MEMORIAL DAY - A DAY FOR REFLECTION

This has been for me - a very strange Memorial Day. Michelle and I spent it mostly by ourselves. Early I cooked and delivered a meal to a dear friend - but then we just did things around the house. No marching band, no picnic in the park or at the lake, no movie, no trip to the cemetary, no shopping - we just puttered! She was pretty put out with me but my heart was someplace else. Maybe it was at Arlington National Cemetary, or the Vietnam Wall, or Flander's Field, or who knows - I just did a lot of thinking about life and how it is speeding by!

Here is a story that perhaps conveys that feeling:

Will You give this to my Daddy?

As a Company, Southwest Airlines is going to support 'Red Fridays.'

Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed One of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.

Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.

When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and Cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.

Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our Service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said 'hi...'

The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her...

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.

When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it..

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.

As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.

We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers.

Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday - and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long before the USA is covered in RED.
The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is.....We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example.

I am wearing RED this Friday - how about you?

Travis was talking tonight about telling someone much younger than him that when we grew up there was no Memorial Day holiday. I remembered that just today I read in the paper where Memorial Day was not an official holiday until May 30, 1971. Let's just pray that no one takes that away from us. IT is sad and scary to think that at the present time we have a president that refused to take part in the Memorial Day Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetary.

I do have a great recipe for you to try!

MEXICAN SQUASH

2 cups summer squash, cooked, drained and mashed
1 cup cooked rice
1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
3 Tsp. cumin
1 lb. hamburger meat (make sure it is very lean), browned and drained
1/2 pkg. meat loaf seasoning.
Mix, put in casserole dish (make sure to spray it first). Cover with 1/2 cup crushed Frito chips. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly.

You have a meal!!!

But if that recipe doesn't satisfy you or suit your fancy, try:

TURKEY SAUSAGE TURNOVERS

1/2 lb. Turkey sausage
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon all purpose flour
1 Tablespoon dry Sherry (cooking Sherry is fine)
1 - 15 oz. pkg. Pie crust
1 Egg yoke
1 Tablespoon water
Paprika
Sour Cream

(Now looking back at this recipe -- how bland could it be? Certainly would not complete with the wonderful pies you get in Louisiana.

Now let's add:

1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. Penzey's Fresh Ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. (at least) Cayenne pepper
2 cloves of garlic - minced or pressed
1/2 tsp. Mural of Flavoring (Penzey's) or 1 tsp. seasoning salt

Cook sausage and onion. (Go ahead and add the garlic too!) Stir until sausage crumbles. Stir in flour and sherry. (Don't forget the salt, pepper, Cayenne, Mural of Flavoring or seasoning salt)
Allow to cool.

Roll out pie crust until 1/8" thick. Cut 3 inch rounds. Place 1 tsp. sausage mix on each round. Fold over and press edges. (Invest in one of those wonderful little plastic wonders that does all of this for you!)
Place on a baking rack. Brush with mixture of beaten egg yoke and water. Cut 3 small slits on top of each. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes. Remove and dust with paprika. Yeilds 2-1/2 dozen.

Note: Pies make be frozen after baked and then heated at 350 degrees for 5 to 8 minutes!

Have a restful night - and thank God we still live in a free country - thanks to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for us! Do something good for someone else tomorrow!!!

TOMORROW IS MEMORIAL DAY - A DAY TO THANK A SOLDIER

Sunday afternoon - a first for me -- sitting down to write before evening. I've missed three nights not because I didn't have something to write about but just because I was too worn out to come out and do it!

Tomorrow is Memorial Day and yesterday we "pre-celebrated" with swimming and a fine meal of hotdogs! We did celebrate with one of our fallen hero's grandaughter. My precious little niece, Maura's grandfather was killed in Vietnam 41 years ago - and the memory of him is as fresh now as it has ever been. He was only 25 years old and if he had lived, he would be so proud of Maura. She, as well as her Dad, have his eyes and many of his traits! Maura has a "poppie" that does love her very much and is also very proud of her! I guess many of us have someone that gave their life for the freedom we so willfully take for granted! I want you to check out this website - it is Alan Jackson singing, "God Bless America." It is http://www.openmyeyeslord.net/UltimateFreedom.htm. It is beautiful - and read the words that are written on each page!

REMEMBER ON THIS MEMORIAL DAY

It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.


It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.



It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.




It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,

Yesterday we did have grilled hot dogs but I had to do something special so I made Mango Strawberry Salsa and also Tomato Salsa! Both were very good and I had bought All Natural Pretzel Crisps (by the Snack Factory) and they were especially good with the Salsa! I also bought a watermelon and I plan to eat some of it, share some with my Mom and then make Watermelon Salsa. I made it once in Galveston and it was really good!

Here is a great salad - that even cucumber "haters" love! I first ate this salad when we went to Midland - years and years ago - to visit Travis' brother and his wife. It would be great for a backyard get together with hamburgers, hotdogs, or steak!

DILLY CUCUMBER SALAD

8 Cups thinly sliced and peeled cucumbers
(about 4 medium)
1-1/2 Cups dairy sour cream (Light)
1 small clove garlic, crushed or pressed
2 Tablespoons salad oil or olive oil
2 tsp. sugar (Splenda would work too)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. dill weed

Place cucumbers in large bowl. Mix remaining ingredients except dill weed. Pour over cucumbers and mix gently. Sprinkle with dill weed. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour prior to serving. Mix lightly before serving. If desired sprinkle with snipped parsley or cilantro.
Enjoy!!

Here is a very good cold pie for summer!

Donna's Ice Box Coconut Pie

1 Baked crust or Graham Cracker crust
2-1/4 cups milk
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla (Mexican of course!)
3 Tbls. Cornstarch
1 cup coconut

Combine sugar, salt, and corn starch in saucepan. Add milk and eggs. Cook until thickens. Add coconut and vanilla.

Pour into crust and chill in refrigerator. Just before serving top with light Cool Whip.

One more for the holiday!

Mint Lemonade

2 Cups Sugar
2-1/2 cups water
grated peel of 1 orange
Juice of 2 oranges
Juice of 6 lemons
1 Cup of Mint leaves

Cook sugar and water 5 minutes. Let cool. Add fruit and juices. Pour over mint leaves. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Strain into jar and keep in refrigerator. Use 1/3 cup to a glass. Best to use 1/3 cup lemonade, 1/3 cup water and 1/3 cup ginger ale.

Now you have some great holiday or every day recipes! Hope you enjoy them!

I want to close with something George Bernard Shaw wrote:

"I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief candle" for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

Just think what we all could accomplish if we had that attitude! Lately I've been hearing a lot on the radio and other places -- more than I ever remember - about "doing good for others." Maybe our nation is realizing there is more to living than just taking! Have a safe Holiday tomorrow and don't forget to BE THANKFUL!!!

WHAT IS THIS THING WE CALL LOVE??

Wow that salad looks so yummy I think I will leave the picture posted a few more days! I guess you can tell by my blog and the picture of my "furry babies" how much I love my dogs - but I'm sure they love me more! They are sensitive and do get their feelings hurt - if I am petting Lexie - then Harley usually just ducks his head and goes away and vice versa. But on the other hand, I can really scold one of them and in just a little bit they forgive me and are back wanting to be loved -- which I give! So when I read this story - it spoke to me - about the love we receive when we don't even deserve it!

Anyone who has pets will really like this.

Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named 'Lucky.' Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.

Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.

It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her she was going to die of this disease....in fact, she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders.

The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her...what would happen to Lucky? Although the three-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death.

