A New Chapter (Hello 2017)

I love a new year (no not because of my birthday)! It's a time to start fresh, to do better, to learn from past mistakes and move on. It's a clean slate, a new chapter just waiting to be written.
I've been reflecting a lot these past few days about things I would like to improve on or do differently and have come up with the following.

I want a closer walk with GOD in 2017. I want to dive deeply in HIS Word and HIS ways. I want to hear HIM speak more than I want HIM to hear me...easier said then done ;). I want to be way more intentional in my walk than I was in 2016. I'm setting goals and I'm praying for the self discipline to accomplish them. The first area of study this year is going to be the Armor of GOD. Our strength to overcome is in direct relationship to our ability to understand the weapons at our disposal and the warrior fighting beside us!!!
I'm really excited and would love to share with you. I have started a group on Facebook for those who would enjoy sharing the Word, holding each other up in prayer, asking questions, or just simply being there for each other. If you'd like to join just let me know (text me at 417-818-3701 or respond to this blog) and I'll add you to the group.

The second change I'm making started several weeks ago when I made the decision to quit hiding behind the medicines I'm on and pursue a healthier me. I joined WW's and as of last Thursday I had lost 26 pounds since October 27th. I'm finding a new normal. I can still love looking at cookbooks and enjoy one of my favorite pastimes...cooking. The difference is now I add a challenge to it, how can I make this healthier or how can I make this recipe WW friendly. It's possible, it's rewarding and it's fun!!! I hope to be at my goal by this time next year. Sounds like a long time... ? Sure it does, but with each passing month I'll be able to say "look how much closer I am then I was last month." Also, I'm going to try and be more physically active. I know that right now I still have limitations but I'm going to push myself to go a little over my limitations each day. I'm excited about this area of my life.

And lastly, I'm going to spend my time more wisely. What does this mean? Well, it can mean different things for different people. I love to learn a new skill each year. I intend to spend more time in my painting/creating room

and less time in front of a TV. More time designing and making scrapbook/memory books and less time curled up with a book. I'd even love to learn to play the violin....don't you love my randomness??? Guess I'd better be on the look out of a violin first!!



So, to close I'd like to thank you all who have been a part of my life the past year. Welcome those who will be a part of 2017 and wish you all love and blessings in the coming year.

Scripture for 2017 "Whatever HE says to you, do it." John 2:5

Moments of Wonder and Traces of Mama

It’s early morning on Christmas eve.  It’s very quiet and peaceful with the Christmas tree in its beautiful shades of red, yellow, blue and green lights and yards of ribbons as my only light (okay, there is the glow from my laptop monitor but somehow that doesn’t scream Christmas). Sweet Gracie is curled up next to me soft and warm with red polka dot bows in her ears. Harry Connick is singing It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.  And even though our Christmas’ have scaled way down from the way they use to be I’d still have to say I agree with Harry.  I love this time of the year.

 

This is the season that though the hustle and bustle the noise and the traffic you can still find moments that leave you shaking your head in wonder.  I experienced one of those times yesterday.  I had dropped Gracie off to be groomed in Republic and had several errands to run before picking her up so I grabbed a cup of coffee and began.  First I had to make a return at Kohls (now, for the record…nobody in their right mind would get anywhere near the area of the Wal-Mart super center and Kohls parking lot two days before Christmas!), then on to Hobby Lobby (see note on Kohls and multiply it by 50!!) to pick up a skein of yarn before rushing to All Pet Supply to make sure a certain Diva Dog had a present. Lastly, I needed to run to the grocery store but it was time to pick up said dog so back to Republic I went then by the house to drop her off because she was tired 

(spa day will exhaust a girl!!).  

