Thankful Thursday -- the Love of God

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 KJV

First and foremost, I am thankful for the Lord and all His goodness and mercy to me and my family.

Second, I am thankful I have time to post this week! Last week was a whirlwind of activity!

While I am thankful for my job -- I really wish I didn't have to work, but for this season in life I do. So, I am thankful for the final move to the new building and our wonderful new office. My co-worker and I share a huge office and its wonderful. We worked in a room that looked like a janitor's closet. Ugh! I have only been with this organization since November of last year, so its all new for me.

I am thankful for all our international students -- for some reason last Thursday, so many of them came by to say hi at our old office (I was alone, my co-worker had already moved) -- and I had to wonder why? Perhaps the Lord knew, I was down in the dumps. It brought a smile to my face the entire day. 63 of the 90 will be graduating this month and going back to their homes far and wide. I will miss many of them, who I now count as friends.

I am thankful for my husband -- he never really complains and patiently listens to my rambles, but especially his care of our horse Mysti. I'm not sure what we would have done had he not been home. He is doing chores when he should have his foot up!

I'm thankful the Lord is healing Mysti. Her wound is still raw, but she is not limping. Still believing that she will be able to bear weight on it!!

I'm thankful for a good church and church family. A good shepherd to lead us.

I'm thankful for the word of God ... our road map to life. And the way the Lord speaks to me through his word.

I am thankful my garden is sprouting! We were late planting due to horse issues and such, but things are moving along! I love vegetables!! (I also love sweets ...)

I am thankful for the good health the Lord has blessed us with. We do not take it for granted.

I am thankful for the Lord showing me things / ways to improve and change the way we were doing many things. It may seem silly to some -- but the Lord knows the desire of our hearts to do the right things according to His will.

I am thankful for this community of bloggers who are a blessing and encouragement to me.

To join in or read more Thankful Thursdays, head on over to Sting My Heart.

Memorial Day - 2007

It seemed fitting this morning that rain would come down from the sky. It was a gentle reminder to me of the Lord's sadness concerning some of the choices we make in life. I need to seek the Lord for every decision I make -- even simple (meaningless to others) decisions.

We visited the cemetery yesterday -- and also paid respect to the veteran's cemetery. I enjoy seeing all the flags decorating every grave. For me, it means that we have not forgotten one of those Soldiers. And we should not ever forget their supreme sacrifice. Ever.

To all the Soldiers, Veterans, retirees -- I give you my humble thanks for all that you do, or have done to protect our country and its freedoms. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and give you grace ...

Menu Plan Monday - May 28

I hope you are enjoying your Memorial Day weekend! Ours has flown by -- always lots to do. But hopefully today will be a bit slower paced. The sun is shining -- and maybe the grass will dry up. Josh has to work this evening, but he doesn't care because its time and a half! But then he has to be there at 600 am tomorrow to unload the truck! To be 16 again ... and have all that energy. Although we are working on that!

Enjoy your day with family and friends -- or even just doing something YOU enjoy. Relax and just soak up the joy of the Lord -- and make it a great day!!

Monday -- BBQ Feast

(hamburger, brats, pasta salad, fresh from the garden salad (yum!!) grilled vegetables.)

Tuesday -- Leftovers

Wednesday -- Toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, Salad

Thursday -- still out on this one ... thinking Chicken Quesadillas

Friday -- Homemade Pizza/Calzones

Not a great menu this week -- but the plan is the key to smooth mealtimes!

Baking: Homemade Bagels and Cinnamon Raisin Bread/Bread Machine

Homemade Tortilla Recipe for Quesadillas

4 cups flour (I use soft wheat flour and unbleached)

6 T. olive oil (5 works too for lower fat)

1 t. real salt

1 1/4 cup water

Combine thoroughly and refrigerate 1 hour prior to rolling. If you want more specific directions, drop me a note.

Do you like Cookies ?

