TWR: For When Your Dreams Feel Crushed {A Guest Post}



Since entering this blogging world and realizing what a beautiful community it can be, I have been praying for a writing/blogging/mommy friend. A couple months ago someone commented on a post I wrote, and God said, "Her." I looked at her blog and saw what a sister she was. God prompted me to email her and ask her to guest post for this series. True to classic Amanda form, I ignored that prompting because I was too freaked out. Probably just me and my silly ideas. A few weeks later she wrote a post that touched my heart and confirmed that God really had been prompting me to reach out. I emailed her and we have been friends since. Turns out, she lives close enough to meet up with... so naturally, we did meet up! I feel like I met my blogging doppleganger! She has a similar heart, is an absolute sweetheart, has two littles of her own, and is incredibly real. I know you will like what she writes!

So, I would now like to introduce you to my friend, Jacqui from Faith and Simplicity. She's got a post for The Waiting Room on crushed dreams.
..............................................................................................................
The Resurrection of Crushed Dreams


Before the sun went down, in the calm of the evening, I pulled out my pruners and went to trimming my cosmos. It’s been long overdue. And as I clipped away, praying and thinking, my mind dwelt on the Sovereignty of God.

And I thought about growth, waiting, and dreams.
Crushed dreams to be more blunt.

I have had my share of heartbreak as cancer ravaged the body of my first husband, consequently taking his life. As well as other heartaches, that have left me distraught...questioning.

And the anguish of each loss has never gotten easier.
In fact, the same temptations to abandon my trust in God’s lovingkindness arise each time as confusion swirls, anxiety clamors, and the ugly face of anger gnashes its teeth.

My heart cries...unsettled.
But the voice of wisdom whispers, “Wait. Don’t act now!”

Truthfully, I don’t do waiting well.
There comes a point when I sit fidgeting, eager for something to happen. Or I stand pacing, anxious to create some kind of movement.

But as Amanda has already said, there is a purpose for it.
Ultimately, it’s for our growth.
And growth means change.

And change doesn’t appeal to this girl who loves to get comfortable on the couch, sinking into its cushions uninterrupted. Change can’t tempt when I’m cuddled in plushness.

But when God crushes my dreams, when God calls me to wait, an internal war wages...disrupting my ease.

My heart seeks the back door.
My heart seeks something other than what I’ve been given or not given.

Romans 5:3-4 says, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

The trials we face push and pull, stretch and tighten, as faith works itself out in our souls. And if we keep our hearts moldable in the hands of the potter God, resisting the desire to lurch from His spinning wheel (simply because we trust Him), a work of beauty will shape and form.

Character produced. Hope in spite.

And we’ll find ourselves on the other side of hard. We’ll find ourselves changed.

And when we choose to focus on the blessings of the change, we’ll find the temptation of the old couch a little less desirable. Our eyes will suddenly behold the tattered fabric and the lumpy cushions.  And this new place, once masked with fear, will suddenly be good, acceptable, perfect.

We’ll have grown.
We’ll have matured.
And just like the cosmos I clipped and shaped this evening, we’ll be ready for the next bloom.

I love Paul’s heart-cry in Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”

Our sovereign and great God will use every last bit of our crushing. We can be confident in that as we enter into this deep, satisfying relationship that’s emptied of self! And in His perfect timing, the old dream or possibly a new one, will sprout in the fresh, rich soil of a broken heart.

Then, His voice will come softly, saying, “It’s time, child of Mine.”
And in humility, we can finally respond, “Yes, Lord, but not as I will... as You will.”

That is the purpose of crushed dreams.
That is the purpose of waiting.
And that is the beauty of a heart surrendered. 

..................................................................................................................................
From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Jacqui, dear Jesus-sister. Crushed dreams is not exactly an easy topic, and you wrote about it so beautifully. You spoke right to my soul.

If you have a chance, do check out her blog: Faith and Simplicity. I know you will be encouraged and inspired by the words she writes there.

In case you missed the other parts of the series and want to get caught up, here are the links: 

I will see you all back here on Thursday for the next post in the series.

And as a reminder, I love comments (I love hearing from you!). I love getting emails too: conqueringhousewife{at}the-cadence{dot}com. 
Like what you read here? Consider subscribing to this blog's feed or subscribing by email to have my posts put nicely into your email box? Or join all the conquering housewives on facebook?


Thank you dear friends for coming and sitting with me in The Waiting Room. It's so much easier to wait in the company of friends :)

Amanda

TWR: Tied Feet



Welcome to The Waiting Room once again, friends! In case you missed the previous posts in the series, here they are: 

Today's post will again touch on motherhood, but I have a feeling it applies to other "waiting rooms" too. :)

...................................................................

 
A few months ago, I read a post that talked about an Indian proverb: “Children tie the feet of their mother.”

 
It doesn’t take long for a new mother to realize the truth in this matter. Take, for example, vacuuming: I pick up the room, put away toys. While I am putting away toys, Jed is dragging out more toys. I am now faced with a daunting decision: do I stop him from pulling out more toys so I have less physical work, or do I let him play with the toys so he is contented while I clean even though it means more work for me?? (I usually just let him play.) As soon as the room is picked up, I pull out the vacuum. The kids are immediately excited (I am not sure why, but the vacuum has some kind of magical hold over them). Addy tells me that it’s her turn and she’s going to be my helper before I have even gotten the plug into the wall. Jed plops down right in front of the vacuum and starts an experiment to see how loud of a noise his hand can make on the front of the vacuum… I haven’t even started vacuuming, but I have a feeling you can already see that my figurative feet are tied, slowed down.

Often when we find ourselves in a season of waiting, it’s because our lives are tied up in something, busy. I have talked about capacity before; its definition basically boils down to your God-appointed maximum amount that you can take on. The more weight something has in your life, the less room there is for other things.  You might like to do some of the things you are deeply passionate about, but perhaps you have small children that keep you from being able to do very much at all. “Children tie the feet of their mother.”

In the post I had read about children tying the feet, the writer talks about sacrifice. How, in fact, Jesus was bound. I am learning to serve my children, to sacrifice, to love them as Jesus has loved me.

But I think it’s more than learning sacrifice. I think of people who have had to live life missing one of their 5 senses, how the other senses get stronger to compensate for the missing sense. I think of how I had heard of a quadriplegic who learned to paint with his mouth and got quite good at it. Perhaps it is that in this waiting season, this too-busy-for-your-other-dreams moment, this feet-tied life with infants, you are learning to use your other muscles.

I have always stunk at organization, but with 2 littles and a desire to write, I don’t have a choice other than to learn organization. I have always been a bit socially awkward and not the best keeper-upper of friendships, but I desperately need support in this season of my life. I am learning to be friendlier and a better friend. (Tangent: Can you picture how much a mom would need other people to lean on if her feet are in fact tied?? Make time for friends dear mommy-readers!)

And here is the best part: in having our hands and feet tied, in busyness, we are forced to trust God. Like the disabled person that learns to use other muscles or other senses, we learn to trust God. We find our Strength.

When we are busy, we feel weighted down. We worry we won’t accomplish all we need to, and that it won’t be done with excellence. Deep down in this mother heart, I worry, oh how I worry, that I will fail my children, fail God, just completely and utterly suck at it all. I am finding that it’s not really a question of how much do I love my kids, or how much am I willing to lay down my life for them. I love them!I am here in this waiting season attempting to reconcile my heart to reflect what God wants me to do here and now, and only here and now, because I do love them and would do anything for them. So, "will I sacrifice?" is not the question. The question is, "How do I trust that God is with me, that God will see me through this, that I can’t do it all but He can??? That I won’t fail miserably at parenting and never see my dreams accomplished? That in Him, I am enough, and have enough?"


 “For of his fullness we have all received and grace upon grace” John 1:16.

God gives us His fullness—the filler in our gaps—the strength in our weakness.

God gives us His fullness—in the busy seasons—in the seasons where you feel like you are failing miserably at everything.

When your feet are tied, you don’t have much choice but to trust Him. And His Grace… oh, His grace upon grace… how He covers us, our kids, our dreams, and gives us far more than we deserve!

He is good.

Amen.

..................................................................................


Maybe we can encourage each other... How are your feet tied?? How do you feel slowed down??
And as a reminder, I love comments (I love hearing from you!). I just installed a new comment manager so that I could more easily reply to you and you could encourage one another.  Fingers crossed it works. If you hate it or can't figure it out, do let me know and I will change it or take some time to explain it! I love getting emails too: conqueringhousewife{at}the-cadence{dot}com. 
Like what you read here? Consider subscribing to this blog's feed or subscribing by email to have my posts put nicely into your email box? Or join all the conquering housewives on facebook?
See ya on Tuesday for the next post in The Waiting Room Series!
 
