What's For Dinner?

Lately I've been in a cooking rut. My use of the word lately probably isn't accurate, because this rut has lasted several months. You know what I'm talking about.  I never know what to cook, and when I do, I prepare the same meals over and over again. By the way, the rut applies to every meal, not just dinner. At some point my children will start picketing my use of PB and J. I've had enough exposure to know that the appropriate thing to do in this situation is to develop a weekly meal plan, but just between you and me, laziness is preventing me from doing that. If you are in the rut with me, I just found a website that I think will give us the direction and motivation needed to become well oiled, meal planning machines. Go over to Meal Planning Magic and check out the ideas for starting a basic meal plan, freezer cooking, and making life easier in the kitchen. The Resource Guide on the site is definitely the place to start. It has links for information on the topics I mentioned, plus it features help for folks with special dietary needs, such as gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian. If you aren't used to meal planning, I hope you feel inspired. If you do plan meals weekly, what's your system?

Blog Shoutout: Beads, Braids, and Beyond

Today's shout out goes to Nikki over at Beads, Braids, and Beyond. Her website give hair care and styling tips for African-American and biracial children. Nikki does a great job of providing detailed instructions and photos of styles that she has created for her daughter. I visit her blog at least twice a week because I'm amazed at the styles she features, and I aspire to get that skilled with my daughter's hair. And if you have a son, don't feel left out; Nikki is beginning to feature some information for the little guys too. She also does product reviews, and promotes using natural haircare products. Nikki's site is one of the best I've seen on this subject. So if you know someone who may benefit from this information, send them over.

Blog Shoutout: Rebuild the City

Today's blog shoutout goes to These Three Kings at Rebuild the City. This blogger has been a dear friend of mine for about 10 years. She, her husband, and daughter are missionaries in a urban community in Montgomery, Alabama. I think I get "body slammed" with spiritual truth every time I read that darn blog (a truly painful experience). But seriously, her blog is testimony of how important it is for us to build relationships with others for the sake of proclaiming the Word of God. It is also a testimony of how the Lord is never done molding and shaping us in His image so that He can use us to do His work for His glory.

Blog Shoutout: Love Lasts a Lifetime

Today I will begin a feature that I'm calling Blog Shoutout. I've been reading some great blogs, and I want to do a little more than highlight them in my blogroll. My goal is to feature a new blog every week so that you can know where to go to find great information on food, marriage, beauty, etc., and maybe even a little encouragement along the way.

I actually starting reading Love Lasts a Lifetime several months before I started blogging. Kelly and contributing writer Doug (her husband) have been a great source of encouragement to me concerning my marriage. I don't know about you, but there are some issues concerning my marriage that I don't feel comfortable sharing with my mom (SEX!). The Lord has used Kelly as a "mom" to help me be more open concerning intimacy in marriage. I don't want to share too much of Doug and Kelly's story, but God has helped them overcome some major difficulties in their marriage. They have chosen to use their experiences for His glory, and as a way to help others honor the Lord in their relationships.

Kelly, thanks for "spurring" me on. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family.