Respectable Sins

Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges was both convicting and encouraging. It was convicting because it opened my eyes to many sins in my own life, and it was encouraging because it reminded me over and over that Christ, my Savior, died for these sins and will and has forgiven me.

Bridges gives us five helpful directions for dealing with sin:
1. We must address our sin in the context of the gospel
2. We must learn to rely on the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.
3. While depending on the Holy Spirit, we must at the same time recognize our responsibility to diligently pursue all practical steps for dealing with our sins.
4. We must identify specific areas of acceptable sins.
5. We should bring to bear specific applicable Scriptures to each of our subtle sins.

After Bridges gives us these practical steps of dealing with our sins, he writes a chapter about each one of these acceptable sins: ungodliness, anxiety and frustration, discontentment, unthankfulness, pride, selfishness, lack of self-control, anger, judgemental ism, envy, jealousy, sins of the tongue, and worldliness. Wow, this is a long list, and to be quite honest, I found in my own heart that I had to deal with almost all of them. God was gracious to continue to remind me that my sanctification is a process and it takes time. God is slowly and graciously helping me put to death these respectable sins in my life, it is a life long process, and I am grateful for this book. It opened my eyes to sins that I didn't even realize I was committing.

I would recommend this book to everyone. It woke me up in many areas of sin in my life and reminded me again of "my need for the gospel everyday of my life." I am thankful that my Savior is not through with me yet and that my sins yesterday, today and tomorrow are already forgiven. Why wouldn't I desire to please and honor Him by doing everything possible to not sin against my Precious, Loving Savior?

Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

Thanks to a recipe blog that I visit often, my family and I enjoyed these muffins for breakfast.

Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Muffins

4 Tablespoons softened butter
2 eggs
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup plain low-fat vanilla yogurt
2/3 cup sugar
heaping 1/4 cup peanut butter

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1/4 cup coarse sugar
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
(I left both of these off the recipe)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place butter, eggs, bananas, yogurt, sugar, and peanut butter into a large mixing bowl. Mix to combine. Place all dry ingredients into a separate large bowl and stir to combine. Slowly add wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until combined.
2. Scoop into muffin tins lined with paper cups 2/3 full. Sprinkle with coarse sugar and shredded coconut. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Makes 12 servings.

These were very tasty and filling. I would defiantly recommend to anyone who likes muffins, it is going to be a stable in our house from now on!

Noah and Noah

Karis' doll house figures that she got for her birthday really do look like the family, especially Noah's except for the red hair.

Here is Noah the doll, with his bottle and pajamas on.

Here is Noah, holding Noah, with his "bottle" and blue pajamas on. See the resemblance.

Hope everyone is having a great Monday, God is good today. I am thankful for His saving grace that saved me from my sins.

We love you Papou!

Justin's Papou, JC Childers, passed away this morning. Please lift up his family in prayer. Justin will be flying to Texas in the morning, and I am sorry to say that the kids and I will not be able to go with him. Our hearts are with you Justin, Mamou, Dad, Susan, Courtney, Canda, and Mike. Wish we were there too!

Papou was a delight to my children, he always offered a smile and hug. Karis said she like playing "ducks with him and watching Meerkats." I am sorry that Noah will not know his Papou better, but I am thankful for the time we have had with him. May God comfort you guys in this time. We love you Papou!

To My Dear Mother on Mother's Day!

Mom-

Thank you for

being patient with me and nursing me back to health as a baby,
teaching and modeling modesty to me,
encouraging and supporting me in sports and school,
being my biggest cheerleader on the sidelines,
grounding me in Christ,
teaching me how to love the home and do all the daily chores with a happy heart,
offering forgiveness after I failed,
teaching me that sometimes being the best means being last,
knowing that only chicken and dumplings can heal my sick body,
spurring me on as I love, train, and discipline my own children,
simply being the best woman I know, my best friend and my mom.

I love you Mom, miss you already!