New Years Recipe

New Years Recipe

 
Take twelve whole months,
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy,
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.
 
Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.
 
Mix well into each day one part of faith,
one part of patience, one part of courage,
and one part of work.
 
Add to each day one part of hope,
faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer,
one part meditation, and one good deed.
Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cupful of good humor.
 
Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness, unselfishness,
and cheerfulness.
 
You're bound to have a Happy New Year. 
Author Unknown

Wonderful Christmas!

It's a wonderful Christmas! 

Enjoyed a white Christmas this year. The above picture was taken from my balcony this morning. A beautiful sight to begin the day.  Read Luke 1-3 from my new "The Message Bible". And took time to thank God for His gift of salvation. 

Opened gifts from family and friends. God has blessed me with some of the most amazing people. I'm very thankful they are part of my life.

For Christmas dinner, I used my NEW ELECTRIC GRILL! It's so easy to use and the food tastes GREAT!  The menu consisted of: Grilled and hickory smoked onions, peppers, portabella mushrooms, tomatoes on a Brown rice Pizza crust with homemade pizza sauce. YUM!!!

Onions and Peppers starting to cook.

Onions finishing up and tomatoes starting.

Portabella Mushrooms smoking.

The grill fits perfect on my balcony and the hickory smoked smelled wonderful.

Pizza's finishing up on the grill.

Christmas dinner. YUM!

Hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas Day! Wishing you a POSITIVE 2011!

Merry Christmas!

Max on the Phone

One thing I enjoy about Max are his "human" antics. 

His newest place to sit is on the CD remote next to the phone. But he doesn't just sit there, he "talks" into the phone! He chats and chips, and there are even some "pretty bird" and 'happy" chants. As I watch him, it makes me smile and at times I even giggle.

God knows how important laughter

and giggles are to creating a positive day!

Max waiting for a call.

Max talking on the phone.

Max listening intently.

"Excuse me! I'm on the phone!" I asked Max who He was talking to, and he gave me this look!

 

This video has an awesome message.....

"Where's the Line to See Jesus?"

 http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=76LY6GNX

Create a positive Christmas season, by remembering the REAL meaning of Christmas... salvation through Jesus Christ.

Hit a Brick Wall

There is a kid's action song, "Going on a Bear Hunt". As you hunt for the bear you face obstacles, such as a tree and a river. "You can't go around it. You can't go under it. You have to climb up/down it or swim across it." It's a cute song, and each obstacle you face on the hunt, is easily overcome.

But what happens in real life when we are faced with an obstacle. We come to the end of our ropes or hit a brick wall. We can't climb over it, we can't go around it. We are stuck. Perhaps you are at that point in your life. You have reached your pain threshold, and you injury something else. Or your finances are stretched so thin you can't possible afford one more item, and there is an emergency, like the car dies. 

When we find ourselves facing a brick wall it can be overwhelming. The wall is impenetrable. It looms in front of us and as we stand looking up at the wall, it seems to grow in size. As you stand there, you think it will come crashing down around you, then maybe at least you'd be able to see past the wall as you stand in the midst of chaos.

This week I hit a brick wall. On Thanksgiving Day, I received a "low battery" message on my spinal stimulator IPG (battery pack). And no, you just can't insert a new Duracell battery. It takes surgery to replace the unit. 

Yesterday, I saw my pain management doctor to have the IPG (battery) checked. After running a few tests and talking with tech support, we learned some information. I have a broken link on the paddle that sits on my spinal cord. Right now, it's not a big concern, we'll just watch it. 

As for the IPG (battery) there seemed to be more questions than answers. The plan for now is to "override" the low battery message and see if it will keep working. I left the office with a plan. Later last night, I had additional trouble with the IPG and received new error codes—my wall was growing brick by brick.

The uncertainty of what is happening with the IPG is my brick wall.  Why am I getting the error messages? Am I looking at surgery #9? Does the stimulator provide enough relief to warrant the risk and cost of additional surgeries? The unknowns continue to add layers of bricks to my wall. 

This week in my Bible Study, I was to study Psalm 8 and rewrite it in my words. Here is what I wrote: 

Jehovah, the Lord, You are powerful—excellent, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, mighty, noble, and worthy. Everything in nature knows your majesty, even the tiniest baby displays your glory.
As I look upward to the vastness of the universe I am humbled and so thankful that You, God, are very aware of each and every detail in my life. It’s comforting to know that You are not surprised by anything happening in my life. You are fully alert—watching, and overseeing each detail.
Everything You’ve made gives You praise and honor, and You chose man to care for it all. As I look upon all that is around me, I too must praise You for You are truly great and worthy of more praise than I can rightly give.

Did you catch the few sentences in the middle?

You, God, are very aware

of each and every detail in my life.

It’s comforting to know that You

are not surprised by anything

happening in my life.

You are fully alert—watching,

and overseeing each detail.

God knew about my "wall" long before I saw it. He hasn't left me without a way to overcome the obstacle. He may help me climb over it, or dig under it, or He may simply take it down brick by brick.  The latter may take some time—my brick wall seems VERY LARGE! However, I can't look at the brick wall as an obstacle or hindrance, it has been allowed by God for a purpose.  God is FULLY ALERT—watching and overseeing EACH detail. 

If I'm standing at a wall,

then it's God who designed

it to be in my life.

And as the Architect,

He knows exactly how to move it. 

I'm standing at a wall. What do I do? I have a choice. I can continue staring at the wall and continue to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. OR I can rest in the assurance that God has a plan and when it's time to move forward He will either remove the wall, or help me overcome it. 

Maybe it's time to sit down

in the shadow of the wall and

let God do His work. 

Some circumstances make creating a positive day harder than others. However, no matter what circumstances I find myself, God is the constant Who does not change. His love is unconditional. He provides peace. He does care.

Even as I face my brick wall, it's possible to create a positive day, if I make that choice. Today, I choose to accept the FACT that God is FULLY ALERT—watching and overseeing EACH detail of my life. And there is comfort in letting God work and design the plan for my life (even if He builds a few walls).

Trusting God in the midst of overwhelming obstacles

is the only way to create a positive day.

1st Vegan Gluten-free Thanksgiving

Yesterday, I enjoyed my first

Vegan Gluten-free Thanksgiving Feast! 

And it was delicious.

My menu consisted of the following:

Baked Sweet Potato

Vegan Gluten-free Stuffing (which I made! See picture to the left.)

Vegan Gluten-free Gravy (which I made!)

Salad (lettuce, carrots, celery, cucumbers, peppers, broccoli) w/ lemon juice & fresh ground pepper

Steamed Broccoli

Baked Apples w/Roasted Pecans

Did I miss the Turkey? Actually, no! I thought it would be the hardest part of the day. It sure smelled great, but with all the yummy stuff on my plate, I didn't miss it at all. This was the first real test of my Vegan diet. Since I don't buy meat anymore, I don't have it in the house. But even though the turkey sure smelled great, I wasn't even tempted to have some.  

Some have asked, why not just "cheat" a little on a special day like Thanksgiving? Because, if I make excuses one day and cheat, that can begin a pattern of cheating. The goal of eating Vegan and gluten-free is to reduce my pain level. If I start cheating, that just hinders me from reaching my goal. 

Will the Vegan Gluten-free diet really lower my pain? It's a wait and see. I've been on the diet for about 15 weeks. I feel better overall, but my pain level remains high. I figure I was on pain medications for 9.5 years, I should give this diet longer than 15 weeks.

So, my first Vegan Gluten-free

Thanksgiving was delicious!

And the fellowship and laughter

with friends made the day EXTRA special!

Creating a positive day isn't about the food—Vegan, Gluten-free or Turkey and all the trimmings—it's about spending time with those who are special to you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"That I may make the voice of thanksgiving heard
and may tell of all Your wondrous works."
Psalm 26:7 (Amplified)

"Singing God-songs at the top of my lungs,

telling God-stories." 

Psalm 26:7 (The Message)

Thanksgiving is a day we set aside to enjoy LOTS of food, watch some football, and then eat more food. We each have much for which we can be thankful. Friends and family are on the top of all our lists. However, God should be the one to whom we are most grateful. 

What 'God songs and stories' will I sing at the top of my lungs today? What wondrous works of God will I share? As I take a moment to read through my past blog posts, I find example after example of God's handiwork in my life. I have many God stories about which I can sing. 

Creating a positive day is natural if I am letting my voice of thanksgiving be heard, first to God Himself, then to those around me. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

May your day be filled

with singing "God-songs"!

God continues to supply

I'm continuing the Bible Study based on Damaris Carbaugh's Not Ashamed CD. This week the study is based on the song, "At the Name of Jesus". One of the questions asks, "What is the most precious name of Jesus to you?"

As I was thinking of which name is most precious to me, I decided to expand the question to include: "Which name of God is most precious to me?" As I was studying the names of God, I received a devotional from In Touch Ministries.