The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap. Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.

When Mary woke for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love.

Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day.

It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky? He still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure. Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.

Submitted by Audrey, Emmitsburg, MD.

That pretty much says it all! Except that this story made me think of how God covers us with His love. Zephaniah 3: 17 says: "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing!" How powerful is that?

One more thing I want to bring up! I know there are three definitions of the word "LOVE" in the Bible and I know I just said I "LOVE" my dogs (and I do!) - but what does "LOVE" mean to you? I think to young couples it means "making love"; to others it may mean being a slave to someone; or just coming home to someone every day; or buying someone gifts. I've thought about that alot lately and how focus changes and how we all view it differently. I've always been someone that desparetely needs to be told "I love you" and needed to be hugged or touched. Oh yes - I love all of the above too - but I also feel loved when Travis takes my car and puts gas in it; when he takes the trash out - and he does all the time; and I felt loved when I came home and he had washed and painted our deck and outdoor kitchen! So what makes you feel loved? I know we are all loved by God, so much that He gave his Son for us - but do we focus on that love when we are lonely and don't feel loved? We should - but I think we often forget and feel hurt or slighted if we don't receive the love we feel we need!!!

Ok - here is a salad that sounds absolutely delicious and I am anxious to make. It only has 160 calories per 1 cup and is definitely heart healthy.

POTATO SALAD WITH HERBS AND GRILLED SUMMER SQUASH

SALAD
2 lbs. small red potatoes
3/4 pound yellow squash, cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch slices
Cooking Spray
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (I will definitely use Penzeys!)

DRESSING

1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
(I would use dried if I didn't have all of these handy - maybe try for a couple of the fresh - like parsley and chives)
1/4 tsp. grated lemon rind
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped cornichons (Cornichon is the French version of a gherkin or "sweet pickles!)
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. To prepare salad, place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 18 minutes or until tender. Drain; cut potatoes into quarters, and place in a large bowl and set aside.
3. Lightly coat squash with cooking spray, Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper. Place squash on grill rack; grill 2 minutes on each side or until browned and tender. Remove squash from heat, and add to potatoes.

4. To prepare dressing, combine all ingredients in small bowl; stir with a whisk. Pour dressing over potato mixture, tossing gently to combine. Serve salad warm or chilled.

Sounds delightful!! Try it -- I am going to!!! It yields 6 servings of 1 cup each!1

Have a wonderful tomorrow - and make it better for someone else! Take some clothes to a benevolence center, flowers to a nursing home or to an elderly person, food to a shut-in or resue mission; open the door for someone, just smile! Be blessed.

GOOD DEEDS ARE NOT ALWAYS "COMFORTABLE"

Good evening, morning - or whenever you join me! I got caught up in the new Bachelorette show - don't ask me why!! It is dumb, unbelievable - and maybe that is why -- I could for 60 minutes forget all the the things I need to do! That was definitely dumb of me! Today I had really sad news - my best friend's (other than my sweet sister)husband and he is my friend too - is having heart surgery Wednesday. That is very disturbing because I love them so much! I know how scared I was when Travis was just having a heart cath and then a balloon procedure! Please pray for God to watch over and protect Jack! Tonight I have something I think is thought provoking and moving! I hope you can either relate or buy into!

I heard a story about Fiorello LaGuardia who was mayor of New York City ...
...during the worst days of the Great Depression and all of WWII. He was adored by many New Yorkers who took to calling him the "Little Flower," because he was so short and always wore a carnation in his lapel.

He was a colorful character -- he rode the New York City fire trucks, raided city "speakeasies" with the police department, took entire orphanages to baseball games, and when the New York newspapers went on strike, he got on the radio and read the Sunday funnies to the kids.

One bitterly cold night in January of 1935, the mayor turned up at a night court that served the poorest ward of the city. LaGuardia dismissed the judge for the evening and took over the bench himself. Within a few minutes, a tattered old woman was brought before him, charged with stealing a loaf of bread. She told LaGuardia that her daughter's husband had deserted her, her daughter was sick, and her two grandchildren were starving.

But the shopkeeper, from whom the bread was stolen, refused to drop the charges. "It's a real bad neighborhood, your Honor," the man told the mayor. "She's got to be punished to teach other people around here a lesson."

LaGuardia sighed. He turned to the woman and said, "I've got to punish you. The law makes no exceptions. Ten dollars or ten days in jail." But even as he pronounced sentence, the mayor was already reaching into his pocket. He extracted a bill and tossed it into his famous hat, saying, "Here is the ten dollar fine which I now remit; and furthermore I am going to fine everyone in this courtroom fifty cents for living in a town where a person has to steal bread so that her grandchildren can eat. Mr. Bailiff, collect the fines and give them to the defendant."

The following day, New York City newspapers reported that $47.50 was turned over to a bewildered woman who had stolen a loaf of bread to feed her starving grandchildren Fifty cents of that amount was contributed by the grocery store owner himself, while some seventy petty criminals, people with traffic violations, and New York City policemen, each of whom had just paid fifty cents for the privilege of doing so, gave the mayor a standing ovation.

Someone beautifully said, "Sympathy sees and says, 'I'm sorry.'

Compassion sees and says, 'I'll help.'

When we learn the difference, we can make a difference.
_____

I don't think that is always compassion - I think it is God working in our lives and in doing so - helping someone who desperately needs it!

Tonight I had planned on a healthy and tasteful dinner. I came home and the grill was out of commission - a good thing - Travis has cleaned and is painting our deck and outdoor kitchen. I had really bugged him about hiring someone to do it -- but he knew he could do a better job! So I cut up the marinated chicken breasts, rolled the pieces in Panko crumbs and baked it. It was tasteful and good - although I probably cooked about 10 minutes longer than needed. The star of the night was the Pasta Salad I made - along with roasted asparagus - which is always good!

HEALTHY PASTA SALAD

1 pkg. whole wheat Healthy Havest Rotini
1 Pkg. Birdseye steamable Asian style veggies
12 cherry tomatoes, halved
Olive oil
Salt and pepper and garlic
2 to 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Boil rotini until tender, drain but don't rinse. Cook Asian style veggies in microwave about 5 minutes in package, open and pour into pasta and toss. Add tomatoes, seasoning (salt, black pepper, garlic salt) Drizzle with olive oil (about 2 tablespoons). Top with grated paresan cheese.

Delicious - healthy - low fat!! Hmmmm- Carbs - a few - but good carbs!

Enjoy!!

Have a great Tuesday - Follow Mayor LaGardia's example - and find someone to help! Do it - get out of your comfort zone -- and you will be very comfortable in knowing you are doing the Father's Will!!!

God Bless - join me again!!!

A GREAT SUNDAY - TRY TO LOOK FORWARD TO MONDAY

Sunday night and the weekend is over! What a downer! I know we should look forward to the next day - because when we get there - it is a day the Lord has made and He has something special for us in mind --but today was a great day and I'm not sure I am ready for it to end! I love the feeling of freedom and being able to do some of the things I think of when I think of them!! Know what I mean? Today we had an awesome sermon from Mark about the joy of our Salvation and what we are saved from! Then we attended bacculaureate and Henry (our assistant youth minister) gave a great talk that not only reached the seniors but everyone else as well! He told of stories he had heard from his dad who was a minister about two different people who in their own way said: "I don't care what the Bible says, it is not going to affect how I believe." He pointed out that although none of us would dare make such a statement that is exactly what we are saying to God and the world when we put aside God and do our own will! Good lesson Henry!

