June5
Every time I bring the kids grocery shopping, something extra ends up in the cart, whether it’s fruit they chose, a snack they beg for, or a treat for me since I’m suddenly exhausted corralling everyone along. On my last grocery excursion with kids in tow I let Zach pick out whichever peanut butter he wanted (because sometimes he sees other brands besides the best – JIF – and wants to try them) and he happened to see a PB alternative he wanted to get for Bryce to try. And thus we stumbled upon wowbutter, peanut-free, tree-nut free, even dairy- egg- and gluten-free.
Its claims are outrageous, including:
WOWBUTTER: Bridging the gap between allergic and non-allergic students in order to provide a healthier, safer, more united and happier school environment!
I mean, it’s not going to save the world, but I would agree with another statement:
WOWBUTTER is the only product with a taste, texture and nutrition just like peanut butter.
It really does taste like peanuts. I don’t know how they do it, with just “Non GMO Toasted Soy, Soy Oil, Granulated Cane Sugar, Monoglyceride (from vegetable oil, prevents oil separation) and Sea Salt.” It provides protein, fiber, and no transfats, it tastes good, and it really does taste like peanuts. Did I say that already? I’m still surprised.
Oh – and most significantly, because the rest would be moot otherwise – Bryce loves it.
May31
“Why do we all struggle with envy? Because self-righteousness tends to makes us feel more entitled than blessed, so we are more demanding than grateful.”
–Paul Tripp (5/26/12)
May10
Biblical counseling is helping fellow sinners in this fallen world to live coram Deo.
“To live coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God…
“To live all of life coram Deo is to live a life of integrity…Integrity is found where men and women live their lives in a pattern of consistency. It is a pattern that functions the same basic way in church and out of church. It is a life that is open before God. It is a life in which all that is done is done as to the Lord. It is a life lived by principle, not expediency; by humility before God, not defiance. It is a life lived under the tutelage of conscience that is held captive by the Word of God.” (R.C. Sproul, What Does coram Deo Mean?)
We take that broad, overarching theme for our lives and get specific with the nitty gritty of life’s circumstances in light of spiritual realities using the tools God Himself gives – His Word, His Spirit, His People.
May9
“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money,
nor he who loves wealth with his income“ (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Money will not satisfy and pursuit of “more stuff” derails your pursuit of Christ (1 Tim. 6:10). So what is real gain? How about “godliness with contentment” (1 Tim. 6:6)? Once again it’s about looking beyond the temporal (1 Tim. 6:7) toward what counts for eternity (1 Tim. 6:12).
Instead of loving money and pursuing wealth, let’s love Christ and pursue Christlikeness (1 Tim. 6:11)!
May4
Last year I showed you the first piece of wall art I created for the boys’ room (Impress Your Kids). I never loved how it turned out so now that we’re moving Katy in with the boys I decided to decorate her corner and repaint the canvas. I used cheapo (59 cent) acrylic paint, scrapbook paper I had on hand, and my handy dandy cricut to make a tree to match her bedding. This is our third child and having a corner to decorate is the closest I’ve ever come to having a nursery. Maybe it’s pathetic, but I’m thankful!
