Are You a Mapquest Christian?

In my early days of driving, I got lost often. I would take the wrong exit and inevitably get stuck in the worst part of town. In those cases, I would place a frantic call to my mom or dad, and they would try to piece together where I had gotten off track while I kept clicking the locks on the car to make sure they were activated. 

When I discovered Mapquest, I thought I had found the answer to my problems. I had learned through trial and error where I should (and shouldn't) go; however, if I was going to a place I had never been, I counted on the convenience of the map printed from my computer.

This is kind of the way my spiritual life went as well. I would make a bad decision and when things got bad or I felt really lost, I'd call on my parents and they would help me get back on track. Eventually, I had some experience to draw on and started to make better choices. However, there were those times when I was in uncharted waters and needed more direction. My Bible provided the answers. I would dig in, and I learned a lot. It was full of practical truth to guide me when I was lost.

Eventually, I discovered in both my driving and my spiritual life that Mapquest was not always the most reliable. Unless I decided ahead of time exactly where I was going and printed out the map at home, I was pretty much stuck when it came to finding out where to go. My Bible isn't always available either. When a snap decision must be made, it just doesn't do to flip through the concordance in the back of my Bible.

A few times I would print out a map only to find it hadn't been updated and I ended up on a dead end street somewhere far from where I wanted to be. Mapquest is simply too difficult to update regularly in a changing highway system. While the Bible is always relevant, there are some modern things that just aren't addressed in black and white. For example, the two "biggies" in Christian circles are cigarettes and alcohol; however neither of them are clearly prohibited in God's Word. (That'll get some angry comments! Hear me out.....I said "clearly".)

Another problem I had with my handy Mapquest map was the fact that I had to look at it. Specifically, the problem was I had to look at it while I was supposed to be looking at the road. Sometimes I was so distracted by looking at my map, that I would completely miss a turn and have to turn around. Scriptures committed to memory are wonderful and helpful, but for those things that crop up in day-to-day life, it is just not possible to pull out a "rule book" and find an answer on the spot. It distracts from the decision that needs to be made.

Source

I finally found my answer to the Mapquest dilemma. My husband, who also got tired of receiving frantic calls at work, bought a GPS system. It was always there in the car when I got in. It could be plugged in for regular updates so I wouldn't receive any surprises in my travels. A gentle (for the most part) voice directed me so I didn't have to look down at a map. Perhaps the best part was, it knew exactly where I was so I could find direction from there rather than from back at my house where I had started.

Jesus promised His disciples a GPS when He left. Well, actually, He called Him the Comforter. The Holy Spirit that would guide them into all truth. The One Who would write the law on their hearts so they didn't have to carry around a map for every decision that must be made.

People looking on might think I do strange things. Why do I want to look like I do? Why do I act the way I do? Why do I refrain from certain behaviors and activities? If I forget to plug in and update my spiritual GPS through a regular devotional life, then I might find myself lost. However, when I tune in to what my GPS tells me, I find direction---just when I need it. And He always knows where I am.

Some people try to convince me I have the wrong map. Or that it is out of date. Others just scratch their heads and say, "I looked at your map, but I just don't see it." That's o.k. When they plug into the GPS, He'll know where they are, too.

I will probably hear a lot of "recalculating" messages. It doesn't matter. It is enough to know that He knows where I am and He knows where I need to be. I'm looking forward to the day when I hear the final "arriving at destination."

A Little Bit of Heaven for Homeschoolers

I walk, dazedly, into the large hall and gaze in wondrous rapture at a room filled nearly floor to ceiling with treasure. Such vast, unimaginable richness! I'm in awe. And when I see the large, vinyl sign that screams "Books as low as 90% off!", I swoon.

Ah, yes, the wonderful, fascinating exhibit hall at the homeschool convention! I might have exaggerated a little, well...okay...a lot, but that place really is amazing! And it's almost that time again. A great big, wonderful convention is coming to our area. I'm so hoping that we can attend this year. I haven't been to one since we moved from Indiana. Actually, I've only been able to attend two conventions, but they were so informative, helpful, and exciting!

Check this post at Heart of the Matter for more tips and info on homeschool conventions. 