I ran in to grab another cup of coffee then back out to get groceries.  Against my better judgement I went to the Walmart Neighborhood Mkt.  Normally, I would never go there because they never, ever have what you need (I mean seriously, who doesn't have red and green sprinkles on December 23???) and they generally have three people standing shoulder to shoulder in an isle meant for two making it impossible to move on.  Such was the case in the cake mix isle when I met the eye of another woman standing on the other side of the 'oblivious three' who seemed intent on comparing the pros and cons of Instant Pudding versus Cook & Serve so I finally moved one of their carts (I’m certain the owner didn’t even notice) and made a path for the lady and I to move through, as she passed she gave me a warm but tired smile and said “Thank you.  I have so much to get done.” So we went on our way and when I got to the register this same woman was just ahead of me and we shared another smile and then I went on catching up on Brad and Angelina and the Kardashians ( you know you do the same thing as you stand in the checkout line!!) In a few minutes I was being checked out and as I started to swipe my debit card the cashier said put your card away, the woman who just walked out paid for your groceries. 

Excuse me?? She paid for my groceries?

(and just for the record, it was over $50.00).  I was speechless and she had disappeared.  All I could think of was “GOD, that was YOU wanting to get my attention.  Well, YOU succeeded!! Please bless that beautiful lady in a way she can’t even imagine.” That was a true moment of wonder.

I came home still feeling the glow of gratitude not only for the blessing of the groceries but more for the fact that the Creator of the Universe, the ONE true GOD, the Great I AM reached down to me in the middle of a very hectic and busy Walmart just to say, I love you, MY daughter. 

Wow! 

I then started cooking for Christmas eve dinner and of course that involved trashing my kitchen which always makes me think of Mama Charley.  How I miss the kitchen chaos when that amazing woman would cook with me (somehow it was always in my kitchen and more often then not involved my Kitchen Aid mixer and a cup of cocoa or powdered sugar or mashed potatoes). I miss hearing her laugh and seeing the childlike wonder in her twinkling eyes.  

But then I stopped and looked around me…and thought of a song my dear friend Judy Eddington wrote many years ago called Traces of JESUS.  About how we leave traces of JESUS all around us (such as my friend at Walmart left) and as I looked around I saw traces of Mama every where I looked. 

From the beautiful cross stitch stocking she made me the year before she moved on to Heaven

 to the fun snowman quilt that hangs on my wall every Christmas 

to the woolen table runner…

it all reminds me of the special lady i was blessed to call mom.

Every time I put out the nativity set I hear my daddy remind me “you know the wise men weren’t there until JESUS was a toddler!!”  Always the literal one!!

And the way we would always make sure he unwrapped any books until last otherwise he would immediately start reading it…out loud….loudly… So many memories surround us.

So in the next couple of days while we’re surrounded by family and friends and food and laughter we’ll also feel the spirit of those who are lucky enough to be in the presence of the ONE whose birthday we’re all celebrating!

Thank you JESUS for the moments of wonder and the traces of Mama.  

Happy birthday, sweet LORD,

The Continuity of Friendship 

I’m feeling a bit retrospective tonight.  Thirty years ago this month a dear friend had a heart attack on Christmas eve.  There’s never a good time to have a heart attack but as days go I’d say that Christmas eve would probably fall way down the scale.  I remember taking their high school aged daughter to Bass Pro to buy her dad a sweat suit (remember those?) because he refused to wear a hospital gown.  Later that evening I stood at his bedside (watching a Willie Nelson concert on the TV in his ICU room) and looking across his bed at his handsome and charming friend who a year later would become my husband.

Fast forward thirty years (and that’s exactly how it felt) that same friend is in the hospital having heart issues again.  The young girl I took to Bass Pro was visiting a college with her own high school daughter. And my handsome, charming husband and I sat and talked with him and his wife at the hospital last night and rejoiced with them at a good report from his doctor. I couldn’t help but think about the continuity of friendship.  You have (if you’re very, very lucky) a special few friends who you know you can count on. Who have shared the ups and downs of life. The mountains and valleys, the laughter and tears.  The 3:00 am kind of friends who you know beyond a shadow of doubt that you can call them at any time and they’ll be there.  I am so grateful for the continuity of friendship.  Those friends that GOD gives you for life.  Those who you share history with. Friends who are more like family. Those living, breathing, tangible blessings from the LORD. How very blessed we are.

