Simple Womans Daybook

      FOR TODAY October 29, 2010

Outside my window ...
it looks like summer, but how looks
can be deceiving!  Grab a coat!

I am thinking...

it is has been several days since I have
written and I must get back to task.

I am thankful ...

that when Dick fell it was only as bad as it is.
I am so thankful it is only a wound that will
heal with the help of the Lord!

From the kitchen...

sound of the dishwasher running.  Plans for
my own recipe of Chili Relleno for dinner tonight.
I add mexican spice ground turkey with the
cheese when I stuff the Green Chilis!

I am wearing...

a comfy silky blouse and slacks.

I am creating...

hand made Christmas gifts!

Bible Reading with my husband, Dick for today...

2 Samuel 14
We have read even though I did not share here
and there were so many wonderful pearl I missed
being able to share with you.

God's *PEARL* for me today from the bible reading ...

even a *small* sin can build and trap you.  We must
be so careful to confess our sins and not let Satan
plant seeds that will grow into trees of evil in our lives. 

Quote for today...

Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that
never tires, and a touch that never hurts.
Charles Dickens

I am hearing...

songs of praise from my CD player ...right now it is
"OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART LORD"

Green Smoothie for today...

Blueberry, banana and kale!
mostest favorite :)

One of my favorite things...

mystery trips with Dick!  I have decided what I am going to do in
November for him, but since he reads this I can't tell you all until afterwards!

.

A few plans for the rest of the day:

going to the drug store to pick up more medical wrapping
supplies and prescriptions, laundry and crafting.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

My precious sisters and me!

Not much better than family!

~ ~ ~

    Click here to join the group of women journaling with A simple Woman's Daybook, thank you Peggy for the wonderful format!

Exercise? For God's Glory

Nowhere in the Bible will you find a scripture that says, “You must exercise three times a week.                            

 

But we do read in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Every minute of our lives is to be lived for the glory of God, and exercise is a wonderful means of helping us live for the glory of God. How? By extending our years of service to God, and by making us more effective in serving the Lord.

 

Proverbs 20:29 states, “The glory of young men is their strength.” Therefore, strength training—also known as toning and weight lifting—is also a very good exercise. Through moderate toning, you gain muscle definition and increased bone mass, which helps to prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.

 

 

Exercise Extends Our Years of Serving GodHave you ever considered that exercise could be the difference between serving God for 60 years or serving God for 75 years? Think about this for a moment. Maintaining a healthy body could result in God giving you many additional years to care for your spouse. Staying in good shape could result in God allowing you to share the gospel with hundreds of additional people. Those endless miles on the treadmill could result in many additional years of faithfully serving your brothers and sisters in Christ. Yes, I understand that God has numbered our days. In his sovereignty, God knows exactly how many days we will live upon this earth. But God uses means, and exercise is a means of adding years of fruitful labor to our lives.

 

Exercise Makes Us More Effective In Serving The LordNot only does exercise extend our years of serving the Lord, it also makes us more effective in serving the Lord. The truth is, an unhealthy body can limit our capacity to serve the Lord. Being unhealthy leads to less energy and less stamina, which ultimately limits our service for the Lord. Those who exercise regularly and are in good health are able to serve the Lord and others consistently, and for longer periods of time.

 

These truths should dramatically affect our approach to exercise! We don’t ultimately exercise for the purpose of losing weight or so that we look good. We exercise for the glory of God. We lace up our running shoes and pound the pavement so that we can serve God effectively for years to come. We lift weights so that at age 65 we can share the gospel with our young people like grandchildren. We go to the gym so that we can lovingly care for our spouse for many years.So let me encourage you to exercise. Not because it’s a good thing to do, but because God’s glory is at stake. Think of the future as you go out and walk today or do counter pushups or lift some weights.

For His Glory ... might make a difference!!!

Simple Woman's Daybook

                   FOR TODAY October 22, 2010

Outside my window ...
the skies are not so bright today,
but the wind is calm ... expecting rain.

I am thinking...

it is going to be a quiet day, time to relax and reflect ...
until Judy, her two friends, Deb and Ashley arrive.

I am thankful ...

for a husband who loves me so much and
loves to tell me!  His words often come
unexpectedly, frequently and melt my heart!

From the kitchen...

the smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee!

I am wearing...

my pj's again :).

I am creating...

the Green Smoothie book I am still writing!

Bible Reading with my husband, Dick for today...

2 Samuel 8

God's *PEARL* for me today from the bible reading ...

