Tomato & Spinach Pasta Toss

This is a recipe that we really like at our house and is super easy! (Even the kids like it!) The sausage is our favorite part- it gives great flavor to the dish. Great for summertime cooking! It is from Kraftfoods.com and the link is posted at the bottom. Enjoy! Jena



Tomato & Spinach Pasta Toss



Prep Time: 5 min
Total Time: 20 min
Makes: 6 servings, 1 cup each


2 cups rotini or penne pasta, uncooked
1/2 lb. hot or mild Italian sausage, casing removed
1 pkg. (6 oz.) baby spinach leaves (7 cups)
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup KRAFT Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese


Cook pasta as directed on package.
Meanwhile, crumble meat into large deep skillet. Cook on medium-high heat 10 to 12 min. or until cooked through, stirring occasionally; drain. Add spinach and tomatoes; cook 2 min. or until spinach is wilted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cover to keep warm.
Drain pasta. Add to skillet along with the cheeses; toss lightly.



http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/tomato-spinach-pasta-toss-104507.aspx

Walking As Wives

The current book that we are studying, Walking As Wives, by Judy Gerry has been a wonderful study so far. We are learning about how to love our husbands which means everything from learning his likes and participating in them to making physical intimacy more of a priority in our marriages. Some of these things come naturally to us as women and others do not. And we have had some great discussion because of it!

The first few chapters have been more about ourselves as wives, being sensible and temperate. What does that mean? Well, being sensible is about our thought life, what goes on in our minds. We talked about not being mastered by our feelings and letting them control us (1 Corinthians 6:12). We also looked at 2 Corinthians 10:5 which talks about "taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ" and how thinking this way should enable us to live Godly lives at home and in front of others.

Then we talked about being temperate; "Exercising the self-control that is necessary to do what I know is right" as the author put it. And we discussed what it means to be "a slave to sin." (2 Peter 2:19) The bible warns us to stay clear of "certain practices and activities because they are harmful to us...His motivation is His great love for us." (again quoting the author) And she asks probing questions like, "In your marriage do you ever excuse wrong attitudes or behaviors by saying, "My husband will just have to accept it because that's just the way I am?"" Learning to be both sensible and temperate are attractive qualities that your husband will be thankful for and blessed by.

In Chapter 3 we talked about loving your husband and what that entailed. We read Song of Solomon 5:16 which says, "This is my lover, this is my friend..." And we talked about the meaning of phileo love. Phileo is "emotional in nature and cannot be commanded, but can be developed." It is also described as "fellowship love requiring enjoyable interaction through comradeship and communication." Which means we may not always feel those lovey, mushy feelings, and that it is going to take work to keep the flame of love alive.

Some practical ways we talked about showing this type of love to our husbands were:

*Going to sporting events with our husbands

*Accompanying him to his favorite stores, even if it's not where you like to shop (hardware/ electronic/sports equipment stores)

* Expressing sincere interest in how our husbands spend their time at work, making eye contact with him when he talks

* Joining him in projects around the house, "cheering" him on as he works

*Taking care of his daily needs such as making sure he has clean clothes, preparing meals that he likes, creating a home that is welcoming to him and allows him to relax

We also talked about "Loving at all times" (Proverbs 17:17) and making sure that we don't point out all of our husband's faults, only to ignore our own. (Matthew 7:1-5) "Nurturing a "phileo" relationship with our husband is often the catalyst that stirs him to become the man that God has called him to be," suggests the author. And what woman doesn't want that result? She also suggests that if we learn to love and accept our husbands as God created them that we in turn will "become women that God has called us to be."

Chapter 4, our last discussion, was on becoming "one flesh" with our husbands. We looked at a lot of scripture from Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs, whichever your bible says). We talked about who created the sexual relationship. We discovered that if God created it, then it must be good (Genesis 1:27-28, 31) and is for our enjoyment (Gen 24:67), not just procreation. However, we did also discover that in order for these things to be true we must regard the parameters around it and not go beyond the boundaries of those parameters or else we would experience harm to ourselves and others. The author reminds us that we should enjoy freedom and God's blessing in this area of our relationship with our husbands, even though Satan and many in the world have taken this gift in marriage and perverted it.

Some practical ways we talked about loving our husbands physically were:

*Wearing lingerie to bed that he likes or that is new
*Taking care of our physical appearance so that we continue to look attractive to him
*Wearing our hair that is in a style appealing to him/ clothes that are appealing to him (not constantly wearing our sweats and t-shirts!)

These things, we learned, are important not because of conceit or male chauvinism, but because God created our husbands to be visually stimulated. We can do much to help them battle the temptation they face (to look at other women with lust/desire) if we will only use the power we posses as women to remind them of where they can go to fulfill those desires! We then learned that arousing these feelings in another man is like taking advantage of him because we cannot righteously satisfy those desires. So we must be careful of how we act with other men (flirting) and what we wear around them.