Okay, retrospection time is over.  On to an update on the journey to a healthier place…

Even with Thanksgiving I have continued to lose at a slow and steady rate. 

Still enjoying the challenge of discovering a new recipe or a new way of doing something.

 A few days ago I woke up starving. I needed/wanted a big breakfast so I grabbed my skillet and went to work.

             

Now seriously…does it look like I’m struggling with a diet??? I’m not thinking so!

Sausage Veggie Omelette

( 3 WW points)

1/2 cup Egg Beaters

1/4 cup Jimmy Dean Sausage Crumbles

sliced mushrooms

sliced black olives

2 TBS low fat mozzarella cheese

(add two slices of Delightful 45 bread with SugarFree blueberry jam and a bunch of grapes and you have a huge breakfast for a mere 5 points.

Today my cousin and forever friend Lesa and I took a day trip to Rogers, AR. to finish up Christmas shopping….okay so we didn’t Christmas shop but it was a fun girls day and going to Rogers always means lunch at PF Changs! So, how do you work PF Changs' Kung Pao Shrimp into a WW compliant day?? Glad you asked.  By doing a 2 point WW snack bar at 10:00, enjoying every bite of my spicy Shrimp Pao and rice (lunch portion for a whopping 14 points) at lunch and then scaling down dinner. 

But scaling down doesn’t mean eating a salad with low calorie dressing in my world. 

Supper rivaled lunch for yumminess!! 

Thanks to two of my favorite products, Boca Veggie Burgers and Special K Chips. I had this dinner for a total of 9 points (3 for Boca Burger, 3 for bun and 3 for chips) which means I have used 25 of my 30 point daily allowance.  So, 5 points left for a late night snack!!

Well, time to say goodnight. I have a sweet, furry little girl needing some attention.  Enjoy your week!

November 28, 2016

It’s been a while since my last blog but I’m feeling inspired…. okay, perhaps that’s a strong word but anyway it’s time for one.  

I think I’m going to go down a new road here for a bit.  Maybe it’s the cooler weather or the promise of Christmas soon or it could be because I’ve made up my mind to pursue a healthier lifestyle but for whatever reason this installment and probably future ones will be pretty random.  A cross between Paula Dean and Mother Earth with a fair sprinkling of Lucy Ricardo thrown into the mix!

As most of you know I have been on mega doses of Prednisone since 2013 to treat an autoimmune disease and it has not only caused me to gain weight but has also caused other side effects such as weakened bones (when you’re as clumsy as I am…that’s an especially bad thing), insomnia and killer hot flashes!! So, a few months ago I stopped taking it (and yes, I did have my doctor’s blessing). With the exception of a little more pain at times I would have to say I’m doing fine without it.  So now to try and repair some of the damage it has done.  I joined Weight Watchers about five weeks ago (Thank you Lesa for joining with me and supporting me) and I’m reminded again what a wonderful program it really is.  Especially when you love to cook as much as I do.  It becomes a challenge to either find recipes that fit the plan or tweaking existing ones to make them fit. I'm going to include some of my favorite finds or recipes for the past week.  If you're not into cooking feel free to jump right over them!

Last week was Thanksgiving week and my most favorite Thanksgiving dish is …. …. wait for it…. CRANBERRY SALAD!!  I know, it’s weird. Most people would choose the turkey or the pumpkin pies or the sweet potatoes (okay, I don’t actually know anybody who would pick sweet potatoes but maybe they’re out there).  But I love cranberry salad! I love how it tastes. I love the gorgeous red color. I love making it! Each year I start looking in October for the perfect recipe and it’s never the same from year to year... until now.  I have finally created the BEST cranberry salad ever!! PLUS it fits the WW plan perfectly. (One disclaimer…if you have an aversion to a messy kitchen, do not even think about making this!!)

