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December 13 Christmas JoysEiric arrived home last night -- he looks like a bushman. He told me on the phone that he was worried about me cutting his hair when he got home, so I'm going to try to just let it go. Either he'll get tired of it ... and want a free haircut before he goes back to college ... or his hair will just keep getting longer and longer and longer! His arrival was a surprise for his siblings -- we didn't tell them WHEN he was coming home. Rosella was happy to see him and laid all over him. Peter smiled a REAL smile for the first time in forever. It was so good to see my son, but sad too -- 'cause he already misses his girlfriend (I remember how that feels).
Moriah's last day for her firefighting course is today. She is doing her practicals as I write this. She did her written exam last night. I'm pretty sure she'll do well, and ... if she does ... then I will have two certified Firefighter I's in the family. She is still trying to decide what she wants to be when she grows up, but that's okay. I think she is worried more about HOW she is going to reach her goal.
Rosella has been asked, a couple of times, to become an EMT. She doesn't want to, but I've told her it would be VERY good information to have as an adult. Still ... she is a sensitive soul ... so I want her to do what will allow herself to grow into a woman who is sensitive, creative, caring and loving ... in a manner that she feels safe. I do, however, wish she'd stop dating the kid she is seeing ... but that's another story ... and I'm trying to back off and let it play itself out.
Peter is doing better. We have to stay "on top" of him to get homework done ... and I've let him know that he can't be telling me "no" all the time. There are certain things I need him to do -- to help around the house. I just hope that the good feelings last after Eiric leaves too.
The house almost looks like Christmas -- maybe by the end of the day -- then I can start baking: molasses cookies, cream cheese cookies, candy cane cookies, cranberry-orange bread, biscotti, cinnamon rolls or sticky buns for Christmas morning, and then try making toffee, chocolate covered coffee spoons, and other delights ... doesn't it sound fun?? I'm having fun planning the Christmas menu - with old favorites: rice pudding, fruit salad, wheat rolls, RICH mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie - and new tastes: cranberry marinated turkey, fruity wild rice stuffing, brandied yams, sauteed green beans, and maybe a chocolate or pumpkin cheesecake. Not positive ... just rolling ideas around in my head. I'll have to start cooking a day or two in advance for marinating sauces ... got to let those herbs blends.
I need to start wrapping presents -- and, as always, I'll be holding my breath to see if the Santa Claus gifts make it in before Christmas eve. I need to order pictures for my mother's side of the family, make gifts for my in-law side of the family and put together little gift bags for my co-workers. Much to do -- but all a delight.
I hope that ALL of you are enjoying the holidays and remembering the Reason for the season.
God bless you and keep you,
Nae
 November 30 What I WantThis is another email I received in the email -- and it really hit home with me. I'll tell you why at the end. What I Truly Wanted My daughter was home after graduating from college and like most was unsure of the next step. After a few rounds of active discussion she was still unable to decide. It seems that she was trying to follow everyone's advice at the same time and no two opinions were the same. Like every parent out there who has been in this position, I realized that whatever the decision, I was going to have to break out the old checkbook one more time. Everything worked its way out as everything usually does, but in this process I started to think of all of the things I truly wanted: I wanted a new stereo... I got my daughter a new bicycle I wanted to join a health club... I got my daughter dancing lessons I wanted a fishing boat... I got my daughter a new computer I wanted a new car... I got my daughter through college I wanted to be happy... I GOT MY DAUGHTER It is sad that most of us do not understand what we truly want. I count my blessings everyday because HE knew what I truly wanted. Life is full of little adjustments; the trick is to see them when they appear. ~A MountainWings Original by Mike Reed, Mandeville, LA~
My son is having trouble adjusting with his older brother gone ... and after Rosella left. For the first time in his life he was talking about wanting to die, and struggling to get along with the boys on the basketball team. When I wrote my "paid friend" about how to handle this ... and my dream for college, he suggested that I put off college until Peter graduates, for his mental and emotional well-being is much more important. I agree. It hurt to stash the dream yet again, but I certainly agree with the reason why. As a parent, we do make a lot of sacrifices for our children. Most often, I don't think they will appreciate it ... until they are adults. I still find myself calling to apologize to my parents for putting them through the wringer (emotionally, physically, financially, etc) when I find myself in a situation that reminds me of something I did as a kid. I also try to call them and thank them when I find myself doing something right. Ultimately, I need to thank God for all the blessings in my life ... and the trials ... that help me to grow closer to Him. May the Lord bless you and keep you today and always! Nae :o) November 26 Happy ThanksgivingMay your stuffing be tasty. May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes ' n gravy have nary a lump. May your yams be delicious. May your pies take