Single Mom's Rock

Love Letters From The King

2010-02-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

My Princess,

I know what’s best for you, and nothing happens without My knowledge. I see your disappointment when things don’t unfold in your life the way you had envisioned. But if you could only lift your eyes to heaven and see My hand moving with eternal purpose, you could better understand. Don’t forget that your life here is temporary…in other words, My love, you’re not home yet. But for now I want you to trust Me in your disappointments, and let Me turn your pain into a passion to persevere. Wait on Me, My love. Don’t give up! Rather give in to Me and My perfect plan for you, knowing that I only desire the very best for you.

Love,

Your King and Father who truly knows best

“THE LORD WATCHES OVER YOU – THE LORD IS YOUR SHADE AT YOUR RIGHT HAND.”PSALM 121:5

Personal Pizzas

2010-02-17T12:53:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

Pizza crust

Pizza sauce

Bite-size and shredded toppings

Directions:

Divide pizza dough into single-size portions or take a whole pizza crust and designate a section for each kid.
An efficient way to make a lot of individual pizzas: pat most of the dough into a large rectangle and make a grid pattern with strips of remaining dough. Let kids fill the grids with the toppings of their choice. When the pizza is baked, use a pizza wheel or large knife to cut along the grid lines.
Explore other pizza shapes. How about hearts, flowers, bears, fish or even kid-shaped pizzas?
Make individual pizza pockets--or calzones--by spreading half a round of raw pizza dough with sauce and toppings, leaving a 1-inch border. Fold the other half over and seal the edges by pressing the dough together with a fork. Brush with olive oil and bake.
For a quick and easy pizza night, start with pre-baked pizza crust or make your pizza dough ahead of time.

Proverbs 4:23

2010-02-17T12:39:00.000-08:00

Above all else

guard your heart, for

it is the wellspring of L I F E

Film Reels=Picture Frames

2010-02-17T12:27:00.000-08:00

How thrifty! Using an old film reel as a picture frame...hm, I like :)

Amazing {Apple} Crisp

2010-02-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

5 c. peeled & sliced baking apples

1 c. brown sugar

3/4 c. oatmeal

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 c. butter or margarine (1 stick)

3/4 c. flour

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Sugar and cinnamon apples to taste. Arrange apples in a buttered 9x13 glass dish. Make sure you have enough apples to sufficiently fill the dish. Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Cut in butter till crumbly. Press mixture over the apples. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until top is brown.

2010-02-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

(via Erin Vale Design)

Cute Valentine coloring sheets for you and the kiddos :)

http://www.erinvaledesign.com/DIY/VDay1.pdf

http://www.erinvaledesign.com/DIY/VDay2.pdf

The First and the Last

2010-02-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

Every heart every nation will hear the sound

As the light breaks through the darkness and Your name rings loud

Every distant horizon will meet as ONE

Singing holy is Your name WE SING HOLY IS YOUR NAME.

I {HEART} You

2010-02-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a cute little craft for you and the kiddos that is easy to do.

All you need is:

Colored construction paper
Scissors
Tape
String
A pen or pencil

First you want to cut the paper in 3/4". Fold the strips in half and tape two of them together at the bottom to make the bottom of the heart. Then take the loose ends and curl them around your pen or pencil. String the hearts from bottom to top. You can secure the string on the inside tops of the hearts with tape.

2010-01-13T12:08:00.000-08:00

This is a photograph of a sculpture called "The Dinner Party". It was done in 1974 by several different artists who took turns making a "table setting" for a woman who has done something significant in history. When I first saw this in my Art Appreciation class I was completely inspired that all these different artists would come together and celebrate women in history. It got me thinking that I may not change the world, but I know I have affected at least one person's life. And mothers, whether they realize it or not, are always shaping their children's lives. I know my mother is constantly shaping my life. And I don't think we celebrate our mothers enough for all the love, support, guidance, and protection they have given us through the years.

So to all the mothers out there I would like to say thank you and I celebrate what you have done for all of children.

{Zucchini Bread}

2010-01-13T12:07:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

3 c. flour

1 1/2 c. sugar

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. salt

1 t. baking powder

3/4 t. baking soda

2 c. shredded peeled or unpeeled zucchini

1 c. nuts {optional}

1 c. raisins {optional}

3 eggs

1 c. cooking oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except eggs and oil. In another bowl, beat eggs and oil together then pour over flour mixture. Stir till moistened, Turn into greased 9 x 5 x 3" loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 90 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and dry. Cool in pan for 10 minutes and then remove. Refrigerate when completely cooled. Can be wrapped in foil and frozen. **If baking in a glass dish, reduce oven temperature to 325°.

