Don't Be Such a Skeptic!!

A new doctor had arrived in town. He could cure anything and anybody. Everyone was amazed with what he could do - everyone except for old Mr. Thompson, the town skeptic. Grumpy old Mr. Thompson went to visit this "miracle doctor" to prove that he wasn't anybody special. When it was time for his appointment he told the doctor, "Hey, doc, I've lost my sense of taste. I can't taste nothin', so what are ya goin' to do?" The doctor scratched his head and mumbled to himself a little, then told Mr. Thompson, "What you need is jar number 47." So the doctor brought the jar out, opened it, and told Mr. Thompson to taste it. He tasted it and immediately spit it out, "This is gross!" he yelled. "Looks like I just restored your sense of taste, Mr. Thompson," said the doctor. So Mr. Thompson went home...very mad. One month later, Mr. Thompson decides to go back to the doctor and try once again to expose him as a fake, by complaining of a new problem. "Doc," he started, "I can't remember anything!" Thinking he had the doctor stumped now, he waited as the doctor scratched his head, mumbled to himself a little, and told Mr. Thompson, "What you need is jar number 47, it's..." But before the doctor could finish his sentence, Mr. Thompson was cured and fled the room!

~    ~    ~    ~   ~   ~  

LOL!! How many times have we set out to prove a point only to find out that what we were trying to prove had a quick cure such as the illustration with the new doctor and his advice??!! There have been times when I was so sure, so certain, unmoved in my stance only to be put in my place over what I thought to be absolute, unfaltering, and unfailing. It is no fun to be backed into a corner as Mr. Thompson was only to have to admit and face up to our wrong ideas, our wrong thinking, our mistakes, our doubt, etc. I've found that it is OK to NOT be "right" all of the time. It is OK to admit I was "wrong", I didn't "understand", I "failed"! It is "freeing" to know that "right or wrong" the "truth" always prevails and frees our inner spirit of many things, including guilt, hostility, hate, neglect, procrastination, anger, carelessness, fear, mistrust, doubt, strife, even envy . . . the list could go on and on.

It is "freeing" to not have to live with the doubt and skepticism that so easily eats away at our very being turning us from the "positive" and forcing us to focus on the "negatives" in life. Free yourself today!  Focus on "truth, trust, and hope" and break free from the skepticism life tries to ensnare us in.

God offers us the answer as we begin to speak the "Truth", trust in God and everything around us will look different.  "Hope" for the best life has to offer each of us knowing God is ultimately in control of all things. "Trust" in God, yourself, and others with an everlasting, eternal hope that will brighten your day, your whole world, and YOUR LIFE!  Let us not become a "Doubting Thomas" but become a "Blessed Believer".

" Jesus saith unto him (Thomas), Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."   (John 20:29)

ONE YEAR AGO - The Grazing Ground: 3-Month Follow-Up to My Brain Surgery

Out of curiosity, I looked back a year ago to see what I had posted on my blog.  I came across the post about my 3-Month Followup to My Brain Surgery.  As I read it and thought back to where and what I was experiencing one year ago, I can truly say I have been extremely blessed in so many ways!!! Looking back . . . I have come such a long way on this journey of mine.  As I reflect on this last year, I sometimes get overwhelmed thinking of each step along the way, the progress, the blessings, the hand of God.  I count it all "joy" for there is "joy in the journey" - sometimes we have to look for it through the "eyes" of hope, trust, and faith but the joy is there!

The Grazing Ground: 3-Month Follow-Up to My Brain Surgery: Well, this month marked three months from my brain surgery removing the two tumors back in December.  In ways it s...

Who isn't Ready for Spring?

The positive news . . . As the cold, wind blows, howls, and whistles across the land spreading it's blanket of soft, white snowflakes - know this (and you can be positive of this!) . . . that way down beneath that icy-cold blanket, below the tall, majestic drifts of snow, lie the cold, still, motionless signs of "life" yet to be!  Life ready and waiting for that "special moment" in time - that exact minute when Spring says, "ARISE - come FORTH - BURST into living - SPROUT your seeds, BLOOM your flowers, GREEN your grasses - WARM the earth and SPREAD the miracle of your ABUNDANT beauty".  LIFE . .  alive with the beauty and the scents of    fragrant flowers spreading "happiness and joy" all around. Hearts once again warmed by      Spring's radiant sunshine - washed clean and fresh from Winter's snow!! Burst forth, Oh,  Spring - WE'RE READY AND WAITING!!!  . . .  but please hurry!!!!  LOL!

