The Night After CHRISTmas

The guests all went home, the decorations are down and put away until next year, the cleaning is done. What a grand celebration of Jesus' birth it has been and will continue to be in our hearts everyday.

We are now packed and ready to take our "first" retirement road trip. We have the camper packed and ready to head to Redding, California to visit my brother and his family...neices, nephews and all their children, some from New York, some from Florida. We haven't spent a holiday with them in over twenty years and are very excited!

I will be posting on our "Luxury with Blessings and Fun" blog about our trip. You can join us there to keep up with where we are and what we are doing.

CHRISTmas Day Celebration

The Birth of Jesus ~ Matthew 1:18-25 ~ Luke 2:1-7

WOW, what a blessed CHRISTmas we had celebrating with about 30 family members. Some come from Texas, some from Washington State, who arrived on Monday. Many from different surrounding areas in Oregon arrived early Christmas morning.

The turkey went in the oven at 8:am, pork tender loin went in the smoker at 8:30. About 1:00 potatoes were cooked and mashed, gravy made, veggie warmed up and the table was set, ready to eat at 2:00.

We all gathered in a circle, joining hands for a prayer of thankfulness and blessing on our bountiful meal. We enjoyed our Christmas feast together, cleaned up, sang songs, laughed, played cards, Scrabble, visited and reminised about the good ol' days. Had a good ole' fashion time together with family.

Many of the guest left around 6:pm...hubby and brother watched the Portland Blazer/Denver Nuggets Game...Blazer's won.

Celebrate ~ Day 30

WOW, what a fantastic 30 day journey this has been!!

I will celebrate the new people I have met, the fun, connecting with friends and the learning experience.

I celebrate Susan's faithful efforts for keeping the 30 days going with much enthusiasm.

And I celebrate that I hung in there (even though I was late at doing some of my posts), doing my best to read, comment and keep up with the other bloggers who were involved.

I want to wish you all a very Merry CHRISTmas and a blessed and prosperous New Year!!

Journey and Discovery ~ Day 28 & 29

Journey ~ Where will I take my blog in coming months/years?

I pray that I can take my blog to higher heights personally and in business. I will work at it in a new light with all that I have learned during this 30 Days of Blogging. Focusing on relationships. Getting to know and trust others, meeting others, allowing them to look, listen and decide.

I will PRAY, BE unrealistic, think big, think out of the box, work from my passion, stick my neck out take a risk, get out of my comfort zone, be brave, be impulsive, take my time, take my rest, create, dream, have fun, help others to score, listen, admire, give compliments, be supportive, change, surprise myself, re-invent, give, think but not to deep, take action, live life to the max and ENJOY IT!

Discovery ~ Opportunity is never lost. It goes to those who want to accept and grab it. we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

I will use my time wisely. I will try hard to post often on my business blogs, Prosper and Be In Health and Luxury with Blessings and Fun as well as The Hand of God blog.

I want people to join, but I want them to LEARN first. You see, if they learn first of their own volition, they are: "SELLING THEMSELVES" When they do that, there is no pressure and it becomes their idea, which makes them serious, which means they stay longer and are more likely to succeed.

Investing in the lives of others is what we are truly all about.

Growth ~ Day 27

Things I have noticed in the last few weeks...How much fun blogging is. What wonderful people I have met and how much I have enjoyed learning more about...

What are you noticing as you reflect on your life: That I do have something good to offer others...your business: That i can mix pleasure with business, it isn't all about business...your relationships: I have met some wonderful people, I've learned about others and their desires and passions.

The seed must be planted and watered before growth can begin.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase...He who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8)

Seasons ~ Day 26

Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each. Let them be your only diet drink and botanical medicines. Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) American naturalist, poet and philosopher.

What I like about the season I'm in right now that's important to me...

I love the change that usher out the old year and brings in the beginning of the new...

Though the Winter binds us in its icy grip, we have the bright promise of Springtime to look forward to.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

I Use To Know...Now I Know ~ Day 25

What I use to know, and what I now know about blogging.

I use to know...nothing about blogging, I thought is was a way to promote, of course, God first and our businesses.

Now I know...it is about meeting and sharing with people around the world, getting to know them, learning about them, and they about me, exposure, building a relationship. I have learned that it is people helping people.

I am blessed to have met so many wonderful people through blogging.

Ritual ~ Day 24

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

I get up each day and I have a daily calendar that I read before my devotional and prayer time. I don't always get my devotional time, but I do always read the calendar devotional. If I don't have the calendar because I am away from home, I always have a Daily Bread with me.

Let me start my work in faith, continue in obedience and finish with love.

If I put God's will and His righteousness first in my life, He will take care of everything else.

Make A Wish ~ Day 23

"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." (3 John 2 )

That I can be the example to others that they would serve the Lord and trust in Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on our own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I am willing to make the mistakes if someone else is willing to learn from them.