I remember the first convention my husband and I attended. We had no idea what to expect. My husband was skeptical. "Probably won't be very many there," he said. "Oh, I think you'll be surprised!" I answered. We both were! There were thousands of people there, all sharing a common interest, and, in most cases, a common faith. There was something so uplifting about mingling with those families that day. We were all very different, and yet, we were bound together by a strong bond, our love for our children. I wish I could express that feeling. There was a oneness that I never expected and deeply appreciated. The entire experience changed my outlook on homeschooling forever.

 The workshops were very informative, the general sessions moving, motivating, and encouraging, and, oh, that exhibit hall! Or have I mentioned that already?

The speakers brought out Biblical truths that inspired my husband and I to stand strong in our convictions, even when misunderstood and looked down upon. And, as encouraging as those messages were, the realization that we were not alone was enough to bring new hope and strength to face the hard times. We were challenged spiritually as much as we were in any other way.

Back to the exhibit hall: You have never seen so many books, teaching aids, inspirational materials, etc., in one place! To be honest, it's quite overwhelming. But it's fabulous! What I liked most was being able to thumb through the curriculum instead of just reading about it or going on a friend's recommendation. A huge plus is the "90% off" stuff that I mentioned. :) There truly are some wonderful bargains and, as you know, that's always helpful! Most curriculum vendors offer free shipping if you order at a convention. Also, there are usually a few used book vendors where you can find some bargains. Really...you can save a lot of money here, if you have a plan! If you don't, you'll no doubt walk away with a lot of things you really don't need and will never use. There's just too much available, and it's so hard to resist! Trust me...I know this from personal experience.

One of the best things about the convention for me, was that it somehow helped to pull my husband in and get him more excited about homeschooling.  It brought us closer together in our efforts and in our goals for our children. Sometimes we get the idea that it's only the Mama's job to teach the children. On the contrary! Dad needs to be involved, too! After all, he's the administrator! :)

If you're a homeschooling parent, I encourage you to attend a nearby convention. At the bottom of this post I've included a couple of links to sites where you can see a calendar of some of the conventions. A word of caution, however: be on guard at these places. They're every bit as great as I've described, but all of the speakers and workshops may not be Biblically sound, so keep this in mind.

Here are a few tips to help plan your trip:

1. I recommend registering early, if possible. It's cheaper, and you'll probably get a booklet in the mail with a map of the exhibit hall and a list of the workshops so that you can plan your visit. 
2. Choose which workshops you'd like to attend, keeping in mind what you or your children may be struggling with at this stage. 
3. Make a list of curriculum that you're interested in checking out. 
4. Have plenty of paper and a pen for taking notes. 
5. Do your homework. If possible, check the online prices (at amazon, ebay, or used homeschool curriculum sites) of the curriculum you're considering, to make sure you're really getting the best deal. 
6. Take a pull-along suitcase or something similar in which to haul your purchases. Believe me, they all do it. That place looks like the loading gate at an airport. And some of those wonderful veterans had these nifty little collapsible carts. Show-offs.... ;)
7. Don't forget money for lunch, and you'd better have a pretty good idea where you're doing to eat. If the convention you attend is as large as the one we attended, you'll be in a pretty big throng of people, all hungry and all in a hurry to get back for the next session. 
8. Wear comfortable shoes! 
9. Have a budget, or you'll wonder what broke ya. 
10. Consider saving enough money to join the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. They generally offer a discount at conventions, and I recommend their services to any and every homeschooling family. 
11. Keep an eye out for Christmas gifts, especially stocking-stuffers. You'll find a lot of fun items!
12. Most of all, enjoy this time of encouragement and education! 

Check these sites to find a convention in your area:

• Great Homeschool Conventions  http://www.greathomeschoolconventions.com/
• Homeschool Conventions  http://www.homeschoolconventions.com/

If you do attend a homeschool convention in your area, let me know what you think of it! :)

Is Treasure Too Much Responsibility?

Let's say you are a millionaire. (It's fun to pretend, isn't it?) You can have just about anything you want of material things. You have a beautiful home and a plentiful budget for all necessities and many luxuries.


What would you think if I came to your home and surveyed the lovely surroundings and pitied you? "Oh, how do you do it all?" Or if I came to your garage and saw your collection of nice cars and said, "Oh dear, you sure have your hands full!" What if I sat down at your table to an expensive meal and said, "I could never do this!"

You might pity me, and rightly so. My comments would show such a misunderstanding of the treasure that you have and might even suggest jealousy of your bounty.