Best Ever Cranberry Salad

(2 WW smart points per serving)

1 12 oz bag fresh cranberries

2 apples (cored)

2 seedless oranges (do not peel)

1 bag frozen sweet cherries

Grind the above ingredients in food processor (I left 1/2 apple to chunk up rather then grind)

Dissolve one package sugar free raspberry jello in one cup boiling water (and just for fun I threw in a few red hot candies).  Let cool slightly and pour over fruit mixture. 

Add one large can crushed pineapple (in juice NOT heavy syrup), 2 cups sliced grapes, 1 1/2 cups Stevia and seeds from one pomegranate (my new favorite fruit).

Let chill several hours or overnight.   I’m still eating on it and it gets better the longer it sits.

And everybody loves chocolate cupcakes but that isn't something you normally think of while trying to loose weight. These are big and rich and chocolaty and make a great mid afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.

Chocolate Banana Cupcakes

(6 WW smart points per cupcake)

1 box Chocolate Cake mix ( I used Betty Crocker)

3 ripe bananas

1/2 cup Egg Beaters

Mix above ingredients together well and pour into paper lined muffin pan. Sprinkle 1 tsp peanut butter chips ( you could also use chocolate chips ) on top and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Now how easy is this????

And at our house dinner isn't complete without dessert and this one is great.  Refreshing, light and super easy to make.

Key Lime Pie

(7 WW smart points)

Dissolve 1 pkg sugar free lime jello in 1/4 cup boiling water

let cool slightly

Stir in 2 8oz cartons of low fat lime yogurt

Fold in one 12oz carton of Cool Whip Free

Chill for at least an hour.

The holiday season is always a bittersweet one for me as I’m sure it is for many.  I miss my mom so much especially during the Christmas season! 

I have so many wonderful memories of how much she loved this time of year.  She was truly like a little child. She never ever outgrew the wonder of the season and I know she would want me to find the joy that is all around. So with every twinkling light, every red Starbucks cup, every time I hear Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper or enjoy a cup of Holiday Coffee and oh if there is a flurry of snow… I’ll think of you, Mama Charley!

To Anne

It was in the early seventies when I was just sixteen

Not a child nor adult but somewhere in-between.

I longed for something to fill the empty void inside

but found no satisfaction in anything I tried.

The emptiness grew with each passing day

I was looking for meaning but in the wrong way.

The search took me places I knew were not right

But I wanted that peace that was just beyond sight.

You opened your home and you welcomed us in

Outwardly carefree but deeply searching within

You told of this JESUS, the one and the only

Who came bringing joy and peace to the lonely.

You spoke of HIM fondly. You called HIM a friend.

You told how HE loved us and our lives HE would mend.

As we heard how HE’d walked beside you these years

Sharing the laughter and gently wiping your tears.

We came to believe that this JESUS of old

Was just as alive now as in the stories you told

That HE still had the power to change lives today

If we’d simply trust HIM HE would show us the way.

It’s been forty years since those days long ago

When you opened your home and loved us all so.

The gift that you gave, we could never repay

You only asked that we give it to another one day.

Well, from that day to this the message remains

With HIS SPIRIT inside me HE never has changed.

I’ve opened my home and told the story I heard

At your kitchen table as we studied HIS Word.

I thank GOD every day for the lessons HE taught

How HE equipped us for battles HE knew would be fought.

HE knew that HIS message was safe in your care

As throughout the years many soldiers you’d prepare.

I thank GOD that the message still lives in my life

I trust HIM to walk with me through storms and through strife.

You obediently held out your arms in those days

Now I continue the teaching in my own unique way.

Thank you for being a teacher and friend

For teaching us then of a life without end.