Stretch ~ Day 22

Oh me oh my, the wonderful relaxing of my whole body!

Stretching is a powerful part of any exercise program. Stretching increases flexibility and improves range of motion of your joints. Stretching even improves circulation and helps relieve stress.

Breathing is the essence of being. It is the only bodily function that we do both voluntarily and involuntarily. We can consciously use breathing to influence the involuntary (sympathetic nervous system) that regulates blood pressure, heart rate, circulation, digestion and many other bodily functions.
Breathing exercises can act as a bridge into those functions of the body of which we generally do not have conscious control.

Changes ~ Day 21

I am so much enjoying this journey of blogging…even though I get behind at times, I will take the time to catch up.

Changes I see in me as I post more often...I am making and taking the time to visit and comment on other’s blogs, truly enjoying what I read and what I am learning about them and their passions. God has gifted them all in their own special and unique ways so that others may learn from their wisdom, knowledge and life experiences.
In the same manner, other’s are reading and sharing mine.

Memories ~ Day 20

As I reflect back, I am remembering my Grandmother and the restaurant she owned and all the wonderful times our family gathered at her restaurant, enjoying each others presence, celebrating life, eating good foods. This connects to my life now because I am a very family orientated person and very thankful for people and life. I also enjoy cooking for family gatherings.

This little story so reminds me of my Grandmother.

Grandma’s Apron

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.
It can be a good history lesson for those that have no idea how the apron played a part in
our lives.

REMEMBER:
Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her
Granddaughter’s set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron. BUT LOVE!!

The picture is of my sister, her daughter and I. Our aprons say...Bunn's of Fun on them :-)

Do join us in this fun journey of 30 days of blogging

Take A Walk ~ Day 19

30 day blogging journey.

I took a drive to visit a girlfriend. It was such a beautiful day and I enjoyed walking around her house, enjoying the crisp chill in the air, the sun shining, the beautiful change in colors of the trees, listening to the water flowing in her pond and the flowers. The beauty of God’s creation and how the seasons change with such beauty all around.

Reflecting ~ Day 18

Reflecting back on my blogs...

Discovering ~ Day 3, going visiting. I am learning about others and their passions, connecting and reconnecting with others. I am enjoying this journey of 30 days of blogging.

Discovering ~ Day 17

I enjoyed reading all the blog. Heidi's was a jewel...

Heidi ~ Love your blog! Precious gems in it for sure. I will definitely be back to check out the links you provided.

Heidi has a beautiful way with words. Thank you Heidi for your precious gems.

Question ~ Day 16

I asked my husband, Larry why he likes taking the Biometics Products?
He said, I likes it because I knows that I'm getting the vitamins and minerals my body needs. What I take goes directly into my cells, instead of being wasted in digestion.

What are his favorite product to take?
The Bio Alert, Get~Go~N~Plus...I use to get so tired and by lunch time I could fall asleep standing up. And, when I'm out hunting I would run out of energy climbing the hills, walking through the brush and tracking the game. These products definitely keep me feeling great and full of energy all day long.

Join us in a drink to your health. Drink Biometics

December ~ The Month For peace

"On earth peace, good will toward all men." (Luke 2:14)

December brings a chilly gray looking sky. colors are muted, and cold weather seems here to stay. Winter solstice arrives toward the end of the month, with the official first day of winter. Even now, days are beginning to lengthen and we can gradually look forward to more day light.

Though one of the coldest months on our calendar, it is one of the warmest months in our hearts. For it is the month when Jesus was born. He came into the world poor, wrapped in swaddling clothes, His bed a manger. Joseph and Mary, His parents, were far from the comfort of their home the night of His birth, having journeyed to Bethlehem to be counted in a census. Turned away from the inn, they were sent to a stable. There, among common animals, He was born.

The world was changed for all time!

This is a story told many times, but never to grow old. It rings down through centeries, always new and inspiring. For Jesus came to bring peace and love to a weary world. His words and deeds are fresh in our hearts to this very day. The joy of His birth is echoed in the love we share with others.

Sometimes the message of His birth gets lost in commercial trappings of the holiday. It becomes a time of gifts and cards and parties. But we should always remember the real reason for Christmas.

Take time during the holiday festivities to stop and think of Jesus. When His Spirit of Peace becomes a part of our lives, each day will be Christmas, and each night will hold promise of joy in the morning.

So find a quiet corner and say a little prayer, a prayer of love and brotherhood for all men.

Usher the old year out by letting your faith shine like a beacon to herald the new year.

Decide right now things are going to be better for you and for your loved ones and that, with God's help, you will work hard to make it your best year ever!

Make Jesus the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

Music ~ Day 15

Oh my, there are so many I could choose from...After much thinking and prayer, this one was my choice. "Go Tell It On The Mountain"

Go Tell It on the Mountain is an American Christmas carol dating back to at least 1865, which celebrates the birth of Jesus ~ "Go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere; go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born."

