Hello.  Welcome to 2017!  Let’s start out right with our fresh new opportunity.

  • It is never too late to be what you might have been.~ George Eliot
  • Life is what we are alive to.  It is not length but breadth.  Be alive to…goodness, kindness, purity, love, history, poetry, music, flowers, stars, God, and eternal hope.~ Maltbie Babcock
  • Proverbs 4:23-24~ Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.  Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Here is a tidbit from the book, “Little Things”, published in 1852.  I think it is such a good reminder for us all!  Notice the old-fashioned words and word structure. 😀

Look around you, first in your own family, then among your friends and neighbors, and see whether there be not someone whose little burden you can lighten, whose little cares you may lessen, whose little pleasures you can promote, whose little wants and wishes you can gratify.  Giving up cheerfully our own occupations to attend to others, is one of the little kindnesses and self-denials.  Doing little things that nobody likes to do, but which must be done by someone, is another.  It may seem to many, that if they avoid little unkindnesses, they must necessarily be doing all that is right to their family and friends; but it is not enough to abstain from sharp words, sneering tones, petty contradiction, or daily little selfish cares; we must be active and earnest in kindness, not merely passive and inoffensive.

Poinsettias

Pardon the poinsettias, but I didn’t get to use this photo in my Christmas posts!

What are you excited about for this year?  Even though this time of year is my least favorite, there are good things happening.  For me: Rick is now officially less than 10 years away from retirement (I guess this is more his excitement than mine!)  Chelsea and Jacob’s new house will be finished this spring…then they can start thinking about a family.  😀  Hopefully, Luke will soon be working in the field of his new degree.  The trees and flowers are getting their yearly rest just waiting to burst forth in the spring with a “hello, world, I’m back”!   Our church, Relevant, will break ground for their first building!  What good things do you see in your world?

What changes would you like to make?  Forgive someone, reconnect with a long-lost friend, be more disciplined, find a great church to be a part of, learn how to eat better, make a new friend?

I want to be generous, in all ways, so that I can make a difference in others’ lives.  That certainly is not easy; the older I get the less disciplined I seem to be with my time (and exercise!), but I definitely think it’s worth the effort.  I would like to do more “little kindnesses” as discussed above.  🙂  But, especially, I want others to know the difference between being religious/going to church and truly walking with Jesus!  I have learned the difference, and I’m grateful.

I always think of life as exciting and as an adventure.  Just everyday life and living are so full of hope and joy!  I believe that almost anything can be made fun with the right perspective and some excitement.  There are so many things to look forward to!  We never know what is going to happen.  If you don’t feel this way and would like to talk about it, contact me!  I want to help if I can.  🙂

Please don’t think my life is perfect and that everything is just the way I want it, that is not true.  But I have hope and trust in God.  I love Proverbs 3:5-6 and have ever since I became a believer/follower of Jesus in 1994.  It says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart ♥ and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

From Jesus Calling

From Jesus Calling

Just had to share this devotion.  It has the name of my email in it!  I believe in His “hand of grace” completely.  

What a beautiful thought.  Do you know the meaning of “grace”?  

It’s undeserved merit or favor.  He protects and blesses us, changes hearts, changes situations. ♥

Speaking of the new year and new things, we tried something new for dinner recently.  We mostly eat salads.  We believe raw foods are better because the vitamins and minerals have not been cooked out of them, and they are easier to digest because the enzymes haven’t been killed in the cooking process.  But once or twice a week we do eat meat, and grass-fed is the way to go.  We ate Buffalo burgers last week.  We could hardly tell the difference in taste.  🙂

Grass-fed Buffalo

First time to try it!

I got this at Fresh Thyme for $9.99, but I now see that Baker’s has a 12 oz package for $6.99, if anyone is interested!

Cute puppy asleep

Some pictures to keep you entertained 🙂

I meant to share this recipe with you for Christmas, but forgot.  It’s for Carrot Cake.

  • 3 jars of carrot baby food, 4 oz. each
  • 1 cup oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp soda
  • 1/8 tsp each ground cloves and nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp allspice, optional (I always add extra spices)

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a large bowl using a mixer.  Sift together all dry ingredients and gradually add to wet ingredients.  Beat on medium speed for around 2 minutes.  Bake in a jelly roll pan (15.25 x 10.5) at 350 degrees.  Check at 20 minutes.  Let cool and then prepare the frosting.  Melt 4 oz of cream cheese (not reduced fat kind) and 1/2 stick of butter (NOT margarine) in a saucepan on the stove.  Turn off the burner and add 1/2 tsp vanilla and, using mixer, beat in enough powdered sugar to get the right consistency for your frosting (not too thick because it stiffens up after refrigeration).  I usually color the frosting green.  🙂   Store in refrigerator.  Everyone really loves this recipe.  Try it sometime!  I made it this Christmas, but didn’t think to take a picture of it.  🙁

Crazy static-y puppy ears!

Crazy puppy!  She just got done rubbing her ears on the carpet!

Purple poinsettia

Beautiful purple poinsettia…and guess who?!

Well, I think that’s it for this time.  Take care, and let’s have a great 2017!

Blessings and blooms,

Pam

Author: Pam

Glad you’re here!