Psalm 45:11

2009-10-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

11 The king is

ENTHRALLED by

your beauty;

honor Him,

for He is your Lord.

Share Some Love

2009-10-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

How wonderfully cute is this?! Erin Vale Design has done it again :) Be sure to print this off and send it to a friend or family member you haven't seen in awhile.

http://www.erinvaledesign.com/DIY/MissYouLoveYou.pdf

How To....Make A Vintage Vinyl Record Bowls

2009-10-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

This is something fun you can do when on a budget. If you don't already have records at home you can go to a thrift shop and get them for about a dollar or so.

How To Make A... Vinyl Record Bowl

Supplies:
old vinyl record
album
large ovenproof bowl
oven
oven gloves

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 150 degrees.
2. Place the record on top of a large bowl turned upside down and carefully place in the oven.
3. Heat for about five minutes, or until record begins to soften and melt.
4. Wearing oven gloves, quickly remove from the oven. Flip the bowl the right way up and press the record into it so that it takes on the bowl shape. You'll find that the sides will curl in a fluted design.
5. While the record is hot and pliable, you can adjust the shape to your liking. If necessary, reheat for a short time to make adjustments

Romans 8:38-39

2009-10-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

October 24, 2009

2009-10-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

Get excited ladies!

Our next meeting is going to be all about us and our colors.

We will have expert Becky Blythe teaching us about dressing for our season, make up, and all that good stuff.

There will be delicious food and child care provided...not to mention a good time!

Be sure to invite some girlfriends to come too,

this is something you don't want to miss :)

My Romance

2009-10-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

The angels dance around You

The earth it sings about You

Open up the heavens Lord,

Let Your kingdom come to earth

My praises all surround You

My soul can't dance without You

Open up the heavens Lord,

Let Your kingdom come to earth

...And unto You be all the glory

{Apple Cider} Doughnuts

2009-10-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1/4 t. baking soda
3 1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. salt
1/4 t. freshly grated nutmeg
1 2/3 c. granulated sugar
3 T. vegetable shortening
1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk
1/4 c. buttermilk
1 t. vanilla extract
1/4 c. confectioners' sugar
Vegetable oil, {for frying}
2 red apples {such as Cortland or McIntosh}
2 1/2 c. apple cider
3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour {more for dusting}
4 t. baking powder

Directions:

Core and coarseley chop the apples {do not peel}. Combine with 1 1/2 cups of cider in a medium saucepan over medium heat; cover and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Uncover and continue cooking until the apples are tender and the cider is almost completely reduced, about 5 minutes. Pureee with an immersion blender or in a food processor until smooth. Measure the sauce; you should have 1 cup. {Boil to reduce further, if necessary}. Let cool slightly.
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.

Beat 2/3 cup granulated sugar and shortening in another bowl with a mixer on medium speed until sandy. Beat in the egg and yolk, then gradually mix in the applesauce, scraping the bowl. Beat in half the flour mixture, then the buttermilk and vanilla, and then the remaining flour mixture. Mix to make a sticky dough; do not overmix.
Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured sheet of parchment paper and pat into a 7-by-11 inch rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Meanwhile, make the glaze: Simmer the remaining 1 cup cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup. Whisk in the confectioners' sugar until smooth and glossy, then set aside. Mix the remaining 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a shallow bowl; set aside for the topping.

Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until a deep fry thermometer registers 350°. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Cut the chilled dough into 12 rounds, using a floured 2 1/2 or 3 inch biscuit cutter, then cut out the middles with a 1 inch cutter {or use a doughnut cutter}. Slip 2 or 3 doughnuts at a time into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

Dip one side of each doughnut in the cider glaze, letting the excess drip off; dip just the glazed side in the cinnamon-sugar or roll all over in cinnamon-sugar, if desired. Serve warm.

With Everything

2009-10-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Open our hearts,

To see the things

That make Your heart cry,

To be the church

The You would desire.

Light to be seen.

Break down our pride,

And all the walls

We've built up inside,

Our earthly crowns

And all our desires,We lay at Your feet.

