Fingerprint Friday: Fun Fridays

By Ginny (MAD21)

With the insanity that usually takes over our family's week, like most people, it helps to know that not only is the weekend coming, but Friday.

Several years ago, I created "Fun Fridays" at our house. Honestly it was mostly to prevent the constant demand for watching television and movies. I thought it would give the girls something fun to look forward to each week, and gave me an out whenever they wanted to turn on the television. Aside from rainy days (when we also build tents in the living room), it's pretty much the only time we watch movies.

What started out as a necessity for the most part, has turned into a day our family really looks forward to being together. And while we still usually watch at least one movie, we also use that time to play games and just be together (pizza anyone?). I also usually put something special in their lunches, and occasionally surprise the girls with a trip to the playground or a visit by someone special.

I thank God every week not only for the reprieve in our schedule, but also for the joy in the anticipation for the time we have together. I love hearing my girls discuss the long list of things they want to do (usually way too long!). Our Fun Fridays are definitely one of God's fingerprints.

Fellow blogger Beki at The Rusted Chain has a really great weekly post she does every Friday called "Fingerprint Friday." We are to look around and see where we can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Anywhere? Go find out where Beki saw God this week, and be sure to check out the other bloggers who linked their stories as well.

Tasty Bites: Simple Shrimp Salad

By Beth V

It is hard to beat a good shrimp salad sandwich. People are willing to pay quite a bit to buy them at restaurants and with good reason….they are a wonderful treat.  You will be surprised how incredibly easy this is to put together and the payoff is really delicious.

Start with one pound of medium-sized shrimp. I started with a 1-lb bag of frozen shrimp from Aldi that cost about $4. You can also start with shrimp you’ve had steamed at the supermarket or even frozen, already-cooked shrimp.

To steam these shrimp, I followed the recipe on the container of Old Bay seasoning.  For a pound of shrimp, combine 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ cup of water, and ½ cup of white vinegar. Bring this to boil in a sauce pan or steamer pan. Add the shrimp, cover and allow to steam just until opaque and pink.  You really want to guard against overcooking…rubbery-textured shrimp salad is just not quite the same.

Click to read more ...

One Word At A Time: Games

By Ginny (MAD21)

I've written before about how you can use games to teach your kids. But in general, I love to play. When it comes to family entertainment and children's ministries, I am commonly known as the "game keeper." It probably has to do with the fact that for years, whenever there was any kind of gathering whether family or ministry, you would usually find me playing with the kids. Generally it has always been where I felt the most comfortable.

I was the recreation director at a summer camp for seven years where I spent the week doing such things as filling water balloons for a wet version of sharks and minnows, playing caterpillar kickball, and providing an afternoon of fun on a 100 foot slip-n-slide; we had an annual kid's night out at our church where I built a maze out of about 12 rolls of duct tape and 24 wardrobe boxes that filled our sanctuary (it even had dead ends!). I could go on and on about all the fun I've had over the years in ministry. But honestly, even though it was a great time, the bottom line was that playing games with the kids helped to build relationships and trust between themselves and the leaders.

The same is true with family. I have found that the more time I spend just playing and talking with my kids, the more likely they are to listen to me, and the better they treat each other overall. We all learn about patience, taking turns, and being a good sport. The more face-time we all get, the better.

Click to read more ...

What is Greatness?

By Pat

But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus." (Luke 1:30-31). "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38)

In looking at the world around us and the things we normally associate with prestige and honor, it's very easy to feel that we are ill-equipped to make a difference in the world, and serve God in a big way. Thankfully, God feels differently.

The only criteria God requires for us to be of service to Him in any capacity, large or small, is a willing and obedient heart. Mary, Jesus' mother, certainly didn't have wealth or power. She was a common girl living a quiet and ordinary life, and yet God chose her for the most high honor imaginable; to give birth to and raise the Son of God. She had enough trust to realize that if God selected her for this holy task, he would certainly provide the necessary means to carry it out successfully. God chose Mary because of her humble and willing heart.

Click to read more ...

God Is... Forgiving

By Jay Cookingham (Soulfari)

The deepest part of the ocean at 36,200 feet (11,033 m or 11.03 km) is an alien looking place called Challenger Deep, within the Marianas Trench. This cold, deep dark is far beyond the reach of sunlight and is as remote of a place as you can find on this planet.

Imagine for a moment a place so far away, so unreachable and unseen that it boggles the mind.

It made me wonder what would our lives be like if our mistakes, failures…the things that haunt us from our past got tossed away. You know, those past events that hinder our walk, regret, painful memories…what would it be like if they were buried so deep, NEVER to be found again?

“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:18-19)

The prophet Micah uses this powerful word picture in describing the depths of God’s forgiveness. Here displayed is the Father’s mercy, for when He forgives, not only does He subdues; but also He conquers our sins and hurls it far way from us. In the depth of that forgiveness is freedom, not just from sin but the effects of sin as well.

Click to read more ...