Mother Hen Syndrome

Being a mom is hard.  We spend nine months of our lives carrying our little ones close and totally protected and then one day, BOOM!  They are released into this wild world and attacked by sin.  


We can only protect them so much and then we must leave the rest in God's hands.  It is not always easy and I struggle daily but God is faithful when others are not and I am learning that every day.  I have to trust God and His sovereign plan.  No matter what, I have to believe that He will protect my children and guard them from those who would harm them emotionally, physically or spiritually. 


Sometimes I do not give my kids enough credit.  They are more aware than what I realize sometimes.  They often come home repeating something someone has said or done and then follow it up with "they really need Jesus."  They get it and I am grateful.  I just have to trust God more.  That being said..


Mother hens are a lot like mothers everywhere.  Just like moms, mother hens will do anything and everything that they have to in order to protect their children.  I truly believe it is how God created us and it is what He expects of us.  It reminds me of Psalms 91: 4 - He shall cover thee with his feathers and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.  I think of this verse every time I am fearful.  It reminds me that He is protective of me and my children in just the same way. It's a pleasant and helpful thought on days like these.


"Father, give me the patience to love those who do not know you, in the way in which You have called me to love. Protect my children when they are away from me and give me peace as I await their return.  I fear no evil for Your love surrounds me."

Nationwide Golf Tournament

<----View from my window


Something exciting is in the air of Wakefield Plantation. There are news crews and signs everywhere. Yellow rope wrapping around the golf course. It appears that there is a golf tournament taking place this weekend and the buzz is crazy. There is even a free concert this weekend in which a country artist will be singing. 


This is our first tournament while living in our new home so this is our first experience with all the excitement. From the view of my bedroom window, I have a clear view of the 13^th hole. What people will pay $150 a ticket to see, I will get to watch for free in my nice air conditioned home while drinking a nice tall glass of lemonade.



The crowd will probably cause a bit of a headache this weekend but at least our entertainment will be free. Sounds like fun!!

Can’t buy me love…

The journey continues. Friday came and went. I was promised a check. The promise was broken. This is nothing new. In the past, I panicked. How would my oldest and I get through the weekend? Guess what? God is good! No, He is AMAZING!

Money was tight but God provided. I had promised to take my oldest to a movie this weekend. I have been promising him for a while but it just never works out because the funds are just not there. He's a pretty amazing kid though and never complains. He doesn't blame me but instead gets inventive. Instead of the movies, we spent hours playing games. We began with Speed Scrabble. This is a family favorite thanks to our dear friend Aaron. (I love that the kids enjoy playing it because it helps with spelling and vocabulary.) He beat me by quite a bit but we laughed, listened to music and ate chocolate. After Scrabble, we pulled out Monopoly. As anyone who has played this game knows, it can go on for hours and it did. Half-way through the game, we took a break and visited the local Krispy Kreme, grabbing some doughnuts. Those doughnuts supplied me with the extra burst of energy this mom needed in order almost to finish the game. It was a close game but in the end, he beat me yet again.

Now for those who have been following this small experiment, you know that the other day I wrote about God convicting me about money spending. Well guess what the pastor preached on this morning? Being wise stewards with our money. I LOVE days like today. Those moments when all the pieces come together and you hear God loud and clear.

Since the start of my new lifestyle, I could not understand why I was so happy. I no longer had a huge house or a fancy sports car. I could no longer go shopping anytime I pleased or purchase designer clothing. It didn't add up. For so long I had thought things were what brought me happiness. That is the most exciting thing I am learning. I do NOT need stuff to make me happy. God has given me everything I need. All five of my amazing kids. A sweet home that I LOVE. A car that is perfect for me. A job that allows me to shop for money.

Though I do not always know when the next check will come or how I will pay a bill, I do not worry. I am content with all that I have and thankful beyond measure for God's provision. This experiment is working wonders on my spirit. To see God blessing and moving in my life is what I needed to move forward and stand strong. I have no need to fear because I have the perfect love of the Perfect One with me always.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18

Have I taught you nothing?