So let hope rise,

And darkness tremble

In Your holy light

,And every eye will see

Jesus, our God,

Great and mighty to be praised.God of all days,

Glorious in all of Your ways.

Your majesty, the wonder and grace,

In the light of Your name.

With everything,

We will shout for your glory

.With everything,

With everything,

We will shout forth your praise.

Our hearts will cry

Be glorified,

Be lifted high,

Above all names.

For You our King,

With everything,

We will shout forth your praise.

Woah...

Letters From The King

2009-10-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

My Princess,

Listen to me, My princess. Love is not a game – it is a gift. I know there are those who don’t sincerely care for your heart, but I say that your heart is priceless. Reflect on your relationships, my royal one. Who are you allowing into your private world? Do they draw you closer to Me, or do they weaken your faith in Me and draw you away? I gave My life so you could be free. I don’t want you to play “relational games” to get the approval of people. If you choose to play these games, you will miss out on all I have for you. I am your Father, and I know what’s right for My daughter. Hold on to Me and let go of those who harm you. Then you’ll be free from their power, and you’ll be wise enough to see what a real, lasting relationship is meant to be.

Love,
Your King who bought you

“YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN; YOU WERE BOUGHT AT A PRICE. THEREFORE HONOR GOD WITH YOUR BODY.”
1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20

Send Some Encouragement

2009-09-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

Look at this sweet and cute little card! What a great way to send some encouragement to a friend or family member :)

http://www.erinvaledesign.com/DIY/PassionFireFight.pdf

Letters From The King

2009-09-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

My Princess,

You are to Me a beautiful song. Your life is a sweet symphony that I Myself am composing note by note. I take your failures, your tears, and triumphs, and I turn them into a glorious harmony that will be sung in the heavens for all eternality. All your thoughts and deeds are laid before Me like notes on a page. Every choice you make is a significant chord in an eternal arrangement. Don’t let the noise of the world destroy your magnificent melody, My beloved. Seek Me in the quiet stillness of the morning, and I will fill your heart with divine music. Stay in rhythm with My Spirit throughout the day, and I will make your life an irresistible melody that will linger like sweet perfume in the hearts of all that journey with you. Walk with Me in absolute surrender and you will draw others to Me in a rhapsody of praise.

Love,

Your King and your Composer

“HE HAS GIVEN ME A NEW SONG TO SING, A HYMN OF PRAISE TO OUR GOD. MANY WILL SEE WHAT HE HAS DONE AND BE ASTOUNDED. THEY WILL PUT THEIR TRUST IN THE LORD.”PSALM 40:3

Desert Song

2009-09-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is my prayer in the desert

And all that's within me feels dry

This is my prayer in the hunger in me

My God is a God who provides

And this is my prayer in the fire

In weakness or trial or pain

There is a faith proved

Of more worth than gold

So refine me Lord through the flames

And I will bring praise

I will bring praise

No weapon forged against me shall remain

I will rejoice

I will declare

God is my victory and He is here

And this is my prayer in the battle

And triumph is still on it's way

I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ

So firm on His promise I'll stand

All of my life

In every season

You are still God

I have a reason to sing

I have a reason to worship

This is my prayer in the harvest

When favor and providence flow

I know I'm filled to be empited again

The seed I've recieved I will sow

{Bistro Egg} Sandwich

2009-09-11T12:53:00.001-07:00

Ingredients:

6 T. unsalted butter, room temperature

1 to 2 t. dijon mustard

1 to 2 t. anchovy paste

1 baguette, cut into 4 pieces

4 large eggs

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

1/4 pound country pate or ham, cut in 4 slices

2 oz. gruyere thinly sliced

1 c. frisee or other greens

Finely sliced chives, for garnish

Directions:

Preheat the broiler to high. Mix 4 T. butter with the mustard and anchovy paste in a small bowl until smooth. Spread the anchovy butter on the cut sides if the bread; place buttered side up on a baking sheet and broil until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.

Melt remaining 2 T. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crack in eggs; season with salt and pepper and let cook until the yolks just begin to firm up and the edges are slightly crisp, about 3 minutes. Assemble the sandwiches: Place 2 bread halves on each of 4 plates; top with a slice of pate, an egg, some cheese, greens and chives.

