4th of July Red White & Blue Salad

2 Corinthians 3:17 ESV 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Directions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve berry blue gelatin in 1 cup boiling water; stir in 1 cup cold water. Add blueberries. Pour into a 3-qt. serving bowl. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
2. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, sprinkle unflavored gelatin ov
3. er 1/2 cup cold water; let stand for 1 minute. Add the cream and sugar; cook and stir over low heat until gelatin and sugar are completely dissolved. cool to room temperature. Whisk in sour cream and vanilla. Spoon over the blue layer. Refrigerate until firm.
4. In a large bowl, dissolve raspberry gelatin in remaining hot water; stir in remaining cold water. Add raspberries. Spoon over cream layer. Chill until set. Garnish with whipped topping and additional berries if desired. Yield: 14-16 servings.

Ingredients

1 package (3 ounces) berry blue gelatin 2 cups boiling water, divided 2-1/2 cups cold water, divided 1 cup fresh blueberries 1 envelope unflavored gelatin 1 cup heavy whipping cream 6 tablespoons sugar 2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 package (3 ounces) raspberry gelatin 1 cup fresh raspberries Whipped topping and additional berries, optional

Galatians 5:13 ESV / 

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is supposed to be a day when we remember what brave men and women have done to protect our nation in times of war. We are blessed beyond belief to be Americans. Many of our relatives, children and grandchildren are dispatched around the world fighting to preserve freedom. But the vast majority are not serving in the military, either by personal choice or because they are too young, and they need to understand the significance of the sacrifices made on their behalf. Take a few minutes now to remember those who gave their lives to protect and defend our freedom.

"God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him"  Romans 5:8-9

I would like to now tell you about the greatest sacrifice made in the history of mankind.

Jesus of Nazareth, gave His life on the Cross so that men and women could be free from sin, and judgment, and Hell. This is the greatest sacrifice anyone ever made for mankind. The Son of God was arrested, beaten, mocked and thrashed. They spit on His face, and beat Him over the head with sticks of wood. And then they nailed His hands and feet to a Cross. As His life-Blood poured out through those wounds, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" Luke 23:34.                

                                  He did all of that for you !

What can you do to honor him?

Read the bible and learn accordingly from the word.

“And it shall be, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved(Acts 2:21).

“And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

Mothers Dictionary of meanings

With Mothers Day coming up I thought this was appropriate.

Mother's Dictionary of Meanings
Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.
Full Name: What you call your child when you're mad at him.
Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.
Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
Independent: How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say.
Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
Show Off: A child who is more talented than yours.
Sterilize: What you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva.
Top Bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
Two-Minute Warning: When the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar-grunting noises.
Whodunit: None of the kids that live in your house.

The way my family and garden grows: Salad in a Jar

The way my family and garden grows: Salad in a Jar: 1 Corinthians   10:31  So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. One of my resent goals is to lose ...

A cheerful spirit

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:13

For the poor, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:15 NLT

Faith, hope and love, these three but the greatest of these is love.

Corinthians 13:13

Happiness means something different to each individual. Material things, love, people and places. Take the time to learn to appreciate everything and try not to get attached to anything. Because it can change in a blink of an eye.

Turn off the TV, watching to much makes you hunger for more possessions, and fuels discontentment. Get outside, enjoy some nature, smell the flowers, start a garden, walk the dog. God has made a wonderful world. Getting outside can increase your productivity, happiness, and health.

Eat wisely. Did you know different foods can act as antidepressants, Some help relieve stress, and actually put you in a better mood. Sweets and simple carbs, like white rice and white bread, quickly raise blood sugar they flood you with insulin, and then drop you in a hole. Try a diet rich in grains/starches, dried beans and peas, fruit, and vegetables in order to get carbohydrates for muscle energy. Don't skimp on protein either, which is necessary for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, include some fat for satiety and healthy skin.

It is normal to have small amounts of sadness or depression, choose to redirect your attention to the positive, your serotonin levels increase along with your mood. Exercise is extremely good at improving depressive symptoms and increasing mood. Try to change yourself instead of focusing on changing the world.  Have some fun. Thinking with a positive attitude feels better than thinking with a negative one.  Have you noticed positive people are happy people. So look on the bright side.

