family – Page 10 – Starlight Writer

Counting to 1,000 (522-548)

June 6, 2011June 6, 2011 Diana B.Leave a comment

This week as I continue counting up one thousand gifts from God, I want to share these encouraging words from Lysa TerKeurst’s recent Proverbs 31 Devotional:

Daniel prayed, Thank You God. ‘Three times a day, he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.’ (Daniel 6:10b, NIV)

Since Daniel’s response is so opposite of the way most of us would react, it makes me stop and ponder. Our initial responses are usually a by-product of the rituals we’ve established in our life. Daniel had made it his habit to be thankful.

Therefore, who God is and what God provides was front and center in Daniel’s heart — even in the midst of heartbreak.”

Oh, to be like Daniel. To make it my habit to be thankful.

522. how passionately they sprinkle pepper and salt on their hard-boiled eggs

523. how he helps her whittle the soap with her brand new Swiss Army knife

524. the crowd of forty elementary homeschoolers practicing the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”

525. the playful little girl’s mom who smiles at she chases a beach ball down the sporting goods aisle at Target

526. the wind rushing wild through the tree leaves

527. the sparkle in his eyes and smile as he jokes about eating his mama’s sandwich

528. the sweet and tender little snuggles of a one-month-old

529. how she squeezes my neck tight and tells me she loves me “to Pluto and back a thousand-hundred times”

530. the end-of-school, track-and-field day with wonderful friends, watermelon and a wild water slide

531. the golden brown edges of the marshmallow while it toasts

532. an evening huddled around the backyard fire pit

533. an impromptu lunch with friends

534. the photos that arrive in the mail just in time

535. flowers on the sidewalk

536. glorious clouds that look, she says, like Jesus is coming back

537. more rays of sunshine bursting through the clouds

538. a lovely evening with godly friends who encourage us and uplift our spirits

539. how confidently she serves up a plateful of cinnamon toast

540. her first piano book, all finished now

541. dwarf lilacs scenting the patio

542. little legs that carry her happy through a game of hopscotch

543. moments of happiness and contentment on the swings, enjoying the weather

544. the “girls only” fort they constructed in the woods

545. her delicious chocolate cobbler served up with ice cream on a warm evening

546. God’s faithfulness and loving kindness

547. encouragement from Colossians 3:1-3

548. his words that teach us how to stand up under temptation

(Photos to be added later today.)

A Prayer for Your Children

June 4, 2011June 5, 2011 Diana B.1 Comment

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

-Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word. Your Word is truth; it sets me free and keeps me free. According to Your Word, I thank You for teaching my children to fear You, for surrounding my children with divine favor, and for sending to my children godly friends. I consider it done in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

This prayer by Joe McGee is based on Psalm 34:11, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 3:16; Psalm 5:12 and Proverbs 27:17. He encourages parents to pray it daily for their children.

Joe McGee Ministries in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has many resources for families right here.

May we all be diligent this summer in passing on a strong faith in Jesus to our children, teaching them about Him when we are at home and on the road, morning and evening!

5 Star Links for Friday

June 3, 2011June 2, 2011 Diana B.1 Comment

June is my favorite month, and not just because my birthday happens to be in June.

I love June because of the peonies that bloom.

And I love June because of the fresh fruit that gets more affordable, the daylight that seems endless, and the general glow that accompanies nearly everything about early summer.

All that said, the first Friday in June seems the perfect day for another 5-Star Friday!

This time around, these links are especially for moms — because I am one, because I love many dear friends who are moms, and because motherhood matters to God — and not just in the month of May!

Below are links to some great reading (and listening) that truly encouraged me in recent weeks, and I pray these encourage you as well.

1. When You Feel Like You Just Keep Blowing It by Ann Voskamp

2. Why Motherhood Should Be Graded on a Curve by The Gypsy Mama

3. The Danger of Moralistic Parenting by Elyse Fitzpatrick

4. The Sons of Thunder (Mother’s Day 2011) sermon at Church on the Move by guest speaker Joe McGee (5/8/11)

5. “Hidden in My Heart” CD from scripture-lullabies.com is so sweet and peaceful and fitting for all ages. I ordered three copies — one for myself and two to give to moms with newborns. You can preview the songs online.

May God richly bless all you mom-readers!

Caterpillars and Butterflies

June 1, 2011June 1, 2011 Diana B.3 Comments

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone; the new is come.” -2 Corinthians 5:17

The end of the school year always makes me think about caterpillars and butterflies and how my little girls are growing up.

Last June we acquired five monarch caterpillars from another homeschool family. We fed them milkweed — which wasn’t easy to find — and we watched them eat, eat, eat.

