Friday, September 12, 2008

The Word


I dropped in on someones blog this afternoon and the first thing I saw was this:

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I'm so very thankful that such a fitting word was sent my way at such a tense and uncertain time, as we await the arrival Hurricane Ike tonight. I don't believe it was by accident that I dropped in on this site. I believe my steps were ordered by God as an avenue for me to find peace and assurance. Yes, it's true, He even works through cyber-space. God is always right on time and He has never failed me yet, therefore, I have no doubt He will come through again. He's a big, big God! In Jesus name.

'Hunkering Down'

I mopped and dusted and scrubbed the bathrooms (and Andi) and changed the bedding. I double checked that all the dishes, as well as the laundry, are clean and put away. The plants are all moved in to assure that the pots will not fly through the wind like torpedo's and cause damage to persons or property. The generator is charged and there are 20 gallons of gas nearby which, hopefully, I will not need. I've got 5 bags of ice in the garage freezer and I grilled some shrimp, chicken and boudain to have on hand for upcoming days. The sun is not out today and there is a perpetual cool and, strangely enough, very pleasant breeze which serves to remind me of who's traveling this way. Ike. I'm all stocked up and ready for the visitor.

Oddly, these unwelcome visits always seem to come in the night, much like a thief, robbing you of not only your personal possessions, but also robbing you of your security and peace of mind. But I'm ready. Ready and waiting. Waiting and trusting and believing and thanking God that I know a name that is much, much bigger than this massive monster, the size of Texas, which is expected to make landfall about 80 miles away. Unless He speaks "peace" to the water, we're certain to be affected. Again, I'm glad to know THAT name. Jesus...Jesus...Jesus. Bigger than Ike, bigger than anybody, bigger than anything. I'm blessed to know all I have to do is whisper that marvelous name and He will be quick to protect me and supply my needs...no matter what the weather channel says.

The cell phone towers were never impaired during Hurricane Rita and I'm hoping they will withstand Ike also. If and when the power fails, I will at that time lose my computer service as well as my land line, as it is part of the package through Time Warner Cable. So there is a chance that I will---to a degree---be cut off from most of the world for a little while. The last hurricane left me with no utilities for 12 days then came back on October 5th, my 50th birthday. What a wonderful gift that was! I do still have an unused land line oulet downstairs and hopefully that will remain intact. I hope. Going through this again in just three short years has given me much to think about and I feel sure that I will soon make a big decision regarding where I want to live. And it won't be Texas. That's a guarantee.

The Word says there is strength in agreement when calling upon the name of the Lord and I really need all the unity I can scrape up right now. Until we talk again, hopefully soon ;) have a blessed weekend.

Sunday, September 07, 2008

Wasilla and Green Thumb Sunday...

I noticed I had a visitor this morning from Wasilla, Alaska! It couldn't have been...well, I guess it may have been...I mean, I wonder if it really could have been HER?

One can only speculate and hope, but, I guess there's always the chance it could have been this wonderful powerhouse of a lady. Gee, what an incredible honor that would be!

Shifting gears...I used to participate in a project called 'Green Thumb Sunday' which was simply a group whose members would, each Sunday, post something on their blogs which was growing in their gardens. Well, life being what it is, that little effort sort of got lost by the wayside, but, today I am back at it!

A month or so ago I stumbled across a package of zinnia seeds in a cabinet which had been there for no telling how long. Not having a lot of hope for this little pinch of nothing, I simply tossed them in a front flower bed, never bothering to sow or tend them. As I recall, a fairly heavy downpour fell shortly thereafter, leaving me with even less hope that the seed would survive, much less prosper. I was pleasantly surprised when, last week, I noticed there were probably a couple dozen zinnia's sprouting up here and there, and I was even more elated this morning when I saw many of them blooming and, right smack in the middle of the multiple shades of pink and lavender blooms is one of the peppermint variety!



I'm utterly amazed at the will of these outdated and neglected seed which narrowly escaped the trash can, and their wonderful outcome has caused me to acknowledge just how much strength and determination is within us, those created after God's own image, we must simply draw from the well within.

