All these pictures were from this past Christmas. As I look at our photos through the years, there is one thing that stands out – we’re a very touchy, huggy kind of family! I love that about us!

I grew up in a very affectionate home, so it was only natural that I’d sit in my husband’s lap, throw my arms around my girls, kiss their noggins (as we called it), and in general, just be free with affection; that’s what I was used to! I think affection provides a child with security. When you grow up with that taking place every day, it’s not embarrassing, it’s natural.

Recently I was in a place and position where it was appropriate to give a woman a compassionate kind of a hug. She was stiff, unbending, and didn’t quite know how to deal with this display of empathy. I learned that she grew up in a home where relationships were strained. I nodded in my memory of what had taken place earlier when I reached out to encourage her, and I understood her response. I’m truly sorry for her.

I have a message for you with children at home – LOVE ON THOSE LITTLE ONES! Give hugs. Squeeze their hand in affirmation. Let them see you loving on your husband with a kiss, a hug, holding his hand, taking his arm. Provide the security that family affection brings! If they don’t get it from you, chances are they won’t know how to share it when it comes time for them to marry or parent. Then, also, they’ll be uncomfortable giving (and receiving) Christian empathy to others and showing the love of Christ. Oh, the love and power of a loving family! Be sure you’re displaying it!

Hugs to you!

From the parsonage windows,

I’m thankful to live in an area of the country that sees all four seasons. I enjoy each one for their particular uniqueness. However, even though I love each season, there are things about each one that I have to choose not to focus on. For instance, I love winter because of the holidays it brings, but I’m not crazy about the cold and the barren trees. Spring is a welcomed change with its flowers and green grass, but the rains can ruin a whole week. I love summer for the warm sunshine and the long days, but not the extreme heat. Autumn is beautiful with all the color and cool temps, but it can be a little depressing with dark days and the trees losing their leaves. See what I mean? There’s always a little negative about each season, that could ruin the blessings if I focus on them too much.

 I tried another Pinterest/Crock Pot recipe last week that was a winner!  We love Mexican food in most every form – beef, pork, fish and chicken.  I came across a recipe for Chicken Tacos that were so easy and so good!  

Crock Pot Chicken Tacos
6 chicken breasts
1 pkg. Taco Seasoning
1 jar Salsa – whatever brand you have

Mix the Taco Seasoning and the salsa and pour over chicken breasts in crock pot.  Turn on high 4-6 hours  or low 6-8 hours.  Chicken will be tender and ready to pull apart with a fork.  It will look like this:

Serve with:
Tortillas
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Sour Cream
Cheese
Avocado

You seriously need to make these.  The prep takes all of two or three minutes and the reward is huge!

Is your family Mexican Food lovers?  Would they like this?

From my parsonage kitchen,

Yesterday afternoon was “Migraine afternoon.” No fun. No energy. No pizzazz. This one was a doozy. I’m convinced that the Lord gives those whoppers to me to make me STOP. I am forced to rest. I normally push myself, even when I don’t feel terrific, but there’s no pushing when these hit. I’m down for the count. So, I sat on the chaise lounge. I watched Little House on the Prairie. I sat on the back deck on the swing and listened to a message on my phone. I sat on the couch and watched it rain. Then about eight hours later, I was feeling like a human being again.

When was the last time you stopped and rested? We (I) shouldn’t wait until we’re sick to do so. It’s best that we take time each day to just cool it a bit and get refreshed. Hmmm, I think that’s why I started these Friday posts! I guess I’d better start following my own advice. Maybe you need to stop too.

Need a suggestion?

It’s time for the Biscuit Making Video! Hope this encourages you to get out the necessary ingredients and mix a batch either for supper tonight, or breakfast tomorrow!

Here’s a couple of the finished biscuits, hot out of the oven…

Here is where you’ll find the biscuit recipe. The jury is still out on the frozen biscuits. I’ll let you know how they do when I bake them up!

Happy biscuit making!

Love,