Menu Plan Monday - March 4, 2013

Last week really raked us over, but not in the busy way we expected - 3/4 of us came down with the flu.  Fortunately, we didn't all get it at the same time, but we did have to cancel or change most of our obligations for the week.  Since I am the one who succumbed to it most recently, we're going to be taking it easy today - and my meal plan might be a bit simpler than usual for when we're having a slow week - partly because I'm not myself yet, and partly because most meals from last week didn't get made.

So, here's the plan:

Breakfast:
- Pumpkin waffles
- Cinnamon bread and bananas
- Scrambled eggs and oranges
- Peanut butter granola & fruit

Dinner:
- Spaghetti with Easy Bolognese Sauce
- Free pizza (Super Bowl Special), carrot sticks, apples
- Breakfast pizza
- Pizza roll
- Chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole
- Bean and cheese burritos
- Leftovers

What are you cooking up this week?

For more Menu Plan Monday, visit OrgJunkie.

"Unbreakable" by Nancy Mehl

Gentle and unassuming, Hope Kauffman has never been one to question the traditions of her Mennonite upbringing. She quietly helps her father run Kingdom Quilts and has agreed to the betrothal he arranged for her with the devout but shy Ebbie Miller.

Despite the attempts of Hope and other Kingdom residents to maintain the status quo, changes have already begun to stir in the small Mennonite town. The handsome and charismatic Jonathon Wiese is the leader of the move to reform, while Ebbie insists Kingdom must remain true to its foundation. When Hope's safety is threatened by a mysterious outsider, she can't help but question what she's always been taught about the Mennonite tradition of nonviolence.

As it swiftly becomes apparent the threat Hope faced is only the beginning, the town that's always stood so strong finds itself divided. With tensions high and their lives endangered by an unknown enemy, will Hope and the people of Kingdom allow fear and division to break them or will they draw on the strength of the God they serve? 

To what lengths would you go to protect the one you love?  Nancy Mehl explores this topic in her newest book Unbreakable.  The twist?  All of the characters are Mennonites, all people who firmly believe in nonviolence - but what does that mean?

The bizarre set of circumstances in this book don't only provoke the townies to reaffirm their beliefs, but it will cause you to question your own, as well.  What would you do when faced with unspeakable danger - not only for you, but to a loved one?  I loved the way that Mehl presents this scenario.  She writes in such a way that you can understand each character's point of view even though they all vary by huge amounts - and yet she never states her own position.  This open-endedness was the perfect resolution for this story - but you'll have to read it yourself to find out how she gets there.

The issue of nonviolence is not the only dilemma that our heroine faces:  she's also torn between the man whom her father chose and the man who has sworn to protect her.  Whom has God chosen for her?  How can she choose without hurting someone she cares about?  We often romanticize love and think that we must have palpitations for it to exist, but Mehl examines this issue, too.  She'll keep you guessing as to her final answer on this topic all through the book, but her choice shouts wisdom and is the perfect ending.  I liked the suspense throughout the story but found the resolution quite fitting.

If you like books that make you think, then Unbreakable is a must-read for you.  

You can read other reviews on this blog hop here.  Click here to begin your Unbreakable journey now.

Nancy Mehl lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband Norman and her very active puggle, Watson. She's authored fourteen books and is currently at work on a new series for Bethany House Publishing. All of Nancy's novels have an added touch - something for your spirit as well as your soul. "I welcome the opportunity to share my faith through my writing," Nancy says. "God is number one in my life. I wouldn't be writing at all if I didn't believe that this is what He's called me to do. I hope everyone who reads my books will walk away with the most important message I can give them: God is good, and He loves you more than you can imagine. He has a good plan for your life, and there is nothing you can't overcome with His help." Readers can learn more about Nancy through her Web site: www.nancymehl.com. She is also active on Facebook. 

I received a free copy of Unbreakable from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

‘Shattered’ Nook HD Giveaway from @DaniPettrey and RSVP for {3/14} Facebook Party!

Dani Pettrey is celebrating the release of Shattered with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat Party {3/14}. 

One winner will receive:

• A brand new Nook HD
• Submerged and Shattered by Dani Pettrey {Be caught up in this riveting series.}

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 13th. Winner will be announced at the "Shattered" Author Chat Party on 3/14. Connect with Dani for an evening of book chat, trivia, and a chance to win gift certificates, books, and other fun prizes!

