Don’t Chill! Till!

November 18, 2020November 17, 2020 RefreshHerLeave a comment

What is on your agenda for this week? Do you feel like getting after it, or are you feeling more like “chilling” instead? That tendency is always there, isn’t it? We may be tempted to sleep a little longer, take a few more minutes scrolling on our phone, watching television, or reading a captivating book, but then we realize that so much time has passed and the opportunity to accomplish the said task is now either passed by, or is cut short.

Proverbs always motivates me and reminds me of the most practical steps to take each day. It is so applicable in regards to how I spend my time. Here’s what God says,

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding
Proverbs 12:11

I seriously doubt that any of us are hitching up the plow to go till our land today, but when I read this verse recently, the Lord reminded me if we will till that land, we will have bread! There is a blessing of staying at the task at hand! The Lord brought to my mind that we all have “land to till” and it shows itself in many different ways. Consider…

Read the Word and you will be nourished.
Give out the Word and people will get saved.
Disciple someone and there will be spiritual fruit.
Pour time into your marriage and it will be rich.
Take time with your children and they will flourish.
Care for your home and it will be welcoming.
Plan for your meals and people will be satisfied.
Nurture relationships and your life will be full.
Feed your soul and you will grow.
Memorize the Word and you will be grounded.
Apply the word and you will be wise.

Nothing good ever “just happens.” It takes effort, discipline, planning, and hard work. The good news is that if you know Christ as your Savior, He is your Helper. Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. He will prod you and strengthen you, but then it is our responsibility to get after it and actually DO the task or work.

This verse in Proverbs also reminds us that the one who follows vain persons is void of understanding. But when we cave to the temptation to follow vain things – sleep, idle moments, and the like, we again reveal our lack of understanding.

How much wiser it is for us to till, rather than chill. What responsibilities are lacking because you’ve not had the motivation to get moving? Why not stop and ask the Lord for His wisdom as to how to get busy and also the strength to do it?

If you need some motivation, here are some posts about prioritizing your days here, here, and here,

Refresh your life by staying busy at the plow!

Encouragement · Refreshment in marriage · Wife's Role

One Great Tool To Strengthen Your Marriage

November 13, 2020November 12, 2020 RefreshHer5 Comments

I’ve always been a huge fan and encourager of leaving love notes for your spouse. Why? Scripture says,

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. Proverbs 12:25

Our husband gets beaten down by the world, his own flesh and the devil. If we’re not giving them a “good word,” who is? We don’t want another woman giving him those words…that is our place and privilege!

A few months ago my friend and I were browsing through a store and she found the cutest pad of love notes from Dayspring and brought them over to me and said,

This looks like something you would love!

Was she ever right! Here’s the front of the pad…

Here’s the back…

Sample page…

I love that you can put the date on it, that it’s filled with a prayer and also Scripture verses. You can flip it over and write an additional note to your spouse in your handwriting…

There are 100 notes in this pad! They cover topics like noticing their burdens, their spiritual gifts being used, dreaming about the future, and sparks of loving romance. Of course you could come up with your own verses and prayers and write them on a card, but I have found the convenience of it already being written on the card, and also done so beautifully, really helps me be more mindful to leave them for my husband to find!

I’ve used this several times since purchasing it and I can say that I believe my husband has truly appreciated each one. I get no kick-back from telling you about this product, but I was sure glad my friend pointed it out to me when we were shopping together, and I wanted to point it out to you! This would also make a great wedding shower gift! I’d encourage you to check it out!

Refresh your marriage with a love note,

Chicken · Comfort Food

Honey Fried Chicken Strips

November 9, 2020November 8, 2020 RefreshHer5 Comments

One day just recently my daughter sent me a text and asked me for my recipe for Honey Fried chicken Strips. Oh my goodness! I hadn’t thought of that dish in a long time! I used to make this recipe when my girls were growing up, and quite frankly, I hadn’t made it in years! The reason is because it’s not exactly healthy. It is in complete contrast to some of my recent low calorie posts, but it’s simply too good not to share with you all!

Sweet Alli made up this recipe after getting it from me, then she invited her dad and me for supper. It was worth the little splurge to indulge in a couple chicken strips! You gotta live a little, right?!

Why is this recipe so good? In my opinion it’s due to the batter including honey. It gives it a slightly sweet flavor. I also always serve honey alongside for dipping. Wow, her meal turned out amazingly delicious! When you need a little something special and want to splurge on a not-so-healthy recipe, I’d encourage you to try this family favorite!