“Go Tell It on the Mountain,” has been named Christmas Carol of the Year for 2004.

The selection was made by William Studwell, a professor emeritus from Northern Illinois University, who is recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts on Christmas carols. He has named a Carol of the Year for 19 years.

“It is an energetic, inspired carol,” says Studwell of the century-old tune that tells the story of the birth of Christ and urges listeners to spread the word. “It is the greatest of all American folk carols.”

The piece gained little notice until the 1920s when the Fisk University Singers began performing the song. About that time the song steadily began to gain in popularity, winning over listeners with energetic beat and its enthusiastic call to action.

Most carols of the 20th century are not so enthusiastic. This is more like some of the older carols, like Joy to the World or Come All Ye Faithful in that regard, says Studwell. “It shows some real enthusiasm for the Christmas holiday."

And how appropiate, not only for my cause and my blog, but also for this Christmas Season.

Cause ~ Day 14

For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height ~ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

My heart is in missions, whether near or far, sharing the love of Jesus, goodwill and encouragement to anyone who needs it. Widows, orphans, family and friends, people who are sick or dying. I am available to God when He says go...I want to join Him and do what I can to meet the needs of others, inspiring them to live victoriously.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." (3 John 2)

You Don't Have To Be Wealthy To Be Rich

Jesus said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

We all are rich in the Spirit of God when we live our lives in the Lord's light.

Faith makes the sun brighter and the air smell fresher. We see things more clearly around us and the answers to common problems come more easily, all because God helps us solve those issues when we have problems.

The Lord can help us handle everything in our lives. He is waiting to hear our prayers and eager to offer His assistance in many ways. All we have to do is reach out and ask Him. It's such a simple thing. We know we can seek help from the Lord through prayer. It brings us closer to Him and strengthens the bond of faith between us.

The Lord is listening for our words, whether they be calls for help or songs of praise. His love for us never changes. The love Jesus holds for us is strong and steady. It requires nothing on our part, only that we believe and have faith in Him.

In our hearts we know that God is watching out for us and He will work with us to reach our goals...

With the Lord beside us, we have nothing to fear and we can accomplish anything! No matter who we are, wealthy or not, sick or well, Jesus loves us all! He is there beside us throughout our lives to offer comfort and guidance, if only we look for Him.

You are already full! You are already rich!...(1 Corinthians 4:8)

My Greatest Strengths ~ Day 13

My greatest strengths and what I am really good at are: helping, encouraging and serving others in order that God's work is fulfilled.

Accomplish practical and necessary tasks which free~up, support and meet the needs of others.

I love to comfort, offer words of encouragement, hope, and reassurance to discouraged, weak, or troubled people in such a way that they are consoled. To emphasize God's promises and confidence in His will. To come along side of those who are weak in spirit to strengthen them. Motivate others to grow. To attach spiritual value to practical service.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." 3 John 2

Art Connection ~ Day 12

This speaks to me about my mission for my blog. Investing in the lives of others, sharing His love and encouraging them.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17)

This is my prayer, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Christ Jesus, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippines 1:9-11)

I want start my work in faith, continue in obedience and finish with love.

Goals ~ Day 11

What are my goals for my blog?
I want to encourage and share with others, make friends…(and I have made some wonderful friends), and to share our products around the world with others. Mixing business and pleasure, sort of say.

Am I continuously thinking of the purpose of my blog?
YES! Then God reminds me…”For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will man give in exchange for his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

How has it changed or remained the same?
It has remained the same for quite a while. I’m still in the learning process of how to get it out there to share and market it?? God makes all things beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiates 3:11)

Take a moment to list out those goals.
1) Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

2) Keep learning and sharing what I learn with others…Jesus first, of course. :-)

3) Business wise…Of course, I want customer to grow my businesses.
I want people to join, but I want them to LEARN first. If they learn first of their own volition, they are: "SELLING THEMSELVES."
When they do that, there is no pressure and it becomes their idea, which makes them serious, which means they stay longer and are more likely to succeed, which means my businesses will grow.

4) Be more faithful at posting.

5) Visit other blogs more often, thanking them for what I learned from them.

What do I notice?
It is a walk by faith, not by sight. This 30 days of blogging has encouraged me. I continue to learn daily. There are people out there willing to help.

Dream ~ Day 10

I had a dream/vision in 1980...There was a BIG crowd of people gathered together at the football field here in our town, filling it and the stadium completely. It was a dream of reuniting/reconnecting people. Family to family, friends to friends, neighbor to neighbor, town to town, reaching out to one another. Linking arms.

I have never forgot that dream...

Well, a couple weeks ago I was confronted with an opportunity to make that happen...a BIG and SCARY opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and make it happen! The event is to take place on Labor Day Weekend 2010.