Follow your heart.  Choose a career in a field that makes you happy, because you will be happier in all areas of your life. Take some courses to improve yourself in that field or interest. Having a solid belief in one's own abilities increases life satisfaction and makes us  happier both in our home lives and in our work lives.

Try to get enough sleep. It’s funny how some of us wake up each and every day feeling that whatever they have is what makes them happy. No matter what type of hardships you have to endure, try to overcome them and believe every day is another opportunity for happiness. Everyone in this world has something that makes them happy.

Think about what makes you happy.  I'm happy!

Until next time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM
Pharrell Williams Happy

BZZ Agent Report on Kroger Spring Cleaning

CLEAN HOUSE TO COLLECT MORE FUEL POINTS

You fuel your annual clean sweep with equal parts elbow grease and affordable cleaning supplies. But what if purchasing those products could fuel more than just your spring cleaning? Yeah for 4X fuel points! As a Bzz Agent I got cleaning and paper products at a discount, and saved money on my gas with 4x the fuel points!

How do you define yourself

Psalm 139:13-16 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

I am a child of God, I am a daughter, mother, sister,aunt, grandma & friend. I am hardworking, compassionate, a front office assistant & loving person. I am Donna Lee Thomas Coffey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdLIerfXuZ4      

The Who "Who are you?"

"Who are you?"

If someone asked who are you, what would you say? Of course you would give your name. What if they asked how do you see yourself? We each identify with many different factors in our life.

Do you identify yourself by your job, family relationship, race, politics, age, your health or physical appearance, schooling, your abilities or disabilities? Your religious belief? What if one of these changed? Would that change who you are? I think outward appearances and circumstances do change. To figure out who you are I think looking within yourself helps to define yourself.

1 Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness in to his wonderful light".

1 Samuel 16:7 - But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Until next time

Salad in a Jar

1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

One of my resent goals is to lose weight. Here is an idea I had. Salad in ajar.

Everything stays separate and dressing-free until you toss the salad together in the bowl — never eat another soggy lunch salad. Even better , with the lid sealed tightly these salads last for days in the fridge so we can make a week's worth of lunches ahead of time. . If you're making salads with soft ingredients or perishable proteins, like avocados, tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, or cooked chicken breast, wait to add those ingredients until the day that you plan to eat the salad

Here’s how you do it.

1) Gather your ingredients. (jars, salad dressing, raw vegetables, fresh and dried fruit, nuts, cheese, and salad greens)

2) You start by layering the ingredients.

a) salad dressing (adding first helps you avoid sogginess)

b) Hard vegetables (celery, carrots, cucumbers, red and green peppers.

c) Cheese only if eating that day.

d) Salad Greens

1. Screw the lid on the jar and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you're including any cheese, proteins, or soft fruits and vegetables, add these to the top of the jar the morning you plan to eat your salad.
2. When ready to eat, unscrew the lid and shake the salad into the bowl. The action of shaking the salad into the bowl is usually enough to mix the salad with the dressing. If not, toss gently with a fork until coated.

• Until next time

Thankfulness in Daily Living

I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 69:30

Recently I have been organizing my living space. I'm a long way from finished.

Lately I have felt as if I’ve been adrift in a raging sea. I work hard, but don't seem to get anywhere.  Today I am taking time to process some of my thoughts and feelings. I am thankful for family,GOD, my church and my job. I have relied on them a lot within the past couple of years. In turn they have been able to rely on me as well.  I am thankful I have watched those who I look up to most fall apart, for it has helped me understand that with age comes both experience and wisdom, but no one is immune to feelings. It’s shown me that I am not the only one who carries a human heart, and the weight of the world on my shoulders.

I need to start thinking about what I want for myself in the future. That starts with making goals for myself. Asking where do I see myself in 5, 10, 20 or 30 years. This is one of the hardest things for me to do. What do I want? How can I achieve it?

Well I guess I will start with listing 5 to 10 areas in almost everyone's lives.