"God is called by a variety of names in the Bible, and each one sheds light on an aspect of His nature. Jesus’ favorite title for Him was Father. Many of God’s names speak of His majestic and lofty attributes that separate Him from mankind, but Father conveys intimacy. Jesus used this name not only because He was God’s Son, but also to help people realize that Jehovah isn’t some unapproachable Deity gazing down on them from a distance. Rather, He is their loving heavenly Father, who cares about them and wants to be involved in their everyday lives."(http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional)

"He is their loving heavenly Father,

who cares about them and

wants to be involved

in their everyday lives." 

That statement was demonstrated to me this week. 

I lost my laundry card. Have no idea where. I've searched everywhere. Yet, the card was not to be found. I was mad at myself, because not only did I have money on the card, it was going to cost me more money to replace it. I looked for the card for 5 days, and couldn't wait any longer—the laundry was piling up. 

Today, I went to buy a new card and put money on it. On the way to the office I checked my mail. In the mail was a note with a gift from a friend. The gift would help me fill the new card. When I arrived at the office, to buy the new laundry card, the manager greeted me. I explained the situation and she promptly handed me a new card—no charge. 

Wow! Even though I did something "dumb"—losing my laundry card—God demonstrated His Fatherly love and took care of the details of supplying a new card. He didn't yell at me for losing the card. He didn't punish me for misplacing the card. He simply, in His kind and loving way, helped me get a new one so that I could do laundry.

God, my Father. 

I like the sound of that.

I also like the meaning of that!

God is MY Father who cares about me and WANTS to be involved in my everyday life. That includes the little details such as a laundry card. (God used the laundry card a few months ago to show me He's concerned with the tiniest details of my life. You can read about that here: Relax, I'm taking care of it...Rather YOU!)

Even when things seem to be going wrong, creating a positive day is possible, when I realize that God, my Father, is involved in each and every detail of my day and life.

There is NOTHING happening in my life

which God isn't aware.

God, my Father, loves me!

God's "P-Pod"

‎ November 10, 2010 marks 16 weeks since I've been off my pain medications. I know... WOW! It hasn't been easy, and not sure it will get any easier. My doctors and I continue to discuss how I'm doing and at what point medications might be needed.

God has used the past 16 weeks to teach me more about Himself and myself. Today, as I read the following quote, God provided a wonderful "P-POD" for me!

"Rejoice in the purpose, not the pain.

God has a plan for what He is allowing

in your life right now. Trust Him."

Tony Evans

As I read this.. I couldn't help but reflect on Jeremiah 29:11.

For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome. Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified Bible)

Then God gave me this:
Purpose: God has a specific purpose and plan designed to accomplish HIS WILL (not mine).
Pain: This is one means God has chosen to accomplish His purpose in and through me.
Protection: God won't allow more than I can handle, and is allowing only what is needed to accomplish His purpose.
Positive: Knowing that God has a specific purpose, and sets boundaries, I can take refuge in God's protection, and knowing this creates a positive spirit within — and provides peace for my soul.  

The 4 Ps are all inclusive. If I focus on just one of the P's, I'll miss the peace and comfort the "pod" provides. When I take the entire "POD" that's when God can fully accomplish His will—and my soul is at peace.

If I want to create a positive day,

I MUST focus on the entire P-Pod.

Max Makes Me Laugh

When I returned from the laundry room today, I found Max enjoying a TV program! It made me laugh! He was so focused on the show.

I am so thankful when God sends those "you can't help but laugh" moments my way. Laughter is good medicine!

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter

and your lips with shouts of joy."

Job 8:21

It's those unexpected moments

that make us laugh

that help create a positive day!

To enlarge the pictures, click on each image. Use your back button to return to this page.

Max watching a TV program.

Max very focused on the show.

He didn't want to miss a minute of the show!

God MULTIPLIED His Blessing!

God is amazing! 

Each year in October I set time aside to Celebrate God and His blessings. And each year, God sends special gifts and blessings my way as constant reminders of His love and care. This year He sent several blessings. (Read posts dated October 16—29, 2010 for the details.)

God is so creative

in presenting His

blessings and gifts to me.

This year He used a contest. I won a Cowboy Grillin' Pack, which included a large grill and LOTS of goodies.

The picture of the grill is to the left. For the rest of the prize see post: Cowboy Grillin' Pack. 

Over the years, God has been very gracious to send blessing not just for me, but for my friends as well. And the Cowboy Grillin' Pack is an example.

God MULTIPLIED this blessing

so that others could share in His goodness!

God could have chosen ANY brand and ANY size grill. And HE made sure that the prize was a Char Broil RED® FOUR-BURNER INFRARED GRILL WITH AUTO-CLEAN™. 

God had a very specific plan in mind! 

Special and dear friends of mine like the Char Broil brand grills. A while back, they has discussed that in the future, they'd like a new one for their patio. As I looked at the grill and thought of how special these friends are.... I knew exactly what God wanted me to do!

This was a blessing that God

wanted me to PAY FORWARD!

My friends are getting the Char Broil 4 burner infrared Grill and most of the extras, and in turn they are buying me the much smaller CHAR BROIL ELECTRIC GRILL! Yes, an ELECTRIC GRILL, that means no lugging gas tanks or charcoal up the apartment. I just plug it in and grill. And it takes wood chips so I'll have the flavoring of grilling. The smaller size will fit on my balcony.

Why didn't God just give me the smaller grill? Because God wanted me to be able to share this gift with my friends. Not only am I blessed by God's gift, my friends can enjoy God's blessing too.

This blessing MULTIPLIED! 

My friends have a new grill which they will make very good use of... and I'll have a smaller grill perfect for my needs.

God designed this gift SPECIFICALLY

to be MULTIPLIED to those around me.

How cool is that!!??

Creating a positive day

MULTIPLIES joy to those around you!

Descending from the Mountain Top

During the month of October,
I spent time
Celebrating God's

Amazing Blessings.

And as I celebrated His past blessings, God showered me with some wonderful gifts as constant reminders of His goodness and love.

(For details of the gifts read posts from Oct 16 - Oct 29, 2010.)

The month was truly

a "mountain top" experience. 

Often after something wonderful happens, we have a "let down". We go from the high mountain top of rejoicing down to the depths of despair.  Why the extremes? I think it's one way Satan discourages us and tries to make us forget God's goodness and love. Satan doesn't want us to rejoice in God's goodness. Rather, Satan wants us to wallow in defeat and despair. Satan wants to keep us in the lowest valley he can find. 

However, Satan forgets that even.....

Though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You [God] are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

The past two weeks, I've been doing a Bible Study on "In the Presence of Jehovah". (Based on the song sung by Damaris Carbaugh.)
One passage of Scripture used was Psalm 34:17-19.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; 

As part of the study I was to rewrite these verses in my own words, making them personal to me. Little did I realize how studying these verses would be vital to "coming off the mountain top" this past week. However, God knew exactly what I'd need and made sure I'd study these verses at the exact time I'd need them! Here is how I made the verses personal to me: 

When I appeal to God for help, understanding, support, comfort, He gives earnest heed to snatch away all my affliction, anguish, distress. The Eternal One is near (place & time) to pulverize my will and mind to give me victory.  I may have an abundance of discouragement, hurt, harm, but Jehovah, snatches me away and spares me from all, the entirety of  that which concerns me.

Satan has been using my pain to create fear in my heart and mind. (Similar to this blog post: Fear Creates Its Own Reality.) Being off pain medications since this Summer has been the most difficult challenge in my life. A few weeks ago, a new injury has increased my pain. It's even more difficult to function with this new level of pain. Satan likes to use my pain to change my focus from being in God's presence to living a life of fear and hopelessness.

Yet, as I consider that....

God gives EARNEST HEED to SNATCH AWAY all my anguish.... HE IS NEAR (place and time—that means HERE RIGHT NOW!), and God SNATCHES me away and SPARES me from the ENTIRETY of what concerns me....

....I can't help but think—
WOW!

God is present with me. God is VERY AWARE of my pain. He is very aware of Satan and his attacks on me. God isn't JUST AWARE—GOD is TAKING ACTION! He is and will care for me. 

God may not lower my pain level, but what God will do—if I allow Him—is PULVERIZE my WILL and MIND. What does that mean? That means that God will give me a NEW way of thinking. God will take my fear and replace it with His peace and calmness. God will give me strength to continue on the journey He's planned for me. 

So, as I come off the mountain top of Celebrating God's goodness—yes, Satan is waiting—however, my God is right there with me.

You see, God didn't stay on the top of the mountain.

He came down with me too!

For God is NEAR in PLACE AND TIME! WOW!!! 

If you are in a valley right now,

spend some time IN THE PRESENCE OF JEHOVAH.

Spending time with God is the only way

to create a positive day

as you walk through a valley!

God's Sunrise

One blessing about waking up early is enjoying a beautiful sunrise from God! The following pictures were taken from my balcony this morning. 

When the day begins with a beautiful sunrise—

that God painted "just for me",

creating a positive day

is the least I can do to thank Him!

High or Low: What is my level of Praise?

"When your level of complaining
is at an all time high,
it could mean that

your level of praise
is at an all time low."
by Tony Evans

This was posted on Tony Evan's FB page. As it read it, I realized just how true it is. As I continued to think on it, I questioned:

What makes my level of praise

hit an all time low?