Lots of love to you-- all the beautiful conquering housewives!
xo
Amanda



Photobucket

TWR: When You Feel Especially Ugly While Waiting...


Hello Friends! Welcome back to The Waiting Room. I am stunned at how much God is working in my life in this area. Even though the series is pretty much written, every day I feel like God keeps talking to me, reminding me of the things I had already written down. This stuff applies to so much! Waiting is so HARD... but this search for God's perspective on waiting is changing my life.


Just in case you missed the first parts of the series, I will leave the links for you. 


Today I have a post that talks a lot about motherhood and what the waiting can be for, but really it can apply to any time you find your self waiting... I just happen to be a mother so this is the experience I am able to speak from.
...............................................


I have a son that is drawn to my garbage bin and my dirty clothes hamper. 

Yuck!

A few months back I was anticipating company. I had been in the kitchen loading the dishwasher, scrubbing those pots and pans. I hear a knock at the door. Company! Friends! I let them in, and, as I lead them into the living room, I spot a train of dirty laundry. First, a pair of my chonies (horror of horrors); followed by a pair of Michael’s shorts; a grubby, Addy’s-been-into-Papa’s-cherries t-shirt; and last, but certainly not least, my bra. It should be noted that of all the items in that hamper, the bra is the item I got the most embarrassed over. I may be willing to share my pants size or the number produced when I step on the scale (by the way, that’s kind of a sketchy “may be willing”), but I am definitely not willing to divulge my bra size. I have always felt a little awkward with what seem like oversized bosoms to me attached to my body. 

Jed—the resident, dirty-laundry dust sprinkling fairy—pulled out my insecurity and flung it across the carpet.

I picked up every item on the floor in one fell swoop and made some joke about the situation to my friends. It was fine. But it got me thinking.

Kids drag it all out of us.

If you have a dream you are waiting on, parent or not, I can pretty much guarantee that during that waiting season someone will drag out your ugly. Maybe someone joins your team at work that just gets under your skin, maybe someone gets the promotion or the recognition you feel you deserve, maybe you catch yourself gossiping about your next door neighbor that drives a beamer, lives in a bikini, and has countless lovers. Or hey. Maybe you just have kids. 

I never realized I was a yeller, until I had a four year old ask me the same question 20 times in a whiny voice that begins to sound like a cheese grater on a chalkboard after the 5th time.  I am learning patience.

I never realized that my fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants, loosely-scheduled, free-spirited ways could have such a profoundly negative effect on children (and my own sanity). I am learning organization.

I never realized the power fear had on my life till I began to imagine the unspeakable horrors that could happen to my children... the way I can just become racked with worry and find myself not wanting to just trust God with my kids. I am learning peace.

I never realized how much I needed God’s grace. I think I have to apologize almost daily for some parenting misstep. The feeling of exasperation that parenting (or a difficult person or circumstance) occasionally leads us to drags out all our ugly. Ugly I never knew I had. Ugly that forces me to fall at the feet of Jesus. Ugly that makes me cry out for help, for grace, for transformation.

And I am transforming.

Kids drag it all out of us.

But God is working on us. Preparing us. It’s not just so we can be better parents, otherwise our lives would end when our chickies leave the nest. That dream in your heart… the one that you put on hold for your family, He’s preparing you for that too. The glorious journey of parenthood—the failures and triumphs, the spills and kisses, the missteps and hallelelujah-chorus, light-bulb moments when our kids get it and we explained it just right—it’s not just for our kids, it’s for us too. God is able to use it all for their good. God is able to use it all for our good too.



Can I just submit this thought? Perhaps it is that whatever waiting room you have found yourself in is the perfect training ground for your dreams?

I guess I never thought of it like that. I thought parenting was some totally separate dream in my heart. That it really had nothing to do with all the other dreams. Wrong. Turns out I need my kids just as much as they need me.

The simple act of having to wait for an unknown length of time shapes our trust and our patience. I never knew how little I trusted God and how impatient I actually was till I had to offer up my dreams and wait. It’s all getting dragged out.

But, I can see it (and maybe my friends can too—this is where accountability is a beautiful thing) and I can place it all in the hands of the One who knows just how to mold and shape my life—for the present, for the future— 

For eternity.

..............................................

Maybe we can encourage each other... What kind of ugly is being dragged out of you right now??


And as a reminder, I love comments (I love hearing from you!) and anonymous comments are perfectly acceptable! I also love getting emails: conqueringhousewife{at}the-cadence{dot}com.
Like what you read here? Consider subscribing to this blog's feed or subscribing by email to have my posts put nicely into your email box? Or join all the conquering housewives on facebook? 
See ya on Thursday for the next post in The Waiting Room Series!
 
Lots of love to you-- all the beautiful conquering housewives!
xo

Amanda

Happy to be linking up with:  Mommy Moments, Motivating Monday, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Women Living Well

TWR: Waiting is... Dying?!?



Welcome back to The Waiting Room! In case you missed the rest of the series here are the links:

And now to jump right in: :)



Christianity is based on the simple yet complicated truth that Jesus died and rose again.

Jesus died on the cross and in 3 days He was raised up from the grave.

In order to be a follower of Christ, one must die and be raised back up. 

“Unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3, NLT).

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me” (Matt 16:24, NLT).

And if I am honest, I would prefer to not think about this one. It’s hard. Dying? Really? 

Too bad for me and my comfort zone, God is talking to me about just this.

See, I have dreams. Big ones. Ones I am not quite ready to commit to print, but I will say this writer wants to see a book published and this girl who has a big heart for the church and people wants to lead a ministry. With the birth of each of my children I took a step back from leading ministry. And now with my husband in a demanding schooling program and on the brink of stepping into his dream that could land us, well, anywhere within the confines of California, I am almost completely unable to serve in any capacity. I look back on what I used to do, the job titles I used to wear... all of that stuff made me feel important. Can I admit to you, how much I miss it? How pathetically human and all about me I can be?

I am finding that I am restless and, dare I even admit, discontent. I don’t want to just sit still and love on my family. I want more.

Perhaps this makes me rotten. It’s not that I don’t love my family. I DO! I am just struggling through this season of my life that leaves me with little capacity to do much else besides wife and mother.

Perhaps you are there too? Maybe you have had to step away from dreams, or a job, or a place that made you feel important. Maybe you were someone important, or the assistant of someone important, or you put on events, or you got employee of the month at least once a year… You willingly chose to become a domestic diva and lovingly raise children of your own, feeling it your high calling and now you sit amongst spit-up, scrubbing Oxy-clean into accidents on the carpet, and providing breakfast, lunch and dinner plus 2 healthy snacks in between to a group of people that can never provide you with the affirmation and praises you desire for all that you do, well… besides that World’s Best Mother badge that comes in the Hallmark card once a year.

Perhaps, motherhood isn’t what put your dreams on hold? Perhaps it’s something else: a mundane job that you need to make ends meet, an unsupportive spouse, circumstances beyond your control like infertility or illness, or maybe it’s just straight-up not time for your dreams to be pursued.

I have been wrestling. I am fighting God. I don’t want to let go. I don’t want to leave my dreams alone. I want to hold on to what used to be. I don’t want to move forward. I am afraid. Without realizing it, I am closing my hand and throwing my fist at God, and telling Him this isn’t good enough.

I don’t want to let go of my dreams. I don’t want to die. 

And here it is: 

 “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24, NASB).

In order to produce fruit, the wheat kernel must be stuck down deep in the earth and covered with soil in the fall, lie dormant through the winter, and in spring it will be raised back up to life. (And by the way, from one wheat seed a stalk grows that has roughly 50 kernels on it.)

In order for my dreams to come to pass, I need to let go of them, place them in the Hands of the One who is able to handle them, and wait for Him to raise them back up. 

It’s time for my dreams to die. 

It’s time to let go of them, place them in God’s hands, and allow Him to do what He will with them. I have an inkling as indicated in the word of God that these dreams will come back to me, but I also know that I have to be okay if they don’t. I have to die. 

Wait.

Wait for the next season of my life and watch God raise those dreams to life.

I am dying so that I may be raised up again.

“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal” (John 12:24, MESS emphasis added).

Letting go. Totally not easy. But I am thinking of the handsome man and the 2 little ones that I want to love recklessly. 

I want to love them recklessly.

Recklessly abandon the dreams that are most dear to me so that I can do what is purposed for me to do in this season of my life. Love. Recklessly.

And God. Yeah, I want to love Him recklessly too. Give all to him. [Learn to]Trust Him.

The same Him who “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph 3:20 AKJV).

Yeah, that Him.

So here begins the journey. The waiting. The winter to the wheat kernel. The waiting room to the doctor’s visit. But this time is so much more than just raising children (or insert whatever it is that you are doing in this season of your life). It’s so much more than just waiting or pausing. It’s not about biding your time or just getting through it. (And oh, friends, please let’s discover the purpose of this season lest we “just get through it” and look back one day and realized we missed it.) Remember, Tuesday’s post? Waiting is Becoming! We can bury our dream in God. We can! And as only He is able, He will raise it back up to life.