1) Spiritual-Pray for deeper understanding of the word.   
2) Family- Spend more time with loved ones  
3) Financial-pay off car 2-3 years, raise the rent on Florida property or sell it.  
4) Physical- start eating better, continue my walking and take a class like Tai Chi.  
5) Artistic-start drawing and writing again    
6) Career- Be the best I can be at what I do
7) Pleasure- take a vacation 
8) Education-read more take some courses for work online
9) Relationship stop being so picky and make time for one.

Step One Complete

I will write more after I ponder on how to achieve the steps I need to take to realize my full potential, defining my priorities and setting realistic goals. I hope to gain financial security, health and well-being. This all begins and ends with personal growth.

Until next time.

Clearing physical clutter

1 st Corinthians 14:40

But all things should be done decently and in order.

Like laundry and dishes one of the things about clutter is you can clean it up and it returns.

Under normal circumstances that should be no problem. My clutter problem started by my love of reading and clerical work, caretaking of family members and being too wiped out to deal with it. The amount of paperwork involved in care taking is phenomenal. You can only add to it by living in a small bedroom. It becomes overwhelming. Much easier to try and ignore the growing piles.

I am slowly sorting through the mess. I find I am able to think a little clearer as well.

Solution don’t procraticate. Break down your tasks and do a little at a time. Get a good filing system going. And get a mental picture of what you would like to accomplish. Wish me luck.

                                                  Corner before and after

Bin before and after filing and trashing some papers

Ten items to trash and ten items to give away.

Clearing Clutter from your mind and surroundings

Romans 12:1-2 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I have recently noticed my inability to keep things tidy. My areas or in my mind. I have been taking home a lot of things and just stack them on top of one another. My thoughts race from one thing to another.

Clutter can be an enormous drain on your time and energy. I am making a plan to de-clutter. I am hoping it will reduce some of my stress and frustration. I am going to reclaim my space and increase my energy. One benefit I hope to obtain from my goal of getting rid of clutter is to feel good about myself and the place where I live.

So here is how I am going to start this out. I will throw or donate 10 things for the next 14 days. I will keep you posted on my progress. I will try to uncluttered my mind as well.

A) Room or Area Clutter

1) Set your goals.My clutter control goal is to keep those things that make sense in the space that I have. I decided to ask myself a set of questions. When did I last use the item? Am I likely to use it again? Is it worth holding onto it, given my bedroom is small and is cluttered?

2) Develop a plan.
Without one I found it was a real motivational drainer. I found it helpful to make a to-do list with a set time for each task. This can be as little as 10 minutes a day. Write down what you want to de-clutter. Break down your tasks so that you can keep your de-cluttering tasks specific. After I set a task I will complete it. I choose a small thing to organize - ex: organize a drawer, corner or a part of the closet. I will not stop halfway; I will try to complete the task.

3) Have a vision to reduce clutter in the future.
By focusing on what you want and the relationship between you and your space (rather than the quantity of stuff) you really make some permanent ch.anges in your habits. Imagine how good it feels to have an organized home and life and to know where your things are.

B) Mind Clutter

1) Reduce Worry.
Think about the right now. As the old saying goes yesterday is gone and tomorrow can take care of itself. If something frustrates you, tell yourself that I am doing the best I can at this moment in life.

2) Positive Thinking.

Fake it until you can make it. Say to yourself I can do this. Positive thinking can cause you to believe so you can be.

3) Learn from your emotions.

Is this feeling a response to ignoring a need, pushing myself too hard, expecting too much of myself, or somehow treating myself without kindness and compassion?

4) Journal
Spend a few minutes each day to write down your thoughts. Then write the good things that happened that day and what you are thankful for.

5) Cut yourself some slack. 
If you find that you are slipping back into behaviors that you are trying to change, congratulate yourself for recognizing that. Then recommit to the new behavior.

My hope is if I follow these simple tips will help me get back on track, clear the chatter in my head, and help me make time for the things most important in life.

My feeling of grief

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, and I thought as a child. But when I became an adult, I grew far beyond my childhood, and now I have put away the childish ways.

