December!!

Yes....December already.  And we've had a little burst of winter weather as well!  Brrrrrr!  I went out at noon and it was only 21 degrees!  Thank you Lord for heating in our homes!  I hope you've all had a good week of heartwork.  It's time consuming I know....this week I have actually been better at doing some each day and not having to rush on Monday.  How are all of you doing with your heartwork?  Please feel free to be interactive and leave your comments or tips here for the other gals!

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. John 8:12


                
 

"We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all.  We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle."
~ Oswald Chamber~



                       


“How did it get so late so soon? Its night before its afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” – Dr. Seuss

“God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December.” – James Matthew Barrie

“How like a winter hath my absence been. From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year! What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen, What old December’s bareness everywhere!” – Shakespeare



       


                                    


From allthingsformom.com 


Less Stress = More Joy / Practical Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress, Part II

Christmas Cookies – why do we feel the need to bake 17 dozen different cookies right before Christmas?  Step away from the mixing bowl for a minute.  No one needs that much sugar.  There is nothing wrong with baking a few cookies with the kids as a fun family activity.  But, if you would rather do a polar bear swim than bake and you end up throwing 2/3 of them away after Christmas because three of your neighbors, Aunt Betty and all of the kids in your Sunday School class gave you plates of cookies then it is nothing more than a waste of food.  Try scaling it back to one or two batches spread out over the entire month.  The bathroom scale will thank you come January.

 Family Dinners – for some, the anticipation of holiday get-togethers with family makes this anything but the most wonderful time of the year.  However, holiday dinner is not the time to address family tensions.  Try these tips for making family interactions merry and bright:

1.   Address any issues well before the holidays, at a set time and not in the heat of the moment. 

2.   Embrace flexibility.  Decide which aspects of the holiday or your family relationships are most important to you and which are not worth a battle.  Sometimes just knowing that you’re right and your sister-in-law is wrong should be enough.  You don’t need to prove it. 

3.   Re-evaluate whether or not your expectations of yourself or others are realistic.  Remember, people are more important than your list.

4.   Set boundaries around the things that are most important to you and kindly but firmly stick with them. 

5.   Solicit the support of your spouse or a trusted loved one before an issue arises.  He can’t read your mind so don’t shoot him a glare in the middle of a confrontation and expect that he’ll know he’s supposed to intervene.

6.   Remember what your teacher always told you, “Just ignore them.”  Don’t take the bait.  You have the power to stop provocative conversations and antagonistic comments in their tracks before they have a chance to turn everyone Grinchy.

7.   If you genuinely cannot have a happy holiday with the prospect of family visits looming on the snowy horizon then perhaps it’s time for a change of pace.  Ask another family member to host dinner or have mom and dad stay with them instead of you.  You might just need a break from hosting to regain your focus on the season.

 Volunteering – this is the one item I would encourage you to add to your holiday To-Do list.  Very few things in life will refocus our priorities on what matters most like volunteering to help those who are less fortunate than we are.  Call some local charitable organizations to determine their needs and then get to work filling one or two of them.  This is an excellent way to remember the true meaning of the holidays and realize that our problems are often not as big as we believe.

 Gift-Giving – I heard that collective groan of despair as you looked over your holiday gift list and then did the math.  This is one of the biggest areas of stress surrounding the holidays.  We are in one of the worst recessions in history so why do we need to buy gifts for all of those people?  Start by setting a budget and sticking with it.  Once you’ve purchased or decided on a gift for someone do not allow the clever, sentimental marketing tactics of corporate America lure you into unnecessary purchases that will be forgotten as soon as the wrapping paper is thrown in the trash.  If holiday giving is no longer a joy but more of a chore, I want you to take a look at each person on your list and genuinely ask yourself why you are buying them a gift.  Do they really need anything?  Are you simply exchanging gift cards with them?    To reduce financial strain, try coming up with creative ways to give to the people you love without spending money:

1.      Set a date to clean your friend’s house or babysit her kids. 

2.      Make a meal during the holidays for that friend or family member who is feeling overwhelmed.

3.      Try cutting back on gifts for your kids, as well.  Suggest giving each child three gifts in honor of the three gifts of the Magi.  Studies have shown that children become bored after two or three gifts.  More stuff means more clutter, not more love. 