I came across a great website that has a ton of cookie recipes. We all love cookies here -- and the healthier the better. This site has a lot of the tried and true recipes -- the ones you might hear about more often. Lynn's Country Kitchen - Cookies

TGIF and Free Cookbook!

I didn't get to post yesterday -- it has just been one of those weeks! Ya know? It made me sad not to post my Thankful list -- to be honest, I think it would have helped my attitude!

Please say a prayer for our family -- it would be greatly appreciated!

Here's a free cookbook offer from Ragu. To be honest, I have not ever cared for the taste of their pasta sauce -- I prefer to make homemade -- but I didn't know that they supposedly don't have any preservatives or additives? For me, that is a good thing. In any case they are giving away a free cookbook -- so go sign up!

You have to answer 5 questions. Easy. (plus you can always substitute your own sauce!)

Moving Week!

We are moving to the new college this week -- and time is very limited. I have a slight break, so thought I would pop in and say hello!

I also wanted to share some free cookbooks that are available for download for your cooking pleasure. Quite a few good ones.

Courtesy of the Prepared Pantry. They have an entire library of articles and information.

I'll be back for Thankful Thursday -- can't miss that even in the midst of some turmoil in our lives. Mysti is healing well -- still believing the Lord for her to be sound. Husband doing his best to not walk on his foot. Last week of school and Memorial Day weekend! Yikes!

Be blessed ...

Favorite Ingreditents Friday - Memorial Day Edition

Calico Beans

1 lb. lean ground beef
1 pkg. bacon (1 lb) -- use turkey for lower fat
1 medium onion, chopped

Brown above and then mix together:

1 large can pork and beans
2 cans of dark kidney beans

Mix these ingredients together:

1 c. ketchup
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
1 T. dry mustard
1 t. vinegar

After browning the meat and onion, mix all ingredients together and cook slowly until heated through or put on low in a slow cooker.

These beans are probably not the healthiest as far as sugar content -- but they are really, really good!

Visit Overwhelmed with Joy for more delicious recipes for summer!

I am going to share my low fat Pasta Salad recipe next -- I make this throughout the year, but especially for BBQs and potlucks. I usually do not bring any home, its so good!!

Michelle’s Pasta Salad

1 16oz. package garden rotini (I like Martha Gooch best)
1 bottle Fat Free Zesty Italian salad dressing (I used Kroger brand)

½ cup chopped red onion
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced

1 package frozen Kroger Mexican Blend Vegetables
(it has broccoli, cauliflower, red pepper corn, kidney beans etc)

1 small can sliced black olives

Salt and pepper to taste


Cook pasta according to package directions -- leaving it a bit al dente. Drain pasta and allow hot water to collect in another bowl. Rinse pasta with cold water to chill quickly and drain well.

Meanwhile put onions and frozen veggies in the hot water from the pasta and let sit for a few minutes to soften onions and vegetables. Drain well.

Combine all ingredients – you will not use the entire bottle of Italian dressing in the beginning,
but after cooling in the fridge for a few hours, go ahead and add the rest and stir well. I think in the beginning it soaks up a bunch.

Thankful Thursday -- All things!

First and always, I am thankful for the Lord -- His supreme sacrifice for me and others. He's an awesome God, and I'm thankful He chose to draw me to Him.

Yesterday afternoon was a pretty rough afternoon, and my faith was pretty low -- our poor horse! She's such a good girl. You can read the story here. But after service last night -- I am believing the Lord for her complete recovery. I have to -- my trust is in the Lord.

We had a visiting minister instead of Bible Study last night -- he has a healing ministry -- How like God? -- I realize that its only a horse and things could be far worse in other areas of our lives -- I think it was just everything -- especially stating what should have been done when she was first injured. We had a different vet come out last night -- this is who we wanted originally, but one of her fill in vets came out last week. So -- it was an awesome service and I am thankful for that.

