Small Group - Large Impact

I had dinner with a friend last night.  One who has encouraged me, challenged me to be better, forced me out of my box.  I love friends like that.  Ones who see the person you can be, and push you (in a gentle manner) to be that person, to help you see who they see.  (if that makes sense.)

She is a large factor as to why I started my own bible study group.  I have been wanting to join one again for awhile, but just wasnt finding quite what I was looking for.  I wrestled with starting my own group. Could I truly lead a group of women, when I feel like I am still learning God's grace and love on a daily basis?  I didnt trust that I could.  Finally, I did it.  And as much as I would love to say it instantly took off it didnt. 

My group was listed for about a month, before I had anyone contact me.  That is like torture.  I questioned myself.  I questioned if this was the path God was leading me on, or if I was just "hearing" what I wanted to.  I felt rejected.  I had put myself out there, on the line, and nothing.

But, I should know by now, God does things on his time, not mine.  (I'm sure it's not a lesson I have mastered yet either).  And one by one, I started getting emails from girls from church I had never met.  Women who wanted fellowship.  Mother's who wanted to raise their children in Christ's love.  During this time, I had also met one of our new neighbors who has a son 4 months older than Jacob.  I had joked (kinda, was half serious) with Mike that I was going to start stalking her, and make her be my friend.  I don't know a lot of moms in my area, especially with young boys.  

She had invited us to her son's bday party, and of course Jacob approved since there were John Deere's and cake involved, and I was even more committed to my stalking project when their family prayed before the birthday meal.  (In full disclosure, I have told my neighbor about my stalking plans, and luckily she still talks to me :))

I decided to go out on a limb and invite her to join my group.  It was another one of those moments I wrestled, and sweated buckets over.  I mean seriously, I didnt want to come across as the crazy neighbor (which I'm sure I did) and I could count on one hand the amount of times I've talked to her. 

So, there started my group.  Two girls I have never met, and another one I practically hog tied and drug to my house.  It has been the best thing for my faith, sanity, and motherhood this year.  We now have 5 of us, and meet every week. 

I realized I don't need all the answers.  And they are not looking for all the answers.  Just to be able to have friends you can share the day to day mundane child rearing, mother guilt, wife tasks, etc, and have people who understand is phenomenal.  I love Monday nights.  I feel so light hearted, and inspired by these women. 

It makes me a better mom, wife, me, and Christ follower.  I have new ideas on prayer with Jacob, on how to show him Christ's love, and knowing I dont need to be perfect.  I'm so excited to see where God leads us, and how we will grow and challenge each other. 

In case you are wondering we finished Out of the Spin Cycle this past week.  I would HIGHLY recommend it to mother's looking for a humorous, as well as thought provoking book.  The chapters are short, so it's easy to read even if you are in the trenches of motherhood.  If you do read it, let me know, I would LOVE to see what your thoughts are one it! 

Sunshine & Smiles

Kisses to Officer Posey

Finishing "My First Quilt"  - will post on this later, haven't given as a gift yet!

Wine & Canvas wtih my Amma Mama's.  Their friendship and support is great!

 

Cabin time - "Jumping" off the dock

Result of said "jumping" is then collapsing on the beach

Collecting apples from our trees to feed to the neighbor horse "Apple"
And my mom getting out of the hospital!!

Sunday

On Friday, Mike and I agreed we needed to make it a priority to get to church over the weekend.  It has been awhile (again) and I have used the same excuses (again), ie it's Jacob's naptime, or he nurses then, or whatever else you want to fill in. 

No matter how you look at it, we were making priorities, and not the best ones.

So, Sunday morning, we went to the 9 am service.  When we arrived, a friend who works for EBC, came up to me and said, if i didn't see you this weekend, i was going to email you.  YES, I need that.  I need to be held accountable.  I need to realize that us not being there is noticed.  I miss seeing her.  I used to see her at least once a week.  Now, unless I make it to church, I'm lucky to see her once a month. 

The sermon was on Love One Another.  It was EXTREMELY well timed and much needed.  Basically, the ones you love are the ones you hurt the most.  And, there are 3 things to do to show your love:

1. Be devoted to a few
2. Be truthful with each other
3. Overlook each other's faults

The first is something I have REALLY worked on the past few years.  I learned (with help) to say no.  No to extra things, no to uncessary things, no to keep my sanity.  How can you truly be devoted to hundreds of people?  you can't.  So pick a few.  I know who my few are, and now to work on the rest.

Bob spoke about ways to show love, be kind, be devoted, encourage, speak the truth in love, BE PATIENT, and forgive one another.  I have defintely not been these things lately (besides to Jacob).  I've been stressed, nagging, and def not patient.  Rather than snapping an answer, and then wondering why the conversation is over, I need to practice patience and kindness.  I need to work on overlooking faults. I have them, and I wouldnt want someone to constantly point them out to me, and if they did, I hope it would be in a loving way, which i have also not done. 

