raw(e) crayons

It's Monday, and that means another RAW(e) photo contest from Sami!

Just point and click. No touch-ups, or modifications.

This week the theme is crayons.

Now hop on over to Sami's and check out the other photos.

Freebie Friday

I know, I know...it's Saturday. But "Freebie Saturday" just doesn't sound as catchy. Anyway....I found this great offer from Picaboo for a free 20 page photo book, and I thought I'd pass it along to you.

So here you go...Picaboo Photo Book

You're welcome.

dear Lisa - part 2

Several days ago (challenged by a blog friend, Sami to journey together back to our First Love) I wrote a letter to myself, from God. In an effort to be completely vulnerable (something I'm working on with fear and trepidation) I have written a letter back to Him here.

wordless wednesday

                               

Sam's "football outfit."

losing my balance

When I was 4 yrs old, a neighbor girl, Angie, came over to our house to display her newly acquired cartwheel skills. Being the novice that she was, she fell and then promptly announced to me and my mom that she had lost her balance. Immediately I began looking under pillows and behind chairs, inside cupboards and on top of counters. When my mom asked me what I was doing I said, "Looking for Angie's balance!"

These days I am looking for balance in a different way. It seems like ever since Ava was born I cannot get back into full swing. I try to juggle my time between keeping the house, doing pre-school with my son, running errands, spending quality time with my kids and my man, and sitting at the feet of Jesus (not in that order...hopefully). Not to mention church stuff, family get togethers, pre-school co-op and play-dates. Oh, and blogging. ;O)

The problem is, something always gets dropped. And it's usually not the fun stuff! I let the laundry pile up. I put pre-school off for "one more day." I neglect my husband's physical needs (well, that is fun, but still...), etc. And all the while I'm thinking, "Lisa, get your act together!" 

So, I've been asking the Lord to show me what I can do to find my balance again. And this is what I'm hearing:

God: "Fruit of the Spirit." 

 Me: "Huh?" 

God: "Fruit of the Spirit. You know, love, joy, peace, self control..."

Me: "Ohhh..."

God: "Yep. If you're letting my Spirit control your life you will have the time and energy to accomplish everything I want you to do. And, you won't be wasting your time on things that I don't want you to do. Like spending too much time on the computer. And getting to bed waayyy too late." 

Me: "Okay. But you're gonna have to help me. I am so weak."

God: "I know. And I have fresh grace for you every time you need it. I AM the balance you are looking for."

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives."

Galatians 5:22-25

So, as of this moment, I am making a new commitment to be led by the Spirit in all aspects of my life. Please feel free to hold me accountable (yes, Marko...that means you too!) to being the Spirit-led woman I'm supposed to be.

raw(e) chocolate

 

What is RAW(e)??

A weekly photo contest from Sailor & Company! The object is to capture a themed photo each week and post it sans modification... no editing, no picnik, no photoshop, no lightroom, no boost....etc. Just click and post. The winner each week will have their blog featured on Sami's RAW(e) link...and maybe a tangible prize as well!

So...this week's theme is chocolate! Yum!

 

Now, head on over to Sami's blog to see the rest of these yummy photos!

sweet & savory mashed potatoes

Oh. My. Word.
This takes mashed potatoes to a whole 'nother level! It has become a new staple at our Thanksgiving Dinner.

 

Ingredients

• 3 1/2  pounds  baking potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1  tablespoon  salt, divided
• 1  (29-ounce) can sweet potatoes in syrup, drained and mashed
• 1  (8-ounce) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
• 10  bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
• 3/4  cup  light sour cream
• 2/3  cup  chicken broth
• 1/2  teaspoon  pepper
• Garnish: crumbled bacon

Preparation

Bring potatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, and water to cover to a boil in a Dutch oven ( or large pot); cook 30 minutes or until tender. Drain.
Return potatoes to Dutch oven. Add sweet potatoes and cream cheese; mash until smooth with a potato masher. Stir in 2/3 of the bacon, next 3 ingredients, and remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle remaining bacon over the top.