Few Favorites Friday: July 15th

1.«The Help»

I know that I am VERY late in reading this New York Times Bestseller.With 3 young boys it’s not easy to read a book that you don’t want to put down.В  So I took the time in Costa Rica to read this wonderful novel.В  What drove me to keep reading this book was wantingВ to discover what happens to these women who risk so much to get the truth out.В  I loved the characters I could identifyВ with several.В  I think I even learned a thing or two about being a mom and the importance ofВ just listening, being present and using words to build up and encourage my children.В I was confrontedВ with how we as «Christians» can be so hypocritical and unloving to those in our midst.В  If you haven’t read this book read it.If you have want to see the movie with me when it comes out inВ August?

2.Boom ball

I’ve learned through writing these favorite Friday posts that my middle son is an excellent game creator.This week he invented a game he called «boom ball».You just need a small plate with a wide popsicle stick taped to it (like a handle) and a balloon blown up.You use the plate with handle as a «tennis racket» to hit the balloon.В В You can either use it to keep the balloon in the air or have someone throw the balloon at you and then hit it with your plate racket.When that gets boring just play the plain ole keep-the-balloon-in-the-air game, using your hands.В 

3.В  Cooking Light Cookbook

I’ve hadВ this cookbookВ since we were first married (12 yrs ago) and it’s remained my go-to for dinner.I love it for the following reasons:

• divided into seasons (fall, winter, spring, summer) so the ingredients match what’s available that season, making the meal more economical
• provides a full menu, not just one item, so you know what sides to make with the main dish.
• step-by-step instructions for which item on the menu to start first.
• healthy food even provides the nutrition info.all tastes good too!

(the stains on this page indicate how often I’ve made this one) This week we had grilled chicken with onions and maple-glazed pork chops yum-O!

4.Cheese-Jelly-Crackers Snack

Once again Kroger delivers one of my favorites.В  On a traditional grocery run, I was captivated by the yummy sample I received in the cheese department.I immediately bought my own versionВ of the ingredients and made them for Bruce’s family at a spray park.The wh*le bar of cheese was eaten.The boys and I just finished another bar of cheese this week.В  You just need some crackers I bought these garden veggie wheat thins toasted chipsВ (you could go for a cracked pepper cracker, etc).Then you put a thin slice of sharp cheddar cheese on top ofВ each cracker and finish with a dollop of jelly.В  I used strawberry jelly.I think they used a mild pepper jelly.Either way just do it.you won’t regret it.

5.Using my gifts for His service

This Wednesday I had the pleasure on two different occasions to use some of my God-given gifts and abilities to instruct and to help others.В Serving others in the way God intendedВ for meВ was life-giving.invigorating.amazing. I would highly suggest learning what your spiritual gifts are by taking a spiritual gift a*sessmentВ .There are several a*sessment options (google «spiritual gifts a*sessment»).В  Having your ministry perfectly fit your giftedness is not only a blessing to youВ but to those you are serving.В В Most importantly, God is glorified when you fulfill the purpose He created you for.

What are some of your favorites fromВ this week?

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