The girls’ favorite caterpillar was named “Tiny Corn.” She was the last to go into her chrysalis.

We marveled at the shiny gold dots on each chrysalis as they hung from the lid of their habitat.

One by one, after they broke free from their chrysalises and dried their wings, we let them fly.

“Tiny Corn” was the last to go, and she held on to the hydrangea on the patio for a while.

Then she held onto Linnea’s finger for a while.

And then, just like the others, the stately monarch mounted up on the breeze and flew high into the blue sky.

Thus ended our monarch butterfly project.

Two years ago we raised painted lady butterflies and let them go at “Butterfly Meadow” — another lovely experience!

Counting to 1,000 (482-521)

May 30, 2011May 30, 2011 Diana B.4 Comments

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)

This week I surpass the half-way mark as I am counting up one thousand gifts from God! Praise Him for His goodness, His love that endures forever, and for the peace that comes in knowing He is always in control — even on days when life doesn’t make sense.

482. pairs of indigo buntings at the feeders

483. flower shopping with little girls in tow

484. a cloudless sky

485. the golden sunset rays that outline the fuzz on a little gosling near the pond

486. vases full of lilacs

487. tiny tea parties

488. the promise of peonies

489. how they encourage the friend with a broken leg

490. gardening gloves that fit just right

491. their teamwork in playing “Heart and Soul” together on the piano

492. the vivid green of spring

493. grandma-made dresses with the ultimate twirly-ness

494. bare feet spinning in happiness as the sun sinks lower

495. a Saturday afternoon patio picnic at the Arboretum

496. the engineer brain that figures out the tricky umbrella at our table

497. a lively stroll through the blooming lilacs as their delightful, heavenly fragrance lingers heavy in the air

498. the azalea’s brilliant orange and pink blossoms

499. the redbud trees that remind me of climbing in my neighbors’ redbud trees as a kid

500. the delicate bleeding hearts

501. how the tiny Lily of the Valley draws her ever closer

502. the happy, hoppy toad on the rocks

503. droplets pearling on the blue shadow alder

504. the vibrant fuchsia petals of the peony

505. how he giggles with them about the “Toothbrush” Song

506. bite-sized cucumber sandwiches sprinkled with dill and devoured by the little snacker

507. homemade raspberry white chocolate scones with clotted cream

508. how happily she rediscovers the little house in the shade

509. the dearly loved piano teacher who stops by for a visit

510. how beautifully she plays her “Medley in Pink”

511. her sweet little voice singing “I Love Snack Time”

512. a whole morning gladdened by Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and reading I, Vivaldi together

513. her thrill at eating popcorn and watching Charlotte’s Web, just the two of us

514. refreshing sips of Simply Lemonade

515. the joyous arrival of sweet Kayla Michelle and her very first Sunday at church

516. encouraging reports from missionaries to Thailand

517. the book of Ruth and how it reminds us that God is always in control

518. answered prayers for their protection and for the deadly tornadoes to pass over without harming them

519. pumpkin seeds to crunch at snack time

520. the broad, silvery strokes of pink and blue painting the sunset sky

521. the men and women who sacrificed their lives in service to our country

Twirl Twirl Twirl

May 27, 2011 Diana B.1 Comment

Dance classes may officially be over for the summer, but around here the twirling never stops.

Special thanks to Grandma Dolly for spinning together these extra-extra twirly dresses!

Counting to 1,000 (462-481)

May 23, 2011 Diana B.Leave a comment

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.” Psalm 30:11-12 (NIV)

Giving thanks to God, I’m counting up one thousand gifts from above. May we give Him thanks forever!

462. how they all three thrill at seeing the first humming-bird at the new feeder

463. the black-capped chickadee, the deep red cardinal and the electric blue indigo bunting at the finch feeder

464. raindrops on lilacs

465. the captivating yet familiar scent of fresh lilac blossoms

466. tulips sprinkled with raindrops

467. tiny bare toes that dance happily across the stage

468. how her face beams as she does the caterpillar/butterfly dance on the big stage

469. her “Tigger tail”

470. how thoughtfully she moves to Dvorak’s music

471. how they giggle about their “not serious” ballet

472. instructors with a contagious passion for the art of dance and students who excel under their direction

473. orange popsicles to savor

474. time to explore the endless possibilities of wooden pattern blocks

475. hairpins and the kind neighbor’s 5 minute lesson on hair buns

476. frilly costumes that make them feel so beautiful

477. medicine for allergies

478. the sweet Granny who introduces them to Rosemaling and the immeasurably wonderful art instructor who inspires us all

479. Sunday evening fellowship with some familiar and some unfamiliar faces

480. protection from the devastating storm nearby

481. a quiet, slow morning with a flexible schedule

Protected: A Time to Dance

May 21, 2011May 22, 2011 Diana B.