This is a little late for Mother's Day - but definitely worth sharing! So for all you Mom's, want to be Mom's, and Grandmothers - this is for you!

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up.......

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.....

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!

14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue.
.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

You know what -- I have got to start cooking again! Last week I could not face my kitchen after the marathon cooking I did for church -- but I am ready to do some more healthy meals! I watch my little garden everyday for a little fresh tomato! I really need to make one of the farmer's markets and get some fresh vegetables! There for a couple of weeks strawberries were priced somewhere near where they used to be (several years back) during the season! Even now they are not yet back to $6.99 lb., so why don't you take advantage of them and make this pie?

STRAWBERRY PIE

2 Pints fresh strawberries, quartered
1 Cup sugar (or \Splenda)
3 Tbsp. corn starch
1-1/8 cup water
Small package of strawberry Jell-O
1 8 oz. ctn. Cool Whip
Baked pie shell or Graham Cracker crust

Mix sugar and corn starch until smooth. Add water gradually, stirring until smooth. Bring mixture to a boil and stir until thickened. Remove from heat and add the package of Jell-O. Let cool, then fold in strawberries. Pour into pie shell; refrigerate, and top with cool whip and ENJOY!

Don't you just love hot dogs? I do -- but I love them better now than ever before because I can eat them with confidence that I am not putting junk in my body! Have you tried the whole wheat buns? -- They are delicious and if you throw a few of the Nathan 97% fat free beef or turkey dogs on the grill -- add about a tablespoon of Mozarella Low fat cheese - a few jalapeno slices and a little mustard to the bun -- you have a delicious - low fat - low calorie (less than 200) meal!!! Just try to stop with one because if you have more than that - you've just blown the theory!

Have a blessed evening - or if you are reading this in the morning - have a blessed day. Make it count -- remember: "Life is like a roll of toliet paper - the closer it gets to the end - the faster it goes!"

IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT - AND I AM GRATEFUL TO BE BACK!

I hope I haven't lost all of my wonderful followers -- you are such an encouragement! This has been one of the busiest weeks I can ever remember and at some point I wasn't sure I would make all of the deadlines - but God gave me the strength to somehow make them and survive! When I would finally arrive home (starting on Tuesday night) I still had chores to take care of -- flowers to water, clothes to dry, dishes to clean, etc., and when all of that was done - I collapsed! The meal at church turned out really well received and from all accounts - delicious! I do have to correct the dessert recipe -- the one Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert that I posted was not the same as the one my friend Gwynn had and her additional ingredients made it much better -- so I will go find that recipe and add the additional Chocolate Fudge and Caramel. On Thursday our Red Cross party and fund raiser was also a success! The house where we had it (on Wilder Way) was fabulous - more like a small resort! Tonight we were invited to a graduation party and it was very nice! I spent part of today buying graduation presents and getting them ready! It feels so good to be "caught up!" Can you believe another group of children have left high school and are ready to enter a whole new world! Let's all say a prayer that they remain faithful to their roots and become wonderful examples for others!

I want to print a story a sweet friend sent me via email! It certainly says something about how we can touch another's life when we allow God to direct us!!

HAIRBRUSH EXPERIENCE OF BETH MOORE AT THE AIRPORT

For those of you who do not know Beth Moore, she is an outstanding Bible teacher, writer of Bible studies, and is a married mother of two daughters.

This is one of her experiences:

April 20, 2005, at the Airport in Knoxville, waiting to board the plane, I had the Bible on my lap and was very intent upon what I was doing. I'd had a marvelous morning with the Lord. I say this because I want to tell you it is a scary thing to have the Spirit of God really working in you.

You could end up doing some things you never would have done otherwise. Life in the Spirit can be dangerous for a thousand reasons not the least of which is your ego.

I tried to keep from staring, but he was such a strange sight. Humped over in a wheelchair, he was skin and bones, dressed in clothes that obviously fit when he was at least twenty pounds heavier. His knees protruded from his trousers, and his shoulders looked like the coat hanger was still in his shirt. His hands looked like tangled masses of veins and bones.

The strangest part of him was his hair and nails. Stringy, gray hair hung well over his shoulders and down part of his back. His fingernails were long, clean but strangely out of place on an old man.

I looked down at my Bible as fast as I could, discomfort burning my face. As I tried to imagine what his story might have been, I found myself wondering if I'd just had a Howard Hughes sighting. Then, I remembered that he was dead. So this man in the airport... An impersonator maybe? Was a camera on us somewhere? There I sat; trying to concentrate on the Word to keep from being concerned about a thin slice of humanity served up on a wheelchair only a few seats from me. All the while, my heart was growing more and more overwhelmed with a feeling for him.

Let's admit it. Curiosity is a heap more comfortable than true concern, and suddenly I was awash with aching emotion for this bizarre-looking old man.

I had walked with God long enough to see the handwriting on the wall. I've learned that when I begin to feel what God feels, something so contrary to my natural feelings, something dramatic is bound to happen. And it may be embarrassing.

I immediately began to resist because I could feel God working on my spirit and I started arguing with God in my mind. 'Oh, no, God, please, no.' I looked up at the ceiling as if I could stare straight through it into heaven and said, 'Don't make me witness to this man. Not right here and now. Please. I'll do anything. Put me on the same plane, but don't make me get up here and witness to this man in front of this gawking audience. Please, Lord!'

There I sat in the blue vinyl chair begging His Highness, 'Please don't make me witness to this man. Not now. I'll do it on the plane.' Then I heard it....'I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to brush his hair.'

The words were so clear, my heart leap into my throat, and my thoughts spun like a top. Do I witness to the man or brush his hair? No-brainier. I looked straight back up at the ceiling and said, 'God, as I live and breathe, I want you to know I am ready to witness to this man. I'm on this Lord. I'm your girl! You've never seen a woman witness to a man faster in your life. What difference does it make if his hair is a mess if he is not redeemed? I am going to witness to this man.'

Again as clearly as I've ever heard an audible word, God seemed to write this statement across the wall of my mind. 'That is not what I said, Beth. I don't want you to witness to him. I want you to go brush his hair.'

I looked up at God and quipped, 'I don't have a hairbrush. It's in my suitcase on the plane. How am I supposed to brush his hair without a hairbrush?' God was so insistent that I almost involuntarily began to walk toward him as these thoughts came to me from God's word: 'I will thoroughly furnish you unto all good works.' (2 Timothy 3:17)

I stumbled over to the wheelchair thinking I could use one myself. Even as I retell this story, my pulse quickens and I feel those same butterflies. I knelt down in front of the man and asked as demurely as possible, 'Sir, may I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'

He looked back at me and said, 'What did you say?'

'May I have the pleasure of brushing your hair?'

To which he responded in volume ten, 'Little lady, if you expect me to hear you, you're going to have to talk louder than that.'

At this point, I took a deep breath and blurted out, 'SIR, MAY I HAVE THE PLEASURE OF BRUSHING YOUR HAIR?' At which point every eye in the place darted right at me. I was the only thing in the room looking more peculiar than old Mr. Long Locks. Face crimson and forehead breaking out in a sweat, I watched him look up at me with absolute shock on his face, and say, 'If you really want to.'

Are you kidding? Of course I didn't want to. But God didn't seem interested in my personal preference right about then. He pressed on my heart until I could utter the words, 'Yes, sir, I would be pleased. But I have one little problem. I don't have a hairbrush.'

'I have one in my bag,' he responded.

