Happy Father's Day Dad...

Some of you know the recent events that have gone on in my life in the past few weeks...and some don't. My Dad passed away not too long ago. It was a terrible ordeal, and as I've told many of you, I kept asking myself; "Where's the grown-up that's supposed to take care of all this?"

I was it. I was grown up, I guess. But, it still is painful just the same as if you were a kid! I loved my Dad, even though we had our fair share of tough times together. Just before all this happened, he came and stayed with us for a week and a half. The kids were able to spend time with him, probably more than they ever had. I truly treasure those memories, and I pray that he is with the Lord, enjoying heaven.

This has been extremely hard, but I am made so aware of the shortness of life. He taught me during this time, that when you step away from Him...even 2 inches, it allows the enemy to come in and snatch your joy. I learned that I don't want to allow any footholds for the enemy to sneak in and whisper doubts to me. I know who I am in Christ. I know He has saved me, and is the only way to heaven.

Anyway, I just wanted to say Happy Father's Day, even though I don't have an earthly Father anymore. Today was a little sad, but I have joy, knowing that all things work for good for those who are called according to His purpose! Hope all of you had a wonderful Father's Day. Don't forget to call Dad and say hi. Always share how much the Lord loves him...even if he doesn't want to hear it. You'll never regret that you did.

Love you Dad, give Jesus a big hug for me, k? --Laura

Prayers For Steven Curtis Chapman

I just heard today that Steven Curtis Chapman's littlest daughter was struck by the family car and later died at the hospital. There is a little YouTube video to go on and meet this little girl, and to find out what an amazing family they are: Maria Sue Chapman. I was so touched by this today, because I just thought, "What if that was my daughter? What would my faith be like. Would I lose it?" Today in Wives in Prayer, we prayed this for Steven as the man of his house...you can say it along with me as you read:

Psalm 147:3, Lord, we call upon Your name, to be the lifter of Steven's head, heart and soul. We ask that You would heal Steven when he is feeling broken-hearted and we ask that You would bind up his wounds (curing his pain and his sorrows) as only You can. We ask for a spirit of relief to come to Steven and that You would encourage his heart today.

Psalm 119:169, God we pray that Steven will let his mournful cry and supplication come before You, O Lord; give him understanding (discernment and comprehension) according to Your Word (of assurance and promise) that You are with him and will not forsake him. Show him what to do and how to handle this. We pray Your great comfort to minister to his deepest needs and we thank You that weeping may endure at night, but Your joy will come in the morning. Give Steven hope in his sorrow and in his pain. May the joy of the Lord be his strength and carry him through.

Psalm 86:3-5, Lord, please be merciful and gracious to Steven, for You hear his heart's cry. We pray that You would make Steven your servant, to rejoice, O Lord, for You are the One that can lift him up. For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive (our trespasses, sending them away, letting them go completely, and forever); and You are abundant in mercy and loving-kindness to all those who call upon You. May Steven be surrounded by Your abundant mercy and loving-kindness and sense Your nearness in his time of need. Thank You dear Jesus for being moved with compassion for Steven and that You care for him affectionately, in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

(Wives in Prayer by Tami Chelew)

A friend sent me this video. It is pretty inspiring and amazing. It is so cool how the Lord shows us He is real and true!

Happy Mother's Day!

Ag Fest '08

This weekend we had the joy of having my friend Kristal's kids here again. We decided to take the six to Ag Fest in Salem. It was a lot of fun...but tiring! I am typing this with a brain full of mush, because I went to bed waaay too late and woke up waaay too early. ;) What's my problem? Do I not learn the elementary science equation: no sleep + being a mom= EXHAUSTION!!!???

Anyway, we had a really good time looking at all the animals, watching a sheep get sheared, eating a "down home" breakfast (thumbs down), and just generally enjoying the sunshine while trying really hard not to lose someone.

It's always really great having the kids get together. They are all the same age, and it's neat to see them together when they aren't fighting. What is it about kids that they see each other for only a few days after not seeing each other for months, and all it takes is a matter of minutes to start a fight? I don't get it. I guess that's what comes along with being 30 and learning a thing or two. Hee-hee.

Enjoy some pics of our day! Love y'all! (Excuse the cowboy language, too many hours amongst the farm folk! ;)

So, here's some funny pics from today:

Daddy helping Momo with homework while Jadon sits on his shoulders.

Momo having a hard time getting it. ;)
Carmel lookin' fly in her new suit!

Following The Trend...

Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas with Gooey Jack Cheese

So, I am following the trend and adding a recipe that looks soooo yummy to me!!! I can only eat this on my cheat day, but next weekend here I come! It looks so warm and yummy....doesn't it???

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces *see cook's note
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
1/3 cup prepared salsa, mild, medium or hot
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
4 (8-inch) flour tortillas
1 1/3 cups shredded Monterey jack and or Cheddar

*Cook's note: this is enough chicken to make this meal and another meal. If you are only making this meal, use 1 pound chicken.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute 2 minutes. Add chicken and saute 5 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove half of the chicken and reserve for another use.

Stir in black beans, green chiles, and salsa and simmer 5 minutes, until sauce thickens and reduces. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.

Arrange 4 tortillas on a flat surface. Top each tortilla with an equal amount of chicken mixture. Roll up tortillas and place side by side in a shallow baking dish. Top tortillas with shredded cheese (1/3 cup per tortilla).

Bake enchiladas 15 minutes, until cheese is golden and gooey!

Copyright, 2006, Robin Miller, All rights reserved