It starts out with getting to know your neighbors, having a block party, and inviting the whole town to participate.

For one designated evening, turning off the TV set, the computer, ipods, phones, laying attitudes aside, for a chance to simply reconnect. To celebrate each other. To meet a neighbor. Link arms, neighbor to neighbor, family to family and unite for one night off...together.

We live near some of the nicest people in the world...it's time we get to know them!

It is time to bring community and relationship back to the forefront of minds and hearts. No political agendas, religious barriers, no campaigns for causes, coming together in unity.

Rekindling America...one relationship at a time.

The most basic of all human function relies on "relationships". Without truly connection with people, what does life look like? Whisked away behind closed doors of voluntary isolation? Too busy to say "Hello" to someone new on the block?

Scary, YES! But I can do all things through Christ who leads me, guides me and strengthens me!

BE unrealistic, think big, think out of the box, work from your passion, stick your neck out take a risk, get out of your comfort zone, be brave, be impulsive, take your time, take your rest, create, dream, have fun, help others to score, listen, admire, give compliments, be supportive, change, surprise yourself, re-invent, give, think but not to deep, take action, live life to the max and ENJOY IT!

My Blogging Life Supporters ~ Day 9

First on my list is my wonderful husband, Larry. He is such an encourager to me and supports me in all that I do. Very patient as I sit at the computer for hours learning and writing.

Second is Bea who supports and helps me in any way possible with her gentle and patient spirit along with her storehouse of wisdom and knowledge.

Third is Vanessa Shelton who always encourages me with the "The Right Words ~ The Right Way ~ The Right Results."

My heartfelt thanks to each one of you for your support! Thank you and God bless you all exceedingly abundantly above and beyond all you can ask or think!

Visit a Site ~ Day 8

I love sharing the love of God and encourge others to live a healthy and simple life. I have truly enjoyed this site (as well as many others) and find that it supports my views in may ways spiritually and physically.

http://www.christiansimpleliving.org/BraveDareNot.htm


"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." 3 John 2

Question ~ Day 7

I still have so much to learn concerning things with the computer, networking, etcetra. So , my question is...

How do I do "Tags" on my sites?

Why I Blog and How I Wish To Grow It ~ Day 6

My reasons for having a Blog...
First is to invest in the lives of others by encouraging and sharing the love of Jesus Christ around the world.




Second is to share what I have to offer...To bless others in ways I never imagined possible. Living a way that is outwardly simple and inwardly rich! Simplicity...








How I wish to grow my blog...By sharing/writing things that people are interested in and desperately need...To know Jesus and His love for them.
"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

Then by sharing what we have learned and experiences through the wonderful products that we take, use and offer that keep us healthy and help the environment. "Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." 3 John 2

Remembering that quality and service reign, and there will always be those looking for "the best."

Wealth is not just what you have, but what you are.
http://www.simpleluxuryliving.com/

Ten Things That Are Important To Me ~ Day 5

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33



1) God and my relationship with Him
2) Family
3) Friends
4) Health
5) Bible
6) Grace
7) Eating right
8) Creation
9) Businesses
10) Learning

In Honor of our Military ~ Day 4

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven...a time to love, a time to hate, A time of war, a time of peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1,8)

This is a chainsaw carving that is on the boardwalk in Coos Bay, Oregon in honor of our service men and women.

Every year Reedsport hold a chainsaw carving event and this was done by one of the carvers and donated to the boardwalk for a Memorial.

Go Visiting ~ Day 3

What one can discover when we go visiting...

Bea Kunz’s blog on cooking for taste and health is a good read. I love to be healthy and I love to cook. Bea is full of wisdom on them both. Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes and wealth of information Bea! The WeMagazine is a wonderful read also, another great wealth of information.
http://beasbeatitudes.blogspot.com/2009/11/cooking-for-taste-and-health.html

Debbie Hegeman’s blog, "the point article" got to the point…that we need to spend time with our God, our Lord Jesus and our family, including Him and our family in our business decisions and life decisions. Thank you Debbie for sharing what is so important. http://debbiellbriskincare.blogspot.com/2009/11/dont-miss-point.html

"...but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, Isaac and to Jacob." Genesis 50:24

Concerning Faith ~ Day 2

"But without faith it is impossible to please God, for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

The subject of faith is very generally misunderstood; for, in reality, faith is the simplest and plainest thing in the world, and the most easy of exercise.

Your idea of faith, I suppose, has been something like this. You have looked upon it as in some way a sort of thing~either a religious exercise of soul, or an inward, gracious disposition of heart; "something tangible," in fact, which, when you have secured it, you can look at and rejoice over, and use as a passport to God's favor, or a coin with which to purchase His gifts. Now, faith, in fact, is not in the least like this. It is nothing at all tangible. It is simply believing God; and, like sight, it is nothing apart from it's object.

