What's New?
One Moment
Today, I woke up feeling overwhelmed. I am in a challenge. Sometimes it feels like more that one. So, my day was feeling very negative! Every morning, I have a little quiet time with God. I read a little, think about what I read and have a conversation with God. I sip tea and nibble a cookie. Somewhere during that time, I get some wisdom to help me through my day. Today, I heard, “I gave you the gift of this brand new day, but, how are you using it? You are already negative about it. What a waste of a good day.” So I thought — what do I do? Then, I heard, “ Don’t look at the whole day. Look at this one moment. Do it and move on to the next one. You can get through one moment, right?” So, I thought about this idea and realized I can do one moment. I created a plan for my day. I will take one moment at a time, do my best, enjoy the moment, smile, be excited about what I accomplished in that moment and move on to the next. I’ve been using this already this morning and it has taken away the negativity and stress of the whole day. I am so grateful to be given the gift of a new day from God. It’s a treasure. Why would I want to give away this gift by being negative and giving my day to the enemy. I can just see him laughing at me this morning until I had my quiet time with God who put me back on my path. I don’t know about you, but I hate when the enemy wins and I lose! So, today, I will be living one moment at a time whether it’s hard or easy. I can do it because I have God by my side, cheering me on!
What's New?
Honey In Your Heart
Honey In Your Heart
by Mary Anne Radmacher
See all the Honey — sweet little things—in my daily life.
Take the time to “see” them.
Let go of the past/move forward.
Choose compliment over complaint.
Observe my words in my day.
Discuss what went right.
Let go of how it should be/enjoy the unexpected/messy.
To be happy you need to be well.
Self-care is #1.
Leave pain behind!
Don’t invite the painful stories into my life/put them to rest/get rid of pain/does not lead to sweetness.
Letting pain in steals my time.
Complaining takes away from the good.
Too busy thinking about what’s wrong, the good things go by without being seen.
Instead invite compliments/focus on what went right.
Instead of complaining, make a list of ten things I like about you.
Notice what is going well!
What do I accomplish by complaining/create an alternative to complaining.
I am the only one responsible for how I see myself.
You can NOT do everything today, but, you can do 1 thing!
You are perfect just as you are!
Things have to make sense to me not to every/anyone else.
Being right isn’t always good. Be flexible. It’s an invitation to possibilities.
I wonder where this will take me.
Savor the “sweet” parts of my day.
Turn down volume of demands.
“Build my world one good, grateful word at a time.”
“If I have complaints about where I am going, change the words I am walking on.”
Work on one thing at a time with diligence and commitment.
What footprints will I leave in the soil on this day?
Begin — Simply Begin!
“Live then or now. It’s impossible to be in two place at once!”
“Be good to yourself :) It’s the way to teach other how to treat you.”
When there is an opportunity for unkindness — remain silent.
Write down the “Yahs” of my day/life. Write down what caused it. Things that make me jump for joy inside. Create The Every Day List of Yahs. Savor simple good things every day
How do I invite myself into my day — it sets the tone.
Sweet ideas:
Send a Just Because Card
Send something to a far away friend.
Adopt a military person/send gifts, cards, letters
Choose flexibility over impatience.
Choose compassion over conflict. Have conversation instead of a fight.
Love myself including my short comings.
Love them just as they are NOT as I think they should or could be.
Water the “wishing tree” that grows in the soil of my own soul.
Banish the bitterness.
I didn’t complain once all day long.
Listen longer/speak less.
Contribute good/change the world.
Forgive more/judge less.
Accept more/criticize less.
I have been living in the world of complaints!
What's New?
Hold My Hand!
I love the idea of God holding my hand and guiding me. Life can be so hard sometimes and knowing that God is there for me and I can just reach out and take His hand is so comforting. This little prayer is good for anyone, but it would be wonderful for a child too. How wonderful to learn this so young in your life. I was 57 before I even began to start the journey to knowing God and building a relationship with Him! It’s been life changing! Know that God is always there!
What's New?
What Is Faith?
I loved this saying: Faith is not hoping God can. It's knowing He will. I have learned to Believe God can and wants to help. I Trust and have Faith that He is always with me, waiting for me to invite Him in. When I do these things, my life is so much easier. I DO BELIEVE God can do all thingss, but sometimes, I have to be patient and wait for His timing --it's always just right! Also, there is usually a lesson that I need to learn first. I'm not always quick to pick up on the lsesson. Like today's Thought of the Day. Use your words to change the situation! Boy, did I need to hear those words.
What's New?
I Am Stronger Than I Think!
