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Celebrate Freedom Celebrate Life

Celebrate LIfe Celebrate Freedom

Do you celebrate freedom and celebrate life?

Anticipation grew as Randy and Roberta prepared to hoist the American flag on the 20′ flag pole in my front flower bed. I had dreamed of this moment for some years; always longing as I saw a neighbor’s flag waving in the breeze.

I am thankful to have been born in America. I love our country. I want to celebrate and honor those whose lives have paid dearly for our rights. I want to be reminded that it is God that ultimately provides the freedoms we enjoy as a nation.

It is true, our beloved country is a mess right now. Major health issues, riots, murders, language spoken and written not fit to hear. Yes, it is!

By the way, I’m a mess, too! Just like America, I’m not perfect either.

I’ve said things I should not say. Done things very unbecoming of a child of the King. And, my thoughts … well, we won’t even open that can of worms!

Sometimes faith gives way to casting blame, judging others, demanding my voice be heard.

Still, daily I celebrate the One who paid for my freedom. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice. No matter what happens to my world, I can know beyond a shadow of a doubt I have a forever home, secure for all eternity.

So, as my flag waves in the breeze above my roof, I pause to thank God I have a roof. I thank God for every tree and flower; every deer and turkey and wild creature that wanders across our hills. (Well, maybe not every creature!) I have freedom to make choices and a Loving Father to love, forgive, and guide me when those choices are wrong.

And, I pray that for you as well. Never get caught up in the world’s fears and turmoil. Trust God. He is at work. He loves you with a love you cannot comprehend.

If you do not have that peace, please drop me a private note; we can talk about it.

You Can Change Your World Today

You can change your world today.

Does that title seem impossible to you? Overpowering?

Our world right now can be frightening. Fear has gripped our family, friends and neighbors. At this writing, we are cautiously returning to work, to our churches, and stores and restaurants. And I say you can personally change your world? Really?

It’s in the Bible. “When a man is gloomy, everything seems to go wrong; when he is cheerful, everything seems right!” Proverbs 15:15 TLB

Look closely at the photo above. What do you see? Do you see an old dead stump in need of removal? Do you see grass that needs cut; limbs that need removed?

Or, was the first thing you saw the beautiful pink peony making its way through to bark to the sunshine above?

Read the title again. It reads “your world”! You may not have solutions to the big issues, but you can change your sphere of influence. It is as easy as a smile, a tiny gift, a nod.

“His wrath, you see, is fleeting, but His grace lasts a lifetime. The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.” Psalm 30:5 The Voice

All my words are not enough to share with you this truth. I know, I KNOW one smile can change a life. Sing an old song with me: what the world needs now, is love sweet love …! It’s true. Simply smile. Determine today to make someone’s day by giving them a smile.

I carry small snack bags with a couple hard candies and a little encouraging Scripture promise from God. I give them to people who serve me, to people who seem worried, most often to strangers, “Here’s a little hug for you today … God bless you!” They echo my smile and I know for a brief moment, I have changed their world.

By the way, you CAN smile with a mask on; trust me on this one. Stand in front of your mirror with mask on and smile broadly. Look at your eyes twinkle! Give a smile … when you feel like it and when you don’t!

Read my article on simple, inexpensive gifts to hand out freely to all who need encouragement. You can adjust items for the season. I guarantee you will bring hope and peace to others; changing your world one smile at a time!

Here is a truth you can bank on: PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

Hugs (and a big smile),

Please let me know how it’s going with you.

Cooking Substitutions for Almost Anything

Momma rarely followed a recipe without making a few changes. Of course, I would come to realize as I grew older, many cooking substitutions were due to a meager pantry and tight budget.

I recall vividly as a teen baking a chocolate cake for her birthday. The rich chocolate icing was adorned with tiny pink roses and green leaves. It was beautiful if I say so myself.

However, one taste and you knew something wasn’t exactly right. Oh, everyone ate it; not a single person said anything about the unusual taste. That is, except my little brother. If you have siblings, you know how honest they can be!

Discovering we were out of shortening or lard, I had substituted hardened bacon grease. After all, it was grease – it should work as well. Take it from me, it pays to know good cooking substitutions.

For instance, did you know that when baking, you can replace one egg in every three with one tablespoon cornstarch? Follow this link to find out. Also, you’ll learn what to use when out of buttermilk or mayonnaise. And, wait until you the substitutions for gluten-free flour! Click here for more.

Do you know a good substitution for mayonnaise? Milk? Cracker crumbs? Honey? If so, you will find a wealth of information on this site featuring dozens of baking and cooking substitutions.

As I write this, we are faced with many of the issues Mother faced. Our economy and our lifestyles have changed over night. Running to the store every day or so may not be an option. Perhaps our challenging circumstances will require us to learn how to make do with what we have.

I would like to hear some of your favorite substitutions. Also, why not tell me some that haven’t been such good choices. I won’t tell (tee, hee)!

Want an easy, healthy soup with lots of options to suit your tastes? Click here for my recipe.