Would you limit your enjoyment of God's gifts because I, and perhaps the general population, was disapproving of your choice to multiply your resources? Maybe you would tell your employer to please stop paying you because you couldn't handle any more riches? Would you give all your money to someone else and live the life of a pauper?

The truth is, that no matter how spiritual we act, we would all welcome, if not millions, at least enough money to go through life without worrying about being able to pay the mortgage and a large hospital bill in the same month.

Yet, when it comes to the treasures God has given us in our children, so many look on with disapproval. All they see is the responsibility that these precious blessings create for parents. So, they expect us to give them to someone else to enjoy while we chase after glittery joys that look gaudy at best when held to the light of eternity. Or maybe not to accept them at all.

These thoughts came to me as I was listening to Lorrie Flem's audio recording of "Daily Treasures" as part of my Gabby Moms commitment. One can tell by her words that she genuinely treasures her eight children. In fact, her small son opens for her by announcing his own mother in such a cute lisp that I couldn't help but smile at the sweetness of it. She speaks of the joys of children and what kind of a mother Mary was and how she can encourage us in our pursuit of caring for these treasures with which some of us have been so blessed.


In Lorrie's words:

"What dime store treasures are we holding so tightly that we miss the real treasures that we have?"

Don't trade your costly pearls for the cheap, vending machine variety! If you suggest that I do so, I'll smile at you in pity. Because you have no idea just how blessed I am.

Disclaimer: I received this audio for review purposes free of charge but received no other compensation.. All opinions are mine.

Weekend Reflections

Looking Back...

Here's what we talked about this week:

• How to keep loving when there's no holiday
• How Christ wants to be loved
• Getting the table ready for spring
• Friday's Missing Post (Yep, that should have been me! Oops!)

Our giveaway winners for the two e-books were:
Grandmagene for the Plan It, Don't Panic
Marilyn Parks for the True Christian Motherhood

You should have received an e-mail from me already. Enjoy!

Three Years Ago Today...

• A Mother Prays the Fruit of the Spirit
  

Looking Ahead...

Next week, I will tell you about my latest Gabby Moms product to review. Jessica and Joanna will send along their creative ideas and you can find out if you are a Map Quest Christian. We'll also share some of our favorite date night ideas.

Customized Spring Centerpiece

Original picture found on Pinterest

With Spring fast approaching, I thought it might be nice to post something that would help us to get in the mood! I found this centerpiece idea while browsing Pinterest, and thought this would be the PERFECT way to do just that! I could just picture using this idea for a centerpiece on Easter or even for an every day table setting during the season. It just depends on what flowers you choose to use, as to how "fancy" it may be!

All you need to make these gorgeous centerpieces for your table, is: distilled water, silk flowers, and vases. (Most of which you could just pick up at your local Dollar store!) After choosing which flowers and color scheme you want to use, just put your flowers in the vase and fill with water! For some added demension, I might add some ribbon to mine. There are a lot of possibilities and room for your own creativity in designing your custom centerpiece!

Now, go use that creative mind of yours, and design that gorgeous centerpiece for your table!

Joanna

Thrills of Love

We love Him, because He first loved us. I John 4:19

Has it ever occurred to you that it thrills our precious Saviour to hear us express our love simply to Him?  I know it brings joy to my mommy heart when one of my children slip their arms around me and whisper, “I love you, Mommy!” There is nothing better than to have love communicated without asking for it. The same is true in our adoration of God. He does not beg for it, but it brings happiness when He hears His children voice their deep devotion.

Just as much as the Lord likes to hear our voices, He also, likes to dominate our thoughts. During our alone time with God it is important to focus totally upon Him. Words do not have to be said, but a singular focus upon the mighty power of God generates joy for Him. This same thing is displayed within the mommy world. I enjoy snuggling with my children…simple, quiet times are delightful to know they are engrossed in love from their mother. I treasure these moments in the same way God does.

Only a mother can bring peace to a child in pain or devastated by a childish spat. Many times have I had a child climb in my lap distressed by circumstances that have just taken place and consolation was given.  Often I have found that only God can bring peace to my shattered heart. I would be comforted by loving arms of mercy that were holding me.

