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From Susan Merrill

The Blog

Marriage

What to Do When You’re Not in the Mood

There is a lot that goes into making a marriage great, and it’s important to talk about the basics like loving your husband well, making him a priority, and spending time together. But there is a huge part of marriage that we can be afraid to talk about realistically. Yes, I’m talking about sex! When you have kids, employees, and friends to serve and love, it can be hard to have energy left to love on your husband. Yet of all the people I love, he is the one I care about and want to please most. So I’ve had to figure out how to make Mark a priority when I’m tired, distracted by the kids, and flat out not in the mood. One important thing I have learned is that sometimes, I have to get myself in the mood. Mark’s love language is physical touch, and he craves physical affection and intimacy from me. But when I’m just not feeling it, I can still choose to love selflessly and put him first. What that has looked like for me is sending the kids to bed early, lighting candles, putting on some music, and having a glass of wine. I …

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Encouragement

I Was Justified, and I Was Wrong

Have you ever made a decision for your life and been totally convinced it was right only to find out you were wrong? At the end of last year, I was convinced that this year I needed more down time for me. And I was justified! Last year was hard. I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and both emotionally and physically depleted. This was not a want; this was a need. I needed more “me” time. But I was wrong. More time for me is what I wanted. But it is not what God wanted. He wanted me to spend more time with Him! What’s more is He made it very clear to me. Within days of laying out my fantastic plan for my year, two things happened back-to-back. First, Mark and I were at a conference where we got to preview a powerful movie called War Room which will be released in late August. There were three central themes in the movie that really hit home with me. The movie follows the story of a woman whose family is falling apart. She meets an odd older woman who befriends her and shares her “war room” with her–a record of prayers for all the …

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Sunday Suppers

Lamb Burger Dinner

I have recently discovered a new way to make burgers… have you ever tried a lamb burger? Oh my, it is so delicious! Your kids would never know that it wasn’t ordinary beef, and better yet, lamb is comparable in price! You can spice them up however you would like, but these are so yummy and simple. Top them with anything you have in the house, but I did feta cheese, tomatoes, onion aioli and lettuce. So fire up the grill and have a little fun! Conversation Starters 1. What do you like to do for fun? 2. What is your favorite way to relax? 3. What makes you laugh the most? Main Dish Dessert

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Encouragement

Inspiring and Noble

Have you ever wondered how some people have so much courage? Have you ever thought to yourself, I am not nearly as brave as so-and-so? Or that because you are ‘just a mom’ you don’t have the grit that some others do? The truth is, you are brave, you are courageous–because you are a mom. A mom who loves her kids so much that she would be willing to sacrifice anything and everything for them. To me, that is the most selfless, better yet, most noble thing you can do. The Noble movie is coming to theaters tomorrow, May 8th. I want to make you aware that this movie exists because, like a lot of really good movies that tell a story of hope, it won’t get block-buster advertising dollars. It is a heartbreakingly beautiful movie about a forsaken child who becomes a woman, triumphs over adversity and turns her past into a passion that saves lives–children’s lives. And just like you, her nobility and courage comes from being a ‘mother’ to many. Make it a girl’s night out and go see Noble!

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Encouragement

You are a REAL Beauty–Celebrate It!

So, what you doing tomorrow? How about a trip to the club? Sam’s Club, that is! I am so excited because iMOM and Dove are partnering at Sam’s Club locations all across the country to celebrate mothers everywhere. Seriously, I have lunch at the club every Saturday–love those sample peeps. And they love me some yummy tasters. It’s a real deal if you have kids. OK, back to tomorrow. I am going to be at the Sam’s Club, 5135 South Dale Mabry Highway, in Tampa, Florida this Saturday, May 2, from 11:00 – 11:30 a.m. But no matter what location you go to, there will be an iMOM and Dove booth with free Mother’s Day cards for your kids, an inspiration card for you, and a photo booth for you and your kids to get snappy in. Fun at the club! If you are wondering why Dove and iMOM are partnering, there is a story. Dove has a campaign celebrating what they call “real beauty.” The videos they have produced promote stronger, healthier self image for young girls and women. Three of my kids are girls and I found Dove’s Dove Evolution video on real beauty when my oldest daughter was in middle school …

