(GIRL) Book Recommend for SUMMER!

Created to Be His Helpmeet. I've found that I've been recommend this to gals on the countdown to marriage, and I realized that I haven't really shared this book with ladies who've are married. This book has revolutionized my marriage. Actually, applying Biblically based concepts to my marriage has revolutionized my marriage. :) Created to Be His Helpmeet was written by Debbi Pearl. She and her husband, Michael founded the ministry, No Greater Joy. The website itself is something I'd recommend checking out. They have articles that are geared towards marriage, parenting, homeschooling, etc.

Created to Be His Helpmeet is one of those books that you can't put down. Debbi is a down to earth woman who focuses on becoming not only a woman of God, but on becoming a FUN wife who understands her man and his needs. This book is almost like a really practical owners manual for marriage and men. She spends a chapter reviewing four different types of men. When I read this, it was easy to identify which of the personality types my husband was, and so refreshing to see someone "point out" the amazing qualities he possesses. It was also refreshing to learn how to support him in ways that would speak to him. As I started applying the Biblical principles I was learning, I found myself relaxing into my God given role as wife and helpmeet to my leader-type husband.

Another thing I really loved about this book, is that it also teaches you how to lighten up a little. For those who know my dad, he's really sincere, and came come across as being intense at times. I definitely take after him in my marriage life, so this aspect of the book was particularly helpful. I want to be fun and spunky too!

I was walking with a friend the other day who has read this book, and something she pointed out is that it is fraught with scripture. There is no principle that isn't found in scripture.

I'd love to recommend getting it from NGJ ministries, but being rich in blessings and not in cash, I usually hit up amazon.com first. I did a search on Amazon and found several used copies for under $7!

I've love to hear from you if you've read this book, and one thing you found to be particularly helpful for you in your marriage!

Coming soon . . .

Starting the second week in July I'm going to be posting a simple devotional every Friday OR Saturday. This is the first time I've done something like this so it may last one week . . . or it may last longer. It may be super simple, or deep, useful, or not. I'm not an accomplished writer by any means, so these may be fraught with grammar mistakes, and I'm going to try and ignore those. :) The purpose for doing this is to give myself reason to study God's word deeper than I would otherwise, and my hope is that the result of that study might benefit others too! I would love feedback and discussion for those who are interested!!

Homemade Salad Dressings

It could be that everyone and their dog makes their own salad dressings using fresh ingredients, and avoiding spending $$ on store bought, so maybe this won't be interesting at all. My hope is that at least someone will enjoy these 3 salad dressings, the last of which is still in progress. I'd love more suggestions if anyone has some!

This dressing goes well with the following ingredients:
Greens, cucs, dried crans, diced apple, tomato, slivered almonds, and feta.

1/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. salsa
1 tsp. curry
1 tsp. powdered mustard
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1/3 c. e-voo

This dressing goes with a Grilled Chicken Salad with Oranges recipe that is pretty tasty, but I just had it with greens, cucs, snap peas, black beans, feta, and sunflower seeds, and it was great! Let me know if you want the chicken salad recipe, although it might be on the blog already, I don't remember. I usually double this recipe.

1/3 c. orange juice (I like fresh!)
2 Tbsp lemon juice
3 Tbsp e-voo
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/4 tsp. salt
pepper to taste

So, the dressing in progress is just a simple olive oil and vinegar, about half and half. Brian suggested adding chervil and marjoram, and pepper. Any more suggestions?

Enjoy saving money and eating healthy!