I'm thankful that my husband's foot is healing. (It was pretty ugly looking Tuesday afternoon at the doctors!) It looked better last night when I re-wrapped it.

I'm thankful my son Josh has been a huge help with chores this week, even though he carries a full load with school and his job.

I'm thankful for the tulips (and sub!) my daughter Sarai gave me -- I love tulips!

And the roses Josh gave me late Sunday night -- I told him to save his money, he said No, this makes him happy cause it makes me happy.

I'm thankful for a little girl who was so tired last night she fell asleep in my arms -- I think I needed that human touch -- and it actually comforted my soul and spirit.

I'm thankful that the vet knows someone who might be interested in Rowdy -- and it would be a great new home.

After my post last night -- the vet was going over the other bill. We had not received it in the mail yet. I think I might have had a coronary had it showed up! She said that there were ALOT of over charges -- because the fill in vet didn't know the prices. The bill was $290 for last week. Gasp! She gave a bunch of credit -- and after last night the total was $367.50. God is awesome! And she let us pay 1/2 now and 1/2 in a month. This is not too common in today's world. I asked her if I could pay half in 2 weeks -- and she said you can even pay it in a month. Wow! I am believing God for the funds for this!

I'm thankful I am feeling so much better today and I woke early enough to spend time with the Lord.

I'm thankful for my husband and my kids who put up with all my drama sometimes! Hey, I have to put up with theirs! {grin}

And as always, I am thankful for this community of bloggers who are an encouragement to me.

Slow Cooker Thursday -- Chicken & Veggie Bake (Low Fat)

Chicken and Veggie Bake (Low Fat)

Ingredients:

8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cans whole potatoes, drained
1 tsp garlic powder
1 bottle fat free Italian salad dressing
1 pkg frozen veggies
1 can water chestnuts (optional)
salt & pepper

Directions:
Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, pepper and garlic.
Put chicken in bottom of slow cooker/Crock Pot.
Add remaining ingredients.
Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours. Serves 8

Pretty simple recipe -- great when short on time! You can actually serve on brown rice - or just with a side of crusty bread and or a salad.

Visit Sandra for more crockpot recipes!!

Mysti - Sad Update -- Please Pray!

The main vet came today. Her wound is not healing and she has begun to limp. So, its all horsey medical stuff, but in short, she did a really good job of cutting herself. It is so deep that it probably won't re-attach (and it hasn't, its been 10 days)

They probably should have cast it last week, but she's not sure if that would have made a difference. So - they are going to remove the entire flap. She cut deep into the coronary band?

She will be lame unless God intervenes.

Right now -- with the costs of the vet bill and then having a lame horse, I am pretty overwhelmed. We all are.

Please pray specifically -- that the hoof DOES grow. This is the MAJOR thing we need to happen after the fact.

She doesn't get any infection from this.

It all heals up nice and clean and good. We can NOT stall her -- she goes ballistic. So, the Lord needs to help on that.

The Lord helps us with the vet bill.

We find a good home for her and Rowdy. QUICKLY. Rowdy is worth his weight in gold -- and maybe we can sell him for the vet bill, (all would be nice, but its already $300 prior to today) or a vast majority of it.

The vet said she knows someone who is looking for a trail horse -- well Rowdy fits that.
So, please pray God opens the door.

That NOTHING happens to our horses prior to them getting a new home.

At this point -- they could go separately. Just that they go to good homes.

My faith is pretty low right now -- God is more than able. He is no respector of persons or animals.

Please Lord do a work in this animal -- Heal her for your glory! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tuesday Meanderings ...

I usually try and participate in Tackle It Tuesday -- but to be honest, tackling the everyday chores has been a feat in itself -- added to the fact that my husband's chores have been handed down for the time being.