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Sunday Suppers

Garlic Cheddar Chicken Dinner

Feel like you have run out of ideas when it comes to making chicken for dinner? Say cheese! My sister Kathie has provided another simple, yet delicious dinner that the whole family should love: Garlic Cheddar Chicken Dinner. Toss a salad with some Italian dressing and slice up a fresh, warm loaf of Italian bread covered in garlic butter…and you are in Little Italy! Conversation Starters: When I was a kid… 1. How old were you when you got your first cell phone? 2. How did you and your husband meet? How did he ask you to marry him? 3. What nicknames have you had and why do you have them?

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Sunday Suppers

A Sunday Supper for the Whole Family

Ladies, as we head into spring and summer, I’m sure our recipe books could use some revamping! I am excited because the fatherhood program within the organization that I work for shared some really easy and yummy recipes for dad to make with the kids, and I thought you might enjoy them too. From ground beef to lamb chops, you will find 5 simply delicious recipes for your hubby and kids to make together. Enjoy!

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Encouragement

A Noble Woman Saving Women

Keisha, the Director of Created Women, is my third nomination for the She Is Noble contest. I love how Merriam-Webster defines being noble – it is having, showing, or coming from personal qualities that people admire, such as honesty, generosity or courage. It’s Keisha’s courage that makes her noble to me. She is fearless. She has a passion to go where I wouldn’t have the courage to go – out on the street, in the middle of the night, to meet with trafficked women working the streets and in the strip clubs. Why? Because she is noble and wants to give these women a greater hope for what their lives could be. This is Keisha’s heart, “There are not a lot of people willing to say, ‘Yes’. Yes to vulnerable women. Yes to women who walk in dark alleys. Women who find themselves working in the strip clubs. There are not a lot of people willing to go. I don’t think I’m superspecial. I just feel like God has given me a heart to say, ‘Yes’ and a heart that is willing to go.” I admire her heart’s desire for saving women who find themselves in a dark place surrounded by dark people in a dark world. My heart …

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Sunday Suppers

The Perfect Company Dinner: Schwag

This past weekend I spent with a dear friend. On her farm. A real farm with goats and pigs and cows—oh my! And babies—lots of babies. I really wanted to hold them all, but the moms got mad at me. Don’t they know I am a mom and crave little warm fuzzies? It was so fun. Becky is amazing and thinks nothing of whipping up dinner for 3, 5 or 15 people at a time. This dinner she calls, “Schwag!” It came from a cousin of hers who was actually a real chef. When he came home from work, he would throw whatever he happened to have in a white sauce and bake it. So, this makes the perfect company dinner. Becky has become an expert schwagger! And what I love about this schwaggy way of cooking is that you can take the meat and vegetables and swap them for whatever you have in the fridge. If you make Schwag enough, you will find your favorite combinations. Conversation Starters 1. Would you rather swim with dolphins or dance with tame bears? 2. Would you rather be a pro sports player or a professional chef? 3. What do you think is your best …

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Sunday Suppers

Steak Fajitas Dinner

Picture yourself wrapped in a colorful blanket leaning up against a cactus. (Wait! On second thought, the cactus part is not the best idea.) The tumbleweed is rolling by. And you are wondering what you can rustle up for dinner by the campfire (or grill). Feeling like Southwestern fare yet? If so, try our Steak Fajitas Dinner courtesy of my sister, Kathie. And serve in warm torillas with the garnish or two of your choice: cheese, sour cream, onions, peppers, salsa, etc. Conversation Starters: 1. What fun activity do you dream about doing? 2. What talent do you dream about having? 3. What person do you dream about marrying? Main Dish Subscribe to the blog for Sunday Supper recipes and more.

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