We agreed that can really be a challenge when we want to look good for our husbands. I suggested that when going to church or out on a date or anywhere for that matter that you ask yourself (or even your husband), "Would this outfit cause a man to stumble? Does it allow him to focus on my face or will his eyes be drawn to other parts of my body?" This can be a difficult question to ask and still feel like you can wear "fun" and "attractive" clothes, but I think it can be done. Wearing modest clothes for others to see and then revealing yourself for your husband's enjoyment is a gift we often forget we have to give.

These lessons are restated in a fabulous book I read by Dennis and Barbara Rainey titled, "Rekindling The Romance." I have the highest of praise for this book because not only is it written in two sections, one for the husband and one for the wife, but the authors are candid and give great suggestions to an often hushed topic in Christian circles. I hope you will check it out!

http://store.familylife.com/detail.asp?id=10339&p=185308

a daughter of the King,

Jena

Sibling Rivalry

Here is an article taken from FamilyLife.com about what to do with sibling rivalry. They started talking about it on their broadcast yesterday and are finishing it up today. Here is the link if you wish to listen as Dennis explains more in detail about these 25 ideas. http://www.familylife.com/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=dnJHKLNnFoG&b=3781499&ct=6791577
Some of them might surprise you. Remember you can download these for free or listen online if you miss their 9:30am broadcast on KPDQ 93.9. I know I will be listening!


Twenty-five Ways to Address Sibling Rivalry
by Dennis Rainey

Conflict is common to all human relationships, especially siblings. What do you do when it's occurring in your home? Consider trying some of the following tips with your children:

1. Model honor and respect as you relate to one another in marriage.
2. Avoid four traps: favoritism, denial, discouragement, and loss of focus – enemies parents need to fight.
3. Train them to ask for forgiveness when they hurt one another.
4. Train them to grant forgiveness.
5. Listen to both sides before coming to a judgment.
6. Let natural consequences occur.
7. Give up trying to prove who is the guilty party.
8. Don't expect children to be conflict free.
9. Give children alternatives – work it out or you'll have a privilege of a chore.
10. Have game plan ready in advance for a conflict zone (i.e. car, especially on a trip).
11. Use the children's conflicts to teach them to identify their emotions and to help them label what they feel.
12. Never lose sight of the goal as a parent. You are training them for relationships, character, and who God is.
13. Realize there's a difference about how genders solve sibling rivalry; boys are physical and girls are more verbal.
14. Recognize three types of sibling rivalry: verbal, physical, and relational.
15. Use grade cards with babysitters to encourage accountability and good behavior.
16. Be careful when your children, especially daughters, enter junior high years when cliques begin to occur.
17. Tie the consequence to the conflict; for example, if they borrowed something without asking, ban them from borrowing something for the next 30 days.
18. Don't solve the problem for them; teach them to solve it themselves.
19. Pray that you'll catch them.
20. Use Scripture to develop a penalty system.
21. Dads, don't let children wear your wife down and confuse her.
22. Occasionally, ask them to write out their problems and what they are feeling to their brothers or sisters.
23. Use sibling rivalry to teach them that God is still in control.
24. Create situations where both parties can express what they are feeling.
25. Ignore most of it.

Encouragement when you feel weary

As moms we often feel like what we are doing- wiping bottoms, wiping noses, and making lunches- is not very significant. I know I have those days. But what we are really doing is nurturing eternal souls. Now that IS important! Here is part one of a two part series from Focus On The Family with guest speaker Dee Brestin. Her message will encourage you and make you laugh. I hope you find time to take a listen!

http://listen.family.org/daily/A000001778.cfm

a daughter of the King,
Jena

Are you...angry?

I wanted to let you all in on a little secret. I have struggled with anger. And since I have become a mom that anger has sometimes been unleashed on my children. Sometimes it's been unleashed on my husband. Sometimes on my own self. Does this sound familiar to any of you? Maybe you struggle with controlling your anger? Or is your anger controlling you?

Here is a link to a broadcast Family Life Today aired earlier this month. It is called Battling Our Monster Desires. It is part one of a two part series in uprooting anger. It may help explain where your anger is coming from and how you can be victorious in the battle. I encourage you to take the time to listen during your kids naptime, after everyone is tucked in for the night or even on your ipod/mp3 player. This is one you don't want to miss!

http://www.familylife.com/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=dnJHKLNnFoG&b=3577143&content_id={5593F3ED-2925-4FFC-82D4-8F7C10060D09}&notoc=1

Remember these words as you surrender the issues that bring you to the boiling point and know that we live to serve a God who is overflowing with tender mercies and loving compassion!


Everyone needs compassion love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness the kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations

Saviour he can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me all my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow everything I believe in
Now I surrender

Mighty To Save by Hillsong

a daughter of the King,

Jena

New Years Resolutions

I have a list of resolutions written by a mom I want to share. She is an author that writes for Proverbs 31 Ministries. I read this last year and saw such wisdom in her words.


