Such a Time As This

Faith, Hope, & Love

Fall in Love with Dinner Again

You guys — I’ve got to let you in on a little secret. I don’t always love fixing dinner. Especially on nights when my kids are involved in dance, theatre, or other activities. Over the past few years, I have fallen in love with MyFreezEasy.

Erin Chase, the author of $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook and Freezer Meals in an Instant has produced an amazing resource for those of us who are cooking dinner for our families night after night, month after month.

MyFreezEasy includes a monthly meal plan for just about any diet. You can download any and all that you want, you can also customize it for the number of people in your home.

Included each month is a traditional meal plan, a dump dinner meal plan, a slow cooker, and an instant pot version, as well. However, if you have dietary restrictions — she also includes gluten-free, Paleo/Whole30, Keto, and even just a “clean eats” plan. She also lets you download by protein type beef, chicken, or pork only.

She won me over with the allergy/restriction friendly meal plans because for years I struggled with an autoimmune condition which made it difficult to eat a typical diet. However, as a busy mom, I absolutely love the option to cook only with chicken or beef. This is especially useful if there is a deal on a certain type of meat at Costco or my grocery store. You can knock out 10-20 meals for your MONTH in just a few hours.

Ok – so I saved the best news for last. There is a Valentine’s Day Flash Sale happening from Feb. 14 through Valentine’s Day weekend. Click here for all the details.

The Most Important Gift a Mother can Give Her Children

Motherhood is hard and it never seems to get easier. It just gets different.  Motherhood can wear you down physically, mentally and emotionally.

Even though I survived the sleepless nights, the terrible 2s, and 3s, and whatever else they talk about, I now have a conglomeration of ages: littles, middles, bigs and teens.  My family currently almost fills every stage of parenting… other than having adult children or a newborn baby in the home.  We have a toddler, a preschooler, a young elementary, an older elementary, a middle schooler and two high schoolers.  

Last week, I was having an “off” week.  It was the kind of week that I felt like nothing went right and I just needed to crawl under my fleece blanket and take a long afternoon nap. 

One afternoon, while I was not napping, but was fixing a nice dinner for my many kids, I overheard a conversation between our 7 year old and are almost 9 year old.  The younger one was planning out how many kids she would have and what type of mom she would be when she grew up.  

My little one told her big brother that when she grew up she wanted to have 12 kids and her house would always be perfectly clean. Always. And she would clean it constantly.  She would also take her kids to the park every day and have a huge pool and playground in the backyard.  My son glanced up at her and said, “I just want to take my family on a trip to Italy.” 

After the giggling ended, and I recognized their distinct personalities in those answers (one is the list maker – tidy-upper – everything in it’s place kind of gal … the other is an adventure seeker who endlessly talks about the places he’ll go one day), I looked around my semi-neat home, filled with shelves of books put away rather clumsily by little hands, clutter like countless toy blocks and dolls with wild hair and marker scribbles, in a split second I was enjoying a pity party.  Although I usually feel firm in my convictions, that day I suddenly felt unsure of myself.  

I wondered —am I doing enough?   At times I feel like I’ve sacrificed so much for my family — giving up a career, sometimes my free time, some days even a shower.  I get up early and I stay up late in service to them. I live my life exposed — nothing hidden — seven days a week and it isn’t always easy.  

Do you know what is easy? It’s so easy to look through the glass of discontentment and to see what could be or what should be.  It’s another thing to lift up and encourage and to see the truth about what is real.  

You might be reading this right now and be having a bad day, like I was last week.  You might dream of the what ifs and experience discontentment as a mom.

  • Do you wish for a cleaner home or more organization?
  • Better curriculum or more structure during your day?
  • Perhaps a bigger yard
  • more bedrooms
  • or a beautiful living room?
  • Maybe you are beating yourself up over your kids activities
  • or lack there of
  • Or you question if you should have said this
  • or you should have done that 
  • You should have bought them this
  • You should have been working — furthering that career
  • you might have wished you had stayed at home instead
  • You might know you are doing everything the wrong way
  • and maybe (if you have older kids) they’ve told you about something they wish had been different 

It is incredibly easy to see all the reasons you have messed up this thing called parenting.  