the prize. May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate the many blessings that we find in our lives. It doesn't have to be a time of dreading the scale, there are plenty of people who choose to find ways to keep their meals heart healthy and delicious. Here are a few reasons you can enjoy Thanksgiving guilt free: Turkey is hard to beat in the lean meat department. A 3-ounce serving of skinless white meat contains 25 grams of protein, barely 3 grams of fat, and less than 1 gram of saturated fat. Dark meat has more saturated fat than white meat, and eating the skin adds a hefty wallop of these bad fats. Turkey is also a good source of arginine (an essential amino acid). As with other amino acids, the body uses this one to make new protein. Arginine is also a substance that relaxes and opens arteries. Cranberries are chock full of different antioxidants. Cranberries are near the top of the list of foods that neutralize unstable molecules that can damage DNA, proteins, cell membranes, and cellular machinery. The natural mix of antioxidants found in cranberries and other foods is what matters, not the high doses of single ones found in supplements. Try making your own cranberry sauce from whole berries, you may love the fresh taste. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Sweet potatoes make a delicious side dish as well as dessert. Pumpkin is low in fat, low in calories, and loaded with potassium, vitamin A, beta carotene, and vitamin C. If you are tired of pumpkin pie, try pumpkin custard, pumpkin cake, pumpkin muffins, etc. Pecans are great sources of heart-healthy fats. Twenty pecan halves contain about 20 grams of unsaturated fat. Studies from around the globe show that people who routinely eat nuts are less likely to die of heart disease than those who don't. Although many of the foods that grace a Thanksgiving table are healthy on their own, they tend to lose their virtue by the company they keep. If you're set on a traditional dinner, alternative recipes abound for healthier stuffing, vegetables, and desserts. You can also start your own traditions. After all, today's Thanksgiving dinner bears little resemblance to the original feast. Roasted Turkey with Balsamic Brown Sugar Sauce Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (about 15 pounds), thawed 1 tablespoon olive oil 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary 3 to 4 cloves garlic 1/2 cup water For the sauce 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup defatted pan drippings 3 tablespoons brown sugar Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 F. Rinse the turkey inside and out. Pat dry with paper towels. Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Rub the turkey with the oil, a sprig of rosemary and garlic cloves. Place all of the rosemary and garlic inside the bird. Loosely tie the legs together. Place into the middle of the oven. When the skin is light (after about 1 1/2 hours) cover the breast with a tent of foil to prevent overcooking the breast. Check the doneness after the bird has roasted about 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Turkey is done when the thigh is pierced deeply and juices run clear (180 to 185 F) or when the breast muscle reaches 170 to 175 F. Remove the turkey from the oven. Let it stand about 20 minutes to allow juices to settle in the meat. Deglaze the pan by adding 1/2 cup water. Stir to scrape up browned bits. Pour pan drippings into a gravy separator. Reserve 1 cup of defatted pan drippings for sauce. To make the sauce, in a pan or microwave dish, stir together the vinegar, defatted pan drippings and brown sugar. Warm the sauce until the flavor is just released, about 15 seconds in the microwave, or over low heat on the stove until steam "escapes." Don't boil. Carve the turkey and drizzle turkey slices with the warmed brown sugar sauce. Serve immediately. Serving Size: 10 servings of 5 ounces of light and dark meat Nutrition: Calories 247, Cholesterol 79mg, Protein 34g, Sodium 78mg, Carbohydrate 10g, Total fat 6g (sat 1g, mono 2g), Potassium 378mg, Calcium 30mg. Wild Rice and Bulgar Stuffing Ingredients: 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil 3 stalks celery, chopped 2 onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 cup wild rice 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup bulgur 2 cups water
1/2 cup pecans 1 cup golden raisins 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley Freshly ground pepper to taste Directions: Heat oil in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add celery, onions and garlic; sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in wild rice. Add broth and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Meanwhile, place bulgur and water in a bowl. Let soak for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until fragrant. Let cool and chop coarsely. Place raisins in a small saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside. Stir the soaked bulgur, pecans, raisins and parsley into the cooked wild rice. Season with salt and pepper. Let cool completely before stuffing. Makes 8 cups Nutrition: Per serving: 279 calories; 7 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 2 mg cholesterol; 50 g carbohydrate; 9 g protein; 7 g fiber; 221 mg sodium; 438 mg potassium. Sweet Potatoes and Roasted Bananas Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, washed 2 medium bananas, peeled and halved 2 tablespoons orange juice 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Red pepper flakes, to taste 3 tablespoons brown sugar Dried parsley, for garnish Directions: Preheat the oven to 375 F. Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray. Using a fork, poke several holes in the sweet potatoes. Bake until the potatoes are soft, about 1 hour. Remove from the oven and set aside. Peel when cool to the touch. Place the banana halves in the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered until the fruit is soft and juicy, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and pour the orange juice over the bananas. Stir to scrape the drippings and mash the bananas well. In a large mixing bowl, add the bananas, sweet potatoes, spices and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, blend until smooth. Transfer to an ovenproof serving bowl and return to the oven. Bake until warmed through. Garnish with parsley and serve. Serves 6 Nutrition: Calories 142, Cholesterol 0mg, Protein 2g, Sodium 17mg, Carbohydrate 34g, Fiber 5g, Total fat trace, Saturated fat trace, Potassium 551mg, Calcium 43mg Gingered Cranberry Relish Ingredients: 1 12-ounce package fresh cranberries 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup minced crystallized ginger (choose soft nuggets over disks, if possible) 3 cups raspberries (2 pints), fresh or frozen (not thawed) Directions: Pulse cranberries in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in sugar and crystallized ginger. Gently stir in raspberries—it's fine to crush some of them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the flavors combine. Serves: 16 (1/4 cup servings) Nutrition: 58 calories; 0 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 15 g carbohydrate; 0 g protein; 2 g fiber; 2 mg sodium; 53 mg potassium. Salad Greens with Pears, Fennel and Walnuts Ingredients: 6 cups mixed salad greens 1 medium fennel bulb, trimmed and thinly sliced 2 medium pears, cored, quartered and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Directions: Divide the salad greens onto 6 plates. Scatter the fennel and pear slices over the greens. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and walnuts. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Add black pepper, to taste. Serve immediately. Serves 6 Nutrition: Calories 157, Cholesterol 1mg, Protein 3g, Sodium 50mg, Carbohydrate 14g, Fiber 4g, Total fat 10g (sat 1g, mono 6g), Potassium 391mg, Calcium 66mg. Glazed Chocolate-Pumpkin Bundt Cake Cake 1 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-process) 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup nonfat buttermilk 1 15-ounce can unsweetened pumpkin puree 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar 1 large egg, at room temperature 1 large egg white, at room temperature
1/4 cup canola oil 1/4 cup light corn syrup 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Glaze & Garnish 1/2 cup packed confectioners' sugar 1 tablespoon nonfat buttermilk 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips or toasted chopped nuts Directions: To prepare cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 12-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray. Whisk all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice and salt in a medium bowl. Blend 1 cup buttermilk, pumpkin puree and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed. Beat in whole egg and egg white. Stir in oil, corn syrup and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake the cake until a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove from the pan and let cool completely on the rack, about 2 hours. To glaze & garnish cake: Combine confectioners' sugar and 1 tablespoon buttermilk in a small bowl, stirring until completely smooth. Place the cake on a serving plate and drizzle the glaze over the top; garnish with chocolate chips (or chopped nuts) while the glaze is still moist. Serves: 16 Nutrition: 234 calories; 5 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono); 13 mg cholesterol; 46 g carbohydrate; 4 g protein; 3 g fiber; 238 mg sodium; 159 mg potassium. MAY YOU ALL HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING! Nae  November 16 The CrossAnother great email was sent to me -- and it certainly made me think.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!!
We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain, There will always be sunshine after the rain.
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall,
But God's always ready to answer your call. He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
A word from His lips can calm every fear.
Your sorrows may linger throughout the night, But suddenly vanish by dawn's early light.
The Savior is waiting somewhere above to give you His grace and send you His love.
May God fill your day with blessings!!
I hope that you know how much you are appreciated! You are very special!
God bless you and keep you,
Nae
November 09 She Is HomeThanks for the prayers, the encouraging words -- and all the advice!
God bless you and keep you,
Nae November 04 Absolute Governmental AuthorityChuckle for the day:
A U.S. Department of Water representative stopped at a ranch and talked with an old rancher.
He told the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for your water allocation." The old rancher said, "Okay, but don't go in that field over there." The Water representative said, "Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me. See this card? The card means I am allowed to go WHEREVER I WISH on any agricultural land. No questions asked or answered. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand?" The old rancher nodded politely and went about his chores. Later, the old rancher heard loud screams and saw the Water Rep running for the fence and close behind was the rancher's bull. The bull was gaining on the Water Rep with every step. The Rep was clearly terrified, so the old rancher immediately threw down his tools, ran to the fence and shouted out..... "Your card! Your card! Show him your card!" I hope this finds you well -- and trusting the Lord with our country!