Real Resolutions for Moms
By Karen Ehman

“… But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13b-14 (ESV)

It’s that time when many of us are making New Year’s resolutions, so how about some resolutions for mothers? Here are mine:

I will put my Bible before the television, the radio, the telephone, and even before good Christian books, for my children will know my priorities by the way they see me spend my free time.

I will make my prayer requests known before God and my children, enlisting their help in the process and informing them of the outcome, for by letting them help when I petition our Lord will they learn of a living God who still answers prayer.

When times of crisis, conflict or confusion arise, I will hit my knees before I hit the phone knowing that by my example my children will discover that although friends are important, God alone is the one who holds the solution to life’s every problem.

I will erase the words “luck” and “lucky” from my vocabulary and will instead by my speech point my children toward the One who orchestrates every detail of our lives and brings all good things to pass, for by this my children will learn of an omniscient God.

When bad things happen, I’ll neither grumble nor complain, but will instead help my children see that in the scope of our lives even the bad times are allowed for a reason, for by this my children will learn quiet trust in their Maker.

When normal childhood mishaps occur, I will remember that although difficult, it is still easier to remove grape juice from off-white carpet than to erase harsh and unloving words hurled at a child whose chubby little fingers have failed her, for by this my children will see a God who understands when our best efforts fall short.

When my children have witnessed something ugly in me - unkind words, an angry temper, “harmless” gossip, biting sarcasm or even my infamous “mommy pout” when things don’t go my way - I will confess it as sin before them seeking their forgiveness, for by this my children will develop the much needed habit of wiping their spiritual slate clean before God and man.

I will teach my children the importance of cleanliness and order while at the same time remain sensitive to the fact that a skinned knee or hurt feeling is more crucial than a spotless floor or uncluttered counter, for by this my children will learn to value people above things.

I will make time for the lonely, the sick, the elderly, the difficult to love, and will bring my children along, for with each afternoon visit, each ride to the doctor, each raked lawn or washed window they will have opportunity to serve Jesus by serving the “least of these.”

I will make our home a haven of rest and retreat from the outside world and a welcomed place for my children’s friends, for with each impromptu backyard soccer game, each video viewed on a rainy day, each cup of hot cocoa or chocolate chip cookie, my children will have opportunity to practice the art of Christian hospitality thereby learning to share all God has given them.

I will by my actions and my speech let my children see a mom love their dad, for by this will my children sense family stability at a time when marriages all around them are crumbling.

I will not require of my children obedience, honesty, patience or kindness without first being willing to submit to the same rules whether in speed limit, in miscounted change from the grocery store or when answering a toddler for the fourteenth time, for by this my children will see a mother who is also learning and not a perfect parent to whom they’ll never measure up.

In all things will I remember that more is caught than is taught.

There are little eyes upon you, mom. You are the first Bible your children will ever read.

Dear Lord, may my goals this year spring from a right relationship with You and may carrying them out point others heavenward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Belated Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Ladies! I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday celebrating Jesus' birth with friends and family. If you are continuing to celebrate today or into the weekend I pray it is a very special time for you and one where you find true rest and peace. Isn't it wonderful that we have already learned from our study where that comes from? I pray we can share that with others who aren't so sure.

I'm sure I am not alone when I say that it has been a crazy year for our family. With the snow and ice we have had several family members cancel their trips to see us and had to re-arrange most of our Christmas plans. Usually by this time in the season we are way "Christmased out" and our children have opened way too many gifts. In fact they don't even seem to enjoy it anymore. My Christmas cards are typically arriving at the homes of our far away family and friends and my house is a disaster from dumping off the gifts of one family gathering before we head off to the next. And we have usually been blessed by several church services filled with carols and sermons reminding us about the true meaning of Christmas.

But this year the snow has changed all of that. And actually in some surprising ways. It has allowed us more breathing room between celebrations. Our children have enjoyed opening their gifts and time with family members who are usually the last on our route into the New Year. We were able to spend a few days baking and wrapping gifts as a family instead of the usual last minute, late night mad dash. And although I didn't order my Christmas cards until December 24th, I am reminded that even Christ's entrance into the world wasn't perfectly ordered and neatly arranged. He came in the chaos. He was born in a lowly stable next to cows and sheep. He slept his first night in a feeding trough for the animals. And yet it was all in God's plan. It was done that way for a reason.

So I can cope with the craziness. I can forgive the inconveniences of the snow and ice. I can adjust to the quiet I usually beg for. And I will still get those cards out...someday. It may not be all how I wanted and planned, but amidst the disappointments and unfamiliarity I trust in the purpose and plan of God. A God who knew to send his Son in a way that was not untouchable for even "the least of these." A God who knew that if the circumstances were perfect and the entrance more grand we might never feel like we could connect our lives to His. A God who knew that in times of uncertainty and craziness is where we'll find Him with gifts of peace and rest.

Thank you God... Happy Birthday Jesus!