Philippians 2:14 Part 1. Surgery Update. Mason Jar Cosy. Speaking of Mason Jar Meals....

Philippians 2:14

Scripture

Observation

Everything?   

Yes.  

Paul, 

in his usual style of writing in absolutes 

made this act of character development clear:  

Do Everything

Without

Grumbling or Arguing.

Grumble: to mutter in discontent; 

the act of complaining in a low voice

Application

Even as I write about this verse, 

I find myself wanting to grumble!

Really?  

EVERYTHING?

YES.

EVERYTHING.

My first thoughts 

are how I've grumbled about 

the little acts that irritate me.  

They are too meaningless to even list.  

Then I recall that, 

after teacher staff meetings or 

when new demands were announced, 

we would grumble.....

and I've begun to regret that.  

Lately, I've been thinking about 

how those grumbling times were 

such a waste of time!

Circumstances were out of our control!

We could have been coming up with solutions instead!  

Then, I read today's verse:

The irony that the reference numbers, 2:14,

are the same numbers 

as the date of Valentines Day 

is not lost on me.

I noticed something else.  

I

never

grumbled 

about

having 

triple

negative

breast

cancer.

Instead 

I prayed 

for 

strength,

courage,

grace,

wisdom,

discernment

to

minister

to the medical staff,

my family,

loved ones,

and myself.  

Something to ponder.

Something to really ponder.

Surgery Update.
I'm getting better and better after cataract surgery!  I'm seeing so clearly now and back to sewing!  Yea!  Here's a little something I crocheted while recovering!

Mason Jar Cosy

Did you see this coming when I started posting about Mason Jar Meals?

http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/mason-jar-cover-free-pattern/

This free crochet pattern for mason jars is from Little Monkey's Crochet.  I chose it because the pictures are so pretty!  Additionally, it is a very easy beginner pattern!  Plus the pattern covers sizes for quart AND pint size jars!  Win-win! Seriously, stop by and check out her blog!

Thank you, Rebecca, 

for such an awesome pattern!

Here is the one I made!

More may be in my future!
Great use of the bit of leftover yarn 

from this scarf!

I use the cover for both the Overnight Oatmeal as well as the hot soups!  You can find the recipes, as well as this pattern my Pinterest  board.  

Speaking of Mason Jar Meals....
This is the third week my daughter and I have been enjoying mason jar meals.  I've learned a few lessons that I want to share with you.  
Mason Jar Salads
I stopped adding salad dressing to the salads, instead adding it after I pour it into a bowl.  

• Since I eat my salads at home, it's easy.  For some reason, the taste of the salad dressings seemed to overwhelm the fresh veggies.    
• My daughter continues to add dressing to her jars and loves it!  Personal preference!  :)
• I'm cutting up the extra celery, carrots and bell peppers as a quick snack.  

Overnight Oatmeal

These are my favorite!  I am using frozen fruits because they seem to hold up better.

• Plus, as they defrost, their juices add to the yumminess!
• Adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, nutmeg and/cloves adds an extra taste of goodness!  
• Cooked barley works as well!
• Quaker oats has this link for recipes!

Mason Jar Soups

I started experimenting with soups about two weeks ago and am really liking them!

• Deciding how much and which soup base to use is definitely a Golddilock's type of journey.
• The first week I added about a teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon base to a pint jar.  It was way to much for me.
• This last week I added a smidgen with some Consomate de Pollo by Knorr(chicken bouillon).  Not enough spices......oh well.  Next week will be "just right", right?  :)
• I used cooked barley as well and it was
  
  delicious.  However, I might have packed my ingredients too tightly because it was harder to heat up.  No biggee though.  I still have four jars to enjoy, so I'll probably pour them into a mug and add the hot water.  

I am eating a TON more fresh produce and even buying more!  

I finding Mason Jar Meals an easy, healthy way to prepare meals for the week.  This works wonderfully for people who work outside/inside the home!

I encourage you to try them!

I'm linking up to

Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts

Midweek Makers at Quilt Fabrication

MovingIt Forward Monday at Em’s Scrapbag

Needle and Thread Thursday at My QuiltInfatuation