I went around to the back of that wheelchair, and I got on my hands and knees and unzipped the stranger's old carry-on, hardly believing what I was doing. I stood up and started brushing the old man's hair. It was perfectly clean, but it was tangled and matted. I don't do many things well, but must admit I've had notable experience untangling knotted hair mothering two little girls. Like I'd done with either Amanda or Melissa in such a condition, I began brushing at the very bottom of the strands, remembering to take my time not to pull. A miraculous thing happened to me as I started brushing that old man's hair. Everybody else in the room disappeared. There was no one alive for those moments except that old man and me. I brushed and I brushed and I brushed until every tangle was out of that hair. I know this sounds so strange, but I've never felt that kind of love for another soul in my entire life. I believe with all my heart, I - for that few minutes - felt a portion of the very love of God. That He had overtaken my heart for a little while like someone renting a room and making Himself at home for a short while.

The emotions were so strong and so pure that I knew they had to be God's. His hair was finally as soft and smooth as an infant's.

I slipped the brush back in the bag and went around the chair to face him. I got back down on my knees, put my hands on his knee and said, 'Sir, do you know my Jesus?'

He said, 'Yes, I do'

Well, that figures, I thought.

He explained, 'I've known Him since I married my bride. She wouldn't marry me until I got to know the Savior.' He said, 'You see, the problem is, I haven't seen my bride in months. I've had open-heart surgery, and she's been too ill to come see me. I was sitting here thinking to myself, what a mess I must be for my bride.'

Only God knows how often He allows us to be part of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance. This, on the other hand, was one of those rare encounters when I knew God had intervened in details only He could have known. It was a God moment, and I'll never forget it.

Our time came to board, and we were not on the same plane. I was deeply ashamed of how I'd acted earlier and would have been so proud to have accompanied him on that aircraft.

I still had a few minutes, and as I gathered my things to board, the airline hostess returned from the corridor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She said, 'That old man's sitting on the plane, sobbing. Why did you do that? What made you do that?'

I said, 'Do you know Jesus? He can be the bossiest thing!'

And we got to share.I learned something about God that day. He knows if you're exhausted, you're hungry, you're serving in the wrong place or it is time to move on but you feel too responsible to budge. He knows if you're hurting or feeling rejected. He knows if you're sick or drowning under a wave of temptation. Or He knows if you just need your hair brushed. He sees you as an individual. Tell Him your need!

I got on my own flight, sobs choking my throat, wondering how many opportunities just like that one had I missed along the way ... all because I didn't want people to think I was strange. God didn't send me to that old man. He sent that old man to me.

John 1:14 'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth'

Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly shouting, 'Wow! What a ride! Thank You, Lord!'

Please share this wonderful story.

If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light........ Mt. 6:22

By God's grace I am what I am..... 1 Corinthians 15:10

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!'

I don't believe I have given you the recipe for the Grilled Chicken and Veggies in Foil! It is really a wonderfully easy way to cook a meal -- but not if you are doing 100 of them!!

GRILLED CHICKEN AND VEGGIES IN FOIL

1 Chicken Breast (per person)
1 Small potato sliced in the round - do not peel)
1 Small squash - Sliced in the round
Several mini carrots- halved lengthwise
Several slices of onion
Garlic salt, tarragon, black pepper and some kind of seasoning like season salt
Foil
Vegetable spray
Small pats of butter

Take a piece of foil about 14 inches long and spray with cooking spray.
Place the chicken in the center of the foil.
Sprinkle with black pepper, tarragon, and a little garlic salt.
Top with potatoes, then squash, then carrots and onions. Then sprinkle again with seasonings!
Fold foil and seal all around.

Place packages on hot grill and cook for about 25 minutes. Chicken should be done and veggies tender!

Open carefully and enjoy! Serve with salad and you have a meal!

Thanks for joining me again! I've really missed sharing with who ever drops by and hopefully some day I will have time to make this a little more appealing but for now - it is what it is!

Have a wonderful Sunday -- don't forget you are God's child and join Him in church -- then go out and do His Will -- helping someone else!!!

CHANGE IS GOOD - IF IT IS POSTIVE AND FOR GOOD!!

Monday evening - a change is in the air! Is it a storm?, late spring?, early summer?, a feeling?, a restlessness?, what is it? I'm not sure - but I feel for my blog to be ongoing, a success, interesting, and helpful - I need to make a change! I told Travis I thought I most likely had become boring to many of you - and it takes too much thought, time, and study to allow that! The sad thing is he did not disagree - he doesn't even read it as often as he used to -- so I'm not positive about the direction I will go but you will be the first to know - WELL - after I know!!

Tonight I have a story to share that I'm afraid reflect the attitude of many churches today! know I have been guilty of this and I won't ask you to raise your hand - but search your heart!!! ( I had a great cowboy picture but can't get it copied here!!)

OLD COWBOY IN CHURCH

One Sunday morning an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin. Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were very worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn out old hat and an equally well read Bible. The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city. It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen. The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and jewelry.

As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him. No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him. They were all appalled by his appearance and did not attempt to hide it. As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor: "Before you come back here again, have a talk with God and ask him what he thinks would be appropriate attire for worship in church." The old cowboy assured the preacher he would.

The next Sunday, he showed back up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat. Once again he was completely shunned and ignored. The preacher approached the cowboy and said, "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church."

"I did," replied the old cowboy.

"If you spoke to God, what did he tell you the proper attire should be for worshiping here?" asked the preacher.

"Well, sir, God told me that He didn't have a clue what I should wear.
He said He'd never been in this church."

Haven't you been in that church before? I just have to make sure I am not to blame - how about you??

I am thinking about several avenues for my blog -- "Menus for Special Occasions", "How to Classes"; Any suggestions???? You can post your answers your know!!! Or You may find I like what I have been doing and will continue to bring you my thoughts on right and wrong, how to be a better person, and lots of tried and true recipes!!!

God's will - with prayer and His guidance I will find what I am searching for!
Do a good deed - there are so many that need a good deed! Take care and God Bless each of you for bearing with me!

SATURDAY - NEVER ENOUGH TIME TO DO IT ALL!

This has been a long day - and I still didn't get everything done I had wanted to! I wanted to get some new clothes (at least one outfit) but that didn't pan out either! I did get lots of clothes washed and dried, my garden cleaned out and more plants put in - but looking at it out the sunroom window - there are no rows like most gardens -- just plants where ever I could find a spot - oh well - it is my garden and I never did like straight rows of anything! I took my Mom shopping for a while and even found the neatest nursery - The Rambling Rose Nursery. The people there are so nice and friendly and the man there loves fruit trees as much as I do. I just had to have another Meyer lemon tree and a Chandler Red Pummelo - this one makes a great big fruit (one article says the fruitcan grow from cantaloupe size to as large as a 25 lb. watermelon!! Mercy - my poor tree!! It is also called Chinese grapefruit! It will be fun to watch it grow!!

Travis cooked for the men's breakfast and he said it turned out great! I made Michelle and me some blueberry pancakes and they were good too! Here is the recipe I used:

BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

1 cup flour
1 Tablespoon Splenda
1 tsp. baking soda
1 level tablespoon baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg
1 Tablespoon Canola oil
1/2 cup buttermilk and 2 tbls. water
1/4 cup blueberries

Mix all ingredients and gently stir in blueberries. Get griddle good and hot and today because I didn't want to get out the big griddle, I used my small iron skillet - could only cook two at a time! Get griddle hot and add just enough oil to moisten skillet and add pancake dough. Let cook on one side until the top is covered with bubbles and turn over and cook until it quits sizzling. They are light and thin -- just the way we love them!!