I love having a relationship with God. It’s wonderful to have a friend like God who is always willing to listen to me and be there for me. I know the last few weeks have been unbelievably hard for me. My best friend of 65 years became critically ill on Thanksgiving night. She was taken to the hospital and went into the ICU. Last Friday, she passed away. It was a blessing for her, but a heart break for the ones she left behind. I don’t know what I would have done, if God was not by my side then and now. Part of having a relationship with God, is that I can just talk to Hm. Tell Him what I am thinking, what I need, how I feel. Saturday morning I was talking to Him, telling Him about my heartbreak and not knowing how life will be with out Linda. Then, He gave me these words and they are helping me so much. No matter what your struggle might be, they could help you too. That is why I am sharing.
God said, “Kathleen, you think it’s too much to handle, but YOU ARE STRONGER THAN YOU THINK. YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES! I GAVE IT TO YOU!” He continue to say, He won’t let us get in a situation we can’t handle. He never gives up on us. He’ll keep telling us that we are stronger than we think, even, when we don’t believe it. God says that I am well able. I can do whatever comes my way. These words have been very helpful to me. I read them every day to remind myself and many times during the day I just say, “I am stronger than I think.” We all have struggles that we are going through. I hope these thoughts will help you through yours.
What's New?
I Don't Have To Fix Everything!
I just love when God gives me just the words I need. This morning, this is what I heard. Problems are part of life. I cannot escape them. Immediately, I want to fix everything. I am a fixer! But, I get frustrated. I can’t fix everything for everyone. I’m just not capable. I don’t have everything for everyone. But, I don’t have to because I have God. All I need to do is talk to God. I should tell Him what is on my mind. Ask Him to show me what to do. What is important because sometimes I focus on the unimportant. I am someone who has always believed I have to do it for myself, not relying on others or letting others help. Since I have developed my relationship with God, I have learned — NO, I DON’T HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING ON MY OWN. First of all, I have God now, who LOVES to help me and he is teaching me to let others help me. As part of my reading this morning, this scripture was shared. I loved reading it today, so I am sharing it with you.
Psalm 32:8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” I found these words to be very comforting and lifted a weight off my shoulders. I don’t have to fix everything by myself! I hope my sharing this will help others who might be thinking like me! Have a wonderful day and remember, God is watching over each of us1 This makes me feel so safe and happy.
What's New?
Have Leftover Chicken?
Do you have leftover chicken? I like to make chicken quesadillas with my chicken leftovers. I made some last night and my husband really liked them. It’s pretty simple, which I really like.
I pull the chicken apart in little pieces.
I add some shredded colby-jack cheese.
I add some ranch dressing and mix it all together.
There is no exact measuring, just to taste.
In a pan, I put some olive oil.
I take 2 round corn tortillas. I place one on the bottom, place some mixture on it and place the second tortilla on top of that.
I place it in the frying pan, cook the bottom till light brown, flip it over and do the same on the other side.
I take it out, let it sit 1 or 2 minutes and cut it in half.
We think it’s very yummy. Hope you like it too :)
What's New?
Being Grateful!
Gratitude is pretty powerful! Yesterday, in my Hugs’ group, we were talking about gratitude. Did you know you cannot be grateful and depressed at the same time? It’s true! Give it a go. When you are feeling grumpy, stop, think of 3 to 5 things that you are grateful for. How do you feel? I bet you are not grumpy any more. Gratitude allows us to focus on the good things we already have in our life. Maybe, the things we take for granted — like a hot shower, a bed to sleep in, food to eat, clean clothes … But there are so many other things, too. My favorite thing to be grateful for is having a relationship with God. Wow! Has that ever changed my life! I am grateful all day long. I read an amazing book, The Gratitude Jar: A Simple Guide to Creating Miracles by Josie Robinson. This is a story of Josie’s journey. She was in a very dark place. She could see NO good in her life. Someone recommended having a Gratitude Jar. For a month, every night Josie and her 4 year old son, told each other 1 thing they were grateful for that day. They wrote it on a piece of paper, read it to each other, put in a gratitude basket. The book is the story of how doing JUST that changed her, her life and her family. Duane and I did it for 30 days. The picture is our Gratitude Jar. Our changes were not as dramatic for us because our life was nothing like Josie’s, but we did become much more grateful and happier. Today, all day long, when something good happens or I see something I like — a cardinal playing in the bush surrounding my screen porch, I stop and say thank you., God. I love thanking God, for all the amazing little things in my life, as well as big! Being grateful just gives you such a wonderful feeling deep, down inside. You begin to see — yeah, my life isn’t so bad. You come to appreciate the good things in life, which brings happiness! In my book, A Journey to Faith, A Planting of Seeds, I have a chapter on gratitude with some ideas to help become more grateful. Give gratitude a go and see what happens. You can always share with me/us by leaving a comment on Let’s Keep In Touch. I would be so Grateful to hear from you!
What's New?