Actions speak louder than words! How often have we heard this saying? It is so true! When my children obey and display the actions I have attempted to train them in, then I feel rewarded. God is my loving Heavenly Father and is pleased when my deeds are showing forth the lessons I have learned from His hand. Like mother, like daughter! Like Father, like son! Another familiar saying often said. Apply this to our spiritual life….are we like our Father? It is good to hear when my child takes after a good characteristic in me, but even better when I am told that I am Christ like.  Oh what a thrill to be like my dear, precious Heavenly Father who I love with all my heart.

 

-Tonya

What to Do When Valentine's Day is Over

The most lucrative holiday for the floral industry is history for 2012. It's likely that the roses in a million homes are starting to droop a bit or at least lose a few petals. The chocolates are probably almost gone. The romantic cards have been filed away (or tossed by the less sentimental ones). Some women are inwardly pouting because their not-so-sweetie forgot Valentine's Day.....again. Now it's back to business as usual.

Ah, yes. Business as usual. Just what did marriage look like before the Hallmark holiday put pressure on guys to spend their hard-earned money on over-priced blooms and card stock? What did romance look like before it was so....commercialized......glamorized......obligatory?

Our culture is pretty good at missing the point when it comes to holidays. A holiday to celebrate the advent of the Messiah and Savior of the world becomes a time to gather as much stress, food and merchandise as possible. The day we commemorate the death and resurrection of that Savior becomes nothing more than a hunt for Easter eggs and filling baskets with treats.

It's no surprise that we miss the point of Valentine's Day, a day meant to show a spouse how much we love them, by putting price tags on love. Love is the giving of oneself.....wholly, completely. Yet, we measure it in the number of stems in the vase and the prestige of the label on the chocolates or the number of carats in that new piece of jewelry.

He sweats and trades hours for dollars that last a much shorter time than his labor. His strong hand leads us out of the wedding chapel, grips ours during childbirth and cups the child's face as it spills tears. His eyes look deep into ours with understanding and turn quickly from she who would draw him from us. His feet walk beside ours on quiet walks, pace the floor with the colicky baby and run to our rescue.

Yes, Valentine's Day is over, but the real gift is enduring. When the roses fade and the wrinkles deepen. When the chocolates and the years are eaten up. When our most valuable metals are carried in our mouths rather than around our necks. All is well because a giving of oneself never disappoints. It's all there is to give.

This is the real business of love. The everyday giving. Giving every day. No matter what the calendar says.

Weekend Giveaway Extended

I am extending the giveaway for these two e-books and changing the rules a little:

• Stephanie Langford's brand new e-book, Plan It, Don't Panic:

 

Plan It, Don't Panic: Everything You Need to Successfully Create and Use a Meal Plan

If you grocery shop more than once a week or eat out often due to lack of a plan, you will love the ideas in this book! Stephanie even gives some of her own meal plans. I've been menu planning for quite a while, and I still got some great ideas from this book. I highly recommend it!

• A copy of June Fuentes' new e-book, True Christian Motherhood:

This book convicted me in a way I haven't felt for a long time. Sometime I might tell you about it. Suffice to say, June's wisdom both on her blogs and in this e-book inspire me to be a better mother. I've spent more time talking  with my children, loving on them and just being with them since reading this book. I heartily recommend it to every mother who desires to please the Lord in her motherhood!


RULES:
I will choose two winners from the comments on this post. All you have to do is leave a comment telling me which e-book you would like and why. I will choose one winner for each book. This giveaway will end Wednesday, February 22 at 9 P.M. EST.

Time for Gifts!

Now, a party wouldn't be a party without gifts, would it? I have a few surprises, but I'm going to make you work for them. If you think that's mean, just ask my kids. That's nothing.

Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed the party today, and I would love for you to invite some of your friends. Today's birthday gift package goes to the one who refers the most new people to Cherish the Call.

Here's what you will win:

• A Springform pan

This is an exact duplicate of the one I use to make cheesecakes. Not a fancy brand, but it works wonderfully!

• Stephanie Langford's brand new e-book, Plan It, Don't Panic:

 

Plan It, Don't Panic: Everything You Need to Successfully Create and Use a Meal Plan

If you grocery shop more than once a week or eat out often due to lack of a plan, you will love the ideas in this book! Stephanie even gives some of her own meal plans. I've been menu planning for quite a while, and I still got some great ideas from this book. I highly recommend it!

