by Jeanette Wood | Jul 7, 2018 | Recipe Box, Reclaiming the Family Table
“What does it take to make delicious doughnuts?”
I get asked this question more times than I can count. I’ve often wondered why. They seem pretty straightforward and easy for me.
Now keep in mind, I’m the girl that blew up the Home Economics room (In reality, I just set many accidental fires). I’m also the woman who met my neighbors after every move by smoke detectors going off and at times even had smoke billowing out the doors and windows.
So, I think it’s safe to say that if I’ve figured out how to make delicious doughnuts, you can too!
As I prepared for this conversation, I started to realize why it might be hard for some of you attempting doughnut making for the first time. There are several misleading tips listed online that might be causing you unnecessary trouble. Because of that, I felt a series of posts to troubleshoot these issues would be helpful.
Keep in mind, I am not a professional doughnut maker, but I have had over 30 years of practice. I figure if I can’t make a delicious doughnut by now, there’s something wrong!
So what makes a doughnut delicious?
In my opinion, it needs three essential characteristics.
- Fluffy on the inside
- Tender on the outside
- Glazed to perfection
For the next several weeks, I’ll be troubleshooting some common mistakes and answering your questions on doughnut making. I invite you to leave your comments below; I will reply to each one.
If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to purchase my new ebook, The Doughnut Handbook. I share my recipes as well as the behind the scene story that tells a testimony of tenacity!
Let’s get started!
Today, we’re just going to be talking about creating the perfect fluffy texture that your doughnut requires.
The texture of a doughnut is a personal preference. In fact, there are towns where doughnut wars are happening over which texture of doughnut is the “right” texture and which doughnut is the best doughnut. I won’t heat up the debate, but I like my doughnuts airy, not in the least bit dense.
Because of this, the recipe I share calls for milk and water.
The milk/water combination is critical to creating the fluffy texture we want. Recipes that call for you to use milk alone tend to be denser. So if you already have a doughnut recipe you enjoy, but it is too thick, just cut your milk in half and replace the other half of the measurement with water.
It’s essential that you don’t just put all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Timing is important when mixing the ingredients of this recipe.
Make sure you pay careful attention to add the ingredients in order as I have listed in the handbook. Following instructions will help ensure you get that airy, fluffy texture you enjoy.
Yeast, sugar, and water should be the first ingredients you mix. Make sure you let them sit for about 10 min before adding any other ingredients. You should see a lot of activity out of the yeast; by the end of the time it should be bubbling and expanding well.
Now you can mix in your milk and continue to add the other ingredients in order as explained in the handbook.
If you don’t have a mixer, you can do this all in a bowl and finish the dough by hand kneading. Note: It makes a noticeable difference in the texture of the dough when you use a mixer like my Kitchen Aid.
Your dough should be tacky- not firm or sticky. I know this can be difficult to understand, but once you’ve done it, you’ll see the difference. I’ll try to offer you some guidance here so you can determine the status of your doughnut dough.
How does tacky dough look different from sticky dough or firm dough?
Sticky dough is messy, and I do mean messy! It sticks to everything and doesn’t want to pull away from you. It’s usually the result of not mixing your dough long enough. So keep mixing!
The tacky dough is just that tacky, it does stick to you, but it also has a slight firmness that makes it not feel as sticky and wet like sticky dough feels.
A firm dough is firm. It doesn’t stick to your fingers and would feel dense if you poked on it.
Do not overwork your dough.
Overworking the dough causes it to be dense, and we’ve already established a dense doughnut doesn’t measure up to our delicious doughnut requirements.
Okay, once you have your dough thoroughly mixed together, you’ll want to lightly flour your hands and roll the dough into a ball.
Place your dough into a bowl that you’ve oiled to prevent the dough from sticking to the sides. Also, rub some oil on the top of your dough before placing inside the bowl to ensure it doesn’t rise and then stick to the plastic wrap you use to cover the bowl.