Counting to 1,000 (425-461)

May 16, 2011May 21, 2011 Diana B.2 Comments

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

In an effort to overflow with thankfulness, I’m counting up one thousand gifts for which I am ever-so thankful to God. And this week I’m getting ever-so close to half way there! Thanks for joining me in this adventure in gratitude.

425. yellow warblers dashing through the tree tops

426. low, rumbling thunder in the early morning that sends the littlest, pajama-clad daughter dashing beneath the covers

427. warm, cozy teddy bears to snuggle tight

428. a pair of robins, bobbin’ along together in the backyard

429. raindrops falling gently on young leaves

430. the color green blanketing the landscape

431. bright yellow polka-dotting the carpet of green

432. goldfinches at the feeder constantly — eating 10 meals a day

433. tulips blooming at last

434. fistfuls of dandelion bouquets

435. a hot, humid playdate at the park with sweet friends

436. 1 Peter 4:8 in her beautiful cursive penmanship — such godly wisdom presented to us on our anniversary

437. bicycles, cul-de-sacs and circles of friends

438. red roses — 15 of them — one for each year we’re celebrating

439. a short and quiet walk, hand-in-hand, after dinner

440. how she leaps and skips and grins ear-to-ear

44. four eggs perfectly cracked by young hands — and no trace of the eggshell

442. her homemade buttermilk biscuits with red raspberry jam

443. raindrops pearling on the hostas

444. a sunny yellow umbrella that lets them splash playfully among the puddles

445. a last-minute robin tea party with the neighbor kids

446. the cooing of the mourning doves

447. how his skillful hands work the long piece of douglas fir

448. smiles of old friends visiting church

449. how beautifully she sings “His Eye is on the Sparrow”

450. lessons learned in Joshua and promises faithfully kept by the One who is Faithful and True

451. encouraging reports from Nicaraguan missionaries

452. the bluebird that makes a rare visit

453. swings sailing high, powered by strong little legs

454. the ice cubes and sweet sisterly prayers that comfort her busted fat lip

455. the perky little ears and bouncy leaps of joy as distant ragtime music floats nearer on the breeze

456. happy hops when the ice cream truck finally comes into view

457. Tweety Bird ice cream on a stick, with bubble gum eyes, and a rainbow snow cone

458. her familiar, friendly words printed neatly on a postcard from Philly

459. the summery smell of fresh-cut grass

460. summer drawing ever-closer

461. coconut fudge

If It Isn’t Chocolate, Why Bother? #4

May 10, 2011May 10, 2011 Diana B.3 Comments

In the middle of a Costco shopping trip one afternoon, 8-year-old Linnea asked me thoughtfully, “Mommy, what is ‘scratch?’”

After I replied with a bewildered, “Huh?” she clarified, “You know, scratch. You always say that you make pies and things from scratch. What is it?”

No, scratch can’t be purchased in bulk at Costco. But it’s the essential, creative ingredient in baking that really appealed to my mom. And it appeals to me, too.

I bake many treats from scratch, but I personally don’t bat an eye about serving up brownies from a mix. In fact, I often use and recommend Ghiradelli’s double chocolate brownie mix. But for my mom, brownies made from scratch was an indisputable law of baking. They were always one of her favorite desserts, and she’d usually serve up her brownies warm alongside a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream.

To her credit, Mama never, ever, ever used a brownie mix throughout my entire childhood. Instead she used two brownie recipes. One makes cake-like brownies, and the other makes gooey, fudge-like brownies — in one bowl. I always prefer less mess and gooey brownies, so I’m sharing the latter recipe. But first, here are four random things about brownies that my mama didn’t teach me.

4 random things about brownies that Mama didn’t teach me:

(1) Lining the pan with non-stick aluminum foil allows you to easily remove the brownies and helps them cool faster.

(2) It’s much easier to cut the brownies when they aren’t in the pan.

(3) Crumbs don’t stick to plastic, so using a plastic knife to cut brownies eliminates the crumbly, gooey build-up metal knives collect.

(4) Sprinkling powdered sugar on top of cooled brownies adds a lovely, lacy contrast and makes them completely irresistible to my husband. (He adores the white stuff so much I’m convinced he’d eat his own shoes if I sprinkled powdered sugar on them!)

That said, here’s how to make those gooey, yummy brownies in just one bowl!