quinoa cups

I really like quinoa so when I saw the recipe for Quinoa Cups from Iowa Girl Eats on Today's Mama, I was so excited. It's like a tiny little breakfast quiche that tastes great. The only change I made was I used turkey bacon instead of ham. Unfortunately the kids in this house weren't as excited as me. They are not adventurous eaters (despite all our travels), but I'm determined to keep trying.

a birthday bunting

I finished up a birthday bunting this week for Joshua's upcoming birthday. While he was pleased with the look of it, I think he's a little concerned that I've only finished one angry bird. I'm pretty sure he thought my efforts would have been better spent on that rather than this bunting.

I encouraged him not to fear. The angry birds will indeed get done in time. We still have a few weeks. Surely it won't be a problem.

I'm really happy with how this one turned out, although, next time I think I would applique the letters on. I zigzagged them on with the sewing machine. That was not easy. (You might notice the slightly crooked H. I call it character.) I'm just happy to have a banner that I can use over and over. I plan on making a girl birthday bunting in about 6 months when that birthday rolls around.

Did you create anything fun this week?

Linking up with Jennifer @ Studio JRU for Sneak Peek Friday.

the parable of the lily {giveaway}

The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs is the perfect little book that speaks a big message for the Easter season. Through the blooming of beautiful lilies, the message of God's hope and forgiveness rings loudly.

Though this oversized board book is intended for kids aged 1-5, I find that these short "kid" stories are the perfect way to speak about the true meaning of the holidays. As the young daughter's excitement over receiving a gift gets overshadowed by the disappointment of what exactly the gift is, I knew that lesson would speak volumes to my own children. I love how each page has a Scriptural truth that parallels with the story and God's ultimate sacrifice for us...the death of His Son on the cross. Bottom line, I love this book and will definitely use it for Easters to come.

Giveaway

Up for giveaway is one copy of The Parable of the Lily courtesy of Tommy Nelson! Giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only and ends Thursday, March 22nd at 9 pm CST when random number generator will choose one winner!

Entries

1st Entry  In the comments section, answer the question, "Aside from the cross, what’s your favorite symbol of Easter and why?"

2nd Entry  Tweet and/or share on Facebook the following...

Teach your kids about the meaning of #Easter. #Win The Parable of the Lily from @TommyNelson & @jenprice77. #giveaway http://bit.ly/AbNhvr

Be sure to come back here and leave a separate comment for each entry!  Also make sure I have a way to contact you. 

You can view The Parable of the Lily flipbook here to get a taste of the greatness in this little book!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of The Parable of the Lily from Tommy Nelson in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

what we're doing {the post you've been waiting for}

So I've been writing all these posts on what we're doing but haven't really said what we're doing. Well, hopefully this post will answer some of that! Thanks for being so patient. :) I think the easiest way is to break it down by what I'm doing and what Jeremy's doing.

Jen

In my last post, as I filled in the gaps, I expressed my struggle with the way the process was going. After I was able to let go of my frustrations and get over my pity party, then there was the question of what exactly I was going to do with Ten Thousand Homes. To be quite honest, I was thoroughly enjoying the "other" things I was doing. Photography, writing for Today's Mama, connecting with people through social media..."God, am I supposed to give all that up now?" As I asked the question while driving down the road, the light bulb went off. Clear as day, I knew I was to use all those things for Ten Thousand Homes.

I knew I wanted to connect people with the work. What better way to do that than through photography and social media. I felt God also wanted me to build on key relationships I've met through blogging to raise awareness on what TTH is doing. While I was in L.A., I met a Houston blogger and actually invited her to come with me to Africa sometime. Bridging those connections is exciting to me and I see more of that happening.

So...I will serve as Communications Director for TTH. It's basically a fancy term for connecting people to the work. I'm using social media to communicate to the masses. I will be doing more storytelling through writing and photography, and I'm currently working on some exciting campaigns to launch soon.

Jeremy

Jeremy is a visionary and has an incredible ability to connect with people. It's amazing really. He will continue to provide oversight and vision to Ten Thousand Homes. He's always had vision for TTH to expand beyond White River, S. Africa, so his role is shifting from local leader on the ground in SA to a global leadership position. Not only will he provide oversight, cast vision to the local works, and pioneer into new areas, but he will use his relational abilities to connect people to the work. 

He will speak about the work as well as connect one-on-one with people. He will also use his music to raise awareness. We're in the process of scheduling a TTH house concert. It's so cool to see passions coming together like they are.

Resource

I mentioned that the word "resource" was a big word God spoke to us. Together we feel we are to resource leaders to lead. We've had a huge learning curve learning to empower people to lead, and we want to continue that by investing in and resourcing them.