Its raining today -- and that makes me unhappy and very, very nervous! Mysti was limping pretty good last night -- and added to the fact that she is now stuck back in the barn due to the mud, is NOT a good combination. I don't remember if I posted, but when we contained her last week she went a little stir crazy and starting tearing at her bandages and exposing the raw flesh -- repeatedly! We put her in the small front field at our house and she didn't mess with the bandage since. Last night when I put the goats up, Rowdy was waiting by the gate -- he hasn't done this in the past 4 days, but I think he wants his own field back. There are too many hills and uneven ground where she can hurt herself and doesn't limit her walking as much. So, I put them in the barn. I did put them together this time -- so I pray that she will leave it be!!

My husband goes to the doctor today to remove the bandage and we can find out exactly what she did! I think he is going a little stir crazy too -- since his activity is pretty limited. I am thankful that he has changed the bandages on the horse for me! He told me last night, You are stronger than that, you can do it. Uh -- no I am NOT. I am a wimp! LOL! The vet comes back tomorrow. {sigh} She will have to cut the remaining flesh off. Gross. Maybe then the horse can heal.

On a side note: We played Monopoly Here and Now last night -- and I had a whopping $49+ Million in cash, not counting my properties! Score! {I always lose!}

Menu Plan Monday - May 14th

Its funny how much I have come to depend on this -- early today I was thinking "Hey, I haven't given any thought to what I am going to cook this week!" A plan helps me to not overeat and/or eat totally unhealthy meals. I am attempting to change our way of eating after reading blogs and the book Nourishing Traditions. I have done a 360 in my thinking, but we are a work in progress. I'm slowly converting my husband, but we still have some food in the pantry that we need to use. No sense wasting it. I have always tried to make good choices and prepare low-fat meals. I think for me -- its the sweets that get me! Now to just weed out the unhealthy things. My son really liked the homemade calzones from last week, he asked that I make them again SOON. The Parmesan Chicken was good too! Nice and moist.

Monday

Leftovers -- Need to Clear out the Fridge!

Tuesday

Homemade Bagel Dogs**, Oven Baked Fries, Veggies

(We use Hebrew National All Beef Low Fat Franks -- YUM!)

Wednesday

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

(I will use the 98% Fat Free Soup and Long Grain Brown Rice and leave out the Veggies)

Thursday

Chicken Soft Tacos, Spanish Rice and Corn

(I will make Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas) **

Friday

Homemade Pizza and Calzones

I am looking for good, healthy -- low fat/sugar muffin recipes -- please leave in comments or email them to me. I'll do a post on what recipes I get and with you as the recommender. I'd like to make a bunch of different varieties and then freeze them for quick and easy snacks for my teens.

I am also thinking about making this, instead of Spanish Rice. Fiesta Rice Salad

Visit Laura for more Menu Plan Participants!

Happy Mother's Day

I wish all of you a wonderful Mother's Day.

If your mom has gone on to be with the Lord -- rejoice that she is and remember with joy some good memories that you shared. I am in that place today. I am so thankful that the Lord saw fit to save her at 74 years of age. He took her home to be with Him in 2005.

If you are in the place of wanting to be a mother, remember that the Lord's will is to give you the desires of your heart.

If you have no physical children -- remember that you have opportunities to be a spiritual mother to the motherless. And may have a greater impact on that soul.

May your day be filled with love, peace, laughter and joy!

May the Lord bless you, keep you and give you grace ...

Don't Forget the Mother's Day Contests!

Today is the last chance to enter -- make sure you enter all 7 contests (or whichever ones you would like!)

Husband and horse are still on the mend -- both go back to the doctor on Monday to see how things are progressing.

My husband is still in quite a bit of pain.

Please remember to drop a little reminder to the Lord about him.

Thankful Thursday --

When praying this morning -- the word Abundance resonated through my brain and spirit. We are blessed abundantly! I am so thankful for the Lord today, truly my cup runneth over.

Its been a rough few days -- but the Lord is still in control of every situation, and He knows exactly where we are, and He is working everything out for our good.

