From Frazzled to Fun

Dads do so much every day. Need some ideas for Father's Day?

Gifts can be very simple and meaningful at the same time, especially for men.

How do the dads in your life show love? That's probably the best way to show them love.

Here are a few simple ideas, along with the love language in parentheses:

• Make his favorite meal and everyone give him a homemade card (gifts/acts of service)
• Take his car to the carwash and have the kids help vacuum and wipe down the dash, etc. (acts of service)
• Tuck random notes from you and the kids in his closet, car, medicine chest. (words of affirmation)
• Do something as a family that he loves to do (quality time)
• Make little coupons for free backrub, footrub, or backscratch. (physical touch)
• Encourage older kids to write out 3 specific memories with their dad that were special. (words of affirmation/gifts/quality time affirming)

Remember, dads are typically low maintenance and these things -- homemade cards,  notes, coupons, etc. don't need...

Are you concerned about the "woke" messages trying to hit your kids from every side, including elementary schools'  ABCs of socialist activism — teaching kids terms such as “W is for woke,” “S is for social justice,” and “A is for activist”?

It's up to us as parents to be intentional to help our kids understand freedom and liberty is an important party of society.

I recently heard about a book series, the Tuttle Twins, that was written by a dad who teaches the ideas of a free society through fun stories.

Maybe this would be a great tool for your family?

One parent review said, "Tuttle Twins is a breath of fresh air amidst a one sided educational system that trains kids to be good employees rather than good citizens."

I even read reviews that said the parents learned a few things alongside their kids as they read through this series.

Check out the Tuttle Twins children's book series here.

On another...

Ingredients:

2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken (or boned chicken thighs can be substituted)

4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

2 cans of Rotel tomatoes

4 medium ribs celery, diced

2 small zucchini, diced (2 cups)

1 bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced

24 ounce jar marinara sauce

2 jalapenos, seeded and diced

1 tsp red pepper flakes (for extra heat)

Directions:

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker; add the garlic, tomatoes, celery, zucchini, and peppers. Pour the marinara sauce over all, and sprinkle the red pepper flakes on top (if you like it hot).

2. Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 6 to 7 hours. Before serving, shred the chicken with a fork (and remove bones if needed). Serve over rice.

I was on the schedule to pray at the close of our church's Mother's Day Sunday service.

Little did I know what the Lord was going to prompt....

Nor did my pastor husband!

Chris had just preached a sermon on 2 Kings 4:1-7, which tells about a widow who was worried she wasn't going to be able to pay debts to creditors.

Elisha asked what she had in her house. 

She said she had a little oil.

She brought her little and God multiplied it.

He did the same thing in my kitchen one day. Watch the video to hear the story.

If you feel like in your life you might be "coming up short" in your patience, energy, or resources, I think my unexpected sermonette in our Mother's Day service might encourage you.

Mothers are gardeners of God, tending to the hearts of their children. 

- Roy Lessin

For every mom reading this post I pray the Lord gives supernatural insights, and that wisdom walks beside you as you do your "gardening".

You do so much every day for your family. I honor you on your day.

I pray this year the Lord heaps on you blessings beyond what you could ask or imagine.

We had two kids at the time, but late one Saturday night, my wife said … “it’s time.”

Did I forget to say we were 9 months pregnant … at least my wife was! "It’s time” wasn’t something she said often, so I didn’t hesitate to ask for further clarification.

We loaded up the car, called friends who had committed to come spend the night and watch our two older boys and we headed to Good Samaritan Hospital.

Upon arrival, we learned it apparently was time for a lot of other babies that night also.

We did all the typical stuff you do when a baby is about to be born -- paperwork, blood pressure, etc. I asked the attending nurse if we could get a room for my wife and she answered that no rooms were available and we could wait in the hallway. The waiting room was full but they had placed a few chairs in the hallway -- I got one for my wife and I stood by her.

When I asked how she was doing she said “it’s time".

My wife had...

Heart check!

Leading up to Easter is a great time to examine our hearts and ask the Lord to clean them up and make them whole. We need to do it, and we can help our children do it, too.

Here’s an easy-to-do object lesson to help your kids understand how to keep their souls free. Gather large rocks or heavy books, a sack, masking tape, and a Sharpie marker.

1. Ask your children to think of someone they may need to forgive. Here are a few prompts:
1. Did someone say something that embarrassed you
2. Did someone take something that belonged to you?
3. Did someone make you feel bad about yourself?
2. Talk about the feelings that can result from hurts like that (resentment, hate, revenge, anger and bitterness) and write those things on the masking tape, labeling each rock or heavy object.
3. Put the items in the sack.
4. Have each child take turns walking around the room holding the loaded sack, and explain that carrying around feelings such as anger and unforgiveness in their hearts is an even...

Can I encourage you to grab a cup of coffee or tea, take a 7-minute soul "spa" moment, and reflect on your Heavenly Father's great love for you?

He knows you, He sees you, and He loves you.

Barry Adams in 1999 felt the Lord whisper to his heart that if he could put the scriptures in the right order they would form a love letter.

In January 2000 his love letter almost shut down the internet because so many people were viewing it at once. It has now been translated into more than 120 languages -- 100 million people have read and heard it so far. 

Take a few minutes and bask in his love by clicking here.

It will make you a better mom. :)

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled...

This week I had the joy of eating some of the tastiest soup, made by my friend Maggie.

I just have to share it with you, because not only is it delicious, it is also easy to prepare.

See instructions below for preparing in either the Instant Pot, on the stovetop, or in a slow cooker.

Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup - makes 12 servings

2.5 lb. boneless chicken breasts or thighs (or a purchased large rotisserie chicken)

28 oz. green enchilada sauce

24 oz. chicken broth

2 c. Monterey Jack cheese

4 oz. cream cheese (at room temperature)

4 oz. green salsa (salsa verde)

1 c. half and half

salt and pepper, to taste

Instant Pot Instructions

1. Cook chicken on high pressure with 1 c. of broth for 8 minutes. Do a quick release after 10 min. Remove chicken and shred.

2. Set pot to medium saute, add remaining broth, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, salsa and heat until warm. Add cheese and remaining ingredients. Stir until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Stovetop...