Category Archives: All Posts

Growth and Maturity when Caring for Others

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Do you recall when you finally realized you were all grown up?

Was it when you turned 13 and all of a sudden you knew all you needed to know to make it just fine on your own? Family and friends simply had to understand you were grown up!

Was it 16, 17, or 18, and you experienced new freedoms and broader horizons than those young “kids” did not have?

Perhaps for you it was 21 and you were finally free of so many restrictions. Now you could show the world how things were to be done.

A better question for us today may be, “when did you come to know that there is no such animal as ‘all grown up.’”  We never reach maturity. We are forever learning, growing, and discovering.

Personally, I’m thankful we never stop learning. We learn from our failures as well as from our accomplishments. We learn from others, especially from those in our care.

Have you noticed how God uses your daily trials and experiences to help you see yourself more clearly? Life experiences with family and friends cause us to see ourselves more clearly. Often feelings rise up unannounced such as anger, guilt, isolation, loneliness, discouragement. We may feel unappreciated, even neglected at times.

I know that it is only through Christ that I can face these issues head on. He gives us the strength to continue and the courage to work through any problems with His help. I’m so thankful for that Friend that sticks closer than a brother. I hope He is your Friend, too.

Although it seems Psalm 23 is most often used at funerals to comfort and assure families, it is one of my favorite everyday Scriptures. It’s a reminder of a Father’s love that reaches to the least of us in the best and worst of times.

Have a great week and take care of you.

Hugs

In my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD, I share how God helped me grow in ways I could not imagine. Look forward to hearing from you.

 

Quick Healthy Recipes Dressing Up Canned Veggies

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Eating healthy may mean learning to like new vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. It may mean serving  meats that are not deep fried or laden with sauces and gravies. Caring for others includes doing all we can to give them good nutrition and that can be a challenge.

What’s a gal to do when hubby wants only the vegetables he knew from childhood: green beans, peas and potatoes?  The  green beans were cooked in bacon grease and laden with bacon pieces. Peas and potatoes may have been swimming in a rich, creamy white sauce and butter. Take away the sauces and such and you are left with a plain dish that can get old quickly.

I enjoy the frozen or fresh vegetables best; however, time constraints and budget often pull me to the cabinet to grab a can of something. Today we will look at a couple of ways to dress up canned vegetables without adding a lot of calories and fats.

GREEN BEANS ITALIAN STYLE

drain and rinse two cans of green beans

stir in one can of chopped Italian tomatoes

heat and serve

Now that was easy, wasn’t it? Try other combinations and you’ll be surprised at how good a plain ole can of green beans will taste.

For a more festive meal; try replacing the traditional calorie-laden green bean casserole with FESTIVE VEGGIE CUPS.

Drain two cans of green beans, rinse, and heat in skillet with small amount of olive oil. Season to taste–experiment with basil, dill or other herbs.

Trim crusts from eight slices of whole grain bread, lightly butter. Carefully push center of bread slices down into a muffin tin. This will form a pocket with four corners sticking out. Toast slightly in oven.  Scoop a couple of spoons of warmed green beans and top with one or more of the following:  pimento and  slivered almonds, chopped onion, a sprinkle of grated cheese or Parmesan, or a dollop of sour cream.

I found some quick and healthy recipes and  ideas in this cookbook  by Brenda Ponichtera for using familiar ingredients as well as adding some new items to our menu. The recipes are easy to prepare, nutritious, and especially valuable to those who say they don’t have time to cook healthy meals.  

Bottom line: be brave, experiment. Do all you can to make mealtime a special time with your family as you enjoy the bounty God has provided. Let me hear from you with your ideas. Enjoy!

Hugs,

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