Saturday, September 06, 2008

The McDonalds Diet and Taco Trucks



Although I've never been a fan of the golden arches, when I first heard about the man who lost 80 pounds on the 'McDonald's diet' I thought, "Gee, I think I could tolerate McD for that!" Now I certainly don't need to lose 80 pounds, but I would be absolutely delighted and jumping for joy if I lost 15, so I decided to check this dude out! As I began to read, I quickly discovered that it wasn't the real McDonald's fare that he lost the weight with but, rather, salads and apples from Micky D's along with an occasional wrap from the menu. No Big Mac's, no Quarter Pounder's with cheese, no Filet of Fish and no hot apple pies. Not even a rare Happy Meal was mentioned. Well, duh, who wouldn't lose on that diet? Only a rabbit, I suppose. Here's the story:

AP) A Virginia man lost about 80 pounds in six months by eating nearly every meal at McDonald's. Not Big Macs, french fries and chocolate shakes. Mostly salads, wraps and apple dippers without the caramel sauce. Chris Coleson tipped the scales at 278 pounds in December. The 5-foot-8 Coleson now weighs 199 pounds and his waist size has dropped from 50 to 36. The 42-year-old businessman from Quinton says he chose McDonald's because it's convenient. His inspiration came from his two children and from the story of a blind war veteran who rode a tandem bicycle cross-country. Coleson says his goal is to get back to the 185 pounds he weighed when he married Tricia Summer. Their 10th anniversary is Saturday.


His success set the wheels in motion in my excessively creative mind, and I began to wonder, just how much weight I could lose if all my meals came off the taco truck?



Now, I seriously love me some taco truck fare and, to me, the best part of going to Hobby Airport (Houston) is choosing which of the countless taco trucks will get my peso's. The food is truly second to none, not the county fair quality one would expect for dinner coming from a kitchen on wheels. The menu, spanish words which don't mean a flippin' thing to me, usually scrawled in magic marker in uphill fashion on a poster board, leaves me clueless. I simply don't know the lingo. But the aroma of onions and peppers on the griddle, fresh homemade flour tortilla's, chicken and steak grilling on an open pit outside the back door, well, it gets my attention everytime. And I've had some pretty exquisite, delectable meals in my day, many from '5 star's' such as the Ritz Carlton Resort and the Silverado Country Club in Napa Valley to name a couple. But looking back, I can truly say they didn't beat the taco truck, where neither a wine list is available nor attire is suggested.


Fresh from the truck! No, the brewsky is not mine, I'm a Dr. Pepper girl! Jarad usually orders a beer and $10.00 worth of 'whatever's cooking.' He's never been disapppointed with his luck of the draw.

As far as the taco truck diet goes, I guess they would have to remove everything from the plate but the onions and radishes for me to lose any weight, and, I guess maybe a little cilantro on the side would be okay too...

Friday, September 05, 2008

THE DEWEY COLOR SYSTEM


This is quite an interesting concept and I was floored to see just how closely I was analyzed. The 'key words' fit me to a T! Find the test at www.deweycolorsystem.com

The Dewey Color System® is the world's first and only validated, color-based personality career testing instrument. Based on our experience and your interests, your best suited occupations are listed below.

Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Key Words:
Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional
These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.

Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries

hApPy bIrThDaY jOhN!

My wonderful friend John, aka the finest artist and musician on this continent!

hApPy bIrThDaY jOhN,
May you have a blessed birthday, filled with God winks and angel wing swishes and pressed down, shaken together and running over with all things good and perfect!

Thursday, September 04, 2008

Changes


"Eat close to the source. The healthiest food doesn't come in a wrapper."
Quote by Terri Trespicio

I always try to schedule my annual medical exams around the time of my birthday, simply because that way it's easier to remember when they are due. My list seems endless right now with many appointments to meet:

1. well woman exam-----done
2. mammogram----done
3. bone density test----scheduled
4. annual eye exam----need to schedule
5. dental exam----done, but need a follow up

I recently read of someone who does not join the masses in making well intended new years resolutions but, rather, acknowledges and initiates lifestyle changes on her birthday each year. That sounds like a grand idea to me, and since the big 53 is just around the corner, I suppose I should give a little thought to some changes I could benefit from. Believe me, I won't have to ponder long before having quite a lengthy list before me!

