Cooking in the state of “Things Hoped For”

For years I avoided the kitchen and the fun it has to offer because My “expectations” beat down my confidence. I Expected the dishes to always come out like they looked in the pictures or at the hands of my culinary friends! And of course they didn’t. Why?  I was a beginner & you see I set a ridiculous expectations on myself creating undue stress & more messes than good dishes.                       Now, I cook in a state of : Things Hoped for. Hoping that my dishes look even close to those of my friends or the pictures I see on TV and online. In dropping my “expectations” Now I am having FUN in the kitchen and can eat Almost everything I cook with Joy and happy taste buds. So on that note, I share this recipe and Hope it turns out to Be all We Hope it will Be.

Breakfast Biscuit Quiche

Ingredients

2/3 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/3 cup finely chopped ham
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
3 EGGS
2 Tbsp. milk
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
1

pkg. (12 oz.; 10 biscuits) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

Directions

Step 1 HEAT oven to 350°F. COMBINE cheese, ham and green onions in small bowl; mix well. BEAT eggs, milk, salt and pepper in medium bowl until blended.
Step 2 SEPARATE biscuits; press or roll each into a 5-inch round on lightly floured surface. PLACE 1 biscuit in each of 10 greased muffin cups, leaving the 2 cups in center of pan empty. PRESS biscuits firmly against bottom and sides of cups and form rim at top.
Step 3 SPOON 2 Tbsp. cheese mixture into each cup. POUR IN egg mixture, dividing evenly.
Step 4 BAKE in center of 350°F oven until filling is set and biscuits are deep golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. REMOVE from pan; serve warm  ENJOY!! Breakfast Biscuit Quiches 

” Have No Expectations “

Having a love of mankind, cultures, theology, and philosophy my life’s journey has brought a diversity of people into my life.             Years ago, it led me to an audience with a Sufi Master who told me he had a message for me, ” Have No Expectations”

At the time my immediate thought was, “What kinda nonsense message is that? Who is he anyway? Who doesn’t have expectations and how could that be a good thing?”  So, I tossed it to the curb.  Well, time revealed the meaning of that message and the meaning of Hebrews 13:2 as well ” Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” You see I learned 2 things out of that encounter. 1.) God can and will use whomever He chooses to speak to you. He knows who will have a lasting impact for whatever reason and You may not know or understand that reason at the time. The point is He has given a message for you that edifies and uplifts you, plants good seed within your garden, and those Words given aid in the abundant harvest of His purpose on your life coming to pass. Whoever that messenger is, if it accomplishes these things that is an Angel serving God. It is not about Religion and it’s divisions, it is about the Spirit of God working For and In us. And it is Not our place to pass judgment on How God chooses to touch us or deliver His messages   2.) I can’t tell you how many times in my life since that day, I see more clearly the meaning of that message ” Have No Expectations”. Especially since, in my life, just as in many of yours, I will close myself in a box “Expecting” a specific result if I DO this or “Expecting” something of someone. And most every time, closing myself off like that ends in disappointment or my Fall. Then once again I hear him say; “Remember, Have No Expectations”  Finally, I got it ! You see Expectations Limit Us & those we interact with. Expectations have an END. Expectations If not fulfilled the way we want or “expect” them to be fulfilled create more harm than good. Where If we get “out the Box” and choose to walk in “Faith and things Hoped for”              ( Romans 8:24: For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. also read Heb. 11:1)  You see Hope has No limits, No end. Hope is your continuing on in each moment walking Your journey, your Purpose, striving to Be and Serve in this Life to the Best of your ability having Faith and Hope that All God’s promises will come to pass. All the while knowing and accepting each and every one of us has their own journey to Live & God has messages for them too. We, like Yeshua (Jesus) should continue on in Faith & Hope we will ultimately walk together as ONE.  Remembering always Not to fall into expectations in life’s situations nor have or Put expectations on family, friends, & neighbors to Be as We Expect them to Be. Expectations Box In and apply a burden that all to often is to much to bare. Expectation I learned is a form of Judgment and we are called not to judge, after all who can cast that 1st stone ? (Matt: 7:1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged) & (John 8:7 He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.)  Yes, over the years those “three” words said by that “who is he anyway?” sure have had an impact on my Understanding of His (God’s) Word, of many situations, and definitely with my fellow man/woman.