A small pearl from all we read to day!  I loved that
one of King David's men was assigned to journal
or record.  That is what I am doing here ... I can look back
and see all the blessings God bestows upon me! 

Quote for today...

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Aesop

I am hearing...

Dick coughing and clearing his lungs!

Green Smoothie for today...

Pumpkin, banana and spinach!

One of my favorite things...

the excitement of family coming to stay the night!

.

A few plans for the rest of the day:

spending time in prayer, checking on the motor home to
be sure it is ready for company, prepare items to take to
our fellowship tomorrow, crafting.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

I  love  this one!  Especially since I was able to put Dick's face

on the copies that I printed out as though he was talking to Moses!

~ ~ ~

    Click here to join the group of women journaling with A simple Woman's Daybook, thank you Peggy for the wonderful format!

Pumpkin Cookies

These are a healthier choice because I have used applesauce and whole wheat flour ... but then I add the canned cream cheese frosting ....... oh well ... enjoy!

PUMPKIN COOKIES

1 - 15 oz can pumpkin
1 - cup brown sugar
1/3 - cup applesauce
3 - cups oatmeal
2 - cups wholewheat flour
1 - tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp each:  nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix pumpkin, brown sugar and applesauce, then add the spices and soda an mix well.  Add the oatmeal and flour.
Drop by spoon on to baking sheet (then I flatten a bit).  Bake 13-15 minutes.
Remove and slightly frost each warm cookie.

Makes about 4 dozen.

Simple Woman's Daybook

                   FOR TODAY October 21, 2010

Outside my window ...
the sun is still bright, there is a rustle of leaves
as the wind blows gently ... signs of autumn everywhere.

I am thinking...

it is really tough to get old!  All the chores I love to
do outside are getting to be a bit much for me and
has me sad this morning.

I am thankful ...

for this beautiful spot the Lord has placed
me to enjoy.  The peace, privacy and
colors of every leaf is just too amazing!

From the kitchen...

will come some low fat, low calorie pumpkin
cookies today ... but I can't resist the drizzle of icing on top!

I am wearing...

jeans and a green T-shirt.

I am creating...

the shopping bag made out of plastic shopping bags
that I started the other day ... might be doing this for awhile!

Bible Reading with my husband, Dick for today...

2 Samuel 7

God's *PEARL* for me today from the bible reading ...

We often think of honorable things we want to do for God ... teach a bible
class or some such biblical thing, but have we really asked God and
listened to what He tells us.  Just because it is something we think He might
like, does not mean it is something He wants us to do.  If He says no, just
wait to see ... really wait to see and hear... because when He says no He
gives us something much more glorious, much more wonderful than we
could possible imagine.  Stay in touch with Him!  Listen to Him and
you will find joy that can not be compared!

Quote for today...

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen.
Not only because I see it, but because I see everything by it.
C.S. Lewis

I am hearing...

the dishwasher running ... ooops I did not run it last night!

Green Smoothie for today...

Raspberries, Bananas and Watercrest!

One of my favorite things...

my husband and best friend!

.

A few plans for the rest of the day:

making cookies, laundry, crafting and relaxing so my shoulder heals.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

    Click here to join the group of women journaling with A simple Woman's Daybook, thank you Peggy for the wonderful format!

Simple Woman's Daybook

                   FOR TODAY October 20, 2010

Outside my window ...
the hot tub is purring and calling out to me ... we have a
date after I have finished my blogging!

I am thinking...

my shoulder seems to be better.

I am thankful ...

for sisters who remember things our Mom shared
with us and I forgot to write them down!!!

From the kitchen...

comes the call to make Mom's hot mustard
to go with the homemade summer sausage! 
I will post the recipe in the recipe section!

I am wearing...

my pajamas ... always do until after hot tubbing.

I am creating...

a shopping bag by crocheting recycled plastic shopping bags!
This is such a fun craft!  Next I am making little mats for our knees
when we are out working in the yard ... waste not want not ... the
perfect way to use that stack of plastic bags ... if you have extras
you don't want save them for me! 
 I will share a picture when it is completed.

Bible Reading with my husband, Dick for today...

2 Samuel 6

God's *PEARL* for me today from the bible reading ...

How will God's glory, the Chabod, His presence fill my home, my family, my city?
It is by stopping through out the day to be *altered* or changed.  They talked
about doing it every six steps ... point being - DO IT OFTEN. And when you
stop you are to spend time praising Him and confessing your sins.  We are to
do this in a simple way ... don't go get dressed up, do it in your pj's if that is
what you are wearing - just praise Him and dance around in His Chabod!