I'd love to hear from you, what has you feeling like you are waiting? 

And as a reminder, I love comments (I love hearing from you!) and anonymous comments are perfectly acceptable! I also love getting emails: conqueringhousewife{at}the-cadence{dot}com.

Like what you read here? Consider subscribing to this blog's feed? Or join all the conquering housewives on facebook?

See you back here on Tuesday! We will start looking at the purposes of waiting.

xo
Amanda


linking up with: Titus 2 Tuesdays, Ann at A Holy Experience, Women Living Well

The Waiting Room: You're NOT Waiting...

Welcome to the first day of The Waiting Room Series! (I'm just a little excited... okay, a lot excited) If you missed the introduction, do check it out.


Perhaps this isn’t the best way to dive into a series, but sometimes it helps to know you are not the only one, to know that this is the way it’s supposed to be, before you find the plan behind it all. So here it is.

We were made to wait.

Modern day success stories are full of waiting.
  • The President of the United States must be at least 35 years old to serve. The youngest we have ever had is JFK, and he was 43 at his first Inauguration. 
  • Nelson Mandela spent 27 in prison before being released and becoming the first democratically elected black president in South Africa. 
  • Dana Vollmer, 2012 Olympic gold medalist and world record setter in the butterfly, failed to make the team in 2008. She had to wait 4 years to try again, this time able to win gold. 
{There are many, many more; this is just what I had time to research ;)}

The Bible is full of waiting.
  • Abraham waited for a son—his promise from God for a lineage as vast as the stars, till he was old and it was no longer humanly impossible for him to have a child. 
  • Jacob waited for the woman he loved—for 14 years while working hard for a deceitful future father-in-law. 
  • Joseph waited for his dreams to take place—while being sold into slavery, working as a servant and later a prisoner. 
  • The Israelites waited for a redeemer to lead them out of the bonds of slavery in Egypt. 
  • The Israelites waited 80 years in the wilderness before getting to their Promised Land. 
  • Caleb waited over 40 years to receive his promise—he waited with grumblers and complainers when he was one of two who actually got it right, who actually trusted God. 
  • Hannah waited for a child—while being mocked for her barrenness. 
  • David waited around 20 years to be King over all Israel. 
  • Jesus waited till he was 30 to begin his ministry. 
By the way, these are just a few examples. Just about every person in the Bible had to wait for something.

I love the way John Ortberg puts it: “Biblically, waiting is not just something we have to do until we get what we want. Waiting is part of the process of becoming what God wants us to be.” Waiting isn’t for torture. Waiting isn’t God’s cruel way of dangling that one thing you want most in front of you and saying “Neener! Neener! You can’t have it.” Waiting isn’t a giant pause button that gets hit over your life. Waiting is for becoming—becoming the woman God wants you to be. Waiting is a tool for refinement in the Master’s hand.

David was anointed king over Israel as a young boy, and no doubt, as he stood surrounded by his older brothers looking at him, perhaps even a bit jealous of him, David wondered at the mystery of it all and a dream was born in his heart. King of Israel. But David didn’t put on a crown and begin ruling that day—he was anointed King. God made his plans known. And David spent 20 years becoming the King of Israel. As he learned to trust God, as he learned to fight, as he married a princess, as he obtained faithful subjects and mighty men of valor… David spent 20 years in the thick of trials (many of those years spent running for his life). David wasn’t waiting to be King. David was becoming King. 

You are becoming too.

I love the simple line Ann Voskamp says in her book, One Thousand Gifts, “We see God in rear view mirrors.” It’s hard to see how God is working to make the way out ahead of us. It’s hard to see the way God can use and is using everything. But it’s so easy to look back and see all the ways God was faithful, the way He prepared us for where we are today, the way he put certain people in our path, the way He opened the right doors and closed the wrong ones and how grateful we can be for it.

It’s easy to look at other’s lives, their successes, the way they are where we want to be, and see how they became—see how God faithfully molded and shaped them. We see God in rearview mirrors. But I say, you too are becoming. God is working it out in you. Or do you not know how precious you are to Him? How much He loves you? How He sees the masterpiece in all your flaws? You may want to compare; stop. You may want to be fully arrived; stop. The Master is at work—the artist at the sculpture, the chrysalis for the butterfly…

You aren’t waiting. You are becoming. 



I would love to know, what are you “waiting” on? What are the dreams in your heart that you are believing for? I would love to pray with you. {We would love to pray with you… I have a feeling many of the conquering housewives would love to pray with you as we encourage each other through our season of “becoming”} If you would like to be anonymous, I gladly accept anonymous comments... (just be sure to not include a URL if you post anonymously, blogger marks it as spam).

If you like this post, consider subscribing to my feed via feedburner, GFC or email? Don't want to subscribe, that's okay! The Waiting Room posts will be up every Tuesday and Thursday for the month of September. Do you know someone that may need to hear the words spoken here?? Consider sharing this post? My blogging/writing friends, you are welcome to use the buttons in the right column. :)

Looking forward to learning how to wait BECOME with you, friends!

xo
Amanda

The Waiting Room: An Announcement and A Call to Live Fully (When You Feel Like You Are Waiting)


I have been struggling.


See, I love being a mom. It’s been a dream of mine dating back to dollies and tea parties. And more than a dream, I love those two children that came with the dream so much more than the fulfillment of the dream. I love their big personalities, their small hands, their mispronunciations (like how my daughter calls granola bars “tuna bars”) their “rub-it-in-and-keep-it-forever” slobber kisses, reading stories, mischievous grins, holding their eyes in my gaze and the way they are so happy to look back into my eyes, “Stacks on mom and dad!”… I love my kids!

But sometimes I live tired. Between the disciplining, the diaper changes, the spills in the carpet, the packing up 2 small children and the diaper bag and carrying it to the car, the housekeeping, the cooking, the grocery shopping, the relentless whiney questions, the ignored instructions, and the way I feel I will never be able to shower or pee by myself again… this woman feels like her life has come to a grinding halt. There might be dreams in my heart beyond being a parent, but with only 24 hours in a day and small children that take up most of those hours, it’s just simply not time to pursue those dreams.

I’m waiting.

Last month, I spent an hour in a waiting room at my son’s pediatrician’s office—an hour of feeling my calm resolve deplete as I pulled Addy off the magazine table, followed Jed around the waiting room, took Addy to the bathroom, worried over the germs my kids might be touching, tried to keep them both happy and occupied… When the nurse at long last called our name, the “Hallelujah” chorus rang through my mind. We survived the wait! Then, she took Jed’s temperature, checked his measurements, and placed us in a room to wait for the doctor for another 45 minutes—a room with a swivel chair, an expensive computer, zero toys, and no Disney movie. Our wait was not over; it may have even gotten worse. I still needed my already-depleted calm resolve as I continued to wait with 2 active, small kids.
 
In this life, at some point or another, you will feel like you are waiting.

And, let’s face it, you probably struggle with not liking the wait too.

There are all sorts of things that can make you feel like you are waiting: a desperate and seemingly hopeless search for Mr. Right, attending a schooling program so you can get a good job, a super slow do-they-really-want-to-fill-that-position?! hiring process, a frustrating home-buying experience, a month-to-month stare at a pee-stick wishing a plus sign would appear, a financial “drought,” an illness, recovery from an illness, a deep period of grief and loss, or “life just happening” unexpectedly. And that doesn’t include the little “waits,” you know, the waiting in long lines, waiting in doctor’s offices, waiting in dmv’s, waiting for test results, waiting for a reply… We do a whole lot of waiting in this life.

I look back to my life before kids and all that I was able to accomplish. I look at the titles I wore, the verbal appreciation, the way I worked hard and had something to show for it. As much as I love being a mom, I miss all that stuff. I feel unappreciated. I feel frustrated with the way that I clean while my kids make a different mess. The messes never stop. And I think I accomplish nothing. I have been struggling.

But I am also a relentless question asker (and I wonder where my daughter gets it from?!) I have been asking God how to live here and now. FULLY live here and now. How to not JUST survive. Because I have a feeling that even though I feel like I am waiting for my life to begin again, I am living life. I don’t want to miss it. I don’t want to live it poorly. I don’t want to squander the years of my children’s small preciousness because I am discontent, because I feel like I am waiting. For my sake, their sake, for my husband’s sake, I need God’s help!

Fortunately, God’s been talking to me. I’ve been writing it down.

See, God wants to do BIG things in our lives and hearts when we are living in those seasons where we feel like we are waiting.

Waiting is so FULL of purpose.

I want to know what the purpose of NOW is. I want to fulfill my purpose, my “for such a time as this.” And I want to be content with it. Joy FULL when it feels like my dreams are paused because, really, I AM living right now, and I can be living FULL of Joy.

It feels a little crazy to be admitting all of this. But I know I am not the only one.

I hear the struggle when I talk to my friends that have young children. I hear the struggle when I talk to someone heading into a major surgery that means a long recovery. I hear the struggle when a woman has spent over a year trying to get pregnant and a lifetime wanting to bring life into this world. 

How do I trust God when I don’t see my dreams happening?

How? 

How!

We are going there for the entire month of September. God has been speaking to me, answering these questions and I feel compelled to share it with you. This is an ongoing conversation. I have not fully arrived, and while I would normally say one should not attempt to share from where they are still struggling, I just feel this stirring that I can’t shake. It’s too important for me, for you, to learn how to trust God here and now with everything. Who wants to squander the one life they have to live? Miss the purposes they were created for? I feel weighed down with a message that I have to share. And because I have not arrived, perhaps we can help each other get there??

If this pricks at you, even a little bit, consider coming back every Tuesday and Thursday for the month of September. I have seven nuggets to share with you, plus, I even have a guest post (my first ever guest post! From someone I think you will adore and whose words will encourage you!) I [most likely] will be putting all other posts on hold for the month of September. If you just like my recipes and projects or my gift counting pictures, don’t worry, they should resume after September.

Could I also challenge you to join me (US!—all the conquering housewives) on facebook? (<---a place I love to conversate.) I need you, we need you, and, perhaps, you need us. Let’s encourage each other together!

Let’s learn how to FULLY live!

Let’s ENJOY the waiting room we might feel we are in! (Maybe even change our perspective??)

Let’s get that “Insight and Encouragement for the Seasons of Waiting”

Looking forward to learning with you!

xo
Amanda



Might I humbly ask you to invite your friends if you feel so compelled? A facebook share? A tweet? Or maybe even grab a button?


300x300

125x125

600x600


Linking Up Here:
Motivating Monday Link Up at CEO of Me

Made Monday: Pepper Salad wtih Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ready to have your "I need to do something with the abundance of the end of summer produce I am up to my eyeballs in" world rocked??

Follow along. Because I am about to share one of my favorite salads (that is nothing like a traditional green salad) and my favorite ways to eat said salad. 

{It should be mentioned, a favorable opinion of peppers is required for this one to have world-rocking power over you}

This recipe is fresh (SO fresh!) and light and packed with flavor and nothing like a boring tomato, red onion, craisin and whatever else you happen to have in the way of produce, over greens and drizzled with dressing. No offense green salad, because you are great and all, but I sorta get tired of you about a month into summer. Don't worry though, it's not you. It's me. Friends?

(Are you sensing the silly mood I am in??)

This salad sings... to a totally different, very fresh, very Italian tune. I can't sing opera, but I can make this salad, and it can sing opera... to my tastebuds. Maybe? (Did I mention my silly mood?)

Peppers, Tomatoes, basil, red onion, and fresh mozzarella, combined in extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette. It should be mentioned that one can say they have much more fully lived after experiencing fresh mozzarella. (Have you experienced it?? You kinda need to... YOLO?)

I started with this recipe and somehow convenience and speed led me to the one I now enjoy. Both are good. One is less work and has fewer ingredients :)



Pepper Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • 5-6 large sweet peppers thinly sliced (Make it pretty! Use different colored peppers!) (I prefer using mini sweet peppers, but I have never counted how many I use... 15-20?? or so??? I buy them in a bag at the store and just use the whole bag.)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced.
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes 
  • 8 oz. of fresh mozzarella. Use pearls or cut into small cubes.
  • 8+ Fresh Basil leaves 
  • 3 TBS of balsamic vineagar
  • 6 TBS of extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

 1. Cut the peppers and onions into very thin slices. (very thin!) Combine everything but the fresh basil and fresh mozzarella into a bowl and allow to marianate in the fridge for an hour before serving. (Note: this isn't necessary, it's just best this way)
2. Add mozzarella and basil before serving. (Note: this salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge provided you only add the basil and mozzarella to whatever you are using.)


My favorite ways to enjoy this salad:


1. With crustinis. [By the way: a crustini (crus-tee-nee) is just an Italian word for a thinly sliced, toasted piece of bread] Makes for a great hors d'oeuvre!

2. On a sandwich.

3. On top of that boring green salad we were mentioning earlier. Boring no more!

4.  Like this:

With grilled chicken and flat bread.

5. Like this:
This is a sort of deconstructed version of the salad. The peppers and onions were still tossed in vinaigrette but I served with a slice of mozzarella, a thick slice of tomato, and topped with some basil. I put all that on top of some grilled chicken and slice of garlic french bread. I served it along side a simple spring green salad topped with tomato and pepper/onion in vinaigrette. This was one of the hardest sandwiches I had ever tried to get in my mouth, but I would eat it again in a heartbeat--mess and all (DELICIOUS!!!)


Hope this Made your Monday!

xo
Amanda


sharing this here:


Photobucket

For when you feel defeated...


If I am to be brutally honest, I struggle with complacency.

Maybe we all do?

I think of snowglobes—the way you can stir them up and they are beautiful, but there’s something in them that wants to “settle down.” While it’s being shaken the glitter and the snow go all directions, and the minute you set that globe down, the glitter and the snow begin to fall, settle down, return to order. 

photo credit
 

Who wants to live all stirred up? 

Who wants to live in a snow storm?

Friends, I have been “stirred up.” Unforseeable little life storms, one after another. I feel shaken, raw. But in it, I realize just how settled down I was. Complacent. In my parenting, in my marriage, in my life. I was just okay, and just okay being just okay.

And now,

Now, it’s time to fight.

Fight for my marriage. Fight for my kids. Fight for myself.

Fight that stinking enemy that comes to kill, steal and destroy.

I think of the fight movies from the 80’s—the ones where the hero encounters a bully/bad guy of some kind, realizes he needs to learn to fight, and then cheesy fight music get’s cued while the hero goes into training. 

Someone needs to cue my cheesy fight music. I’ve got to learn to fight.

photo credit

And really, everything in this life of any real value, will have to be fought for. You want your marriage to last—you gotta fight for it. You want your kids to know God and how to live for Him—you gotta fight for it. You want to live your life for God—yep, you gotta fight for it. Maybe you don’t like what I am telling you. But remember that whole Armor of God thing from Sunday School (Ephesians 6 ring a bell?)?? Yeah, that’s in the Bible for a reason. ;)

When you feel defeated. When you feel like things are falling apart. When life feels out of control.
It’s time to fight.

Don't be complacent. Put on your metaphorical 80's sweat band and your big girl panties too and Fight!

Alright, so here is me getting my Mr. Miyagi on and giving you a list of ways to fight.

  1. Know who/what you are fighting. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places” ((Ephesians 6:12) Don’t fight your kids when they are rotten… fight FOR them. Fight the enemy that wants them. Don’t fight your husband when he makes a butthead move… fight FOR him. Don’t beat yourself up when you make mistakes. Realize you are battling your humanity and the enemy that wants you. (This isn’t me saying, however, to excuse bad behavior; “The Devil made me do it.”)
  2. Cry Out.If you read the Old Testament of the Bible, you will find a whole lot of the phrase “cry out.” And immediately following that phrase you will find God showing up. I don’t know why it works, but I do know that God hears our cries. And when we match our desperation for Him with the loudness of our cry, He shows up. This past weekend I fought for peace and my son as I drove to the hospital after my son managed to locate and open a bottle of Nyquil. I cried out. God showed up. And while my son hadn't drank enough to be a problem, I also didn't lose my peace waiting to find out. I fought for both out loud: "God I need you right now!"
  3. Bible. Pray. Repeat. Yep. I hate to give a simple pat answer, but this is the “wax on, wax off” move of spiritual warfare. Try reading in Ephesians if you don’t know where to start. If you don’t know how to pray—try this: Find a quiet spot (or put on some music if you have some mind-wandering tendencies). Have a pen and paper handy for any random thoughts that may pop up in your head (like grocery list item, appointment, need-to-do). Talk to God. No really. All that’s in your heart. Give Him a chance to speak. Be quiet. Try journaling too. 
  4. Do what you least feel like doing. 
  • When life gets hard, do you tend to hide? Crawl out from under that rock, and ask for help. Find some friends and hang out with them. Even consider being vulnerable (just make sure you’ve chosen the right friends for this). 
  • When life gets hard to you tend to run? Sit still, quiet yourself, pray. It may take a while for you to “chill out” but sit quiet until you do. Don’t go anywhere until you’ve heard from God. 
  • When life gets hard do you tend to pick fights? Realize you are not fighting anyone (see point 1). Don't talk. Be quiet. Grab the people who you are the most angry with and pray with them, for them, ask them to pray for you.