You might as well shut your eyes and look inside, and see whether you have faith. For as sight is only seeing, so faith is only believing. And as the only necessary thing about sight is that you see the thing as it is, so the only necessary thing about belief is that you believe the thing as it is. The virtue does not lie in your believing, but in the thing you believe. Your salvation comes, not because your faith saves you, but because it links you to the Savior who saves; and your believing is really nothing but the link.

The headlines offer little encouragement these days. Our troubled times are nothing new. God knows and understands EVERYTHING and people have continued to achieve great things despite the ups and downs.

The Lord understands exactly what we are facing and He understands the pressure of our situations. We are NEVER alone, our Father is committed to us. His personal knowledge of our lives goes far beyond the difficulty of the moment. He knows our frustrations and plans to use each one to strengthen and prepare us for His future blessings. Be encouraged! Have faith!

Paul endured many challenges by keeping his heart set on Jesus. When adversity came, he turned to God for wisdom and strength and refused to let doubt, fear or disappointment distract him. In his darkest hour, his faith was stretched beyond what many of us could bear. Despite continuous setbacks, Paul was convinced that God would see him through the turmoil to a greater end.

"Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:12).

Let go of fears and doubts.

Every moment, Every situation, Every issue, and Every concern has a positive side. Find it and bring it to life.

Believe it and Receive it.

Heart~felt Gratitude ~ Day 1

First and foremost, I am so grateful I know Jesus Christ! I thank Him for loving me so much that He died for me, forgiving all my sins. I thank Him for everyone and everything in my life. It is in Him that I live and move and have my being.

It would take more space than I am allowed here on Blogger to list all of my gratitude's. There are so many that I am blessed to know and have learned so much from. Thank you all!

As I sit here having a delicious cup of hot tea, I am so grateful for Bea Kunz of Sage Hill Farms. Love ya sweet Bea!

I first met Bea on the Ryze ~ WINning Sisters Network when I first joined. I had not been on a computer much, other than E-mail, let alone be on a "Network." Bea made me feel real comfortable and right at home. She was very knowledgable and very patient with me while teaching me the ropes of networking. She always listened and responded, allowing me to share my heart with her.

Bea has introduced me to many wonderful people on Ryze, she has helped me with some health issues, with some do's and don't's about sharing on Networking sites. She has been a BIG help in promoting me and our businesses.

She has also introduced me to her wonderful world of herbs, I am also so grateful for that!

Bea is a very warm hearted, loving and caring lady full of wisdom and knowledge, always willing to share it. She is the owner of Sage Hill Farms. Do stop by her site for a visit. You will be glad you did! http://www.safehillfarmsandvintagestore.com

Thank you Bea for being the beautiful lady and friend that you are!!

Debbie Dreyer
Simple Luxury Living

Don't Assume

We should never take for granted the special time we have with those closest to us. The memories that we create during the holiday season as well as on the normal days that we are together stay with us much longer than we could ever imagine in that moment. It is important that we show our love and care when we spend time together so that in our absence only good will be remembered and thought upon. We should be thankful that they are in our lives and do all we can to let them know how special they are to us. Don't assume they already know that you love them, but rather say the words so that there will never be any doubt in their minds. Be encouraged to remember how fragile life really is and do not pass an opportunity to sit with those younger than you as well as those older than you to reminisce, laugh, encourage, teach and simply share your love one with another.
(James 4:13-14) (Romans 12:10) (1 Peter 3:8-11)

I pray that your heart is encourages to spend time with your loved ones no matter how busy life may get. The memories that will be created will be well worth any time that was sacrificed.

Mom had arose early in the morning and had already started cooking the turkey and the wonderful smell went throughout the house. This smell reminded me that I was in charge of helping mom make the delicious stuffing.

She and I chopped up the nice green celery and the perfect onions. We then threw them into a hot pan with about two (maybe more!) sticks of melted butter. I could toss in some sage, parsley, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning.

Mother had to pull the turkey out of the oven, as she had to add some hot turkey juice to our stuffing. I stirred the vegetables with a wooden spoon, until they were lightly brown. Then, she poured it all into a huge bowl that was filled to the top with flavored croutons. We guessed on how many eggs to add. She mixed and stirred and mixed and stirred until the favorite time of the day arrived.
It was time to taste.

Mom gave me a spoon and took one for herself and we both dipped our spoons in. She always asked me, What do you think it needs? I would say it needs just a bit more sage, a tad more butter and a lot more turkey juice.
Then, we would taste it again. A little more pepper. It went on and on until it tasted just perfect!

Mom would stuff the moist dressing into the gigantic bird. She would put what was leftover, into a real dainty casserole dish. Back into the oven went our turkey with of course, the dressing. An hour before dinner was to be served she would place the stuffing casserole into the oven.

I couldn't wait to eat everything ~ turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry relish ~ and especially, the remarkable dressing. The dressing was the most delicious and
luscious, probably because I helped! I can still taste it today as my mouth waters.