I’ll think of you often and thank the FATHER above

For lending me you to demonstrate HIS great love.

September

Larry and I were talking the other day about the month of September.  He said that it was his least favorite month because it signaled the end of summer.  I told him it was one of my favorite months for that same reason.  It is a slower, quieter time.  The sounds of lawn mowers and week eaters are replaced by the wind blowing in the trees and the gentle sound of leaves swirling all around.  Shorts and t-shirts begin to give way to jeans and sweatshirts and burgers and hotdogs are replaced by chili and soups.

September has always seemed peaceful which is in total contrast to the truth which recalls that the worst attack to ever hit our country was in September of 2001. On that day nearly 3,000 people lost their lives and America was forever changed.  Every year we breathe a collective sigh of relief when September 12 rolls around.  This year the apprehension is even greater with the state of our country.  We have witnessed the beheadings of two American journalists covering the events in Iraq and the threat of more if we don’t bow to the demands of these terrorists .  Our government has proven to be GODless and corrupt. For the first time in the history of our country the president of the United States has announced that we are no longer a Christian country.  GOD help us! Will we be able to get through this September without another attack? Will GOD honor the prayers of HIS people or has HE removed HIS hand of protection from us as a judgement for the way we have, as a country turned our back on HIS commands. Only time will tell.

For now, I welcome the cooler temperatures and the shorter days. I look forward to late nights in the hot tub and quiet Saturday mornings curled up with a cup of tea and a good book.  I eagerly look for the tints of red and orange to appear in the trees and the pumpkins and apples to replace berries and melons. I thank GOD that each month is unique and special in it’s own way.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace.

                                                                    Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Happy Birthday, Michael

February 17 is an important day for me.  It’s my brother’s birthday!  A day to celebrate one of the strongest men I have ever known. He has a strength born of life’s experiences both good and bad.  He has our father’s strength and wisdom and our mother’s faith and optimistic way of looking at life. He is one of the only people in my life that I honestly can say that I don’t remember ever having a cross word with.  Of course, it hurts me deeply when he tells me that he had nine relatively good years before GOD “blessed” him with a sister (and a cousin) and life as he knew it was over!!  What he didn’t realize was that GOD loved me enough to give me a big brother (don’t you love the way I made it all about me???:)) who would be my protector, my co-conspirator, my hero and my friend and for the past 56 years, he has been all of those things to me.

I look at him and remember the road he has walked and feel such pride for the man he is.  I once told him a story about someone asking an American general during the Vietnam war who his greatest fighting force was.  They were expecting to hear that it was the Green Beret or the Navy Seals or another one of the specialized forces but he surprised them with the following answer, “My greatest fighting force is the soldier who almost died at the hand of the enemy and lived to fight again. They had looked the enemy in the eye and determined that he would never get them down again!” That is my brother’s story. He walked a rough road for awhile with the enemy trying to destroy him but his life verse is now “You intended to harm me, but GOD intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20
He comes along beside those struggling down the road he once walked and encourages them by saying “I overcame and you will too.”

And now he is living the life he has always wanted to live.  A beach bum in Mexico...okay maybe not a bum.  He just gets really cranky when the temperature drops below 65degrees and snow puts in in a state of total depression! So while I hate it when he’s so far away he has proven to me that if I need him he’ll be here as was evidenced last year when he flew home when I had some medical issues going on and he wanted to be sure I was alright.  (Of course he wanted to take me back to Mexico with him because the nurses there still wear starched white uniforms....???? )

Probably, the best way to show the man he is, is to point to his children. Bradley, Blair and Adam are three of the strongest, most loving people you will ever meet and they each have a love and respect for their dad that shines from deep within them.

So, tomorrow will be my brother’s 65th birthday. I pray that it is an amazing day filled with lots of friends, love and sunshine. He deserves it all!

I love you, Mike and will never cease thanking GOD for allowing us to share this journey.  Happy Birthday!