Cold rise vs. warm rise
When using my recipe included in the Doughnut Handbook, you have two options for rising. A cold rise, or a warm rise. Until recently I had never tried a cold rise. I thought it might be nice to try and give you our feedback on the differences. After performing my taste test, I decided that the warm rise won. I thought it would be tempting to use the cold rise so I could make the dough the night before and have doughnuts more often, but it just didn’t yield my preferred texture.
The cold rise does cause a more infused flavor of the dough (which I liked), but it’s also denser than the warm rise doughnuts. Because of that, I will continue to use the warm rise method in my doughnut making adventures.
You don’t have to take my word for it; I have a husband, eleven children, four grandchildren, and two parents who often work as my “Testers.” While they all agreed the cold rise doughnut was delicious, they also agree that it was denser than the warm rise.
The Second Rise
For fluffy doughnuts, you’ll need to roll the dough out and cut into your doughnut desired shapes; let your doughnuts rise a second time. Make sure you set them in a warm place for about an hour more (more is not better so be careful not to let them rise too much). Follow these tips, and you’ll be off to a great start on making your own delicious doughnuts.
- Do not overwork the dough while rolling out the dough. I even pat it out into a flat shape about 1/2in thick.
- Cut your doughnuts out by pressing down with your doughnut cutters or mason jar lids or whatever tool you choose. Do NOT twist your cutter. When you twist, you seal the edges, preventing the doughnuts from being able to rise sufficiently.
- Butter or spray your cookie sheet with a cooking spray to prevent your doughnuts from sticking to the pan when you need to put them in the fryer.
- Cover with plastic wrap instead of a towel.
- Test your doughnuts to make sure they have risen enough by doing a touch test. Touch the doughnut if your fingerprint indent remains they are ready to go into the fryer.
Friends, following my instructions in the handbook, and the tips provided here, will ensure you get delicious doughnuts that are light, airy, and fluffy on the inside. Next week, I will share some tips on how to get that sweet tender outside to your doughnuts.
Until our next chat,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
by Jeanette Wood | Jul 6, 2018 | Personal Growth
When it comes to reacting versus responding, far too many of us are reacting to life instead of responding. It’s too easy to feel like we have no other option but to throw in the towel on our parenting, tap out on our marriage, and retreat from our friendships.
Life often reminds me of those action-packed shows my husband watches. (more…)
by Jeanette Wood | Jun 28, 2018 | Spiritual Growth
I’ve been thinking about heartbreak lately, not for any specific reason.
Maybe it was the news of Kate Spade’s death or the fact that a friend confided in me that she wants to end her life.
Perhaps it’s the fact that every year, here in the US, almost 45,000 people end their life.
Whatever the reason, I’ve been pondering the reality of a broken heart.
I know that not all of us will wrestle with feelings of suicide, but all of us will experience heartbreak in some fashion.
Heartbreak comes packaged in all shapes and sizes at different seasons of life.
There is the heartbreak of loss, betrayal, rejection, empty promises, loneliness, sin, and countless other ways we experience brokenness. I don’t know what heartbreak you’ve experienced or what heartbreak lies ahead of you, but this is what I know; heartbreak happens to each of us. While none of us escape life without heartbreak, I am confident that there is hope on the other side and mercy in the midst.
The reality is that not all of us will find hope or recognize His mercy in our seasons of brokenness.
Why?
Maybe that’s because we fall captive to the fables of a broken heart, or the weight of loneliness, or perhaps it’s because we fail to see the purpose and beauty that brokenness reveals.
Myths of a broken heart
- It’s my fault.
- Time will fix it.
- If I were stronger, it wouldn’t hurt so bad.
It’s my fault.
If I had just done “insert whatever lies you tell yourself” or if I were simply better at “insert next lie” There are a thousand lies that try to creep into our thoughts when we face heartbreak, it’s so important that we learn to take captive all thoughts that are contrary to the word of God. This myth is devastating, and it’s not just our thoughts we battle against, we have to battle the negative thoughts of others. “Helpful friends” who try to reason and make sense of hardships often like to point out what we’ve done wrong.
