Thanks Living: He's Right Here!

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. Psalm 75:1

Give thanks: literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, especially to revere or worship (with extended hands—the open one—indicating power, means, direction, etc.)

Wondrous works: Distinguish; by implication, great, wonderful, accomplish, marvelous

Declare: to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e. (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount.

Name: especially as embodying the (revealed) character of;

Near: to approach, (cause to) draw near, be at hand, join

We thank You, O True God. Our souls are overflowing with thanks! Your name is near; Your people remember and tell of Your marvelous works and wonders. Psalm 75:1 (VOICE) 

We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. Psalm 75:1 (NLT)

As I reflect on the Christmas season, I realized that it seemed easier to "thank" those who were near by at the time of the gift giving. The ones who were farther away, that took a bit of effort. Not, that I didn't appreciate the gifts any different—it's just easier to communicate with those who are "right there". 

I know that I am to give thanks to God. But as I read, Psalm 75:1, the truth that God is not off in the distance—rather is is right here, close at hand—made the thought of giving thanks even more vital and relevant. 

God is near and He is involved in my life. And if I want to enjoy a "Thanks Living" life, then I must start with giving thanks to God! All the things He does confirms Who He is and what He is capable of doing. 

Think for a moment of the sunrise and sunset. The Earth continues to spin on it's axis tilted just at the precise angle as it rotates around the sun. The stars are hung and kept in Space. The oceans contain amazing creatures that we continue to discover. 

Am I giving thanks to God? Am I noticing His marvelous works? Am I recognizing that God is right here? 

A Certain Christmas!

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Psalm 34:8

Gifts galore, decorations of red and green,
Cookies, candy, and overstuffed stockings
Our Christmas will be perfect this time around.
But sadly our expectations on things, let us down.

Love, peace, joy, happiness
The Babe in a Manger, the shadow of the Cross
Our Christmas should focus on the Person.
Oh the certainty we receive from God’s Son! 

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Redeemer, Savior, Lord, and Friend
Our thoughts of Thee transcend!
-Rhonda Sawtelle

Proverbs 12:16-20 Which story will you be part of?

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy. Proverbs 12:20

Deceit: sense of deceiving; fraud

Heart: feelings, will, intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Devise: as one who works in, practices, imagines 

Evil: injury, wrong

Counselors: advise; to deliberate or resolve, consult, devise, guide

Peace: friendship, human relations

Joy: glad result, gleeful, pleasure, rejoicing

Recipe for Joy.

Be deliberate, have resolve to be peaceful, to promote peace. 

This time of year we often hear two types of stories: those who devise evil and those who promote peace. 

The first, those who steal packages off doorsteps, those who use stolen credit cards, those who shoplift—all have a heart that is practicing evil. When we hear these stores, we experience sadness, anger and frustration. 

Secondly, those who "pay it forward", help a stranger, give extra, help make Christmas special for someone else. When we hear these stores, we experience joy! 

If you really want joy not only this Christmas season, but year-round, then resolve to share peace and friendship. A heart that is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), is less apt to spend time practicing evil. 

Which story will you be part of—one of evil or joy? 

Thanks Living—366 Days!

Thinking.
Last year at Church we were encouraged to give a gift to God. In my Bible Study part of Acts 9:31 (MSG) stood out to me: "They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them."

For my gift to God for 2015, I wanted my heart to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. I plan to continue to strive toward that throughout the year ahead as well.

But I don't want to "re-gift" to God this year, so I have been praying about what gift can I give God this year?

A friend recently sent me this quote, "Thanksgiving is once a year. Thanks Living is all year long." 

Give thanks with a grateful heart. "Giving thanks always for all things to God." "Be thankful to Him." "With the sacrifice of thanksgiving." "That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works." "May cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God."

Thanksgiving.
"grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors, especially to God." (dictionary.reference.com) 

Thanksgiving.
Giving thanks to God 366 days (2016 is a Leap Year).... seems like a simple thing, yet if it's so simple, why don't I do it each and every day?
This year, my Gift to God is a Thankful Heart. I want to learn to not only say "Thank you, God!", but I want a heart that is grateful to God and a heart that recognizes His work in my life.

Why am I posting this to my blog? Accountable. Call me out, if you see that I'm not being thankful. Challenge me to remain thankful all 366 days of 2016.

Thanks Living—366 Days!

Grace and Peace

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the beginning of my study of Philemon. 

Paul, a prisoner [for the sake] of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), and our brother Timothy, to Philemon our dearly beloved sharer with us in our work,

And to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier [in the Christian warfare], and to the church [assembly that meets] in your house:

Grace (spiritual blessing and favor) be to all of you and [heart] peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 

Philemon 1:1-3 (AMP)

Philemon is a private letter from Paul sent to Philemon, most likely a resident of Colossae.

Paul begins and/or ends many of his letters with "grace and peace". 

Grace, the free favour and good-will of God, the spring and fountain of all blessings; and peace, all good, as the fruit and effect of that grace. From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also is understood, though not named; for all acts towards the creatures of the whole Trinity: from the Father, who is our Father in Christ, the first in order of acting as of subsisting; and from Christ, his favour and good-will as God, and the fruits of it through him as Mediator, God—man.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all, Amen. Observe, Spiritual blessings are first and especially to be sought for ourselves and others.

The favour of God and peace with him, as in itself it is the best and most desirable good, so is it the cause of all other, and what puts sweetness into every mercy and can make happy even in the want of all earthly things. There are many that say, Who will show us any good? But, if God lift up the light of his countenance, this will put more joy and gladness into the heart than all worldly increase. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. In this is summarily all good, and from this one fountain, God the Father, Son, and Spirit, all comes. 

Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete)

If my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31, MSG), than I will not only accept God's gifts of grace and peace, I will fully embrace them!

“Heart-Joy”

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes. Psalm 19:8 (AMP)

The Eternal’s directions are correct, giving satisfaction to the heart. God’s commandments are clear, lending clarity to the eyes. Psalm 19:8 (VOICE)

The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. Psalm 19:8 (MSG)

"The statutes of the Lord are right." His precepts and decrees are founded in righteousness, and are such as are right or fitted to the right reason of man. As a physician gives the right medicine, and a counsellor the right advice, so does the Book of God. "Rejoicing the heart." Mark the progress; he who was converted was next made wise and is now made happy; that truth which makes the heart right then gives joy to the right heart. Free-grace brings heart-joy. Earthborn mirth dwells on the lip, and flushes the bodily powers; but heavenly delights satisfy the inner nature, and fill the mental faculties to the brim. There is no cordial of comfort like that which is poured from the bottle of Scripture. Treasury of David

This time of year, Christmas, we hear a lot about joy and happiness. If we get that perfect gift, we’ll be so happy. If we get everything on our wish list, we’ll be ecstatic. If we just can get that one item, or find it on sale so we can buy it ourselves, we’ll be filled with joy! Oh, until that item breaks, or we learn after Christmas a new, and improved model is now available.., or we realize that the gift wasn’t all it was advertised to be.... then our joy is gone. 

True joy has its foundation in God, Himself. And since God does not change, He cannot be improved upon, for He is perfect in every way—the joy He provides is everlasting. God’s joy is available, I only have to read the Scriptures and love God, and obey Him. “Heart-joy”. That is joy that springs up inside and bubbles out. It’s a joy that is from God so there is a never-ending supply. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure my focus and desire for joy is not based on earthly treasures, but is a true and honest, “Heart-Joy” direct from God! 

Left Out in the Rain

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 126. Here is what I learned.

“The Lord has done spectacular things for them.” The Lord has done spectacular things for us.  We are overjoyed. Psalm 126:2b, 3 (GW)

There’s an old song that I heard on the Partridge Family re-run, “She’d rather have the Rain”. The gist of the song is that no matter what the boy could do or give the girl, she’d would rather have the rain.... the more unpleasant item. 

As I read Psalm 126, I had to think, when God does spectacular things, am I happy with what He’s done and how He chose to accomplish it... or I’m I like the girl in the song... not satisfied, and would rather have the rain? 

I wonder how many times, God has given me an amazing blessing, but I was too focused on what I thought I wanted, or needed, that I missed seeing the blessing. 

I wonder how many times, God has wanted to give me a wonderful gift, but I was too focused on getting what I wanted myself, that I missed the opportunity of letting God present me with the gift of His choice. 

Would I really, “rather have the rain, than anything He could give me?” 

It comes down to making sure that my focus, will, and goals match what God’s are. I need to realize that I may not understand the gift God gives me at a particular time, but I can be assured that the gift is exactly what I need. 

To create a positive day, I need to be open and willing to accept what God wants to give me, otherwise I will be left out in the rain, miserable and missing God’s blessings! 

Counting the Blessings

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 67. Here is what I learned.

God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall reverently fear Him. Psalm 67:7 (AMP)

God is the source of our blessings; may every corner of the earth respect and revere Him. Psalm 67:7 (VOICE)

God shall bless us,.... The Holy Spirit blesses with regenerating and renewing grace; with faith, comfort, joy and peace, by shedding abroad in the heart the love of the Father and the Son; by applying precious promises; by testifying adoption; by making meet for heaven and happiness, and working up for the selfsame thing eternal glory. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible 

God shall bless us - He shall ever be speaking good to us, and ever showering down good things upon us. Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Being blessed by God provides an overwhelming sense of peace. Since surgery, I have to say that although my body is in extreme pain, and I can’t get comfortable, I find myself smiling. For God has blessed me with not only His love, but He continues to send gifts along the way to remind me of His love and that He “knows what I like”. 

Last week, a person sent me a book which she thought I’d enjoy. Now, this person did not know I was having surgery when the book was sent, but God knew that having a new book to read would be perfect following surgery. 

The afternoon, I arrived home from my surgery, I had an email waiting telling me that I won a contest. I won a Larry Dixon Al-Anabi 2010 Champ 1:24 Autographed Top Fuel Dragster NHRA Die cast. It will look great on my Sports Wall. 

Then the past few days, my Ponder Morsels for each day have been awesome for what I needed to focus on and remember. God blessed me with truths to keep my soul refreshed. 

God blesses me in so many ways, and as I think about each blessing, I can easily smile in spite of the pain I feel. 

Counting the blessings God sends my way is not only an easy way, but it’s the best way to create a positive day! 

Wish List

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 16. Here is what I learned.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord. Without you, I have nothing good.” Psalm 16:2 (GW)

I say to the Lord, You are my Lord; I have no good beside or beyond You. Psalm 16:2 (AMP)

And I have said, “Only you are my Lord! Every good thing I have is a gift from you.” Psalm 16:2 (CEV)

"My good is nowhere except in thee; I have no source of good of any kind - happiness, hope, life, safety, salvation - but in thee. My good is not without thee." This accords with the idea in the other member of the sentence, where he acknowledges Yahweh as his Lord; in other words, he found in Yahweh all that is implied in the idea of an object of worship - all that is properly expressed by the notion of a God. He renounced all other gods, and found his happiness - his all - in Yahweh. Barnes' Notes on the Bible 

It is a greater glory to us that we are allowed to serve God, than it is to him that we offer him that service. He is not rendered happy by us; but we are made happy by him. He can do without such earthly servants; but we cannot do without such a heavenly Master. William Secker

There are times when I find myself thinking and yes, maybe even wishing, some things were different in my life. Having a husband, less pain, more money to buy things I’d like, and the list continues. And if I allow myself to dwell on the things I don’t have, and that are really out of my control, I find myself becoming miserable. That’s when I remind myself of the Children of Israel. Each time they looked around at what other Nations had, or looked at their current circumstances while forgetting where they’ve been, they started to murmur and complain. Whey they wanted a King, because all the other Nations had one, God said, OK I’ll give you a King. And then problems followed. 

I don’t want to get my “wishes” if they are not God’s best! I don’t want to settle for second, or third options. God has and will continue to shower me with gifts—exactly what I need for the very moment. God has an endless supply of gifts and He knows much better than I what I need for this moment, day, time in my life. 

When my wish list is focused on me and me only, than I’m heading for trouble. But when I make sure my wish list is God-focused, I know full well that every wish will come true. 

To create a positive day, I need to make sure my wish list is God focused, and rejoice in the fact that God has given me and will continue to give me everything I need. A day filled with God’s gifts is a positive day! 

Possession—it’s Mine, but do I keep it in Storage?

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The twenty-fifth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 62. Here's what Treasure I found today.

He is my rock and my ·salvation [victory]. He is my ·defender [fortress]; I will not be ·defeated [shaken]. Psalm 62:2 (EXB)

He alone is my rock and the One Who saves me. He is my strong place. I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:2 (NLV)

Possession: custody, dominion, hold, occupancy, occupation, possessorship, proprietary, proprietary rights, proprietorship, retention, tenancy, tenure, title.

When I look around my apartment, I am thankful that God has supplied me with several nice things. Some, I was able to buy new, others I bought at yard sales. And each day I make good use of my possessions. Whether it’s reclining on the Daybed working on the laptop, or watching TV, or making a meal in the kitchen using pots and pans, I avail myself of my possessions. 

But every now and then, I need to get something out of my storage unit, and I’m reminded of things that I have stored away. Some of those stored items I use once a year, like the Christmas decorations. But there are other items that I haven’t used for years, but they are still mine, but I don’t avail myself of my possessions. 

Psalm 62:2 lists several characteristics of God, that ARE MINE, but do I avail myself of them, or do I keep them in storage? When I place my possessions in storage, they are not readily available, and often I forget what I own! Out of sight, out of mind is true. If I keep the truths about God in storage, and don’t actually believe them and act on them, I’m not availing myself of the possessions that God has given me. That’s pretty sad if I ignore the gifts God has given me and put them in storage. And it sure makes it harder to get through each day, when I don't use what God has given me. 

God is my rock. Security. 

God is my victory. Salvation.

God is my fortress. Strong place.

If I truly avail myself of my possessions, than I will not be defeated! I will have victory. It’s only a matter of getting the truths out of storage, and availing myself of God!

To create a positive day, I need to grasp the truth of my possession—it’s MINE, and make sure I’m not keeping it in storage and going it on my own. 

Trash Wrapped in Ribbons & Bows

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The nineteenth of each month, I'm studying Psalm 15. Here's what Treasure I found today.

And do not ·tell lies about others [slander with their tongue]. They do no ·wrong [evil] to their neighbors and do not ·gossip [L raise a reproachful matter with their associates]. Psalm 15:3 (EXB)

He who does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his friend, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor. Psalm 15:3 (AMB)

"Backbiteth not." This crime is a conjugation of evils, and is productive of infinite mischiefs; it undermines peace, and saps the foundation of friendship; it destroys families, and rends in pieces the very heart and vitals of charity; it makes an evil man party, and witness, and judge, and executioner of the innocent. - Bishop Taylor  

"Backbiteth." The word here used comes from a root signifying loot, and denotes a person who goes about from house to house, speaking things he should not (1 Timothy 5:13); and a word from this root signifies spies; and the phrase here may point at persons who creep into houses, pry into the secrets of families, divulge them, and oftentimes represent them in a false light. Such are ranked among the worst of men, and are very unfit to be in the society of saints, or in a church of Christ. See Romans 1:30. - John Gill

Twitter, Facebook, blogs, the internet, cell-phones, are all means of staying in contact with our friends, neighbors and even people who have like interests. But these things also make it much easier for slander, lies, and rumors to be spread. And just as when we speak, once our words are “sent”, they can not be deleted or “taken back”.  

But what I said was “true”. But beyond being “true” was it beneficial? Were the words encouraging, uplifting, positive? Or were they said to build us up, make us look better, and disgrace someone else. But I was only sharing a prayer request—really? Don’t you think God, knows the specifics without us trying to share the sins of others?

Gossip is the spreading of unfavorable information about someone else, even if that information is true. Slander is making a false statement or misrepresentation about another person that defames or damages the person’s reputation. Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). This means that although we speak of the sins of the tongue, our real problem is our heart. 

Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. Ephesians 4:29 (AMP)

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Ephesians 4:29 (MSG)

Each word is a gift. We can try to wrap up gossip, slander, or harsh words with pretty ribbons and  bows of excuses and justifications, but the gift inside is still trash.  Just because something may be acceptable to us, the real question, is it acceptable to God? Since each word is a gift, to ourselves and others, we should take much care in our choice of words and their meaning. 

To create a positive day, I must allow God to censor my words to make sure that the gifts I’m sharing are acceptable to Him, and are not trash wrapped  in ribbons and bows.

Grace. Love. Friendship.

Grace. Love. Friendship.

Add some adjectives to describe those nouns: AMAZING, EXTRAVAGANT, INTIMATE. That makes them even more special.

But now look at the SOURCES: Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit.

Now realize that EACH of us has those in our possession each and every day... WOW! 

"The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you."

2 Corinthians 13:14 (MSG)

How will knowing that I have amazing grace, extravagant love and intimate friendship with Jesus Christ, God the Father and the Holy Spirit, impact me today....and everyday..?

If I really want to create a positive day, I need to realize that I have these 3 gifts (grace, love, friendship) from Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. 

God's perfect placement

Once again God had some surprises

for me as I ran errands this past week.

I have been looking for new dress pants for a while, with no luck. On Tuesday, I stopped at Kohl's and looked around—nothing. On the way home from my Chiropractor's, I stopped at the Goodwill and looked through their racks of dress pants. Found a few I thought would work. I went to try them on and I asked the Sales Associate if I could use the handicap fitting room—which I normally don't use. However, trying to maneuver with crutches in the smaller rooms can be a challenge on a good day—and my pain level was a bit higher, so I asked to use the larger room.

I tried on the pants I had found—with no luck. As I was hanging the "unwanteds" on the rack—which is RIGHT OUTSIDE the handicap fitting room door—I saw a pair of navy blue dress pants on the rack. I checked the size, yep, that was right. Tried them on and they fit PERFECTLY!

God had the pants hanging RIGHT outside the handicap fitting room door waiting for me! God's placement was PERFECT! I couldn't miss the pants—they were hanging right on the end—almost falling off into my hands (literally!).  So for $4.99 I got a very nice pair of dress pants.

 

After leaving the Goodwill, I stopped at Fruitful Yield health store to pick up Sunshine Burgers. As I walked in the store, one of the workers welcomed me and asked if I was there for more Sunshine Burgers—"Yes, I was!" The Manager was standing near by and said, "We have coupons for those". So, I saved $5.00 on the Sunshine Burgers—the cost of my dress pants! ;>)

 

God is good all the time! 

I love it when God does little things—

which are so very special—

to remind me of how much He loves me

and that He is watching over me.

Each day I take time to notice the special things

God does for me is a very positive day! 

What blessings and surprises

has God given you lately? 

Let me know by adding a comment on this post.

Preoccupied with Getting or Respond to God's Giving?

I always find it interesting that there are just as many sales AFTER Christmas as before. We are so "preoccupied with getting". It's returning the gifts because the color is wrong, or because it wasn't really want you wanted, or you decided something bigger, smaller, or whatever, would be better. 

"What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. 

Matt 6:31-33 (The Message)

So often we find ourselves preoccupied with what we WANT, that we ignore our needs, or miss out of the gifts God has for us.

Often God has a gift for us

that is greater than we could comprehend.

Need an example? My grills. 

God provided a nice small charcoal grill in July 2010. I was so happy! It was small but the food sure tasted great. I was extremely happy just to have a grill, the size didn't really matter. 

But God had even

GREATER gifts in store for me. 

In Oct 2010, God gave me a HUGE 4-burner grill. This grill was SO LARGE that it didn't fit on my balcony.

Did God make a mistake? He gave me a very small grill, than an EXTRA LARGE grill.  

NO, He did NOT make a mistake!

Rather He had a greater  plan in mind.

He wanted to give multiple gifts so that I in turn could pass along His gifts! I gave the large grill to friends and they in turn bought me a smaller electric grill. The electric grill is much easier for me to use, since it's higher than my old grill. And I don't have to use charcoal or gas—just plug it in and enjoy!

So, instead of ONE grill,

God gave me THREE—

small, large, and "just right". 

I had wanted a grill for several years. I priced them and in fact almost bought one several times. However, each time I considered making the purchase, I knew that spending the money on a grill was not the wisest thing to do. I had to change my thinking from being preoccupied with getting and allow God to GIVE, in His time in His Way. 

As I look back over the past few months and how God worked out all the grill details, I am so thankful that I allowed God to give me His gifts. If I had purchased a grill, I would have missed out on so much, not to mention my friends wouldn't have been blessed with their new grill. 

This year (and beyond), I want to continue to evaluate my motives and my desires.

Am I preoccupied with getting?

Or am I focused on God-reality,

God-initiative, God-provisions?

If I focus my thoughts and actions on God and His will for me, He'll supply my needs in His time and in His way. And often He gives some unique and wonderful gifts too!

Creating a positive day

is not about focusing

on the things I need or want,

but rather focusing on God

and is loving care for me.

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!