Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie
If you're looking for a quick and tasty breakfast, try this Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie. Kid approved!
Ingredients:
1 banana
2 T natural peanut butter
2/3 cup Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, or vanilla yogurt
Milk (optional)
Directions:
In a blender add in the banana, pb, and yogurt. Blend until smooth. If it is too lumpy, you can add a little milk to make it smoother.
Serves one. Enjoy!
*Dairy free option—omit the yogurt and use ½ C almond milk instead
Book Review: A Warrior’s Faith
Disclosure: I was sent a free copy of the book thanks to Family Christian. All opinions are 100% my own.
I just finished this brand new book called A Warrior's Faith, and I am happy to say I was very encouraged by it!
I was a little skeptical when I first picked it up because, you see, “faith” means a lot of different things to a lot of different people.
I thought, “Well, this might be an exciting story, but will his “faith” really be real?
At first it appeared that I would be right – that this soldier's faith was just a fluffy, feel-good nebulous idea without a concrete object of his faith.
But as I kept reading I realized that the reason it seemed that way is because the author (this is a biography, not an autobiography) was not sure of his own faith. He was searching for what to believe and why he should believe it, and I think it clouded his description of the faith of the soldier about whom the book was written.
I don't want to spoil the book for you, but I was very happy to realize at the end of the book that Ryan Job (the soldier in this book) did indeed have a clear testimony of salvation. I also thought it was exciting that the author is truly searching for the answers to life, and that is due very much to the testimony of Ryan Job and his wife.
Beyond the exciting news of a soldier who loved God and who had placed his faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, the stories about Ryan's life as a soldier were captivating. The sacrifices he and his wife made for our country made me so thankful to be an American and so grateful to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to keep this country free.
I really enjoy reading nonfiction, especially when it involves a true hero, as Ryan Job was. You can pick up this brand new book at Family Christian. You won't be disappointed!
Guiding Children From Grouchy to Grateful
In this article about teaching kids gratitude:
1. What to do when kids complain.
2. Opportunities for teaching gratitude
3. Resources for teaching kids gratitude
4. Additional articles about kids and gratefulness
5. Product recommendations
The following article, Guiding Children from Grouchy to Grateful, is written by Mrs. Mark Schultz.
“I don’t want to wear that!”
“I don’t have anything to play with!”
“I’m tired of riding in the car!”
These can be grievously familiar words to any Mom because Mothers wage the war on
keeping their children from becoming spoiled brats. Each meal, bath time, training time, or
instructions lands us on the front lines. “Why aren’t my children grateful?” our soul groans
within us each time we hear a complaint. It’s time to take our children from grouchy to grateful!
When children begin to complain they need to be redirected.
When I hear complaining I ask the offender to give me 3 things they are thankful for. Each time I do this I not only keep them from wanting to complain next time, but also show them how blessed they are. This can also be a great way to direct dinner conversation at the table towards God-honoring speech.
Another opportunity for teaching thankfulness is when you’re riding in the car. This is a great time to take turns naming things you’re thankful for. Make a game of it seeing how many times you can go around the car saying things each person is thankful for. This exercise causes you to see everything for what it really is—a gift from God. Too often we take all of life for granted.
A wise person once asked,
“What if you woke up this morning with only what you
thanked God for yesterday?”
Thought provoking! It’s time to notice the seemingly little things.
Consider the beautiful lilies. Enjoy the sparrow. And be sure to thank the One Who made them.
My mother instilled thankfulness into me, and I want my family to understand the importance of being thankful. Thankfulness is important to God. One of the sins God warns us about is being unthankful. “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was
darkened.” (Romans 1:21)
Also consider how God responded to the complaining of His people in the desert. “And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and His anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and comsumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” (Numbers 11:1)
{Want to help your children go deeper into the topic of being grateful and content? My friend Kim at Not Consumed has a Biblical study designed just for kids called A Content Heart. You can get a copy of the study right here.}
What are you going to change to help bring an attitude of thankfulness into your home?
You may also like:
5 Ways to Cultivate A Heart of Contentment in Your Children
How to teach kids to be grateful for gifts
Are you having your own struggle with gratitude? You'll enjoy our study called A Heart of Gratitude: 60 Days of Praise and Prayer. Click here to get your copy.
Free Printable Banner for Easter
I've designed a free printable banner for Easter.
I've never decorated for Easter before, but I've been thinking lately that I'd like to put more effort into celebrating Easter. If I can do so much to celebrate Christmas and Christ's coming, I should be all the more excited to celebrate the culmination of what he came to do! He didn't just die for our sins; He rose from the dead proving that He has the power to give eternal life to those who trust in Him.
That's worth celebrating!
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. I Corinthians 15: 19-22
To make the banner:
1. Print 9 copies of the blank template onto pastel colored card stock.
2. Print the “He Is Risen” letters onto white card stock.
3. Cut out all pieces.
4. Attach the cards with the letters onto the colored pieces with Glue Dots. Try not to use the same pastel color two times in a row.
5. Tape twine to the back of each card, making sure to space out the letters evenly.
6. Hang and enjoy!
Download your banner below.
Awesome! I'm so glad to have you as part of the Imperfect Homemaker community! CLICK HERE to download the banner, and watch for a welcome email from me!
Creating a Homeschool Schedule that Works
How to Create a Homeschool Schedule that Works for You is a Guest Post by Leah at As We Walk Along the Road. I appreciate her advice that comes from years of experience.
Often balancing homeschool and housework and cooking and childcare can seem like an impossible task. Trying to find time to fit it all in can leave you overwhelmed and frustrated. And when you're trying to squeeze it in with a little bit of time here and a little there, chances are none of it is getting your full attention or efforts.
I have moved all of my homeschooling posts to christianhomeschoolfamily.com.
You can go here to read this post at the new site.
10 Reasons Why You (Yes, YOU!) Are the Best Mother In the World
Do you end your days thinking no one could possibly be a worse mother than you? It’s easy to get discouraged and look at all your failures. But I’m here to tell you to put your chin up because you are the best mother in the world!
“To the Best Mom in the World”
That’s who the hand-drawn mother’s day card is addressed to. And you know what? It’s true! Your child means every word of it!
This is why you are the best mom in the world:
1. No one else’s hug feels as good as yours.
2. Lots of people can cut up a sandwich, but nobody can do it quite like you do.
3. Your child is the smartest, most adorable person in the world, but you’re the only person who tells them.
4. You have the world’s best eye for beauty. Scribbled artwork and dandelion bouquets occupy a prominent place in your home.
5. Boo-boo’s will never feel better without your special kiss.
6. No one can nurse your sick child back to health as tenderly as you can.
7. Your good night kisses are the only ones that will help your child go to sleep.
.
8. No one else can sing your child’s favorite song as beautifully as you can.
9. No one’s face could ever light up the way yours does when you see your child’s smile.
10. No one could ever love your children as much as you do.
You’re the best mom in the world.
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