4.      Give a charitable gift in honor of that hard-to-buy-for loved one.  Many organizations such as World Vision or Heiffer International offer catalogs with options to purchase useful items for the less fortunate.  Instead of another candle, why not give Cousin Sally a card telling her that you purchased a flock of chickens for a widowed mother of five in Mozambique in her honor?

5.      If you have a large extended family, suggest a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange.  It will add some mystery and fun to your festivities. 

6.      Purchase an inexpensive but meaningful ornament.  They’ll remember you every time they decorate their tree.

 Learn to Say No…and Yes – This is, perhaps, the most important tip I can give you.  You must learn to say NO to your perfectionism and NO to demands from others that do not fit into your family priorities.  Give yourself a break to enjoy the holidays before they’re gone.  Learn to say YES to help from others, especially your family members.  Allow your husband to help decorate the house and your mother-in-law to help cook.  Get the kids involved in the preparations.  Your living room does not have to be decorated like a Martha Stewart Living centerfold and the outside of your house does not have to resemble Clark Griswold’s light display.  Your dinner won’t be perfect and the tree might be tilted. 

Kim Commentary:  I think the point we all need to remember is that by freeing up some time in your holiday schedule you will be able to take a deep breath and a step back to enjoy and make lasting memories with those you love while celebrating the birth of our Savior....the real reason for this season.

               

Blogview - Dana Farmer

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting with Dana Farmer and her two adorable little girls, Elizabeth and Mallory, ages 3 and 2.  They were so delightful, and even offered “Cheers” with their chocolate milk and my diet coke!  It was all I could do to focus on the task at hand, because they are so endearingly engaging.  I’d have loved to have just stopped played with them. 

Dana and her husband, Jamie, have been married for seven years, and have these two darling girls and they are expecting another little bundle in the summer!   Congratulations to the whole family, and we will pray for a healthy pregnancy and delivery for you, Dana!

Q&A with Dana!

Kim:  Where did you grow up? 

Dana:  Grew up in LaGrange.

Kim:  Did you grow up in a Christian home, do you have siblings?   

Dana:  Yes was lucky to grow up in a Christian home.  I have a sister Rachel, we are 18 months apart, a sister Callie who is 9 years younger than me, and a little brother, Ben,  who is 18.

Kim:  What made you decide to be a discussion leader?

Dana:   I was asked by one of my other leaders to do it, but I had led FCA and all that jazz.  (Fellowship of Christian Athletes).

Kim:  What’s a holiday tradition you’d like to share with us? 

Dana:  We like to do Christmas with our little family Christmas morning and then we kind of disperse for other family.   We go to my inlaws the weekend before.

Kim:  What are your hobbies? 

Dana:  When I’m not pregnant I like to run….I’ve done the half marathon several years…..did a triple crown when I was pg with Mallory….(I had to ask what a triple crown for people was….it’s several different races over a few days….suffice it to say I’ve never done one)

Kim:  Pet peeves? 

Dana:  Line cutters (especially during Black Friday shopping), lack of punctuality.

Kim:  Best and Worst advice ever given?

Dana:  Best Advice- Listen to all advice but only absorb and use some of it. 

Worst Advice- Sell the baby (from my step mom when I said I was pregnant) as a joke from someone who thinks that people should only have two kids and no more. 

Kim:  Do you have a special “tent of meeting” place in your home? 

Dana:  My bed.  If I leave my bedroom, the girls hear me (hee hee, that’s cute).

Kim:  Does your family have pets?  What are their names? 

Dana:  We have a 12 year old chocolate lab named Mattie and then a fish named Ariel.  (I have a granddog who is a chocolate lab.  LOVE those dogs)

Kim:  What are your favorite things about winter? 

Dana:  I don’t really like winter at all, I tolerate winter.  I don’t like to be cold.

Kim:  Is your group of ladies new, or have you been together before? 

Dana:  I have major turnaround in my groups but these are mostly new.   Seven out of the ten had never done a bible study.  It’s a great, great group.  Totally refreshed and energized.  Lots of fun, this group.

Kim:  What was your service project? 

Dana:  We made blankets and toy baskets for kids at Kosair.

Kim:  Favorite Christmas carol? 

Dana:  I love Christmas songs.  Oh Holy Night is one of my favs.

Kim:  Favorite and least favorite household chore? 