It didn't take me long to figure out the answer.  The past two weeks, I've been doing a Bible Study on "In the Presence of Jehovah" based on the song sung by Damaris Carbaugh.

When I spend time in the presence of God, my level of praise rises to new heights. Being in God's presence is comforting, encouraging, worshipful, humbling, and life changing.

When I spend time worshiping and praising God, that transfers to all aspects of my life. God provides new perspectives and insights. In God's presence, He confirms that He knows exactly what is happening and He is in control of it all. He has a plan and is accomplishing that plan. 

There is a thought that:

If you live with someone long enough,

you not only begin to think like them,

you look like them too.

 I want that to be true of my relationship with God. I want to spend time in God's presence, so that His thoughts become my thoughts and I want people to see Christ in me and through me.

If my complaining becomes an "all time high", and my praise hits an "all time low"; than I am over due for some time in God's presence.

When my relationship is right with God,

being in God's presence

is the most secure, peaceful,

and encouraging place I can be.

Creating a positive day is almost automatic

when I've been

In the Presence of Jehovah.

Cowboy Grillin' Pack

Here are some pictures of PART of my Cowboy Grillin' Prize Pack I won a few weeks ago (see post 10th Anniversary Blessings Celebration!; Oct 16, 2010).

The grill is being assembled by a friend, so I don't have any pictures of it yet. But here are pictures of the "Prize Pack Fit for a Cowboy"! 

I know that I'll create many positive days (and meals) using my Prize. Plus the Grill and accessories will all be great reminders of all God's amazing blessings He continues to send my way! 

Loading the prizes into the van. 

The Cowboy Prize Pack (minus the grill).

Closer Look 1: Spices, Cookbook, Fryer Cover, and basket.

Closer Look 2: Grill Tools and Wok Topper.

Closer Look 3: Oil-less Infrared Turkey Fryer

Closer Look 4: Grill Cover, BBQ sauces, Grill Grate Cleaning Brush

We Will Remember - Tommy Walker - Worship Video w/lyrics

Remembering God's goodness and greatness makes each day positive!

Join me in celebrating today!

2010 Blessings Celebration Day!

O LORD, the king rejoices
in your strength.
How great is his joy
in the victories you give!
Surely you have granted him

eternal blessings
and made him glad with

the joy of your presence.
Be exalted, O LORD,
in your strength; we will sing
and praise your might.
Psalm 21:1, 6, 13

CELEBRATING GOD’S

BLESSINGS TODAY!

And God does it AGAIN!

Yes, God provided

ANOTHER Blessing gift today! 

With my new Vegan diet, many recipes call for roasting the vegetables. I don't have a "real" roasting pan. To roast Acorn squash, the lasagna pan does okay, since only the top has to roast. But to roast vegetables on all sides, it doesn't do the trick. 

I researched roasting pans and found one that was "acceptable" according to the various reviews, and it was almost in my price range. I added it to my "wish list", to wait for it to fit the budget.

Today, on the way home from my Chiropractor, I saw an ESTATE SALE sign. The car turned down the street before I realized it! I stopped and went into the house. There was stuff in the garage, backyard, main floor, upstairs and downstairs.

I saw several things in the garage that would be fun to have, but knew that they weren't in the budget. I continued through the backyard and entered the kitchen, then went upstairs. There were many nice things throughout the home, but all out of my price range.

I was heading out the door, when the lady asked if I had been downstairs. I kindly replied, "no", and turned to walk out the front door.

I was STOPPED

LITERALLY in my tracks!

They were moving furniture out the front door, so I had to move out of the way.... and where did I end up? At the stairway heading downstairs! 

I figured that I was to go look downstairs! Again there were some very nice items, but nothing I needed, so I turned to head back up... that's when I saw them..... sitting on a small sink counter in the corner of the room.... ROASTING PANS! 

I looked them over and saw the price for the set was LESS than HALF of ONE NEW PAN! And the REALLY cool thing... if all this wasn't enough... was that one pan was smaller... perfect for me to roast "single servings". 

So, not ONLY did God provide

a Roasting pan—

He provided TWO!

And God made sure that

I had one that was

JUST THE RIGHT SIZE!!!

GOD LOVES DETAILS!!!

Some have asked why I celebrate the anniversary of my back injury. Well, I don't celebrate the "injury", rather I celebrate God and His Goodness. Over the past 10 years, God has taken care of me in the most AMAZING, CREATIVE, and AWESOME ways—and the LEAST I can do is spend some time PRAISING GOD and CELEBRATING Him and His Goodness. 

Creating a positive day EACH day is one way I can celebrate God's goodness. When I focus on the positive, I am rejoicing in God's love.

The more I rejoice & praise God,

the more positive my day.