Friday, November 26, 2010

Thanksgiving Eve

If you follow me on Facebook, you are already aware of the eventful Thanksgiving Eve we had at our house. Let me just say that it was one-of-a-kind...history in the making for the Flint Household!

I'll let the cat out of the bag from the get-go and show you the picture...To answer the questions running through your mind right now:

1. No - Allen was not doing a redneck brake job
2. No - we were not trying to put new tires on ourselves because we are just that frugal
3. Yes - that is our neighbors brick from her landscaping
4. No - we do not live in downtown Los Angeles
5. Yes - this is how we started our Thanksgiving Eve day at the crack of dawn

So....what did happen? We got hit. We were the victims of useless boys who prowl the streets at 2 am looking for someone to violate. I hate crime and I hate satan.

My husband walks out the door at 6:45 am to start his car and this is what he found. He couldn't even speak when he walked back into the house and motioned for me to 'come' with one hand.

We had just purchased those tires - they weren't even two months old. However, they did leave us one. Apparently something spooked them since the last tire was half off with the lug nuts in the grass. Yippee - one tire left!

Why am I writing this blog? To share with you our frustrations so you can share in our anger? No. So that you will feel sorry for us and speak curses to those that did this? No. In case you find three wheels for sale on the black market and can return them to us? Yes! (hehe!)

Seriously now, the reason I just have to share this is because of my husband's response not more than 45 minutes after the incident was discovered.

Since it was the big Thanksgiving luncheon at work and so that he didn't have to take a vacation day, I took him to work. I had a gazillion (yes, that is a word!) things to do and needed my car. So, here we are in the car alone. I'm still peeved. The tears keep rolling down my cheek totally out of my control. I feel this righteous indignation well up within me. I'm as pale as a ghost. My hands are quivering from my internal shakiness. I'm wondering what financial predicament this puts us in.

My husband? He is all smiles...like a little school boy. WHY???

He turns to me and says, "Honey, why are you so upset?" At this point, I was ready to give him the one-two with my fist! How in the world could he ask me such a stupid question? Is it not obvious - is he not in cahoots with me? Well, no, he wasn't.

The next sentence out of his mouth left me baffled. Angry at first, then convicted, completely amazed and lastly...totally speechless (and for me to be speechless is quite the feat!).

With an all-teeth smile on his face, he lovingly comments, "It's a good day, sweetie. It's crazy but what's done is done. It could have been a lot worse. They could have broke into the house. No one got hurt and it's just money. We are blessed, hon."

There you have it. My husband - the epitome of a natural-born optimist. This is definitely one of those moments when I can say that I wish I were more like him. What an incredible outlook. He sure does challenge me - in a healthy, spiritual way.

Thanks, babe, for bringing perspective to a horrible situation. You are right. Everyone is safe and we do have insurance. Although our money tree out back is dry, God has always provided for us. I have no doubt that He will come through with flying colors in this situation, too.

I am so blessed to be able to spend the rest of my life with you...you are the best :)

Like Mother, Like Daughter

I'm really kind of shocked but rather pleased. Even in my ripe age of 43, my daughter wants to look just like me! What I think is so funny is that I felt the same way she does when I was her age. My mom and I shared clothes, shoes and purses. I can even remember being upset with my mom when she chopped all her hair off without telling me. I was left with long hair while she had short hair. I wanted to be just like her (of course she took me to the salon the very next day!)

Victoria is the same way. We both picked up the same shirt in different colors at the same time! Whenever I buy a piece of clothing, she always asks if it is for her, too. There are some things that look too mature for her, but for the most part, we share shirts, skirts and some pants (can't do shoes since her foot is bigger than mine!) I bought myself a sweater dress about three weeks ago in off-white at the mall. Yesterday, she bought the exact same dress in purple at Kohl's! After we got home and kept looking at her dress, we decided that it looked very familiar. Then I remembered my dress (since the weather hasn't been cold enough, I hadn't worn it yet, so it actually slipped my mind!) Sure enough, we are twins again!If I straighten my hair, she wants hers straightened. When I curl mine, she is at my door waiting for her turn. The day before we left on our vacation to California, I had 8" of my hair cut off. I walked in the door and Victoria had the same look I had with my mom 30 years ago. She wanted her hair layered, thinned and styled like mine! Within hours, I had her back at the same salon so we both ended up sporting new 'dos' for our westward bound trip!

So, history repeats itself in the Flint house and if the truth be known, I am rather honored at her desire to mimic me. I know one day all of this will change and I will truly be "too old" for her style. For right now, though, I am going to sit back with a smile on my face and try not to get upset when I can't find my favorite shirt in my closet!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Sifting Epidemic Alert!

"Wow - I've really had a hard month."

"I just can't believe the summer we have experienced - trial after trial."

"I just keep wondering...when will this all end?"

"Okay, Lord....enough is enough."

"What else does God want to teach me? I've never had a year like this!"

I'm just curious how many of you have either uttered these sentences (or the like) yourself or have had a friend say them to you? Not only has my year been unbelievable, but at each turn, I constantly hear my fellow christian friends saying the same thing. I've heard statements similar to the above three times just this week from very dear friends of mine.

Why?

There has to be a reason why God's children are being tried and tested - even more so than ever before. I realize that our current 2010 situations do not compare to the persecutions of the early disciples but it does seem to be more prevalent than ever.

Possibly God is preparing us...perhaps we are in need of massive pruning as Satan continues his constant trek to pull us down and alter our commitments to the one true God.

I have always used that word - pruning. Then just today I met with a friend for a brief moment. She, too, has had a challenging year. As she prepares her mind and spirit for her young son's surgery tomorrow, she commented that she was being sifted again.

Sifted? I mentally stopped in my tracks and was speechless. She told me that she used to say pruned but that she felt sifted was a more appropriate word for what the Lord was doing in her life. After all, when you sift something, you are trying to separate the good from the bad - remove all impurities. Wow!

According to Webster, the definition of sift is to scrutinize, inspect, search or probe. To examine closely. I would have to agree that it sounds like that is exactly what the Lord is doing to our character...examining it closely and removing all impurities. Maybe that's why James instructs us to "count it pure joy for the many trials that we face for it is through the testing of our faith that develops perseverance."

Thank you, my friend, for being a vessel of the Lord today and shedding new light on what God is doing with his Children. Maybe we don't beg for the character training and sifting, but we should welcome it and learn from it. After all, He does know what He is doing and never makes any mistakes!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Southwest Skillet

One of my closest friends, Crystal, gave me this recipe last week. Even though my family is not thrilled with beans and rice mixed in with other foods, everyone absolutely loved this recipe! It is so easy and quick to fix.

Southwest Skillet

1 lb ground beef - seasoned
1 T chili powder
10 oz beef broth
1/4 c water
1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained (I used navy beans but I'm sure any kind would be fine)
3/4 c uncooked instant brown rice
1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese

Cook ground beef with chili powder and seasonings; drain fat. Stir in broth, water, tomatoes, and beans. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook for 10 minutes on low heat. Remove from heat. Stir in rice. Cover and let stand 5 minutes or so. Top with cheese.

Serve with tortilla chips, flour tortillas or eat it just as it is! Can top with sour cream and salsa for even more flavor!

Thank you, Crystal, for sharing the recipe and for the beautiful picture!

Monday, November 15, 2010

Basil-Roasted Red Pepper Spread


1/4 cup drained roasted red peppers
5 pitted black olives, chopped
1 tub (12 0z) cream cheese
1/4 cup lightly packed fresh basil
1 clove garlic
Handful of sliced almonds
Crackers

Chop peppers and olives and set aside. Blend cream cheese, basil and garlic. Clean cream cheese tub and line with plastic wrap. Spoon 1/2 cup cream cheese mixture into tub; top with olive mixture and then remaining cream cheese. Press firmly into tub. Refrigerate one hour. Unmold onto plate and discard plastic wrap. Top with nuts and peppers. Serve with crackers.

(Now my notes on how I will change it for the next time...I could not find the 12 oz cream cheese tub so I just used 1-1/2 blocks and found a wide cup to press it into. I really don't care for the marks that the plastic wrap left. Next time, I will find the tub or something smaller and wider and just pack it in there. I'm thinking it may just 'pop' out or with the help of a knife around the edges, it will easily fall out. I will also use more peppers and 2 garlic cloves. It was very tasty and was consummed within 15 minutes but I think it needed more flavor. This was very easy to make and definitely received an A for presentation!)

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Jesus is Calling...

I just have to share my devotion from the other day. It was too powerful to keep to myself! It is from a special book called Jesus Calling that a friend gave to me. I read three different devotions each morning in addition to the Bible, but I especially love this book because of its uniqueness. It is written in first person which means it is as though Jesus were sitting on your footstool, face to face, speaking life into you.

The words are from missionary Sarah Young's personal prayer journal. After many years, she decided to record what the Lord had laid on her heart in hopes of forever changing those who read it. I truly do cherish it each day I pick it up.

"Do not let any set of circumstances intimidate you. The more challenging your day, the more of My Power I place at your disposal. You seem to think that I empower you equally each day, but this is not so. Your tendency upon awakening is to assess the difficulties ahead of you, measuring them against your average strength. This is an exercise in unreality.


I know what each of your days will contain, and I empower you accordingly. The degree to which I strengthen you on a given day is based mainly on two variables: the difficulty of your circumstances and your willingness to depend on Me for help. Try to view challenging days as opportunities to receive more of My Power than usual. Look to Me for all that you need and watch to see what I will do. As your day, so shall your strength be."

May the Lord bless you today and may your strength and peace come from Him.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Thankful for Facebook!

I truly never thought I would say this and I know it may seem odd, but I am SO thankful for Facebook! I just absolutely love it! Strangely enough, it seems to be my guidance and personal counselor at times. Why? Because of my dear friends and the encouragement I receive from posting a simple sentence as my status.

Once Facebook became another family member, it didn't take long before I was massively addicted! I struggled with utilizing self-control as I wanted to be with my new BFF for hours and hours. I could learn so much in such a little time with my new friend. I could post pictures and share with the world my precious family and all of our adventures. I could write what's on my heart and with a simple click, hundreds of people could read what I penned. I now had the ability to send a quick note to multiple friends that I otherwise would never have communicated with. It's so easy and user friendly and non-intrusive. I have reconnected with people I haven't heard from or seen in 20 years. Within 10 minutes, I can write on 10-15 friends wall to let them know I am thinking about them. That would have been over an hour phone call if I didn't have Facebook!

Of course, the newness has worn off and now Facebook and I have a healthy, relaxed relationship which I have come to adore :)

I just want to say a BIG 'thank you' to my friends who take the time to make a comment about my status. Most of the time, I post things that are just plain fun or alerts about sale items. But there are times when I am frustrated with something and will type a statement that lets you know I'm struggling. My last status about teaching my son math is one example. Thank you, Deanna Shrodes - your words were just what I needed to hear that day. I now have a new perspective this morning and fresh, life-giving words ready to share with my son.

Not only is it beneficial to know that others feel my pain and are praying, but just as important are the words of encouragement that permanently lie on my wall for my viewing and anyone who visits me. Those that have taken the time to write from your heart usually touch mine in a way that convicts me (in a good way!) or brings a tear to my eye. To those I say - "thank you"!

I love you all, my friends, and dear Facebook...thank you for making your way into my home. You have been a blessing as well :)

Friday, November 5, 2010

Hats Off to My Man!

I've written several blogs lately about my family and how thankful I am for them, but none have been specifically tailored to my soul mate...the man who changed everything. My hubby met me when I was 18 and full of life, energy and ideas. I flat-out told him that I had no intentions of ever marrying or having children. Oh, such foolish words!

So, here you are honey...this ones for you :) I love you because....

* No matter what, you always pray with me every morning before we separate

* You are supportive in everything I do including all my crazy ideas and new rules!

* You have proven over and over that you are my biblical covering and protector

* Even though I may not like it at the time, you give me a reality check when it comes to parenting and steer me down a different and better path!

* You not only have provided wholesome, organic venison for our table, but have taught both your sons as well

* You are the daddy that your little girl adores!

* Your special Sunday morning breakfast dates with the kids are priceless

* You are intelligent, logical and full of common sense as well as compassionate, understanding and intuitive to my feelings

* After 20 years of marriage, you still want the best for me and enjoy our alone time!

* You have financially provided for our family WELL above my expectations

* You are goal-driven which means you are always thinking about our future

* Modern day Good Samaritan - that's who you are. I've lost track of how many people you've helped that were stranded on the side of the road

* You still enjoy kissing me :)

* You're not too proud to admit your faults or willingness to change when the need arises

* Even though you've only been to the dentist 4 times in 14 years, you have perfect, white teeth!!

* Those 11:00 at night Walmart runs you do for me...unbelievable!

* The volunteer time at our church and your commitment level - surpasses anyone I know

* You fix nearly everything with our cars and the house...hardware, plumbing, woodwork and electrical - what a boat-load of money you have saved us!

* You can cook a mean egg sandwich!

* Most important of all...you have never left the toilet seat up so that I would fall into the bowl!!!Thank you babe, for who you are and for allowing the Lord to transform you into an incredible man of God. I love you more than you could ever imagine.

I look forward to another 20 years with the only one who could have ever put up with me for this long! There's no one like you, my love!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Character Trait of the Year...Patience

I HATE being sick. I think that is a blanket statement that everybody can probably say amen to. But I really hate it. I have always bragged that I am rarely ever sick and that I have only been to the doctor 5 times in the 14 years we have lived here.

However, 2010 managed to change everything for me. If you've read my previous blogs, you know about my other incidents starting in March...esophagus issues, sliced open forehead demanding stitches and massive kidney stones requiring three laser surgeries. I thought I was finished; ready to move on with my "healthy" life and get back on track.

Then last week, my body decided to pass a nice-sized stone that was left over from the blasting - 7 more hours in ER...ugh. (my husband asked if we could get a member discount from the hospital!) I finally get through that only to acquire what they think was the Norovirus 6 days later from eating at Cheesecake Factory with my girlfriends.

OK -- ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!

I'm still puny, weak as a kitten, fever and body aches, but I think the worst of it is over. It would be rather uncouth for me to describe in detail how awful this virus is, so let me just say that you don't EVER want it as long as you live! So...guess what I'm learning this year?

Patience is something to treasure.

Being in control is really out of my control.

Do the best you can and leave the rest up to the Lord.

Don't ever take your health for granted.

Be thankful for your incredible family and how you can all be there for each other.

Oh, and one more...never eat out at a restaurant again! Ok, I'm sure that last one won't stick, but it's the way I feel right now!

That's all I have to say for now. Back to the couch I go since it has taken me over an hour to type this blog!

Let me challenge you to look at the positive and negative events that transpire in your life and see what the Lord is trying to teach you...I believe there's always a golden nugget in there somewhere :)