I Gotta Keep Singing...

Right now things are hard in the Riggan house hole. Well, OK mostly for me in the Riggan house hold. Rick was laid off after 14 years with the same company. The house we were building will be completed August 27th. What does that mean? It means if Rick dosen't have a new job where he has work at home status or reports in in the Sacramento area by July 27th we will not be able to purchase the house. Things look rather bleak. However, this week God has been telling me part of a verse from 1 Chronicles 28:20 "Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God, my God, is with you He will not fail you nor forsake you". Then this morning He led me to listen to Mercy Me Undone album. The whole album is about trusting God when everything around us says different. The last song on the album sums up my attitude today. Here's the youtube clip of it. Hope you enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSyixFR9tLo

I'm A 5:16 Gal.

While searching the web, I found this interesting button. I clicked on it and I fell in love with the idea. Here is what the website - Like a Warm Cup of Coffee had to say:

What is a 5:16 Gal?
A 5:16 gal is a gal who has decided that she wants to redeem the time with her Savior. She is choosing to rise early, before the day takes her away, to sit at the feet of Jesus.

What is the 5:16 club?
The idea for the 5:16 club began as the 5 am club. While the ultimate goal is to rise early, circumstances don't always allow (pregnancy, new baby, illness, etc.). The real purpose of this club is to encourage and journey with one another as we seek to spend time with the Lord every day - whatever time of the day you are able.

Why 5:16?
Ephesians 5:16 says, "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." The literal meaning is "redeem the time." We are seeking to redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity to seek the Lord with all our hearts.

Why?
Because the days are evil. We must prepare for battle each and every day - sometimes just to get through the day!

I was hooked! Although the idea original started with a Mom and her daughters, it spread over to the website Like a Warm Cup of Coffee. I am extending the invitation to you! Who needs to redeem the time with her Savior more than a Mom?

Count me in as a 5:16 Gal...

coconut chicken & all the fixings

Here's the best I can do...
In a small bowl, mix about a tablespoon of coconut milk with 2 teaspoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of lime juice. Set in the fridge.

In a large bowl, mix about 1/3 cup coconut milk, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon lime, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 1/2 teaspoons Chinese 5 spice and a pinch of salt. place chicken (I usually do 4 breasts, but you can do up to 8) in the mixture and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.

Make the white rice using 2 parts rice to 3 parts water to 1 part coconut milk.

Grill the chicken when done marinating.

Boil the snap peas in salted water until bright green. Take off heat and drain. Add drained snap peas to small bowl and mix.

Serve hot!

Another version, during the winter when you don't want to grill, is to place the marinade and chicken in the crock pot. Cook on high for about 3-4 hours and make the rest as usual. It's not as tastey without the grill taste, but it is good!

Also, sometimes I use the left over coconut milk and mix it with some honey and lime juice and heat it just under a boil. I use this a a light sauce when I serve the chicken. My husband loves it this way!

Good luck. Enjoy!

Mom's Day Gift

For mom's day I got a t-shirt. It's great! On it it has the verse I think all mom's live by, especially when they have a two year old boy!!! The verse is Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Certainly raising kids is of the Lord and in His strength alone!

Lion King Live

Eli's favorite movie is Lion King. He watches it almost every day. This morning Katie and Eli have decided to to "Lion King Live" in my living room. They are singing and dancing. The funny part of this is as they sing the words, I notice they don't know the actual lyrics. They were singing Hakuna Matata. But the words came out "hakuna matata. what a wonderful page. hakuna matata. ain't no passing cage. it means no worries for the rest of your days. it's our problem fee colostopee. hakuna matata." Always fun at the Riggan house.

Help us, Jesus

I read this on the Peter-John Courson blog and I was moved...

Help Us

Written by Peter-John on May 23, 2009 – 3:25 pm -

How does this happen? Or this?

We watch a movie on poverty which makes millions…and that is the result?

Oh, Jesus. Help us.

I Can't Carry It, But I Can Carry You.

Katie has been watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy recently. She just finished it today. I was walking through and heard a line that struck me straight to the heart. Here's the clip...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlRVYSzgaWs&feature=related

I was reminded of the Bible passage in Galatians 6 that reads "... if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently...Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

We as Christians aren't called to understand or even empathize with another's burdens. We are simply to carry that person and their burdens to the cross.

My prayer is that we all be more like Samwise Gamgee and be faithful to carry you all to the cross when you need me!