• A copy of June Fuentes' new e-book, True Christian Motherhood:

This book convicted me in a way I haven't felt for a long time. Sometime I might tell you about it. Suffice to say, June's wisdom both on her blogs and in this e-book inspire me to be a better mother. I've spent more time talking  with my children, loving on them and just being with them since reading this book. I heartily recommend it to every mother who desires to please the Lord in her motherhood!

The winner of these three gifts will be the one who refers the most people to Cherish the Call this weekend. Tell your friends if they subscribe to the blog in a reader or by e-mail to let us know with a comment on this post who it was that referred them.

If they LIKE us on Facebook, just have them leave a comment on the Facebook page telling us who referred them.

The giveaway will end Sunday, February 19 at 9:00 P.M. EST. The winner will be announced Monday, February 20 and will have a week to respond to claim her prize.

Disclaimer: I received no compensation from the sponsors mentioned in this post other than free products to review. All opinions are mine.

Let's Play Some Games!

Jessica is hosting the games over at her blog. Go ahead and head over for some fun, then come back for the gifts!

Let Them Eat Cake!

Speaking of cake, my sister wasn't the only one trying to fatten me up on my birthday! Look at this delightful cake my sister-in-law decorated for my birthday:

It's worth suffering through the perils of having a brother to gain such as sweet, sweet sister-in-law! I'm only kidding. I really do love my brother, too. :-)

Another dessert I like to make for birthdays (or sometimes my husband makes for me) is cheesecake. This is my favorite recipe to make for a special occasion:

If you'd like to try your hand at making a cheesecake but haven't because you don't have a Springform pan, never fear! Check back on our gift post to see about winning one!

Thrifty, Penny-Pinching Parties (and the Party Food!)

Parties are fun! Love planning one and enjoy attending, too! I have won several Houseparty parties which I have greatly enjoyed sharing with friends and families. Check it out at www.houseparty.com.

It is my joy to look at all the lovely parties that are in my Facebook friends' pictures! WOW! They are amazing. Mine are usually pretty low-key due to financing and time-constraints.

Each year I attempt to plan a family party for each of my children. The theme changes according to their desire. Below are few pictures of what we have done. Several times I have made homemade cakes. Other times I purchase them from stores due to lack of time. Two of my children's birthdays are just a week a part so we usually celebrate at Thanksgiving when we make the trip to our parent's homes. That is the same week that I strive to complete my Christmas decorating at home while the children spend a couple days at their grandparents'. Here are few quick, simple party recipes that are favorites. (I am all about ease and quickness!)

Simple Cheese Ball
2 8oz pkgs. of cream cheese - softened
1/4 tsp. of Worcestershire sauce
1 5 oz. pkg. of corned beef (diced)
Sprinkling of onion powder or diced green onion tops
½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Mix together on low speed. Form into round ball. Refrigerate.

Salami Roll-ups
Spread a layer of softened cream cheese on sliced salami. Roll up and refrigerate.

Dill Pickle Ham Pinwheels
Take a slice of deli ham, spread cream cheese on it,then roll the ham up around a whole dill pickle. Refrigerate an hour, then slice into pinwheels.

Taco Dip
1 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese
1 8 oz. of sour cream
½ pkg. of taco mix
Mix together. Serve with tortilla chips

Taco Dip
1 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese
1 8 oz. of sour cream
Mix together (some add taco mix…I don’t) Spread into flat dish. Pour jar of salsa evenly over mixture. Sprinkle with thinly sliced lettuce, diced tomatoes and shredded cheese. Serve with tortilla chips.

Cocktail Sausages
1 lb. pkg. of lil’ smokies
1 bottle of barbeque sauce
Place in crockpot on high until bubbly then turn to warm.

Simple and Delectable Fruit Dip
1 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese
1 16 oz. container of marshmellow crème
Melt together in microwave. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Serve with a variety of fruits, apples, mandarin oranges, grapes, strawberries, pineapple chunks, kiwi slices, etc. (love this for breakfast or hors d’ oeuvres)

Pork Barbeque Sandwiches
1 Pork loin (Pounds depends on number being fed. Generally I can purchase these for $1.57 to $1.99 a lb. About the most reasonable meat to feed a larger number.)
Cook until fall apart tender. Then place in crockpot or on stove top pan. Smother in barbeque sauce of your choice.
Serve on buns along with sliced cheese

So enough recipes shared! Those are ones in my personal memory bank. Back to simple, easy, cost-saving party ideas. I am known for keeping anything and not throwing it away. I have boxes of various decorating things. Usually I can come up with something that I have saved from another party or discovered on clearance. There are times when I visit dollar stores to finish out the theme that has been requested.