Dana:  Toilets is my least.  My favorite chore I would say parenting.

Kim:  Do you have a bible verse that is speaking to you for this season? 

Dana:  Psalm 139 is my favorite.

Kim:  What do you like most about this study of Acts? 

Dana:  I would say all the thingss I didn’t realize that I didn’t know.  (happens to me with every bible study!)

Kim:  What biblical woman do you most identify with, or which one do you just plain like? 

Dana:  I would say….Hannah….because we also had a hard time getting pregnant.  But what was really cool about this was we prayed that God would have the perfect timing on the 3^rd one.  And it is perfect timing.

Kim:  Favorite TV show(s)? 

Dana:  “Lost” was my very favorite ever, and now that one’s gone off.  We like The Biggest Loser.

Kim:  Favorite restaurant in Louisville? 

Dana:  We don’t really eat out fancy, but we love Carraba’s.    

Kim:  Favorite place to vacation? 

Dana:  We love the beach, any beach, but we discovered Clearwater in Indian Shores, above Tampa.  It has an amazing beach.

Kim:  Favorite things to do on the weekend? 

Dana:  Sleep.  And spending time with my husband, love to go to Farmers Market every Saturday morning. 

The game.   Two things here about Dana are NOT true, and one thing IS true.  Can you guess what is true?

I have a dead cat in my garage  that I’ve had for about 12 years. 

I went whitewater rafting down the Nile.

I have visited four continents.

Answer from last week:  Peggy has been to the grand canyon!!


 

                   

Candy Cane Cocoa

                                        

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk
• 3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 4 peppermint candy canes, crushed
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 4 small peppermint candy canes

Directions

1. In a saucepan, heat milk until hot, but not boiling. Whisk in the chocolate and the crushed peppermint candies until melted and smooth. Pour hot cocoa into four mugs, and garnish with whipped cream. Serve each with a candy cane stirring stick.

              
  

       

God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas, which is love;
the radiance of Christmas, which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas, which is justice;
the belief in Christmas, which is truth;
the all of Christmas, which is Christ.
--Wilda English

         

Here's something cute that I had not seen in years.....enjoy!




        


Hoping you all have a wonderful break filled with Christmas spirit.  Remember to take time to enjoy something each and every day, and treat yourself well so you don't burn out.  Get plenty of rest and take your vitamins!  I hope to post a blog or two during the break (no Blogviews though), if I am able.  Our married daughters and their families will be here so that means my time is not my own, but I plan to cherish and savor every moment.  I hope you cherish and savor all your moments, too.  God Bless!!

After Thanksgiving

Hello Ladies!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with lots of turkey or whatever your family eats for Thanksgiving.  We had a good one with two of my sisters and many nieces and nephews, as well as a great nephew!  We are truly blessed to have so much family here when we are far from home!

 


Does this look familiar after Thanksgiving dinner? 



Next week it is going to be December already.  I don't know about you....but I am sitting here wondering how....it.....got....this late in the year!  Time is going by faster and faster the older I get.  I used to hear my mom say this, and by now I most definitely know what she meant.

Psalm 62:1-2

“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”






Thanksgiving is done and as we all know, Christmas is looming ahead of us and fast approaching our airspace.  I found an article recently about how we can do our best to reduce the stress of this Holiday as well as expand the joy and peace it can bring as we try to keep focused on the real meaning.  It is a long article so I will give it to you in two or three parts.  I don't know the author, but I can give you where I found it on the internet.  Here is the first part:

Found at allthingsformom.com 

Less Stress = More Joy / Practical Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress

If you’re like many Americans, the first jovial notes from Andy Williams wafting through the speakers on your radio as it’s tuned to your favorite station strike dread in your heart.  You realize that the holidays are upon you and you are already feeling behind and stressed out about it.  The only tune some of you are singing is The 12 Pains of Christmas.  Is it January 2nd, yet?!

 Relax!  Grab a mug of mulled cider and let’s go over that Holiday To-Do list that seems to have grown longer than Santa’s Naughty & Nice lists combined.  My guess is that a majority of the things on that list are self-induced torture.  You don’t enjoy them, you’re not sure why you do them but in the mad-dash of the season you’ve never stopped long enough to re-evaluate their purpose.