Can I tell you something?  I’ve been doing this mom thing for almost 17 years. And no, I’m not perfect.  And I definitely don’t have it all figured out. And that list up there? Throw it away. Sometimes everyone is irritated and and grumpy and then there are times, when I bake them homemade chocolate cookies for dessert, I’ve been told, “You are the best mother,” (in the best 4 year old serious-and-dramatic voice with a slight Boston accent you can imagine.)

So today, after my little 7 year old wasn’t feeling well and was running a fever. She cuddled up to me on the couch and just wanted to know she would be ok.

As I held her I began to pray over her. It was then that God showed me the most important gift a mother can give her children.  It wasn’t in the cleaning and the homemaking,  it wasn’t in the micromanaged schedule, it wasn’t in the read aloud or fancy field trips, it wasn’t in the cloth diapers, it wasn’t in the day to day grind of being a stay at home mom, it wasn’t in the endless years of breastfeeding, or birthing, it wasn’t in the time consuming hobbies, it wasn’t in the fashionable wardrobe, it wasn’t in the mega sized Christmas gifts, and it wasn’t in the dream vacations.   The most important gift a mother could give was simple and yet so easily forgotten.

The most important gift a mother could give is prayer.

We know that he listens to our requests. So we know that we already have what we ask him for.

1 John 5:15

When I think of my own mother I see her beauty as a child of the King.  When I was younger I noticed her flaws, her mistakes. As time marches on only her beauty remains. The parts of her that I hope I pass down to my kids. The absolute most important thing my mother ever taught me or did for me was to pray often, to pray silently, quietly, in secret, and to pray boldly over our family with her children as witnesses.  She prayed believing He heard. I can testify to that. I know God heard her prayers and He will hear yours too.  

Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks.

Philippians 4:6

My mother has been in Heaven for 16 years now and I’ve been doing this parenting gig without her love, and without her support, and without her wisdom. But you want to know something the Lord confirmed just a few weeks ago? Her prayers were spoken, they were heard, and somehow as if defying space and time they are still being answered. And for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Finding the Unseen Footsteps

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Many years ago, I was so sick that I nearly gave up all hope that I would or could be made well. I was invited by a friend to an event where Robert J. Morgan was the main speaker. He talked about trials. He shared some of his book, The Red Sea Rules. His talk caught my ear because I felt trapped by what doctors believed were multiple autoimmune disorders.

It was through reading his book, searching Scripture, and nearly constant prayer, that I realized that God sometimes leads us to an impossible predicament so that He can lead us through it. 

The Israelites were surrounded and just about captured. They had the Red Sea on one side and Pharaoh’s Army on the other. It seemed that all hope was lost.

God had a plan, because He is the God of the impossible. 

Yesterday, about 7 years after the night I heard Robert J. Morgan, I was invited to a ladies retreat. The speaker quoted from Psalm 77. She spoke of God’s unseen footsteps in our lives and in the lives of the Israelites as they waited on The Lord.

What a reminder of how God has been with me through this journey of fully healing and restoring what once was a mystery to doctors. Praising God that He was with me every step of the way… even when it seemed impossible He whispered, “It’s not over yet…” 

I’m sharing this today because someone needs this reminder just like I did years ago. God has a plan for your life— He knows you and He loves you. Keep your eyes fixed on Him.

You may be facing a trial today that seems impossible—call out to God. He hears you. He can and still does lead us through paths that seem unlikely. He still restores physical health, emotional health, broken relationships, anxiety, depression, and so much more. 

He is the one who can and does make the impossible, possible. He makes a way where there is no way. 

As the Psalmist wrote, “Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen.”- Psalm 77:19

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Originally posted on Such a Time as This Facebook on April 28, 2019.