Cakes I  Made with a Bee Theme

Store made cake for train and horse theme

    
You have to be imaginative when you are doing a boy and girl theme together. Hence, horses running through the fields while a train is on the tracks. Smile!

Homemade but used previous birthday store bought accessories. I am not professional, but it satisfied a 5 year old.

Another girl/boy party….homemade cupcakes with help from 2 nephews, an aunt and mommy! I was thrilled how these turned out. The monkey idea I got online and the balls. I just thought it could be accomplished and with family’s help, and it was!

My children have never requested fanciful parties for which I am grateful. To me, the most important ingredient is love and family time. Keep those things top priority and any party will be fun!

Ready for Some Punch?

A party just wouldn't be the same without punch! Judy has it all mixed up and ready for you over at her blog. Go get you a cup, and head back over for some more food!

Decorating for the Party

Head over to Joanna's blog to help decorate! She always has the best ideas! I mean, look what she made me for my birthday:

So go ahead! We'll wait for you over here!

Let's Do Some Shopping!

Before we can have a party, it's time to do some shopping! Well, the shopping part is up to you, but we want to tell you about our favorite companies and programs online that we use to save money. Most of these are companies with which we are affiliated in one way or another. If you decide to purchase from them, thank you; but we are also sharing because we love them that much and want you to know about them.

Vision Forum is one of our favorite sites for family products. They have toys to encourage Biblical manhood and womanhood in our children. They have books and resources on all things imaginable to help teach and train our children and to be Godly families. We would love for you to stop by and have a look around their site.

Stephanie over at Keeper of the Home has some great e-books if you're interested in planning and  cooking healthier meals for your family. Jennifer has all three of them and will be giving away one of them later on. In the meantime, check out her site and her excellent books.

32-oz. - Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil - 1 quart

Speaking of healthy living, I just can't help but mention one of my favorite companies, Tropical Traditions. I love their coconut oil! I know, coconut oil sounds weird, but trust me---it is delicious and so good for you!You can find out more about it on their website.

Also, on the subject of food and meal planning, Judy has a deal for you to get Taste of Home magazine for only $3.99 for a one-year subscription! That's a great deal for a great magazine!

While shopping, you might need to do some searching online. I LOVE shopping online! I do all my searches through Swagbucks:

You get Swagbucks just for doing searches for things you would be searching for anyway through their special toolbar.When you get 450, which accumulates quickly, you can cash it in for all kinds of prizes. My favorite ones are Amazon gift cards. Because Amazon is also my favorite place to shop online! 

Here are a few other places to get great deals when shopping online:

Exclusive brands of kids' clothes and more at large percentages off:

Totsy
Zulily

All kinds of events, merchandise and dining coupon deals for up to 70%-90% off:

Groupon
Mamapedia

Get paid cash back to shop just about anywhere you would normally shop online:

I hope you enjoy shopping, but don't be gone too long! We have to get back for decorating!

Meet Our New Monthly Contributors!

I've already introduced you to our weekly contributors, Jessica Geise and Joanna LaVan. I remember telling you one of them I'd known since she was born (Joanna, my sister) and the other I'd never met in real life, just through blogging (Jessica).

Well, the same is almost true of our new monthly contributors. One has known me since I was born (Tonya) and the other one I've never met in real life, only through our blogs (Judy). You can read about all our contributors on the Who We Are page.

Here's my version of their bios! :-)

Tonya Hamilton is a homeschooling mother of 4 children. We've been pregnant at the same time all four times, so our kids are really close in age. We even use the same curriculum to homeschool! The similarities stop there. She married a pastor, and they are busy with all the demands of parsonage life. She has a wonderful gift of hospitality and is one of the most frugal shoppers I know. Although she'll be blogging on different topics, her areas of specialty are ministry wives and frugality.

Judy Hoch is a homeschooling mother of 7 children. She has a knack for all things techie and has helped me through many recent blogging woes. Her blog centers around large family living and homeschooling, especially in the Pennsylvania area. These are her specialties here on Cherish the Call along with earning money from home and frugality.