- 1 Corinthians 13, 11

This verse runs through my mind, along with thoughts running as swift as the White River here in Indiana, during a flood.

My father, lying in a darkened nursing home room, was close to death. But as he reached for my hand and looked at me intently, he was fully aware that his daughter was at his side.  He told me I love you and I said the same. I answered as confidently as I could despite the tears in my eyes and the quiver in my voice. I knew he was almost ready to begin his journey home to God. But I'm not ready and don't want to deal with this by myself.  The next day a nurse from hospice came to sign my dad up for the program. I asked how long do you think he has? She answered days maybe a couple of weeks. That day he never opened his eyes or spoke a word. I busied myself downloading pictures of him to make a video. For his funeral showing. I went home after sitting with dad for the last 8 hours. I was tired. I awoke to a ringing phone that Monday morning I dreaded answering it, feeling immediately awake. The nurse told me dad had passed away in his sleep peacefully.  Oh God I cried running down the stairs to tell my sister. It had been a long, agonizing 17 months watching my father go from a stroke, the   ICU, dialysis, dementia trying to take his mind, and having to learning to walk again. He'd improve all around only to worsen again to finally needing more and more care as his heart continued to decline and finally just gave out. I was trying to do my best but never feeling adequate to the task.  With my father’s death, memories of the months of exhaustion, fear, self-doubt, second-guessing-and, yes, complaining, "When will all this end, when will I get some help?"- Those thoughts instantly vanished. I had experienced the death of loved ones before, but never did it hurt like this. I was almost 50 years old, but I felt helpless. The death of my father has affected my ability to sleep.  But mixed in with that is also a sense of relief along with the grief. I will see a place we went together or hear a song and the tears come. I am usually alone when this happens. But I try to keep it all together. We may have lived enough years to be an adult but we will always be a child in relation to our parents. Even if we find ourselves "parenting our parents" before their death. With all the memories I am finding it is the father of my youth and childhood that was buried.  His last hospitalization he flat lined and stopped breathing, a nurse told me I should start preparing for his death. it is virtually impossible to prepare ourselves emotionally for the loss. When it is our parent it sounds kind of cliche to say he had a long life and was suffering surely it is a blessing to know he is with Jesus now. But that is what I have to believe. I would like to be a child again and hug my daddy one more time.

Baby its Cold Outside

Snow is wet and made up of ice crystals. Kids love it. 
Here are some ideas for you to try.
Mini snow family:

Must easier to make than full size snow man. 
Snow Globes:
Use strong  glue to attach a plastic toy to the inside of a jar lid, then add baby oil and glitter for a homemade snow globe; it makes a fun souvenir of a great day.
Bird Feeder:
Hollow out an orange and fill with seeds to feed your feathered friends.
Tic Tac Snow:
Two players go for the championship in this classic game. Use crisscrossed sticks and pinecones as game pieces.
Snow Castles:
Borrow some pans from the kitchen. Use them to build crystal fairy castles or to create cakes for a cold-weather "buffet."

Now for the Adults Here are a few tips:
Does the news of heavy snow sound like a chance for fun? Think again. Snow coming down at a rapid pace and strong winds blowing and drifting the snow into piles deep enough to bury cars make for poor visibility and life threatening emergencies.
Make sure that you have candles, matches or lighters, a flashlight, a battery-operated radio, and emergency food supplies and tons of blankets.
In heavy snows stay off the road until driving conditions are safe again.
If you get stranded in your car during a bad snow storm be prepared with plenty of warm clothes and packaged snack foods. It may seem sensible to leave the engine running to keep warm, but it isn't. The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is high. Snow can block your exhaust pipe and fill the car with deadly fumes. Keeping one window open just a bit will help avoid this. If you keep the engine running you may run out of gas before the storm is over. 
Snow Emergency Kits:
batteries, flash lights, battery operated radio/television, bottled water, toilet paper, nonperishable foods such as cereal or crackers, canned goods, a non electric can opener, a small cooler, candles, prescription medicines and any over-the-counter remedies you use regularly; board games, cards & puzzles. And if you have young infants or toddlers - diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby food.
 Finally, STAY INSIDE.