Let me stop right there.
Friends, bad things don’t just happen to bad people. Job knew this better than most of us will ever know. The very first words written about Job were how he was perfect and upright, he feared the Lord and rejected evil. His story goes on to share about brokenness, sorrow, and trials; none of what he experienced were the result of his failures.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve had countless times in my life where something was challenging as a result of my personal choices. I reap what I sow, just like you do.
Galatians 6: 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ga 6:7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
At the same time, there have been countless times that I’ve experienced the depth of heartbreak, and it had nothing at all to do with my wrongdoing, sin, or failures.
Matthew 5:45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Mt 5:45). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Time will heal your broken heart.
No, no it won’t. Only God can heal our brokenness, and yes that process can take time, but time alone will not heal my broken heart or yours.
Good intentions or not, it’s vain for us to suggest that time will heal a broken heart.
Time doesn’t heal anything.
For some, time may do nothing more than ferment bitterness. For others, it may grow an abundance of gratitude. Time is a tool that God uses as He completes the good work He has begun in each of us, but no, time won’t heal our broken hearts.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Php 1:6). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
If I were stronger, it wouldn’t hurt so bad.
Maybe you’ve thought these thoughts before:
“I should be stronger than this.”
“If I was stronger like (insert whoever you compare yourself with) I would be able to deal with this.”
The truth is, you don’t have to be strong enough for your trials.
I distinctly remember the moment I accepted the freedom to be weak.
Sobbing on my bathroom floor, I folded the pile of red towels I had just dropped.
Silently I prayed, “Lord. I quit, I can’t do it anymore.” It could have been a dozen things that brought me to my knees, but like most things in life, it was the straw that had broken the camel’s back.
Through my tears, I gasped for breath when the verse from 2 Corinthians came to mind.
2 Corinthians 12: 9-11 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 2 Co 12:9–10). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Whenever God changes us, it becomes life-changing. No matter how many years pass, we remember what we were doing and where we were at. This moment was no different- It was life-changing for me. I began to embrace my weakness and my inabilities; praising HIm for His strengths and His perfection instead of worrying about my weakness and shortcomings.
I believe that once we get over those myths, we can move forward to finding mercy in the midst of brokenness and hope on the other side.
Responding to Heartbreak
Brokenness isn’t something we get to choose. There are times when we can see brokeness approaching and other times brokeness takes us by surprise. In either situation, we must prayerfully choose how to respond instead of reacting.
My first response to anyone who asks me how to get through a challenging situation is,
“Spend time in the Word like your eternity depends upon it.”
Actually, that’s how we should face every single day. Spending time in the Word helps us respond purposefully, with grace, and courage. This is much better than reacting in our flesh that gets scared, overwhelmed, and doubts.
As I went through my devotions this morning, I was encouraged by David’s example to praise God as a response in His brokenness.
Psalm 34: 1-4
I will bless the Lord at all times:
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord:
The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ps 34:1–4). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Purpose of Brokenness
Sometimes it can feel that the only purpose of brokenness is to destroy us. We don’t see any beauty that can possibly come out of the pain and yet that’s exactly what God does. I know there have been seasons I thought I would never dance again, and yet He traded my sorrow for gladness.
The Lord is merciful to us through the heartbreak.
Psalm 31
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing:
Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness
To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ps 30:11–12). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Friends, take heart. There is hope on the other side of heartache. There’s also mercy in the midst of it.
If you feel like your life is a mess of shattered fragments and that nothing good can come out of it, let me encourage you that God makes mosaics out of messes. He brings beauty out of ashes.
He’s done it for me, and I’m confident He will do it for you. God’s not like man, He doesn’t pick favorites. The Scriptures tell us that He is no respecter of persons.
Romans 2:11
For there is no respect of persons with God
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ro 2:11). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
by Jeanette Wood | Jun 7, 2018 | Christian Parenting
Living an intentional life requires us to maximize ordinary moments. Maybe you’re like me, and your mind instantly starts to race with all the details of work required when we’re optimizing anything in life. If that’s the case, take heart! Today’s post isn’t about creating more work; instead, it’s about recognizing opportunities around us, taking nothing for granted, and living with purpose and focus. Today, I’m talking about intentional living.
