HAPPY THANKSGIVING SKYMOMS!

YOU ARE LOVED!

~Tori Miller

Sky Ranch SkyMoms Ministry Director

Set the Bar HIGH for you and your family!

The bar has been set for us.
“Be Holy, for I am Holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

When we are busy looking around at every other family, their kids, their achievements, their success, their failures, their acclaim, their possessions, their influence, their abilities, their “perfection”, …and so on, we lose focus.

The bar has been set for us. 

“Be Holy, for I am Holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

Others aren't the bar.  Even the godliest of families are flawed.  They can be great encouragement for us, but if you are looking to them as your bar, they will let you down.  They will fall.  And when they do something you don’t agree with, you will be discouraged.  And when they do something you want to do (even if it’s not God’s best for you) they give you a free pass.  “If they do it, I can do it…I want to be like them.”

The bar has been set for us.  Keep your eyes on the bar.  

“Be Holy, for I am Holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

Life Lessons from SkyMoms Parenting Mentor Lisa Clark

Decorating with Beth Bryson... A Thanksgiving Table Decoration- So Festive!

Supplies:

1  Extra large package popcorn seeds

1 large package white beans

5-6 small mini pumpkins (fresh or fake)

ribbon (your choice)- * 1 1/2 yards will be enough to tie a nice knot around the vase.

1 large glass vase

Directions:  Place the package of  popcorn in the bottom of the container.  Next, arrange the mini pumpkins over the popcorn seeds.  Pour the white beans over/around the pumpkins.  Lastly,  tie a double ribbon band/knot around the container.   ENJOY the pretty colors and, this grand season of thankfulness!

This season is a time for counting our blessings and, taking time each day to Thank the Lord for ALL that we have!   We are beyond blessed to be Americans and, we celebrate all of the freedoms that we have because of this.  Enjoy each day this month!   Be blessed and rejoice!

~Beth

http://flair-for-home.com

Sky Ranch SkyMoms Retreat...GATHER YOUR GIRLFRIENDS NOW!

~amazing leaders

~powerful worship

~digging into God's Word

~great accommodations

~great gift

~fabulous food

~refreshing coffee

~an awesome long sleeved t-shirt

~fun decore'

~incredible fellowship

~and you can even do the zip line!

All this and so much more!

We want you to join us and have a sensational time finding your "Pure Joy"

Don't Delay, Register Today!!!!

Sky Ranch Family Devotional Better Together…Hannah’s Wise Heart, with Stacy A. Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Fun Icebreaker: What is wisdom to you? 

Topic 2 Question: Who is in God’s Community? 

Today’s Big Idea: Hannah’s Wise Heart 

God’s community is full of people who turn to God for help by praying. Hannah is a wonderful example of a person who turned to God, praying with all of her heart. Spend time reading 1 Samuel 1:1-28. It is the story of Hannah and the blessing of her son, Samuel. Hannah struggled with a difficult situation. She was mocked and humiliated by other people because of her problem with barrenness, or not being able to have a child. Hannah had a choice in her response. Hannah’s response to the situation showed a heart of wisdom. A wise person knows, like Hannah did, to turn to God and seek His help. 

Talk with God: Read the scripture aloud. 

But Hannah replied,”…I have poured out my soul before the 

LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:15 (NET) 

Walk with God: Read aloud and discuss. 

You will have difficult situations in your life and there is no avoiding trouble. Your dilemmas may be different from Hannah’s problems, but they can cause you just as much stress. In scripture, God tells you not to be anxious, but in everything pray with thanksgiving and let God know about your prayer requests (Philippians 4:6). God wants you to ask Him for help. He also gives advice to help ease your anxiety, or worry, at the time. He says to thank Him for your hardships. I know that sounds hard, but it really does work. During your next hardship, try it, thank God for the difficulty in your life, asking Him to help you through your problems and showing you His message. Scripture says to seek God first (Matthew 6:33), but often God can be the last place that you turn. God has the answers, but wants you to ask. God doesn’t force His help on you; He waits like a friend until you want His help. Don’t hesitate--seek Him first. Later, you can talk to trusted family members or friends. God can place wise people in your life to speak His truth to you, by guiding your steps through His Word. 

Discuss with your family: When you have difficulty, where do you first turn for help? Like Hannah, do you think to pray for help? What would encourage you to seek help from God?

Prayer suggestion: Pray for God’s wisdom to seek His help. 

I will be praying for you!

Stacy

Stacy A. Davis, Author

Sky Ranch Family Devotionals 

© 2013 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Guest Blogger Beth Bryson brings SkyMoms a Fabulous Recipes: Bacon Praline Crackers

Do you need a quick appetizer for Thanksgiving or Christmas Parties that will be here before we know it????  These little bacon crackers are so good and the best part is that they will keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.  I saw The Pioneer Woman make these a few weeks ago and then I “tweaked” the recipe and made my own version.  

Print

Bacon Praline Crackers

Author: Flair-For-Home

Recipe type: Appetizer

Prep time:  15 mins

Cook time:  1 hour 45 mins

Total time:  2 hours

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 sleeve club style crackers
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 5 slices thin cut bacon, cut in fourths
• Cinnamon and Sugar

Instructions

1. Place a thin layer of brown sugar on a cracker and, then, wrap a piece of bacon around it. Repeat this process until each cracker is finished. Lightly sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the top of each cracker. Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour and 45 mins. or, until the bacon is browned. Let cool and, serve right away or, refrigerate until you need them.
2. Easily doubled.

These are tasty little treats.  I truly wish you and yours a HAPPY Thanksgiving and Holiday Season, and as always, lots of living with FLAIR!  ~ Beth

http://flair-for-home.com

Sky Moms Retreat 2015... Don't miss it!

SkyMoms Retreat 2015

January 24th and 25th

Van, TX

Do the words builder, watchman, toiling, warrior, and sleep ever enter your mind in this labor of love called parenting?

Have you ever thought about your children being a heritage, a reward, an arrow, or a blessing?  

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127

No matter if your quiver has one child or ten, you need to know that your labor is not in vain!  

Plan to attend this retreat and be encouraged as we look to the Lord to be the primary builder of our homes. It is possible to have PURE JOY in the building process!

REGISTER NOW!

Sky Ranch Family Devotional Better Together…Jonathan and David’s Friendship , with Stacy A. Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Fun Icebreaker: What is true friendship to you? 

Topic 2 Question: Who is in God’s Community? 

Today’s Big Idea: Jonathan and David’s Friendship 

In scripture, God gives examples of true friends like Jonathan and David to show you a picture of friendship, and that God’s community is made of true friends. If you would like to read this story in scripture, it is in 1 Samuel 20:1-42. In the story of Jonathan and David, two friends risked their own lives to protect each other. They often gave up their own personal wants for the other person. There was so much trust between them, they defended, encouraged, and suffered through trials to help each other. They truly wanted the best for their friend and supported the other in real friendship. Jonathan and David are excellent examples of how God wants you to be a friend in His community. 

Talk with God: Read the scripture aloud. 

Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you say, I will do for you.” 

1 Samuel 20:4 (ESV) 

Walk with God: Read aloud and discuss. 

Surrounding yourself with people who love and desire the best for you is important. A few good qualities of true friends are kindness, loyalty, and accountability. A true friend builds you up, rather than tears you down. They stand by you all the time, encouraging you to stand for God’s truth. A true friend also challenges you to be all that God designed you to be, not settling for something less.

 A real friend will not bully. Bullying is a real threat today; it can happen in a cell phone text, online, or in person. Bullying is the opposite of friendship, and a true friend stands by you if you are being bullied. God shares that you are not to participate in something wrong, like bullying. In Ephesians 5:11, you are encouraged to expose the action and tell others. True friends stick together and help each other, no matter the circumstance. 

Discuss with your family: How has friendship with someone helped you personally? What do you like about friendship with another person? Can you see a difference in Jonathan and David’s friendship and some of your friendships? What? 

Prayer suggestion: Pray for God to help you understand friendship. 

I will be praying for you!

Stacy

Stacy A. Davis, Author

Sky Ranch Family Devotionals 

© 2013 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

Guest Blogger Beth Bryson, brings SkyMoms some fabulous recipes! Pumpkin Pancakes With Salted Caramel Syrup

These pumpkin pancakes are so DELICIOUS and fluffy!  My children absolutely asked for seconds!  I used pancake mix that only requires adding water.  Super EASY!   These pancakes would be great for a neighborhood “FALL BREAKFAST” or for any fun fall occasion.

The salted caramel syrup truly puts these pancakes “over the top”~  I truly hope you will make these soon!  Fall flavor will burst in your mouth!

Pumpkin Pancakes With Salted Caramel Syrup

Author: Beth Bryson ~ Flair-For-Home

Prep time:  5 mins

Cook time:  5 mins

Total time:  10 mins

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3 cups pancake mix (add water per package directions)
• ½ can pumpkin puree
• ½ can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 t. cinnamon sugar spice
• ½ t. pumpkin pie spice
• 1 jar caramel ice cream syrup
• ½ t. ground sea salt

Instructions

1. Mix pancake batter in a medium size mixing bowl, according to the package. Add the pumpkin puree and stir. Add the sweetened c. milk and spices and stir. Be careful not to over stir the batter.
2. Place ½ cup batter on a hot griddle or hot skillet. Repeat the process until the griddle is full. Turn the pancakes once little air pockets appear on the cakes. Remove from the griddle once they are a light golden brown. * Be sure and spray the griddle with baking spray.
3. Serve hot with warm caramel syrup drizzled over the top. Sprinkle the sea salt over the syrup. SO GOOD!
4. The batter will keep in the refrigerator 1-2 days. Simply cover with plastic wrap and chill.

I love the color of this pancake batter!  

As Always…..LIVING WITH FLAIR!  ~ Beth
http://flair-for-home.com