GOD'S PERSONAL TOUCH

I was reading the verse, Matthew 6:8, Be not like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Wow! I've read that verse many times before, but today it really spoke to me.

I can remember times when I didn't ask yet the Lord knew just what I needed. Like ~

• When I was up all night studying for my nursing NCLEX exam. I'd been a good student, and my family just assumed I do fine. And I did too, until the night before the test. I didn't sleep a wink. As I was driving to the exam the next morning, I kept thinking about the pass rate... or more accurately the fail rate of the test. Rational thoughts never seem to come to mind when your exhausted, or nervous. Then, my cell phone rang. My friend Barbara who I hadn't talked to in days was on line and said the words the Lord knew I needed to hear - "I remembered you were having your test today and I just wanted you to know, I'm praying for you." At 6:30 in the morning, my friend got up to pray for me. ~God's personal touch~ I walked into the testing center with a peace I knew came from the Lord. And, I passed the exam.
  

A NEW YEAR!

January 2010 ~ Amid the country's record cold temperatures my husband and I, along with 2 of my siblings and their spouses embarked on a wonderful carribean adventure. For 7 days we feasted on yummy entrees and desserts aboard the Emerald Princess. We traveled to 4 beautiful destinations, basked in sunshine and even dashed through a few rainshowers. A lovely memory making journey and great way to start the year! I've been blessed... and I don't want to forget it.
As life's issues bubble up from unexpected venues, they seem to take centerstage, overshadowing the blessings and fogging my thinking. So my Bible verse to clain for 2010 is ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ~ Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV

In everything be blessed!

HAPPY NEW YEAR and a recipe too!

2010! A new year, a new decade and new resolutions!
As I've thought about mine, I've decided to:

• Seek God first, remember He's in control, trust Him!
• laugh more ~ which means I'll find more ways to have fun.
• take life less serious ~ as if I can control the outcome anyway
• respond slower ~ think first
• enjoy each day ~ more lunch out with friends, more time with family
• Enjoy the interests God's given me ~ write, travel, cook... eat healthy... but delicious and exercise!

The Best Oatmeal Chocolate-Chip Cookies ~ Healthy and delicious

• 2 cups of flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 2 sticks butter/soft
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar - not packed
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups of oats
• 1 cup of chocolate chips
• 1 cup of chopped nuts/optional

Mix all ingredients together in large mixing bowl. Drop by rounded teaspoons on greased baking cookie sheet. Bake 350 for 8-10 minutes. Wonderful hot from the oven, cool or frozen. ENJOY!