Do Not Feel Guilty
Yesterday, I had to take my husband to the doctor and get an X-ray. I went to Starbucks to get some gift cards and a hot chocolate with caramel. When I got home, I decided to sip my hot chocolate and read my new Colleen Hoover book for awhile. Oh, did I mention, it was a rainy, dreary day. It was so cozy in my chaise and the book was so good that I ended up reading ALL day! When I woke up this morning, I was feeling guilty, very guilty “wasting” my day yesterday. I was not feeling happy or motivated to get busy today. Just feeling guilty. Have you ever felt that way? So, as I was having my tea and cookies this morning and chatting with God, this is what He said. “The enemy has you so focused on what you did yesterday. I am excited about what you will do today! Do Not feel guilty. You have a brand new day today. Get busy and let’s see what this new day will bring you! BEE excited! Not guilty! I want you to enjoy your day and your life! Yesterday is gone, but today…”
So, I put a smile on my face and I am excited to see what happens today!
What's New?
Easy and Delicious
This is a recipe for Crock Pot Pork Chops. It’s the easiest dinner I have ever made. Duane and I LOVE it!
4 to 6 boneless pork chops
2 10 oz. cans of cream of chicken soup — I like the one with herbs
1 packet Ranch Dressing
- Grease bottom of crock pot.
- Place pork chops on bottom. I trim off the fat.
- Pour soups over chops and sprinkle the Ranch Dressing on top.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 3 hours.
This makes a delicious gravy. I serve with mashed potatoes, vegetables or fruit. It’s so yummy and the pork chops just fall apart! Enjoy!
What's New?
So, So Busy!
Oh my! The last couple of days have been so busy! It started early each morning, which is when I do my posting! It’s all been wonderful and lots of fun! My new church offered a bible study on Thursday morning. My friend and I went. It was amazing! It was my first Bible Study ever and I loved it! Can’t wait till next Thursday. Thursday night, I was asked to watch my 2 little great granddaughters early on Friday morning! Who can say no to that — not me! They are non stop energy, but tons of fun! Then this morning, I went and watched my son coach high school football! That was wonderful! It was a dream he has had since he was little. It was a great game! They won 58 to 28! My favorite part was when this boy went in and the whole team was cheering for him! He was so excited that he finally got to go in! It was wonderful to watch! I finally found a little time when I wasn’t too tired and had energy. I hope you have been having some fun too! Check back. I will be adding new things again! I see a slowing down in my future!
What's New?
It's Okay!
Yesterday, was my day to write at The Grind! I wasn’t feeling my best, but I went because I love writing at The Grind! I was able to finish the chapter I have been working on for a new book. I was happy, just not feeling like me. So, I came home and just melted into my chaise, if you know what I mean. LOL I kept wondering why I was feeling this way, but never came up with a good reason. I was just doing it. Then, on FaceBook, I saw this poster. I read it, smiled, and thought — it’s okay! I’m just having one of those days. The funny thing was, a little later on, I got up, got my computer and typed up my chapter. I guess, I just needed permission to melt into my chaise. I love this poster! It saved my day!
What's New?
Beliefs!
I was thinking about how our beliefs affect our behavior. One day, when I was teaching, I decided to think about what I believe about teaching. I wrote down my beliefs and used those beliefs to guide my instruction. I was always so grateful for taking the time to do that. I truely believe it made me a better teacher. I did it again when I wrote my book, A Journey to Faith, A Planting of seeds. I needed to know what did I believe about God. Again, those beliefs have guided my in how I live my life. Recently, I have thought about my Self-Talk. What do I say to and about myself all day? I have learned about the power of positive affirmations and how they can change my life. I can truly say-- what you believe does affect what you do and think! I have struggled with negative thinking most of my life. I love what I have learned about positive self-talk. In Coffee Self-Talk, I learned how to write and repeatedly say positive dailly affirmations . They are making a difference. I would love to share 5 of mine with you. I have created pages of them. Feeling positive is a great way to feel!
+I love today because I am in charge of my day. I make it what I want. I plan my day to make me happy.
+ I ALWAYS have a choice!!!
+ I love me just the way I am today -- Fabulous!
+ I make it happen -- me and only me, with the help of God, of course!
+ I can do it! I really can do it! Yes, you can. Yes, you can! Yes, you can!
My next book is going to have a whole chapter on positive self-talk! You will notice I call mine -- Tea Time Self-Talk because I love to read them with my tea and cookies:) Happy Thinking
What's New?
A New Bear Fan!
Is this not the most awesome picture ever? I love this picture! My great granddaughter, Maddy, went to her first Bear Game and she loved it! She is a BIG Bear fan now! This is a little hard for her dad. He is a BIG Packer fan! Today, is Wear Your Favorite Had Day at preschool and Maddy will be proudly weraring her Bears Hat! Go Maddy! Go Bears!
What's New?