                                                        

The Five W's Of Life

This advice is worth taking note of and starting, if you have not already, to put into practice every day of your life!

Blessed Valentine's Day

Hope all of you out there had a Happy Valentine's Day and know what it is to be truly blessed of God!

The Solid Rock

Post by Craig Sellier.

Don't get caught is the shifting sands of this life (people, places, things) but instead build your house on the Solid Rock!
                            Matthew 7:24-25

An Old Cowboy's Advice - Cowboy Dressage

* Keep your fences horse-high, pig-tight & bull-strong.
* Keep skunks & bankers & lawyers at a distance.
* Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
* A bumble bee is considerably faster than a John Deere tractor.
* Words that soak into your ears are whispered...not yelled.
* Meanness don't jes' happen overnight.
* Forgive your enemies. It messes up their heads.
* Don't corner something that would normally run from you.
* It doesn't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
* You cannot unsay a cruel word.
* Every path has a few puddles.
* When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
* The best sermons are lived, not preached.
* Most of the stuff people worry about is never gonna happen anyway.
* Don't judge folks by their relatives.
* Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
* Don't interfere with somethin' that ain't botherin' you none.
* Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
* Sometimes you get, & sometimes you get got.
* Don't fix it if it ain't broke.
* Always drink upstream from the herd.
* Good judgment comes from experience, & a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
* If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
* Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
                           (Cowboy Dressage's photo & facts)

The above is some good "food for thought", don't you agree?

Maxine Moments . . .

GOOD OLD MAXINE STRIKES AGAIN . . .






And last but not least . . .

Gooey Chocolate Pudding Cake

If you like chocolate you are going to LOVE this one . . .
& I always say . . . you can't have too much chocolate!!! 


 Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Topping
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 cups hot water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a 2 qt casserole dish, combine flour, white sugar, cocoa powder and baking powder. Add milk and oil, and vanilla. Stir until well mixed. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Sprinkle over cake batter. DO NOT STIR. Pour hot water over top.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top looks cooked. Serve warm (with ice cream if desired).

5 Things God's Children Should NEVER Worry About . . .

If you are like me, you tend to worry about things . . . even when you don't need to or even when you know you shouldn't worry about them! There is a quote that says, "90% of what you worry about never happens" - Jean Barlow.
But it is so much a part of our human make-up.  We just do it, many times, without even thinking!!!

But take a look at the above Bible verses. Meditate on them, engrave them on your heart and mind and live each day by them.  It will ease your journey, lift your load and lighten your heart.  And when you worry less - you have more time for the good things God has planned for you and those you come into contact with . . . the true "blessings of God"!!!

15 EXERCISES WE'D BE BETTER OFF WITHOUT IN 2014...

Don't get into the habit of these exercises!!

~ Jumping on the bandwagon  

~ Wading through paperwork

~ Running around in circles  

~ Pushing your luck

~ Spinning your wheels   

~ Adding fuel to the fire

~ Beating your head against the wall 

~ Climbing the walls

~ Beating your own drum   

~ Dragging your heels

~ Jumping to conclusions   

~ Grasping at straws

~ Fishing for compliments   

~ Throwing your weight around

~ Passing the buck

How many times have we all used the above "exercises" to
explain our actions and our attitudes? It is so easy to fall 
back on these excuses when, right or wrong, we are "in the moment", swamped with work, pressed with time schedules, confused, having a bad day . . . and don't know what else
to do!!  As we start the new year and every single
day . . . let's try to stop, look, and listen to where we are, what we are doing, what we are saying, how these things
will affect our situations and circumstances and also those of 
others.  One of my goals this year is to think before I "say" 
or "do" in every situation I come upon.  

Here's a few Bible verses to live by:

Proverbs 12:18 – “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” 

Proverbs 13:3 – “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”

Proverbs 14:17a – “A quick-tempered man does foolish things,”




Proverbs 29:22 – “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.”






Let's take a few minutes and think "before" we act . . . instead of simply "re-acting" to our situations!  Do and say to and of others as you would want them to say and do to you yourself!

Burned Biscuits - A lesson we all should learn.

A must read as posted by - MidgetMomma.com

When I was a kid, my Mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my Mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad. I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed!

All my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my Mom and ask me how my day was at school. I don't remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that ugly burned biscuit. He ate every bite of that thing...never made a face nor uttered a word about it!

When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my Mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said, "Honey, I love burned biscuits every now and then."

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, "Your Mom put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides--a little burned biscuit never hurt anyone!"

As I've grown older, I've thought about that many times. Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people.
I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each other's faults and choosing to celebrate each other’s differences is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship.

And that's my prayer for you today...that you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of God. Because in the end, He's the only One who will be able to give you a relationship where a burnt biscuit isn't a deal-breaker!

We could extend this to any relationship. In fact, understanding is the base of any relationship, be it a husband-wife or parent-child or friendship!

So, please pass me a biscuit, and yes, the burned one will do just fine.
And PLEASE pass this along to someone who has enriched your life--I just did!

"Don't put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket--keep it in your own."

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

"Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil--it has no point"

-Posted by MidgetMomma.com

Crockpot Christmas Crack - Or Better Know As Peanut Clusters!

  This is super easy!  

Cook time: 2 Hr 30 Min  Prep time: 15 Min  Serves: a LOT
Ingredients

1 - 16 oz jar(s) unsalted peanuts

1 - 16 oz. jar(s) salted peanuts

1 - 12 oz bag(s) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 - 12 oz bag(s) milk chocolate chips

2 - 10 oz bag(s) peanut butter chips

2 - 1 lb pkg white almond bark or vanilla candy coating

Directions

1. Layer all ingredients in a large crockpot (starting with peanuts). Turn the pot on low, cover with lid, and leave sitting for 2 hours. Then, remove lid and stir to combine. Replace lid and leave sitting for another 30 minutes. Stir again and then spoon mixture on to wax paper or non-stick aluminum foil. Allow to harden for at least 1 hour. Enjoy!

I tried this recipe out this Christmas and these were a hit! Everyone liked them and wanted the recipe!! I liked that you just put it in the crockpot and left it, stirred it and dropped them onto wax paper - super, super easy and yummy!!

Things to do Every Day of the Year - not just Christmas!

These are some special things we should do not just on Christmas but every single day of the year.  Life would be a much better place if everyone would put forth this sort of effort to each other.  Let's all give it a try . . .

A Shepherd's Prayer - Move Me Closer - sung by Evie Karlsson

I've always loved this song - it is my desire . . .

A Shepherd's Prayer
Twas the night before Christmas,
And my only desire
Was peace among kids, and to rest by the fire.
I had just settled down in my favorite chair;
When I heard a small voice, and a cry of despair.
As I stared at the hearth I saw a strange sight!
Our nativity scene, in the flickering light
Seemed almost alive!
And how could this be!
One lonely shepherd was calling to me.
***Move me closer, move me closer
Move me closer to the Child.
Let me see Him, let me hold His hand.
Move me closer to the Child.
***As you can well imagine, I was a bit surprised.
So with a shake of the head and a rub of the eyes
I took another look, and what did I see,
Without a doubt he was looking at me.

It seems in the hustle and bustle of things
In the wrapping of gifts, and the building of swings,
In assembling his scene, I'd been a bit hurried,
And understandably so, He was a little bit worried.
***Move me closer, move me closer
Move me closer to the Child.
Let me see Him, let me hold His hand.
Move me closer to the Child.
***You see, candy canes and holly trim
Didn't mean a thing to him.
If it kept him from his post
Beside the child he loved the most.