So grab your copy of Shattered and join Dani on the evening of the March 14th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book - don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 14th!

The History Channel's New Bible Series + Giveaway

I recently received a message from The History Channel, stating that they are beginning a new series about the Bible.  Roma Downey, star of Touched by an Angel, is one of the executive producers, and it sounds quite promising.  My contact had this to say: 

From Executive Producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett comes The Bible — an epic 10-part miniseries retelling stories from the Scriptures for a whole new generation. Breathtaking in scope and scale, The Bible features powerful performances, exotic locales and dazzling visual effects that breathe spectacular life into the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation. This historic television event is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family! Where will YOU be 3.3.13?

I think this series is definitely worth checking out!  You can get a preview through the widget below.  Each day until the premiere a new clip will be unlocked.  There are also Bible trivia quizzes to play and more.

The History Channel wants this new series to be a success - and assuming that it is true to the Bible, so do I!  They're giving away one copy of a Bible companion book to a random winner chosen below.  (Book will be chosen randomly, as well.)  The winner will receive one of these:

•   A Story of God and All of Us (HARDCOVER)
•  A Story of God and All of Us (REFLECTIONS)
•   A Story of God and All of Us (YOUNG READERS)

So explore this new series using the widget below - and then scroll down to enter this great giveaway!

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This prize is sponsored by The History Channel.  All opinions above are my own.

Inspired Wednesday - Become a Pancake Artist

My  Nana sends my kids awesome and amazing holiday packages, full of fun things to make that particular season or holiday brighter.  A while back she sent us a 'thingamajiggy,' as my Little Man would say, that lets you draw with your pancake batter.  Cool idea, right?

When she sent us a package of pink and sparkly Valentine pancake mix earlier in the month, we knew that had to be a part of our heart-shaped day.  Both kids cheered when they realized I was drawing their breakfast, and they each began to shout out their favorite shapes.

We began with simple hearts in honor of Valentine's Day, but they were too excited to stay with those for long.

Soon this snowman and the dinosaur seen below made appearances.  I definitely need to break out the pancake art tool more often.  It's a small thing, it's easy to use, and it definitely makes breakfast time more fun.

I think that Nana found this fancy gadget at a kitchen store (it really is cool - top to go over the spout so you can fridge the batter and make more tomorrow, unscrewable bottom for easy cleaning) but if you want simple, I think you could make your own.  Try using a zip-top baggy and cutting off a corner or a plastic picnic condiment bottle and cutting the top spout down lower.  I think either option would give you your own pancake artist tool - and happy kids, too!

How do you make breakfast fun?

Last week Following in His Footsteps linked up a post about how to utilize Pinterest as a homeschool planning tool.  I love to do this same thing - and I'll be following these Pinterest boards, too.  If you would like to get ideas for ways to incorporate the arts into your homeschool, be sure to check out her post - and Following in His Footsteps, please visit our Inspired Wednesday page and take the "I was featured on Washed Up Inspired Wednesdays' button back with you.  

Lynne and Tosha B., you've each won a copy of "Praying Circles Around Your Children."  Watch out for an email with instructions about how to claim your prize.  :-)  

<center> </center> <center> <a href="http://www.anestintherocks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Where He Leads We Follow" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ohwdk6NVRkHOqw4e5ESiU7MbEagPhE-hv-xQ8n7ssQj9tJQ19wcqpWGGP-TElN4VD1mzg-8ju6UoXBCmjQcRZ-Sol0lMUG_D6XyntMTIaaJNc_qjLAlAGxHoBMUHbmGpAerIHLIhBgQT/s1600/Inspired+Wednesdays2.jpg"/></a></center>

If you have a post about an encouraging activity, project, or trip that you've taken, please link up below and add a link back to this post.  Either way, please read on to find out more about a fun activity that we enjoy here in our nest, and be sure to hop over to Where He Leads, We Follow to check out Stephanie's  Inspiring Wednesday post, too.  :-)

Stephanie from Tatorbug Creations is offering a free custom planner to one person who enters our giveaway this week.  :-)  See entry requirements below, and have an Inspired Wednesday!