As all southern girls know, especially those of us who are known to be wonderful cooks, as we mature, maintaining our desireable weight can be quite a difficult feat. We make biscuits, but it doesn't just end there. We slather them with REAL butter and delectable homemade preserves...and, of course, bacon or a little left over spiral sliced ham is a must have to go along with it. We make cornbread and sweet tea almost daily, prefer fried over baked, broiled or boiled, and we make the best gravies and sauces you'eve ever tasted. We have good intentions of eating more vegetables and less meat, but.......we just have to have a little bacon grease in the pot of beans 'less someone thinks they're 'missing something!' Holidays finds our tables groaning beneath the weight of the buffet. And birthdays? You'll never find a pound cake with fresh fruit on the side in our kitchen! No siree. We make scratch cakes full of butter, sugar and eggs. Red Velvet, Italian Cream, Better than Sex, Triple Fudge and Humingbird cakes, just to name a few. Layer cakes. Loaded with finger licking cream cheese icing to go along with that scoop (or 2!) of the phenomenal, Texas's own, Bluebell Ice Cream. Indeed, a southern kitchen is one of the best places this side of heaven!

But the truth is this: God has provided us with all that we need to maintain our bodies in optimum condition, and with a little creativity, we can prepare some marvelous meals using His provisions. If we take small steps and try to eat food as close to its natural state as possible, we are doing our bodies a favor. Example: the Bible speaks of 'fish on the fire', not crispy fried fish laden with tartar sauce. Olive oil can replace Crisco oil. Herbs---basil, rosemary, thyme---can substitute for what's missing when we cut down on the salt. We can actually make a gourmet fish entree when we prepare it in this manner. After eating wheat bread for the past 20 years I can't imagine switching to white bread. And If you haven't tried stevia, oh my, you're missing out on a marvelous herb. A little pinch of stevia in your coffee or tea is every bit as sweet as sugar...with ZERO calories. And it's cheap, too. I always have a little patch of it growing in my herb garden, along with various mints, chives, garlic, sage, thyme and marjoram. I know the right things to do, but I must discipline myself to enforce the change. That, with about 30 minutes of walking or cycling each day sounds like a good resolution, however, it will be such a huge change from my current life style that I don't think I will be able to implement another change anytime soon....

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Rambling

Meet Lamar, a pretty, flaming red cardinal that shows up outside my breakfast room window at the same time each morning, then again in time for the evening meal. Savannah named this fellow in honor of the Lamar Cardinals, our local college athletic team. Lately we've been sprinkling seed on the driveway, so most days he has a few feathered friends join him. This photo was taken through the kitchen window and enlarged, thus the lack of clarity.

42 Tips for A Better Life
==========================
1. When you wake up in the morning, always start your day with a prayer/vision.
2. And then, complete the following statement, My purpose is to__________ today.
3. Take a 10 to 30-minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
4. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.
5. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
6. Drink plenty of water and fresh juices. Eat blueberries, salad, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds, etc.
7. Make at least three people smile each day.
8. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present.
9. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone, so give the best of your kindness.
11. Take yourself seriously.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Don't compare your partner with others either.
15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. So, be happy.
16. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
17. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
18. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
19. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: In five years, will it matter?
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
20. Forgive everyone for everything.
21. Read more books and watch less TV than you did last year.
22. What other people think of you is none of your business.
23. God has everything you'll every need in life so hook up with Him.
24. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
25. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation; don't bring up the past.
26. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
27. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.
28. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
29. Keep believing that the best is yet to come.
30. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
31. Each day give something good to others.
32. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
33. Sleep for 7 hours every day or whatever your body needs.
34. Don't trust someone who doesn't close their eyes when you kiss them.
35. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
36. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
37. Do the right thing!
38. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________
39. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
40. Trust in God, but lock your car.
41. Realize that as you get older, you are not approaching death, but heaven.
42. Know that GOD heals everything.



(from my MountainWings daily e-mail)