I know you will enjoy the creativity and wisdom of these ladies in their monthly posts here on Cherish the Call!

Why Cherish the Call?

Some of you have been with me since this blog's beginning 3 years ago. Thank you for your support! Others of you are new, and possibly a little confused. I thought I would give a brief explanation on this party day of what all we are trying to accomplish here.

There was a time when I made fun of submission, of homeschooling, of proper roles for men and women and said I would never have children. Actually, there was also a time I said I'd never get married. Through a gradual process, the Lord put Godly people in my life and helped me to return to the teachings and examples set before me in childhood. He changed my heart, then my mind, and I felt I just had to tell others how wonderful it is to have joy in our roles and relationships as women.

That's when I began Joy Ever After. It was not really a how-to blog since I'm still struggling to learn all the things I stubbornly refused to learn for the first part of marriage and motherhood. It's more about helping you to see the value in your role as a wife or mother and helping you celebrate it.

Last year, I saw that my creative pursuits when it comes to making a home and marriage and mothering are pretty limited. Well, I knew it before then, but I thought of a solution. I brought in a few friends and bloggers to help fill in the gaps. You loved them, as I knew you would.

It was way past time to purchase my own domain, but when I pulled up Joy Ever After, I realized that someone else had taken my name while I had dawdled on this step. Therefore, my new contributors and I brainstormed and came up with the name this blog now runs under, Cherish the Call.

If you've been reading this blog, you know what that call is. You also know we want you to cherish it. It's a great life serving the Lord and our families! If you really are new, you can read more on our About page.

Since then, we've added a few other contributors. I'm sure you've seen their names popping up now and then. We'll officially introduce them later, so remember to check back!

Are You Ready to Party?

Today is my birthday! Don't worry. You don't have to get me anything. I already have more than I need! However, I never pass up a chance to celebrate something, so we are going to have some fun here on Cherish the Call today.

You will receive lots of posts today in your e-mail or your reader. Again, don't worry! It's not a new trend. We'll be back to posting as usual after today. BUT, you'll want to check back often today so you don't miss any of the fun. For the next few hours, we will be posting something different every hour to direct you where to go next. Who knows, there may even be a few party favors!

So, is anyone else celebrating a birthday today? Feel free to leave me a comment letting me know how you're celebrating growing a year older on February 17th. I'd love to hear it!

A Valentine Treat

This recipe is found on g*rated blog

Since this is the week of Valentine's Day, I thought I would post something about this sweet holiday. Well, when I saw these little delights, I decided to share them with you all. After all, they are sweet! :0)

Now, again, I must confess...these are NOT original with me. I found them through another site, so I can't take credit for them. Here's how to make them...

Ingredients:

Square Pretzels

Hershey Hugs

Plain M&M's

Directions:
Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Place the pretzels on, and top them with the Hugs. Bake for 4-5 minutes until the chocolate is shiny and soft (but not melting, they should still hold their shape). Carefully place a an M&M in the center of each and press down to spread the chocolate. Allow to cool ( a few minutes in the fridge works) and then enjoy!!

A simple, but delightful little treat that you can make AND enjoy as a family!

Family Soup

Bedtime is always interesting around our house. I've learned to start putting kids in their beds at least 15 minutes before I actually want the lights out. There are always 100 last minute things that they just have to say, do, etc. You moms know what I mean. I'll give you an example of what happens at our house:

One particular night, as I was tucking my three-year-old into bed, I made the casual comment that when God stirred up our family soup, he put mostly Papaw ingredients into him. He has my dad's smile complete with dimples and his build and methodical questioning of any activity before gingerly stepping into it. Granted, he does have my husband's blond hair to top it all off and a bit of my stubbornness, but he is Papaw's boy for sure.

The idea of soup intrigued the older kids or at least offered them a new stalling technique.

"Hey, Mom! What kind of soup are we?"
"What?"
"What kind of soup is our family soup?"
"Hmmm....what do you think we are?"

I really had never thought of us as a culinary delight before. Everyone started naming their favorite soups, but we finally decided on chili because of its diversity of ingredients. Thinking that my mission was accomplished, I started to leave the room; however, they weren't done.