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"Revelation" by Sue Edwards

  

Women need Bible study to keep balanced, focused and Christ-centered in their busy worlds. However, many find it difficult to set aside the time and discipline needed for an in-depth study. The Discover Together studies offer tiered questions to allow readers to choose a depth of study that fits with their individual lifestyles or schedules, even if they vary by the week, month or season

This insightful Bible study uses the example of Paul's church in Ephesus to show readers how they can be victorious Christians, living in God's Word, and free from sin. Part of the discovery series, the Ephesians edition includes tips for either individual or group use, inspirational sidebars and short, 3-5 minute teaching videos. Scan the video QR code in the book with a smart phone or visit the series website to watch Sue provide historical and cultural background, teach important truths found in each week's lesson, or ask thoughtful questions to encourage deeper discussion.

A few weeks ago my daughter asked me about Bible prophecy.  She wanted to know what the Bible says about the end of the world.  I answered her questions the best that I could, but I didn't know all the details that she wanted - and I know that some of those answers are in the book of Revelation, that complicated, symbolic, scary book.

Then I was offered this book for review, and it definitely makes the study of Revelation easier - and smoother.  With questions of varying depth and online videos available, this is a great resource.  Revelation makes it possible to study this difficult book at my own pace, as deeply as I need to, while still interacting with a teacher.  

I'm happy to use this study now to grow my own knowledge of end times prophecy, and I look forward to working my way through it again sometime in the future when my daughter is ready to study together.  I'm really excited about this book - and there are more in this series!

Better yet, author Sue Edwards is going to be doing online Bible studies using these books this year.  What a great way to join a study if you can't physically meet with others!

Join the online Bible study here. Just LIKE the page and then follow along. There will be a launch party for Ephesians on April 11th and the online Bible study will begin the following week on April 15th.

Women crave Bible studies that challenge them to grow in their faith. But after balancing carpools, sports schedules, or work deadlines, you may not be able to commit to another evening out of the house. Now you don't have to.

Whether studying with a small group or by yourself, you know can join popular Bible teacher Sue Edwards on the Year of Discovery. Sue will be leading women through her studies with online chats and discussions on her Facebook page. All year long. Every week. Any time of day. From the comfort of home. Make-up and hair-do optional. Come as you are!

Each week you will find quotes, links to articles and other resources, and videos to help you as you study. Complete the lessons at your convenience. Then visit Facebook.com/DiscoverTogetherSeries any time of day to comment or ask questions. Sue will be there frequently to respond, encourage, and equip!

You can read other reviews in this blog hop here; or, to get started on your own Discovery Revelation journey, click here.  

Sue Edwards (MA, Dallas Theological Seminary; D.Min., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) teaches full-time in the Christian Education Department at Dallas Theological Seminary. She has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching, pastoring, and directing women's ministries. In addition, Sue speaks at retreats, conferences, and seminars across the country. She is the coauthor of Women's Retreats and New Doors in Ministry to Women, and the author of the new Sue Edwards Inductive Bible Study series.

I received a free copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

Be sure to come back tomorrow to link up your post for Inspired Wednesday!

February 25, 2013 - Menu Plan Monday

We're scheduled to have a crazy, busy, gotta-be-somewhere-every-day-at-least-once-this-week week!  Is anybody else's schedule particularly pressed, or is it just us?   

With that in mind, I've gotten a few simple things from the grocery store that aren't necessarily the kind of meals we typically have, but they'll help keep things running smoothly.  

So, here's the plan:

Breakfast:
- scrambled eggs and fruit

- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal
- leftover pancakes
- Peanut butter granola & fruit

Dinner:

- Perfectly Pumpkin Pancakes, sausage
- Sliced ham, Crock Pot scalloped potatoes, buttered limas
- Hamburgers, Mom's Baked Corn, roasted carrots
- Fish, rice pilaf, steamed broccoli
- Free pizza (Super Bowl Special), carrot sticks, apples
- Dinner out (date with my Little Man)
- Dinner at church (what to take??)

I'd like to test out these Greek yogurt cookies at the beginning of the week, too, if I can fit them in.  We'll make a batch of Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola Bars for snacking.

What will you be cooking up this week?

For more Menu Plan Monday, visit OrgJunkie.