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? ²⁷ Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life^[a]?

Matthew 6:25-27

 
Another day of surprises. I was given another day of staying home which again, is a HUGE blessing. I was able to catch up on laundry and clean. This always makes going into the weekend so much brighter.



As the day wore on, I did find myself a bit worried. I had food but my car needed gas. Oh the joys and responsibilities of being an adult means we are always needing something. I didn't stress out about not having gas but I did worry about how I would get the kids to school in the morning. Sure enough after the previous days and God's provision, I worried.



That afternoon before I left to get the kids from school, I received my mail. Guess what was in the mail. A check! Money to pay for gas. I'm sure God looks down on me and says "silly girl. Have I taught you nothing?"



So, I can be slow. I believe He will provide but my lack of faith sometimes says something different. My new plan, to read my own writing from this experiment each time I find myself worried about something.

All the small things....

I began recording my surprises on Tuesday.  It has already been quite the couple of days and very exciting.

 
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19


 
Tuesday morning I woke up with $2.38 in my account.  I was stressed and tired of someone not providing for their children.  I was not sure how I was going to make it through the next few days.  Two of the kids had EOGs starting the next day and I knew I needed to get some things at the store so that they could have a healthy breakfast.


 
Tuesday morning, I woke up craving a CFA chicken biscuit. It was driving me crazy and I was frustrated because I was hungry and couldn't think of anything else.  I was waiting for a friend to drop off her daughter for the day. When she arrived, she had a CFA bag in her had with two chocolate milks.  She had brought breakfast for our two little girls.  Then she looked at me and said there was a biscuit in the bag for me.  I had to laugh.  How did she know?  She even ordered it the way I liked it.  I shook my head and thanked her and God.


 
After taking the kids to school, I came home and spent some time writing and doing my quiet time.  Once I was finished, I decided to check my account just to see if there happened to be a miraculous deposit that might have occurred during the night.  I typed in my password, chuckling at myself. Oh, the lengths I will go thinking miracles will occur if I just pray.  As my account popped up, there was $13.38 in my account.  My draw dropped.  I signed out of my account and then signed back in because I knew it had to be an error.  My account popped up again.  Lo and behold, there was $13.38 in my account.


 
Why do I doubt.  Drives me crazy.  I smiled.  It would be plenty of money for orange juice, bread and microwave bacon with some left over.  (I already had eggs in the fridge) I said a prayer of thanks and scolded myself for doubting.


 
Later in the day, I was fixing dinner for the kids when there was a knock at the door.  I opened it to find my girlfriend at the door.  She handed me money and thanked me for keeping her daughter.  I was frustrated at first because friends don't take money from friends for watching each other's kids.  However, something in me stirred and recognized it as God providing.  Tears filled my eyes.  The money would more than take care of groceries for the rest of the week.


 
My day on Tuesday ended just as well as it began.  My baby cat had run away.  This has been happening a lot lately with both cats due to the current state of the garage door.  They are able to escape.  Anyway, I was upset because she was gone and I was not hopeful that she would return.  Before bed that night, sure enough, she showed up at the front door.


 
Tuesday was full of surprises and full of God's provision and faithfulness.


 
Wednesday was not quite as dramatic because my main needs had been taken care of on Tuesday.  Because of Tuesday, Wednesday brought rest, writing and reading, which that in and of itself was a blessing and surprise.  A day spent at home doing nothing does not happen very often and so I relished the hours of quiet and relaxation. That afternoon I received an email from someone that they had found my high school diploma along with a few of my other personal belongings that they wanted to return to me.  I was shocked.  Mainly because this person had taken the time to find me.


 
As the afternoon progressed, it was time to take the kiddos to the pool for a while.  As we were heading out the door, my phone went off.  I had an email.  A new follower on Twitter.  Typically I don't get excited over a new follower but this particular one was rather exciting, for me.  He happens to be a writer that I admire, a speaker and evangelist and a little famous.  For whatever reason, he chose to follow me and it made me smile, in a big way.  After that, several more followers were added and my Twitter following increased.  It kind of made my day.


