Leftover Oatmeal is the BEST!

I hate throwing things away. It's kinda sick. I'm sure it has a little to do with living with my grandmother, GG, when I was teaching back in the day.

Well, it is doubly horrible, in my mind, to discard edible food... for any reason. Especially food that is good for you!

Can you imagine how excited I was to find out you can make OATMEAL CAKES using leftover oatmeal!? Aw, yeah, baby! And it's easy, good for you (depending on how much sweetner you use) and good to eat!

Here's what I do:

OATMEAL CAKES by Mama-cita

What you need:

cold, cooked oatmeal (Tastes great with banana or apples or cinnamon in the oatmeal too!)

butter

maple syrup or powdered sugar for serving

What you do:

1. Put some butter in a skillet and get it hot and all melted. (I LOVE butter!)

2. Take glops of oatmeal, form them into a patties, and cook them in the butter. Let them get good and browned Before you flip. Repeat on the other side. Add more butter if nec'y.

3. Add your topping preference and enjoy!

Coveting... and Cloth Diapers

I had a MAJOR breakdown last night. You know the kind, right? When you cry so much your throat hurts. And your eyes feel like they are on fire and you can barely keep them open. Much of the breakdown had to do with coveting. Yep. SIN. Oh, friends, sometimes the adventure is just too much, eh?

Can you relate?

I was engaging in the dangerous activity of sinful comparison. I envied how clean this person's house was, how perfectly they decorated everything, how delicious the meal they prepared was, how easy life looked for them. I was seeing how great my failures were as I couldn't measure up in the least.

While the sin at war within my heart would love for you to say, "Aw. Poor, poor Kia!" what you need to say is, "Get a grip, lady! You are too self-focused!" Yes, I needed to get my eyes off of me and on HIM!

My breakdown was really about me not getting what I want. It was about me believing the crazy lie that I actually deserve anything but the wrath of God. I was communicating to God that He wasn't enough.

But, truly HE is more than ENOUGH. He's all that I need.

So, I am (again) fighting the coveting trap which seems to stem from a heart of not truly being thankful to God for taking care of my greatest need through the gift of salvation.

But the struggle does continue. Yes, war is on... still.

Wanna know what I want right now? You're not gonna believe this.

But I want some of these:

Is that not the cutest diaper? And ten times better than them looking good is they are supposed to be ONE SIZE fits all. Oh- diapers to put on both Sweet P and Baby A and not confuse anyone else changing my kiddos diapers?

Guess what? Lindsay over at Passionate Homemaking did a review of these diapers and is now sponsoring a giveaway for these adorable, ALL COTTON (which is important to me), one-size diapers from a company that has a mission I'd like to support.

So, while I am saying NO to coveting, I sure am heading over to Passionate Homemaking and trying to get myself a cool, free Envibum diaper! Wanna join me? Oh- and I'll do my best, with th help of the Holy Spirit, of course, to not covet if you win and not me!

Keifer Anyone?

We've consistently been making changes in our diet. Our latest addition has been keifer.

Anyone out there in to keifer?

Today I made another keifer smoothie. Basically, my "recipe" was ~2 cups of keifer (made from keifer grains), some frozen strawberries, a good squirt of chocolate syrup (or honey!) and blend away. Papa-son is a bit weirded out by it but he did try some as did the J-man. Our Big Sissy drank TWO glasses. I think it tastes even better with a ripe banana or two but we were all out of bananas.

Ah, life is never dull! What will we be up to next???

Loving via Prayer - Day 19

Well, if it weren't for me posting these blogs, I'd probably skip praying for my husband today. So, thankfully, I am posting this series.

Are you ready for Day 19 of the Revive Our Hearts Praying for Your Husband details? Cool! So am I!

Day 19

Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace.

Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses.

Scripture to read and pray through:

Romans 14:19

So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Psalm 34:14

Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Loving via Prayer - Day 18

Friends who are also praying for their husbands shared some of the ways the Lord is pouring out blessings as they faithfully join with the Savior in intercession. I'm motivated to pray more fervently when I hear things like what they shared:

~having greater compassion for their husband

~setting their hearts toward their husband when he arrives home from work

~sending daily emails filled with God's Word to encourage their husband

~slipping love notes in their husband's lunch sharing how they are praying

Is that exciting? Indeed, it is! It is always an act of the grace of God when anyone of us calls on Him and points others to do the same. Thank You for your grace, O Lord!

Day 18

Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity.

Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life.

Scripture must-reads:

Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Deuteronomy 6:5

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Ephesians 5:16

making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Psalm 90:12

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Loving via Prayer - Day 17

Are you loving your hubby today by praying for him?

Well, today is the 17th and we always recognize our marriage on the 17th day of each month to remember God's kindness to us in allowing us to be married on the 17th of November. You may laugh but we love it. It so fits us!