Fighting isn't all that fun. But you know what is awesome in it? When you realize you aren't supposed to actually fight your husband, but fight the enemy with him; when you realize you aren't supposed to actually fight your kids, but fight the enemy with them; when you realize you aren't supposed to actually beat yourself up, but fight the enemy that is plaguing you, trying to tell you how much you suck at life... when you grab the hands of the one's you love most, even in the midst of the greatest snow storm... love huddles you close. Inseparable bonds are formed in storms. Love conquers all.

And these three things prevail: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.

Have any ways to fight to add to the list?

I may have time to share a favorite recipe later today. We shall see.

But I shall see you all tomorrow for my big announcement :) 

xo
Amanda

Sharing this here:



Photobucket

I'm Not Sorry


There’s a phrase I find myself saying far too much: “I’m sorry.”

Now this is a very handy phrase if you think about it. When you do something wrong or on accident, there it is, remorse and sympathy all rolled into one phrase: “I’m sorry.”

I find myself saying it when I do stuff right though.

“I’m sorry the house is such a mess” (when it’s a mess because I chose to take the kids to the park instead of cleaning so they could get the fresh air they needed).

“I’m so sorry; I just can’t do that right now” (when I have to say no to a service opportunity that will take up time that needs to be spent with my family… the family who has a dad who is rarely home, a mom who is really tired and 2 kids who are really young and active).

“I’m sorry I’m late” (when I am running late because I have 2 kids to corral. And while I definitely need to work on starting to get out the door earlier, I cannot help all the unseen dilemmas that might plague my departure—lost keys, temper tantrums, or diaper disasters).

Truth be told, those sorries are just me living under the weight of expectations. Simply put: I just really want people to like me. I don’t want them to think I am an unhelpful and unpunctual slob. 

The crazy part of this is that I am fairly certain [most] people don’t notice such things or place expectations on me. So why do I always feel compelled to say sorry?? Could it be that I have my own set of expectations for myself? Could it be that there is a struggle inside of me—of fear? I am afraid I am not enough.

When I enter my messy abode, see the dishes, turn down someone’s request for help in the nursery at church, walk by the laundry pile that’s been there for 3 days, walk in late to a room full of people who managed to make it on time, I feel the weight—that “you aren’t good enough and you’ll never get it right.”


But, I need to not live under that weight. I need to not be sorry. Not because sorry isn’t a good thing. Sometimes it is a really good thing. But this girl needs to give herself permission to live free from my own expectations--permission to not "have it all together." I need to not think so little of myself—I am not an unhelpful, unpunctual slob.

I need to be free to choose the better thing—the thing that builds up those most precious to me rather than please the ones whose opinions might judge me. Everyone has only 24 hours each day—24 hours to devote to whatever one chooses. My 2 littles need a whole lot of those hours. They are little. They will only be little once. 
 
Someone once told me, “your no is just as spiritual as your yes… and sometimes even morespiritual.” No can be freeing. No lives outside of people’s opinions and expectations. No says you know what you are supposed to do and what you are not supposed to do. (And, of course, like many things there are the instances that one can overuse No, but I think you get the point.)

Sometimes one needs to say No to cleaning the house… and yes to playing with the kids.

Sometimes one needs to say No to service opportunities… and yes to family time.

Sometimes one needs to say No to rushing out the door in a mad frenzy… and yes to peace.

And sometimes one needs to not apologize for any of it. (Okay, so I am not actually advocating rudeness. Say "I'm sorry" if appropriate. Just don't apologize to yourself for keeping the best things first. No need to shout "No! And I'm not sorry about it either!" at the poor nursery volunteer. I wish there was a phrase in the English language that conveyed sympathy and love, while at the same time also indicating personal freedom from expectations.)

Amanda, you are doing an awesome job. You love on your kids. You keep the most important things first. In Him, You are enough. He will be your Strength if you cry out for help. You were chosen for Addy and Jed. You were chosen for Michael, and every day since 2005 Michael chooses you. You are enough! There will be dishes, there will be messes, you will get to them. Step out from under the weight of your own dang expectations, Amanda. Love your kids and your husband. And know, YOU ARE ENOUGH! {So stop apologizing like you aren’t enough}

This is my pep talk to myself. I thought perhaps someone else could benefit from it too.

Xo

Amanda

Sharing this here:

Thankful Thursday #17

Good Morning!

#217 Little brothers, big sisters, and swings

#218 Sap-sicles

#218 Boys who love the bath so much they want to stick everything they can find in it (like toilet paper rolls)

#219 Space to breathe and a good book to read. (Anything by Jennie Allen. One chapter in and I am loving it so far.)

#220 Glimpses of His splendor. (Addy: "Is that where Jesus lives, Mom??")

Wishing you all fabulous weekends!

xo
Amanda

Rainbow Birthday Party [Plus, Some Printables]

Good Morning!

I don't have much time to write, but I did want to quickly share Addy's 4th Birthday Party with you. I was hoping to have some pictures from the actual party, but I didn't take a single one. On a more positive note, one of my best friends was in attendance with her camera and took pictures for me. She is super awesome with the camera and with edits... but she is also a mom and a teacher and just started her school year. She's allowed to be slow at getting the pictures to me...especially since she's not charging :)

Anyways.

About that Rainbow party...

I have a small budget, like small as in just slightly above nothing, so I got creative, made just about everything, and did not go overboard. (Anyone else feel a little overwhelmed by looking at Pinterest for party ideas? Great ideas... but seriously, the thought of all the time and money it takes to get a party to look like that... Overwhelming) So I guess this is the busy/frugal moms non-pinnable rainbow party. And I am REALLY okay with that! Ha!

Tissue Paper Poms- My sister helped me make these. Super easy, super cheap, and super big presence in a space. (We picked up 2 multi-color tissue paper value packs at the local dollar store. $2!) 

Rainbow cake- I found rainbow twizzlers at the store and knew I would do something with them. I had big ideas for somehow making them arch like a rainbow over the cake. My sister looked at me and was like "Dude, Amanda, just cut them and put them around the cake." She's really smart. That's exactly what I did. I used rainbow cake mix from a box for the cake and added a homemade raspberry filling to the center plus a white-chocolate cream cheese frosting. Delicious!!

Birthday Banner- I cut triangles (6"x7") out of scrapbook paper and then made up some circle letter cut-outs on the computer. Joy of Joys! I figured out how to share them too should you want to make your own birthday banner. (They'll be at the bottom of this post)

My Cheapest/Best Decorating Idea: I had gotten Addy watercolors a few weeks prior to the party. She wanted to paint everyday. And the pictures were super colorful. (And so fun to see her imagination at work!) So I used them as decorations. Rainbow colors? Check. Free? Check. Grandparents get to "ooh" and "aah" over grandkid? Check.

I hung up by banner and the pictures by stringing some ribbon and attaching the pictures and the pendants with miniature clothespins. Super easy set-up and clean-up and very re-useable. (Mini clothespins were in craft section at my local Walmart)

Favor Bags- I used regular sandwich bags that attached a printable I made (that I am sharing with you too). "Thanks for Bringing the Sunshine to my Party" <---cute, right?? The super nerdy former teacher in me added a cheesy weather/rainbow joke to each of the bags. I put the answer to the joke on the bottom of the bag.

What kind of shorts do clouds wear??.............. Thunderwear!!!      Hardy-har-har-har :)

Hey, and thanks for bringing the sunshine to this blog each week!

xo
Amanda


Printables:
Just click link to bring up Google Document that you can print from.


Rainbow Party Birthday Banner

Rainbow Party Favor Bag

Like what you see here??? Subscribe to my feed, like my page on facebook, or follow through GFC. (See upper right hand of this page).






An Announcement and a Call to Fight Your Frump (along with me)

When I got pregnant with Addy, I got a terrible bout with morningall day sickness. It took so much energy to just do anything and I felt so horrible that I stopped wearing make-up and started wearing things like sweat pants… in public. And though I am well-recovered from pregnancy (Ha!), I only wear make-up once a week, I only really dress up once a week, and only all of that if I happen to be on stage at church on Sunday. (I used to do all that something like 5 days a week prior to raising children).

We haven’t had much money for new clothes in years, I scrap what I can. I am not a huge fan of much of my clothes.

I rarely go anywhere anymore. I get up and spend time with Jesus and then writing so my getting ready routine is rushed and happens with kids at my feet.

I got really into running and then let it fall off the map in the winter when it was just too cold to want to be outside before the sun. I haven’t really exercised since.

You all hearing the list of excuses?

The other day I had a meltdown, one of those “I am failing at life and I think I am ugly” meltdowns. It wasn’t pretty. Something clicked in me though.

I keep coming across things like Sarah Mae’s Frumps to Pumps, and I think to myself, Yeah, I probably need to work on that. But not right now. I'm too busy. I will work on that later.

