What do you live for?

What do your days consist of?

Where do your thoughts turn most?

What do you tend to worry about?

What do you live for?

There can be many answers to these questions, but I propose to you this:
Christ wants us to live to know Him more!

This may sound easy, but I am very aware in my own life the constant distractions that take my focus off of this mandate. The life God has given me to enjoy can be the very thing that hinders me from getting to know God in a greater way.

When I met my husband, 17 years ago this May, he took over every thought, intention, motive, and direction of my life. I found out that I could love someone greater than I had ever loved anyone else. Every day, the minute my eyes opened, I thought of nothing else. I had those silly little feelings in the pit of my stomach every time I saw him. I would have done ANYTHING for him.

I, also, wanted to learn about him. I wanted to know everything I could about his life before we met, as well as his likes, dislikes, accomplishments and failures. We needed to talk. We needed to spend time together. We needed to just be together.

This is what my Jesus wants from each one of us.

He wants to invade our thinking. He wants us to do anything for Him. He wants to be the first and last thing we think about each day. He wants us to spend time with him; praying, crying, listening, and reading the Words He has given us to live by.

How well do you know my Savior?

Click on the link below to meet some other of my friends from Talkin' about Thursdays.

Blogging is about New Friends

Today on Talkin' about Thursdays we are sharing our favorite blogs.

I started blogging April of 2009. Little did I know what I was embarking on. I have come to meet some amazing people who have encouraged me greatly. I have also become a part of a larger body of Christ who have uplifted me during the biggest trial of my life. My dear son has so many believers all over the world praying for him. Thanks to all of you who are part of my life.

My friend Kristin over at Once Upon a Time has allowed me to share momentous times with her family as well as gently, but firmly reminding me of my responsibility as a mom and wife.

I've only met Ann as of late, but have been so moved by her Holy Experience.

Sarah invites us to examine nutrition and health at The Healthy Home Economist. She always has great info on staying healthy even if it goes against the norm. She also has great recipes.

For those of you who have teenagers, or, as I like to call them, young adults, the Harris Twins reside at The Rebelution. They encourage your kiddos to Do Hard Things.

There are also many gals who have sharpened my iron lately over at (In) Courage.

I can't forget about my new comrade, Stacey, at A Lamb in the Field. Her thoughts and words challenge me.

And last but not least click on the button at the top to meet Genny at My Cup 2 Yours who has hosted these great "get to know you" times.

Dinner Done

I love food. That's what we are sharing on Talkin' about Thursday.

If you would have asked what my least favorite chore was five or so years ago, I would have confidently replied, "cooking".

But through my journey of the last 5 years, which included adopting our youngest, who had severe stomach issues, I have come to realize this a vital part of being a wise woman and mommy. So God has graciously increased my love to cooking. I have also learned to love the crockpot, since my day is full of many other tasks.


I had to search high and low for my favorite dinner recipe since cheesecake doesn't qualify.


Alas, I have found one that is always a hit. It is so easy and full of goodness for the soul and body. It is one of those lovely comfort foods.

Cowboy Casserole 1 onion, chopped1 1/2 lbs. ground chuck, browned and drained6 medium potatoes, sliced2 cups of red beans (I have used pinto; try to use dry beans. Soak over night and cook prior to using.)1 can tomatoes mixed with 2 tbsp. of floursalt, pepper and garlic to taste

Put chopped onion in bottom of crockpot; layer with browned meat, sliced potatoes, and beans. Spread tomatoes over all. Sprinkle with seasonings as desired. Cover and cook on low 7-9 hours. Note: You can add many more ingredients if you want. I have added fresh green beans or any other vegetable you want. I have also doubled the recipe.

Oh, dear. My mouth is watering....I guess I know what's for dinner!
Enjoy!!

Lovey Dovey Day

Valentine's Day....that's what we are blogging about on talkin' about Thursday.

