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!

THERE'S ALWAYS SOMEONE!

There's always someone that is difficult to buy for. And, since pleasing others is ingrained in my psyche I tend to scrutinize over what gift would be best for family and friends, so much so that this year I bought and returned gifts for one specific family member three times, only to purchase something I considered in the beginning. I'm still not sure I bought the right thing, but I do know I spent way too much time and energy on this gift... I hope that counts for something!

Whatever happened to it's the thought that counts? When I was young my siblings and I hoped for many things and usually found one of those hoped-for gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. I never remember expecting all of the things on my list or even something expensive. Still Christmas morning was very anticipated. We ooh'd and aah'd over basic clothing needs, like socks, school clothes and slippers. And the Christmas I received a 10 gallon aquarium, complete with dimestore fish, I was estatic.

Of course those were simpler days, with simpler expectations. So as the day approaches I pray my gifts will be well received, for they were lovingly purchased.

However no matter how much love and thought I put into my gifts, nothing could compare to the gift God's given us. He sent His greatest gift on Christmas, Jesus whose death lovingly purchased life for those who believe.

BRUNCH!

Two things I love about the holidays is being with family and friends and all the good food! I am an avid cook throughout the year, but around Thanksgiving and Christmas I dig out recipes that have stood the test of time. Like what would a holiday morning be without homemake cinnamon rolls. The sweet tradition started with my grandmother, passed on to my mother and now I carry it on. Pecan danties, homemade fudge and cut-out cookies also show up every year, again a gifted tradition from generations past. Peanut butter kiss cookies and yeast rolls are new to my immediate familyline, but practiced for over twenty years and holidays wouldn't be the same without them.
This year my treasured recipes were served at my annual Christmas Brunch, numerous holiday parties, a woman's rehab and as gifts for friends and neighbors.

Along with the dusted off recipes come a host of good memories of holidays past. Comfort food for all the right reasons!

BE BLESSED!

To be blessed is more than a feeling of happiness. By dictionary definition it means - to be holy, sanctified, sacred... supremely favored. How does one become supremely favored? Consider Psalm 32:1-2
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. NIV Or~
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.
Psalm 33:12
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people who chose his inheritance.
Luke 1:45
Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!

To be blessed is to know God through his son Jesus. And, there's nothing God wants more than to know us.
So be blessed!

Scripture to bless you!

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24

What a blessing kinds words are. Every situation, regardless of the severity, is sweetened by kindness. As a wife, mother, friend, writer and ER nurse... I know that pleasant words go along way to de-escalate, comfort and encourage. And, I must say, I appreciate hearing them too!