So as strange as it must seem,
Whether it was, or wasn't, a dream.
I placed him back where he belonged
As he sang again his simple song.
And now when we at Christmas share,
We sing his song:
A Shepherd's Prayer.
***Move me closer, move me closer
Move me closer to the Child.
Let me see Him, let me hold His hand.
Move me closer to the Child.
Move me closer to the Child.
***
Move Me Closer: A Shepherd's Prayer
written for and sang by Evie
on the compact disc entitled Evie's Christmas Memories

You Say . . . God Says

Wisdom from above . . . 

Chocolate Kiss Cherry Cookies

(You Can't go wrong with Chocolate and Cherry!!)

Chocolate Kiss Cherry Cookies

1 Cup Powdered Sugar 
1 Cup Butter, Softened 
2 teaspoons Maraschino Cherry Liquid 
1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract
4 Drops Red Food Coloring
2 1/4 Cups Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup Maraschino Cherries, Drained and Chopped
48 Milk Chocolate Candy Kisses

1. Preheat oven to 350º
2.Combine Powdered Sugar, Butter, Cherry Liquid, Extract, and Food Coloring in a bowl. Mix well
3.Add Flour and Salt. Mix well
4.Stir in the Cherries
5.Shape Dough into 1" balls
6.Place 2" apart on ungreased sheets
7.Bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until you can see that the lower edge is a light golden brown
8. Remove from oven and press a candy kiss into the top each cookie.

Give Thanks

BE THANKFUL...

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
  for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
  During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
  because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
  because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
  They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
  because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

Grandpa Tell Me Bout The Good Old Days - Shirley Brown

As I've sat at the hospital these last few days watching my 84 year old Dad received his knee replacement & also go thru the ups & downs of the fluctuating heartbeat with my little 82 year old mother, I couldn't help but think of this music video that Shirley Brown shared on FB recently . . . Good Old Days. As I watched the two of them many memories flooded my mind as I thought about all of the "good old days" they have spent together. This week mom & dad will be celebrating 64 years of marriage!  And with this union of 64 years my two brothers and myself have so many precious memories of life growing up on the farm with all of the hard work, the fun, the many life lessons learned and a home filled with lots of abundant love and laughter. Take a moment & enjoy this video! :)

"Trust Me"

"Trust Me" - just two little words but I must say, two powerful little words! What does it mean to trust . . . to really trust in someone or something? In looking at the word "trust" I think it actually has multiple meanings.  A full definition would include some of the following: To believe someone or something is reliable, good, honest, truthful, effective. To have confidence or to have total dependence. To hope or expect something is true. It is said that our relationships are founded on mutual love and trust. Our confidence, credence and conviction, our faith and hope, our stock and surety, our acceptance and assurance, our dependence and our reliance on a certain place, person, or thing. These are the building blocks that "trust" is built upon!

"A hope is more than resolve, and it is based on trust in a divine faithfulness that operates not only within history, but also beyond history". -John Polkinghorne, Times Literary Supplement

Here are some "Power Verses" to help you:

Trust God; He is the Stronghold

Psalm 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Psalm 91:2 “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. ”

Trust God; He is the Protector

2 Samuel 22:31 “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”

Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”

Psalm 7:1 “O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me:”

Psalm 25:1, 2 “Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.”

Proverbs 30:5 “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”

Trust God; He will Deliver as Promised

Psalm 9:10 “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”

Psalm 22:4 “Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.”

Psalm 37:5 “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

Psalm 56:3 , 4 “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

Psalm 71:5 “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.”

Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

1 Timothy 4:10 “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”

Trust God; Nothing on Earth Can Compare

Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”

Psalm 32:10 “Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.”

Psalm 118:8 “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.”

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

Something to Consider: What are you trusting in? Where is your trust? 

Are you putting your faith and trust in the things of this world - in houses, land, possessions, people, places, money, governments? Or is your faith and trust in the Lord? 

Someone once said, "Some people seem to trust God with their eternal salvation, but they have trouble trusting Him for their every-day life". Every-day life, day in and day out,  can have a whole lot of "faith-builders" which will help to increase your trust in every area of your life whatever the situation may be.  Take each and every day as it comes, adjust your attitude, focus your faith, and put your trust to the ultimate test . . . TRUST GOD and GOD ALONE!

Take comfort from the above scripture words. You CAN trust God with whatever your needs may be TODAY.