Honey Fried Chicken Strips
2 large chicken breasts
1 bunch parsley
3/4 cup self-rising flour
1/2 cup milk
2 tbl honey
1 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
1 1/2 tsp. salt
Salad oil

1. Cut chicken lengthwise into 1-inch strips. Chop enough parsley to make 1/3 cup.
2. In large bowl, mix flour, milk, honey, lemon-pepper seasoning, salt, and chopped parsley. Stir in chicken; set aside.
3. In 5 quart Dutch oven over high heat, heat 1 inch salad oil to 325 degrees on deep fat thermometer (or, heat oil in deep fat fryer set at 325 degrees.
4. Fry chicken strips, a few at a time, about 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and outside is golden. With slotted spoon, remove chicken to paper towels to drain.

This is fried chicken with a twist…a sweet and delicious one! I hope you’ll give this a try. I don’t think you’ll be sad you did!

Here’s another version of fried chicken that’s healthier

With love from my country kitchen,

Family life · Marriage · Parenting

Four Lies You May Be Believing About Your Family

November 6, 2020November 1, 2020 RefreshHer6 Comments

One lovely evening we invited friends to come over after church. We sat around our fire pit watching the flames spit embers upwards and the smoke billow into the night sky. Then to get the group talking, my husband suggested we play a game called, Two Truths and a Lie. Each person has to come up with two truths about themselves that others might not know, and then throw a lie in there somewhere. We were to guess which one was the lie. Do you know what the hardest part of that game is?

It’s not hard to come up with a lie – it’s difficult to come up with two truths to share!!!!

Not only is that true in a game – it’s also true in real life! It’s just easier for us to listen to a lie than for us to listen to (and believe) the truth!

After our game was over, the fire put out, and my week got started, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve encountered someone believing a lie in their life! Could you identify one you might be believing about your family? There are many, but here are four lies I think are running rampant in our homes:

This marriage is a mistake.
Things will never change.
My child will go through the typical phases (like terrible two’s and teen rebellion).
This stage of life is going to last forever!

Let’s counteract those lies with Truth:

This marriage is a mistake. Once you said, “I do,” you marriage became a covenant between you and your spouse and God. No matter the situation and happenings before you got married, God doesn’t want you to ditch this marriage – this covenant after you pledged your life and love! He wants you to stay married and display the Gospel – Forgiveness, mercy, and grace. When we promise to love ’til death, God desires we allow Him to work in our marriage because it IS His will.
So today –Commit yourself to this marriage and stop thinking about what it would be like to be with someone else, or in another circumstance. Pour yourself into this marriage like it was the first day you were married. Make a difference in your husband’s life today!Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder (separate).
Things will never change. The previous truth about marriage isn’t meant to make you feel hopeless. To say, “Things will never change” is to doubt an omnipotent God! He is able to do MORE than we can ask or think. As long as you are living – there is hope, because God is also alive and on the Throne!
So today – Trust Him to answer and intervene in your life! Keep praying, believing and watching for what an all-powerful God can do!
Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.
My child will go through all the typical phases. Your child was uniquely designed and created. They were born with an old sin nature that will need to be dealt with. A strong-willed child needs a different kind of approach than a child who is withdrawn. But with biblical guidance and prayer, they could completely bypass those “expected” kinds of behavior. Every child has a will and when that will is bent towards Christ and obedience at an early age, they won’t be little angels, but could avoid much heartache they could cause for themselves.
So today – Train your child in God’s Word and ways. Surround them with godly people, biblical discipline and teaching, places and activities that will be the Truth their young heart needs.
II Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
This stage of life is going to last forever! I know that when you’re changing diapers, chasing toddlers all day, caring for an elderly parent, or dealing with a hard season in your marriage, you think it’s never going to end, but I’m here to tell you there will could be day when you will look back and realize how quickly the time passed!

Think back to something you did two years ago. Perhaps it was a significant birthday, a special vacation or a wedding. Doesn’t that seem like FOREVER ago? Life is fleeting. Children grow up. Changes smooth out eventually. So what do we need to do? Learn to enjoy today. Look for the blessing in the opportunity before you.

