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Thursday, May 29, 2014

Why I'm NOT Going to Close My Facebook Account

There are lots of posts out there from women who have had enough of the negative drain that Facebook often becomes. After "lots of prayerful consideration" they decide they're done and they write up an insightful post to tell us so.

I've totally felt that way. I've gotten overwhelmed and temporarily shut down my own Facebook account a time or two. If you're feeling like it's time to let it go then, by all means, do so. However, I'd like to share why I think mine is important. While it's easy to get bogged down by the negativity, (or those attention-seeking Vaguebookers) I believe Facebook is a huge ministry opportunity for those willing to devote the time and ignore the randomness.

*Facebook is an extension of me: Since I really started serving God about 15 years ago, I've always had a heart to minister to women. In the early days, I served on WM boards, taught and facilitated classes and counseling sessions, and served as a guest speaker at more than one women's ministry event. As our family grew, my home responsibilities increased and I was able to do less and less outside my home. With Facebook, the needs are there and they're obvious. Whether it's a quick comment on a post, or a more lengthy private message, Facebook provides an excellent ministry opportunity for today's Christian woman.

*Facebook as a witnessing/encouragement tool: Every single week, without fail, someone will write me a private message and ask about homeschooling, marriage, parenting, blogging--even more personal things like how I feel about head covering, dealing with hurtful family members, and more. I've even used this as my fleece a time or two to see if God wants me to spend this extra time on FB. Those are the weeks I get inundated.  People trust me. They see Jesus in me and they see my life, more or less, working out. They want to know my secret and I’m able to point them to help, resources, and ultimately, to Jesus.

*Keeping up with the times: Face it--we are a digital society and we are a busy society. Yes, we want to have real face to face conversations, and we should definitely make time for that, but the reality is that no matter how much busyness we can eliminate from our own lives, there’s no guarantee that the people God wants us to minister to are going to eliminate it from theirs. 

If we want to be a light in the world, we’ve got to meet people where they’re at. Sometimes that means scrolling through the mundane rambles, hateful rantings, and yucky yuck to find what God has put there for us to find. Sometimes, oftentimes, we’ll find whatever “it” is within those ramblings, rantings, and yuck.

Linking with:

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Introducing a New Blogger for The Homemaking Party


(Please be sure to pin from the original source)

Welcome to the Homemaking Party! Tonight I'd like to introduce you to a new blogging friend---Letitia at City Girl, Country Life. We've been working together the past couple weeks to get her blog up and going and she's off to a great start! Please welcome her to Bloggyland by visiting her site and following her on social media. Be sure check out her natural solution for pesky bugs in your home. Hint: it involves some deliciously scented ingredients and is not harmful to you or your pets!

Have a lovely week! 

Linking with:

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Peach Orange Marmalade -- No Pectin Recipe --Make Bake Create Party

I made scones for the kids this morning and, while they were baking, I made this delicious Peach Orange Marmalade to serve with them. This recipe is easy, fast, and requires no added pectin. Perfect!


Peach Orange Marmalade
4 large peaches
2 large oranges
2 TB orange zest or peel
2 TB lemon juice
6 c. sugar

Remove skin from peaches and finely dice or grind them. Zest oranges or finely chop peels to produce needed 2 TB of zest. Chop peeled oranges finely, or grind them as well. Mix all ingredients together in a dutch oven/stock pot and bring to a boil. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened. This took me about 7-8 minutes. Store in the fridge or continue on with water bath canning for storage.


Join us for our first LIVE Google+ Hangout on June 3rd at 8pm! We'll be talking about Father's Day and introducing our team. We'll even feature some of YOUR linked up posts. We'd love to have you join in! Not familiar with Google+ Hangouts? Basically, it will be like you're watching us on tv---but you'll get to leave comments that we may read and respond to live online!



Welcome to the Make Bake Create Party! 5 Blogs-1 party-lots of fun and creative ideas for you!


