depot for under $4)

Step 1:  Grate the bar soap.  (We purchased an old one at Goodwill, just for this so our cheese doesn't have a soapy taste next time we have tacos)

Step 2:  Melt the soap in saucepan along with 2c warm water

Step 3:  Fill 5 gallon bucket 1/4 the way with warm water

Step 4:  Dissolve the Borax & Washing Soda in bucket of water

Step 5:  Add melted soap
Step 6:  Add more warm water to make the bucket 1/2 full ( 2-1/2 gallons).

Step 7:  Stir up good and let it sit over night.  It will gel up and look like clumpy raw egg whites.

Let the laundry party begin.....Ugh....

In the Duggar recipe, they dilute the mixture and fill the bucket all they way to the top (making 5 gallons) and use 5/8c for a top load washer.  I didn't dilute it any more and just use 1/2 c. and it works great!  It is not a sudsy soap so do not fret if you don't see major suds.

If you try the recipe, let me know how you like it!!

Happy washing!! 

Housekeeping Schedule

 I LOVE having a nice, clean, organized house.....who doesn't, right?  One thing I admit, is my house is not on a cleaning schedule or routine.  Time-Warp Wife blog by Darlene Schacht has made up a great housekeeping schedule for the whole house, which I am excited to implement.  Bathrooms are my least favorite, so Mondays I'll have to have an extra pep in my step.

You also can print out a calendar copy of the schedule to post on your fridge (HERE).  Darlene has schedules for June and July already made up which means you can start right away. 

Do you have a housekeeping routine?  What is your housekeeping job you don't mind? 

Elizabeth George Book Giveaway Link

To fulfill one of my goals this month, to read one non-fiction book, I am reading 

A Women After God's Own Heart  

by Elizabeth George.  

This evening while I was browsing through some of my favorite blogs, I came across a giveaway sponsored by Joy-Filled Days for another book by Elizabeth George, 

Woman’s High Calling: Ten Ways To Live Out God’s Plan For Your Life.

Head over to Joy-Filled Days to enter this fun summer book giveaway.

Its easy to enter - just comment.  

Winner will be picked Tuesday June 7th, 2011

Surviving A Job Loss Series : What To Do When You Have Lost Your Job

As of Wednesday, hubby is on the job hunt....again, (meaning this is not the first time he has lost his job).  He is in sales, and with people and businesses cutting back on spending, it is not the best field to be in.  Unfortunately, hearing of people who have lost their jobs is something we hear about almost weekly, so, I thought I would do a series relating to how to survive a job loss. 

I wish no family would have to go through being unemployed, but if you DO find your family in that situation, I hope this info helps. 

Know If You Have Any Employee Benefits Left

Be sure you know what company benefits you have as you leave the company.  Are you vested?  Will your insurance be covered through the end of the month?  What about any commissions you have earned, will you be paid for them? When will the last paycheck be?  Will you be paid for unused vacation days? Know this information, and keep track of it. 

Apply For Unemployment

Don't let it be a pride issue.  Just do it.  Different states do it differently, but start right away with filling out forms through your state's Department of Labor. It can take several weeks to receive your first benefit check, so the quicker you get going, the better.  There may be a different department for food assistance, in GA I believe you go through the Department of Human Services, which is a division of Department of Family & Children's Services. 

Think of other sources that may give assistance. Hopefully, you will not need to use these resources, but it is nice to know they are there, if you DO need help.  Especially if it is taking longer to find employment than what you thought.

• Churches - Some churches have food and clothing pantries
• WIC - Woman Infants Children
• Local food pantries - Local pantries assist with groceries.
• Medicaid - Many states offer low or free medical insurance for kids
• Energy assistant programs - There are programs that will assist with bills for your home.

 Tell People You are looking for a job

It is a tough thing telling people you have lost your job...especially after the 3x, but the more people who know, the more who are praying for you.  There are also people who may know of an job opportunity for you.  

 Reevaluate Your Living Expenses

 Are there areas where you can cut expenses until you gain employment again?

• Cable
• Eating Out
• Groceries
• Gym memberships
• Hobbies - scrapbook, golf

 Remember, it is only temporary.

Start the Job Search

Get your resume updated and hit the job boards:

Career Builder,     Monster,     Yahoo Jobs,    Indeed