Sunday Reflections

"The grass withers & the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord stands forever."

Yummy Give-away!

I love to go to blogs that are doing a "give-away", so I decided it was time to do one!
This cookbook has nearly 300 recipes from 31 upscale restaurants in the Triangle area, even some of their "secret" ones!
To enter, just leave a comment on here with your favorite food (it can even be a category).
I'll announce the winner on Tuesday, Feb.2
And here it is....

Retirement Joys

"A picture is worth a thousand words..."

And this picture says it all!  When people ask me if my husband is enjoying retirement, I have an easy answer: YES!!!

Icy Times

Before we enter the timeframe of the POSSIBLE ice/snow of tomorrow, take a look at this beautiful tree in Ashe County, taken last Friday.  It was totally iced over early that morning.

Covered in ice it began to split down the middle as it reached its branches from the normal of 6+ feet above the driveway to touching the cement.

A strong wind or even a longer period of ice on the tree would probably have led to its demise...

But the ice melted by noon so the stately tree returned to its upright state of beauty.

The prediction for tomorrow in Ashe County... 10-14" of snow!

Attack!!

Isn't it amazing what fear can do to us sometimes?  Even when the fear is unrealistic, it can grip us and is contagious.

  When the dog from up the hill came running toward these three, two screamed and climbed up into the tree, followed by the dog-lover who is never afraid of dogs (see yesterday's post).  They have all played with this dog before, but they didn't see her coming & she surprised them.  Being full of fun & used to playing with "her own kids", she saw an opportunity to romp and play.  Miss "I DON'T like dogs" saw her as a frightening threat & scaled this tree with speed while screaming & shaking.  Her little brother followed suit (since he has been knocked down by this overly rambunctious dog, he had a bit more reason to do so.)

How often do I let unrealistic fear grip me?  It may be something tangible or it may be something I can't even put my finger on... but I let it keep me from being who God wants me to be, or do what God wants me to do.
Fear is so easy to pass on, too.  I remember when I was growing up that I had a close friend whose mom was really afraid of storms.  If we were playing at her house & a storm was brewing, we were whisked off to the basement (which was very nice & had a full size playroom, so I didn't mind...)  We lived in Indiana where tornadoes did strike sometimes, but even an ordinary thunderstorm would be reason to head to the basement.  I saw fear in my friend's face when storms came, too.  I had learned from my grandma that storms were beautiful: she "enjoyed" watching storms & loved the cleansing rain that accompanied them.  I still love storms & have never been fearful of them.  So we can pass on fear or we can pass on appreciation for things that could be fearful.
   Does that mean I don't have fears?  No.  But every time a fear threatens to engulf me, I am reminded that God did NOT give me a spirit of fear.  I am reminded that I am to be strong & not fear.  Over and over in Scripture God says, "Do not fear!"  And that "perfect love drives out fear."  So when fear threatens, I need to return to the King of Love who casts out fear!

Puppy Love

Some people are just meant to have dogs in their lives... And this little gal is one of those.

She LOVES her "Rocko-baby"!  His name is Rocko (he came with the name from the rescue group),  but she calls him "Rocko-baby" nearly all the time.

He is her pal, her playmate, her "waller-on-the-floor" friend, and her rough & tumble chase partner.

She also loves to meet other dogs & has no fear of them.  They can tell that she is a dog-lover!  While her older sister (who is NOT  a dog lover), climbed a tree in fear when this friendly dog came running up, MK made instant friends with the border collie from up the hill.

Then they were pals too...

And her collection of "inanimate" doggies (and other critters) is just as precious to her.  They all have names that she never forgets, & she has assigned personalities to them.  One thing that is very difficult for her is making a decision, so when I offered to add one to her collection last summer at the beach, she had chosen 3 that were her favorites.  It took threatening to leave the store without ANY to get her to choose only one.  So when the other two joined her "family" on Christmas, she was thrilled!