Please follow your hosts:
Hope In Every Season | Facebook Twitter | Pinterest 

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Linking with:
Homemaking Party @ Hope In Every Season
Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Thursday Favorite Things @ Katherine's Corner
Thriving Thursday @ Serving Joyfully
Homeacre Hop   
Think Tank Thursday @ Saving4Six 
Home Sweet Home @ The Charm of Home 
Create It Thursday
Open House @ Bernideen's Tea Time Blog 
Share Your Cup Thursday @ Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
Inspiration Friday @ Dear Creatives
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Foodie Friday @ Rattlebridge Farm 
The Art of Homemaking
Inspiration Monday @ Your Homebased Mom
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch
Motivate Me Monday 
Modest Monday @ The Modest Mom 
Living Proverbs 31
Inspire Me Monday @ Create With Joy 
Masterpiece Monday @ BoogieBoard Cottage 
A Round Tuit @ Creating My Way to Success 
Monday Funday @ C.R.A.F.T. 
Making Your Home Sing Monday
Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Through Life
A Return to Loveliness @ A Delightsome Life 
Teach Me Tuesday @ Growing Home
Tutorial Tuesdays with Hope Studios
Women Helping Women @ Teaching What Is Good 
(Titus 2)s Days @ Time Warp Wife
The Scoop @Stone Gable

Monday, May 26, 2014

Walgreens: The One Stop Shop for Women's Health Needs #HerHealth #shop #cbias

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. All opinions are honest and are my own.

This last year has been really eye-opening for me. I feel like I'm getting really old really fast! At 34, I thought I'd be in my prime, but I feel like it's the beginning of my downward spiral into old-ladyhood! As I've been working on a new normal when it comes to healthy habits lately, I've been shopping Walgreens for products that help me feel my best.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The Homemaking Party

Hello everyone! Welcome to the Homemaking Party! It's Super Slacker Sarah popping on to say....I didn't make anything fancy for our party today! So, I'm really looking forward to seeing what you all have got to share---and I just *might* put something up later tonight if I can catch up with myself! Ha! In the meantime, check out some of my fun recipes and posts from the past week...AND my new "About Me" video on YouTube. Just click up there below my header where it says "About Me" and be prepared to be entertained by 5 minutes of silliness from Yours Truly.

Blessings!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Chocolate Fudge Pie with TWIX® Bites #EatMoreBites #shop #cbias

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. #EatMoreBites All opinions are honest and are my own. 
Oh my goodness people! I made this Chocolate Fudge Pie a few days ago (of course it's all gone now) and now, sitting here writing this, I am totally craving more of the TWIX® Bites I used to garnish it. In fact, I just called my husband, who is on his way home from work, and begged him: "Please! Grab me some more Bites on your way home!" Craving will soon be satisfied!

I have to tell you right off that I love these unwrapped Bites even more than regular TWIX®---and that's saying a lot because it's one of my very favorite candy bars! I think the caramel is thicker on these or something---they're just awesome! 

So last week, I wanted to make my family a delicious chocolate dessert using these Bites as a garnish. I came up with this fudgy pie and the Bites were a perfect compliment. Make sure to check out the recipe, as well as my YouTube tutorial at the end of the post, for detailed instructions.

Make Bake Create Party

Join us for our first LIVE Google+ Hangout on June 3rd at 8pm! We'll be talking about Father's Day and introducing our team. We'll even feature some of YOUR linked up posts. We'd love to have you join in! Not familiar with Google+ Hangouts? Basically, it will be like you're watching us on tv---but you'll get to leave comments that we may read and respond to live online!

Monday, May 19, 2014

10 {Excellent} Dipping Sauce Recipes

 Need some great dipping sauce recipes? Here are 10 excellent inspirations to get you going!

#ad Cajun Pink Sauce for Dipping Summer Snacks #SummerSauce #cbias

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. All opinions are honest and are my own. 