BLT Dip Recipe!
Trick or Treat! This is definitely not a trick! I know the holidays are coming up and this is a family favorite dip recipe and I thought I would share it with you all :) Marjorie, a lady I taught with for many years, brought this in for treats once and EVERYBODY loved it! Hope you do too.
BLT Dip
1 1/2 cup Mayo
8 oz. sour cream
3 oz. bacon pieces
2 medium tomatoes diced
Blend all together
Chill
Serve with cut up bread or Bugles!
It's SO yummy!
What's New?
I Will Not Rot!
I read a great book, Coffee Self-Talk by Kristen Helmstetter! She teaches you to write and say postitive affirmations. It has been so helpful! One of my affirmations is: I love today because I am in charge of my day. I make it what I want. I plan my day to make me happy. As I was reading this today, I stopped and thought about yesterday. I had an amazing morning with my daughter and then I came home. I was a little tired. I walked 8,000 steps so I sat down on the couch and stayed there all afternoon. I don't know why. But, thinkning back on it -- I was not happy sitting there. A few weeks back, God told me I am just rotting when I sit on the couch for a long time not really doing anything. When I could be up and doing thingsI want to do, things that make me happy. I really don't like the word ROT! But that's what I did yesterday! So, today, there is no more putting myself down about yesterday. I'ts gone! Today, I will do it differently! I have a whole list of things I can do today to make me happy! SITTING AND ROTTING DOES NOT MAKE ME HAPPY! Find things to make you happy today! REMEMBER, YESTERDAY IS GONE! Today is a whole, new day! Make it happy! I am!
ps Just to let you know, my book, A Journey to Faith, A Planting of Seeds, is small, but it's packed full of positive thoughts :)
What's New?
The Magic of a Smile!
I love having a relationship with God! It's wonderful to have someone to talk to that will help and guide you. I love when God gives me just what I need like this morning! I woke up and I was sour! No doubt about it - - I WAS SOUR!! I wasn't even out of bed. So, I heard this little voice say, "So, this is how you are going to use my day, being like this?" I was thinking about those words, when He saiid, You know the enemy is laughing at you. He believes that you are not even out of bed and he's got you!" Hmmm, I did not like that! Then I heard, "I will share a secret with you. When you are on the negative path and the enemy is winning, JUST SMILE! It will put you back on My path and you will feel happier." So I did smile and I did immediately feel better all morning. I just keep smiling! It really feels good! But, my lesson did not stop there. In my morning reading, I was reading a Victoria Osteen book, Fearless and Free, and the section I was to read today was, Signal Joy. I couldn't believe it! It was all about smiling. Did you know (science has proven) that smiling can lift your mood and lower your stress? It did for me today. I didn't have a reason to smile. I was sour. But, I just smiled and waalaa -- I felt better! Victoria said that smiling tricks your brain into feeling happy! I also learned, joy lives inside me all the time. You just have to turn it on and a smile does that! So give it a go today. If you are grumpy, negative, unhappy, sour, sad, lonely just STOP AND SMILE! See if it helps! Have a smily day today. Sure would love to hear from you. Just go to Let's Keep in Touch! I sure love to chat! Hope you don't mind! Smiles and Hugs
Kathy
What's New?
I love writing! One thing I love to do as a writer is write in different places. I love writing at The Village Grind. It's a cozy, comfy place downtown Oswego.. There are always people hanging out together and lots of laughing! Sometimes I meet someone new or someone I know. I love to write on my screen porch in the summer. When my daughter lived in California, I loved to write at Crystal Cove. One time I wrote on the Lifeguard's chair, but I really loved writing on a big rock in the tidepool area. One year, Linda, my best friend, came out too and she took pictures of me writing in all kinds of places at Crystal Cove. That's what best friends do! I like to make whatever I am doing fun! What do you like to do that's fun? You can share in any of the Let's Keep In Touch spots :) Have a fun day!
Solo Cup Fun!
- I was so exited! I was going to hangout with Maddy and Kallie all morning!! We played games and then I brought out the red solo cups! We played for over an hour with these cups. It's the best kept secret for kid fun! They built so many fun castles, forts. I was so proud of them. They never got upset when they fell down. They just started building again. Actually, it's fun when they fall too! The kids usually giggle and laugh. Kids love building with solo cups -- It's tons of fun and it's cheap! Give it a go sometime!
Site Content
9/20/22
I love Tuesdays! I go and write at The Grind. I usually write in the back room on this long counter. It's great! I can spread out! But a lady ran into the side of The Grind, right where I usually sit. So the back room is closed til the repairs are made. So, I had to sit in the big room. I still was able to find a cozy spot. It wasn't as roomy, but I did chat with a fun daughter and her dad. It made me wish my dad and I could hang out at The Grind. Love you, dad!