"Which ingredient is Daddy?"
I have occasionally compared my darling to foods classified as desserts (y'know....Honey, Sweetie, Cupcake---no wait, that's what he called me). However, classifying my husband as a soup ingredient was a new idea even for my out-of-the-box thinking style. 

"Um....he's probably the meat. We need meat to help us be strong and Daddy is strong. He's the main ingredient. Chili wouldn't be chili without the meat."

"What are you, Mommy?" another kid chimed in.
"Well......I like to think I'm the tomato sauce that kind of fills in around everyone else and gives a base to the family soup."
My creativity was seriously waning at 9:00, but that seemed to satisfy them. Of course, now they just couldn't give up the idea.

"But what am I in the soup, Mom?"This from my oldest. The one who gets easily offended. How am I supposed to compare her to a chili ingredient without hurting her feelings?

"I think you would be the onions," I finally decided. "They can be a little strong like the personality God gave you, but when you cook them in the chili with lots of love, they add a lot of flavor and would be greatly missed if they weren't there."

That seemed to satisfy her. But, then, the three-year-old who had innocently started this whole discussion, had to know what he would be. I actually couldn't remember what else was in chili at this point, but I know that we Selfs put cheese on everything.

"You would be the cheese!" I said, trying to sound excited.  "You just melt into the soup and made it all extra delicious."

As I was racking my brain trying to answer my second child's question about his place in the family soup, I heard crying. I turned around to see my three-year-old sobbing, "But I don't want to melt! I wanted to be the onions!"

So much for a hypothetical object lesson.

As silly as our little bedtime make-believe session was, it is true that every family is unique. We all add different sweetness or spiciness to the family, and someone needs to be the stronger ingredient while someone else gives subtle flavor in the background.

The truth is, we are the raw ingredients created by God. Yet, how we "taste" is largely dependent on how we "cook" our soup. A pile of raw meat, onions and a couple of cans of tomato sauce aren't particularly appetizing. However, when we let God blend us and apply a little heat, we can become the family He wants us to be.


When people of the world come in from the cold harshness of the weather of sin, will they find our soup comforting and warming? Or will they be turned off by ingredients that have refused to yield to the simmering process of God's Word?

Just a little object lesson concocted for you by our own little chefs. Crackers, anyone?

Extremely Last-minute Valentine's Day Ideas =)

Photo from Pinterest

"Happy Valentine's Day!"

I love to make Valentine's Day special for my little ones, especially without spending much money. Thankfully, it doesn't take much to make them happy. 

I started a sort of tradition a few years back and my children just love it. We have our own little candlelit dinner, and finish it off with a special dessert that the children help to prepare. (I wish I had thought to find those photos.... Oh, well!)

One meal that my children especially liked was when we made English muffin pizzas. I found a recipe that sounds almost exactly like what we made: 

English Muffin Pizzas

I did something to make them a little more Valentine-ish. I used regular Pepperoni and, with kitchen scissors, cut a "v" in the top to make it look at least somewhat like a heart. They were actually pretty cute!

If you'd prefer something besides pizza, why not try this neat idea? Little people will find this pretty appetizing, I'm sure:

                                           

Puppy Love (from Family Fun)

For dessert the girls usually help to make a cake, and then frost and decorate it. My mom sent them heart-shaped aluminum pans and pretty toppings one year. They had a blast with that! If you'd like to get a little more creative, here are a few recipes I found that would definitely be kid-pleasers: 

                                            

Chewy Chocolate Brownies (from Family Fun)

If I made brownies, I'd cheat a little. Okay, a lot. I'd make a nice big pan of yummy brownies from a box and then I'd stencil it like they say to. Clever, no? ;)

Cupcakes for Cupid (from Family Fun)

For these cute cupcakes I'd just use a boxed mix and canned frosting. You may call that "lazy". :) I prefer to call it "being frugal with my time". 

Brown Sugar Blondies for Valentine's Day (from Baked Perfection)

These just look yummy! Who could resist pretty Valentine M&M's? (Or any other color M&M's?) Not I!

Windowpane Hearts (from Family Fun)

These cookies are just too pretty to eat! They don't sound all that difficult to make, either. That's a plus! 

If you're going on a date with your hubby tonight, then why not carry Valentine's Day over for a day and have a special dinner with your kiddos tomorrow night? I'm sure they wouldn't complain. ;)