Warm weather is here, like it or not! Time for summer snacks and quick, easy meals that will leave us plenty of time for playing in the sunshine! Last night, I paired my Cajun Pink Sauce with some Tyson Panko Chicken Nuggets. Served with a side of seasoned sweet potato oven fries, it made for  a zesty, kid-friendly meal.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Guest Post from Kristen of It Works!®

The following is a guest post, not a sponsored post, and I have received no compensation for running it. Hope In Every Season does not necessarily share the opinions of the guest writer. Neither the guest writer, nor myself, are medical professionals, and none of the information given in this post is meant to replace that of your medical doctor.

I'm excited to introduce you all to my cousin Kristen and her family. For the past few months, she's been on a successful weight loss journey, and I thought it would be fun to have her share her story here.

Friday, May 16, 2014

Fruity Brownies {Featuring: Key Lime & Orange Dreamsicle}

Need a fresh dessert idea for an upcoming picnic or party? These fruity brownies are fun and flavorful---plus, you can customize them any color or flavor you desire!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Callie's Contest of Courage by Jan May ~ Book Review

This review copy was given to me by Jan May, the author of, "Callie's Contest of Courage." All opinions are honest and are my own.

My daughter, Lynzie, author of the blog, Thoughts From a Young Writer, recently reviewed this great Christian fiction book for girls. Make sure to check out her review if you're looking for some good fiction for your preteen girl!

Linking with:
Inspiration Monday @ Your Homebased Mom
Motivate Me Monday 
Modest Monday @ The Modest Mom 
Living Proverbs 31
Inspire Me Monday @ Create With Joy 
A Round Tuit @ Creating My Way to Success 
Making Your Home Sing Monday
A Return to Loveliness @ A Delightsome Life 
Teach Me Tuesday @ Growing Home
Tutorial Tuesdays with Hope Studios
Women Helping Women @ Teaching What Is Good 
(Titus 2)s Days @ Time Warp Wife
The Scoop @Stone Gable
Winsome Wednesday @ My Daily Walk in His Grace
Whole-Hearted Home Wednesdays 
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Homemaking Link Up @ Raising Homemakers
What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants 
Wednesday Link up at Adorned from Above
Home Link Up at Raising Arrows
Homemaker's Encouragement Party

The Homemaking Party --- Liam Turns Four!

Remember reading about our miracle baby, Liam? Well, he just turned four years old on Monday! Every year I praise God more and more that he is here with us---alive, happy, and well! Liam wanted a Bob the Builder birthday party, and since we do our best to make birthdays super special around here, that's exactly what he got!

Liam loves John Deere tractors so Grandma Christy sent him a new one---complete with a couple little people to go inside. He opened it and said, "Hey Dad, is this a hunting truck?" Yes sir, that's what it is!

Every baby is a miracle---even if they've got an absolutely perfect birth story! I'm especially thankful for my sweet boy today. Happy Birthday Liam!

Welcome to the Homemaking Party! Thanks so much for stopping by and linking up! Are you on Google+? If you're not familiar, you should check it out. It's so much better than Facebook, which is keeping our readers from seeing our posts unless they're paid. You can join me there by clicking the box below to add me to your circle.




Hope you have a lovely week! Linking with:

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Cheesecake Fruit Dip ~ Make Bake Create Party

Sometimes it's the simplest things that make the biggest WOW! That's true with this easy Cheesecake Fruit Dip. I made this for my kids at lunch time and they gobbled it up! Definitely should have bought two containers of strawberries! Keep reading to find out how super simple it is to prepare this special dessert dip.

Monday, May 12, 2014

TWIX® Bites Coupon {Take One and Share One!} #EatMoreBites #shop #cbias

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. All opinions are honest and are my own.

Who wants a coupon for the new Bites varieties from Mars? I had the Milky Way® Bites at SoFabCon14 this past week and they were awesome! The one I'm really wanting to try out, though, is TWIX® Bites!