 Before you look at that overwhelming list again, take a moment to talk with your family about your priorities for the holidays.  What do you want to do, see or accomplish as a family?  Write those things down at the top of your list.  When you put first things first, the true importance of the other things on your list will come into focus.

 In an attempt to give you a head-start on the sleigh ride to holiday cheer, let’s take a look at some of the typical “expectations” we place upon ourselves during the holiday season and see if we can tone them down a little, shall we?

 Christmas Cards – why is it necessary to send cards, pictures or family letters in December?  I understand that we want to reconnect with old friends and family members we rarely see.  However, if this task brings more drudgery than delight perhaps we should consider doing this at another time of year when we don’t have a deadline looming over our heads.  The end-of-the-year holidays give us enough to do without buying, signing, addressing and mailing 400 cards.  Why not consider sending those adorable pictures of your kids or that family letter at another time of year?  For example, Valentine’s Day is all about showing love to others.  Let people know that you are thinking of them with love when they will least expect it.  Chances are that it will be a nice surprise…and, if yours is the only family letter they receive instead of being one of 50 crowding their mailing box at Christmas time, they might actually read it.

 Holiday Parties – why does everyone need to have a party in the two weeks before Christmas?  There are 49 other weeks of the year when we could plan a party for our group, organization or staff.  The next time someone suggests a party in the weeks before the holiday, try suggesting an alternate date two or three weeks into the New Year when schedules are typically less hectic.  If you are an employer or head of a volunteer group and you’d like to use the party as an opportunity to recognize the hard work of your employees, consider doing it at another time of year when everyone’s attention won’t be pulled in so many different directions. You might be surprised at how many people welcome the idea.  If moving a party date is not an option then take some time to choose the invitations you accept based on your family’s pre-set priorities.

Well it's all something to ponder, isn't it?  Will give you more next week!  I strive for less stress myself, so I want all us women to have more peace and joy and a lot less stress.

                      

Blogview

Peggy Boyd



Before Thanksgiving I had a great time having a little chat with Peggy Boyd!  I was so glad to get to know her better!  Peggy is married to David, they have been married for 28 years….it is a 2^nd marriage for both of them.  I think it’s safe to say they are doing it right!  She has a son, Rick, (a Minister in Indiana) who is 37 and they have a son together, Joshua, who is 27.  Both of the boys are married, and Rick's  wife, Emily, works here at Southeast.  Dave and Peggy have a granddaughter who is 4 and grandson who is two.  I believe she had a little sparkle in her eye when she was talking about the grandkids! 

Q&A with Peggy!

Kim:  Do you have pets?  What are their names?  

Peggy:  Our dog was put down four years ago, a little cairn terrier named Oliver.  He was fifteen.  And that was like losing one of my children. 

Kim:  How long have you been going to SE Christian Church?   

Peggy:  Since 1998…..12 years….

Kim:  Are you from Louisville? 

Peggy:  I’m from Cincinnati.   Dave is from here.

Kim:  Tell me a bit about your childhood.  How many siblings, did you grow up in a Christian home?   

Peggy:  I did grow up in a Christian home but I didn’t accept Christ til I was 34 years old.  Just didn’t sink in.  I have two younger brothers.  We are quite close.  They still live in Cincinnati. 

Kim:  Do you have a favorite bible verse that’s been speaking to you lately? 

Peggy:  Romans 12:1,2…..Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.  And Psalm 32:8… I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Kim:  Do you have a tent of meeting place? 

Peggy:  It’s in my dining room and I actually sit on the floor.  I have my quiet time very early in the morning and my husband is not a morning person but he’s there….and the dining room is a good, quiet place.

Kim:  What made you decide to be a Discussion Leader?   

Peggy:  My spiritual gifts are prophecy and teaching, and Pat Meyers asked me to ….I have led bible studies over the years, but Pat asked me to co-lead with her and they needed an extra leader, so we split up and it just sort of happened.

Kim:  How long have you been a DL? 

Peggy:  Three years.

Kim:  Is your group brand new or have you been together a while?

Peggy:  My group has been together for two years…..with a few ins and outs….not a closed group.

Kim:  What are your favorite things about Autumn?   

Peggy:  That it isn’t winter.  Hot chocolate and snuggling up.

Kim:  Do you have a Thanksgiving tradition that you’d like to share with us? 