I’m talking about making deliberate decisions to live in the present moment nstead of steamrolling past them. It’s the type of living that requires us to ponder the goodness tucked into each task. It’s mastering the art of living with a spirit of gratitude. Gratitude for the butterfly that flutters around the grandbabies as they play. Appreciation for the breeze that blows or the shade a large maple tree provides in the heat of summer days. It’s experiencing ordinary moments that would go unnoticed if we didn’t pause and capture the beauty and value they contribute to our lives.
Don’t be like some who confuse ordinary with mediocre. Ordinary moments are a canvas of opportunity revealed to each of us at a specific moment in time. So how do we maximize them to create the life story we want to live out?
Three tips for an intentional life.
Say no more; say yes less.
Warren Buffet said, “The differences between successful people and very successful people, is that the very successful people say no to almost everything.”
I think we could benefit from applying this strategy to our daily lives as women, wives, and mothers. If you’re like me, you might question every “no” that you muster up the courage to speak. You second guess yourself and wonder if you’re being selfish or question your priorities.
Let me stop you right there and share how I overcame that battle in my mind.
When I need to say no, I tell myself, “Every no you give, gives you 100 ways to say yes.” Yes, I can keep the family schedule on track, yes, I can get to bed on time, yes, I can keep up with the laundry, yes, yes, yes!
As a young mom who struggled to say no, I remember driving to deliver a meal to someone in the church who was sick; I was completely frazzled. My home was a wreck, and my children were cranky. I prayed, “Lord, I’m trying to be a blessing; please help me in this.” As I continued to pray and finally made my way home, I began to realize that just because Jeanette has a good idea, it doesn’t mean that God’s blessed the plan. I have to say no more and yes less.
Cultivate a positive mindset.
Many of us are familiar with the famous quote from Iron Lady, “What we think we become” In fact, the entire phrase went like this,“Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become…habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think we become.” There is nothing new under the sun is there? The Scriptures tell us to think on what is pure, lovely, and a good report.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
We can purpose to think about these things that are pure, but what do we do when those negative or cynical thoughts invade our mind without an invitation? Friends, God’s been good to give us instruction in this area too. It’s in these times that we must take our thoughts captive. 2 Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
The Scriptures go on to tell us that our words have the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
If we want to begin living more grateful filled lives, then we need to start with our thoughts!
Unplug.
I share this point last just in case some of you overachievers take action promptly and unplug immediately. I want to make sure you read the rest of the post. HA! Just teasing you all, but seriously we won’t ever be able to fully live in the moment if we are even unconsciously aware that people may be contacting us be it by phone, social media, or email. I remember the awkward feeling when we lived off the grid, and I knew no would be stopping by unannounced, calling, or needing me to reply to an email. It was surprising how much more I accomplished with ease. I deliberately schedule the time to unplug to this day, and you know what? I never regret it, in fact, I find that I crave more of it.
Friends, it’s time for us to stop talking about living an intentional life. It’s time for us to stop talking about being fully present and living more grateful. It’s time for us to do it! How will you start maximizing on the ordinary moments of your life? I think I’ll start by sharing a bowl of ice cream and giggles with one of my children.
We could add more tips to this list, couldn’t we? Post your suggestion in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
Until our next chat,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
by Jeanette Wood | May 7, 2018 | Personal Growth
Trails always reveal to me who I am and how much more I need Christ. Some trials are enormous spiritual battles, and others are everyday moments demanding that my flesh dies, (I guess that’s a pretty big spiritual battle too.) In trials, I am reminded of John 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Jn 16:33). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
Yesterday, the family sat after Bible study discussing some of the Truths we had just read.
As it often happens in our home, Bible study ended, and a family meeting/conversation began. One of the children commented on making sure to resist pride when they have success. They shared how they picture themselves successful and how they purpose to respond to those situations.
Then, I asked… “Who are you in the trial?”
The room became quiet, and everyone thought for a moment. I continued, “We can often picture ourselves having success. What we would do with a million dollars, what we would do if this business deal works out, or if this move takes place, but do we ever picture who we want to be in the trial?”
Trials can take us by surprise. We are wise to consider our response in advance, so we are purposeful in the decisions we make and words we choose to speak. Consider who you want to be when financial, health, family or any other trials happen. Will you whine, complain, get angry at God? Or will you decide ahead of time to say like Paul,
Philippians 4:11
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
There are two things for sure in the Christian life: Sin and Affliction. There will be troubles. Salvation does not grant us a free pass from trials instead it offers us an eternal Hope in the midst trials. How many times, have I cried out for the Lord to lead me to green pastures, to make me rest, and to anoint my head in the presence of…
Who do the Scriptures tell us are standing by watching?
Our enemy!!!
Even in green pastures, even in places where He leads, our enemy is standing by watching, waiting, ready, just as a lion to attack. Who will you be when the enemy decides to make his move?
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
Now is the time for each of us to decide who we will be in the times of trial.
Who will I become in the Trials?
I had a dream some time ago. Suddenly standing before the Lord, I didn’t see him or anything else for that matter. Everything was light, but I knew I was standing before the Lord. With bewilderment and surprise, I said, “Is that it? is it over?” I didn’t hear Him reply, but I knew His answer was, yes. With a deep sigh, I replied, “Lord there’s still so much I didn’t get done. I would try to accomplish something, and then a trial would arise.” His reply woke me from my sleep, “The trials made you love me more.” I knew He was right. Had it not been for the trials I would have fallen in love with this world.
Discover 5 Essential Ways to overcome trials.
- Study the Scriptures for heroes of old who have given us an account of their trials and how they responded. Lor for similarities, list the negatives as warning signs and the positives as guides.
- Write your discoveries in your journal under a page titled, “How to Navigate the Trials.”
- Pray. Ask the Lord to strengthen you in your weakness, reveal areas of growth, and give you the courage, tenacity, and peace through the process.
- Connect with others. Finding a group of women to support you through the trials before they arise is always helpful, but it’s never too late. Get plugged in with ladies who want to pray for you and encourage your success. If you need help, email me and I’d love to connect you with others.
- Encourage and help someone else who’s in the midst of a trial. One of the best ways I’ve found my way out from under the pressure of the trial was in helping someone else. When I focus on my trials, they grow larger, however, when I focus on helping others somehow my trials seem dim.
- Trials cannot be an excuse for us to not accomplish what God has set before us. Yes, it’s challenging; life is not comfortable. However, if we’re intentional and thoughtful before the trial we can navigate them more successfully.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “When Christ calls a man He bids him come and die.”
I pray that God will show Himself strong in my weakness; I pray for the courage to crucify my flesh, the same flesh that will fight against that death. Finally, I pray that I will be a vessel who brings Him eternal glory instead of seeking my temporal comfort.
If the thought of trials brings us, anxiety let us consider this beautiful reminder from Robert Hall:
“If your mind is overcharged or overwhelmed with trouble and anxiety, go into the presence of God. Spread your case before Him. Though He knows the desires of your hearts, yet He has declared He “will be sought after;” He will be “inquired to do it for you.” Go, therefore, into the presence of that God who will at once tranquilize your spirit, give you what you wish, or make you more happy without it, and who will be your everlasting consolation, if you trust in Him. He will breathe peace into your soul, and command tranquillity in the midst of the greatest storms. How much are they to be pitied who never pray.”
Fixing Our Eyes On Eternity
Let us not look for our treasure, comfort, or a life free of trials here on this earth. Instead, let us set our eyes on eternity, take up our cross, and follow Him!
Who are you in the trials? Life has plenty of them to help us answer this question.
Until our next chat,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
P.S. If you’ve not read our devotion in Proverbs, go read it today. The Apple of God’s Eye: Proverbs 7: 1-2
by Jeanette Wood | May 7, 2018 | Faith
Proverbs 7: 1-2 reminds us that we are wise to perform life checks when we ask ourselves, “Is His Law the apple of our eye?”
It is so easy to get caught up in the busy of life, to become completely enveloped in the news around us that we forget to focus. Focus our hearts, minds, and thoughts on His Law and His will for us!
With much love,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
His Law; is it the apple of your eye?
Proverbs 7: 1-2 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.
The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Pr 7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
“Keep my commandments, and live”; we hear this encouragement many times throughout Proverbs. It is a common way to emphasize something of importance when we say it more than once. This passage caught my attention on the last phrase “and my law as the apple of thine eye.” Many understand the phrase, but I decided to do a study on the phrase to find out more what our LORD was saying to us through this passage.
God Cares For His People
From the beginning of Genesis to the End of Revelations we see God’s care for His people.
The beauty of this passage in Proverbs 7 points us to another attribute of God’s love for us. Not only is He a sovereign God who is the creator of all, but He is the God that even reveals himself in our natural reflexes. Zechariah 2:8 explains that God is a protector and no one touches us without his protection. God made the eye of man another example of His wondrous creation to show us how, when we put our trust in him; we are protected by God as we would guard the very pupil of our eye. (See Psalms 139:1-17 for further understanding of his care toward his people).
Prayer: Father, please keep us as the apple of your eye; hide us under the shadow of your wings. Lord, Thank you that we cannot go out of your sight that you are always seeing, always knowing and we are always your concern. We thank you for your love toward us, so much that you gave us your Son so that we could dwell with you for eternity. Thank you for cleansing us from sin and redeeming us for sins wage of death. Father, thank you that you continually watch over us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
Abiding still,
Connie Renfro
P.S. You’re invited to download our Proverbs 7: 1-2 journal page that we created just for you!
P.S.S. If you’re going through a trial, make sure you head over and read our post, “Who are you in the trials?” I know you’ll be blessed.
by Jeanette Wood | Apr 25, 2018 | Personal Growth
Growing in grace reminds me of my first gardening experience. I had never gardened before, but that didn’t stop me from having dreams and expectations of a great harvest. (more…)
by Jeanette Wood | Apr 8, 2018 | Anxiety
Our 21-day anti-anxiety challenge is not only fun but timely. According to NBC news anxiety in women is on the rise. Keep reading for my favorite sugar cookie scrub, perfect for today’s bubble bath challenge. The Scriptures give us a lot of direction for anxiety. If you would like me to host a series about this topic, let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Okay, so are you excited about today’s challenge?
I know I am.
I’ve enjoyed the conversations from each of you participating. If you’ve not been able to join us, don’t worry, there’s still time! Start today.
Today’s 21-day anti-anxiety challenge: Take a Bubble Bath.
I bet we have three different response to this challenge.
- Laughter. You’ve not had time to take a bubble bath in over a decade and can’t imagine finding time today.
- Disgust. The thought of sitting in dirty water, or getting a UTI from toxic bubbles turns your nose up immediately.
- Applause. You’ve been waiting for a reason to take a bubble bath, and now you have one.
Remember we’re all in this challenge together, so unless you have a medical concern not to take a bubble bath, let’s embrace this challenge. In fact, I’m going to share my favorite DIY sugar scrub with you.
Trust me; you’re going to want to make this.
I bet you’ll even find the ingredients sitting in your kitchen cabinets.
Are you ready for the recipe?
21-day anti-anxiety challenge body scrub recipe:
- 1/2 cup of white sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 Tbs of vanilla extract
That’s it.
There is no particular way to fix this.
As soon as you mix the ingredients, it’s ready to use.
It’s that simple.
Get ready to smell like you just baked a dozen sugar cookies.