So, can I take a moment to give my Papa-son a shout out? Cool.

Yo, Papa! Happy 99 months of marriage! Wahoo! Oooo... 99 months! Even after 99 months of marriage, you are STILL the only one I have eyes for. You continue to make my heart beat fast when you make those ridiculous jokes. How I love it though. Yes, I love the look in those sexy whatever-color-eyes you have when you set up a joke that will only make me roll my eyes in unbelief. What fun it is being married to you! I love you, my prince!

Back to the blog! Ready to pray for your man? Cool! Let's do it!

(Have no idea what THIS is all about? Go HERE.)

Day 17:

Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong

men in the faith.

Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength.

Scripture to inform your prayers:

Ephesians 3:16

that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being

1 Peter 2:21

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

1 Corinthians 10:11

Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.

Loving via Prayer - Day 16

What an adventure this prayer challenge is so far. I'm seeing so much more clearly how I can help my husband opposed to my natural bent which is to harm him. Yes, my sin is not in isolation. It can have a negative affect on my husband (and others!).

If you don't normally make time to read through and consider the Scripture associated with each day, can I encourage you to check it out (see below!)? The verses today really were helpful in reminding me WHY I'm doing this challenge. My goal is not to have a perfect husband who does everything how I want (for that would be impossible and certainly would not help me grow closer to Christ!). My goal to bring God honor by pleasing Him in all things, especially my role of WIFE to the man He has so kindly granted me the privilege to be married to... till death do us part.

So, start praying!

Day 16

Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities.

Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control.

Scripture to read and pray through:

1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:31

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

2 Timothy 2:4

No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

Loving via Prayer - Day 14 and 15 (late)

Just in case you wait till I post the details on the Praying for Your Husband Challenge, here are Days 14 and 15... late!

So, so sorry! But, LIVING life is way better then just blogging about it. Know what I mean?

Here are days 14 and 15 from the Revive Our Hearts resource I began HERE!

Day 14

Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love.

Pray that he will not use filthy language.

Day 14 Scripture references:

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Day 15

Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely.

Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin.

Day 15 Scripture references:

Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Loving via Prayer - Day 13

Did you pray Day 12 for your husband yesterday? Well, in light of Valentine's Day, can I encourage you to read those Scripture references and through the prayer areas?

I am convinced that we must be prayer champions for our husbands. Sure there are many others who may be interceding on our husbands behalf but we, not their best friends, not their parents, not their children, are ONE FLESH with them and know them way more intimately.

We must pray... even when we don't feel like it. Dare I say, we must pray even more when we don't feel like it! We must not give the Enemy any opportunity.

Let's get to it!

Day 13:

Pray that your husband will use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare.

Pray that he will serve unselfishly.

Scripture:

Galatians 5:13

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Loving via Prayer - Day 12

It is full steam ahead. Yes, today's prayer area and selected Scripture (listed below) is so ON for Valentine's Weekend!

Moving into this weekend, let us pray for our husbands as outlined in THIS resource in addition to praying for our own hearts toward them. Yes, may we grow in our appreciation of the Savior in giving us the husbands he has. May we grow in our love and respect for them as we pray for them and seek to see them through His eyes. Yes, deepen our affections for them!

Without further ado... Day 12:

Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self-control.

Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love.

Scripture must-reads:

Proverbs 5:15, 18

Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well... Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,

1 Corinthians 7:3

The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.

Song of Solomon 7:10

I am my beloved's, and his desire is for me.

Loving via Prayer - Day 11

Are you ready to pray, ladies?

Find the details below. Oh- and for the record, I am SO thankful to Revive Our Hearts for creating this! The Scripture references, in particular, are so helpful! Go HERE to print out your own copy if you haven't done so already.

Day 11

Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servants heart before the Lord.

Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will.

Scripture to chew on:

Proverbs 15:33

The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Ephesians 6:6

... not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,

Loving via Prayer - Day 10

Day 10... already! Let us not lose steam, ladies! Press on! Pray for your man! I'm praying for mine!

And did you write your hubby a little love note yet sharing with him how you're praying for him? Well, there is still time! May this month of focused prayer grow our affections for our Savior and our husbands!

Here are the Prayer Challenge from Revive Our Hearts... (Go here if you have no idea what I'm talking about!)

Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions.

Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others.

Scripture to read and pray through:

Proverbs 20:7

The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!

1 Timothy 1:5, 3:7

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10-12

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Loving via Prayer - Day 9

Have you been praying for your beau?

Day 9 of the Challenge beckons a wife to:

Pray that your husband handles finances wisely, will have discernment budgetting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving the Lord's work.

Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family.

Scripture:

Proverbs 23:4-5

Romans 12:13

Hebrews 13:5

Loving via Prayer - Day 8

Day 8 of our prayer challenge! Are you getting a bit bored with this? If so, might I encourage you to add some flavor to your love via prayer?