RECIPE SUBSTITUTION

I didn't have potatoes, so I substituted rice.
I didn't have paprika, so I used another spice.
I didn't have tomato sauce, so I used tomato paste.
A whole can - not a half can; I don't believe in waste.
My friend gave me the recipe, she said you can't beat it.
There must be something wrong with her...I couldn't even eat it!!!

CORN BREAD SALAD

Bake a regular recipe of homemade corn bread, a Corn Kit or Jiffy mix, according to the package directions. Cool and crumble the corn bread into a mixing bowl. Combine with a chopped onion, a chopped bell pepper, a cup of diced ham, a regular can of whole kernel corn (drained), and enough mayonnaise to blend smoothly. Chill and serve. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!!

Have a blessed evening -- and go to church tomorrow! It will make your week better, you better, and you might make someone else feel better! God sees our efforts!

CAN YOU OPEN A ROSEBUD WITHOUT TEARING THE PETALS?

Did you check out Facebook? There I asked an important question: "Can you open a rosebud without tearing the petals?" Here is the rest of the story. (A wonderful friend from the past, Mitzi, sent it to me!)"A new minister was walking with an older, more seasoned minister in the garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, her was asking the older preacher for some advice. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.
The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry. But because of his great respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact.
It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this was to do. Noticing the younger preacher's inability, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...
"It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine."
"The secret of unfolding flowers
is not known to such as I.
God opens this flower so easily,
But in my hands they die."
"If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?"
"So I'll trust in God for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to God for guidance
In each step of the way."
"The path that lies before me,
Only my Lord knows.
I'll trust God to unfold the moments
Just as He unfolds the rose."

Reminder: "Let Go - and let God unfold your life."

What an amazing lesson! How many of us do just that - "Let Go - and let God unfold our lives!" I wish I could say I do - but everyone would know I was not telling the truth --- most all of us think we know best and often take paths that are not satisfying at all - to us or probably to God. Because you see God wants us to be happy and fulfilled - while pleasing Him. God is so good and so patient with us! Let's just don't test Him too long!!

More recipes soon! God bless each of you - have a restful sleep!!

FAT BE GONE - HEALTHIER LIFE!!!

Good evening!!! I don't have much tonight -- my brain is winding down!!! Today I did hear some alarming news - one of the elementary schools has 4 pregnant girls in it! That has to be children only a little over 10 years old. I find that alarming and unbelievable! Another school has 10 pregant girls. Where are the parents of these children? What have they taught them? Who do we feel for the most - the young child having a child or the child being brought in this world with a mother that is only about 10 or 11 years older than it??? After I heard this I was more convinced that our preacher was "right on" when he preached about purity and how God is pure and holy and we need to follow His example! How young people need to resist tempatation because God wants us to be pure! The sad thing is these children hardly even know the meaning of purity -- they are not old enough to understand. The Bible is so specific about the parent's responsibility to teach a child and raise them up in the admiration of the Lord! I am thankful for Christian schools - such as ETCA that not only offer academic learning - but teach morals, values and a Christian way of life.

I want to give you a wonderful cake recipe that most of you are familiar with -- but then I want to tell you of a couple of substitutions I made to make it lighter and healthier. My favorite critic in the whole world was amazed after I told him what I had done! He declared he could not tell the difference!!

CHOCOLATE SHEATH CAKE
Cake:
1 stick margarine
1/2 cup shortning
1 cup water
4 tablespoons cocoa
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Bring margarine, shortening, water and cocoa to a boil Let mixture cool a little. Add sugar and flour. Then add eggs, buttermilk, soda, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Bake in 9 X 13 pan at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

ICING:

1 stick margarine
4 tablespoons cocoa
6 tablespoons Milk
1 lb. powdered sugar

To make icing, bring margarine, cocoa, and milk to a boil for one minute. Add powdered sugar. Mix well and iced cooled cake. Serves 12 to 15.

Ok let's go though what I did. I substituted Splenda for sugar. Then added the flour, eggs, buttermilk, soda, cinnamon and vanilla. I cut back to 1 stick butter. For the icing I used 1/4th stick butter, 4 tablespoons cocoa, 6 (fat free) tablespoons milk and about 1 cup powdered sugar instead of 4 cups, 1 tsp. vanilla. I tasted and then added about 2 tablespoons Splenda and then the taste was right. I also added about 3 tablespoons chopped, toasted pecans.

Mix Well and ice cool cake and cover with pecan halves.

Enjoy! - knowing you have cut the fat and sugar over half!!!

Hope your Thursday is good and you help someone along the way. Let God - and He will lead you to the one who needs you!! Keep this nation and especially this town's children in your prayers!!

A BORROWED STORY - A TRUTH DISCLOSED

My how that wind has blown!! I walked our three furry babies tonight and was about blown off the street. We had to take two different routes tonight because they go a little crazy if someone else dares come down our street! ha. Tonight I have a story to share with you - not sure if it is folklore or true but teaches a lesson about what we can do to change the world - especially the world around us. I am borrowing it from an article my cousin wrote!

The Very Rare and Most Beautiful Vase - Bob Garsee
Luke17:21
“Behold the kingdom of God is within you.”
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there lived a very poor man in a shabby house in a run-down neighborhood on the wrong side of the tracks in an economically depressed town, in a state overrun with poverty and need. Things were not looking good.

One day as he was rummaging about the piles of items discarded from the local flea market, tossed aside because nobody wanted any of them, something caught his eye. It was a vase, and to his amazement, it was unbroken despite the obvious abuse it had suffered; It was dirty and nasty yet it was so beautiful, even more so when contrasted by all the trashy surroundings.

He took it home, cleaned it up and placed it upon his mantle in his dingy living room, and then sat and simply stared at it. Day after day he would spend hours gazing upon the very rare and most beautiful vase, he realized how cluttered his mantle was with other things, and how stained the wall was with the grime of poverty. So he cleared the junk off the mantle, and put a fresh coat of paint upon the wall. That simple decision caused the vase to stand out - an even greater beauty, for now his entire wall took on the look of a beautiful painting, and he found such joy in gazing upon it all.

Then one day as he entered his living room he noticed how worn was the carpet, and how tattered were the furnishings. He pulled the carpet out and uncovered a beautiful hardwood floor; he cleaned and recovered the furnishings, transforming the look of the entire room. This in turn led him to slowly began renovating the rest of his home. Once finished, he delighted in the comfort of his beautiful home.

But then he noticed that the yard was overgrown with weeds, and filled with junk; the fence was broken down and the outside of his home looked weathered and wasted. So he set upon making the needed repairs and cleaning up the yard. Soon, his home became the talk of the neighborhood, for it brought such a sense of hope to all those around him. Before long the other homeowners began making repairs upon their houses and yards, such that the entire neighborhood transformed and became the talk of the town.
Yet a little while longer and the town itself began to change; clearing the trash off the streets, repairing broken windows and repainting faded homes; refurbishing businesses and rekindling dreams. At length, the town became the garden spot of the state. Tourists came from far and wide to see the beauty of the transformed town. Upon seeing it, they each went home inspired to make changes in their own homes.
Meanwhile, the man sat happily in his living room and looked upon that rare and most beautiful vase, blessed that his life had been transformed by beauty.
Hope this inspires you as it inspired me! Thanks Robert!!!