When my mother-in-law had lung cancer, I cared for her in Hospice care in our home. During those long days, I was exhausted and felt very overwhelmed and wondered how I could keep going. But in six very short weeks, she was in heaven and I was thankful for each day we got to care for her and spend time with her. I look back on that time and it seems so short! I don’t remember the hard things nearly like I remember the blessings! I remember reading Randy Alcorn’s book, Heaven to my mother-in-law. I remember the night my husband and I got to go to a Bed and breakfast for a night away to rest in the middle of this time, and I remember the blessing of friends who helped by bringing meals, and came and sat with her so I could attend church. Nothing on this earth lasts forever.
So today – In the midst of long work hours that your husband is pulling, leaving you alone, or while you’re waiting for God to bring you a spouse, or while you’re cleaning up chocolate milk from the walls and floors, look up and find something for which you can be thankful! Look for the blessings and keep a mind on the truth that the clock is ticking! Remember, too, that Christ could come at any moment and it will ALL be over, and forever more we’ll be rejoicing!
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

Thinking the Truth takes intentional effort. Keep your heart focused on that which is right. As Jesus said, The truth will set you free!

Refresh yourself with truth about your family,

Eternity

Are You Prepared For What’s Coming?

November 4, 2020November 1, 2020 RefreshHer2 Comments

While I worked in my craft room doing alterations on some pieces of clothing, I turned my computer on and watched “A life in the day” of a popular vlogger. She’s beautiful, accomplished and poised…this would be interesting.

But what I felt at the end of her video was not an admiration for her life, rather, I felt a sadness for her. That may sound strange, especially if you had seen her lovely home, complete with huge rooms, expensive furniture, and a backyard that beckons you to the built-in swimming pool. But from the beginning of her day through the hurry and scurry of her job and family activities there was no mention of her relationship with the Lord, whom she professes. There was no time in His Word, no talk of Him when she related to her husband, children or coworkers. There was no prayer, no indication of dependence on a God Who could strengthen a weak heart or guide daily decisions. It seemed that this was her day.

At the end of the video, she snapped off the light, wishing a good night to those that had watched, and I also saw darkness in her tomorrow that will repeat this whole scenario all over again. Everything seemed so futile.

The next morning I read a truth in Proverbs 30 that seemed just the opposite of this dear woman’s life…

There are four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise;
the ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.

In wisdom, the ant the ants prepare their winter food in the summer. They work in a time when work can be done and aren’t lazy or procrastinators.

These little insects teach us a lesson about preparing for the coming winter, about what must be the thoughtfulness of one who is making provision for the coming eternity. We can each (myself included) scurry and hurry about, from one task to the next with little or no thought of the life after this one, of the God Who has a plan for this day and eternity, which is always before us.

Of course we have jobs to attend to. Yes, there are children to be picked up from school and packages to be sent, mail to be opened, and appointments to meet, but does that mean there is no time for God in the midst of all our busyness? Do we only relegate God for the hour on Sunday when we will “attend church?” The answer from a heart of anyone who loves God must be a resounding,

NO!!

I’m in no way saying that each moment must be spent with the Bible open, our hands folded in prayer, with no thought to the responsibilities before us. What I am saying is that it is too easy for each of us to plod through our days with little or no thought of God. Some never want to think of where they will spend eternity.

God told the rich man that temporal kind of thinking is foolish because,

Thou fool; this night thy soul shall be required of thee,
then whose shall these things be,
which thou hast provided? Luke 12:20

Surely every man walks about as a phantom; Surely they make an uproar for nothing; He amasses riches and does not know who will gather them. Psalm 39:6

Instead we must heed II Corinthians 6:2

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Then after salvation, we have purpose for living that goes beyond work, wealth and weariness. With an eye on my present responsibilities but a heart for heaven and eternity, I go through my day, like that little ant. As I put my feet on the floor, I go to that first “ant hill” and thank God for this new day. I move on through the morning and with coffee cup in my hand I move towards the next “ant hill” and open His Word to get my directions for the day. I lay my burdens at His feet.

As I get dressed, I listen to a podcast that will be bread crumbs I can feast on through the day. I can scurry to the next “ant hill” driving to my appointment with a verse card set up on the dashboard, giving me another crumb to nourish my soul. At the appointment, I seek to encourage someone as I share with my hair dresser how faithful God was in a recent difficult situation and I remind her of God’s care for her.

All through the day we must picture ourselves like the little ant, looking for morsels to feed on or for those to tuck away. We could be “sluggards” as Solomon says in Proverbs 30, or we can be wise like the little ant.

What will I choose today? I want to be wise and prepare now for what is coming, which is eternity. How about you? Are you preparing?

You can listen to a podcast where I spoke about this subject in a series called, Remember Lot’s Wife. Go here and scroll down to April 18, Part 3 to hear the recording. I trust it will further refresh your thoughts about how we live out our days on this earth.

Consider the ant,