17 Musicals to Watch with Your Kids

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Last year, we created a running list of musicals the kids and I wanted to watch together. We are about half way through this list and I thought I’d share with you all the ones we have seen that we loved.

As with any movie or media, some shows are more suitable to teens or older kids. Some subject matter is more of an adult theme. Please double check anything before you watch it to make sure it matches up with your values and what your children can handle.

This is not an exhaustive lists of the best musicals. These are some of the ones that we watched in the past year and my kids enjoyed.

Musicals to See Live or on a Screen:

  • Fiddler on the Roof — This is a classic! Originally on broadway in 1964, the movie version was filmed in 1971. The story is about a Jewish family living in Russia at the turn of the 20th Century. A father, who wishes to follow tradition, and his five daughters who want to marry for love. Probably best for a slightly older audience (maybe ages 11 and up only because of attention span and understanding of the content.) Some of my favorite songs from this are “If I Were a Rich Man,” and “Sunrise Sunset.” Watch it now —>>>https://amzn.to/302lBin
  • Bye Bye Birdie — This one was on broadway in 1960 and made it to film in 1963. The plot is set in 1958 and it surrounds a popular singer “Conrad Birdie,” being drafted into the army. Some of our favorite songs from Bye Bye Birdie are “Put on a Happy Face,” and “Kids”. Although this is rated G, it contained some innuendo and a lot of high school “crushes”, nothing too bad but maybe better for the slightly older crowd. The plot is cute and it features Dick Van Dyke! Watch it here —->>>https://amzn.to/2LAocZ3
  • The Sound of Music — A Rogers and Hammerstein original, this is a classic with songs like, “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and “My Favorite Things.” I grew up singing these songs and more from this beautiful show. This musical is based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers: A retired naval officer and widower, his seven children, and Maria the governess who eventually marries. It was set in Austria, 1938, right before the Nazis annexed Austria. A mesmerizing story. We love the 1965 movie starring Julie Andrews —–>>>https://amzn.to/2Qez03c and the British 2015 live version is fun, as well. —–>>>https://amzn.to/2LvFdn1
  • The Greatest Showman–An amazing tale of P.T. Barnum and his circus. Starring Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron, this 2017 musical does not disappoint. We have the album on replay in our house as our dance party music. “The Greatest Show,” is the personal favorite of our 2 year old who sings and dances to it repeatedly. “This is Me,” “Rewrite the Stars,” and “From Now On,” are personal favorites. If you haven’t seen this one yet, it’s time. Watch now —–>>>https://amzn.to/2O3MZ9
  • Annie (1999) — This is a very family friendly version of Annie starring Kathy Bates as Miss Hannigan. We probably watched this a dozen times last year. Featuring the classic songs which originally appeared on Broadway. If your kids haven’t watched this, they’ll be singing Maybe, Tomorrow, and It’s the Hard Knock Life, in no time! Watch it here–>>>https://amzn.to/2NfG9hp
  • Annie (2014) — Normally I’m more old fashioned, but this new version of the old classic “Annie” completely stole my heart. It features a story based on the original, instead of an orphanage, the setting is a foster home with a especially mean Hannigan (played by Cameron Diaz). Jamie Foxx plays the billionaire who eventually adopts Annie (Quvenzhane Wallis). The songs you remember have been updated. Its fun to sing and dance to this remake. Watch it here —>>>https://amzn.to/30kbZf1
  • Mary Poppins — It’s Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. In this 1964 original of Mary Poppins your kids will be mesmerized by A Spoonful of Sugar, Chim Chim Cheree, Step in Time, and Let’s Go Fly a Kite. This is a classic. Watch it now —->>>https://amzn.to/309YrXC
  • Mary Poppins Returns — It’s the 2018 sequel to the original Mary Poppins and it absolutely stole our hearts. If you haven’t seen this one yet, you can’t miss out. It truly keeps the spirit of the 1964 Mary Poppins but with a new cast and all new songs that are reminiscent of the original score. It’s truly delightful —–>>>https://amzn.to/301saBR
  • Chitty Chitty Bang Bang — This is a fantastic musical with a fun adventurous storyline that children are sure to love. I watched this one over and over again as a kid. It also stars Dick Van Dyke (one of my favorites)! Watch it now —->>>https://amzn.to/305S20o
  • Wizard of Oz — This musical gives me the warm fuzzies. When I was a little girl I memorized every line from this show. I’m not joking. I was completely obsessed. Not to mention it was made in 1939, it’s timeless, and stars Judy Garland. This musical is legendary and needs to be part of our repertoire for every young and aspiring actor or musician. Watch it here —>>>https://amzn.to/2LwToIj
  • West Side Story — My kids absolutely loved this. This has some heavy content for younger kids but it is a classic love story and should be seen (at the proper age) by a fan of musical theater. Watch here —>>>https://amzn.to/2LPCyn4
  • The Music Man — It’s a must see! It’s packed with favorite songs and a cute storyline. Watch here —->>>https://amzn.to/2O4Rssu