I promised a recipe of the dessert I plan to use next week but first I have to tell you of a success I had. Go look at the recipe I posted on January 6, 2010 for 6 Week Bran Muffins. Delicious recipe - but lots of sugar and oil! Well Travis loves those muffins - but due to a required change of diet - I had to lighten it up for Tavis' sake! So I bit the bullet and bought a large bag of Splenda (Brookshires $7.04) and replaced the white sugar with Splenda. Then you will notice the recipe calls for 1 cup and 3 Tablespoons oil. I replaced the cup with 1 cup of unsweetened Applesauce and then added the 3 Tablespoons of oil. This morning I cooked four of the muffins - one for me just to test it. PERFECT - no difference in taste or texture! Just healthier!!!! So change your recipe - and do make them -- they are delicious and so much healthier now!!

Ok - not so sure about how healthy - but everyone says "DELICIOUS!"

ICE CREAM SANDWICH DESSERT

Ingredients:

24 Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert Bars
1 - 12 oz. container of frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 - 12 oz. jar hot fudge sauce, warmed
1 Jar 12 oz. Caramel, warmed
Toasted pecans or crumbled Butterfinger or Health Bar pieces (already chopped up - how easy is that!!!!)

Directions:

Arrange 12 of the ice cream sandwiches in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. spread 1/2 of the whipped topping on top of the sandwiches. Spoon 1/2 of the hot fudge and caramel on top of the whipped topping. Place remaining 12 ice cream sandwiches on top of the fudge, spread the rest of the whipped topping,then finish the layers with the remaining hot fudge. Crumble or shred candy bar over the top or sprinkle with more toasted nuts. Cover and place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to set. Let soften at room temperature briefly before cutting into squares.

God is so Good! He answers prayers before we even plead with Him. Thank you God for being so awesome, so kind, so forgiving, and so blessing!! Just today I heard of a blessing he has given a loved one of mine and without God's intervention - I don't believe it would have happened!!

Have a blessed evening or tomorrow or whenever you get time to read this post! I can never thank you enough for the encouragement and following I've had. I just want this blog to bless the people that read it - provide great cooking opportunities - and a glimpse into the grace and glory of God!
His Will - I will have more!!!

2 TIMOTHY 1:7 - GROW WITH THE SCRIPTURE!!

Let's see - not the earliest nor the latest! Just the right time to talk I suppose! I wish we could have a two way conversation - when I asked "How was your day?" I would get 14 answers! Oh well!!!
Let me ask you - have you ever really feared anything? Tomorrow, surgery, a loved one's surgery, a funeral, your death, a loved one's death, a job change, a new church, a test, an appointment with the doctor, a new hairdo??? No matter how large, how life changing, how trivial - we have all experienced fear! How many know, I mean really know, what 2 Timothy 1:7 says?? The English Standard Version breaks it down to: "God didn't give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful. He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love." The truth is God is in Control - and He will take care of His children! We must help one another remember this great truth!! Our friends can do this for us! Let's just make sure we do this for our friends too!!

Tonight I was prepared - prepared to offer a meal to my family that was full of nutrients, not much fat, tasteful, healthy and fun! This morning I started the Pinto beans. They are the very best when you don't soak them all night -- the tend to get all mushy. Just rinse them off really well, then put in a saucepan, cover with water,and bring them to a rolling boil for about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover. I then start my slow cooker getting water hot - about 3/4 full. Just before I leave - about an hour after they have been sitting, I drain and pour in the hot water. By now I have also added a chopped onion and 2 to 3 minced or pressed garlic cloves. I let it stay on high until about 1:30 when I come home and add 1 can Rotel, Pepper, any other seasoning I think would add flavor - trying not to add too much salt - and about 1/4 cup brown sugar. Turn to low until evening when I arrive home. Taste and add black pepper and extra garlic, and other seasonings to disguise the lack of needed salt and brown sugar. They turned out delicious -- and healthy - exactly what I was aiming for!!!

Then - sorry to brag - but I made the most amazing Mini-meatloafs! Now I think I have told you my adversion to meat loaf and why. The first year Travis and I were married - Christmas was right around the corner - of course it didn't come as fast as it does now -- but to stretch our few dollars, I would make a meatloaf on Monday and we would make it last all week (reguar meatloaf, sandwiches, more meatloaf!!!) YUK -- for all these years I have hated meatloaf and made very few! But I needed something - low fat - low carbs - low everything to go with the beans. Here is the recipe and I promise it is FAB- U - LOUS!! --

LOW FAT MINI MEATLOAFS

1-1/2 (or whatever is packaged at Brookshires) Ground turkey breast
1 Medium carrot, shredded
1 medium zucchini, shredded and squeezed dry
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 green pepper (I used about 1/4 of red) finely chopped
1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 slice whole grain bread as breadcrumbs
2 Tablespoons Italion breadcrumbs
2 Cloves of garlic, minced
1 Egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup Prego's Heart healthy spegetti sauce
3 Tablespoons Red Wine (optional)
3 Tbls. tomato ketchup
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. Pensey's black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray a nonstick or silicone muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. (I used a 12 cup muffin pan!!)


Crumble ground turkey into a large bowl. Add shredded carrots, zucchini, chooped onion, green (or red) bell pepper, and garlic. Add chili powder, Worcestershire sauce and breadcrumbs and other seasonings. Stir with a fork, add egg and stir again until well blended.

Spoon mixture into prepared muffin pan, and top each with a dab (about 1 tbls.) of ketsup and top with a dab of Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25 minutes - test for pink and if pink bake another 5 to 10 minutes. I think mine took about 35 minutes!

It really is delicious - loaded with great veggies and nutrients - and tastes so good - what else can you ask for? The beans, a little cornbread, salad and the meal is yours!!!

Tomorrow I am going to share the next dessert recipe I am planning to make for church next Wednesday night -- so if you want to try it before you make it - come on over!! Wednesday night at Shiloh Road Church of Christ on Wednesday, May 19 from 5:30 until 6:30.

Have a blessed rest of the evening and join me again!!

A GREAT SATURDAY AND MOTHER'S DAY IS TOMORROW - HOW LUCKY CAN WE BE!!!!

What a busy day -- I know it seems lots of my days are "busy days" but they really are!!! I won't even attempt to tell you everything I did today -- you would just get bored and shut it down!! I will tell you that about 12:15 we arrived out at Pine Cove for Free Family Day where over 6000 people had registered! The day was perfect - not too hot - not too cold - not a cloud in the sky! We took Maura and she loved it! She got to swim (one of the first in the pool -- especially since Travis opened blocked off driveways, took us through back ways, and was welcomed everywhere he went! He could not drive and the people posted at certain entrances (including his main boss) would ask where we thought we were headed and when I would say -"Wherever he tells me to go" and they would see Travis and immediately shake his hand and move the barriers. I know how it killed him to not be able to work his body in the ground - taking care of lots of details but am thankful he is obeying Doctor's orders to "take it easy for 5 days"!! Maura is already registered for camp -and can hardly wait. Her Uncle is also arranging for her to have the top bunk where she wants it!!! It was fun seeing all the people (some just there for the free food) enjoying themselves and even if they just register 10 percent for camp - it was such a great gesture of friendship to the community! You know they don't preach doctrine - they don't preach at all - but they do teach Jesus and how much he loved all of us! They don't push it on anyone but everything they do - they do in His name!! Sometimes that is the only contact children have with the name of Jesus! Some choose to misunderstand their mission - and that is so sad because all they want is for every child to know who Jesus is and how much He loves all!!

