It’s difficult to give myself the care and attention that I need so desperately. In years past, I did everything for everyone else and unintentionally ignored myself. I was so lost in this way of life that I didn’t even realize that I was evaporating away from ME.
THE realization of my personal neglect happened a few years ago and I knew my own essence had to change. Continue reading
She was that girl. She said yes before being asked to help, stayed up late completing projects for friends, church, or the latest group she’d joined. They all had deep meaning to her. They all were worthy of her help. She joyfully volunteered for every school event, often taking the leadership role because no one else would. She tended her gardens, Continue reading
When we quit worrying over the little things, we can spend time on what is truly important in life.
Each and every day we experience disappointment. Friends who don’t do what we expect, work situations that become fodder for TV sitcoms, plans fail, wishful thinking blows into the wind like a puff of glitter dust. The truth is that many of these situations are out of our control. They happen upon us, surprisingly out of the blue and it’s up to us to navigate through it. At times we respond with intensity because we are hurt. Continue reading
It’s Veteran’s Day. I love and feel respect for all who served. I totally admire those who are called by something greater than the single human spirit to serve in our armed forces. They are the ones who have patriotism run through their veins. Their love of country is to be cherished.
I am a Navy Wife. I’m married to one of those Veterans whose love of country often times had to take precedence over love of family, love of friends, love of life at home. I would never want it any other way.
I married into the Navy. I thought I knew what I was getting into…. Continue reading
In this world where the media shows us more bad than good, more sorrow than joy, and more problem than solution, we can work ourselves into a spiraling mess of woe. On any given day we see shootings, hunger, terrorism, abuse, and bullying. Some of us see the snippet of news and let it pass by, never to rest in our consciousness while others of us are very affected by what has been told.
Whether you’re affected in a big way or you let it pass by you, the bigger issue is what can you do about it? What can one person do with such large problems? Let me offer some suggestions. You can be involved in the Power of One. Read on friend. My small solution might be tantamount to a larger solution. Continue reading
Change is a true constant in our lives. It begins the moment we’re born and ends when we take our last breath. While change can bring such joy, it can also bring fear and pain. How we respond to change is the key to thriving and growth.
Situations fall upon us by choices. And it’s not always our choice that causes the problem. What is solely your decision, is your personal reaction to the change. Somehow when you stop fighting it, you begin your journey of growth. Easy? Hardly ever. Scary? You bet. You’ve got to accept it and look for the good, the blessings, the opportunities. But, you also have to look for the lessons.
I am the master of my fate and the captain of my destiny. Nelson Mandela
October 23, 2015
Baked Oatmeal with Bananas and Blueberries
This baked oatmeal is gluten free, dairy free and egg free and FULL of great texture and wonderful flavors. Eat it hot or cold! You can even eat it with ice cream!
2 c oats (gluten-free certified if necessary)
2 T whole chia seeds (ground flaxseeds can be substituted)
1 t baking powder
1/2 t sea salt
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1 can coconut milk (You can use either light or heavy)
1 T vanilla extract
1/3 c maple syrup or 2 T agave nectar or 2 t stevia extract or ¼ c Honey
3/4 c dried cranberries
3/4 c chopped pecans
1 banana (optional)
1 1/2 c berries
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Grease 8×8 ovenproof dish
3. In a bowl, mix oats, chia seeds, dried cranberries, pecans, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Add sweetener of choice and vanilla extract while stirring.
4. Slice a banana (optional) to cover bottom of dish in layer. Top with one cup of berries and then oatmeal mixture. Pour coconut milk over the top of the oat mixture. (Be sure that coconut milk is distributed evenly). Top with remainder of berries.
5. Bake 40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Refrigerate the leftovers to be eaten cold or reheated the next day.
PS This can be doubled into a 9×13 pan – I recommend it because you’ll want to eat more!
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.
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
In all of my wanderings throughout life, kindness has been such an important part of my journey. I have had examples of kindness throughout my life. From teachers to family members, kindness is always remembered. Not necessarily remembered by what they said but in how they made me feel. I can go back almost 50 years and feel the warmth created by those who made me feel like I was worth their time. Of course I can say the opposite about the neighbor lady who was never kind and always made me feel inferior to her children. We’ve all felt that way. Some like me, as children and some of you, even now. Continue reading
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