I am hoping this blog post doesn't offend anyone but I am very annoyed today and not sure what to do next. Let me give you the back story here.
We moved to Jackson, TN back the end of July. The first three months we were bombarded with local churches stopping by, ringing the door bell, inviting us to church, inviting us to dedicate our life to the Lord, leaving literature. If I was home I spoke to these individuals letting them know we are CHRISTIANS. A couple of the local churches continue, even today, to come by during the day and ring the door bell again (typically while my husband is sleeping after closing the restaurant the night before and it not only wakes him up but sends our dogs in a barking tissy). Several months ago I made a Christian Home sign with a cross and no-soliciting over our door bell which seemed to help some. There is also a huge metal cross decor piece on our front door.
The churches we visited when we first moved here didn't even come by the house instead they sent emails, letters or postcards thanking us for attending and welcoming us to come back again. I understand outreach ministries but when the same churches keep coming again and again after we have told them we are Christians and have a church home, what do we do short of calling the pastor and asking them to stop coming to our home? It honestly feels like we are being harrassed to try there church. Were do you draw the line?
I am a CHRISTIAN. I proclaim HIM as my Lord and Savior. I read HIS word. I pray. I am active in church. I strive to live my life in christ like manner. My husband is a CHRISTIAN. I am all for proclaiming HIS name but not in a harrassing way. You should live your life with a christian walk but not by hounding and harrassing others to come to your church or dedicate your life to the Lord in their presence. Ours isn't the only house they hit, they go to all the houses in our neighborhood. I am a BELIEVER and I'm Aggrevated. What are the non-believers thinking?
Suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks!
A Frustrated Christian
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Ding-Dong - Psalm 34:8
Ok, so how many of you enjoyed an occasional ding-dong as a kid? I did and this week my Boss's wife sent a Ding-Dong Cake to work and I have to say it was amazing! It looked and tasted just like a ding-dong.
I remember when I used to visit my Grandmother she would walk with me down to Mr. Beek's store in her neighborhood and we would buy ding-dongs; Grandma-ma liked them too!
I thought I would share the recipe with you today. I can't wait to have an occasion to make this recipe one day soon.
Ding-Dong Cake
1 Box Devils Food Cake Mix (mix and bake according to directions)
1 Container (tub) of Chocolate Frosting
1 (8 oz) Cool Whip (thawed)
1 (4 oz) Cream Cheese (softened at room temp)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Make cake mix according to directions; using 2 round cake pans for a 2 layer cake. Cool the layers completely and stack bottom layer on your cake plate. For the filling, mix the softened cream cheese (at room temperature) with the powdered sugar and then fold in the thawed cool whip. Put the filling mixture between the two cake layers. Place the top layer on top of the filling layer. For the topping place the chocolate frosting container in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir and then drizzle all over the cake so it will run over top and down the sides. Refrigerate Cake (I personally recommend you use the chocolate fudge icing (any brand is good) and you might want to get a 2nd container so you have plenty to cover the cake).
Psalm 34:8 "O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him".
Bon Appetit!
I remember when I used to visit my Grandmother she would walk with me down to Mr. Beek's store in her neighborhood and we would buy ding-dongs; Grandma-ma liked them too!
I thought I would share the recipe with you today. I can't wait to have an occasion to make this recipe one day soon.
Ding-Dong Cake
1 Box Devils Food Cake Mix (mix and bake according to directions)
1 Container (tub) of Chocolate Frosting
1 (8 oz) Cool Whip (thawed)
1 (4 oz) Cream Cheese (softened at room temp)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Make cake mix according to directions; using 2 round cake pans for a 2 layer cake. Cool the layers completely and stack bottom layer on your cake plate. For the filling, mix the softened cream cheese (at room temperature) with the powdered sugar and then fold in the thawed cool whip. Put the filling mixture between the two cake layers. Place the top layer on top of the filling layer. For the topping place the chocolate frosting container in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir and then drizzle all over the cake so it will run over top and down the sides. Refrigerate Cake (I personally recommend you use the chocolate fudge icing (any brand is good) and you might want to get a 2nd container so you have plenty to cover the cake).
Psalm 34:8 "O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him".
Bon Appetit!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Pink Eye & Chicken Burritos
So I woke up today with pink eye. I have no kids and I am a hand washing, hand santizing freak...Shouldn't be contagious after tomorrow with 24 hours of meds.
When I got home from the doctor I went through the pantry and freezer and made chicken burritos in the crock pot. Easy recipe...just put a package of frozen boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins in the crock pot, add 1 can of rotel tomatoes, 1 cup sour cream and 1 package spanish rice. Cooked on high for 4 hours. Served on flour tortillas. A delicious and easy dinner!
While dinner was cooking and I was enjoying a nap thanks to Benedryl, the dogs went nuts and I look out and "Chance" a neigbors dog from the next neighborhood over, was across the street making his way to our house. When he gets out he always ends up at our house and I take him back home. He is a black/white boxer mix that was rescued a few months ago, he is still a puppy but so friendly and affectionate. We rescue him about once every week or so, but afraid that soon he will become the 5th member of our family... for now Terry or I always take him back home.
This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it (even with pink eye)
Have a blessed day! Try the chicken burritos they are delicious!
Bon Appetit!
When I got home from the doctor I went through the pantry and freezer and made chicken burritos in the crock pot. Easy recipe...just put a package of frozen boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins in the crock pot, add 1 can of rotel tomatoes, 1 cup sour cream and 1 package spanish rice. Cooked on high for 4 hours. Served on flour tortillas. A delicious and easy dinner!
While dinner was cooking and I was enjoying a nap thanks to Benedryl, the dogs went nuts and I look out and "Chance" a neigbors dog from the next neighborhood over, was across the street making his way to our house. When he gets out he always ends up at our house and I take him back home. He is a black/white boxer mix that was rescued a few months ago, he is still a puppy but so friendly and affectionate. We rescue him about once every week or so, but afraid that soon he will become the 5th member of our family... for now Terry or I always take him back home.
This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it (even with pink eye)
Have a blessed day! Try the chicken burritos they are delicious!
Bon Appetit!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
My Grandmother, My Mentor, My Rock
Heaven gained an angel last night as my Grandmother went home to be with the Lord. We, her family, was gathered around her rejoicing and weeping as she drew her last breath here on earth and made her heavenly journey. She had a gathering of family and friends awaiting her heavenly arrival as well; her Momma, Daddy, brother and sister, her daugther and her husband, my daddy, her two husbands, cousins and many other family and friends were there by God's side greeting her with open arms and today she is walking the streets of gold, no longer in need a walker, wheelchair or any assistance from us. Her homegoing was peaceful after a battle with leukemia.
My Grandmother was a spiritual woman. She loved the Lord, had a gentle spirit and a servants heart. Many people stay I take after my Grandmother that way, which is such a compliment. I spent boo-kuttles of time at my Grandmother's house growing up from infant until she moved into the assisted living, 6 years ago. We moved to FL right after and every visit home included time spent with my Grandmother. Since we moved back to TN last July, I have spent many hours by her side and would not have traded a minute of it.
I have so many grand memories with my Grandmother. I always LOVED spending time with my Grandmother and so many of my memories throughout my life revolve around Grandma-ma.
She was self-employed as a seamstress so there were always ladies coming ang going from Grandma-ma's house trying on clothes she had made them, derpping off and picking up their alterations and it never failed that I would step on at least 10 straight pins that had fallen into her shag carpet in the bedroom when I came to visit. If there were scraps of fabric leftover she would make me something out of them. Many times she made me dresses, clothes for my dolls, blankets, an apron, a bible cover, a purse and even a scarf/bandana for my hair (when I was a pre-teen and that was in style)...
She was my mentor. She was always telling me she loved me and she was proud of me. She never failed to teach me something when I was with her, whether it was a way to sew, a scriptute verse, a way to be kind to others, a way to show someone I cared, etc. She was a giving and loving person and I have strived to be like her.
She will be missed on this earth but over the course of her 91 years, she touched many lives including mine and I will always remember her sweet spirit, smile and the fact that she LOVED me and was PROUD of me and told me that every time I saw her.
Today Grandma-ma, I am so blessed to have had a Grandmother like you, who loved me, encouraged me, taught me, and who loved to spend time with me. I pray the Lord will use me my next next 50+ years the way he used you every day as you spread his love through all you said and all you did for others. Lord, give me a servants heart and a gentle spirit like my Grandmother for all the days of my life.
I love you and will miss you Grandma-ma but I know I have another angel looking out for me and can't wait until the day I make my journey to Heaven and you and the rest of my heavenly family are there to welcome me with open arms.
God Bless!
My Grandmother was a spiritual woman. She loved the Lord, had a gentle spirit and a servants heart. Many people stay I take after my Grandmother that way, which is such a compliment. I spent boo-kuttles of time at my Grandmother's house growing up from infant until she moved into the assisted living, 6 years ago. We moved to FL right after and every visit home included time spent with my Grandmother. Since we moved back to TN last July, I have spent many hours by her side and would not have traded a minute of it.
I have so many grand memories with my Grandmother. I always LOVED spending time with my Grandmother and so many of my memories throughout my life revolve around Grandma-ma.
She was self-employed as a seamstress so there were always ladies coming ang going from Grandma-ma's house trying on clothes she had made them, derpping off and picking up their alterations and it never failed that I would step on at least 10 straight pins that had fallen into her shag carpet in the bedroom when I came to visit. If there were scraps of fabric leftover she would make me something out of them. Many times she made me dresses, clothes for my dolls, blankets, an apron, a bible cover, a purse and even a scarf/bandana for my hair (when I was a pre-teen and that was in style)...
She was my mentor. She was always telling me she loved me and she was proud of me. She never failed to teach me something when I was with her, whether it was a way to sew, a scriptute verse, a way to be kind to others, a way to show someone I cared, etc. She was a giving and loving person and I have strived to be like her.
She will be missed on this earth but over the course of her 91 years, she touched many lives including mine and I will always remember her sweet spirit, smile and the fact that she LOVED me and was PROUD of me and told me that every time I saw her.
Today Grandma-ma, I am so blessed to have had a Grandmother like you, who loved me, encouraged me, taught me, and who loved to spend time with me. I pray the Lord will use me my next next 50+ years the way he used you every day as you spread his love through all you said and all you did for others. Lord, give me a servants heart and a gentle spirit like my Grandmother for all the days of my life.
I love you and will miss you Grandma-ma but I know I have another angel looking out for me and can't wait until the day I make my journey to Heaven and you and the rest of my heavenly family are there to welcome me with open arms.
God Bless!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
5 Fresh Ingredients to Enhance Any Meal - Do you know what they are?
Personal Update before our blog on 5 Fresh Ingredients...
Sorry it's been a a couple of weeks since my last post but it's been a bit hectic around here. Hope you all had a good Valentine's Day. Terry and I had a delicious Gulf Coast inspired dinner at the house on Valentine's and he showered me with beautiful spring flowers and gave me his heart all over again via a gold and silver heart & key pandora charm for my bracelet. On a different note, I am so proud and excited for my husband, his project - his work, Hadley's (Southern Food Done Right) Restaurant opens tomorrow, Feb. 20th in Jackson, TN. It will be open from 6 am to 10 pm 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a fast food (made fresh, never frozer) but upscale atmosphere. It's been a long 7 months of hard work on his part since we moved to Jackson but's the first Hadley's is finally opening. If you are in the Jackson area, stop by and try it out. Ok, back to the topic of today's blog...
Today as I am preparing Turkey Chili I am reminded of a few staples I keep around my kitchen and most of these items will enhance just about every meal you prepare.
I keep the following in the crisper of my refrigerator: fresh sweet onion(s), 4-5 full garlic heads, package of fresh rosemary, a package of fresh basil and sharp cheddar cheese (place your onion and garlic in separate zip lock bags in the crisper of your refrigerator to eliminate any odor issues).
Most all recipes I make call for onion and typically if it calls for onion, I usually add a little fresh garlic as well to enhance the flavor of the dish. Depending on the dish, I will chop fresh onion and garlic and saute together in a cast iron skillet or saute' pan before adding to my recipe.
I use fresh rosemary and basil in so many recipes but will add to plain white or brown rice, to yukon, red, or white whole or cubed potatoes and roast with a little olive oil in the oven for a different side item, you can add fresh rosemary to fresh green beans while steaming then transfer to a hot cast iron skillet or saute' pan and add a fresh roasted pine nuts or pecans and it makes a delicious side item. In addition, you can always add to chicken, pork, beef or even seafood when grilling, baking or roasting.
A little cheese can be added to just about anything you may be preparing. When we make fresh salads to go with our dinner, I will grate a fresh cheese over the top to give us a little boost of added protein.
I keep a cabinet full of dry spices which are easily accessible and enhance any and all recipes but from time to time, fresh just gives the recipe added flavor and try to use as many fresh ingredients as possible. We also use Cavender's Greek Seasoning on everything and they make it in salt-free as well which is what I like to use.
BTW, do you have issues chopping onions and tears rolling down your cheeks? When you refrigerate your onion prior to cutting it, it eliminates the tears. Take your onion from the refrigerator and cut immediately. If you are short on time and forgot to refrigerate your onion, place the onion in the freezer for 5-10 minutes then chop.
Let me know if you would like my Turkey Chili Recipe via blog comment and I will be happy to share it with you.
Think about it the next time you go to the grocery...what did Scarlet mention in her blog that I need for my refrigerator?
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food." Genesis 1:29
Bon Appetit!
Sorry it's been a a couple of weeks since my last post but it's been a bit hectic around here. Hope you all had a good Valentine's Day. Terry and I had a delicious Gulf Coast inspired dinner at the house on Valentine's and he showered me with beautiful spring flowers and gave me his heart all over again via a gold and silver heart & key pandora charm for my bracelet. On a different note, I am so proud and excited for my husband, his project - his work, Hadley's (Southern Food Done Right) Restaurant opens tomorrow, Feb. 20th in Jackson, TN. It will be open from 6 am to 10 pm 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner in a fast food (made fresh, never frozer) but upscale atmosphere. It's been a long 7 months of hard work on his part since we moved to Jackson but's the first Hadley's is finally opening. If you are in the Jackson area, stop by and try it out. Ok, back to the topic of today's blog...
Today as I am preparing Turkey Chili I am reminded of a few staples I keep around my kitchen and most of these items will enhance just about every meal you prepare.
I keep the following in the crisper of my refrigerator: fresh sweet onion(s), 4-5 full garlic heads, package of fresh rosemary, a package of fresh basil and sharp cheddar cheese (place your onion and garlic in separate zip lock bags in the crisper of your refrigerator to eliminate any odor issues).
Most all recipes I make call for onion and typically if it calls for onion, I usually add a little fresh garlic as well to enhance the flavor of the dish. Depending on the dish, I will chop fresh onion and garlic and saute together in a cast iron skillet or saute' pan before adding to my recipe.
I use fresh rosemary and basil in so many recipes but will add to plain white or brown rice, to yukon, red, or white whole or cubed potatoes and roast with a little olive oil in the oven for a different side item, you can add fresh rosemary to fresh green beans while steaming then transfer to a hot cast iron skillet or saute' pan and add a fresh roasted pine nuts or pecans and it makes a delicious side item. In addition, you can always add to chicken, pork, beef or even seafood when grilling, baking or roasting.
A little cheese can be added to just about anything you may be preparing. When we make fresh salads to go with our dinner, I will grate a fresh cheese over the top to give us a little boost of added protein.
I keep a cabinet full of dry spices which are easily accessible and enhance any and all recipes but from time to time, fresh just gives the recipe added flavor and try to use as many fresh ingredients as possible. We also use Cavender's Greek Seasoning on everything and they make it in salt-free as well which is what I like to use.
BTW, do you have issues chopping onions and tears rolling down your cheeks? When you refrigerate your onion prior to cutting it, it eliminates the tears. Take your onion from the refrigerator and cut immediately. If you are short on time and forgot to refrigerate your onion, place the onion in the freezer for 5-10 minutes then chop.
Let me know if you would like my Turkey Chili Recipe via blog comment and I will be happy to share it with you.
Think about it the next time you go to the grocery...what did Scarlet mention in her blog that I need for my refrigerator?
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food." Genesis 1:29
Bon Appetit!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Recipes & More!
Ok, I am hooked on www.SkinnyMs.com, formerly Skinny Crock Pot on facebook but now it's a full website with all types of recipes, health tips, fitness tips, beauty tips, etc. I have yet to make a recipe that wasn't absolutely delicious and good for us with lower calories and great taste! You must check it out! I check out this site as much as I check out pinterest and you all know how much we are all addicted to pinterest... :)
This morning while taking care of my sick husband I put dinner in the crock-pot before leaving for work and I love coming home to the aroma of a delicious dinner ready to eat! I was never a big fan of the crock-pot but I have fallen in love with it this fall-winter!
Let me know which are your favorite recipes on SkinnyMs.
Bon Appetit!
This morning while taking care of my sick husband I put dinner in the crock-pot before leaving for work and I love coming home to the aroma of a delicious dinner ready to eat! I was never a big fan of the crock-pot but I have fallen in love with it this fall-winter!
Let me know which are your favorite recipes on SkinnyMs.
Bon Appetit!
Monday, February 6, 2012
It's a new day!
Thank goodness it's a new day!
So let me recap for you...I've worked a lot of extra hours at work, worked from home for the Architect in Destin on his year-end financials and helped Terry as needed with Hadley's all the while in spare time visitng and chekcing on my Mom and Grandmother in Covington. It's been a busy January and February so far. Lsat Saturday, my day off, I worked all day for my husband at Hadleys working on new hire personnel files and getting all the staff in the system for payroll (bonus of not being paid, they showered me with samples of the menu); spend Sunday with Mom taking her to Memphis to check on my Aunt who was in a car accident Saturday afternoon and visiting my Grandmother, while Terry was at a work meeting in Halls. I got home at 4 and started making our super bowl treats. We weren't able to go to our friends house for their annual Super Bowl Commercial Watching Party unfortunately and we were both asleep within 10 minutes of the end of the game. Long workweek last week, busy weekend, busy Monday today and I don't see it letting up anytime soon.
I came home today worn out but I put in Wii Zumba DVD and started dancin'! Our twin nieces always loved Zumba and told me I would love it but I never went to classes with them when we lived in Florida. Guess what? I do love it! I know I probably look a bit ridiculous since I can't get all the moves down but I am moving the entire time the instructor is moving and I have to be honest with you, I have made up some pretty fun routines out of what she shows me and I can't always do what she is doing exactly right but I make the best of it. The good news is that Zumba (so far) doesn't hurt my bad knees like walking or using the treadmill and it works out my entire body. Hope this is successful and I continue to come home and want to Zumba.
On a different note, I don't know if any of you have had to have HRT Hormone Replacement Treatments or not but I am having a hard time finding a treatment my insurance will cover. I do not want to take hormone pills, I want the injections, they work better accroding to so many studies but I might have to find a second job to be able to afford it. My hormones, or lack there of, have caused so many issues with me since my hysterectomy a few years ago, I actually did great and leveled out for about 2 years after my surgery but the last 9 months to a year have been horrible!!!! I look in the mirror and don't recognize the person looking back at me.
Today, I am proclaiming it's a new day! I am thanking God for the weather, the abundance of work for me to do (aka job security), for my health, my family, my friends, and all my babies out there (nieces, nephews, their children, my 4-legged kids, etc.). I am taking charge of my life and going to strive to enjoy each new day!
I might need a pep talk or pick me later in the week but today, Monday, February 6, I'm going to make it!
Take time to hug your babies, your husband, your parents, your friends, tell them you appreciate them and that you LOVE them! You never know what the next hour holds!!!!
Have a blessed day!
So let me recap for you...I've worked a lot of extra hours at work, worked from home for the Architect in Destin on his year-end financials and helped Terry as needed with Hadley's all the while in spare time visitng and chekcing on my Mom and Grandmother in Covington. It's been a busy January and February so far. Lsat Saturday, my day off, I worked all day for my husband at Hadleys working on new hire personnel files and getting all the staff in the system for payroll (bonus of not being paid, they showered me with samples of the menu); spend Sunday with Mom taking her to Memphis to check on my Aunt who was in a car accident Saturday afternoon and visiting my Grandmother, while Terry was at a work meeting in Halls. I got home at 4 and started making our super bowl treats. We weren't able to go to our friends house for their annual Super Bowl Commercial Watching Party unfortunately and we were both asleep within 10 minutes of the end of the game. Long workweek last week, busy weekend, busy Monday today and I don't see it letting up anytime soon.
I came home today worn out but I put in Wii Zumba DVD and started dancin'! Our twin nieces always loved Zumba and told me I would love it but I never went to classes with them when we lived in Florida. Guess what? I do love it! I know I probably look a bit ridiculous since I can't get all the moves down but I am moving the entire time the instructor is moving and I have to be honest with you, I have made up some pretty fun routines out of what she shows me and I can't always do what she is doing exactly right but I make the best of it. The good news is that Zumba (so far) doesn't hurt my bad knees like walking or using the treadmill and it works out my entire body. Hope this is successful and I continue to come home and want to Zumba.
On a different note, I don't know if any of you have had to have HRT Hormone Replacement Treatments or not but I am having a hard time finding a treatment my insurance will cover. I do not want to take hormone pills, I want the injections, they work better accroding to so many studies but I might have to find a second job to be able to afford it. My hormones, or lack there of, have caused so many issues with me since my hysterectomy a few years ago, I actually did great and leveled out for about 2 years after my surgery but the last 9 months to a year have been horrible!!!! I look in the mirror and don't recognize the person looking back at me.
Today, I am proclaiming it's a new day! I am thanking God for the weather, the abundance of work for me to do (aka job security), for my health, my family, my friends, and all my babies out there (nieces, nephews, their children, my 4-legged kids, etc.). I am taking charge of my life and going to strive to enjoy each new day!
I might need a pep talk or pick me later in the week but today, Monday, February 6, I'm going to make it!
Take time to hug your babies, your husband, your parents, your friends, tell them you appreciate them and that you LOVE them! You never know what the next hour holds!!!!
Have a blessed day!
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