We got home about four - but I didn't get home until after six - still had errands to run and groceries to buy! Then I fed and walked the three little furry friends and then I cooked. It was time for me to provide a good, low-fat, low cholestrol, heart healthy meal. It was really good - actually tasted like it had soy in it - but all it had was a great balsamic vinegar. I can truly recommend this recipe:

Bow Ties with Chicken, Red Peppers and Artichokes (It says total time 30 minutes but it took me about 45 minutes - chopping, etc.)
12 oz. (my package was 13-1/2 and I used it all) whole wheat bow-tie pasta (no whole wheat bow time at Brookshires so I used whole wheat Penne)
2 Tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (see Tip)
1 Tablespoon extra virgin Olive Oil, divided
12 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed and thinly sliced (I used breast tenders - sliced thin and grizzle removed)
Salt (used Ms. Dash) and freshly ground pepper to taste
2 small red bell peppers, thinly sliced (at $1.99 - I just picked out the largest and used about 3/4 of it and saved the rest!!)
2 shallots (or small onions) minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. chopped fresh or dried rosemary
1 -9 oz. pkg. frozen artichoke hearts (could not find) so I used 1 -14 oz. can drained and rinsed!)
1/2 tsp. Hot Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
2 Tbls. grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tendr, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and slightly rinse in cold water - add about 1/2 Tbls. Olive oil and set aside.

2. Heat 2 tsp. oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet (what I used) over medium high heat. Add chicken and saute until no longer pink inmsie; 2 to 4 minutes. Season with salt (if really serious about Heart healthy - use Mrs. Dash table blend) and set aside.

3. Add the remaining 1 tsp. oil to the pan. Add peppers, shallots (or onions), and garlic, and saute until the peppers are tender-crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Add to the reserved chicken.

4. Add broth, vinegar and rosemary to the pan and bring to a boil. Add artichokes and the reserved pasta and cook until heated through -2 to 3 minutes. Return the reserved chicken mixture to the pan and toss with the pasta. Taste and adjust the seasoning (mine didn't need any!) and sprinkle with pine nuts, red pepper flakes and cheese. Serve warm with salad and low fat bread!!! (We had an Organic 9 or 12 grain Whole Wheat that I just heated in the oven for about 10 minutes.

TIP FOR TOASTING PINENUTS

Take a heavy skillet and add 2 to 3 tablespoons (so you can taste a few) pine nuts and heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir frequently and watch carefully so they won't burn!

Delicous meal!

Of course - the part I hate came next - cleaning up!! But driven as I am - I refuse to leave my kitchen dirty - we either wash everything or it is rinsed and put in dishwasher!! But it is clean now!!

If you are a Mother - have a great day tomorrow - it is your day and you deserve it! If you are a daughter and your Mom is anywhere close - visit her and tell her how much you love her - and Grandmothers too! God in His wisdom - knew what the world needed to have sunshine in their homes and He made Mothers!! Celebrate that glory!!!

DON'T WORRY IF YOU BURN THE BISCUITS!!!

Wow - it gets late so quick!! Let me say - "Today was a busy day!" My 92 year old Mom needed to go to the beauty shop and as my sister is not feeling well - I called Mom and told her I would take her! She informed me she could drive as well as me and I assured her I knew she could but for today I would pick her up at 10:05 and take her. So I did - then went back to work and returned to pick her up about 10 til 12 and then we got her a Chick-fil-a and took her home. From there I stayed busy - work and other errands, dogs, etc., until just a little while ago! Good day!!

A long time friend sent me this and I love it and identify with it and think you will too!

BURNT BISCUITS

"When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work.

On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed. Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. Insert - WHAT A MAN! I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said: "Honey, I love burned biscuits."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides - a little burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!"

Life is full of imperfect things -- and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversarives just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults - and choosing to celebrate each others differences - is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that is my prayer for you today. That you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the Only ONE who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship.
Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket - keep it in your own!"

God Bless You -- Now and Always!!!! Access your potential and use it for God's glory!!!
Great Low Fat - Heart Healthy recipes coming tomorrow!!!

FRIENDS THAT PROP YOU UP WHEN YOU ARE LEANING!!!

Here is the beginning of the story (from my post on Facebook!):"Everytime someone is asked to pray, I think of the old fellow who always prayed, "Lord, prop us up on our leanin' side! After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed that prayer so fervently.

He answered, "Well sir, you see, it's like this...I got an old barn out back. It's been there a long time; its withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood for many years.

It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it would'nt fall.

Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn..I've been around a long time.... I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life; I've withstood a lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on the leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times.

Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, leaning toward cussing, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. So we need to pray, "Lord, prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord."

NOW GO TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE AND STARE AT THE PICTURE OF THE BARN FOR A SECOND AND YOU WILL SEE WHO WILL HELP US STAND STRAIGHT AND TALL AGAIN...do you see HIM??

HE had to prop me up today -- I was leaning toward fear! When I left with Travis being wheeled away - fear washed over me - I could not help but think "What if I never see him again?" God propped me up with the Christian people he sent to me. That was the first time I had faced someone being in surgery and me left to wait alone! My sister would have been there but she got really sick yesterday! But as I walked almost blindly toward the door, Charles Smith came in and then as I headed for the chairs in the waiting room - Melanie Mogle rose and came to hug me. Then Danny stood up -- his mother was also in for the same procedure as Travis. Not long after that Travis' boss, Matt Edwards walked in and then Travis Hunt and Ron Shultz called. IT also helped to know Travis' nurse was Deanne Smith. Later Mark, our preacher, came by and then an old friend from the past, Jim Welch came in just before we were leaving. None of them stayed long - but they prayed for Travis and I knew God was propping me up! Travis is home and now my job really begins - you are going to see a lot more Heart Healty, Low Sodium, Low Fat, Low Carb recipes! It is going to be hard to keep him on the straight and narrow because he loves sweets and more sweets.(IF you see him eating the wrong things - tell him!!! He is certainly not fat - but does have small (30%) blockage and they stressed the way to contain that is for him to eat correctly and exercise!

During Travis procedure I was reading the Bible on my IPhone and looking for specific scriptures of comfort. After he was out and had some food, he insisted I go get something so I went about a mile (it seemed) to the cafeteria and got a healthy little turkey sandwich. On the table was a little sign inviting people to join them in prayer in the chapel at 12:00 in honor of National Prayer Day. The verse at the top was Nahum 1:7 "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him." What a wonderful verse!!! What a wonderful time to be reminded!!!

Now what is cooking??? How many of you love those little Cucumber Sandwiches we are sometime lucky enough to have at a party or tea? Well here is a delicious "Lightened up" version:
CUCUMBER SANDWICHES

1 Medium cucumber, peeled and seeded
8 oz. Low fat Cream Cheese
1/4 cup Toasted walnuts
1/2 cup Reduced Fat Hellmans Mayonnaise
1/4 tsp. salt

Grate cucumber and drain well. Please cream cheese, walnuts, mayonnaise and salt in food processor. Process until smooth and creamy. Add cucumbers and hit the process button about 2 to 3 times. Make sandwiches out of either wheat or rye bread! Chill until ready to serve!

Ok - so everyone has to binge sometime and needs a great cake recipe! Here is one I just have to share even if I never get to make it again - unless it is to take to someone else! The first time I ever saw this cake - my Mom had made it for a church reunion and it was beautiful and delicious!