Quote for today...

"A man may lose the good things of this life against his will; but if
he loses the eternal blessings, he does so with his own consent."
Augustine

I am hearing...

the TV in the other room as Dick is listening to the news!

Green Smoothie for today...

Blueberries, Bananas and Kale ... this is my favorite!

One of my favorite things...

SUN SHINE!

.

A few plans for the rest of the day:

Shopping and putting the bedding in the motor home for guests.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

How is that for a smile from God?

    Click here to join the group of women journaling with A simple Woman's Daybook, thank you Peggy for the wonderful format!

Simple Woman's Daybook ...

FOR TODAY October 19, 2010

Outside my window ...
I can see the amazing colors, textures and the beautiful bouquets God created for all of us to view!!!

I am thinking...

I need to take in the garden hoses before the temperatures drop much more and it starts to freeze.

I am thankful ...

that God chose me!!!

From the kitchen...

plans to make Seafood Jambalaya for my guests this weekend and maybe some spicy pumpkin cookies!

I am wearing...

Nike stretch slacks and one of Dick's sloppy T-shirts.

I am creating...

a book about Green Smoothies or Blended Salads and getting close to finishing!

Bible Reading with my husband, Dick for today...

2 Samuel 5b (it was a long chapter so this was the last half).

God's *PEARL* for me today from the bible reading ...

just like King David, I want to go to God in pray for every

situation, even it I have been there before .... He might have

a new strategy for the same problem I have faced in the past.

I do not want to lean on my understanding ... He is my Rock!

Quote for today...

I want to eat to live, not live to eat!

I am hearing...

the hot tub running outside my window ... it was so wonderful

this morning as I sat in it and spent my quiet time with the Lord!

Green Smoothie for today...

Pinapple, banana and watercrest ... Yummy!

One of my favorite things...

planning gatherings, especially for family and friends!

.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

organize my freezer, go to the chiropractor for my shoulder, enjoy my company.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

    Click here to join the group of women journaling with A simple Woman's Daybook!

RITA'S SEAFOOD JAMBALAYA

As you will see there are weight watchers points added here!  I made up this recipe when I was on weight watchers so just left them.  It was soooo good and still is ... point watching or not!

RITA'S SEAFOOD JAMBALAYA

COOK 1 BOX OF INSTANT BROWN RICE = 6 1/4 CUPS   (2 POINTS)

CUT UP AND ADD TO CROCK POT

1 RED PEPPER, DICED

1/2 GREEN PEPPER, DICED

1 SMALL ONION, DICED

2 CUP SALAD SHRIMP (4 POINTS)

2 CUP BAY SCALLOPS - I BUY FOZEN (4 POINTS)

1 CUP PRAWNS CUT INTO LARGE PIECES (2 POINTS)

7 CUPS OF LOW SODIUM SPICEY V8 (7 POINTS)

ADD COOKED BROWN RICE

ADD BLACK PEPPER, GARLIC, OREGANO, & BASIL TO TASTE

LET SIMMER FOR 4 OR 5 HOURS AND SERVE

TOTAL POINTS = 42

TOTAL CUPS =   14

POINTS PER CUP 3

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY October 18, 2010

Outside my window... the sun is shining!!!
I am thinking... Dick should be home soon.
I am thankful for... my friends and family.
From the kitchen... the smells of freshly cleaned counters!
I am wearing... jeans and a white shirt.
I am creating... a warm and cozy home.
I am going... to take a nap as I did not sleep well last night.
I am reading... the Bible and a mystery novel.
I am hoping... the pain in my shoulder goes away!
I am hearing... Pebbles crying for my attention
Around the house... all is peaceful today.
One of my favorite things... looking forward to company this weekend.
A few plans for the rest of the week: wonderful company for our women's gathering.
Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

    Visit Peggy to join the group of women journaling with A simple Woman's Daybook! 

 

2 Samuel 5a

This chapter is fairly long, so we are reading it in two days. We want to really absorb what is being explained.  There were many wonderful lessons, but this is my *pearl*:

So often the Lord tugs at your heart, places desires and thoughts in your mind, things you know He would want you to do.  Maybe those things are to talk to a neighbor about Him, teach a Bible study, hold a seminar to fellowship and share His word, or reach out to co-workers. 