I'm thankful my husband came through surgery okay and the Lord kept His hand upon Him.

I'm thankful he helped us with the horses bandages and medication yesterday (and hoping he is pain free enough to help today!!) (sorry, wimpy!)

I'm thankful that our horse's injury didn't extend to the tendons, and she is walking on it fine. Even though we are having to doctor her and baby her -- it could have been so much worse. There is a reason she got hurt -- we were selling her -- but perhaps it wasn't the safe, good home I had been praying about?

I'm thankful for the breath of life and the good health our family has.

I'm so thankful for the help my sons gave me yesterday, when I needed it.

I'm thankful the Lord is going to take care of some situations in our lives -- that only He can fix.

And again, I am thankful for this community of bloggers, who are a blessing to me.

We are so very, very blessed!

P.S. I am thankful that the rains have stopped and things are drying up across Kansas!!

Mysti News and Pet Share

Thanks much for the well wishes and prayers for our horse, Mysti. We did finally get a vet to come and although she was unable to sew the wound -- she ended up having to cut off quite a bit of dead stuff -- she is on medications and we have our work cut out for us for her care in the next few weeks ahead!

The one struggle we are having, if you watch the news, is the RAIN. The road to our town was flooded over. If you look to the south and west -- there are lakes! Newly formed due to the rains.

It is a swamp land and we need to keep the foot area as dry and clean as possible. Our barn does not have a concrete floor so she is being contained in the driest area of it. The forecast is for more rain -- we really need some clear skies so the land will dry and she can be left free.
My husband has foot surgery himself tomorrow -- I may just have to bring the horse to the bedroom so he can do the changing of the dressing! Ugh! Still working the nerve up for this week ahead.

I thought I would share some photos of our pets -- minus the cats. They cats are there because they take care of the rodent, snake, and mole population. Although, I do have a couple of favorites that are people friendly, the rest are barn cats and well, not pets.

Mysti

(with our makeshift bandage on her front leg Saturday night)

Rowdy

He's pretty skinny right now. He needs to be wormed and start eating the hay we give him, instead of trying to get all the nutrition out in the field. He is contained too, so he should pick up his weight pretty quick. He is also about 20 years old.

Sam

Chipper

Cowboy

My husband let the goats out yesterday while he was waiting for the vet. He was surprised when they didn't run off. As soon as he went to get the leashes they ran back into their pen. I think they realize that it is their "home" and a safe place. I don't think we'll make it a habit of letting them go free, but it was interesting to note.

Blog Design Giveway!

Everyday Mommy is giving away a free Typepad or Blogger design.

If you have not seen some of her Blog Designs -- they are awesome. Very bright and refreshing! I personally would love one!!

Visit Everyday Mommy to get all the details!

Now, this would be a fun Mother's Day present! Winner will be chosen on May 13th.

Menu Plan Monday - May 7th

Its been an 'interesting' weekend, I debated renaming my blog to Murphy's Law, a.k.a. Crooks' Law!

We have had our horses for about 8 years -- give or take -- WHY the day before the mare was to be sold, does she HURT herself! Ugh!

Here's a word of advice, do NOT own a horse in our town -- there is not a vet to be found who will make a barn call! I sorely miss our vets in Colorado. They came at all hours of the day or night. We were blessed! Please, if you would -- say a prayer for Mysti -- a horse's legs are their life.

They are having to be contained in the barn, because Mysti will "freak" if left in there alone, but is in danger if she has to run from something out in the field. The weather is cool today -- we need it to stay that way for the week ahead. It will be miserable in there for them. WHY NOW??? {sigh}

My stomach was in knots all last night and today, food has been the last thing on my mind. My husband is having surgery this week and will be off his feet totally, so the extra care Mysti needs will fall on me and my son. I could never have been a nurse -- and won't go into the gory details on a food post! LOL! You may want to drop a prayer for me in the bucket as well. I am a weak vessel!!