Don't you LOVE it when a gift is a real hit?!  And the smile on this sweet face says it all..

Winter's Feast

I love to have these dishes out during the winter (no, they're not Christmas dishes... I get them out in Nov. & leave them out until late March).  They remind me of the beauty of winter, yet are colorful (& I LOVE color!)
   Usually this cookie jar stays full of cookies throughout the holidays, but since I didn't do any baking this year, it has been woefully empty.  So it is just a decoration adding color to my kitchen this winter.   It doesn't serve its usual purpose, but it does serve the purpose of giving me joy as I walk by it.
  However, it is time to eliminate those things that no longer serve a purpose nor give me joy.  Look out clean out!!!!

Sunday Reflections

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.
Hebrews 6:19

Questions With Answers

The following questions were on a blog I read, so this is a "pass it on".  Feel free to leave me your answers in the comments or use it on your blog (or both!) 


1. When was the last time you craved a food---what was it, and did you eat it?  30 minutes ago, popcorn, yes....

2. M & M's or Skittles? Do they make chocolate Skittles?  Definitely M & M's!

3. Have you ever read the Bible completely through? No.  I've tried the through the Bible in a year & almost succeeded... but it just becomes too "mechanical" for me.  But I love how fresh the Bible is any time I read it, the way the same passage I've read many time before will seem brand new or have a totally different message for me.

 I4. How long does it take you to really wake up in the morning? A long time!  I actually wake up okay but it takes me a while to really get moving. I'm NOT a morning person!
5. Have you ever been on a cruise? Twice: the first was a few years ago & was north from NYC, ending in Canada.  It was great!  Then 3 years ago to Alaska which was fabulous!

6. Who is your favorite actress? I watch very few movies or TV shows, but I like Sandra Bullock & really enjoyed her in Blindside (I like her spunkiness!)

7. ______ is something that I will just never understand.I think I'd best leave this one blank...

8. How much of a technology junkie are you? I love my computer and have learned much of what I know by teaching myself.  I would like to know more & am grateful to those who have helped me.   I mostly use it for email/blog/facebook, etc... which I typically do a couple of times a day(it is my evening entertainment most nights.) I listen to my iPod mostly in the house on a dock, & don't "do" other technology. I don't even text on my phone.

9. Do you enjoy selecting greeting cards for people, or is it more of a cultural "have to" for you?  I would rather make a card for someone & love getting handmade ones, but I also love to get any kind of card. I just don't often think to send them to others, which is sad because I love to receive them.

10. When was the last time you got a new style/haircut?  Day before yesterday, but not really a new style.  I told my stylist I was game for a new funky "do" & he said, "with your curly hair, there aren't many options unless you want to spend a lot of time on it every day...."  And he KNOWS I don't want to do that!

11. What do you enjoy shopping for most? My grandchildren.  I'd rather look in the children's department than look for something for myself.  Otherwise, plants & gardening supplies, purses.

12. What's the last thing you think of before you leave the house? Do I have my car keys?  What else am I forgetting?  (I almost always have to go back in for something...)

A "Feel Good" Story

Just last week the N.C. USO became the proud new owners of an RV!

Now that doesn't mean the USO volunteers & staff will be going camping....

This RV will be used to raise community awareness of the NC-USO throughout the state, especially at events such as last week's Hurricanes game & the week before that at the Panthers' game...

It is equipped to show a movie on one screen, a TV program on another screen (complete with Direct TV hook up), & X-Box games on a third screen, all on the OUTSIDE of the vehicle!  There is an awning that comes out to create shade, a large outdoor grill for cooking hamburgers/hotdogs, etc. & tables to set up for serving.  It will also be used at events for the military such as the deployment at Cherry Point this coming weekend.

We are so proud of our new "acquisition"!  It is a Mobile Canteen!  And the really neat part of the story...

It was donated by a former military man (sailor) in memory of his dear wife, with whom he enjoyed touring in the RV until her death.  Rather than pass it on to his family, he chose to share it with those who serve our country.  May we use it to honor Mr. Goff, to honor the memory of Mrs. Goff, and to serve those who protect our country.

Gus

In the last post I gave you a glimpse of Gus & his best friend...

Here is Gus doing what he loves most... laying in front of the fire.  With his short hair, I don't know how he can lay this close to the heat, but he stayed there as long as the fire was going.

He is not a high energy dog, nor one who has a lot of stamina, but he does enjoy human company, & has a great personality.

Now his best canine friend is another story...

Gordy can chase a tennis ball as many times as you can throw it.   He has more energy than 6 dogs & loves to run; he can run all day long & still be ready for more.

So when Gus brings his best human buddy home to visit, he usually brings his best canine buddy, too... & sometimes even Gordy's best human friend.

Man's Best Friend

Not just a phrase... with this young man, but his best buddy!

And you can tell that the feeling is mutual....

Can you tell that Gus adores his master?

Closet Update

So I started cleaning out my closet about a week ago.... then life got in the way & I didn't "finish" it.

  But even when I do ( I'll try to post pictures when it is finished), it will NOT look like this...

Really, who has a closet that looks like this?!  Where are the slacks/pants?  Who has 10 shirts/blouses?  Who could reach those cute baskets on top?  Where are the purses/bags/satchels?  Maybe I am slow about cleaning out my extras, but I would not get it down to this no matter what. It makes a nice picture, but realistic?  I don't think so.

But isn't that like a lot of life?  We "see" a picture of a slice of life viewed from our perspective yet looking at someone else's situation.  We may think we could not possibly deal with that situation.  Or we may think we could handle it so much better than they are doing (of course, we'd never verbalize that!)  We may try to spiritualize it or minimize it or blow it out of proportion.  But our picture isn't even realistic.  It is missing certain elements & we try to imagine different scenarios.  We could save so much time & energy focusing on what we can do & where God has placed us, what He has called us to do & equipped us to do, & what He wants to use us to do.
   Lord, help me keep my eyes on you!

Sunday Reflections

God is our refuge & strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.    Psalm 46:1-3

Emergency!

This is a big deviation from my typical blog, but I feel it is so important.
What could be more of an emergency than what has happened in Haiti?!  Every "mama's heart" just grieves at what we see!  The pictures are heart-rending & show the great need there, beyond what any of us can imagine.  It might be easy to say, "I can't do anything" or "I can't afford to send anything."  But what about sacrificing a few visits to Star Bucks, or a fast food drive through, or a meal out, or a movie rental, or... you fill in where your "extra" dollars go.
   But we also need to be careful about where we send those contributions: unfortunately there are already scams on FB & other sites, & even many of the reputable organizations use too much of their budget for "administrative costs".  Here are a couple of suggestions of organizations who will utilize the most toward the greatest needs & also are already "boots on the ground."
  And in case you are wondering: Corey's group will not be going since they are still training the new guys, but 2 other groups from his area will be going.  He would like to have been in on it, but knew that right now his group was not prepared.


The first Samaritan’s Purse cargo plane landed in Haiti Wednesday with emergency relief supplies for victims.  They deployed emergency teams just hours after the earthquake hit. They are already in place and are already working to meet the survival needs of the Haitians. Our church has worked closely with Samaritan’s Purse and has helped deliver Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to Amigo Fiel in Mexico. This organization is the real deal. They know what they’re doing and they do it well. Here is a link to Samaritan Purse’s statement of financial accountability.


Another real deal organization helping in Haiti is New Directions (www.newdirections.org.)

The Navigators: Many organizations will raise money for Haiti -- some will be legitimate and some not. Evangelical Council for Fianancial Accountablity (ECFA) has prepared a special link on their home page (www.ECFA.org) to direct potential donors to a list of ECFA member organizations providing humanitarian relief an...See More

ECFA :: Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability

www.ECFA.org

ECFA is committed to helping Christ-centered organizations earn the public's trust through developing and maintaining standards of accountability that convey God-honoring ethical practices.