Meltdown had. It’s time.

It’s time to Fight My Frump. 



It’s time to not hide behind excuses. It’s time to make myself more of a priority. It’s time to get in the habit of doing the little bit it takes to feel good about oneself.

{I wrote a post that happens to be a favorite of mine a year ago all about the importance of feeling sexy. Yeah, I need to feel sexy.}

I mentioned this on Facebook to find that it seemed to really resonate with some people. And, I thought maybe I'm not the only one? why do it alone? Wouldn’t it be awesome to have some girl-friend accountability? Some cheerleaders?

My pastor’s wife believes it takes 21 days to make anything a habit.

So, for the remainder of the month of August, I am going to work on making getting ready—feeling beautiful!—and exercise a priority. My personal challenge: Put on make-up, do something to my hair (anything), and wear clothes that I like at least 4 days a week. Also, exercise 3 days a week (20-40 minutes of raising the heart rate).

Here’s what I envision:

I am setting up a closed facebook group (closed means everything that happens in the group stays in the group. It’ll never show up on your timeline/wall or in anyone’s newsfeed. No one other than group members can see what you post. I may change the group’s setting to private after the start date so no one can even see who is in the group. I’d start it like this, but then you'd have trouble finding the group and joining it.) I am calling the group “Fight Your Frump.”

See here’s the real vision: How cool would it be to be in a short term group (i.e. just a little commitment for the busy woman) that would have a small number of other women from all different parts of the country? How cool would it be to have a place where you could be real, ask for encouragement and prayer? How cool would it be to have a place where your experience and encouragement is needed too (bring out that inner cheerleader!)?

See, I don’t want this to be the Amanda Show (I think there used to be one of those on Nickelodeon ages ago, ha!) where it’s all about me and what I am doing and sharing. Oh most Holy girl! I am used of the Lord to write things that are holy!... Yeah… NO! I just happen to love to write. And God just happens to keep giving me things to write. And I have this opportunity because I am connecting with you to create a space where YOU can offer up your gifts to encourage other women too. This conquering housewife needs your encouragement just as much as you may need hers. I think we all need each other.

There are only 2 rules that are set in stone:

  1. What happens on the group page, stays on the group page.
  2.  No bashing or discouraging.
I will remove you from the group in 2 seconds flat should either of these things happen.

I do have some other rules, but they aren’t set in stone. They are just things that I think will keep the group moving forward in a good direction… Like guidelines. (So if you have a busy week and are unable to get to the group’s page, hey, we still love ya and we’ll catch ya next week.)
  1. Commit to posting a 2 sentence intro and your goals for the 3 weeks. (We want to know you and how to encourage you!) 
  2. Commit to posting your progress 2 times a week.
  3. Commit to commenting on 2 posts from other people every time you visit. (like 2-3 x’s a week)
  4. Consider our group as you read your Bible, come across things in life and the internet and consider sharing them with us if it would make us laugh or encourage us or challenge us to encourage you.
  5. I may ask some questions every now and again. Do chime in. Also, if you have an engaging question, do offer it up!
I hope that doesn’t sound like a lot of work. My thought is that this group would maybe require 5 minutes at a time a couple times a week. Doable, right?!

So… Want to be apart??

All you have to do is like the Conquering Housewife on Facebookand then use this link to our group’s page. Click the join button and upon my approval you will be added.

We will officially start MONDAY, August 13, 2012, and run through FRIDAY, August 31, 2012. (I know not a full 21 days, but it’s 3 full school/work weeks and I don’t want to take away from anyone’s Labor Day weekend… though the group will still be up should you still want to use it. I will probably have some nice closing thoughts on TUESDAY, September 4, 2012, to wrap up everything but the challenge itself will be over)

Too busy to make the commitment right now? Let me know! And maybe I can do this again another time during the year? Or maybe YOU could facilitate a group?

This group is kind of my guinea pig group to see how this goes. It may end up being just me and my mom (shout out to my supportive momma!) or maybe it’ll be big enough I will be splitting the group and asking one of YOU to facilitate one. This will be a learning process. Please be gracious and willing to provide honestfeedback. I’d sure appreciate it!So excited to see what happens with this!

Seriously looking forward to getting to know some of you better! (and feeling less frumpy too)

Amanda

 
P.S. Have questions? Feedback? Don't understand how Facebook groups work? Send me a private message through my facebook page or send me an email: conqueringhousewife(at)the-cadence(dot)com

P.P.S. Fellow blogger, like this idea as much as I do? Prayerfully use it! No need to link back to me or anything. But I would love to hear that this idea is resonating with other people. Would you tell me if you use the idea? Maybe even share how it goes? This idea has been on my heart and I took it as confirmation that it was time when I noticed Lisa-Jo doing something similar at (In)courage. It’s an awesome thing that we bloggers get to do?! Right?! 

Thankful Thursday #16

Hello friends!

I am super tired this morning, but my sails feel full of wind. Little-Big God ideas and the ability to move forward in them. An announcement should be forthcoming this afternoon (unless I get to nap... because I will be swooping on that opportunity should it arrive!) or tomorrow morning.

Another announcement should follow sometime in the next week to reveal the series I have been working on. It's almost done. It'll run through the month of September.

Woot Woot! I can't wait :))

My gifts this week in pictures:

#201 Well-used watercolor trays

#202 The way creation points to the Creator

 #203 Boys and Dogs (and oh how I love that boy and that dog too)

#204 Making shadow shapes on the ground and making my sister take pictures of them... just because it's fun and I can.

 #205 Pink polka dot rain boots in the dirt

#206 Boys in shortalls that are too big and that are almost fully unsnapped at the bottom.

#207 For driving in pink sunsets, daughters that beg you to roll down the window, and the feeling of wind through your fingers... and the way it can be worship too.

#208 Sunsets in rearview mirrors.

#209 Sisters that bring you fresh produce... and dads that grow it

#210 The way even something like a spiderweb can be beautiful in the light of the sun.

Friends, have I ever said how much joy I get in the act of slowing down long enough to grab my camera, angle the picture, and just try to hold beauty within the grasp of a lens? Surely I am not a "good" photographer, and I really couldn't care less. (And I am am pretty sure there is a permanent smudge courtesy of Jed on the lens of my relatively inexpensive camera.) This simple thing--taking a picture--it fills me with joy. And there is nothing quite like consciously choosing to look silly by pulling over on the side of the road to snap a picture... it's freeing, especially from the cares of "what people will think?" Do you have something that fills you with joy... something that is easily and surprisingly an act of worship???

The verse that has been speaking to me this week: "In this world there will be struggles. But TAKE HEART! For I have overcome the world." John 16:33. Care to share what's been speaking to you??

Grace and Peace.
Amanda


P.S. Might I humbly suggest:

If you like what you see here considering subscribing by email or subscribing to the feed {see icons in upper right hand column} Let's keep in touch! :)

If you want to join the conversation, join me on Facebook! (I still stink at Twitter, but Facebook, Facebook I get.)



Made Monday: When Life Gives You Cucumbers...

Make Tzatziki!

What, you mean your not familiar with the saying? [Wink]

Hang out with me for a little while and you may learn that I have a particular passion for Mediterranean and Mexican food (Mexi-terranean? Medi-Mex? Maybe? I know... I'm a wee bit dorky... okay, retraction, a lot bit dorky. Ha!) I live in California, so Mexican cuisine is ample and divine and has been a part of my life since I was a wee thing. Mediterrean, not so much. I blame my second pregnancy for this love. I had only had like maybe 5 gyros (pronounced like "hero" if you are curious) total in my life, but in the middle of my pregnancy I wanted gyros... and things I had never really had much of, if at all: shawarma, falafel, tzatziki, hummus, taboule, pita. How does one crave something one has never had before?? I'm not sure, but how does a woman grow a life in her belly and then push that life out? Yeah, stumped there too. Pregnancy brings about all kinds of strange and miraculous.

Anyways. To the point. There's not much in the way of good old fashioned Mediterranean food here in Northern California. And I didn't come with a sweet little Greek yiayia (grandma, pronounced "yah-yah") to teach me how... so I researched, guessed created, had fun, and ate some really good food in that little kitchen of mine while pregnant.

1 year and 1 month after I got over my strange pregnancy cravings (i.e. gave birth),  I still majorly heart Mediterranean food.

So, since cucumbers are in abundance right now and this sauce is super simple and cucumber-full, I am going to teach you how to make Tzatziki (pronounced za-ZEE-key).

A little about tzatziki:

Tzatziki is a yogurt based sauce. It is super easy to make, and while it isn't really eaten by itself (though I would argue it tastes amazing with some pita chips) it can elevate all kinds of dishes.