 
Now God's surprises are not always butterflies and roses.  Before bed last night, I worked on a budget.  During that time, God convicted me and showed me ways in which I needed to save money and spend more wisely.  He made me aware of the fact that I need to be giving more back to Him and less toward the junk of the world.  It led me to evaluate my priorities like where my money was going. After some time in prayer, my head hit the pillow and I felt more at peace than I had in while in regards to money.


 
I believe this experiment is going to be beneficial. Sometimes we miss the small things that God does in our lives and even toss them up to luck or coincidence when it is not.  God cares about even our smallest of needs and provides even the smallest of things.  It is definitely helpful to keep track of what God is doing in your life.  It allows you to see His hand working.


 

Surprise ME!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23:6

"By George, I think she's got it!" This can finally be said of me. It has been two years in the making. Two years of growing, of searching, of trusting and it is finally here. The fog-covered glasses have been removed and I can see. Because I can see, the fear is gone. Because I can see, I am at peace. I finally understand that no matter what happens over the next few months, GOD IS GOOD!

I have spent time doubting my faith and not trusting God. I listened to others and allowed them to challenge what I clearly heard God telling me to do. Finally, it sunk in and I am recognizing that I have to stop doubting. Even when God clearly moved in my life, I doubted.

I can clearly look back on the past two years and see God's hand at work in my life. He has protected, blessed and provided and I truly wish I had recorded every moment of it. There are bits and pieces that I can specifically look back on and with great assurance know it was Him and only His presence that got me to where I am now.

So here we go. Here is my plan. God has sent me many surprises over the past two years and now it is time to begin recording them. For the next, let's say thirty days, I am going to say, "Surprise me God!" I am going to accept every blessing, every person, and every phone call, and so on in faith. I am going to look at life as a blessing from God and look for moments of encouragement, discipline, love, kindness, provision and hope through the people and events around me. I want to be a living testimony to God's faithfulness and share every moment, every blessing with those who follow this blog and those that have walked hand in hand with me over the past two years.

There are those who questioned my faith. Those who said I did not have enough faith but then there are those who have walked hand in hand with me and seen my faith grow. For those, I am thankful beyond words and if it were not for your encouragement and love, I would have lost my faith.

My life has changed. My faith has changed. Bad things happened but God is good and He IS beginning a new work within me. It is not only changing my life but it is changing the lives of those around me as well.

I would LOVE it if you have some surprises from God you want to share. We all should be a living testimony to His faithfulness!

"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night"

Psalm 92:1-2

Go with the flow...

For the past few weeks, life has been full steam ahead.  I worked more in the month of May than any other month, which feels SO good.  I have found such satisfaction in working and getting a paycheck.  For many years, I felt trapped and never knew what I had or how much there was in the account to buy groceries. That has all changed.

Is there a budget?  NO.  I have five kids and have yet successfully to figure out how to stick to a budget.  I make a plan but then suddenly someone needs something and my plan falls apart.  I am learning to go with the flow and for now, it works.

I do not freak out over money.  We do not have a ton and oftentimes, bills pop up and I do not have a dollar to my name.  Then suddenly I randomly check my bank account and lo and behold, there is money in my account.  Those are always the moments when I know God is providing.

Because I work for about twenty different companies, my pay comes from twenty different companies randomly throughout the month.  It can be a little inconvenient but I am learning to adjust, not worry and trust God for all things.

It will take some time for me finally to get to the place where I no longer have to have the help of my parents to survive.  This is a new thing for me.  It's just me and five kids.  Most people go from home, to being married and then the kids  It's a bit tricky suddenly going from having your financial needs taken care of by a spouse to being alone with five kids and no money.

I count it a blessing to be doing what I am doing at the moment.  The pay and hours are good and soon enough I have faith that God is going to take care of the rest.  Until then, I will continue to praise God for His faithfulness thus far.

Trust NO ONE!!

Article first published as Trust No One! on Blogcritics.

Trust NO ONE seems to be the motto of people today.  We cannot take people at their word. We are so judgmental?  We assume the worst of people.  My thirteen year old said that when we look at people and decide who they are by what they do and not by taking the time to get to know them, it only makes us stupid.  I agree. I have seen it more over the past two years than ever in my life and it saddens me.  

We each need to consider that we all struggle with some kind of sin in our life.  No one is blameless (Romans 3:23).  Being judgmental is sinful and God warns us about doing so.  You would think that those who judge would heed God’s warning, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  Matthew 7:2, but sadly they dismiss it.

When we form our opinion of someone based on their actions or appearance, we are being judgmental.  When we assume we know motives because of choices made, we judge.  NO one has ever walked in another person's shoes.  NO one has ever lived inside of another person's marriage.  NO one has ever lived within the walls of another person's home.  This being the case, NO ONE has the right to make judgment calls.  PERIOD!

“He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. ⁷ Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

2 Chronicles 19:6-7

I have listened as people have torn apart other people because they didn't like something they saw in that person or something that they did.  They condemn.  They gossip and judge.  It is like a cancer.  Why you ask?  That kind of sin, eats away at the human soul.  When you view the world and the people in it through judgmental eyes, you are the one who suffers.  You lose joy because all you can see is judgment.

Condemnation is not of God.  Those who condemn are being used by Satan to harm.  His mission is to steal, kill and destroy and that is what he does when we choose to succumb to his tactics.  He does his best to rip apart families and relationships. He uses our judgmental attitudes towards one another to accomplish this very thing. Those who condemn are great at pointing out the problem but cannot seem to help find a solution.  Condemnation points out failures and calls us losers.

Now don’t get me wrong, I believe as Christians that we are to hold one another accountable.  When we notice another brother or sister in sin, we should confront them in love and help them find their way back but I believe that is where our job ends.  Only God can change a heart.  ONLY GOD!  It is our job to love not slander.  It is God’s job to convict.  We are NOT to condemn…but we do.  Conviction points us to an answer. Conviction reminds us that the blood of Jesus washed away our sins. Conviction is God’s job.

Jesus says, “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.”  John 12:47  When we walk with Christ, we are free.  Not free to sin but free from condemnation.  It is Satan who uses our past, our scars and our regrets as ammo against us.  He uses those very things through those closest to us to remind us of our past.   Those whom the enemy uses, becomes our enemy as well.

Even believers can be used by Satan to condemn and discourage other believers.  Satan attempted this very thing by using Peter to try to discourage Jesus as He announced His impending death to His disciples.  

“Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Matthew 16:23

Because Jesus has the mind of God, He recognized the schemes of Satan but that is not always the case for us.  Someone we know and love approaches us with words and we take it to heart.  We think, “They know me and love me so they must be speaking truth about me.”  Guess what?  NOT always true.

Over the past few months, I have had to grab hold of Philippians 4:4-9 and claim it!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

I have learned to think on what is true.  When I focus on God’s truth, there is peace.  When I focus on God’s truth my heart and mind are guarded.  This is how I test what I hear from others.  If is brings about hurt (not conviction) or doubt, I turn to God’s word, HIS Truth and I allow Him to speak to me.  Only God knows my heart.  Only God knows the hearts of those around me.  It is not my place to make a judgment call based on what I see or hear.  Though I may not agree, I do not know the battles faced by others or the hurt they have experienced.  I do know that God loves them and I am called to love them as well.  I cannot love with God’s love if I love with a judgmental spirit.

I fully suspect I will receive some unhappy emails or comments after this posting but you know what, it needs to be said.  It needs to be addressed.  Judgmental people, both friends and family, have hurt me.  Judgmental people have hurt my very close friends.  People I love and care about have walked away from church because of judgmental church people.  I stated earlier that we as believers are to hold each other accountable.  That accountability extends to every sin, not just the ones that we consider “bad”.  Every sin, both great and small (in our opinion) nailed Jesus to the cross.