Your Love NEVER Fails

2009-09-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Nothing can separate

Even if I ran away

Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes, but You have new mercy for me everyday

Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages

Your love never changes

There may be pain in the night

But JOY comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage I don’t have to be afraid

Because I know that you love me And your love never fails

The wind is strong and the water’s deep, but I’m not alone here in these open seas

Cause your love never fails

The chasm was far too wide

I never thought I’d reach the other side

But your love never fails

You make all things, work together for my good

Recipe Card

2009-09-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

With all the recipes we're putting on here you might need some recipe cards!

We recommend printing these on card stock paper.

http://www.erinvaledesign.com/DIY/RecipeCard_Embellish.pdf

{How To...} Make Magazine Coasters

2009-09-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest idea for coasters, especially when you're on a budget :)

1. Tear out 6 magazine pages. Cut off the ragged edge on each, then cut each page in half lengthwise. I stacked them and cut them all at once with an X-acto knife and ruler. (To make a coaster with a finer weave, cut each of the half-page strips in half lengthwise again. And note that weaving will take you twice as long!)

2. Fold each strip in half lengthwise. Then fold the resulting piece in thirds, folding the cut edges inward first so they're hidden inside. Now you have a long, thick strip. Fold it in half at the center. See steps pictured above. Repeat with each magazine sheet.

3. To start weaving, interlock two strips. This is the bottom left corner of your coaster.

4. Continue weaving. Some strips will wrap around the outside of the coaster when you start them; some will begin sandwiched between two existing strips. See above. Keep adding to your coaster one strip at a time, making sure to push the papers tightly together. Flip your coaster over and check the back frequently to make sure nothing's going haywire back there!

5. When the coaster has 6 horizontal and 6 vertical strips, it's time to finish the edges. Strips that emerge on the outsides of the "coaster sandwich" need to be secured. Trim off one end of the strip so it's even with the edge of the coaster. Bring the other end around the edge of the coaster and tuck it under the closest weave to hide the raw ends. You should have just enough length to reach.

6. Strips that emerge from the inside of the sandwich can simply be cut off. If you want to seal your coaster with something, you could try some spray acrylic sealer and see what happens. Personally, I don't care if mine gets a little wrinkly from being wet. Happy weaving.

{Cucumber & Red Onion} Salad

2009-09-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1/2 c. rice vinegar

2 T. sugar

1 1/2 t. Kosher salt

1 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Directions:

Bring the vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring. Remove from the heat; stir in 1/4 cup ice cubes until melted. Toss the cucumber and red onion in a serving bowl with the vinegar mixture; place in the refrigerator.

Letters From The King

2009-09-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

My Princess,

There are no words to describe how much I love you. That is why I stretched out My arms of love and died for you. I know sometimes you don’t feel lovable, but you don’t have to earn My affection. I adore you. You are My creation. I never want you to doubt My commitment to you. I am the Lover of your soul, so let Me meet your every need. I long to set you free from searching for false love in the wrong places. Let Me hold on to your heart and fill you up with eternal love. Then you will feel My Holy presence and fall in love with Me.

Love,

Your King who can’t stop loving you

“MAY YOU EXPERIENCE THE LOVE OF CHRIST, THOUGH IT IS SO GREAT YOU WILL NEVER FULLY UNDERSTAND IT. THEN YOU WILL BE FILLED WITH THE FULLINESS OF LIFE AND POWER THAT COMES FROM GOD.” EPHESIANS 3:19

Mom's Got A Latte Do Today

2009-09-09T11:27:00.000-07:00

Moms always have a lot to do during the day, so why not get excited about it?

You can get this cute, FREE printable at

http://www.skiptomylou.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/lattelist.pdf

Psalm 30:5

2009-09-09T11:12:00.001-07:00

Sorrow

may last for the

night

BUT

Joy comes

in the morning :)

{Chocolate Chip} Banana Bread

2009-09-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 3/4 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1/2 c. shortening

2/3 c. sugar

2 eggs well beaten

1 c. mashed bananas {2-3 ripe bananas}

1/2 c. chocolate chips {optional}

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Beat shortening until creamy. Add sugar gradually and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat well. Add flour mixture alternately with bananas a small amount at a time beating after each addition until smooth. If adding, fold in chocolate chips. Turn into a well greased 8.5 x 4.5 x 3 inch bread pan. Bake for 1 hour or until cake tester comes out clean.