People vs plans.

I'm a planner. I like to organize what will happen when. I'm not much for being taken by surprise (although some surprises are really nice!). 

God is continually teaching me that His plan is much better than mine. He has to continually teach me because I often forget lessons learned.

This Thanksgiving/Christmas season, it's easy to become focused on what has to be done (cooking, decorating, etc) that we forget the people.

God reminded me again, yesterday, that people are more important than a timetable I created. Talking with people builds relationships and that leads to opportunities to share God's love and encourage others.

I'm learning to focus more on people and less on if the Turkey is perfect, or if the table is set with the best dishes, etc. Sometimes easy is better for all involved and then the attention can be given to those in attendance.

Think about it for a moment. What do you remember from past Holidays? I remember the silly things that happened, what we laughed about, or who was there. I can't tell you what dishes we ate off of, or how the table was set. 
Memories that are of people are the most precious. Memories created with smiles, laughter, and love last longer than the Thanksgiving turkey!

People vs plans. 
I am praying that I remember that, but if I forget, God will gently remind me again.
May your Thanksgiving be filled with opportunities to create memories with family and friends. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sharing some meals!

I'm learning so much about nutrition as I work on my new lifestyle. The food tastes so good and I'm enjoying fixing a variety of dishes. Thought I'd share a few of my latest meals with you... via pictures.

All organic: Mixed greens w/ olive oil/vinegar dressing (homemade); Portabella, melted Rice Cheese & Brown rice bun & salsa. And yes it was YUMMY!

All organic: Summer squash, Grilled red pepper, Mixed greens w/EVO/vinegar dressing; w/ Nicole's Divine Organic Gluten free crackers (Tomato-Tomahto!) and Organic Shelled Hemp Seeds (for Omegas and Protein). And yes it's yummy too.

I'm reading several books to help me learn how to balance foods and get the correct nutrition. One is "Back to Eden", by Jethro Kloss. The other two books are by Christina Pirello of Christina Cooks on PBS.

The pain level is still high, but God is providing distractions just at the right moments.  I'm taking it hour by hour; day by day. As I go through this phase of my journey, creating a positive day is even more vital. Keeping a positive attitude and keeping my focus on the positive will give me the strength to continue on this journey. And God is also sending some wonderful blessings to encourage me.... and His blessings make any day a positive one!