A Jesus moment...

Divine appointments are happening everywhere. Each day I wake up, God places someone or puts something in my path to remind me that He is there for me.  


There have been many over the past few weeks but today was especially fantastic and much needed.


For months my car has needed new tires.  After visiting a tire place last December I was told that it would be about $500 to replace all four.  I laughed.  It's all I could do at the time.  With Christmas quickly approaching I knew there would not be a penny to spare.  I waited.


As the months have passed, I have gone back and forth at different times wondering if I should use bill money or grocery money to just go ahead and replace at least two.  Again I waited.


I am not a mechanic but even I could tell my tires were in bad shape and it made me nervous but I was holding out and trusting God.  I waited.

This week I received an assignment to visit a tire store and evaluate their customer service.  Easy enough.  I took it.  As I dropped my three year old off at school this morning, the low tire pressure light came on in my car. The timing was perfect.  I had a legit reason to visit the store. 


I made my visit to the store which was busy so I waited my turn.  An associate approached and asked how he could help. what I explained my tire pressure light was on and wondered if could be checked.   He said of  course and headed out to look at my tires.  Then came the bad news.  My tires were in horrible shape.  (this I knew but I just didn't want to hear again)  He began to look up the price of each tire.  Again it was over a hundred a tire.  I knew it wouldn't be happening today.


I told him I was a single mom with five kids and just could not afford to get them right then.  He looked concerned.  I felt broken-down.  He asked if I would be interested in him checking to see if they had any used tires.  Of course my answer was yes. After checking several stores, he could only find one.  I was frustrated.  


Next came the question of what did I actually have to spend on tires? This is where I felt stupid.  I knew in my head what I had but knew it wouldn't even cover one tire.  I didn't even want to verbalize it out loud but I did. He said ok and went  to see what he could do to help me.   I waited for his return ready for disappointment.


A few minutes later he came back and said that he would give me two brand new tires for the price of one.  What??  I will admit that I was taken back.  Over the past two years, I have not had many "people being Jesus to me" moments.  I have a hard time recognizing them when they come so I was stunned.  I still had an issue.  I had the money but had no way to access it at the moment.  I told him I would be back.


One of the other miracle moments that occured earlier in the week had left me with some money that I did not have access to quite yet.  I went on faith that, though it would be too soon for it to be in the mailbox, it would be there today. And guess what??  It was.  I was so excited!!  


I took my money and made my way back to the store.  Within twenty minutes, I had two brand new tires on my car.  As I left they told me to return when I was ready to get the other two and they would work with me again.  What an incredible blessing!  How can anyone deny God's hand over my day?  


God is so faithful to provide.  He is always here reminding me that He WILL take care of my every need as long as I trust Him and have faith that He will do what He says He will do. 


"God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."


1 Corinthians 1:9 

Mom, can we talk...

So tonight as I was folding laundry, my nine year old whispered in my ear, "mom can we have a girl talk?" Of course we could and we did.  

I am often surprised by my kids.  They each have come to me at one time or another with important questions.  Questions that have opened up doors for serious conversations on topics that need to be addressed.  I am not sure why but I always feel honored.  Maybe they trust me.  They know that they can tell me anything, whether good or bad, and I will sit and listen, loving them regardless.


I'm learning that as a mom, dialogue with my kids is important.  If I want them to talk to me, I have to be open to listen whenever they need me.  House work, phone calls, writing and people in general have to come second when they say "mom, can we talk?"


BTW, she wanted to talk about boys.  Made me smile that she wanted to share her secret with me.  Being a mom is AMAZING!!

Rob Bell makes me nervous...

Not trying to stir up controversy, just trying to inform.  Please do not attack but instead respect that others have opinions and are entitled to share.

Love Wins

Relaxing...

When I was a kid, I would have never thought that visiting bookstores would be something that I would enjoy as an adult.  I have always loved to read but would have never thought that spending time in a bookstore would be relaxing.

I love going to Barnes and Noble because the three year old can be entertained while I browse the shelves.  I love sitting in a chair with a book and being greeted by the wonderful smell that lingers from the pages.  Sometimes I am able to sit and finish a book.  

One of my favorite things is visiting used bookstores.  I have discovered one particularly quaint place that I fell in love with the moment I walked through the doors.  The shelves are full of books.  There are books everywhere.  Even the counter is stacked with books.  I am not a coffee drinker but love the smell, especially when I am reading.  This small store has coffee constantly brewing so I am able to curl up in one of their comfy chairs, enjoy a book while taking in the fragrant smells that surround me.  It almost becomes sensory overload but I love it.  The three year old isn’t as entertained but she is developing a love for books like her mommy and I love it.

The chicken and the slow cooker

I love recipes that allow me to throw things into a slow cooker and forget about it.  Here is a little something I put  together last week and it turned out pretty well.  The kids liked it and it was easy to prepare.

3 Boneless skinless chicken breasts (frozen of fresh)
1 Large sliced onion
1 Large sliced green pepper
1 can diced tomatoes with garlic, basil and oregano
1 28 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
fresh sliced mushrooms
favorite spices and seasonings
pasta

Place all ingredients minus pasta in slow cooker and let it cook all day on low.  (approx 8 hours)

Pick your favorite pasta.  Prepare according to directions.  Serve chicken and veggies over pasta and viola!
Enjoy!

Different Seasons

It is funny how the passions that we have can change over time.  Life takes on different seasons.  We experience different seasons in our relationships, work and church.  But have you ever thought about how your passion for things changes as well?


I used to have a passion for singing.  Not a passion for standing in front of a crowd for attention but instead a passion  to worship God and lead people to His throne.  For me is was my way to express my love for Him.  The thoughts of ever having to give it up was unbearable.  Oh how things have changed.


This is how I now feel about writing.  It has become my passion.  I wake up with the desire to write and go to sleep thinking about what I can write next.  I have a passion to share my story through words.  I have a passion to encourage others through words.  

As I look back now I can see how God used my singing to prepare me for writing.  I sang with a group.  I did not like singing alone.  I was insecure and lacked confidence.  Toward the end of my time of singing, God stretched me and I sang my first solo.  Little did I know it was not to prepare me for a life of singing for Him but instead writing.  


There is nothing more personal than writing and putting yourself out there.  People will rip you apart and not think twice about doing so.  In order to write you have to have confidence enough in yourself and what you believe to put it all out there.  God had to prepare me for that and I had to work through a lot of issues to reach a place where I could write in a transparent way.  It has been a journey and I have learned much along the way. I sure hope this passion I have for writing never fades away. 

Eat, Drink and ...

I have made a decision in our home.  We are going to become vegan-ish.  We will not be full-time vegans but instead begin practicing some the habits of those that choose this as a lifestyle.

 From cows to beans.

What does this mean?  Veganism is the practice of  no longer using non-human animal products.  Meaning no meat of any kind (ouch), no dairy (I need MY cheese and ice cream) and more.  At first thought, this is a lifestyle I would probably say that I would never do 100% but over the last couple of years, I have learned to NEVER say NEVER so I will not be ruled out.  Who knows what might happen.

My reasoning for this choice comes from time spent on how to teach my children healthier eating habits.  Some of my children are built in such a way that as they get older, they may struggle with weight issues.  I want to teach them each to eat right and eat things that are healthy and beneficial for their development.  

I believe the vegans are on to something from the statistics and findings that I have found.  All that to say, I still believe that meat in moderation is ok.  I am a firm believer that God made cows, chickens and fish for a reason.  There has to be a benefit for us to consume those things.  The problem in the US is that we consume way TOO much.  Eating in moderation is not something that is practiced a lot.  

So well planned vegan diets have been found to offer things such as protection against obesity, heart and renal diseases. cancer and arthritis.  Knowing those things make it a little easier for me to proceed forward with this change in our eating habits. My kids are pretty good about eating anything.  I am always trying new recipes and introducing new foods to the table. From the time they were toddlers, they were eating things like mushrooms, black olives, onions, green peppers, tomatoes and more.  This makes my job of eating healthier just a little bit easier.  I am looking forward to this new challenge.  We will be eating more veggies and fruit and less fried and greasy food. 

From what I have heard, those who cut out fast food have more energy.  I NEED that!  I am going to focus on finding new ways to prepare fish, chicken and beef so that we are still able to enjoy those things but in a healthier way.  Maybe they will start craving my cooking instead of a Big Mac.

We will see how this goes and how the kids manage the new menu.

Love and Attachment: Do you know the difference?

I found this article fascinating and wanted to share.
Once we begin to understand this issue (the difference between love and attachment), we can begin helping those hurt by emotional abuse in relationships.


The Details:


Are you in love with your significant other, or attached?  Romantic novels and soap operas have convinced us that love is a relationship made up of a combination of adolescent whims and cheap sentimentalism, a particular type of dramatic relationship in which each one of the protagonists tires to satisfy specific egotistic needs.  This is not love, but merely attachment.  Attachment and love are at the same time; similar, and yet very different.  Some might say that they are both attacks, as well as in love.  After studying the two; maybe then you can decide where you stand.  Most people completely confuse attachment with love.


Love:


In contrast, love is the freedom of giving and sharing, without hoping for anything in exchange, because love is its only reward.  Love is generosity and is patient.  Love utterly lacks any ego.  Love is kind and it does not boast or envy.  It's a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.  A feeling of warm personal attachment, (with love) or deep affection.  Love does not dishonor others and is not self-seeking.  It's a waterfall that pours from the heart and is not proud.


Attachment:


Attachment (without love) is a kind of emotional disease; it is an obsessive emotional state, a type of addiction in which our peace and happiness depends on the closeness or distance from an object or person to whom we are attached.  Attachment is egoism.  The ego lacks love.  Attachment attributes an exaggerated and illusory value to objects, situations, or people; it totally disconnects us from reality.  Any attachment  is not part of reality, but an illusion whose existence is merely psychological.  Attachment is the desire to receive not give.


The Bottom Line:


Attachment turns us into tyrants who wish to control everything, for which even people are objects to be possessed. Like dictators thirsty for control and domination, we are impelled to elevate ourselves over others.  Attachment fragments the peace of its victims, leading to complete emotional disorder and chaos.  Love seeks to eliminate all the differences and limits between people.  Love is a profound longing to eradicate borders. 


Published in Talk of Your Towne April 2011

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Cupcake Wars is One of the Best Baking Shows on TV

Authored by Rickey Combs


While watching Cupcake Wars on Food Network on satellite TV from CANNONSATELLITE.COM the other night, I was amazed at the strange flavors folks are putting into cupcakes these days. Not that strange flavors are a bad thing, certainly the world needs more than just chocolate and vanilla. But the real attraction to this show are the judges and the contestants themselves.


While the contestants on Cupcake Wars change from week to week, they are all cupcake specialists. These people are generally colorful individuals who take their craft very seriously, as they are all bakery owners withcupcake playe! d into the name of the business somehow. Their talents include filling cupcakes, making cool cupcake designs and toppings, and experimenting with different flavors.


The judges are really some ice cold individuals. Imagine having to taste cupcakes for a living! Candace Nelson is a no-nonsense cupcake bakery owner who is as honest as they come in critiquing the various types of tasty treats sent her way. Florian Bellanger is the second permanent judge, while his accents makes understanding difficult sometimes, he always leaves words of encouragement for the contestants, but is always honest if something just does not work.


The host, Justin Willman, keeps the show on track and takes special care when announcing the winners of each round. As the competition heats up, Justin shows compassion and lets the loser down easy. The personalities and how they relate to the contestants sets Cupcake Wars apart from other baking shows.