MrsDrPoe: Constant Encouragement

Happy Foto Friday to you all!  We're all moved in to the new place; although, we're still working on the hardwoods and waiting on our new furniture.  So instead of showing the typical house pix I've been sharing, I'd like to show you one method we've found particularly helpful in the area of constantly encouraging ourselves to live more like Christ:

writing on our mirrors throughout the house.  This is my side of the large one in our bathroom; every time I wash my face or hands or brush my teeth, I'm reminded of the command in Ephesians 5:22 that as a wife, I should submit to Mr. Poe as to the Lord.  

We've been doing this for years, and it's really helped me to focus throughout the day on scripture that focuses on areas that I feel I need the most encouragement (like respecting my husband, being anxious, etc.).

What ways have you found to encourage your families to be the people we should be?

MrsDrPoe: The Rich Young Ruler, Part 2

The week is almost out, which means another Theology Thursday is upon us!  Today we'll be continuing our discussion of the rich young ruler, so as always, I invite you to open your Bibles with me as we look at another portion of God's word.

If you remember, last week we looked at the story of the rich young ruler, how difficult Jesus said it is for the rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven, and that we too may need to get rid of our money and things if they are diminishing our trust in God.  Today we'll focus on the reminder of the passage, Luke 18:26-30.  

In verse 26, the disciples are taken aback by Jesus' teaching.  Then, like now, the rich were privileged, and if it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom, the disciples don't see how anyone can enter.  Jesus responds, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."  In this one statement, Jesus clarifies that while we cannot enter on our own accord, all men, no matter what their social status, can enter into the kingdom by the grace of God.

Another typical 'response' when studying this portion of the passage is simply to justify that we don't have to live in poverty to serve God and move on with our Bible study.  Again, this is true...but what should we be doing with our riches if they're not hindering our trust in God?  Here are some practical examples of how we can use our blessings to serve the kingdom.

- host a Bible study, prayer session, or gathering in your home (like Lydia!)
- use your projector/big screen to show music for a singing
- invite brethren in need to stay in your home
- offer to baby sit for free while a parent or other child is sick
- make a meal for a needy brother or sister
- go visit shut-in or hospitalized brethren
- loan a brother/sister in need your car or offer to drive him/her somewhere
- volunteer your time and/or tools to help someone complete a necessary project
- fund your own mission trip or support someone else's
- donate unused or slightly used clothing, food, furniture, etc.
- sell something and give the proceeds to needy brethren (like in Acts!)

As we conclude our look at the rich young ruler, let's remember the end of the passage (Luke 18:29-30) where Jesus tells us that whatever we give up for the kingdom (family, possessions, etc.), we will receive many times more in this life and eternal life when our physical bodies die.  So, if we find our riches drawing us closer to the world and farther from Christ, we needn't be anxious about getting rid of them...trusting in the Lord affords us innumerable blessings through His body!


I hope this study has been as helpful for you as it has been for me.  Let us always remember that all that we have we have been given and that we should use everything in a way that best glorifies God!

MrsDrPoe: Chicken Enchiladas

Welcome to What's for Dinner Wednesday!  Tonight I'd like to share an experiment from Mr. Poe's favorite food genre - chicken enchiladas.

Ingredients: 8 flour tortillas, 8 oz chicken breast (cooked and shredded), 1 cup cooked rice, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 can Rotel, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 cups milk (not pictured), 8 oz of shredded cheddar cheese (divided).

Combine chicken, rice, soup, Rotel, sour cream, and 1/3 of the cheese in a medium bowl:

Place a liberal amount of the mixture on a tortilla, fold, and continue until all the tortillas are stuffed.  Arrange the filled and folded enchiladas in a single layer in a casserole dish. In a small saucepan, warm the milk over med heat.  Add cheese and stir frequently until the cheese melts; pour the finished cheese sauce over the enchiladas:

Bake at 350 until filling is hot, cheese sauce is bubbly, and the tops of the enchiladas are slightly browned (about 10-20 minutes depending on the starting temperature of filling ingredients).  Enjoy!

MrsDrPoe: The Barclays

Good morning to all!  For the next edition of Poes' Pals, I'd like you to meet another couple here in Atlanta, the Barclays:

While we're all members of the same body of Christ, Mr. Poe and I have really gotten to know the Barclays through a Tuesday night home Bible study this school year.  Mr. Barclay is a recent psychology graduate of Georgia State and is currently in the process of grad school shopping.  Mrs. Barclay is almost finished with a degree in early childhood and special education (also at GA State).

The Barclays make such a great couple!  They share a deep love for the Lord and for children; they both are diligent and hard working and have fantastic taste in both clothes and music.  Their annual Christmas Mix CDs are a wonderful example of the latter (that may not mean much coming from me, but the fact that Mr. Poe requested I bring them on our Christmas travels should say something).

Mr. Poe and I have really enjoyed our time with the Barclays, and, though we'll miss them if they move away after they wed, we hope they will have many more happy years together serving the Lord wherever life takes them! 

MrsDrPoe: Deals, 2/26

It's another Money Monday on the blog!  After moving the remainder of our stuff from the apartment to the house, I'm certainly thankful that there are more free pain patches this week!

CVS
ThermaCare Lower Back and Hip, 1ct. ($3.79) - get back $3.79 in ECBs
Colgate Sensitive ($4.99) - get back $4 in ECBs, $0.75/1 SS 2/12, 2/26
Select Easter Candy - get back $3 in ECBs WYB $10

Wags
Belvita Breakfast Biscuits, 8 ct. ($2.99) - get back $1.99 in RR, $1/1 SS 2/26
Baby Magic Dustless Baby Powder, 0.28 oz ($6.00) - get back $6 w/ MIR