Here's the plan -- its going to be a whopper of a week, so most will be easy.

Monday -- Calzones (with low fat Ricotta cheese and part skim mozzarella) Yum!!

Tuesday -- Parmesan Chicken Fingers, Brown Rice, Broccoli (recipe follows)

Wednesday -- Savory Chicken Salad on Whole Wheat, Veggies {low fat}

Thursday -- Slow Cooker Meatloaf (recipe coming!)

Friday -- Homemade Pizza or Sub Sandwiches

Parmesan Chicken Fingers

1-1/4 cups buttermilk, divided (use powder and reconstitute, its lower fat)

3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

1 pound chicken tenderloins

5 tablespoons grated fat free Parmesan Cheese, divided

1/4 cup low fat mayonnaise

2 tablespoons fat free sour cream

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs

In a larger Ziploc bag, combined 1/2 cup buttermilk and pepper sauce; add chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

For dipping sauce; in a small bowl, combined 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, mayonnaise, 2 T. cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, onion and garlic powder and remaining buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

In another bag, combine bread crumbs, and remaining cheese. Drain and discard marinade. Add chicken to crumb mixture; seal bag and shake to coat. Place chicken in a 15 x 10 pan, lightly sprayed with Pam. Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes or until juices run clear. Serve with dipping sauce.

Clouds!

The above photo is my road -- we come off the main highway and onto gravel and way down that road is our house. I usually pray and walk on the road -- and last night when I reached the highway and turned around the sun streaming through the clouds was so beautiful. I always carry my phone so was able to get this shot with it.

If you look in the middle of the photo between the larger openings -- God showed me some images! It was so cool! At first it looked like a man with his arms outstretched reaching down and I felt the presence of the Lord in an awesome way!

I took a photo and as the sun set, things changed in the sky. It next formed into a cross ... and then an angel. I was too busy praising the Lord to get another photo, I wish I did! But the man reaching down is a gentle reminder of God's love and concern for everything that is going on in our lives and that He gave Himself so that we might spend eternity with Him.

My husband has surgery on Wednesday morning, if you would, send a prayer heavenward that everything would go well and that the Lord would keep His hand upon him and guide the hands of the doctor and nurses.

Favorite Ingredients Friday - Breakfast Edition & Contest

This pancake recipe is so good! Try it, you will have a keeper! It's a little added work but worth it!

Becky's Best Pancakes

2 c. flour

1 T. sugar

1 t. salt

1 1/2 T. baking powder

3 extra-large eggs, room temp.

1 3/4 cup milk (1 1/2 c for waffles)

3/4 stick or 6T butter, melted

Directions:

1. Sift flour, sugar, salt and baking powder.

2. Separate eggs.

3. Add yolks to flour mixture after mixing with milk

4. Stir in butter.

5. Whisk egg whites until soft peaks form

6. Fold egg whites into batter

Cook as usual on preheated griddle sprayed with PAM or coating of oil.

** Can use 1/2 c. whole wheat flour to replace without changing anything else.

** Added yumminess - sprinkle drained berries onto pancakes after they are on griddle.

Serve with your choice of toppings.

These are not low in fat but pretty healthy with no preservatives/additives for the most part.

I am going to make them this weekend for my family.

Visit Overwhelmed with Joy for more delicious Breakfast recipes.

And another Contest!

Overhwhelmed is having a book giveaway/contest. -- it is for Unbroken by Tracey Elliot.

Just click here to enter. Deadline: 5 May 07.

Slow Cooker Thursday-Veggie Kielbasa Soup & Book Giveaway

1/2 lb. reduced-fat turkey kielbasa, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

1 celery rib with leaves, thinly sliced

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans reduced sodium chicken broth

1 can great northern beans, rinsed and drained

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 small zucchini, sliced

1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded

1 TB dried parsley flakes

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

In a nonstick skillet, sauté kielbasa over medium heat until lightly browned. (you can just skip this step if your prefer) Add the onion, green pepper, celery and garlic. Sauté and stir for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Transfer to a crock pot/slow cooker. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW heat setting for 8to 9 hours. Yield: 5 servings.