Until our next chat,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
P.S. Don’t miss the note I have written titled, “Comparison: The Theif of Joy.”
by Jeanette Wood | Apr 8, 2018 | Marriage
Intimacy in the Christian marriage, part 4 is as important as the first three posts in this series. Quite often, women ask me, “What do I do when I don’t feel like being intimate, and he does?”
Picture this.
You’ve battled toddlers with tummy bugs, cleaned up the bathroom floor more times than you can count, had unexpected tasks that demanded your attention, not to mention, the laundry baskets that are overflowing and the sink is somewhere under a pile of dishes.
You’re still in the fight. You’ve determined that you’re going to accomplish the primary survival tasks for the day and go to bed with a clean house and happy family!
You plop yourself down in bed exhausted. Then it happens, you hear your husband’s request for intimacy. (Let’s be honest, you know what is on his mind before he even said a word.)
You’re at a crossroad.
How will you respond?
What do we do when we don’t feel like being intimate?
First, know this, chances are we’ve all been there at least once before. It’s not just exhaustion that gets us; it’s hormones, stress, medical issues, and the list could go on. Here are my three best tips to help you navigate those situations of intimacy.
Don’t let your marriage bed be the last thing on your mind. Instead, start the day with intimacy in mind. Make sure your commitments won’t interrupt this time with your spouse.
If there are areas of concern that keep you from feeling connected to your husband. Commit those to prayer and talk with others who can join you in prayer and support.
Communication is a HUGE component of intimacy. It’s essential that you communicate your needs to your husband and that he can communicate his needs with you. If you know you won’t be available for sexual intimacy, share that information with your spouse before the lights go off, so he’s aware of how you’re feeling.
What Does God Have to Say About Intimacy?
These tips don’t guarantee you won’t ever have this experience. Hopefully, what they do is help you navigate them successfully. As with so many other areas of marriage, intimacy is about each party esteeming the other person more than themselves. It’s about both parties remembering the sacredness of intimacy shared in marriage.
With that said, it’s vital that we don’t deny our spouse of this time of intimacy without careful consideration. In fact, the Scriptures say
1.Corinthians 7:4 “Defraud ye not one the other, except it, be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.”
What’s interesting to me about this passage is that it uses the word, ‘defraud”. This word comes from the Greek word, apostero, which means to defraud, spoil, or rob. Oh, how many marriages we see in this state of spoilage!
Defrauding Our Spouses
Take a moment to think on this.
When we consider the actual meaning of this word, defraud, we can see the danger in not being honest with one another through intimacy. Maybe you’ve never done this. Perhaps you have and you’ve just never thought of it as defrauding your spouse. Here are some examples to consider.
- Pretending you’re asleep.
- Spoiling Intimacy by participating with a poor attitude.
- Robbing our spouse in intimacy because He didn’t do something we wanted him to do.
Chances are we can see dangers of defrauding our spouse through intimacy. Some of these dangers come as obvious and substantial issues; others are small and subtle yet just as destructive.
In Conclusion
We can not deny the fact that healthy marriages include two individuals who cheerfully make themselves available to the other person.
We also know that we can’t do anything good on our own. Our marriages are a result of God’s goodness through us, not ours. Let’s not be deceived into thinking that we are the ones that create a delightful marriage bed. That is only a work that the Lord can do.
Keep your eyes on the Lord, seek His protection for your marriage bed, so that, Satan tempts us not for our inconsistency.
Remember, walk in patience and unity in Intimacy. There is much instruction for couples about being in agreement about finances, child training, or other life situations yet they fail to discuss the importance of unity in intimacy. If you didn’t have this conversation before marriage, it’s not too late to have it now.
I’m praying for our marriages. May God be glorified through them!
Until our next chat,
Mrs. Joseph Wood
by Jeanette Wood | Mar 31, 2018 | Special Needs
7 ways to help parents of special needs children
When a crisis or abrupt change of life occurs, it can be difficult to express our needs. It’s no different for parents with special needs children. Depending on the needs of our child, we may get better at navigating the changes of routine, Dr. appts, surgeries, and special education, but we never get to a point where we don’t need help. (more…)
