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Simple Ways of Expressing True Love

Simple Ways of Expressing True Love

It seems everyone is selling red roses today; hardware store, grocer, even on the street corner. Nice, yes! Necessary? No! (Did I hear you gasp?)

Many “expect” roses, chocolates, jewels.

Have we lost the meaning of love in the procurement of things? Oh, trust me, I am NOT against diamonds and fluff, if given from true love and not guilt or duty. For me, my special guy has shown me a better way. I will share some at the close of this article.

Tradition has it that Valentine’s Day was named for a 5th century martyred Roman priest. The day is a time set aside to show love. Traditionally hand-written notes were exchanged. Commercial cards came into prominence in the mid 19th century. (I think hand-written is still the best.)

Not just a time for couples to express their love.

Finland celebrates the day as Friend’s Day and in Guatemala it’s Day of Love and Friendship.

Valentine’s Day is a time set aside to show true love appreciation in some way to our friends and families. For me it is an opportunity to consider those who have no one; those who live alone, have lost loved ones, or seem disconnected from the community.

The value is not the card or gift.

I’ve received more joy from a dandelion held in a tiny child’s hand than I ever could find in a truck load of roses. My favorite card was made by a special needs adult and given with the tightest hug ever.

My husband is not a traditional gift-giver.

More love is wrapped up in the golden ring on my left hand than any diamonds or pearls available.

I neither expect or want a chunk of flowers or jewels on a certain day from him. I treasure these simple gifts from him—a silly stuffed clown he brought me from Montgomery Wards (that tell you how old it is?); a big stuffed raccoon from the furniture store because I giggled when it “sang” a song.

This January, he bought me a car!

Seriously! On a stressful day, he left home to “run an errand” and returned with a shiny bright blue bug—filled with white daisies and blue flowers!. I have nothing blue and no extra space in our tiny house! HOWEVER, that car is proudly parked on a small table in front of my picture window. I put a small pillow with blue butterflies in it beside the table.I LOVE MY HUSBAND!

Do you know you are loved today?

If you don’t feel loved today, let me tell you you are wrong! I love you very, very much. And God loves you even more!

The Greatest Gift for All Seasons

“For God so loved (you) that He gave His only begotten son, that when (you) believe on Him, you will not perish but have everlasting life.” from John 3:16

Hugs,

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6 Simple Ways to Encourage the Bereaved

Encourage the bereaved.

It seems every week I meet someone who recently lost a spouse, parent, child, or close friend or relative. Emotions are fragile and reality is often lost in the grief process.

We know we cannot take the hurt away.

Often we find ourselves in difficult circumstances and at a loss for words. What do we say? How can we show love and concern without seeming to meddle? Consider these helps as you reach out to the hurting in their time of need.

1.We do not all have the same needs.

This may sound like a no-brainer; however, the truth is, we generally expect others to react as we would in a given situation. We do not understand why they either cry too much, or they don’t seem to show their emotions at all. Give the hurting one time to sort out their feelings and to respond accordingly.

2. Food is not always the answer to our problems.

Forcing someone to eat will not necessarily “make them feel better”. The grieving individual may need some time to let emotions settle before he/she can eat. Temporary loss of appetite is often our body’s way of dealing with the pain.

3. Grieving persons may welcome news about your family.

Do not be afraid to talk about your own life and what is happening in the outside world that may interest them. Perhaps hearing about current events and your family may ease their load. At the same time, be sensitive to their need to talk about their loved one or share a memory.

4. Allow time for genuine grief.

While the grieving one is not looking for a pity-party, they do need adequate time to grieve. They need to be allowed to weep, cry, be emotional. The loss is great; it will take time to heal. This will come only as they are given time to work through their grief.

5. Do not stay away because you do not know what to say or do.

Visit the bereaved as you normally would, call, send cards. Your presence, your hugs, your smiles, and your prayers are most likely just what the doctor ordered. Each visit can give comfort and help pull them back into the real world.

6. Some people will need more alone time than others.

I am reminded that we must allow each person some alone time. Some need more than others. If you feel you are being pushed aside, consider they may need to spend time alone and honor their desires.

I’ve lost parents, grandparents, spouse, and more friends than I can count. My most precious memories during that time are of those friends who simply gave me a hug and smile and let me cry awhile on their shoulder.

I am sure the prayers of God’s family have held me up more than I’ll ever know. I pray for you that you will have those caring friends in your life; and that you will be faithful to pray for others.

Hugs,

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Break Winter Blues with Fun 2-Ingredient Recipes

Break Winter Blues with Fun 2-Ingredient Recipes.Winter is full of surprises: bad weather, unexpected company, loss of utilities, illnesses. These can take a toll on a happy home.

In addition, after the holidays, you most likely restocked cabinets with healthy foods, fresh vegetables, and less bakery and sweet snacks. But, are you ready for carrot sticks and soups every day? No sweets?

Plan small surprise treats for your family this winter.

As you shop, purchase a few of these ingredients and be ready to surprise family and friends. The good thing is that you won’t have tons of leftovers and be tempted to get back into the snack habit.

Get out your grocery list and be prepared to try these fun ideas for quick snacks, bakery items, and meat dish helps.

Easy preparation, no mess, and smaller quantities (no leftovers tempting you all week) make these quick snack and simple bakery hints a snap.

Cookies n Cream Oreo Bark: a 20 minute sweet simple dessert.

10 oz white chocolate chips, 15 regular size Oreos (plus 3) Line 8×8 pan with wax paper. Heat chocolate, cool 5 minutes, add chopped Oreos and stir. Pour into pan; sprinkle remaining 3 Oreos on top, chill 10 minutes.break into pieces.

2-ingredient Candy (2 versions): for “I just have to have something NOW”.

For either: microwave to soften, mix well, refrigerate in 9 x 9 pan to set. Strawberry Fudge is 1 12 oz bag white chocolate chips and 16 oz bag of strawberry frosting. Peanut Butter Fudge is 15 oz jar peanut butter (smooth or crunch) and 1 container of chocolate or vanilla cake frosting OR 1 pound white almond bark.

Hot Chocolate: 4 cups whole milk, 1/2 cut Nutella.

Healthy, Flourless Apple Pie: 4 1/2 pounds apples, peeled and grated, 2 1/4 pounds millet. mix, bake in buttered 9×13 pan 90 minutes at 200 degrees. Cool before serving.

2 Ingredient Ranch Biscuits: 2 1/4 cups biscuit mix, 2/3 cup Ranch dressing, 450 for 10 minutes.

Quick Pizza Dough: 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour, 1 cup Greek yogurt. Bake 15 minutes at 400.

Three Great ways to perk up your roast, chicken, fish.

Roast: Place 3 lbs. round steak or beef chuck roast on heavy aluminum foil. Sprinkle with 1 envelope dry onion soup mix. Wrap tightly, roast in pan at 300 degrees for 3 hours. Make a pan sauce with the juices or pour over meat.

Chicken: 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, 16 ounce bottle Italian-style salad dressing. Marinate overnight. Bake on lightly greased pan for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Fish: 1 lb. tilapia fillets, 14.5 ounce can stewed tomatoes. Heat tomatoes in large skillet, add tilapia, spoon tomatoes over tilapia to coat; cover skillet and simmer until fish flakes easily, about 10 minutes.

I hope you have fun with these ideas; I enjoyed bringing them to you. I think winter calls for a time to do something different; break out of the mold. Surprise someone with a simple “home made” candy or a new flavor to an old standby roast!

Hugs and blessings for a healthy and safe winter.

For more fun 2-ingredient recipes, click here: