Movies

I have seen two movies recently...

Mamma Mia--very good except for the ending, I was upset that gays were in this movie-not what I was expecting.

Reservation Road--very, very good, gripping all the way to the end

Pizza

Hi-
my brother is pretty hard to buy for...so for Christmas...I ordered him Pizza, like the kind we had in Chicago...he loved it!

Here is the website: http://www.giordanos.com/shop/home.php

I will try to update my blog as to update his response!

New Website

Hi-
I was listening to the radio today and found out about a new website to me...

http://www.hulu.com/tv

home it helps

Beginning Algebra

I am blessed to have had such a great math teacher. I got an "A" in the class. Which is great because I have not had Algebra in 12 years! Praise the Lord! One Final down and 3 more to go!

http://lifecor.com/

If you are in the healthfield or if you have heart problems...review the following website: http://lifecor.com/ so interesting!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

My favorite Thanksgiving Hymn...We Gather Together...

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

Albert Einstein Quotes

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.
Albert Einstein

All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual.
Albert Einstein

An empty stomach is not a good political adviser.
Albert Einstein

Any fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction.
Albert Einstein

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex... It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction.
Albert Einstein

Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.
Albert Einstein

Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.
Albert Einstein

Anyone who doesn't take truth seriously in small matters cannot be trusted in large ones either.
Albert Einstein

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.
Albert Einstein

Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater.
Albert Einstein

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.
Albert Einstein

Everyone should be respected as an individual, but no one idolized.
Albert Einstein

Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler.
Albert Einstein

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
Albert Einstein

Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.
Albert Einstein

Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts.
Albert Einstein

Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.
Albert Einstein

He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.
Albert Einstein

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination.
Albert Einstein

I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.
Albert Einstein

I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.
Albert Einstein

I never think of the future - it comes soon enough.
Albert Einstein

If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?
Albert Einstein

If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.
Albert Einstein

Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.
Albert Einstein

Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Albert Einstein

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein

Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.
Albert Einstein

Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.
Albert Einstein

Isn't it strange that I who have written only unpopular books should be such a popular fellow?
Albert Einstein

It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education.
Albert Einstein

It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.
Albert Einstein

It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer.
Albert Einstein

Joy in looking and comprehending is nature's most beautiful gift.
Albert Einstein

Knowledge of what is does not open the door directly to what should be.
Albert Einstein

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Albert Einstein

Let every man be respected as an individual and no man idolized.
Albert Einstein

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
Albert Einstein

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
Albert Einstein

Love is a better teacher than duty.
Albert Einstein

Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.
Albert Einstein

Memory is deceptive because it is colored by today's events.
Albert Einstein

Most of the fundamental ideas of science are essentially simple, and may, as a rule, be expressed in a language comprehensible to everyone.
Albert Einstein

Most people say that is it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character.
Albert Einstein

Never do anything against conscience even if the state demands it.
Albert Einstein

Never lose a holy curiosity.
Albert Einstein

No amount of experimentation can ever prove me right; a single experiment can prove me wrong.
Albert Einstein

No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.
Albert Einstein

Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.
Albert Einstein

Nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced.
Albert Einstein

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.
Albert Einstein

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.
Albert Einstein

Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person.
Albert Einstein

People love chopping wood. In this activity one immediately sees results.
Albert Einstein

Reading, after a certain age, diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.
Albert Einstein

Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it.
Albert Einstein

Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.
Albert Einstein

Small is the number of people who see with their eyes and think with their minds.
Albert Einstein

Sometimes one pays most for the things one gets for nothing.
Albert Einstein

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.
Albert Einstein

The devil has put a penalty on all things we enjoy in life. Either we suffer in health or we suffer in soul or we get fat.
Albert Einstein

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.
Albert Einstein


The hardest thing to understand in the world is the income tax.
Albert Einstein

The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Albert Einstein

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.
Albert Einstein

The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.
Albert Einstein

The only source of knowledge is experience.
Albert Einstein

The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education.
Albert Einstein

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.
Albert Einstein

The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.
Albert Einstein


The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it.
Albert Einstein

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.
Albert Einstein

The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm but because of those who look at it without doing anything.
Albert Einstein

There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.
Albert Einstein

Things should be made as simple as possible, but not any simpler.
Albert Einstein

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.
Albert Einstein

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.
Albert Einstein

Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.
Albert Einstein

When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour. That's relativity.
Albert Einstein

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.
Albert Einstein

Sunday, November 16

Hello all--

I was blessed by the following

~On Saturday, I went to breakfast with friends at Cafe Marie's

~On Saturday, it was my first day at a new job and the people training me were excellent...it is so important to have good trainers...I would say "I'm sorry to ask where such and such is." and they would pleasantly say no problem, how would you know if you did not ask.

~On Friday, I worked with a person (at another job) in which she and I were not communicating effectively...I cried (I rarely do at work)and talked to a supervisor with the person because it was that bad. For the rest of our shift from there we were more at ease with each other-I am glad that she now knows if her and I not on the same page, I am going to get a supervisor

Tuesday, November 11

I am thankful for two things today...

1) that we celebrate our Veterans-who have served our Country-I count it a privilege to have a Grandfather still alive from World War II

2)I am thankful that the Lord lead me to the health career field...It felt "weird" recently to actually turn down a job interview because I did not need the job in this tough job market..

Busy and New Mexico

Hi All,

I have been keeping really busy. I am blessed. I will try to maintain this blog as I think it is important to remember to "smell the roses." I work with so many elderly people that it reminds me of life's short journey.

One of my roses...if you will...my friend from New Mexico came to visit. She lives in New Mexico now but she is from near my hometown (how we met). She was visiting her family and made a stop for us to visit. It was such a blessing.

Amazing Grace by Philosopy

One of my favorite fragrances is Amazing Grace by Philosopy.

It can be "smelled" at Sephora. Our Macy's has some of the fragrances. Also QVC.com.

http://www.philosophy.com

INSANITY definition

INSANITY: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

Lemon Juice

My voice is giving out (not my usual laryngitis-that I get with a cold-even though I am on the heels of a cold).

I tried 1 tablespoon of straight lemon juice as a friend recommended...did not make it worse, at least, not sure how much better...She actually recommended 2 tablespoons, so maybe I will try that if it gets worse.

Beware...very sour (of course) and I tasted it in my mouth for an hour-even after drinking water and putting in a piece of gum-but I will take it-if my voice does not commpletly leave.

No-Bake Frost-on-a-Pumpkin-Patch Pie

* Note I have NOT made and/or tried *

No-Bake Frost-on-a-Pumpkin-Patch Pie
Yields: 8 servings | 4 pts per serving

Ingredients:
1 (4-serving) package Jell-O sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix
2/3 cup Carnation nonfat dry milk powder
1 tsp pumpkin-pie spice
2 cups (one 16-ounce can) canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 cup Cool Whip Lite or fat-free Cool Whip
1 (6-oz) Keebler Chocolate Ready Crust® Pie Crust
1/2 tsp coconut extract
1 Tb mini chocolate chips
2 Tb flaked coconut
Directions:

In a large bowl, combine dry pudding mix, dry milk, and pumpkin spice. Add pumpkin. Mix well, using a wire whisk. Blend in 1/4 cup Cool Whip Lite. Pour mixture into piecrust. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes. In a small bowl, combine remaining 3/4 cup Cool Whip Lite and coconut extract. Frost top of pie with mixture. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips and coconut evenly over top. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (Weight Watchers Recipe Review Board)

rather write a blog about than do

So here is the meaning of this blog. Name something you'd rather write a blog about than do.


I would have to say organizing my paperwork. I have so much paperwork to get in order. I have had a medically expensive year. I was on COBRA twice (where I paid for my health insurance out of my pocket b/c I quit 2 places of employment where I had insurance). And I am in the process of keeping track of all of my RX receipts, etc. I think this will be a year where my spending will exceed my earning-especially since I am back in college.

New Year's Refections Poem

Yes, I know it is early for a New Year's Refections Poem-but I wanted to type in on my blog so I could throw the paper away with the poem on it :-)

Looking back on the months gone by,
As a new year starts and an old one ends,
I contemplate what brought me joy,
And I think of my loved ones and my friends.
Recalling all the happy times,
Remembering how they enriched my life
I reflect upon what really counts.
As the fresh and bright new year progresses.
And I ponder those who do
I immediately think of you
Thanks for being one of the reasons
I'll have a Happy New Year

indeed.com

My friend told me about indeed.com...a great place for job searching

Job Advice

I listen to Martha Stewart radio in my car...their career consultant recommended the following website: http://www.15secondpitch.com

Weight Quote

In my weight watcher meeting today, my leader gave us the quote...

If hunger is not the problem,
then food is not the answer

This helps me because I am an emotional eater.

Clue

Right now I am at my brother's and we are watching the movie Clue. It is one of my favorite movies! I think it is because my friends ad I used to play the boardgame so much.

Poem By Beth Moore

God Is Who
He Says He Is
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God Can Do What
He Says He Can Do
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Am Who
God Says I Am
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I Can Do All Things
Through Christ
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
God's Word Is Alive
And Active In Me

Clarisonic

I really like my sonicare toothbrush and am excited that the same producers came out with Clarisonic. This is what I want for Christmas (I am going to watch for it as a "door buster"). Please visit: http://www.clarisonic.com/ for more information.

Eating Out by Weight Watchers

You don't have to stay away from restaurants when you're losing weight!

Are you steering clear of restaurants while you're trying to lose weight? Are you afraid of large portion sizes, cafeterias, bottomless bread baskets and high-calorie entrees? Believe it or not, shunning restaurants isn't a realistic approach to weight loss — and it's unnecessary. Start with this list of tips.


Dining Do's and Don'ts

1. Set a budget.
Determine how much you're willing to eat before looking at the menu. You can give yourself some leeway by scheduling some exercise on or near days you plan to eat out. Putting in gym time or going for a brisk walk will help offset a little extra eating. And remember, don't be flexible. You can loosen up a bit on special occasions, as long as you eat carefully most of the time. (Just don't let every day become a special occasion.)

2. Put on your game face.
Decide on some guidelines before you go to a restaurant, and stick to them. For instance:

Skip the all-inclusive menu and opt for à la carte selections. Doing so might not be as economical, but you'll probably eat less.
Take one piece of bread, then ask your server to remove the breadbasket from the table.
3. Make special requests.
You're paying good money for that meal, so you're entitled to make special requests or slight modifications. Why not say:

Can I get that without butter? Grilled? With the sauce on the side?
I'd like mixed greens instead of fries with my sandwich.

4. Practice portion control.
Some restaurant portions can be two, three, even four times the "normal" size–especially super-sized fast food meals. Keep your portions in check by:

Ordering a salad as a starter and then splitting a main entrée with a friend.
Creating your own scaled-down meal from a couple of appetizers and/or side dishes.
5. Break down (language) barriers.
If you don't know what a preparation term means, ask. In general, though, the following words translate into high-fat, high-calorie dishes:

Au gratin, scalloped, hollandaise.
Parmigiana, scampi, Bolognese.
6. Downsize the super-size.
Super-sized fast food meal options can be loaded with calories. Either:

Order something small, like a basic burger. After all, the first bite tastes the same as the last.
Order yourself a children's meal.
7. Watch out for extras.
The average burger with ketchup, lettuce and tomato isn't so bad. But one with "the works" is usually a caloric nightmare. Skip:

Bacon, cheese and mayonnaise.
Double-burger patties and extra pieces of bread.
8. Don't go top heavy.
Salad bars and garden salads grace menus across the country. But those extra toppings can sabotage your seemingly diet-conscious choices:

Go light on croutons, grated cheese and bacon.
Opt for small amounts of low-fat or nonfat dressings on the side.
9. Don't drink away your progress.
A drink with dinner is fine, but too many margaritas may wreak havoc on your dieting resolve. Keep your appetite under control by:

Alternating alcoholic beverages with noncaloric sodas or sparkling water.
Not drinking alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach.
10. Resign from the "clean plate club."
You paid for it so you have to eat it, right? Wrong. Just think of the health and emotional costs of those extra calories on your body. Downsize by:

Eating half the meal and doggie-bagging the rest.
Pushing your plate away when you're full.
And remember to eat slowly. It takes 20 minutes for your body to recognize that it's full.

5 can soup

the following 5 can soup is only 3 points for the WHOLE pot...My weight watcher leader gave my meeting the receipe...

1-can of fat free chicken broth
1-can of sliced carrots
1-can of sliced potatoes
1-can of zucchini and tomatoes
1-can of tomatoes with basic, garlic, and oregeno (Hunts brand is an option)

I made the above in the Crock-Pot for 2 hours on High heat, very good and filling

I plan on making another batch this week

Bible Conference

This week at my church is Bible Conference...here is what I learned tonight...

God is in control even when I suffer.

There is no exception to suffering b/c of our sincerity to God

There is no exception to suffering b/c of our stature in the church

There is no exception to suffering b/c of our sevice in the church

God is in control even at midnight

God is in control even when I am weak in faith

God is in control even when evil seems to prosper

Bolthouse Farms

If you are looking for an all natural dressing. No MSG. Try Creamy Yogurt Dressing by Bolthouse Farms. They use yogurt instead of mayonaise in their dressings. This reduces fat and calories without reducing flavor.

http://www.bolthouse.com/

Believing God

Hello,

Currently I am having my devotions out of Believing God by Beth Moore.

Here is some tidbits I have learned...

Isaiah 7:9 If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

"Faith is the only thing that will ever close the gap between out theology and our reality"

Ephesians 1[17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
[18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

It continues to amaze me how I can trust God with eternity but I cannot trust Him with today.

Unaccredited

If you ever plan on attending an unaccredited university/school/college consider if you will need an accredited degree to pursue further education or even a job. I went to an unaccredited college and graduated and I still had to go the extra mile to receive some credit for classes in order for me to waive them at the accredited college I am now attending. In addition, I applied for substitute teaching and was turned down because of going to an unaccredited college even though I have a Bachelor's degree. I am still "fighting" this issue, I will try to remember to let you know how it goes. I do not regret what I learned at the unaccredited college.

My personality

Practical, traditional and organized. Likely to be athletic. Not interested in theory or abstraction unless they see the practical application. Have clear visions of the way things should be. Loyal and hard-working. Like to be in charge. Exceptionally capable in organizing and running activities. 'Good citizens' who value security and peaceful living

according to: http://www.41q.com

10 Things You Can Do Now to Get Ready for Christmas

10 Things You Can Do Now to Get Ready for Christmas
Mary Hunt
Debt-Proof Living



If you are or have ever been plagued by consumer debt, I can nearly guarantee that revolving expenses related to Christmas have contributed greatly to that miserable situation. The problem? Procrastination. Face it, when it comes to Christmas, the longer you wait, the more you will spend. The opposite is also true: The sooner you get started the less you will spend.

Everyone procrastinates in some area. And some people procrastinate about everything. Why do we do it?

We feel overwhelmed. The holiday expectations we place on ourselves plus those that come from our families, the community, even the church can be so great we feel paralyzed. So we do nothing until the only choice we have is to spend as much money as it takes to get by.

We overestimate how much time we have. From where we sit here in September, Christmas seems so far away. We tell ourselves we have plenty of time!

We have to do it perfectly. Experts tell us that at the root of procrastination is perfectionism. Because we feel we have to do everything perfectly--and fear that we might not--we do nothing rather than run the risk of failing.

We say we work better under pressure. Waiting until the last minute can provide quite an adrenaline rush. Procrastinators believe they cannot operate without that creative surge, so they sit back and wait for it to happen.

The way to deal with procrastination is to identify why you do it. As it relates to the topic of Christmas specifically, ask yourself: What price have I paid in the past for the delay? Do I really want to pay that price, or even more, again this year? If the answer to the last question is yes, drop everything and get to the beach. You have lots of time, you do not need be thinking about the holidays yet.

If on the other hand you are not willing to go into debt to measure up to others expectations, get started. Do something now. Once you are in motion it will be easier to keep going.

1. Family photo

Whether it is for your family Christmas card or to frame for a gift to friends and family, get that picture taken now. Then shop around for the best price on high-quality prints.

Costco. It is hard to beat Costco prices and service, but you need to be a member. However, right now it does not appear you can order holiday photo cards--if you want to go this route. You will have to check back in a few months to see if their holiday templates are available.

Snapfish.com. You can get 5x7-inch photo cards printed for as little as $.85 each when you order a package of 20--and the price goes down if you order more. Even though it is July, Snapfish has its holiday templates available for you to order and print.

VistaPrint.com. A great source for postcard with your photos, plus many other options. VistaPrint has frequent specials and sales throughout the summer, so check back to see if you can get a deal at VistaPrint.com. Caution: You will be hounded throughout the order process to buy all kinds of add-ons. Do not ,waste your money. Buy only what you came to buy.

2. Family cookbook

Compile your own personal recipe collection into a cookbook for friends and family. But do not wait. Start now on this ambitious project.

Allrecipes.com. This site allows you to upload your own pictures, photos and recipes and get them printed in a book. Soft cover books are $24.99 each.

CookbookPeople.com. This site offers cookbook software you can buy and then print yourself ($35 for the software).

Microsoft. Go to Office.Microsoft.com, search under templates and then type in cookbook. You will find a free cookbook template you can use.

3. Garden gifts

Look in your garden and see what you can make, can and freeze into gifts. Try making freezer jam as a quicker alternative to going through the whole canning process. AllRecipes.com has step-by-step instructions for freezer jam, along with tons of other how-to articles to help you pickle, can and preserve your garden bounty.

4. Schedule December

Pull out your December calendar and mark your main plans for the holiday season; you will schedule around those days when things start to get hectic come November.

5. Learn a craft

If you love making things, you will not find a more useful or personally gratifying craft than knitting. It is quite the rage now. With only a few lessons you will be knitting scarves and hats like a pro.

Decoupage is making a big comeback. Learn to dry the flowers of summer. Other useful crafting ideas include everything from scrapbooking to making homemade soaps and herbed vinegars.

Start making things like homemade wrapping paper and tags for your gifts. Make gift bags by decorating plain brown paper sacks from the craft store or even the supermarket with sponge prints, buttons, ribbons, etc.

Michaels.com, the website for the chain of craft stores, has lots of tips and tricks for craft projects, including beading, scrapbooking, knitting and painting. They provide links to patterns and how-to instructions for many of these crafts.

Search the Internet for how-to videos if you need some extra help with your craft. Sites like eHow.com and ExpertVillage.com offer videos to help you learn how to do all kinds of crafts.

6. Favorite things baskets

Chances are you have seen Oprahs annual show dedicated to showcasing her favorite things. Use that idea this year to create gift baskets for just about everyone on your holiday gift list. You will need to get started early.

These baskets can include your favorite newsletter [wink, wink], book or magazine, lotion or soap, cookies or cookie recipe, mixed CD of your favorite songs, favorite stain remover (Soilove!), favorite beverage, and so on. You will get it once you start thinking about it. The key is to stock up on all these items while they are on sale--and since they are your favorites, you probably already know how to get them cheap!

7. Give away treasures

Consider passing on an heirloom or family treasure to the next generation as a Christmas gift. Write up a paragraph or two explaining the history or significance of the heirloom to go along with the gift. You will be preserving family history and won't be spending a dime!

But here is the tricky part: Unless a person has expressed a particular love or desire for said heirlooms and special treasures, do not assume your gesture will be appreciated.

8. Tie up memories

Compile a family photo album of all the old black and white photos you have of relatives. Or pick one photo that is especially good, make several prints, and have each print nicely framed.

Interview an older relative and make a CD, DVD or even a written transcript of the interview for each member of the family. Ask about their childhood and young adult memories, family history and their perspective on historical events that occurred during their lifetime.

9. Give an experience

If you have a big extended family, you can buy movie tickets in bulk and save some money. AMC Theatres allows you to buy 50 movie tickets for the price of $6.00 each. If you go in with a few families on these bulk purchases, you could save quite a bit.

Think about fun activities you could do with different people on your list: dinner for a friend, reading night and snacks with the grandkids, and movie night with the grandparents, complete with snacks.

One DPL reader stuck to her spending plan for the holidays by giving each grandchild under 10 a certificate that promised a trip to the dollar store with Grandma. The reader got to spend time with each of her grandchildren individually and the kids had fun picking out the gifts.

In a recent survey, thousandsof school children all across the country were asked what they thought makes a happy family. The kids did not say a big house, designer jeans or video games. The most-mentioned key to happiness was doing things together.

Perhaps the experience you give is what you do best. Give a gift certificate for a night or two of babysitting. Make coupons for a promised service like cleaning or teaching something new, or other areas in which you are an expert. You could give a friend a coupon saying: I will make and deliver a dessert next time you have company or I will keep your kids for one weekend while you take a break.

10. Back-to school sales

If you have kids on your holiday gift list, make sure you check out the back-to-school sales at your office supply and department stores. They nearly give away some school supplies--they are that cheap! And kids love receiving art supplies--anything from new crayons to markers, paper, paints and stickers.

Create craft kits or gift baskets for the kids on your list. That is something you can do in the next month or two.

Just think of all the money you will save--and the time you will give yourself in December because you did some of the holiday work early!

Check out Mary's recently released revised and expanded edition of The Financially Confident Woman (DPL Press, 2008).


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt-Proof Living was founded in 1992 by Mary Hunt. What began as a newsletter to encourage and empower people to break free from the bondage of consumer debt has grown into a huge community of ordinary people who have achieved remarkable success in their quest to effectively manage their money and stay out of debt. Today, "Debt-Proof Living" is read by close to 100,000 cheapskates. Click here to subscribe. Also, you can receive Mary's free daily e-mail "Everyday Cheapskate" by signing up at EverydayCheapskate.com.

More Bumper Stickers

Bumper Stickers for Your Car or Truck!

If you don't like the way I'm driving, YOU come get these handcuffs off!

Don't look back, they might be gaining on you.

Drive defensively - buy a tank.

Don't make me mad - I'm running out of places to hide the bodies.

Honk if you love peace and quiet.

Go on, I'll see you at the next traffic light.

I may be slow but I'm ahead of you!

I brake for tailgaters. Hard.

My kid was Prisoner of the Month at Orange County Jail.

*Get in - buckle up - pipe down - and hold on!

Bumper Stickers

Bumper Stickers

If You Can Read This, I Can Slam On My Brakes And Sue You

Forget World Peace -- Visualize Turning Off Your Turn Signal!

HANG UP AND DRIVE!

Where There's A Will...I Want To Be In It!

Ever Stop To Think, And Forget To Start Again?

This Would Be Really Funny If It Weren't Happening To Me

If We Quit Voting Will They All Go Away?

This Bumper Sticker Exploits Illiterates

Eat Right, Exercise, Die Anyway

Honk If Anything Falls Off

I Haven't Lost My Mind - It's Backed Up On Disk Somewhere

A laugh

TODAY'S LAUGH

You Must Believe!
An atheist was taking a walk through the woods.

What majestic trees!

What powerful rivers!

What beautiful animals!" he said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7 foot grizzly charge towards him.

He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again, and the bear was even closer. He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw and raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out: "Oh my God!..."

Time stopped.
The bear froze.

The forest was silent.

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky: "You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don't exist, and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"

The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask You to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps could you make the BEAR a Christian?"

"Very well," said the voice.

The light went out.

The sounds of the forest resumed.

And then the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together and bowed his head and spoke:

"Lord, bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord, Amen."

A laugh

TODAY'S LAUGH

You Must Believe!
An atheist was taking a walk through the woods.

What majestic trees!

What powerful rivers!

What beautiful animals!" he said to himself.

As he was walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes behind him. He turned to look. He saw a 7 foot grizzly charge towards him.

He ran as fast as he could up the path. He looked over his shoulder and saw that the bear was closing in on him. He looked over his shoulder again, and the bear was even closer. He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear right on top of him, reaching for him with his left paw and raising his right paw to strike him.

At that instant the Atheist cried out: "Oh my God!..."

Time stopped.
The bear froze.

The forest was silent.

As a bright light shone upon the man, a voice came out of the sky: "You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don't exist, and even credit creation to a cosmic accident. Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?"

The atheist looked directly into the light, "It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask You to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps could you make the BEAR a Christian?"

"Very well," said the voice.

The light went out.

The sounds of the forest resumed.

And then the bear dropped his right paw, brought both paws together and bowed his head and spoke:

"Lord, bless this food, which I am about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ our Lord, Amen."

Genesis 26:19

We often here about valleys in life. I am trying to learn from the treasures that can only be learned/found while in the valley. As illustrated in the following verse:

Gen 26[19] And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water

Faithful in Little and Much

September 15-Love Worth Finding
From the website: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/LoveWorthFinding/11581770/

Faithful in Little and Much

“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Luke 16:10

What would you do if you had a million dollars? Well, let me tell you a good test of what you would do – it’s what you’re doing with that hundred dollars you have right now. Are you saving it? Spending it? Sharing it?

The test of what you would do in the spiritual realm is seen by what you do in the physical realm. Many of us do not have spiritual blessings because we simply haven’t been faithful with the small things in our lives.

Are you hoping for something in your life? How could you be faithful in something little so that you’ll be faithful when the other comes along?

Quotes

"You pay tuition to the school of life"

"Learn from other peoples mistakes, we do not live long enough to make the same mistakes twice."

"What you do not listen to, you will feel."

Three Coins in the Fountain

If you are looking for a "family" friendly romantic movie. I recommend: Three Coins in the Fountain. It is an older movie but it is in color and quite entertaining.

Yellow Lady Slipper

The picture I am currently using for my blog is my favorite flower. I have been able to see these flowers in Ohio and Michigan. Maybe someday I will order these flowers to plant in my garden. They are very expensive. God is so creative to have made so many different kinds of flowers.

Here is some "noteworthy" info on the flower:

Yellow Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus)
Yellow Lady's Slipper is also known as American Valerian.

Plant Type: This is a herbaceous plant, it is a perennial which can reach 80cm in height (31.4961inches). Often in small groups.
Leaves: The leaves are alternate. Leaves can reach 20cm in length (8inches). Leaves can be as wide as 10 cm (4inches). Each leaf is entire.
Flowers: The flowers are irregular in shape . They are yellow often veined with purple. Blooms first appear in mid spring and continue into late spring.
Habitat: Wooded slopes.
Range: Most of North America. Rare.

Mid Day Connection

When I used to have a desk job I would listen to Mid Day Connection radio on Moody Broadcasting regularly. It was a blessing to me. Maybe it would be a blessing to you too: http://www.moodyradio.org/middayconnection.aspx

Weight Loss

Today, I start my journey of weight loss, I have 90 pounds to lose in the next year and 2 months...I give my self that time frame because I have a milestone birthday coming and I want to start celebrating NOW!

I Corinthians 6: [20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

I am using the above verse for motivation because I realize I need to work on my body as much as I do my spiritual life.

Thanks for reading and enjoying the ride with me.

We Gather Together

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

Wedding pictures

I saw this lady live in a conference...I like her wedding pictures:

July 14, 2008
Wedding Picture Slideshow

Go to www.bamberphotography.net.

In the search box, type "Scott Angela".

When you see our name, click on it and you will be sent to our page.

THEN, scroll down to click on slideshow and watch some of the pictures that have been posted!

Seven Random Things

My friend Erika, sent me a "tag" to post/think of/challenge me to write about 7 random things

1-When God closes a door HE always opens another one, we are just not sure how far we will have to "walk" to the next door.

2-He who does not read, has no advantage over him who cannot read. (paraphrase from Mark Twain Quote)

3-I am worried about something that is already over, a test I had to take and awaiting the grade, even though my worring will not change the test grade.

4-Two places that I worked this year have eliminated both departments that I worked in, meaning if I would not have left on my own, like I did, I would have been let go twice.

5-I should never buy another vehicle without a back window wiper attached.

6-I should be less of a "pack" rat.

7-I am thankful for God, my family, and friends.

IT IS STRANGE ISN'T IT...

IT IS STRANGE ISN'T IT...

Isn't it strange
how a 20 dollar bill seems like such a large amount when you donate it to church,
but such a small amount when you go shopping?

Isn't it strange
how 2 hours seem so long when you're at church,
and how short they seem when you're watching a good movie?

Isn't it strange
that you can't find a word to say when you're praying but..
you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend?

Isn't it strange
how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the Bible but
how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel?

Isn't it strange
how everyone wants front-row-tickets to concerts or games but
they do whatever is possible to sit at the last row in Church?

Isn't it strange
how we need to know about an event for Church 2-3 weeks
before the day so we can include it in our agenda,
but we can adjust it for other events in the last minute?

Isn't it strange
how difficult it is to learn a fact about God to share it with others;
but how easy it is to learn, understand, extend and repeat gossip?


Isn't it strange
how we believe everything that magazines and newspapers say but...
we question the words in the Bible?

Isn't it strange
how everyone wants a place in heaven but...
they don't want to believe, do, or say anything to get there?


Isn't it strange
how we send jokes in e-mails and they are forwarded right away but
when we are going to send messages about God,
we think about it twice before we share it with others?

Waiting

September 12, 2008
Waiting
Angela L. Craig



Today's Truth
Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."

Friend to Friend
What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for a new job, financial security, healing, a baby, or a restored marriage? It seems that no matter where we are in life, we are waiting for something. Personally, I'm not a fan of the waiting game. I favor control over limbo because control produces a sense of security while limbo creates feelings of vulnerability and instability.

There are many stories of "waiting" in the Bible. In some of the stories, the waiting seemed to last forever while others only waited a few, intense moments. Think of Sarai and Abram who waited for a child for nearly twenty years. Or of Hezekiah who was healed from certain death by the power of prayer. Can you identify with any of these people? Have you been waiting so long for something that you have almost given-up hope in God's ability or desire to answer your request? Or are you like Hezekiah who received a miracle with his first prayer?

The Bible teaches us that we should "wait on the Lord." But what does that really mean? The verb "wait" is defined as the act of waiting or looking with confidence and great expectation towards the future. Why is it, that so many times I have asked God for something and then said, "Well, we will just wait and see what happens." Where is the confident expectation in that phrase?

Let me suggest three actions we can take to help us learn how to "wait on the Lord", knowing and believing that He wants to help.

Trust -- If we doubt God's willingness to hear and answer our prayer, we can begin to feel bitter when we think God has heard our prayer, but He is silent. Scripture teaches us that God is unchangeable and we can rely on Him to provide the best possible path for our lives!
Resist -- We must resist taking matters into our own hands. Patience is essential in many circumstances and the Holy Spirit is available to fill us with patience when we feel we cannot wait another minute.
Pray -- How many times have you given a request to God and felt He had earplugs in? This situation always leads me to insistently repeat my prayer until I either give up or lose my voice. After we have given our need to the Lord, we must turn our question into a "Thank you". Thanking God is an active display of faith that demonstrates to God and to the world a confident expectation of God's awesome answer and provision!
Let's Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, I have been waiting for ________________________ and I come before You today to ask for Your help. I pray that You will increase my faith today as I believe in You with confidence and eager expectation of Your answer! I believe that Your plan for my life is the best one possible and I thank You for Your answer.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Have you ever given up on God?
Which area do you struggle with the most when "waiting on the Lord": trust, resist, or prayer?
Depending on your answer to question two, choose a Bible verse that reflects your decision to grow in that area. For example: if you struggle with trust, you might choose Psalm 91:2 (NIV), "I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Seeking God?
Click here to find out more about
how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.


Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

Helpful Household Hints

Helpful Household Hints

Try these at your own risk

from: http://www.amandashome.com/househints.html


Stuff a miniature marshmallow in the bottom of a sugar cone to prevent ice cream drips.

Use a meat baster to "squeeze" your pancake batter onto the hot griddle and you'll get perfectly shaped pancakes every time.

To keep potatoes from budding, place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

To prevent egg shells from cracking, add a pinch of salt to the water before hard-boiling.

Run your hands under cold water before pressing Rice Krispies treats in the pan and the marshmallow won't stick to your fingers.

To easily remove burnt on food from your skillet, simply add a drop or two of dish soap and enough water to cover bottom of pan, and bring to a boil.

Spray your Tupperware with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in tomato based sauces and there won't be any stains.

When a cake recipe calls for flouring the baking pan, use a bit of the dry cake mix instead and there won't be any white mess on the outside of the cake.

If you accidentally over-salt a dish while it's still cooking, drop in a peeled potato and it will absorb the excess salt for an instant "fix me up."

Wrap celery in aluminum foil when putting in the refrigerator and it will keep for weeks.

Brush some beaten egg white over pie crust before baking to yield a beautiful glossy finish.

Place a slice of apple in hardened brown sugar to soften it.

When boiling corn on the cob, add a pinch of sugar to help bring out the corn's natural sweetness.

To determine whether an egg is fresh, immerse it in a pan of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it is fresh, but if it rises to the surface, throw it away.

If you have a problem opening jars: Try using latex dishwashing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that makes opening jars easy.

Potatoes will take food stains off your fingers. Just slice and rub raw potato on the stains and rinse with water.

To get rid of itch from mosquito bites, try applying soap on the area and you will experience instant relief.

To take the sting out of a bee sting cover the area with mud...instant relief.

Ants, ants, ants everywhere ... Well, they are said to never cross a chalk line. So get your chalk out and draw a line on the floor or wherever ants tend to march. See for yourself.

Use air-freshener to clean mirrors. It does a good job and better still, leaves a lovely smell to the shine.

When you get a splinter, reach for the scotch tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the scotch tape over the splinter, then pull it off. Scotch tape removes most splinters painlessly and easily.

Your kids colored on your wall? WD-40 takes it right off with little or no elbow grease. Test for colorfastness on an inconspicuous area first.

Now look what you can do with Alka Seltzer. Clean a toilet. Drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets, wait twenty minutes, brush and flush. The citric acid and effervescent action clean china.

Clean a vase. To remove a stain from the bottom of a glass vase or cruet, fill with water and drop in two Alka Seltzer tablets.

Polish jewelry. Drop two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and immerse the jewelry for two minutes.

Clean a thermos bottle. Fill the bottle with water, drop in four Alka Seltzer tablets, and let soak for an hour (or longer, if necessary).

Unclog a drain. Clear the sink drain by dropping three Alka Seltzer tablets down the drain followed by a cup of Heinz White Vinegar - Wait a few minutes, then run the hot water.

Witnessing Through Laughter

Witnessing Through Laughter

August 28, 2008


When God’s people got right, notice what happened, “Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:2-3). Laughter is a gift from God.

I would like for your home to be such a happy place that your neighbors who don’t know the Lord will look at you and see the laughter and the joy that is in your home and say of you, “The Lord has done great things for him!” And one of the marks that God has done something great for us is that our mouths are filled with laughter.

I have a friend named Ken Davis, who is a godly comedian. Here’s what he said, “Humor is a way of saying ‘I am not ok, and you’re not ok, but that’s ok. God loves us anyway!’ ”

People who are secure in their awareness of God’s love and who have experienced His love and forgiveness are free to laugh!

Adrian Rogers

Don't Quit

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with it's twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worse,
That you must not quit.

The Title of my Blog

Two verses inspired my Blog title:

Colossians: 1 [16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Ruth.2 [16] And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her

The Life I Planned

The Life I Planned

Has someone seen the life I planned?
It seems it's been misplaced.
I've looked in every corner;
It's lost without a trace.I've found one I don't recognize --
Things missing that were dear;
Promises I'd hoped to keep,And dreams I'd dreamed aren't here.
Faces I had planned to see,
Hands I planned to hold;
Now absent in the pictures;
Not the way I told.
Has someone seen the life I planned?
Did it get thrown away?
God took my hand from searching;
Then I heard Him say --
"Child, your ears have never heard,
Your eyes have never seen,
Eternal plans I have for you
Are more than you could dream.
You long to walk by sight,
But I'm teaching eyes to see;
I know what I'm doing --
'Till then, you must believe.
He's done so much,
I felt ashamed
To know He heard my moans.
To think I'd trade in all He's done
For plans made on my own.
I wept over His faithfulness
And how He'd proved Himself;
How He'd gone beyond my dreams
And said to Him myself,"No, my ears have never heard,
My eyes have never seen,
Eternal plans You have for me
Are more than I could dream.
"Yes, I long to walk by sight
But You're teaching eyes to see;
You know what You're doing --
Till then, I must believe.
I felt His great compassion --Mercy unrestrained.
He let me mourn my losses
And showed to me my gains.
I offered Him my future
And released to Him my past.
I traded in my dreams
For a plan He said would last.
I get no glimpse ahead;
No certainties at all,
Except the presence of the OneWho will not let me fall.
Are you also searchingFor a life you planned yourself?
Have you looked in every corner?
Have you checked on every shelf?
Child, your ears have never heard,
Your eyes have never seen,
Eternal plans He has for you
Are more than you could dream.
Perhaps you long to walk by sight,
But He's teaching eyes to see;
He knows what He is doing --
Child, step out and believe.
By Beth Moore

No eye has seen, no ear has heard,no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love Him.{1 Corinthians 2:9}