Soon you start hearing the tauntings of the enemy saying *Who do you think you are?  You are blind!  You are lame!  There is NO way YOU can make an impact!*  If this is where you find yourself ... You are in a perfect position to be blessed!  It was especially the blind and the lame whom Jesus healed!  Jesus says, I have healed your blind eyes and lame feet. Now look to Me and step out because there are people, families and cities I want to claim through YOU. 

He is talking to me and He is talking to you.  As long as your heart is pure and you desire to serve Him, He will use you and me!  So do not ignore that tug at you heart - it is the very voice you long to hear!

Under His guidance and protection go out there and do what He is asking of you!

Carpet Deodorizer

There are so many commercial carpet deodorizers on the market, but I find they make me sneeze and I wonder what they do to poor little Pebbles, who travels so close to the carpet on her four little paws.  That is why I like to know what is in my carpet deodorizer ... that it is natural and safe!  Here is a recipe I use.  You can vary the essential oils to scents that you like.  Another one of my favorites is ylang ylang! 

Carpet Deodorizer

Ingredients:
10 drops Tea Tree
10 drops Lemon
20 drops  Lavendar
1-16 oz box of baking soda

Directions: Add the baking soda to a large bowl and then add the essential oils. Be sure to mix the oils into the baking soda well. Since lemon essential oil is normally yellow, it is essential that it is mixed well into the baking soda so that no undiluted lemon oil stains your carpet. This blend may be adapted to use your favorite essential oils, but strive to add essential oils that offer antibacterial and disinfectant properties to give the deodorizer an added benefit (the oils in this blend work to accomplish that). After you have blended the oils into the baking soda seal tight and set aside for 24 hours, then sprinkle on carpet and let set for 15 minutes, then vacuum up.   This deodorizer can be stored in a glass jar or airtight container.

2 Samuel 4

As I read today, it was a short chapter and I had to really think about what the Lord was telling me and prayed for the Holy Spirit to reveal the *pearl* to me.  This is my *pearl* for today:

We will go through life and run into many customs of our peers or of this world.  The Bible talked about how the custom of a new king meant the relatives of the old king must be killed and King David grieved over this.  Today, I see we can use this in our lives.  If the custom of your friends, peer group or co-workers is to gossip ... we must not only grieve, we must speak out and stop this custom.  If the customs around you are something the Holy Spirit nudges you to feel it is wrong ... think about it and do something.  Just as old customs of the Bible changed, those around you can change too.

May you listen to the little whisperings of the Holy Spirit as you go through your day!
You are so loved by God, your Father in Heaven!!!

2 Samuel 3

As I read today's chapter, I knew when I had found the *pearl*.

David was the new king.  Yet, he was a very sinful man.  He tended to lie and had an eye out for women!  We are not to compare our sins to his, saying sheesshhh ... I am glad I don't sin like that!  We are to look at how prayerful he was, how he praised God and how he listened to God.  To me that means everyone I look at should be with these feelings.  We are all sinful, no matter how we try not to sin!  Our sin is no less than anothers.  Look for God in those around us!

Go out there today and look for God in others!  You may be surprised at what you find, I know I am!
God Bless!

Home made summer sausage

Hi everyone ... today I am making summer sausage rolls!  If I have wild meat like Elk or Deer, I prefer to use that ... but, since we do not hunt and have had no offers of meat ... I am using lean hamberger and ground turkey!  These are a lean and healthy choice to what is available in the stores. I will freeze the rolls after I am finished.  They make very wonderful snacks or presents!
Here is the recipe I am using today.  It often depends on what spices I feel like adding!

HAMBERGER/TURKEY SUMMER SAUSAGE
3 pounds hamberger
2 pounds ground turkey (breast)
4 tsp black pepper (1 tsp. can be whole peppers if you like)
1 TBSP sugar (I used one packet of stevia)
1 3/4 tsp Salt Cure
1/2 tsp cayenne (red pepper)
1 tsp whole mustard seeds
2 tsp garlic salt (you can used minced if you prefer - 1 tsp)
1 cup water

Place meats in a large mixing bowl, combine spices and mix well before adding to meat.
Add spices to meat and 1 cup of water.  Mix all well together ... get your hands in there
and mix!  Cover and refrigerate 12 hours or over night.
Divide the mixture into 5 or six balls.  Shape each ball into a log. 
Place on a broiler pan so the grease drips off.  Bake at 200 degrees for about 8 hours.
Let cool.  I always papertowel off the outside a bit to remove any grease that might have
accumulated.  Place in individual freezer bags, leaving one out to slice up and eat!
Enjoy!  Here is a picture
of the fresh from the oven.