Try one of these to break up the monotony of reading the prayers and Scripture references.

~ Write a note of encouragement to your hubby communicating a SPECIFIC evidence of grace in his life. An example of this could be sharing how blessed you are when you see him consistently turning his gaze when an immodest/ unhelpful image appears when you're watching a video together.

~ Put a note in his lunch letting him know how you prayed for him this morning.

~ Include your children in praying for your husband and honoring him with your words of respect when they are around. If you and hubby don't have kids around, not a problem. Build him up in front of others the Lord puts in your path!

These are not big, new ideas. But, they still can communicate love and respect!

So, how are you loving your hubby today?

Oh- and here's today's prayer details:

Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability.

Pray that the character qualities nec'y for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character - persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc.

Scripture:

Romans 12:11

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.

1 Corinthinians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Loving via Prayer - Day 7

Sorry this was posted late! Sundays are days when I try to guard my time. I'll try to do better next Sunday! Thankfully, there's no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus!

Here's the details for Day 7!

Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex.

Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you.

Scripture:

Proverbs 6:23-24, 26

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress for the price of a prostitute is only a loaf of bread, but a married woman hunts down a precious life.

Romans 13:14

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Loving via Prayer - Day 6

Day 6 of the Prayer Challenge from Revive Our Hearts! Here are the details:

Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture.

Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil.

Scripture to read and consider:

Proverbs 27:12

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

John 17:15

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Loving via Prayer - Day 5

Are you enjoying the ride yet? Are you seeing God move yet? Trust that He is at work, friend, as we lift our precious husbands up to Him in prayer.

A friend who's joining me on this prayer challenge had a great idea that I want to put into play next week. She's been write a note to her husband and placing it in his lunch each day letting him know just how she's praying for him that day! Love that idea!

Do you have a great idea to share?

Here are the details for today as found on the Revive Our Hearts site.

Day 5

Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows.

Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship asa sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ's love for the Church.

Scripture to read/consider/pray through:

Proverbs 20:6

Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?

Genesis 2:24

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Loving via Prayer - Day 4

I'm realizing as I pray for my Papa-son in these specific ways I need to grow in so many areas myself. I want to be a wife that joyfully submits and makes it easy for my prince to lead. I want to be more of an encourager and less of a nagger who can point out every single thing he has ever done wrong. Oh, the Lord is good to bring conviction, isn't He? Yes, the discipline of the Lord is for those He loves. And He loves me!

Alright, on to DAY 4 of the Prayer Challenge from Revive Our Hearts!

Day 4:

Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship - protecting and providing for you.

Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage.

Scripture to read and meditate on:

Ephesians 5:25-29 (I'm adding verses 30-33!)

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

Loving via Prayer - Day 3

Are you enjoying this challenge to pray for your husband? I am! In fact, I'm a bit giddy about it. I am just freshly aware of God's intimate care for us.

So, here's DAY 3 details:

Pray for your husband to be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin.

Pray that his heart would be tender toward the voice of the Lord.

Scripture to read/pray through:

Psalm 51:2-4

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is ever before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in your sight,

so that you may be justified in your words

and blameless in your judgment.

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good;

and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,

and to walk humbly with your God?

Oooo, what great verses to meditate on! Enjoy!

And, again, this information is straight from Revive Our Hearts.

Loving via Prayer - Day 2

Day 2 is here! Let us pray without ceasing this new day and expect God to move!

I must share 2 quick things about this. One of 2 areas I added to my list to pray for my Papa-son was addressed in today's scripture reading. How kind of God to affirm his prayer request by granting me a specific verse to focus upon today!

Also, one of yesterday's verses was helpful to me as I need to "guard MY heart" even as I lift my hubby up to the Lord. My hubby is not the only one who needs to grow in these areas - I DO too! So, may the Lord bring conviction to us ladies as we pray for our husbands!

(Note: This excellent resource is from Revive Our Hearts and can be found HERE.)

Here's the details:

Pray that your husband's relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life.

Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord.

Scripture to read/consider/pray through:

Proverbs 3:7

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Proverbs 9:10

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Psalm 112:1

Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,

who greatly delights in his commandments!

Have a blessed day praying today!

Loving via Prayer

What's up, peeps! It's Day 1 of my Praying for my Husband Challenge.

Wanna join? Go HERE for the details on what it's all about. The idea did not orginate with me. All props go to Nancy Leigh DeMoss over at Revive Our Hearts.

Day One has us praying for our husband's spiritual growth, accountability before the Lord, and for him to guard his heart through his practice of the spiritual disciplines.

Verses to consider, pray through, meditate on:

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Now, let's get to it! May this day be filled with prayer, not just a few moments! Oooo... this is so exciting! Do share how the Lord is working through this small effort of glorifying Him so that others can also be encouraged!