Forever Beloved

Faith, Love & Truth

Meal Planning Monday

I’ve been absolutely horrible at this meal planning business. And do you know what that has done? Made “what’s for dinner” an absolute nightmare. I obviously thrive on structure and planning ahead. So, meal planning Monday is making a return.

Monday – Beer Can Burgers on the grill and Cabbage Steaks

Tuesday – out of town

Wednesday – Breakfast for dinner {bacon, eggs and homemade bread for toast}…my girls have been working overtime and I’m overrun with eggs but I’m not complaining!

Thursday – BBQ Bacon Sushi Rolls and Broccoli with Cheese

Friday – Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onion

Saturday – out of town

Sunday – Oven Baked Chicken, Smoked Bacon Wrapped French Vidalia Onion and Broccoli Salad


Facing Criticism

Well, thankfully this is a post I haven’t really felt compelled to write until now. As someone once wisely told me “You can be the ripest peach on the tree and someone will come along who hates peaches, and they will be sure to tell everyone just that”. Somehow… despite all my efforts to cover bases and state disclaimers…. people will still find a way to be offended.

That’s just the world we live in! The more you grow, the more people you reach, the more likely you are to offend someone. Since I’m the emotional one of my family and always have been, this poses an interesting scenario for me. When I get a pretty harsh blog comment that judges my character, my natural reaction would be to 1. Tell Joe 2. Have a little pity party for myself and then 3. Doubt myself and want to quit.

The last criticism, which was offered in a roundabout way, came from someone close to me. And that, my friends, hurt my heart. It made me second guess every word I typed. I wanted to just give up, and for a while I have done just that.

I share my heart on this blog. Every day I write blog posts to inspire others and make them smile; to share hope, grace and truth; to share my own mistakes and sins; to share my heart; and to share Jesus and His amazing love with others around the world.

I write for Him. I write because He has given me a passion and a heart for marriage. I write for broken hearts. I write because I stumble. I write to help marriages that are hurting as well as help strengthen healthy marriages. I write to help you enjoy and grow in the beautiful covenant that God created. I write to let you know you aren’t alone. Ever. I write because I’m not perfect. I write to share that we all have our own story and our own past. I write to share my pain and joy, my struggles and triumphs. I write in hopes that my struggles will help you in your own walk. I write to honor God with my words. I write out of love. I write because He nudges my heart. I write because He is still working on me. I write because He knows my heart. I write because He has a plan for my life. I write because He has called me to write. I write to give God the glory, not gain attention for myself. I write because life isn’t easy, not because I want to be a victim. I write to share love, not anger. I write to heal, not cause conflict. I write to share harmony, not criticism. I write to speak truth that is sometimes hard to hear. I write because I believe. I write simply out of my absolute love for Him.

I absolutely want my blog to be a happy, positive place. A place where you know, even on your worst day, you can leave it with a smile on your face and feel refreshed. A place where the heart of Jesus shines through.

But…

I will not let the world, and critics – even one that proclaims to be Christian – dictate who I should and must be. There is only one source of truth to define what a Christian woman is. That truth is in God’s Word.


In His Word, Christ dictates my identity. He reveals my need. He teaches me patience and dependence and submission. I’m waiting for Him to reveal His will in His time and in His way.

I may not be your typical Christian woman, but I know who I am. I am the loudest one at nearly any table. I loudly laugh like a fool. That laugh will happen at inappropriate times. My hair is huge. I love to wear quirky t-shirts. I think I’m super funny. I speak fluent sarcasm. I wear bright lipstick. And I can be rude on occasion. But I am a Bible-believing, Christ-following Christian woman. And I refuse to accept anything less than His Word and His best in my life.

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday