Heavenly Homemakers

Encouraging women in homemaking, healthy eating and parenting

Get a “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” DVD FREEBIE!!!

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star wars free!

Freebies like this. This is why you want to be a member of our Homemaker’s Savings Club!!

I just ordered my boys the latest Star Wars movie FOR FREE! All I have to do now is to pick it up.

Sound too good to be true? It’s true!! Every once in a while TopCashBack offers a freebie like this and it is for real. The movie is free. I ordered it online yesterday. I’m picking up our free movie when I go to Walmart for groceries today. My boys are just a little bit excited.

Sign up for our Homemaker’s Savings Club to learn how you can get Star Wars: The Force Awakens DVD and Blue-ray for FREE! The deal ends April 10. Grab quickly!

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Low Sugar Dairy Free Chocolate Sauce (3 Ingredients!)

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Dairy free chocolate sauce….the new way to top a waffle.

Dairy Free Chocolate Sauce

We sure do eat a lot of cream cheese around our house.

This has nothing to do with the recipe I’m about to share with you – except that it is my way of saying, “We definitely aren’t a dairy-free family.”

Why a Dairy Free Chocolate Sauce then?

  • Because coconut milk is nourishing and I like to use it in addition to cow milk as a way to give my family a variety of nutrients.
  • Because I love having recipes on hand that I can use to bless our friends who can’t eat dairy.
  • Because this Chocolate Sauce is rockin’ and I can actually eat it because it is low in sugar.

You pretty much can’t mess up this recipe. Go ahead. Try. Not that you would. (I mean, I can sometimes mess up a recipe without even trying, say…when I’m trying to talk and cook at the same time??)

But this recipe is really fool-proof and adaptable. You can make it a little sweeter if you like. You can keep the sugar low and enjoy this as a “dark chocolate” sauce. You can add a splash of vanilla extract or mint extract.

Oh my goodness, you could stir in some peanut butter! I just thought of that, will try it, and get back to you. You’ve gotta love it when a delicious brainstorm comes in the middle of writing a sentence.

How to use your Low Sugar Dairy Free Chocolate Sauce

  • We love it on fresh strawberries, bananas, blueberries, or raspberries.
  • Often we use it as an apple dip.
  • Try stirring it into a cup of hot coffee. Yup.
  • Instead of maple syrup, spread this sauce over your pancakes or waffles.
  • Hello. Just eat it on a spoon.
  • You can drizzle this on ice cream, but if you do have to eat dairy free, you’d also have to make or find dairy free ice cream (this was obvious but still worth mentioning)

Low Sugar Dairy Free Chocolate SauceYum

Low Sugar Dairy Free Chocolate Sauce
 
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Author:
Ingredients
  • 13.5 ounce can of full fat, unsweetened coconut milk
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ - ½ cup sweetener (honey, sucanat, or brown sugar)
Instructions
  1. Mix ingredients in a small saucepan, cooking and stirring on medium heat until well combined.
  2. Serve warm or cold.
  3. Store this sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator, rewarming on the stove-top as needed. It will keep for up to a month in the fridge.

Low Sugar Dairy Free Chocolate Sauce

This sauce just takes a few minutes to whip up and it seriously tastes like a gourmet treat.

Need Coconut Milk?

I typically purchase cans of coconut milk in bulk online. Some of my favorite resources are:

Want the Dairy-Full version? You’ll find one here. Be warned: it’s super full of sugar. I should play with that and see how we can reduce it!

Can you think of other great ways to eat this sauce? 

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Why Cleaning Out Clutter is Part of My April Health Challenge

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My poor family. They don’t know what’s hit them.

Actually – my poor family nothin’. It’s all their fault and they should have seen it coming. They are the ones who leave their junk all over the house. They are the ones who don’t see the mess. They are the ones whose stuff is covering every surface of every room in this entire, enormous house. It is all them.

Except for the surfaces that I call “my desk” and “my dresser” and “my kitchen corner full of stuff I need to sift through.” But just whatever.

That’s probably why I haven’t harped much until now. I wasn’t keeping my spaces uncluttered either. I had excuses and they were real. I’d be happy to tell you all about them so that you can feel very sorry for me.

Long story short – what happened is that after a very full winter full of running and people and events – I looked up one day and saw my house. It made me SO MAD. And there sat my kids – watching Netflix. How dare they?

I snapped. I started throwing things off the ironing board (not because I was going to actually use it to iron clothing – get real). I raised my voice about all that needed to be done and started spewing out orders and making lists. I made my eleven year old tear up a bit.

It was my finest moment and I’d be happy to share parenting advice with you anytime.

Blech.

That was about the time Matt took me on a 42-hour getaway. I might have needed it just a little bit. Though it didn’t help the physical clutter go away, it did help my emotional state. I came home with a clear head, ready to energetically clear out my house.

Look out boys. Mom feels better. But she is also ready to throw out everything but your bed and shoes so if you want to keep any of your stuff – PUT IT WHERE IT BELONGS.

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school_room

I haven’t taken any pictures of our recent declutter efforts,
but since the clutter-declutter thing happens regularly enough around here,
I had some old pictures to share.

Slowly but surely, we’ve been mucking out. This is bringing more refreshment than I expected and I’m sharing it with you just in case you might have a mild case of that from which I was suffering. The clutter was causing me stress, and I didn’t even realize it. As we’ve freed up space, cleared off surfaces, and boxed up unneeded items – my physical self is winding down too. Walking into a room that is actually clean? Ah, it is a breath of fresh air.

Cleaning out clutter is part of my April Health Challenge.

It might seem silly that cleaning out clutter is a big part of my personal health challenge this month. What does throwing away trash and organizing books have to do with good health? Shouldn’t we be focused on eating right and getting fresh air? Sure – if that’s where your focus needs to be.

As for me? I can’t breathe when the clutter gets out of control. Seeing it leaves me discouraged and tense. Clearing space around my house and getting rid of unnecessary items truly is beneficial to my health, and it’s one of my biggest needs right now.

Do you need to get rid of clutter?

Might I suggest that you do this before you reach a breaking point? Choose a room. Look around. Ask yourself:

Is this item blessing our family?

If it isn’t – get rid of it. Don’t think about it too hard – otherwise you might come up with a reason to keep a broken CD “because you might be able to use it in a craft project some day.” Chuck it, friend. I’ll break a CD for you another time if in fact you end up needing one.

If the item is usable but you aren’t using it – don’t think twice. Box it up to give away or sell. Perhaps it will bless someone else.

Take joy in the fact that your home will be filled only with items you need and use. Enjoy the freedom that comes from a uncluttered space.

Be happy for me. My desk is clear and the ironing board is empty. Now I can use it to iron clothing. (Yeah right.)

Hey, join our April Health Challenge!! Are you in?

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Need a Fresh Start? April Health Challenge ~ Join Us!

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I continue to be struck with the realization that there are many great elements that all fit together like a puzzle for us to enjoy good health. These elements can look different for each of us depending on our season, situation, and needs.

Currently, these are My Top 10 Health Focus Points:

  • Spend time in the quiet, talking to God, meditating, listening, and reading His Word (my mental/emotional/spiritual health very much effects my physical health)
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Eat nourishing food, with a big focus on consuming many fruits and vegetables
  • Exercise regularly
  • Be intentional about getting enough sleep
  • Prioritize rest (which is different from sleep, although they do go together)
  • Get sunshine/Vitamin D as much as possible (my body struggles without it!)
  • Visit natural doctor and/or chiropractor regularly for help in cleansing and supplementing what my body needs
  • Visit my massage therapist monthly for overall wellness
  • Be open to learning more (I’m currently reading and researching the concept and practice of Earthing)

I believe we can all go for a time without focusing on every single “good health” thing there is. I believe we go through seasons where some elements are easier or harder than others. I believe there is more out there to learn and just about the time we think we’ve heard and tried it all, we will hear of something new.

Balance.

How to balance? I’m not sure there is a perfect solution, and I know for a fact that there’s not a one-size-fits-all action for us to take.

What I do know is that when I focus on taking care of myself and strive toward good health, I’m able to focus on and enjoy my family in a much better way. Then I’m able to look outward to the needs of others and love people as I hear God calling and leading.

For me, that’s where it’s at. I take care of myself so I can enjoy, love, and care for others.

Spring is a time for fresh starts.

I’m wondering if you’d like to join me in a time of renewal? As we swing from winter into spring and see new life sprouting up all around us, can we also take part in a fresh outlook at our health?

Join the April Health Challenge!

After a winter full of ministry, celebrations, and running almost constantly – I found God leading me to spend time the month of April seeking refreshment. I’m not sure what the day-to-day will look like for me, mostly because I’m striving for calm and choosing to listen to God’s leading on where to focus.

Perhaps my focus this month will center more on mental health more than physical. But along with that, I will strive to nourish my physical body in all the ways it craves. It all goes together.

Is there an area of health you need to focus on right now?

When you consider all the areas of good health, what rises to the top as an element you need to be more intentional about? Is there something you’ve let go that you need to pick back up? How do you feel emotionally? Physically? Are you sluggish, run-down, sad, exhausted, grumpy, or burned out? Have you been sitting too much, on the go too much, or ignoring the need to care for yourself in any way?

What steps might you take toward good health this April?

I caution you – don’t make a decision based on a knee jerk reaction. Don’t try to guess. Don’t try to tackle it all if you’ve been neglecting too many areas.

Spend time in prayer. Ask God to reveal your need and to show you where to start.

 

How to Join the April Health Challenge

Click here and sign up to join – easy as that.

 After you’ve signed up, you’ll receive an email providing you with some worksheets to help get you started.

April Challenge Worksheet

I’ll be blogging my way through my own personal health challenge this month. In addition, I’m putting together informational posts and extra resources (sent only to those who join the April Health Challenge) to encourage you toward good health.

Pass it on!

Can you think of people in your life who might find this challenge refreshing and encouraging? The more the merrier in this challenge, so I ask you to share this on your facebook page, tweet it, email it – do whatever you do that will invite to your friends to join us in this! The thought of finding better health and refreshment this month brings me such joy. But knowing many others will take part too? That makes me excited!

Let’s get the word out and encourage good health this spring!

Who’s In?

You’ve gotta sign up here to join, but I’d also love it if you leave a comment on this post to tell me more about who you are and what you’re hoping to get out of this April Health Challenge.

I can’t wait to share this time with you and be encouraged by you – knowing we’re all in this together, striving toward better overall health. Are you in?!!

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

My Favorite Grilled Chicken Tip

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Grilled chicken used to be so blah to me. This is because I find it difficult, when grilling boneless chicken breasts, to pull them off the grill at that magic moment that they are fully cooked but not overdone. Dry and tough and stringy – I’m just not a fan of boneless chicken breasts anymore.

A couple years ago, we discovered the secret. We didn’t realize this was a secret, we just happened upon it and loved our new chicken and never looked back. Last May during Asa’s graduation celebration week when we have a full house of people, one of the meals we served was Grilled Chicken. Everyone loved it and the question was asked, “Matt, what’s your secret to making such good chicken breasts on the grill?”

His reply? Don’t use chicken breasts. Use boneless chicken thighs instead.

Aha!! And here everyone thought we were serving them the perfect grilled, tender, juicy, flavorful chicken breast.

How to Make Perfect Grilled ChickenYum

  1. Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts. This makes all the difference.
  2. Marinate the thighs in something delicious before grilling (suggestions below)
  3. As you can see from the picture below, I blackened the chicken more than I meant to – and the meat still turned out juicy and flavorful! This is because chicken thighs have more fat than chicken breasts so they are much harder to ruin.
  4. We usually cook boneless thighs for 10-15 minutes on each side, turning it from time to time.

My Favorite Grilled Chicken Tip
Ever since I figured out this grilled chicken tip, I’ve started using boneless thighs just about anytime a recipe calls for boneless breasts – whether I’m grilling or not. The fat in chicken is a healthy fat – all the more reason to enjoy chicken that actually tastes good. Goodbye, boneless chicken breasts. I don’t miss you.

Obviously, bone-in chicken is also amazing on the grill. It takes longer to cook, but if you have the time – it’s worth it. In a pinch (often), I’ve found that cooking boneless chicken thighs on the grill makes for a super quick meal that has become a family favorite! I think we can all agree that super quick meals make us all happy.

An Easy, Complete Grilled Chicken Meal

Monday evening Matt, Elias, and Malachi had soccer practice, Justus had guitar lessons, and I had yoga class. Before leaving, I quickly grilled some chicken. We all met up at home later and got out the Homemade Ranch Dressing, some shredded cheese, and a container of mixed greens. We chopped up the chicken and drooled all over our amazing salads. See how easy that was?

grilled chicken2

Fresh tomatoes would have been amazing in this salad had I had some in the house.

Beyond cutting this chicken up in a salad, I’ve found that it’s super easy to steam a few different veggies while the chicken is grilling. Then we have a pretty fancy looking and tasting meal without any fuss at all. Bonus: it’s nourishing too! (Why would I be posting this otherwise??)

Make Enough So You’ll Have Leftover Grilled Chicken

We ate almost every piece of the three packages I grilled that night (it’s hard to have leftovers in this house). But if possible, I recommend grilling extra chicken if you can. The leftovers taste amazing cold or rewarmed. Eat it as is, in a tortilla wrap, or in a salad.

Marinade Ideas for Your Grilled Chicken

I’ve discovered that you don’t have to marinate your meat very long before you grill. Several hours is better than 5 minutes – but honestly sometimes I forget (how shocking) and just brush on some sauce or dressing before throwing the chicken on the grill. Grilled chicken thighs are very forgiving.

Sometimes we grill a couple different kinds so guests can have options. We make this chicken almost weekly from March to November.

Have you tried grilled chicken thighs? What are your favorite marinades?

P.S. While proofreading this, I occasionally read the word “children” instead of “chicken” in my sentences. This made me giggle-cringe and here I am telling you about it. This post is about chicken. CHICKEN. I need a nap.

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Stainless Steel Mesh Strainer – 60% off Plus a Giveaway

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I remember when I was first switching out non-healthy with healthy back when I was learning about everything from real butter to Teflon to raw milk to stainless steel. A little overwhelming? Only since I needed to throw pretty much everything out of my kitchen and start over. No big deal.

I was just at the point of getting stainless steel pots and pans when my friend said, “Now you need to get rid of all those plastic utensils that leach chemicals into your food while you cook.” I thought I would cry. Was there no end to all I needed to replace?

I wish I would have relaxed a little (lot) more then. Switching to healthier cookware and real food was and is super important, but not worth freaking out over. Slowly but surely it’s all been replaced. It didn’t need to change overnight.

Now stainless steel has become a favorite in my kitchen. If it is stainless steel, I love it and know it is safe!

stainless steel strainer

I recently had the privilege of reviewing this ECALOO Stainless Steel Super Fine Mesh Strainer.

It is made well and super helpful for straining small pieces of food out of liquid. I am especially excited to have this on hand for the times I have once again created lumpy gravy! This will save Thanksgiving, no doubt.

stainless steel strainer2

What a great way to strain bacon bits out of grease or small bones out of broth. I’ve only had this in my kitchen for a couple of weeks, but I can tell it is going to be a utensil I reach for over and over!

5 of you have the chance to win one of these ECALOO Stainless Steel Super Fine Mesh Strainers! Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win. I’ll draw 5 random winners on Wednesday, April 6.

Do you love stainless steel?

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College Students Like Easter Egg Hunts Too

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This year might have been my favorite Easter yet. A great day of worship. A houseful of college students. A kitchen full of great food. Sunshine. It was a fabulous day overall.

gratituesday[2]

So here we are, celebrating Gratituesday on Wednesday – mostly because I don’t even know what day it is. If I was feeling energetic and especially clever, I’d wait and post this on Friday, April 1. You know – April Fool’s Day? Gratituesday on Friday…hahaha. Boy, that would have been a good one. {lamest prank ever}

Bare with me here. March tried to kill me. I don’t know when I’ve last had so many huge and wonderful events to take part in all during the same month. Weddings and tournaments and youth events and banquets and meetings and all of the rest of life trying to stay afloat during it all. It has been incredibly enjoyable – but the running!! The month ended with an Easter celebration. How fitting. How perfect. How necessary.

(Technically, the month is ending with a small getaway for Matt and me. We both need it and plan to rest and not talk to people – except each other – for 36 hours. Every time I think about it, I cry. That is how I show excitement right now. This translates to, “Laura needs to get away.” Bless my husband.)

So, Easter. We were on our way home from Kansas City on Saturday after another whirlwind event for our kids. I texted Asa and told him to invite whatever college friends he wanted to join us for Easter. We stopped at the store on the way into town to buy strawberries (because, of course) and white flour rolls (because have I told you about the month I’ve had?) so we could put an easy feast on the table for Easter. I had everything else I needed in the freezer. Sunday we pulled off a grand buffet with little effort (thank you spiral cut ham and frozen vegetables for being there when we needed you).

easter 20161

We ended the meal with a Brownie Sundae Bar, of which I failed to get a picture. Here, take a look at the ham and potato bar again:

easter 20162

Elias had mixed up a Bacon(less) Ranch Hashbrown Casserole before we left for Kansas City. 

Asa didn’t hold back on inviting friends. He filled our living room with several from his soccer team, plus some of our adopt-a-students joined us. There were 16 of us altogether. God made this meal practically effortless, and I just sat back and watched the fun while they ate.

easter 20163

Then the Easter Egg Hunt began.

Five of the college guys chose to be the “hiders of the eggs.” We have a big yard (with a lot of junk all around) – making for great hiding places. The other students, plus our younger boys were handed fancy Easter baskets (plastic Walmart bags) and headed out to hunt.

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It was ridiculously fun to watch!

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While all of the rest of the day had been my favorite so far, then my favorite favorite happened. The students made their way back to the front of our house where they started to visit.

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They got the loot out of their eggs…

easter 20168

Then they began kicking a soccer ball around. In the meantime, I sat on the porch in the sunshine watching and taking it all in. My college son. His college friends. My husband and younger sons. In our yard. Hunting/hiding eggs. Talking. Kicking a ball. Laughing. Bliss.

easter 20169

Because of my exhaustion, I had been hesitant to invite anyone to join us this Easter. God gave me the green light, then He provided everything to fill the day with joy. He always knows what we need. He always provides.

And now, hallelujah, He’s provided a little getaway for my hubby and me. Think of me tomorrow while I’m sitting and not moving for many, many hours. (Elias told us we should Vlog our getaway experience. Matt told him it would be hour after hour of “Sitting,” “Still sitting,” “Sitting some more,” “Laying down now,” “Back to sitting,” “Ready to sleep…”) We sure do know how to party.

What is God providing for you right now? No matter if you’re going through the good stuff or the hard stuff, God is providing. Reflect and share!

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Too Many Emails? Here’s a Solution!

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Many of you have chosen to be a “daily newsletter subscriber.” That means that whenever I post something on my blog – which is just about every weekday – you get an email sharing that information. Love this? Great! You don’t need to change anything!

But for the rest of you? I continue to see people unsubscribe saying, “My inbox is too full!”

email-message-lite-plus-icon_zJNV9pUO_L

Oh how I hear you. I think we’re all at a place in our lives where we want a less cluttered email inbox. (I’d also like a less cluttered house and yard. Would someone please unsubscribe me from the constant flow of dirty dishes???)

While I completely understand people’s desire to see fewer emails, I really don’t want to lose you as a reader and subscriber! You mean a lot to me!

Here are some solutions to your “I get too many emails!” conundrum:

1. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter Instead

You’ll still get all the information I post here, but it all comes in one email on Monday afternoons. The only drawback to this is that sometimes I post something that is time sensitive and by the time you read about it on Monday, the deal has expired. That’s rare though, I and do my best to avoid this issue if I possibly can.

Want to switch from daily newsletter to weekly newsletter? Do that here.

2. Join our Heavenly Homemaker’s Savings Club

These emails go out roughly twice each week and they share the best money saving tips and deals I have found. You might want this newsletter in addition to the regular one, or you might want it instead of. Either way, you can count on this email to offer you great ways to save money in your healthy homemaking endeavors!

3. Join our Heavenly Homemaker’s Learning Zone

This one is specifically for those of you who are looking for educational resources for kids. Many of these resources are free!! I continue to have fun putting together Educational Learning Packets to share with members of the Learning Zone. (Right now if you subscribe you get free Springtime Activity Packets.) Again, you might want this one in addition to any of the other subscriptions. You make the call.

Love reading what I share at Heavenly Homemakers daily as it comes out? Continue reading directly on the blog here or subscribe to our daily newsletter!

I just wanted to catch you all up on all the options available. We aim to please!

What’s your preference? Does your inbox overwhelm you?

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MockMill Giveaway Winner!!

Suz: belauvibes@ – you win the Mockmill Grain Mill Giveaway from Pleasant Hill Grain! Email me and I’ll forward your info on for your prize!

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54-Ounces of Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – Just $11.94!

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I posted this a couple weeks ago, but (brace yourself) THE PRICE JUST GOT LOWER!!!! Get this while it’s available. We bought them out when I posted before, so I wouldn’t wait. Plus, you never know when the price will go up!

spectrum coconut oil

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Communication in Marriage: The Tale of Two French Fries

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I originally posted this in 2012. Since that time, Matt and I have spent quite a bit of time mentoring and counseling couples who are soon to be married. This is the story we always tell when we’re introducing the topic of communication. Since it’s so good for all of us to be reminded of this truth, I felt this story was worth posting for you again…

What French Fries Teach Us About Communication

Matt and I have some wonderful friends who once shared with us a fun story of something they learned within the first year of their marriage. This story has everything to do with french fries…but really nothing at all to do with french fries. Hang with me here.

I’ve taken a little bit of literary license here since I don’t know the exact details of how everything went for our friends, plus, I’m really just trying to make a point. Also, while telling this story, I’ll call our friends Gertrude and Hank, because shucks, thinking of fictitious names for our friends is just downright fun.

Gertrude and Hank were delighted to be newlyweds and as with all couples in love, they were eager to please each other in every way. As you can imagine, this desire to please each other was quite apparent when they dined together on french fries. Isn’t it always? I mean, this is the stuff Hallmark cards are made of.

Gertrude absolutely loves the fat, soggy type of french fries. Hank, on the other hand, much prefers the thin, crispy, crunchy french fries. And so, in this couple’s desire to show love and care for one another, each was sure to give the other the best, most tasty french fries.

Gertrude, because of her love of big, soggy fries, always placed the fattest, soggiest french fries on Hank’s plate. He cheerfully accepted them and sacrificially ate the plump potatoes, knowing that he would then be allowing his beloved to eat the choicest of fries – the thin, crispy, crunchy ones. Both Gertrude and Hank were thrilled to be pleasing one another by giving up what they knew to be the best of the fries.

And so it went for months, every time the couple ate french fries together.

Until finally, one day, Gertrude and Hank participated in a little bit of french fry communication. Somehow, the truth came out about each person’s french fry preference and their desire to give up what they each really wanted in order to please the other one. Lo and behold, in their effort to please each other, and in their failure to communicate, they had both been wrong in their assumption of what the other truly wanted. Thus, they had both been choking down french fries that neither of them really liked.

The End.

The moral of the story is that you and your spouse need to always be very up front about your french fry preferences. And also, you should communicate often about other, more important details in life and in your marriage. It is important to be selfless as you work to please your spouse, but for goodness sake, communicate.

Gertrude and Hank were doing what they thought was best for one other. They were both playing the martyr, sacrificing their own desires, in the name of love, for their spouse. But the end result was that no one was happy with their french fries. What a waste of good ketchup. 

Talk to your spouse. Be up front with your desires. And for the love (or not) of crispy french fries, always communicate.

P.S. Gertrude and Hank – you guys rock. Thank you for the way Jesus shines through your godly marriage.

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