Winter Wonderland

When something is magical, it is hard to describe without pictures. But since we didn't want to be encumbered with a camera, the only picture I have is the "professional" one that they take just inside the entrance....

Actually considering how difficult it is to get 7 people to even look at the camera at the same time, they did a very good job. The surprise was that this became one of my Christmas gifts from the lovely blonde lady in the front.

A quick trip to VA just 5 days before Christmas included a visit to "Christmas Town", opened for the first time in December at Busch Gardens. The entire park was decorated with tiny lights, a different color for each "country" that we walked through: Ireland, England, France, Germany, & the North Pole.

It was really cold, really beautiful, really fun, & really magical. Just wish I had more pictures...

It's Time!

I know this is the "clean-it-out" time of year, & since I've been itching to get started on it for months, I'm jumping on the bandwagon... starting with my closet which seems to collect EVERYTHING!

 It is a nice big closet with plenty of shelf space, & the shelves seem to just be waiting to grab "stuff."

But oh how nice it is to fill bags... & get it all cleaned out!

Now let's see how long I can keep those shelves tidy...

Just For You!

Today is "open forum" just for you!

Tell me something about YOU... what your favorite things in life are; what you most like to do when you have some free time; where you would like to travel if $$$ was no issue; what you like best about your husband/friend/children/sister/parent/whomever; what your favorite food is; what you would like to change about yourself; what things give you a sense of "accomplishment"; what you use to battle dry skin (since we are all in a deep freeze!); or anything else you would like to share. You can share any of these or all. It will be fun to get to know you better!

Then encourage at least one other person to visit here & "introduce" themselves, too!

Cast Your Vote

I've decided to ask for your help... in naming my WiiFit. My grandchildren call me Mimi, so I thought about "WiiWii"... but somehow that just doesn't quite get it for me.

So I'm looking for suggestions!

And today "she" was my friend: I did 1 hour & 5 minutes of exercise & fun and learned some new "games" on her (that my grandkids were doing & "looked" very easy.... not so!)

Now we'll see if I can get out of bed tomorrow....

Looking forward to your suggestions so I can start calling her by her proper name.

New Friend/Enemy

I've heard the jokes about being offended if your husband gave you one of these for Christmas... But I was NOT offended! I was excited to try it! This was going to be my "friend"!

The "games" are fun & challenging, there is a variety of exercises, these are very "do-able", & I DO need the exercise. So after trying several different things, I decided to do some lunges... Okay, I haven't done these for months, so I thought it might be hard on my knees. Being very careful not to hurt my knees, I apparently put all the weight on my calf muscles (I walk a lot, go hiking, etc.)... because over the next 3 days, I could barely stand when I got up, then had to walk very slowly for several steps before walking normally, because those calf muscles were SCREAMING at me!

Ooooh, maybe this is an enemy, not a friend... But I'll give her another chance (and I need to give her a name!)

The Best Love

"I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with loving-kindness."

Jeremiah 31:3

Just Hangin'

Ah, the freedom of childhood...

the simplicity..... fun, carefree trust....

Do you see any "worry" here, that this limb might break?

How carefree is my/your life? We have to be adults & need to take responsibility, but how often do we let worry overwhelm us? How often do we focus on the difficulties & duties in life to the point that we miss out on the joys & blessings that God sends our way?

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled & alert."

(I Peter 5:7,8a)

New Year's Blast

Our New Year's Eve celebration has been the same for the last 10 years (except for last year when I was in Austria... now they really know how to throw a celebration there!) At the stroke of midnight every year this little girl has been in my lap, from her first one at seven months old.

I told her in a couple of more years I will have to sit in her lap!

Around 11 PM, it didn't look too promising...

And little sis wasn't holding up too well either...