So, today my prayer is: that we all walk in Faith and things Hoped for having “no expectations”. That we listen to His Spirit within and to those messages given from without, whether they be family, friends, our neighbor, or sometimes a stranger. Stepping out of our boxes,  I pray we Open the door of our hearts seeking Him with all our Heart, Mind, and Soul that His Promises on our lives might be fulfilled.    I pray that IF you do toss a message to the curb, sooner than later you Grow in Wisdom and Understanding of the Word(s) given          in that moment. In the name of Yeshua (Jesus) AMEN.

One last thing:  

By experience I can testify, walking in things Hoped for bears no burden but instead creates a walk where All Things Are Possible..

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Scrub, Scrub, a Dub, Dub!

Well, I tapped on the Mind and now feel I Must give you a Wonderful Tip for the Body as well. So, pamper yourself & enjoy how smooth and fabulous your skin feels after you try this Scrub.

This home-made pumpkin body scrub is fun to make throughout the winter season.  In the cold of winter our skin dries out and we really need to exfoliate.  Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which is soothing, honey is hydrating, and olive oil has vitamin E and antioxidants.

If at all possible use organic pumpkin for this body scrub eliminating any preservatives. After all we are making a scrub not a Pie. Smile   The recipe is from Erika Katz, author of “Bonding Over Beauty”. 

                      Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • You can also add a small amount of powdered cinnamon or clove, or a drop of vanilla, to make it more uplifting.  All three should be added in small amounts..just a drop or two.  Clove, is said to be an aphrodisiac, and cinnamon can be irritating if applied directly to the skin.

Power of Words

Have you ever spent a week listening to your Words and the Words of others?

Try it. What it reveals is pretty amazing. Something I noticed is in our being unique creations we hear and interpret Words said or read in very different ways. All to often, not in the context they were meant at all. I believe this is for a few reasons in which I want to address in this post. One: is how written Words are presented. Have you ever had someone say, “You gotta read this book, it is so well written”? Then you read it and think, ” I don’t know what they are talking about, this is not so great to me.”  to ME, being the key words.  This is where our individuality steps in. What touches the heart and mind of one individual may not touch the heart and mind of another. Example: I went to the library to check out “Conversations with God” which I had attempted to read years ago and thought I would give it another shot. Even though it is well written and holds many of the same views I do, the Way the words are written do not resonate with Me, which in turn makes it very hard to read. Where “As A Man Thinketh” speaks loud and clear and is one of my favorites.            Two: is how Words are said. There are a lot of factors involved in our speaking; emotions, environment, & education being the toppers, in my experience anyway. These 3 things really have an effect on communication which is why I believe The Word says,                     Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.(or people not like minded) For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?      Or what fellowship has light with darkness. 2 Corin.6:14  Note: I put or people not like minded. I bring attention to this because when communicating it can be very difficult when you have almost totally different views. What you say can be so misinterpreted or misunderstood for so many various reasons & most of those reason are founded in emotions, environment, & education.  As adults, Many of us when we talk just talk, thinking surely the one we are talking to understands where we are coming from. But, I have learned this could not be further from the truth. Especially, if the two of you have not walked even close to the same journey in life. So, before you speak, get to know the person you are talking to just a little. Don’t get into touchy subjects like politics for example. Then consider what is about to proceed from your mouth. As Proverbs 18:21 says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”  my favorite verse holding a sure Truth:  Words do have the power of LIfe and Death in one another’s lives. A verse I am doing my best to keep in the forefront of my mind, but, as my Mother said, ” I am not perfect, “YET” Smile                      Three: is our thought process once we hear or read whatever. Another area we really need to Stop and pay attention before we jump  to conclusions or pass judgment.(something we are called not to do in the 1st place. smile)  And for heavens sake, don’t over analyze ! A flaw I’ve been known to have If I don’t Stop myself. This only allows the mind to add more to what was said or heard than was originally intended. Instead, Step out the Box, look at the context, consider the source, and in some cases the Bigger Picture. Consider Last but, most important: Seek what Jesus says about it. After much study & life experiences in various cultures and beliefs, I can testify what Jesus has to say about it is tried and True and can be Trusted.