It's almost like the Greek's version of Ranch dressing (well, sort of) except that it's light, healthy, and you can add the stuff liberally without totally thwarting your diet. It has a similar flavor profile to the cucumber sandwich (another great place to put cucumbers. YUM!). The cool refreshment of cucumber meets the creamy of yogurt and politely shakes hands with the warmth of garlic and the zing of dill. Good company made in that sauce!

To make tzatziki:

All you need is 1/2 cup of plain yogurt (greek preferred... and sour cream is reasonable substitute though not as kind on your waist), 1/2 a large cucumber, 1 tbs of fresh dill (of 1 tsp of dry dill), 1 minced garlic clove (or a 1/4 tsp of garlic powder), 1 tbs of lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste.

1. Peel and cut cucumber into fourths lengthwise. Remove seeds. Stick in food processor and process. You want the cucumber to be well-chopped--not quite minced and definitely not pureed.
2. Put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix.
3. That's it! Tastes good right away, even better after an hour in the fridge, and it's still yummy 2-3 days later.

Where I enjoy Tzatziki:

1. Lamb Gyro (or steak or chicken)
  • Grill lamb steak till it's medium-rare to medium (trust me, from a medium to medium-well steak girl, lamb is best at medium-rare.) Cut into strips. Serve on a warm pita with feta, olives, lettuce, tomatoes, diced cucumber, hummus or tahini (pronounced ta-HEE-nee; almost like peanut butter except from sesame seeds. It's a Mediterranean condiment, just add a little water to it till is has a saucy consistency and sprinkle on your gyro), and, don't forget the crowing glory: TZATZIKI!
2. Taboule Wheat Salad with Grilled Chicken
Photo From here
  • Check out this product (and no, I do not get paid to tell you this). I love this brand. The ingredients in this box are exactly what I would be putting in mine if I were to make it from scratch. No weird stuff. No preservatives. If you are looking for a filling yet healthy meal, I love this stuff. It's served cold, it's full of veggies (or can be, you add the cucumber and tomatoes), tastes amazing served over a bed of fresh greens like spinach or baby romaine. And FYI, this doesn't guarantee your child will like it, but Addy will eat it without the lettuce and, yep, you guessed it, with sour cream. (I can get my kid to each most anything if I add a dollop of sour cream).
  • Serve with hot off the grill chicken or with cold left over chicken. Top with Tzatziki and serve with pita. Tip: to make dinner easy on yourself, try making double the chicken next time you make chicken. Store the leftover chicken in the fridge and serve it with this salad (or another one) later in the week. I love easy dinner nights!
3. Falafel
  • Completely vegetarian balls of goodness. I had never had a falafel, didn't know where to try one, way super wanted to try one... SO I made them. I loved them. LOVE. And turns out, now that I have actually had a few made from actual people who are actually from the Middle East (Lebanon and Israel to be specific), mine were just as good. Falafels are usually made from chickpeas (garbanzo beans). They have all kinds of spicy wonderfulness thrown in the falafel "dough" 
  • I serve mine fairly similarly to how I serve up a gyro... not necessarily how you would find it in a Israeli bazaar but good nevertheless (mostly just because I can't find a lot of Israeli condiments in my local grocer, and this mom of littles only stops at one, maybe two places for groceries. That's it. If they don't carry it, I don't use it.)
  • Here's the link to the recipe I use.
If all the above suggestions are just a bit too out of your culinary comfort zone, consider just topping a piece of grilled chicken served alongside a light salad (something like spring greens, craisins, tomato, cucumbers and feta in a light vinegarette). Or try breathing some fresh life into your basic turkey sandwich by replacing the mayonaise and mustard with a generous spreading of tzatziki.

So, life giving you a whole lotta cucumbers? Here's a whole lotta reason to make Tzatziki :)

Hope you enjoy as much as I do!
Amanda


Click my blog love and link party button to see who I linked up with ;)

Thankful Thursday #15

Happy Thursday friends!

#186 For Multi-grain Cheerios, iced coffee, a thick leather bound Bible, and a quiet spot on the balcony--just Jesus and me. For 3 great starts to my morning in a row!
 #187 Shopping cart belts that my 4 year old can't figure out how to unlatch.
 #188 Time spent with just me and my boy... and his gruff-voiced, baby-babble conversation filling my car.
#189 Peeking in on my daughter and son laughing together. Sure, the room is full of mess and toys, but the room is also full of laughter, joy and love. This is a good gift. :) Also, for 4-year-old jokes and 1-year-olds that find them funny.
#190 For the busy explorer and the very particular time in one's life when a missing shoe does not slow down the journey.
 #191 Sitting on the dock with my Handsome talking about the future, remembering God's blessings in the past, and savoring life in the present.
 #192 For cucumbers from one of my husband's customers and homemade tzatziki sauce. (perhaps I have found a new motto for my life: when life give's you cucumbers, make tzatziki. Works for me. I majorly heart that stuff! Perhaps I will share how to make it soon along with some other Mediterranean favorites?)
 #193 Chasing the moon
 #194 Outdoor art gallery... for free.

Might I humbly ask for your prayers as my husband's schooling winds down and the hiring processes pick up? We could land anywhere really, and all we want is to land smack dab in the middle of God's Will.

Also, maybe this is super selfish, but I think of this as a community to which I belong and you are equally welcome and able to ask for my prayers and the prayers of others here, but would you pray for the Big, Huge, God-sized ideas I have for my writing, this blog, and this community? I want to be led by God. And walk in His timing. And not be afraid. I gots major things brewing in this head of mine, and I want to follow after God's will not mine. (Did all that make sense? Boil it down to this: "God, help Amanda not be self-centered. Keep her centered on You. Confirm Your plans for this piece of blogosphere to her and use it as YOU will" <---or something like that in your own words, of course [wink])

Got a prayer request I (or we) can lift up to God with you? Leave it in the comments, on the facebook page, or send it here: {conqueringhousewife at the-cadence dot com}  (and, you know, for the email address use actual symbols where appropriate and no spaces... just trying to avoid those dang spammer bots that occasionally plague my pages and inbox)

Love to you all!!
Amanda


By the way: I allow happily allow anonymous comments but occasionally Blogger marks them as spam... especially if you include a link in the comment. But even if your anonymous post doesn't show up here, do know it still shows up in my inbox. :)

Also, by the way: I usually respond to comments (though I can be slow--grace appreciated), but if you are a "no reply" blogger, do realize that I can't respond to you. It's entirely up to you, but if you would like to keep the conversation going, want a question answered, or just would like to receive a friendly "Thanks for your thoughts" here's how you change your settings so that you can get a response from this girl. :)

Need a Boost?

Hey friends!

{by the way, this is an affiliate post}

Anyone else NOT ready for the new school year??
Anyone secretly (or maybe not so secretly) looking forward to sending your kids to school?

Anyone else have some goals they'd like to accomplish this school year?

I have a preschooler I am homeschooling this year so no kids-are-at-school breaks here, but considering I haven't started planning out the new school year and our co-op starts classes on the 20th... I need to get cracking! I really want to have an awesome school year. I really don't want to let the house work slide because I have added schoolwork to my plate. I really don't want to reside in pajamas till noon because I am just at home with the munchkins.

I could use a boost :)

Good news!


August 1-8 some awesome blog gals have bundled up their e-books and what would usually cost about $30 is now on sale for $10.



Each book is helpful and encouraging and all together they can help you conquer your world.
(By the way, each one of these blogs are awesome and helpful. Do consider giving them a look when you get the chance.)


Click here to check this deal out. {Or just click the graphic. In fact, I think you should click the graphic as a proverbial tip of the hat to the girl who messed around with html until those bad boys were clickable... I am a little proud over this. I shall conquer you yet, html code! :)}

Guess what else?

This is my first affliate post :) That means, should you decide to buy the bundle, so long as you use the link I provide you on my site; I get half the credit. You can bless this writer, whilst you bless your school year with the encouragment. :)

And by the way, the views provided here are my own. And I wouldn't share the deal if I didn't think some of you would benefit from it.

Personally, I think I could benefit from all five, though I think I am most excited for the No Brainer Wardrobe... This woman is starting to feel a bit frumpy.

And on that note...

It's time to get out of the Pah-Jams! :)

Blessings to you all!
Amanda

Made Monday: Grilled Tomatillo Chicken

Happy week to you all!

This last weekend we celebrated Addy's birthday. I should have some pictures, and maybe even some printables (if I can figure out how to get what I made onto here), next week.

I have been working on that series as promised. I can't wait to share what God has put on my heart. It's definitely 1-2 weeks out. But joy of joys, it's gonna be awesome. I am looking forward to the conversations that could be started from this.

So, between the birthday and the writing, I need an easy post today.

But hey, this is a super good one!