Every year at Thanksgiving that was my job ~ to help make the stuffing taste great!

It was a special time. Not only for Thanksgiving but a special time for my mom and me. I am thankful to her for allowing me to help make the stuffing and prepare the Thanksgiving dinner.

Mom is no longer with us, but the times spent with her and helping her will be times I'll always remember! Times I will always hold very dear and near to my heart!

Matthew 25:37-40 Jesus declares, Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungred, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked,and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me.

Galatians 6:1-4 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

Ever Wonder What Happens To Our Sins

We are all sinners. "For there is no difference; for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

No one can live up to what God created us to be, we all fall short of His glory. We cannot save ourselves because as sinners we can never meet God's requirements. Our only hope is faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus sent His Only Begotten Son to die for our sins, the sins of the world...past, present and future.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12)

He removes our sins completely. He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. He will cast our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19)

We are to have a reverential fear of God, not a tormenting fear.

We do not have to fear the past, present or future, for we are experiencing His love, and this love is being perfected (matured, completed) in us day by day.

Our sins have been judged already at the Cross, and they will never be brought against us again! "We are as He is in this world." (1 John 4:17) "We know that we shall be like Him when he returns." (1 John 3:1-2)

We are identified with Christ as members of His body and the Father deals with us as He deals with His own beloved Son.

How then, can we ever be afraid?

We don't have to be afraid of the future because our sins were judged in Christ when He died on the Cross.

We don't have to be afraid of the past because "He first loved us." It wasn't that we loved Him, but that He loved us. (1 John 4:10)

For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, MUCH MORE having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. (Romans 5:10)

If God loved us when we were outside the family, disobeying Him, how MUCH MORE does He love us now that we are His children?

What amazing love!!

We don't have to fear the present because "perfect love casts out fear" there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. (1 John 4:18)

As we grow in His love, we cease to be fearful of what He will do. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) And, we have received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which we cry out, Abba Father! (Romans 8:15)

God wants us to live in an atmosphere of love and confidence, not fear and torment.

He helps us grow not only in grace and knowledge, but also in our love for Him.

Our lives are suppose to be a "daily" experience of growing in His love, which involves coming to know Him, our Heavenly Father in a MUCH deeper way as we grow in love.

Our love is being perfected daily, and that should give us confidence toward Him.

Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, distress, or persecution or famine, or nakedness, peril, or sword? In all these things we are overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. I'm convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principilities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, not height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:33-39)

July~The Month For Beauty

He has made everything beautiful in His time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)


July, summer is upon the land, and everywhere we look are signs of God's handiwork. Wildflowers bloomining in abundance all around showing hardy blossoms. They are visible emblems of the Lord's continued concern for us...bits of beauty to make us more aware of His guardianship.

July is the month of patriotism and fireworks and parades. All across the land, people celebrate Independence Day with gusto and enthusiasm. When fireworks explode on the forth of July, their beauty in the sky is dazzling. It looks as though God is tracing colorful patterns across the sky with His fingers. Red, white and blue bunting, flags flying and speeches, give us a feeling of pride in our country, and hope for its future. We must pray that God will protect our land, give our leaders wisdom to lead us safely through the turmoil and confusion of world affairs.

Independence Day is a time to be thankful for the freedoms we enjoy in America.

In 1776, men and women fought a bitter revolution to preserve their independence and to proclaim to the world that democracy had triumphed over oppression in the thirteen original British Colonies which became the United States of America!

Stars are bright in the summer sky and the constellation of Hercules is overhead. Look for shooting stars on these warm evenings. If you look steadily overhead for several minutes you are almost sure to see one. Children like to make wishes on them.

July is firefly time also. If you turn out all the lights and look into the dark, you will usually see them winking on and off like little flashlights. This is the month to look around you and observe the beauty that the Lord has filled the world with. It is a time to forget disappointments of the past, and look ahead to new pleasures.

The Lord gave us eyes to see with, and lovliness to look at. he gave us ears to listen with, and the joy of laughter and music to hear. He gave us hearts to appreciate His goodness, and tongues to say "Thank You!"

Remember to look around you at the beauty of God's world.

Choices We Make

Yes, life is a series of choices. It is very difficult to make wise decisions when you are angry, hurting, confused, bitter or unforgiving. You can do it though. How you respond to lifes disappointments can destroy your faith or it can strengthen you spiritually.

So many people leave God out of their tragedies. Maybe they don't believe in Him or they don't understand His ways. But instead of turning to Him in their need, they look for human solutions.

Some may ask, Why would God allow or do such a thing? Is He really in control?

There is nothing wrong with these questions, yet if your answer is that He has turned away and left you to fend for yourself, then you are looking in the wrong direction. Thinking like this will lead only to anger and guilt. some people even search for a way to blame God or someone else for their misfortune. This never brings healing.