God bless you and keep you,
Nae
November 03 God Lives Under the BedAnother email -- another touching and thought provoking message. It helps to receive these at this time, and I have chosen to try to trust ... messages like these help.
I envy Kevin. My brother Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what I heard him say one night.
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the first time the very different world Kevin lives in. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Apart from his size (he's 6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult. I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever dissatisfied with his monotonous life? He lopes out to the bus every morning at 7:05, eager for a day of simple work. He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores. And Saturdays-oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink, watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each passenger inside. ' That one's goin' to Chi-car-go!' Kevin shouts as he claps his hands. His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights. And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He doesn't know what it means to be discontent. His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries that one day they may not be. His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is pure. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. He is free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry.. He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated' person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity I envy the security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my mortal questions It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one with the handicap, I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to God's care Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God. And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to our hearts, I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed.
Kevin won't be surprised at all! FRIENDS ARE ANGELS WHO LIFT US TO OUR FEET WHEN OUR WINGS HAVE TROUBLE REMEMBERING HOW TO FLY Thanks to all of you who have been praying, those of you who have sent notes of encouragement -- they are greatly appreciated and needed.
God bless you and keep you,
Nae
October 29 The Things a Mom Will Do ...See the mama squirrel? See what is between the dog's legs???
What mama wouldn't do this if they were worried about their baby?
Poor dog ... don't know if he was just curious and playing ...
And ... up the tree goes mama and baby.
While the squirrels aren't wolves ... I understand that a mama's gotta do what a mama's gotta do.
Hope you are well!
God bless you and keep you,
Nae :o) October 27 See ... God DOES Answer PrayerNot that things are better between my daughter and I ... but after my previous blog ... I went to my email to write my "paid friend." This is what I found waiting in my email:
TAIPEI, Taiwan, (UPI) - Taiwan firefighters caring for a foot-long viper tossed a tiny mouse in the cage as a snack but then watched as the mouse turned mighty and killed the snake.
The furry little rodent skirted in and out of range of the snake's gaping jaws and long fangs, darted in for a bite, then skittered away, constantly on the attack. At the end of a fierce 30-minute battle at the Nanoun fire station, the snake was dead, the mouse had "barely a scratch on him," one fireman told The Daily Telegraph. from The Mountain: Remember this mouse when things get tough. Don't give up, keep swinging, keep fighting, keep hoping, keep praying and keep working. You've got someone on your side. God bless you and keep you,
Nae SadMy youngest daughter moved out tonight. She wants to date. I don't want her to because she can't set boundaries. I worry about her ... I don't want what happened to me to happen to her.
Worse -- both my sister and my sister-in-law told me to pray. God will work all things to good -- in His time.
But -- I'm mad. In his time -- I was hurt in ways a woman shouldn't be hurt. God didn't stop it. Why should I believe that two generations are enough?? I'm mad that I'm mad. I'm mad at me because I don't trust that He will protect Rosella. He could.
I could, but I can't. IF I'm supposed to be a good mom -- I'm supposed to let go -- let her get hurt -- so she will learn. I HATE this part of being a mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then again ... if I were a good mom ... she wouldn't have moved out. AND ... I would have been gentle enough that I wouldn't have set the boundary I did.
Okay, yes, I would have. I have no room for lies and secrets in my home. It causes more problems. Relationships should be open, above board and in the light. Everything grows in the light ... unless it isn't meant to.
I'm sad and I'm mad. It is a terrible place to be.
One more time, please pray for us. I'm not ready to give up on my faith -- but it scares me how mad I am.
God bless you and keep you,
Nae October 24 The Miracle of LifeOkay -- I know I'm being lazy and not blogging original things. But I really like some of the things I have received in my email box, and I just want to share.
This particular email touched my heart. I love babies! Human babies, puppy babies, kitty babies, monkey babies, horse babies, whale babies, even shark babies. Babies are just so cool. The miracle of birth is beyond awesome. You know ... I've considered becoming a midwife ... I'd have the joy of bringing new life into the world. What a privilege and joy to share in those miracles.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I did:
This tiny deer was delivered by Caesarean section at a wildlife hospital after his mother was killed by a car.
Little Rupert, who is so small he can fit in an adult's hand, was born after vets failed in their battle to save his mother.
At just six inches tall and weighing just over a pound, he is now in an incubator in the intensive care unit at Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital in Buckinghamshire.
He has only recently opened his eyes.
Tucked up: Rupert in an incubator. Les Stocker, founder of Tiggywinkles, said: 'Rupert's mother had very severe injuries. We brought him out and got him breathing and then he went into an incubator on oxygen. He is now being fed by a tube.'
Rupert pulls a striking pose for the camera.
Staff are optimistic Rupert, now five days old, will make a full recovery. 'Deer are very, very tricky but this one has spirit. He's an extremely feisty little guy and quite pushy,' Mr Stocker said.
I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.
May God bless you and keep you,
Nae October 19 How Smart is Your Right Foot?You have to try this . . . it takes 2 seconds. I received this little challenge in the email, it said that this experiment is from an orthopedic surgeon. Everyone who has tried it has found it to be true. Have some fun and see if this will boggle your mind. If it does you will keep you trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It's preprogrammed in your brain!
1. Without anyone watching you (they will think you are GOOFY......) and while sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. 2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction. I told you so!!! And there's nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so. God bless you and keep you, Nae October 15 Gotta Love Our Pets
October 14 Seven Qualities of a LeaderAs November draws closer and we consider our civic duty, remember to look past all the mud slinging ... look for the qualities that makes you feel like you are following a leader ... and vote YOUR values.
7 Qualities of a Good Leader
============================= 1. A good head to be able to evaluate the quality of ideas and suggestions presented to him. 2. A good heart to be able to be compassionate and fair with the people. 3. A good spirit to be able to hear the voice of God. Some paths God will lead you down don't make head and heart sense at the time. 4. A good eye to be able to see things other people cannot. 5. A good tongue to be able to communicate the vision to the people and motivate them to follow. 6. A good hand to be able to do the things that need to be done. Knowing the right way is not the same as doing it. 7. A good foot to set an example for the people. A minor flaw can outshine a major mission in the eyes of small minds. ~A MountainWings Original by James Bronner I hope that you will find clear direction, and able to keep your vote true to your heart.
God bless you and keep you,
Nae October 13 Celebrate Good Times! C'mon!!!Okay, I'll admit that I've been hiding in a hole lately. Whole slew of bad things came my way in a short period of time, and I fell into a black hole. Tough place to be occasionally, but it is true -- during our times of extreme duress -- we do grow and change. I only like to allow myself so far to fall, then I have to pick myself up and try to get back on track. Part of that is coming to the understanding (more and more) that blogging (unless private) is not the place to share your problems (especially if it involves other people).
Anyway, last week -- things began to take a turn. For those of you who have been praying for my brother-in-law, it appears as if the infection in his lung is isolated and there is hope. He will be going to see a specialist at the Mayo Clinic, and we hope that they will have a treatment plan for him. I'm thankful that things are working out for Jon and Kim, they are finding their way through a dark place with God leading them ... and I'm grateful that they are trusting completely in the Lord.
On Friday, God blew a wonderful blessing my way: my team was selected for the Healthy Native Communities Fellowship. It means that myself and two other women will meet with other teams from Native communities and work together to learn how to make sustainable, healthy communities. Our group is hoping to create a curriculum based on our traditional lifestyle that promoted health and wellness. We'll see how that goes. I have a lot of ideas rolling in my head for how to create the books, and am looking forward to being able to be creative.
So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to celebrate with me:
Enjoy the fun and keep groovin' -- it's good for your heart!
God bless you and keep you,
Nae :o)
September 30 545 People Responsible for all of America's Woes
September 29 I BelieveI Believe... That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, doesn't mean they do love each other.
I Believe... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I Believe... That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I Believe... That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I Believe… That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I Believe... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I Believe... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't. I Believe... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I Believe... That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I Believe... That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I Believe... That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.
I Believe... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up. I Believe... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I Believe… That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I Believe... That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I Believe... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I Believe... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
I Believe... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I Believe... That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. I Believe... 'The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything. September 25 TestsI took the same test ... about a week apart. One said I was creative, imaginative and empathetic. Today: I look back on things, take them apart, critique, and then can foresee the future. Hmmmm ... I can't say I agree with that one.
I took the following test ... and thought it was funny:
You are Wonder Woman
Hmmm .... I wonder how much my feeling blue about missing Eiric is affecting these tests.
Anyway, I posted photos of my beautiful daughter ... and of the fire I wrote about. She's more interesting to look at! I can't believe all my babies are growing up. I think I'm beginning to panic over knowing they are going to be gone ... and I'm going to be alone. This getting old is NOT for sissies!
AND ... what's my true color???
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