I have a choice in how I respond, and lately, I'm not liking my choices.  Thank God for grace. 

The sermon was what I needed.  A reminder.  A nudge.  A wake up call.  I want things to go a certain way, and then when they don't I wonder why.  A harsh word, an intentional sigh, a look.  A verse from our wedding to remind me of that day:

Love is patient and kind...it doesn't demand its own way, is not easily angered, and keeps no records of wrongs.  1 Cor. 13:4-5

And since Sunday, I've slipped, and it's only Tuesday.  I've apologized, probably not as much as I should.  This morning, EBC posted the 3 things again on FB.  Another nudge.  It's a new day, try again. 

Be patient.  Be kind.  Be loving. Here's the whole sermon if you are interested.

And guess what?   We were home, Jacob nursed, and asleep by 10:35....Now, depending on the surgery will decide on this Sunday for church.  But, the following weekend I will be there.  And the weekend after that.  So Kar, if I'm not there, email me.  Because I sometimes I need a nudge, other times, it takes a sledgehammer.

Yummy!

Sunday was one of those days where nothing "special" happened, but where the day just seemed like a huge success.  It was a relaxing day, and actually pretty productive.

We made it to church on Sunday morning, FINALLY.  I'm ashamed to admit how long it's been since we've made it.  I can make excuses, and granted, most of them would revolve around Jacob's nap and eating schedule, but still, they are excuses.  The 9 am service is what works best for us on Sunday's.  The 11 cuts way too much into rearranging Jacob's schedule, and on Saturday's there are no services during summer at the WOodbury campus.  You would think that with the campus being in Wdbry, and not driving 30 minutes to White Bear that it would be easier.  But that's not always the case. 

We need to make this a priority, not a secondary thing.  One of my friends is a pastor with EBC, and we got to see her up on stage Sunday morning leading announcements as our regular campus pastor was speaking that weekend.  I can't think of a better person to be in a leader position at EBC.  Kar has motivated and inspired me to be a better Christian and really look at my life and choices.  She is dedicated and passionate about her beliefs, and you can see love when you are with her. 

I also ran into another bible study girl who is getting married in August and joined us for the service.  Her and her fiance were being baptized together yesterday afternoon in honor of their faith, and wanted to be baptized together before their wedding.

It was so great to be back at EBC.  The music, the sermon, the sense of something greater and the feeling of community and love.  Besides, we also get a free hour break of Jacob.... :)  He must have had fun also, little guy was SNOOZING when we picked him up, and was out for the car ride, and still sleeping after I moved him out of the car seat. 

I planted some flowers I had bought while Mike & Jacob mowed lawn.  In between, I had made 2 new fantastic recipes,

DEEP DARK CHOCOLATE COOKIES


AND

BASIL LIME CHICKEN



I honestly don't know which I enjoyed more!!  Both are a bit more time consuming than what i have attempted lately, but well worth it!!

Cookies:

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips (about 9 ounces), divided
3 large egg whites, room temperature
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, divided (I used 2 cups)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 2 large baking sheets with nonstick spray. Melt 1 cup chocolate chips in glass bowl in microwave, stirring twice, about 2 minutes. Cool slightly.

Using electric mixer, beat whites in large bowl to soft peaks. Gradually beat in 1 cup sugar. Continue beating until mixture resembles soft marshmallow creme.

Whisk 1 cup sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt in medium bowl to blend. On low speed, beat dry ingredients into meringue. 

Add lukewarm chocolate and 1/2 cup chocolate chips (dough will become very stiff).

Place 1/2 cup sugar in bowl. Roll 1 rounded tablespoon dough into ball; roll in sugar, coating thickly. Place on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining dough, spacing 2 inches apart.

 

Chicken:

Ingredients

• 3 Limes (juice and zest) Divided
• 3 T Olive Oil
• 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 T Dijon Mustard
• 3 T Worcestershire Sauce
• 3 T Soy Sauce
• 6 Green Onions Chopped Divided
• 4 Cloves Garlic Minced Divided
• 2 T Chopped Basil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 3 lbs Chicken Breasts

Instructions

1. Combine the zest and juice of 2 limes, Olive Oil, Mustard, Worcestershire, Soy, 3 onions, 2 garlic cloves salt and pepper and mix well.
2. Cut chicken into even cutlets and place in a gallon sized baggie.
3. Pour marinade over the chicken and marinate for 1 hour.
4. Preheat grill.
5. Place chicken on grill and grill for 7 minutes.
6. Then flip and cook until internal temp reaches 170.
7. Remove from grill and let meat rest.
8. Meanwhile combine juice and zest of one lime with extra virgin olive oil, 3 chopped onions, 2 minced garlic cloves, basil.
9. Add sauce over top.

It was perfect for the hot summer day!!

Bake until puffed and tops crack, about 10 minutes. Cool on sheets on rack 10 minutes. Transfer to rack; cool.

These are best right out of the oven!! Just ooey gooey-ness!!