This day has always been a bitter sweet in years past. I've struggled with expectations and let those guide me instead of loving my man and enjoying him. Each year that goes by, the Lord grows me in this area. The romance is important, but there are many more important things.

~ I have a godly husband, who desires to lead this little flock in the ways of the Lord.
~ I have a godly husband who works hard every day so that I can be my children's teacher and nurturer.
~ I have a godly husband who cherishes me in the little things.

So maybe he doesn't give me flowers all the time,(although I did get a certificate for a massage this year), or lots of little gifts, but I know without a shadow of doubt that I am loved and will always be.

This year, my parents were in town, so we were able to actually go on a date the Friday before Valentine's Day. Sunday, we spent the evening with our wonderful friends and spiritual family having a Valentine's Dinner that included everyone married or single. We played a couple of games and then heard a message on The Love of God. Have you ever viewed the cross as the height, depth and breadth of love? It is the perfect picture of true agape love. Let this be our example for eternity.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can

Today on Talkin' about Thursdays we are discussing our personal goals.

Wow, this is a tough one.

I am not one to make alot of goals, period. I consider my "goals" more moments of day by day changing.

I'm not sure if this is good or bad.

One overarching "goal" is to wake in the early hours, so as to commune with my Master. This has been a fight and will be for the rest of my life. I probably have never seen it as a goal because due to the seasons in life, I don't know if I will ever achieve it.

And, I guess, this discussion, has revealed something further...I am a sort of perfectionist. If I can't attain the end result of achieving a goal without failing at all, I would rather not term it a "goal".

(Boy, I feel like I have just rambled on and on....)

On a more serious note, most of you, my lovely readers, know ,we, Cartwrights, have had quite a year in 2009 and one of us is not here right now. This event has resulted in much inner reflection.

So, I do consider a few things I would like to "own" in the next year:

1. More consistent respect and patience with my Darling. Those of us moms, who have boys that we are raising, know the importance of this. I want to honor God in this, but my little, big men also drive me to this. I am always clued into the fact that if I disrespect their Daddy, they will disrespect me...you can bet on it.

2. Reconciliation with our oldest arrow. This may not happen in my time and this desire is a "two way street", but this is my heart. Please pray for this to happen too. "Hoss" is hurting...I know the One and Only healer of that hurt. I must take my burden to This Healer every day.

3. Being proactive to help my children be more effective as "world changers." We can get very comfortable in our Western lives. I want my children to Do Hard Things.

O, Great Giver of life, empower me with your Spirit to achieve these things...for your glory.

"Mrs. Cartwright"

I first started blogging around April of 2009. It sure has been a journey. It started out as a way to keep my loved ones updated on the goings on at "The Ponderosa". It has turned into a journey of journaling and has been a sort of "therapy" for me. I never thought I liked to write, but I have found this is a joy. It has also been a great adventure getting to know other like-minded bloggers who have emerged as such encouragement to my soul.

I joined Talkin' about Thursdays to get you know some of you that I haven't met yet. Genny, over at MyCup2Yours is asking us to tell a little about ourselves.

A few things about me:

1. I love to crosstitch!! If and when I have time, amidst homeschooling and other life duties, this is the most relaxing thing to my body, mind and soul.

2. Biblical Christian Counseling is something I would like to pursue in my next life, or rather season of life. There are so many hurting women. The Bible is the ultimate handbook for helping them. This is a delightful burden I carry.

3. I hate seafood...I know. This is something you always wanted to know...and yes, I do live in Florida. The location of my existance has always been a source of strife in my life. I grew up in Wisconsin and hated milk, and now in Florida, surrounded by the seas, I detest seafood.

4. I wear size 9 1/2 shoe. AND am only 5'4" tall. Somehow I missed out on the height gene, but my feet didn't get the message.

5. I don't have a favorite anything. Does that mean I can't make up my mind? I don't think so. I prefer to think that my favorites change do to the surroundings in my life.

Just click on the button above to join the party.