Why am I on this today? Well, the Holy Spirit has been really speaking to me to share some of my insight on this. His Spirit telling my spirit, ” mankind would sure get along better IF We would just consider these three things. And Life itself is showing me there are others equally yoked with Me and my Words (seeds planted)  in this post will resonate with your spirit & hopefully bear “good fruit”.

Have a Blessed Day!  And remember always ” Life and Death are in the Power of the Tongue” – The Power is in the Word(s)

” ME TIME”

Morning!  I had another post – 2 actually that I had written for today. And then a Message from a friend on FB revealed a whole new post for today. One not only from me but, to Me for You and Me, from His Spirit within me. Got it? LOL This year has been challenging at times and yes, those challenges are & have been bring death & newness of Life forming within Me. In this newness, I am being reminded of who “I AM” at my core – that place where I Am who I AM in the Spirit of who I was created, which IS and Will Be Always Me.. Who God created “Me” to be, realizing there is None other Like ME. Many have similar characteristics as we are ALL a segment of the Whole, but, No, not  One is “ME” – “Me” who has a purpose in the Big scheme of things – Me who within Me is Becoming ALL that  ” I ” can & need to Be in the creation of His Universe. That said, the mention on FB was based on my post of my trip to Memphis and she said, ” It’s good to have “me time”.  True statement. Yet, the immediate response of the Spirit within bearing witness with MY spirit within is what I am sharing now (& a little more):

Yes, “Me time”, as the world interprets it, is good but, isn’t each moment “Me Time”? Life is meant to BE in our ” Beingness ” Who God created us to Be and to Live IN each moment. After all each day IS the Rest of our lives. So, shouldn’t we Live each day as Who we ARE that we might Live daily in the “Rest” of our daily experiences? Shouldn’t we be seeking & enjoying the Blessings throughout each day, as we grow and develop in our fellowship with our Neighbors ( Family & Friends )? Is it not our calling to Love & Live lifting one another as we share our Oneness of Life  on and as part of this Earth?  In living as Who you Are we Each Live not Boxed in but, “out of the Box” – old things Die, seasons change within and without & newness of Life continuously Creates the next Moment of       “Me time” which even when “alone” is with the “spirit” of others. Over this year of 2013, I have developed in many ways but, what the Holy Spirit, Mother keeps reminding me of is:   How much I Love Life and ALL it has to offer, how I want to Live and experience LIFE, choosing & seeking to the best of my ability, ALL the “promises and good things in His design that are Just for ME” – on My journey in This Life. The best part is: that the seeds in ME, that God created, are designed to be grafted into Oneness with ALL of You,              His Creation. Therefore, My heart’s Desire and Thankfulness lies in that I AM part of the I AM and Well Able to live LIFE Like Jesus Lived knowing All that IS –  IS Life & it was created for “Me” that I might Live Free as ME and who He created ME to BE. In this I am living obedient to my Father’s will  ” In This House you Will Live as the Creator intended Life to BE ”   So, today to I continue on in      “Me time” Joyful in Knowing All IS created for ME & His Spirit within Me. Knowing that IF I am true and committed to who the Creator created me to Be – I will create an everlasting life that shines Love and Life in all I do- never allowing ME to be buried alive somewhere in the depths of darkness clawing to get “out of the box” of death. In this I move forward, the past in my rear view mirror, as I keep in my remembrance, the words of Wisdom:  “This moment IS Me time All the time.” Smile                                                           And ALL the time I must walk as who I AM.  Not occasionally, not just in church, or when “I – Me” finds the time –                                  But, in All “I ” Do All the Time. 

So, today I pray that when we share one another’s presence, You See ME (who the Father Created in His Grand Design) & that             I can Say:  ” as I often do, ” I am so Grateful for You being You & your sharing of  Your ” Me Time”  Hugs!

Makin’ Thru Winter

Well, here we go, into the COLD, dreary, & days of boredom or depression, for many anyway. Like me, many have S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) a clinical name for I’m Sad cause it is dreary and grey! LOL  But, you don’t have to stay there! Life is All About Choices and believe it or not, there are Lots of things to do during Winter Solstice. One of my favs is “getting my spring cleaning and organizing out of the way”   Who wants to clean in the Spring? Seriously, after months of winter you want OUT and about and cleaning is Not typically one of the top things on people’s list. Who came up with that idea anyway? So, turn on your music and get to it, ya gotta stay in a lot so why not make good use of it. You can have some Fun with your kids too while you are at it. If you have floors with no carpet put, your socks on and SLIDE – fun, fun and cleans the floor at the same time. Might wanna wear a helmet just in case you slide a little to hard. LOL   This season is a great time to Cook too and teach your kids how to cook. Fun times can be had in the kitchen. And depending on how messy that gets you might be teaching them how to clean the kitchen too. Smile Or pamper yourself with a Hot Soak in the Tub or a good work out. That will heat you up and come Spring you’ll be Lookin’ Good!  How about some reading? Fun fiction or what a wonderful time to spend with Jesus. Allow Him to tend to your inner garden so when Spring comes you will blossom in all His glory. If you are open minded you can spend some time in Fiction and with a humans view of Jesus as a young man. Check out ” LAMB, the Gospel according to Biff, Christ’s childhood friend” by Christopher Moore.  It is humorous and he still gets Jesus point across too. Remember, I said if you are open minded so, if you aren’t and you read it anyway, I don’t need comments passing judgment on my suggesting this read. (FYI – it is not for children) I just know as a human being full of flaws this book made me see a lot about myself, others, and Jesus from the very Basics of human nature.  If you are more fundamental stick with “Conversations with God”, “As a Man Thinketh”  or ” A Road Less Traveled” and of course the KJV Bible is a Sure way to get to know our Lord.  Ok, well that’s it for now. Keep an eye out! I will be posting recipes, pamper me tips, and other tips that I hope will lift you up during this winter season.         Shalom and Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh my screaming Headache!

Ever have a day that is a double edged sword? It is beautiful out and you wanna do nothing but enjoy every minute But, you have a screaming headache that is getting in your way. Here in Arkansas we are in the time of year when the weather pops up and down in temps. 2 days ago it was freezing at night and 52 degrees high and today it is 74 degrees, sunny, 80% humidity, and WINDY!            The end result to this lovely mix =  Sinus issues with a matching headache.  So, what should you do about it?

Start off with Prayer believing God can fix it !

  • For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)
  • But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible  with God.” (Luke 18:27

Next try out a Neti Pot according to the Mayo Clinic: A neti pot is a container designed to rinse your nasal cavity. You might use a neti pot to treat nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. In fact, regular use of a neti pot is more effective for nasal allergy and sinus symptoms than are over-the-counter medications. If you are making your own saltwater solution, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using bottled water that has been distilled or sterilized.  I found It will relieve some of that pressure too. 

A good HOT cup of Breath Easy tea lends a hand for sure. This can be found in most health food stores & many grocery isles like Kroger’s on Chenal !

And then there is always Alieve or Alka Seltzer Sinus if you just aren’t into the natural way of seeking aid. Or if the natural products just don’t work for you today. As much as I hate to admit it sometimes the above just aren’t enough. But, MOST of the time they work well especially IF you start out seeking God to lend a hand in the matter…many times I never have to go beyond asking Him to “lend a girl a hand” and there He is On time all the Time. When I do have to go beyond prayer it is usually because “I” won’t get out of the way and let Him “Work it out within me.”  But, That is another post for another day.

So, if you, like me, are having a double edged sword kinda day: feeling Blessed and Thrilled with the fact it is a beautiful warm day in late November and at the same time Cursed because it is a warm windy day in late November, check out my prescription and see how it works for you. Smile  Here’s ones more thing to try: After prayer, do a little writing or posting and glorify God to relieve your mind.       It just worked for me. No more Screaming Headache. Hallelujah!  Now I can enjoy this fabulous day the Lord has given. SMILE

Shalom!

 

The Wonders of Nature

Serenity Point kick off was yesterday & what fun we had! Three of us showed up and we did “work it Out!”

Funny how God works, there we were fulfilling a piece of his Vision and purpose and there He was revealing a few things to all three of us as we worked it out in Nature. I was reminded that we must Always take time to do the things we Love, take time to step away from the world’s pressures & release what is within, and most important to not allow situations, others, or matters of the World take you from YOUR Purpose. In loosing site it is not only your loss but a loss to those God intends for your Purpose to touch.

Penny, who volunteers in many groups here in Fairfield Bay, is a giver, sometimes giving of herself to much and forgetting about Penny. She said, “Boy being in Nature and just toiling the Earth sure reduces stress. I feel so much more at Peace after this Nature Work Out” Not to mention she expressed how she could feel the Spirit of God with us and it made her heart sing.                                          Sandra, a young woman over 70, was surprised at how much energy she had after 3 hrs of workin’ it out in Nature.                           She said, ” Today was so Much Fun, usually I am ready to just go sit down after being out in the sun and all but, this time I had lots of energy afterward.” 

Yes, getting out in Nature to Work Out does give you Rest, Restoration, and Revives you. It raises your serotonin levels which enhance your mood. We were Created in part from the Earth, there is a Oneness when we get out and interact in Nature. Kindred spirits with ALL that is living, growing, striving to Live Life to the fullest. Never forget without Nature and ALL it provides we would Die. So, get out there Enjoy this Kingdom here on Earth, touch base with Nature and all it’s simple lessons it has to offer. You too will be pleasantly surprised. If you live in Fairfield Bay area come join us in our Nature Work Out & the creation of Serenity Point, a  restoration project in a small segment of the Garden of Eden, Earth.

Peace and Blessings!

 

 

We are Called to “LIVE” LIFE

Hi everyone! Took a little ‘workcation” to gather some Love and energy in San Diego.

Even though I was only away 6 days, thanks to my daughters, grandson, and friends, I feel the energy of LIFE is flowing once again. Now don’t get me wrong, I have wonderful friends in Arkansas too who share their Love and energy “OFTEN” but, that word OFTEN is part of the point. They do not deserve to be drained dry. Plus, your children & grandchildren just have a special kinda Love and Energy to share. They’ve known you forever and Know You. Ya know. LOL

Anyway, my point today is something Jesus has been telling me for 3 weeks now,    ” Matthew 8:22″      The disciple said to Him, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” 22 Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.” Jesus was not meaning to be cruel or heartless. He was letting the disciple know we have to keep in our remembrance, when someone is dying (spiritually or physically), not to get so absorbed in their death that we & His purpose for us dies too. Those of us who know what our purpose is & are well able are to continue on in the path, are Called to LIVE. We should never loose sight of that fact. As many of you know I have been dealing with my parents who are BOTH on their journey home to the Lord. And I know I was called here to be with them and help during this time. Yet, I also know He called me here to fulfill part of my purpose in LIFE, which is to reach out to those dying in Spirit and draw them back to the joy of Living Life. This website is part of a vision given to me years ago. With it’s purpose being to reach out with the Truth and Light of Life, to  draw as many possible back living a Life full of His Spirit!  A spirit that walks and fulfills the path of:  LIVE, LAUGH, and LOVE ! !                                                                   In just 6 days (what it took to create Earth) my trip home to San Diego showed me, these are the 3 keys to my walk with my    BFF, Jesus & where Joy and Peace are found.

That said, once again I want to thank ALL of you who brought and constantly bring Laughter & Love into my Life that I might    LIVE LIFE to the fullest & be well able to Share!

Hugs and PEACE!

 

Give your Feet a REST! They are what truly holds you UP!

Unless of course, you have been on break far to long. But, that is another Post. Smile

Today, I want to share a Break time that your whole body will love your for. It begins at your feet thru Reflexology! There are many ways & places you can go to tap the points in your feet which in turn run right up thru your entire body. Of course, there are many massage places you can go but, did you know there are other venues all around you. What about you and your mate massaging one another’s feet? Or you and a friend or neighbor. I don’t know how is not a valid excuse. You can go online,& learn @ http://www.how-to-do-reflexology.com/howtodoreflexology.html. Or be creative if you have the yard space and design a Reflexology Path, like we are doing at our Community Site, Serenity Point  to be used for years to come:                                           http://shuangxingfu.blogspot.com/2011/01/reflexology-path.html .  For us single folks there is HAND massage/reflexology.http://voices.yahoo.com/benefits-hand-reflexology-55285.html                                                                            Or IF you are flexible, like me, you can do your own feet too. Smile

Moving on, here are a few tidbits about Reflexology which I pray will make you stop and try it out for at least 20 mins. TODAY and many more days to come!

 Reflexology is based upon  the idea that there are different pressure points of the hands and feet that  relate to your organs. Mankind has known and practiced it since way back in time. Think about it, in Jesus times they knew one of The Ways of Healing and Rest was through Reflexology. Remember when He sat down to rest & had a woman come with the finest oils to “wash and massage” His feet. Or how about when He gird himself and washed the disciples feet. Not only was this method of cleansing it was a Way to Serve one another in Love and Tenderness.

One of the ways to check out the benefits of reflexology is very simple,  the use of it as an aid in relieving headaches.                 This simple form of  reflexology involves using a pressure point in the base of the thumb, and by  pressing down very firmly it sends a signal to the headache and nearly shuts it  off while the pressure is being applied.   What we call the base of the thumb is not on the outside, but the inside  rounded part.  There is a spot in between  that soft portion of the thumb and palm of the hand where this pressure relief  is generated and very effective for most patients.

There are not only physical benefits of reflexology, but  psychological benefits too.  Most people will tell you because they feel better physically, it aids in their feeling better psychologically.  If you’re tired all the time, or in constant pain, it doesn’t  keep the spirits uplifted now does it?  By being able  to unlock back pain and joint pain, it also provides the ability  to concentrate better and be more active.   For instance, when reflexology helps correct poor circulation, it can  help those who suffer from arthritis dramatically.  When a patient suffers from asthma or other  lung problems, reflexology can assist in relieving the symptoms so you don’t  feel short of breath. Reflexology can be beneficial for those suffering  from panic attacks and tension too.  By  using the pressure point techniques in the hands and feet, a state of  relaxation will ensue.  Relaxation alone  can help alter many other psychological related issues such as depression and  anxiety, and it will help release toxins from the body.  When the body is under an extreme amount of  stress, it holds onto toxins in the body and won’t let go.  Once the body is at a state of balance, the  toxins are released.  Once toxins are  released, the physical issues will also be improved.  What does that tell you,                            ” When you take a break and Rest Letting GO of “whatever” the toxins can Let Go and the body can heal being restored to it’s “natural state of being”. Toxins built up in the body can cause liver  damage, digestive problems and eventually will even surface in the skin.  This is when you see skin eruptions appear,  pimples and patches of acne.  As you can  see the benefits of reflexology are abundant, and nothing short of miraculous  in many cases.  In reflexology, the foot is considered the basis point for  your healing.  It is a KNOWN fact that  toxins enter the body through the feet, and by walking around without shoes we  open up our bodies to a world of germs and other toxins.  You can probably recall a time when you  realized that if your feet are warm, then the rest of your body is warm.  This is one of the indicators that the  massage of the feet in reflexology can lead to healing in other parts of the  body.  With what we now know of the  benefits of reflexology, the feet are what truly hold you up.  And

Ok, well that should be enough said. I leave you now to check it out for yourself.

Shalom!   Hugs! & most of All much  Love!