Musicals to See Live:

  • Cinderella — The classic fairytale made into a Rogers and Hammerstein musical. This is a must see. We loved seeing this one live!
  • Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat — An amazing show full of playful songs! We saw it live this past year and my kids were enthralled.
  • The Little Mermaid — Delightfully fun to watch. With characters like the frightened Sebastian and the hilarious Scuttle, kids everywhere are sure to enjoy the live version of their favorite animated movie.
  • You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown — Such a cute storyline with Charlie, Linus, Lucy, Snoopy and the rest of the gang, this is a funny show that kids will love.

From Where Does My Help Come? {Part 2}

Part 2 -- Read Part 1 here.

Just days later, I decided to take a walk to clear my mind of worry and fear.  I wanted to hand this all over to the Lord.  

I began to notice how bare the trees were and how it still seemed incredibly gloomy.  I would never have guessed it was Spring, except for the date on the calendar.  April 6th.

As I walked and prayed tears flooded my eyes as I prayed for Adam. Then, a funny thing happened: my prayers started to turn toward our neighborhood, and then to our church, our community, and then to my state and then to our entire nation… 

I continued to pray but that a thought floated through my head and seemed to sink on to my shoulders.  I became distracted by this odd, perplexing idea that nagged at me.

Where was Spring? Like the literal, physical, season of Spring? Where was it? If I didn’t know any better I would think we were in the middle of winter. Because Winter was all I could see. Winter was all around us.

The landscape was incredibly bleak but just then I recognized a deeper truth. I saw that this winter reflected part of my heart — the part that secretly feared the worst for my son.  The part of me that lacked faith.  The part of me that wondered why this?  Why does he keep suffering? 

I longed for rejoicing. I longed to see God do a work in him, in our family, and in our world.  When would this winter end?

Suddenly that thought morphed into another.  As if a still small voice whispered. Look up.  And then I did just that.  I looked up.  And there it was.  A tiny birds nest perched in a bare tree.  A small sign of things to come.

You see.  It might not have looked like Spring.  It might look like Spring was never going to come. 

It was easy to see the death, the rot, lack of life all around me.  But the birds were nesting, the time was near. Life would soon burst forth from the ground. 

It was time and yet it was almost time. 

It was now and it was almost now. 

It was coming and the day was here. 

And that is where I stood that day.  Looking up at the sky standing in a paradox on a sidewalk next to a tree.

Tears streaming down my cheeks I knew I had just heard from the Lord.

I stood in the almost and in the done.  Because the Lord was making a new thing and yet He had already done it.  I saw at that moment, with my own eyes,  that God is at work all around us but sometimes our perspective needs to change in order for us to see it. 

Sometimes things are hidden from our view until just the right moment. 

And sometimes we just need to tilt our head and look to Him.

Maybe you need to hear this, too, today.  Just look up.

A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?

Psalm 121:1