RASPBERRY CAKE

1 Box White Cake mix with pudding (a no-no-no for heart patients!)
1/2 cup oil (Make it canola)
4 Eggs
1 Box Raspberry Jello (that alone would be good for heart patient!!)
3/4 cup Milk
1 Cup Raspberries (thawed or fresh)
1 Cup Coconut
1 Cup Pecans
1 Tsp. Vanilla

Combine all ingredients beating about 2 minutes at medium speed. Baking options: in a 9 X13 pan that has been greased & floured. Bake at 350 degrees 40 minutes. May also be cooked in 3 - 9 inch round cake pans - bake about 25 minutes -- or my favorite way: Spray large tube pan and dust with sugar, add cake batter and bake 45 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Let cool completely, then ice with cream cheese icing and cover with coconut.

ICING
1 Stick butter
2 - 8 oz. low fat Cream cheese
4 to 4-1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla

Combine softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla flavoring and powdered sugar. Blend until smooth.

Well enough of my life and my cooking tonight. Thanks to each of you that took the time to pray for Travis. God heard and God is Good! If it is His will - I'll try to write more tomorrow evening.

THANK YOU LORD FOR A GREAT DAY!

Wow only 9:12 - really getting a head start! Today was unusual for a number of reasons! I left work at 11:10 to go to Harvey Hall for a luncheon/fundraiser benefiting Christian Homes and Family Services! It was an amazing event - well - the food - I do better chicken, etc., but it wasn't about the food - it was about an organization that provide help and support, and maternity care for young women with unplanned pregnancies who choose life and by providing foster care for precious children who of no fault of theirs find themselves, abused, neglected or abandoned. An organization that seeks Christian families who are committed to the Lord, their marriage and committed to teaching a child about Jesus and His love as parents for these precious children. The one other organization I would happy serve on its board if ever asked.

The speaker today was Sheila Walsh - a wonderful lady originally from Scotland. Now she is an author, a singer, TV host, speaker - and if you ask her - first and foremost answer would be "a Christian." She is an amazing speaker(and singer) with an even more amazing story. (I think some of you heard her speak at "WOMEN OF FAITH!" She said she had been involved with WOF for the past 15 years. Her talk ultimately was about letting go of the baggage we all carry and Let GOD!! The program had this quote at the top of it: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:29-30. What an awesome quote from the Bible to use. You know I've been thinking about that quote - and got to thinking of all the "noble" things -(and good things) that famous women have done -- but then I think of ladies like my Mom, Betty Walters,Jewel Nicholas, my grandmother, Travis' Mom (and I'm sure each of you could add to this list)who did many good things that were never noticed by anyone but the receiver - and they feared the Lord and lived by His Word. God in His Wisdom knew there would be both and recognized who was the most important to Him! Which are we going to be???
This afternoon I changed clothes (one reason to be more comfortable and get out of my heels - and the other was that I unknown at the time by me - had dropped salad dressing on my skirt - not one drop but about 4 drops) and my sister is the most amazing woman with stains. She can remove stains that are unremovable! So she took the skirt and sure enough called later to let me know the stains are out! Any way I drove out to Winona to take some pictures of some land across from the high school. Since I grew up in that area - the drive was rather poignant and even sad. It was a beautiful day and I should have been grateful to escape the office for an hour and half - but there were so many houses where friends and loved ones had lived and died. Travis' two sisters lived on FM 16, as did one of my best friends from school days at Winona, and there were others! I felt a little melancholy leaving there! Then of course the town has changed in such a short time -- 3 liquor stores open and three more just about complete! Very strange!!!

Tonight I am going to give you a recipe for Slow-Cooker Barbeque Beef that was actually in the Dallas Food section of the paper this past week. It sounds so good - much like the barbequed Pork that I have already given you!
Sis - This sounds like your kind of dish!!! AND MINE TOO!

SLOW-COOKER BARBEQUE BEEF

1 3-1/2 pound eye of round roast cut in half vertically
2 tsp. salt (divided use)
2 garlic cloves, pressed (knew it was a good recipe when it had the garlic and I didn't have to add it the the recipe!)
1 (10 oz.l) can condensed beef broth
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 Tablespoons steak sauce
1 tsp. coarse ground pepper
1 tsp. Worchestershire sauce
12 onion rolls, split (or whole wheat hamburger buns (I added this)
Dill pickle slices

Sprinkle beef evenly with 1 tsp. salt. Stir together remaining salt, garlic, and next seven ingredients. Pour half of the mixture into a 5-1/2 quart slow cooker. Place beef in cooker and pour remaining mixture over beef. Cover and cook on High for 7 hours. Serve on rolls or buns with dill pickles. Serves 6! (Sounds like it would serve at least 8 or 10! I won't be eating 2!!!

My screen saver is my photo album - and every so often a picture of Maura, Michelle or Travis is shown on the beach (and no you won't see any pictures of me on the beach -- my sister and I made a pact a long time ago - no beach pictures of us!) and I get so ready for some sunshine and relaxation! Can't help but wonder where we will find a clean beach on our coast lines this year! That spill just keeps getting bigger and bigger! Can't someone or something stop it!!!!
Well - enough for tonight! Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the kind comments I receive! Now let's all try to do something good for someone else! Let's all be God's delight!!!

GOALS ACCOMPLISHED - SENIORS BE PROUD - YOU ARE ALMOST THERE!

Have you ever spent most of a day going from store to store looking for something to make an idea come to life?? I did just that Saturday -- I was looking for small fish - and anything else I thought would complete the beach theme I was using for decorating the fellowship room for the banquet for the graduates! I think I hit every dollar store, party store, and Big Lots! But all of the work was worth it -- my vision came to life when Travis added the Cane topped little shack as the focal point for pictures. He even added the sand - and pictures on the wall to resemble clouds and sunshine and waves!!

At Shiloh we have 20 young people graduating from high school - and although I don't know near all of them - the ones I've been lucky enough to be around are really sweet and nice! Two of the boys helped Travis take down the "Shack" and clean up afterwards! Thanks so much Casey and Zack!
Travis had worked over half the day on Saturday at his real job and then cut the cane and constructed the hut. Then today he helped take down all of the tables and chairs and vacuumed the room. I am really worried about his working too hard - especially since he is going in the hospital on Thursday for a heart cath. His stress test revealed he is not getting enough blood to the back of his heart. So watch out young men at Pine Cove - if he is running on 50% - and you already think he is working you too hard - what will happen when he is back to 100%?????

I was really tired when we got home this afternoon - had to clean up the mess after the banquet - and that is never as much fun as setting it up! I was the kind of tired that can't be explained -- to tired to rest -- so after walking through the house a few times - I settled in the kitchen and created (as I went) a really tasty cake. Since every dessert should have a name I will just call it Apple Pie Cake!

APPLE PIE CAKE

Ingredients:
1 Yellow (Duncan Hines) Cake Mix + 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
1 Can Apple Pie Filling
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Cup Brown Sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon Flour
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Mix the cake mix with directions on box - plus add 1 tsp. vanilla. Put into prepared (greased - actually I spray the pan with Pam - and dust with flour!)pan. The put spoon fulls of the apple pix filling around the pie - make about three rows -- then take a spatula and run it through the cake. spreading the filling around on top of the cake. Then combine the brown sugar, butter, flour and nuts until crumbly and top the cake with this! Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until tester comes out clean!
Let cool slightly while making buttermilk glaze!

BUTTERMILK GLAZE

1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1-1/2 tsp. cornstarch or 3 tsp. flour
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine the first five ingredients in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to boil and remove from heat. Cool slightly and stir in vanilla. Pour over the cake!
It really is good - Travis and my Mom say so - and they are critics of the hardest kind!!!

This is it for tonight! Take time to be holy - and look for the good in one another. God's will I will bring more tomorrow!!!