Visit Sandra for more great Slow Cooker recipes.

Sandra is also having a Lori Wick Book Giveaway! I love to read and Lori Wick is one of my favorite authors, visit here to enter!

Heather

Please remember to pray for her Heather today -- her surgery is most likely underway as I type.

Thankful Thursday

First and foremost, I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ.

I'm thankful He knows our needs ahead of us, and provides for them long in advance. We were a little short this paycheck due to unexpected medical bills that they just now are billing. {sigh} There was some mileage money from my husband's work that was deposited this morning in our account which will cover them. A small prayer yesterday about this and God answered.

I brought my daughter to the emergency room last night. If you know me, you know I avoid the ER/hospital at all costs! But she needed to go because something was wrong. She did get prayed for by our Pastor, but being a mom and impatient and not knowing what was wrong with my child, I took her. God touched her in the room while we were waiting for the doctor. There is NO other explanation, so I give all the praise to the Lord for His healing touch.

There is so much I am thankful for, it would take forever to list them all!

Once again, I am thankful for this blogging group of ladies who are an encouragement to me and allow God to use them for His glory. Visit Sting My Heart for more thankful posts!

National Day of Prayer

"Prayer is an investment. The time you dedicate to prayer isn't lost; it will return dividends far greater than what a few moments spent on a task ever could. If we fail to cultivate this discipline, prayer winds up being our last resort rather than our first response."
Dr. Charles R. Swindoll

Remember to pray for the leaders of our country, that the Lord will guide them in their decisions (knowingly or unknowingly)

Pray for family, Pastors, church family, friends, neighbors, teachers, Soldiers worldwide, world leaders, business leaders, and the lost.

Changes

Changes are good, no?

I had some lessons from my son about HTML last night so I added some font images to my sidebar. What do you think? I love the font, its called Susie's Hand.

I have also decided to join the May Day Weight Loss Challenge -- even though I have begun my own challenge to lose some of the weight I've gained back after losing 50 pounds in 1992. So far due to changes to my diet, I have lost 4 pounds. I have struggled with losing it over the last 2 years, it just won't come off! It does but then it comes right back. Very, very discouraging. So, I started a new blog so I don't bore you with that on this one.

One way I lost weight was switching to a low fat, low sugar diet back in the days, and I will share healthier recipes of the foods you normally indulge in on my A Healthier Way blog.



Come visit and join the challenge!!

I am always open to suggestions and advice.

Mother's Day Giveway Contest at 5 Minutes for Moms

Okay – an Apple iPod Nano that comes inside a pretty box of chocolates – how great is that?
Best Buy knows what us modern moms want for Mother’s Day… an Apple iPod Nano AND chocolate! That sounds just about perfect to me. (Oh and of course they know we love all things cute, so they made sure to wrap it up just right!)

Here are the facts (cause you know you will need to give some detailed hints to your husbands!)
The Apple iPod Nano and Chocolate Gift Set:

Features a pink or silver 4GB Apple iPod nano, slim enough to fit in mom’s pocket, purse or palm
Includes a variety of pink-foiled milk chocolate meltaways
Packaged in a mod polka-dot-patterned box inspired by the prism of iPod nano colors and this spring’s hottest accessory: dots!
Price: $214.99
Available in Best Buy stores beginning May 6,2007
And thanks to Best Buy – one of you is going to win this wonderful Apple iPod Nano and Chocolate Gift Set at their big Mother’s Day Giveaway.

I'm always winning to try and you do not have to have a blog to enter. Just click on the banner and leave a comment and you are in. Lots more giveways in the day to come. Stay tuned!

The Dress

Love this little girl!