What is the right choice you should make in tragedy? You can choose to believe God is sovereign over all. Job is an example of righteousness, through whom the Lord displayed His faithfulness. (Job 1:6-22) He has the right to do the same in your life too, doesn't He?

Choose to believe that because God is in control, he will comfort and assure you. (Job 42:2) Trust Him in your hard times, though you may not understand it (Isaiah 55:8-9), and believe He will bring something valuable out of the heartache.

God can produce good from eveen the worst situations. Don't dwell on what you have lost, but on the blessings for which you are grateful. Don't waste your pain and sorrows. Learn something to better yourself and help others. Meditate on the Scriptures instead of feeding on the pity others have for you. The best person to turn to in tragedy is not your neighbor or a close friend ~ it is the Lord.

God does not deny our pain, He wants us to turn to Him for healing. (Romans 8:31-38)

When we trust Him and walk in the center of His will, we will be blessed. (Job 42:10-17)

When we make right choices in the midst of painful situations, our heavenly Father will see us through.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

Be Rooted In Love

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge...that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19)


There's nothing more fun in life than looking for the attention and personal love of the Father. He is waiting to show off His love and character to us in totally fresh and unique ways. He is such a genius, our God is! It would most likely bore Him to be anything but incredible and mysterious in all His ways.

I have been absolutely delighted in exploring the boundries of His love. I have not reached the edge of the width or the length, nor have I experienced the height or depth. Have faith and start looking for His love. If you have already found it, then there are still many more surprises ahead for you.

Just as love between a man and a woman will result in the conception and birth of a life, this love of God to you will spring forth life in you.

Experience His love today and forever.

Laughter

A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

Most of the time we live in the calm stage, but the times of extreme hilarity have value too.
Laughter is like internal jogging...it improves emotional and mental health.

We need to learn how to laugh. Laughter and smiling are outward evidence of inward joy and they definitely make you feel better.

Joy is defined: to rejoice, a very glad feeling, happiness, great pleasure, delight. The expression or showing of such feeling.

SMILE ~ Many Christians are so sour~faced that they look like they were baptized in vinegar or lemon juice.
You are the light of the world, your smile is the switch to turn it on.
There is not much chance of laughter if you don't start with a smile.

We can be all by ourselves and smile and we don't even need a particular reason.

When we have a frown on our face, the corners of our mouth turned down, it begins to drag us down emotionally. But, when we smile, we sense a lifting of our countenance.

How long has it been since you laughed ~ really laughed? You will find that you feel better all over after a hearty healthy laugh. It's like your pipes are being cleaned out after a good laugh.

When tired and weary from dealing with daily life issues, a good hearty laugh seems to clean out the dusty, stale closets.
When God provides an opportunity to have a real good laugh, it seems to refresh you and lift the load off of your tired mind.

Rejoice in the Lord. Again I say, Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) Here we are told twice to rejoice.

James 1:2 tells us ~ My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials...he tells us the final outcome will be good.

Despite your problems, your trials, and temptations, you can be assured you will benefit in the end. Look ahead to the end and rejoice now! We need to laugh every day as much as possible. Laughter makes life more enjoyable and also keeps us HEALTHY.

God wants laughter interwoven into the rest of life. We need both, the serious and humorous sides.

We sanction crying in church as a holy and godly response, but laughter in church often is offensive to many people. We need more insight into the nature of God. Jesus laughed a lot more than most of us do.

According to Ecclesiastes 4, there is a time to laugh, so don't be afraid to laugh ~ even in church.

It is contagious!! When we are around someone who is depressed and negative, if we don't resist it, that person's depression and negativity starts to effect us. The same with happy, positive people. they make us feel better, help us forget our troubles for a while and their joy is contagious.

Are you too busy being serious and intense? When opportunity comes your way, enter in and get the most out of it. You may as well laugh when you have the opportunity, because you don't know how long it will be before you get another opportunity.

Jesus talked about joy and the fullness of joy.

Enter into the joy of the Lord. (Matthew 25:21)
Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing...(Romans 15:13)
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...(Galatians 5:22)
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials...(James 1:2)
...you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1Peter 1:8)
And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (1John 1:4)
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. (Jude 24)

It takes a conscious effort to keep your heart merry. The enemy is always willing to steal or block our joy, and he will if we allow it.

The world cannot see our heart, they need expression. Our attitude should be pleasant, abundant with smiles, and we should laugh whenever possible

WARNING: Extreme hilarity has been known to cause smiles, decrease stress, and promote a good~ole time.

Try it...right now, frown and see how you feel...now smile and see how you feel.

First in Everything

"That in everything He might have first place." (Colossians 1:18)

I'm going to begin with a radical statement: You will never experience the fullness of joy that you were created to know until Jesus Christ has first place in every area of your life.


Now hang onto that for a minute. First place.