But by time for the "ball" to drop (or the "acorn" if you live in "the city of oaks"...), everyone was awake & ringing in 2010!

What a blessing this sweet family is to me! I am so thankful to the Lord for them & the many ways He has blessed all of us this year.

I pray that your 2010 will be one where you see God working in your life!

Career Change?

I had a totally new experience today: I was in a "real" photo shoot. I'm talking 8 AM till 5 PM (with catered breakfast/snacks & lunch). There were words used frequently like "action" & "cut."

There were big pieces of equipment, & cords running everywhere, & people everywhere, & lots of waiting for the next "take."

It gave me a new appreciation for what goes into aTV commercial

Several scenes were shot in a kitchen, & each item on the counter had to be arranged & rearranged. The lighting had to be just right, & big white screens on tall tripods combined with lots of natural light gave the desired effect.

Mid afternoon we even changed "shoot locations", from a home setting to the airport. With a cast of 4, we chatted in an impromptu way, having the same conversation each time we did another take.

All of the filming crew were so nice & so professional; make-up artist, photographers, cinematographers, creative director, director of photography, producer, grips, etc. These were real professionals! And they were working with four amateurs... But they were so patient & so helpful. They all donated their time & talent for this full day of filming.

The shoot was for a public service announcement for the USO. Each year this group chooses a "cause/charity" for which they donate a full day of shooting to create a PSA. This time it was the USO. They will create different segments (15 second, 30 second, 60 second) & an ad (shot with stills) for publications.

It was fun & a neat learning opportunity. I'm thankful to have been a part of it. Am I ready to start a new career?.... Probably not.

Thank You, Amazon!

No matchbox cars or little pieces toys for this boy... give him a sword & he is ready to play! A new one for his collection is hard to find but his favorite uncle (whom he adores) mastered the task & came up with this fine specimen.

A gallant pose is struck & another sword fight is waiting to happen.

What does a guy do when the interest in riding a bike just isn't there, but he has two older sisters to keep up with?

Go for the BIG Wheel!

Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find an original Big Wheel? Not the smaller version popular for toddlers, but the "real thing"?

Thank you, Amazon.com!

Country Music Hall of Fame

Have you ever wanted to know someone "famous"?

Well, this is the world renowned music group, THE MUDFLAPS, who just 2 nights ago were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame!

On Guitar Rock Band game, that is....

Family Secret

Recipe, that is...

You may have heard of my famous Flan that is as good as, or better than you can get in any restaurant anywhere (I've tried it in many places all over the country!) I've never shared the recipe before... & as you will see, it takes very few ingredients & is really easy to make.

It takes some time & patience, & a wooden spoon to caramelize the sugar, but it is not difficult at all.

Don't you love the little pictures of the ingredients? This cookbook is 42 years old!

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The other really easy recipe for a restaurant favorite is on the bottle of Nellie's Key Lime Juice & of course it is for Key Lime Pie. After making this one, I cannot bring myself to order it in a restaurant, knowing how easy & inexpensive it is to make... & I've never had key lime pie in any restaurant that is any better than this!

Post Christmas

All the excitement leading up to Christmas is fun, especially through the eyes of children. We found this year that as children get bigger, so do their gifts... especially since 2 got scooters & 1 got a Big Wheel (& even some of the adults got big sized gifts, like a putter...). What a joy it was to watch 6, 8 1/2, & 10 1/2 year olds not only get excited about their own gifts, but also about their sibling's gifts & the gifts they were giving (most of which they had made).

After it was all over, the tree was still green with branches standing up (since we cut it the day after Thanksgiving, we know it is really fresh). So this year we will go back to one of my family-of-origin traditions & leave it up until New Year's Day. I still enjoy sitting in my chair next to the tree in the mornings to have my quiet time with the Lord.
At least we won't follow a tradition that a long-ago friend had: she left her tree up until Valentine's Day! Yes, it WAS an artificial tree...