Our last newsletter has more tidbits on a lot of this. Feel free to read and subscribe to it! It may seem as though this is the end of the what we're doing series, but there's actually a bit more I will share in the next couple of weeks like...what does this mean location wise?

Part 1 : Sabbatical Recap
Part 2 : Individual Passions
Part 3: Filling In The Gaps

rainy day at the museum

Perhaps the best way to spend a rainy day is at the museum...

Family Celebration Day ~ Dallas Museum of Art




Linking up with Communal Global for Sneak Peeks Around The World.

unworthy betrothal :: risk

With my 2012 "word" being risk, I am studying risk takers in the Bible.

It's fascinating to learn these nuggets from Bible greats.

The story of Hosea taking Gomer for his wife is such a beautiful story of redemption. A woman of harlotry marries someone who loves her. I love Francine Rivers' book, Redeeming Love, and the visual pursuit the book displays.

But then my mind wanders to Hosea's side of the story. In Hosea 1, when God told him to, "Go take for yourself a wife of harlotry and have children of harlotry," I wonder what his reaction was. Did he say, "But God!" or did he just say, "Yes." Regardless, I'm sure he risked looking like a fool in front of his friends. I can't say I wouldn't think my friends a little loopy if they came with such a crazy "word from God."

But God had a plan and Hosea was His man. There was a spirit of harlotry on Israel. The people were pursuing things looking for fulfillment, but they only brought emptiness. They had turned their backs on the LIFE that only God could give.

Through the parallel of Hosea's marriage to Gomer, God was able to show Israel that He was not at all pleased with their actions, but He still loved them. He plead with them to leave a life of emptiness and return to Him.

I wonder if Hosea really knew the impact of his taking Gomer for his wife. It reminds me once again that being radical is simply being obedient. When we risk with God, we never know what He might do with it.

Scripture reference : Hosea 1
Favorite verses : Hosea 6:3, 6

slow cooker soy braised chicken

I recently pinned this Slow Cooker Soy Braised Chicken recipe from Real Simple. A friend of mine commented and said she made this all the time so I knew I had to try it. It was my first time to cook with bok choy. So, so good. This recipe is serious yum. The chicken was so tender (I actually used boneless instead of bone in) and the flavor was fantastic. A definite must try.

packed with personality

Seriously these kids are a hoot sometimes.

photo by jeremy

Emma G checking on one of her surprise creations. One of these days they are going to be edible. I just know it. In the meantime, we are all trying to choke down her "tasty" experiments.

I was totally caught off guard the other day when I discovered that a robot was doing Joshua's homework at the kitchen table. I quickly took a photo, unbeknownst to the intruder, and then bowled over laughing. Apparently having a large box on your head helps you to concentrate better. :)

a slight living room makeover

I've slowly been making some small changes to my living room over the last couple of months. I tend to take things gradually, and although "gradual" is still the right word for the process, I want to show you what's going on over here!

I love curtains but have held off on putting any up. I decided it was time. They create such a home feel that I love. I've always loved IKEA's fabric, and since I've been on a bit of an orange kick, I chose this sturdy Majken fabric with a hint of orange. And there it sat. A huge pile that intimidated me, not because it was too hard. No, it was because it felt like a lot of work to make four huge panels. I finally got it done and Jeremy got them up and I love them.

I knew I also wanted to make some new pillow covers. Once again I turned to IKEA (don't remember the name of this fabric) and went with a bit more orange. Julie Hermann from Jaybird Quilts has an excellent basic pillow cover tutorial on Sew Mama Sew. I cut my squares the exact size of my pillows to make them look very full. I love them.

Since Christmas I've been saving money to buy a new couch. I am very thankful for the way God provided when we came back, but my couch, wall, and floor was all the same color. I was just ready for something that was a little more us. So I saved and I sold items we didn't need online until I had enough. It's such a fulfilling moment to reach a goal and see it fulfilled. Even if it is just a couch. :) Can you guess where it came from? You got it right if you guessed IKEA. Guess we have a little trend going on here. I absolutely love my Dansbo dark gray Kivik sofa. Adding the chaise lounge eventually...

Linking up with Jennifer @ Studio JRU for Sneak Peek Friday!

i heart faces {beautiful b&w}

I did my first baby photo shoot yesterday. It was a blast! How could it not be with this little cutie? She was so good, even though I took about 400 photos. Yes, 400. I just snapped away at moments trying to capture her sweet smile. It was definitely captured. Consider this a taste for more sweetness to come next week. I seriously just want to squeeze this little cutie from my computer screen. Don't you?

I'm linking this photo up with the I Heart Faces photo challenge...beautiful black and white. They've got some great prizes for the winner, a Tamron lens and a $100 cash prize!

This photo was submitted to the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com