The chocolate brands we all love are now in bite-size pieces. Why didn’t they think of this sooner? These unwrapped morsels are the perfect snacking size when you're on the go. Save big on Bites at Walmart and please share this post with your friends so they can get the coupon too! 

#EatMoreBites #CollectiveBias

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Spaghetti Squash Casserole (No Pasta Spaghetti ~ Low Carb ~ Trim Healthy Mama Style)

Tonight I'm sharing my recipe for No Pasta Spaghetti, a delicious Spaghetti Squash Casserole that is low carb and great for the THM lifestyle! I have to admit that we've not been sticking to our diet very well this week, but once I'm done at #SoFabCon14 this weekend, I'll get back on track!


What is SoFabCon, you ask? It's the annual Social Fabric conference here in Bentonville, Arkansas. You've seen my posts tagged #cbias---those are Social Fabric campaigns. The hashtag, #cbias, stands for Collective Bias, which is the parent company of the social media part that is Social Fabric. Clear as mud? :)

Anyway, I'm spending the next few days soaking up tips and tricks and networking with some great bloggers from all over! I'm really looking forward to getting away and just focusing on making this blog an even better place to hang out!


Here's that yummy recipe (inspired by Mrs. Criddle's Kitchen) and thanks for stopping by the Homemaking Party!



Spaghetti Squash Casserole

1 large spaghetti squash 
2 lbs. ground turkey
3 cloves minced garlic
1 diced zucchini
8 oz. sliced mushrooms
1 diced onion
29 oz. tomato sauce
1 TB. garlic powder
1 TB. onion powder
1 tsp. thyme or oregano
1 tsp. basil
salt & pepper
3 c. shredded mozzarella
1/2 c. dry parmesan cheese

Cut spaghetti squash in half and clean out inside. Prepare vegetables and set aside. Brown turkey and then add vegetables, cooking until medium tender. Add sauce and seasonings. You might want to add a little water if it seems to thick to safely simmer for awhile, but don't add too much as the vegetables will add liquid, as well. Simmer for an hour or so. 

Meanwhile, place squash in a baking pan and add water to cover 1/4 inch of pan bottom. Cook at 400º for 30-40 minutes, until tender. Let it cool on the counter while your sauce finishes simmering. Scrape out squash insides and add to meat sauce. Stir everything together and pour half into a 13x9 dish. Sprinkle half the mozzarella on top and do the same for a second layer. Sprinkle the parmesan on top, cover with foil, and bake on 350º for 30 minutes.

Looking for some great Trim Healthy Mama Recipes? Try these! 

THM Lunches & Dinners

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl
Spaghetti Squash Casserole (No Pasta Spaghetti)
20 Squash Recipes
Baked Spinach and Pepperjack Chicken

THM Breakfasts

List of THM Breakfast Ideas
Chicken Ranch Omelette

THM Treats
Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy

THM Misc.
Homemade Ranch Dressing
Make Your Own Chicken Stock & Broth
Zesty Burger Spread

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Speed Up Your Shopping Trip with Walmart's Scan & Go App #shop #cbias

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. All opinions are honest and are my own.

Have you heard about Walmart's Scan & Go app? If not, you are going to love this! Our Walmart was swamped yesterday, as it is most weekends when people are out stocking their cupboards for the upcoming week. I'd already picked up my groceries a few days earlier, so I was just stopping by to grab a couple things I'd need for this cute wooden spool necklace I wanted to make. Thankfully, I'd just been introduced to the new Scan & Go app, and was able to speed past the long checkout lines. Since I spent less than a minute checking out my own purchases, I even helped move things along faster for those in the self-checkout area.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Spring Spoolie Swap Reveal!

Happy Friday! 
Today is the big day that I reveal the fun spoolie swapping I've been doing this spring! My sweet and creative partner, Paintin-Patti, made me this adorable party chick spoolie! Yeah, she totally blew me out of the water! I was so impressed when I opened up her sweet package! Make sure to keep reading to see the rest of the goodies---and what I made too!
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