September 30, 2015 by Positively Shelle

My Psalm

The Bible Babes, my study group for the past 8 years, committed this week to writing a Psalm to share with each other. I can’t begin to share with you the beauty of each sister’s words, brought on by their own inspiration. I spent a few days thinking about what would be in my Psalm and then I sat down and put pen to paper. What will you write for your Psalm?

My Psalm

Hi God – it’s me again. Thanks for being right where I need you. You always manage to show me your presence. Whether it’s in the beautiful flowers or perfectly grown vegetables. Whether it’s smiles and laughter of friends or the calm, serene and silent moments. Whether it’s the majesty of your great big animals or the frail brilliance of the birds. Lord, there’s nowhere I can look that doesn’t remind me of you and your love.

Father, when there’s heartache and disappointment in my life, I don’t always look to you first. Help me Lord, help me to see those signs that you are present.

Give me the wisdom to look first to you.

Give me the right people in my life, surround me with those who will encourage me.

Give me the right words to draw others to you. After all, YOU are the comforter, the be all and end all to provide us that loving warmth and joy that we seek.

Give me peace Lord. I know you offer it to me in so many ways. Let me feel it with all of my senses.

With Peace within, you give me courage to share your fabulocity with others.

And when I say, “Hi God, it’s me again,” Thank you for treating me like I’m the best thing that’s ever happened.

Thank you for making me feel so important and deserving of your love.

I love you Lord.

September 9, 2015 by Positively Shelle

We Cook Baked Brie

September 9, 2015

WE COOK Baked Brie

This will be your Go To appetizer for the fall! It is so easy and so delicious and everyone LOVES it!

Ingredients

1 wheel of Brie or Camembert (about 14 ounces)
1 cup pecan pieces
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 TBSP Bourbon (optional)
crackers for serving

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix pecan pieces, maple syrup, and bourbon together in a bowl.

Thinly slice the top rind off of the brie. Place the brie on a rimmed baking sheet or in a pie plate; bake until softened, 10-15 minutes.

Remove from oven, pour pecan mixture into center of cheese, letting the pecans pile in the center and the syrup mixture drizzle over the sides.

Return to the oven and bake another 20-30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes. Serve with crackers.

PS Buy an extra wheel of Brie. You’ll want to make this again right away!

September 7, 2015 by Positively Shelle

Helping Others, The Good, The Bad, and The Guilty – 6 Ways to Freedom

Do you volunteer some of your time? Whether it’s helping kids, homeless, hungry, church, or family, it’s likely that you have a few commitments meant to help the world in one way or another. I have always volunteered. My mom used to tell me, “Do something for your family, do something for your church, and do something for your community.” I’ve attempted to follow that. Sometimes I might be an over achiever when it comes wanting to do it all! I insist that you refer to my post “All Plates are NOT Created Equal.”

Be true to yourself, and if you cannot put your heart in it, take yourself out of it.

I think the approaching fall is a great time to examine how you want to commit yourself for the rest of the year. Somehow the fade of summer allows me to take a look at what’s ahead. It gives me a chance to breathe in the goodness from the past and breathe out what’s not working anymore. I exhale a long goodbye. Continue reading →