Hamberger Mix you can freeze or can for quick meals

GROUND HAMBERGER MIX YOU CAN FREEZE OR CAN
Yield 14 cups
3 med Onions, chopped         
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chopped celery         
1 large green pepper, chopped
¼ cup vegetable oil           
4 lbs ground beef
28 ozs tomato ketchup         
11 oz can tomato sauce
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce     
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper

1.      Saute first 4 ingredients in hot oil until
        tender.
2.      Add beef.
3.      Cook until brown.
4.      Drain fat.
5.      Stir in last 5 ingredients.
6.      Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
7.      Spoon 2 or 3 cups into freezer containers.
8.      Label and Freeze for use in the following
        recipes.

If you are going to can stop after number 5 and also
just brown the meat do not over cook.  At this point
put in hot jars and pressure cook for 75 minutes at
10 lbs pressure (sea level - adjust to your area)

Can be used in the following recipes for quick meals

Ground Beef Stroganoff
3 cups beef mixture           
1 can cream of mushroom soup
2 (4 oz)cans sliced mushrooms 
½ cup sour cream
Hot egg noodles

1.      Cook noodles.
2.      Add first 3 ingredients to a pan.
3.      Bring to a boil.
4.      Stir in sour cream.
5.      Pour mixture of hot noodles.


Beef and Noodle Casserole
2 cups beef mix (thawed)
2 cups cooked egg noodles
1 (8½ oz) can mixed vegetables, drained                   
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon parsley flakes

1.     Combine first 3 ingredients.
2.     Spoon into lightly greased one-quart casserole
       dish.
3.     Sprinkle with cheese and parsley.
4.     Bake 350 degrees for 15 minutes


Easy Spaghetti
3 cups beef mix (thawed)   
1/8 teaspoon dried whole oregano
1/8 teaspoon basil         
dash garlic salt

1.      Bring these 4 ingredients to a boil.
2.      Serve over hot cooked spaghetti noodles


Chili
3 cups beef mix (thawed)                                   
3 teaspoon chili powder
2 cans red kidney beans or cooked pinto beans

1.      Bring first two ingredients to a boil.
2.      Add beans and heat thoroughly




Sloppy Joes


1.      Heat 2 cups thawed beef mix and serve on
        buns.

Hope you enjoy!

2 Samuel 2

Every day I read a chapter of the Bible to Dick from Jon Courson's Application Commentary.
Today we read 2 Samuel 2.

The *pearl* I got from today's reading:  We must start our day with prayer!

Jon Courson added:  Corrie Ten Boom asked this pointed queston:  "Is prayer your steering wheel, or is it your spare tire?"  Many of us pull prayer out of the trunk when we're feeling flat or when there's a blowout.  However, prayer ought to be the steering wheel guiding us through the day, keeping us out of the ruts and ditches of life.  Some days I act like I can get through my day without prayer.  How dumb of me!  Prayer is the highest, most important calling of any believer.  It will keep you out of the ditches of depression, the ruts of predictability, the sanres of seduction. 

My prayer for each of us is that we learn this vital lesson.  That we start our day with prayer and continually add to it through out the day.  It is an intimate feeling to lean on the Lord for His wisdom, support and love!

May you be the best YOU the Lord made you to be this day and each day!
Warm hugs and love,

My first blog ...

This is exciting ... journaling my days!!! 

The sun is so bright and it is even warm out today!  It just makes one want to enjoy life so much more, doesn't it? 

My first meeting this morning was at Pacific Shores in the northern part of Newport making the final arrangements for the Christian Women's Event we have planned for next weekend.  So many people do not attend church these days, except perhaps on line or in home studies.  If they are like me they crave the fellowship with others and that was the inspiration for this event.  It sounds like it will be a small gathering, which will be intimate and full of warmth!  If you are interested in attending, be sure to give me a call!

The next project on my agenda is preparing the motor home for winter!  I have removed most items, cleaned and sanitized ... now I need to protect it for the winter.  That will take some reading in the owners manual.

Before I head out for the day, I just wanted to give praise to God for the rescue of the men in the mine down in Chile!  Just when you wonder if something is impossible ... God comes to the rescue!  Who would have ever believed they could drill down 2,000 feet and carry those men back up in such a small basket! 

Be the YOU God made you today!
Warm Hugs!