Grilled Tomatillo Chicken  (link will be at the bottom of the post too.)
Grilled Tomatillo Chicken Recipe
photo by Taste of Home

It is delicious. It is easy. It is a little bit different and a great way to spice up a boring menu. I've made this one many times.

The tomatillos leave it with a zesty tanginess and the sauce has just the tiniest kick of heat to elevate a basic piece of chicken and some boring brown rice.

The sauce is boss. Seriously. And if you hate healthy whole grain brown rice, I promise you, you won't mind it underneath the tomatillo sauce. I like it when healthy tastes good. (Side note: I use Lundgren's whole grain brown rice. I purchase mine from a bulk bin at my local grocery store. It's way cheaper this way.)

I can totally get my picky eater to eat this... with sour cream. (Have you guys noticed a pattern here as to how I get my daughter to eat what I cook?!).

Don't let the tomatillos intimidate you. They are easy! I love them. They are very similar to a tomato except that they have a husk, the insides are slime-free and the seeds are tiny. Also, their flavor is more tart. (If you have a tomater-hater in your family they may actually be okay with tomatillos).

To pick a good tomatillo from the store you are looking for a bright green skin color (when they start to yellow they are over-ripe and sweet... not ideal for salsa verde or this sauce.) Ideally the husk should just be starting to break with the full tomatillo inside, but this is not always the case. If the husk is brittle and brown, the tomatillo has been off the vine for a while and may be dried out.

To prepare tomatillos just remove the husks, rinse, and dice just like you would a tomato. (Note: the husk can be a little sticky. That's normal)

Can I admit that I always feel awesome when I stand in line at the grocery store with a unique ingredient in my basket? "That's right people. Tomatillos. As in, I like to cook globally-inspired food. I don't let husks intimidate me. I am woman. Hear me roar."

It's a really good thing no one can hear my internal dialogue. Yeah.

Anyways. Go out. Be awesome. Try Grilled Chicken Tomatillos.

You are woman. Roar.

:)

Happy Monday, Friends!
Amanda

To my Addy-Pie

Photo Credit: My awesomely-talented, photographer-friend Katie. Look her up if you are in Northern California.




The way you came into my world was much the way it's been your whole life.

I wasn't ready.

It was a Sunday at 1:40 am. I had just gotten up to use the bathroom for the 3rd time that night (Oh! 3rd trimester bladder how I do NOT miss thee!). I sat down into bed to the breaking of waters and wet sheets. No, this can't be... No. Maybe? It has to be. Right? Oh. No. I am not ready.


I had my last day of children's church before maternity leave in a few hours and only my notes to myself scribbled down... who would be able to lead it?

I had myself so psyched out that you would be later than my due date and that water's only broke before labor started in the movies. It didn't even occur to me that you could come 3 weeks before your due date without an inkling of warning. I didn't have a single item packed. I didn't even know what to pack.

I dammed up the stream of tears and fear as I woke Mike. "It's time."

"How do you know it's time?" He mumbled as he rolled over.

The dam broke and I wailed. "My... water... broke..."

Mike shot up. He looked at me as though he's a private and I was his drill sergeant. "What do I need to do? Tell me what to do." He's ready for my orders.

"I don't know. I am just not ready." More sobs.

I woke my mom up. I am panicked. She is speaking to me slowly and calmly. "You need to pack your bag, Amanda. What do you need to bring?"

"I don't know." Tears. I am already failing at motherhood.

"Okay. Well, where's the paper that tells you what to bring?" My mom resolved to bring calm to the situation.

"I don't know." And then in exasperation. "I'm just not ready!"

The house became a frenzy. My sister was laughing at my lack of preparation. My youngest brother and my dad were wide-eyed staring at me in awe of the wonder of life that was about to take place in the big sister/eldest daughter. I was walking back and forth between the kitchen, the bathroom, and my room in a blur, just trying to hold a clear thought of what I needed to bring and who could lead children's church and how badly would this hurt.

19 hours later you entered the world.

In the midst of my fears and lack of preparation,
in the midst of wanting to fight against the contractions that told me this was in fact happening, my life was in fact changing,
after laboring and struggling and the crying out, "I cannot do this!"

You came.

You wrenched open my heart the moment you wrenched forth your way into this world, and you've never let it close.

The way, with each milestone, it seems it always takes me by surprise and I never feel ready for it, yet one day you got it in your head to crawl, to walk, to be weaned, and now to brush your teeth and hair by yourself.
The way you tell a perfect stranger, "That is such a pretty shirt" or "Christmas is for Jesus" when I want to be closed and intraverted and even a little judgmental.
The way you beg for the car windows to be rolled down and the exclamation made "Hoo Hoo! It's a Hang Day!" with arms stretched out into wind, no matter the rush or bad mood I am in. 
The way you crawl up in my lap and demand my attention and affection, when perhaps it is in my nature to be a little less affectionate, to be a little more closed.

I can't not love you.
I can live so closed fist, so afraid; but you brave girl, pry my hands open.

You gave me the gift of life and love and joy and you keep giving it.

You have forever changed me, Daughter, and you keep changing me. I am so proud of who you are and who you are becoming. I may be un-prepared, I may be a procrastinator in all things relating to change, but, oh, how God gave me the most precious gift in you.

I love you. To the moon and back. With all my heart. No matter what.

Happy 4th Birthday Addy!

Love, Momma


Thankful Thursday #14

Howdy friends!


#168 For little boys who want to be around their mother so much that they stick their head into her shower (as well as their toys and a random shoe...)

 #169 For skies that grab you out of whatever you are doing and make you say, "Wow, God!"

#170 For a little girl that wants to help her momma so she puts the curtains in the tie backs. I can't help by smile at this. Also the little feet that put all those foot prints on my wall.

 #171 For quick little boys that turn meals into messes in 5 seconds flat when mom isn't looking. Also, bath times that follow those messes.

#172 Those moments when my independent, busy little boy leans into my embrace... even with a wet head on my dry shirt, and it couldn't bother me less. These moments make me rich!

#173 For help. 

 #174 The way something like a mermaid horse on a carousel makes her the happiest girl in the world.


Happy Thursday to you!
"For of His fullness we have all received and grace upon grace" John 1:16

xo
Amanda

Made Monday: Pretzel Buns

Happy beginning of the week to you!

I've got some stuff that I have been working on that I am like way super excited about (and like, yeah, I am totally from the Valley... especially when I get way super excited about something). If the timing works out according to my plans, we will be starting a series next week. If the timing goes how life seems to be going at the moment, we will be starting in 2 weeks, maybe 3. This week I got a certain little girl's 4th birthday to get prepared for.

I don't want to say too much on the series yet. Only that it's something God gave to me to share and I am pretty sure most moms... heck, most people... have struggled with the subject. I am hoping to have invites for you soon!

So, to be easy on myself and still share something I've made... I am presenting you with a favorite around here: Polish Dogs in Homemade Pretzel Buns. (Or for the little one's: Hot Dogs in Homemade Pretzel Buns).

Picture of Pretzel Hot Dog Buns Recipe
photo credit
This is something I make about 2 times a summer. I make it the first time because it sounds good (dare I say, crave it?) I make it a second time, because one just wasn't enough and we are all wanting more. I usually stop at 2 times...maybe 3, because, well, it's kind of a lot of work.

But work that is worth it. And tastes, oh so yummy. You can't buy a hot dog bun for your Polish dog and think it belongs in the same category. Oh no, the homemade bun elevates that dog to a whole new level.

A super delicious level.

Fresh from the oven. Golden browned, buttery and salted top. Chewy center. Add a good dog, a pickle wedge, deli mustard and a little melted Monterrey jack cheese... and oh man, the dog has been knocked outta the ballpark!

I have plans to make these bad boys this week. My craving for them has met the amount of work they take to make.

It's okay. They are super good. And I seriously cannot go a summer without a couple of these. And neither can my family.

Here's the link to the recipe I use: Alton Brown's Soft Pretzel Recipe (I just shape into buns instead of pretzels. Bake time still works out to be about the same.)

In looking for the link to my recipe I came across this one: Jeff Mauro's Pretzel Hot Dog Buns Recipe. I cannot vouch for this one, but it looks like a winner. I may try his this next time around. Side note: Does anyone else totally love The Next Food Network Star??? It's the one show I will not miss. We don't have television, but I watch it on the computer. Today's plans during nap time: watch the final episode to see who won :) Who did you root for (and please no spoilers... at least not till after 3pm PST. Ha!)?? I am rooting for Michelle and the "Rebel with a Culinary Cause" (whose name totally escapes me at the moment).

I also came across this:
Homemade pretzel bun dogs, pretzel bun dog recipe, better than Weinerschnitzel
Looks like a cool way to do a polish dog! My only complaint... no char on the dog from the BBQ. Here's the link to the polish dog wrapped in a pretzel bun.

Hope your Monday's been Made!


xo
Amanda