* First in your home.
* First in your choices for entertainment.
* First in the way you use your money.
* First in your career.
* First in your thoughts.
* First in your decisions.
* First in your marriage.
* First in your singleness.
* First in your relationships.
* First in your dreams for the future.

Say it now: "I will never experience the fullness of joy that I was created to know until I put Jesus Christ first in every area of my life."

I think a lot of people would intellectually subscribe to that statement, but I wonder how many of us would truly embrace it in a way that affects our behavior? Doing so doesn't come easily.

Colossians 1:16 says, "All things were created through Him and for Him." Through Christ and for Christ. Some people have a hard time with that. They're like, "I can handle the fact that He created the universe, but I have a hard time with Him creating the universe for Himself. Who does He think He is? His glory? His pleasure? His purpose? Is that ever prideful! How self-centered can you get?!" Listen. The amazing thing is not that Jesus Christ created us for Himself. The amazing thing is that He cares at all. The amazing thing is that He has chosen in His incredible grace to love us, to dwell with us, to forgive us? The list goes on.

Think about your life. Think about His persistent love. Think about how faithfully He pursues you in spite of yourself. The next time you sin, reject or ignore Him, how amazing is it that He just doesn't walk away and say, "Forget you!" We are here to bring Him glory and to make Him known. He is our purpose and we find our greatest joy when He is at the center of our lives.

We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

The Measure Of The Family

"Says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people." (Jeremiah 31:1)

WE ARE FAMILY...

When someone rises to a high position in world leadership and influence, the first information the world wants to know is,"What is the family history?"

Upon reading just a few of the volumes of biographies of well~known people, we will quickly sense that indeed the family ~ the home and the individuals in it ~ or the lack of family ~ greatly influences the actions and life~changing decisions of adults and young people. It makes them who they are, and, in turn, the family molds and shapes future generations.

Name the person or persons who have shaped our world in art or music, politics or science. Look beyond those persons to the families and homes that molded them.

We cannot fully measure the effect of the family, any family. Like the wake of a ship that leaves an unending ripple in an enormous sea, a family influence can extent far beyond our sight or knowledge.

How can you and I measure the influence upon us of the families that lived before our time? Our ancestors? Or even those who are not in direct line, but whose lives affected those who were?

Something to think about...God Bless You and Your Family!

Give Time To Quietness

"The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

The fight that we have been called to is not an easy fight. we are touching the very center of the enemy's power and kingdom, and he hates us intensely and fights hard against us. Without being disciplined soldiers, utterly out~and~out and uncompromising, men and women of prayer...we have no chance of winning in this fight. These battles belong to the Lord, He wants to fight them for us and through us.

To do so we first and most important, must give MUCH time to quietness. We have to get our help directly from our God. We are here to help, not to be helped, and we must learn to walk with God alone and feed on His Word so as to be nourished.

Don't only read and pray, LISTEN. "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

Don't evade the slightest whisper of guidance that comes. May God make you very sensitive, and very obedient.

Fill up the crevices of time with the things that matter most. This will cost something, but it is worth it! "Seek ye My face, My heart said unto thee, Thy face Lord, will I seek." Psalm 27:8)

All this will be, if you walk with Him as with a visible Companion, from dawn through all the hours until you go to sleep at night. And your nights will be holy, too, for He is watching over your sleep as your mother watched over it when you were a tiny child.

"He will give His angels charge over you." (Psalm 91:11)

Restoration

Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd does his flock. (Jer. 31:10)



Restoration is the reason Jesus came to earth. He came not only to redeem us from the fall ~ as essential and wonderful as that was. Redemption was just the first step in God’s ultimate plan for us. Redemption was not the end but only a recovery program, incorporated to return us to God’s large purposes, which He planned from the beginning. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us. (Luke 1:69) Salvation is an all-inclusive term. It means “to deliver, protect, heal, preserve, make whole.” In other words, “restore.”

God wants to make us whole, that is why Jesus suffered and died! Jesus, the Creator of the universe, died to restore that which He created, and He bore more than just our sins. He suffered death that we might experience peace, healing, and a sense of purpose or destiny, all of which are necessary for wholeness. Restoration is at the heart of the gospel because it expresses the very heart of the Father.

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Phil. 4:11)

Paul, denied of every comfort, wrote those words in his dungeon. A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine.

The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes like the vine. The vine was going to throw it’s life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine fruit as the peach tree, and so on all through the garden.

Coming to a heart’s~ease, he found it’s bright face lifted as cheery, as ever. Well, heart’s~ease, I’m glad amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened. No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would of planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heart’s~ease, I am determined to be the best little heart’s~ease that I can.

They who are God’s without reserve, are in every state content; for they will only want His wills, and desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do; they strip themselves of everything, and in this nakedness find all things restored an hundredfold.

Here am I Lord, restore me I pray.