Peggy:  My family always wants my pies.  My brother-in- law wants my carrot cake.  My best, favorite thing in the whole world is apple pie and I don’t share the recipe with anyone.  (I tried to cajole it out of her with my joking and persuading skills and she would not budge!  I gave it my best girls!  That must be some pie!)

Kim:  Do you have any  hobbies?   

Peggy:  I sing with the worship choir….I am an avid knitter….I sew, love to cook, my husband and I do ballroom dancing, and I’m a scuba diver……(that one surprised me!)

Kim:  Do you work outside of the home?   

Peggy:  No, I just work at home.

 Kim:  What is your favorite Christmas carol? 

Peggy:  Silent night

Kim:  What is your service project? 

Peggy:  One of our ladies has a son-in-law in Iraq and another has a son in Afghanistan and we made 14 boxes to send to them, they just got them and were SO excited……It was such a blessing.  We filled it with all kinds of stuff.....candy, toiletries, devotional books….(ahhhh, love it!)

Kim:  What is your favorite TV show?   

Peggy:  Football…..my husband and I love football.

Kim:  Can you tell me the best and worst advice you’ve ever been given?

Peggy:  My parents gave me two pieces of advice which have stuck with me my whole life, 1)  Pretty is as pretty does, and 2)  When you make a commitment to something it is your responsibility to follow it through.  Dad was right!

Bad advice, no, but amusing advice, yes.  When I was pregnant with my first child, I was hanging laundry one day.  My grandma got so upset and insisted I stop.  She was convinced I was going to strangle the baby!  Although in later years there were times I wanted to strangle him, he was born completely healthy!  So much for old wives tales!

Kim:  Do you have any pet peeves? 

Peggy:  My biggee is someone who turns left and doesn’t turn the turn signal on. (grr, that is one of mine too!)

Kim:  What kinds of stories do you most enjoy?   

Peggy:  One that I’ve read lately was called Peace Like a River….it’s fiction, but it’s kind of Christian based.

Kim:  Which biblical woman do you most identify with, and why?   

Peggy:  Abigail….because despite her husband's spiritual state, she knew what was right, and she was obedient to God.  She was loyal to her husband and still followed the Lord.


Peggy, thank you so much for sitting down with me and letting all of us have a peek into your life!

Here’s the game.  Two things are NOT true about Peggy, and ONE thing is true!  Can you guess?

I love country music  

I collect music boxes  

I have been to the Grand Canyon

Here is last week's answer:  #3 - Marquita has a sister-in-law that was an ambassador to Oman during the Clinton Administration! (thanks for playing Marquita!)

                         

And now....some funny stuff from one of my favorites, Tim Hawkins.  He always makes me laugh!

                      

This week's recipe - Mexican Pizza - YUM!

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

·         1 onion, chopped

·         4 garlic cloves, minced

·         2 Tbsp. olive oil

·         16 oz. can refried beans

·         18 oz. jar taco sauce

·         8 oz. can tomato sauce

·         1 Tbsp. chili powder

·         1 tsp. cumin

·         4 oz. can green chilies, drained

·         2 cups frozen soy protein crumbles

·         2 large Boboli® pizza crusts 

·         4 cups shredded Cojack cheese

Preparation:

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil until tender. Add beans, taco sauce, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and soy protein crumbles. Stir well, and heat until crumbles are softened.

Spread sauce evenly over both pizza crusts. Top with shredded cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and begins to brown, reversing pans and racks once during cooking time. Serves 10 to 12

 

                                

  

Pearls of Wisdom

My main ambition in life is to be on the devil's Most Wanted list.....Leonard Ravenhill

Our life is full of brokenness - broken relationships, broken expectations.  How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God's faithful presence in our lives........Henri Nouwen

One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today.  If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there.  Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete.  There is always time to do the will of God.  If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy......Elisabeth Elliott

Well ladies it's time to end another blog.  Sorry for getting the blog out so late today, I am having a bit of computer trouble - truth be told I probably need a new one.  Perhaps Santa will be kind this year, and if not, that's OK, I can limp along until it goes kaput.  I pray you all have a blessed week as we continue on our journey in the book of Acts.  And I pray you are are learning all the pearls the Lord has for each of us through this study. 

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

Week Before Thanksgiving

Hello again!  Can you believe it's almost Thanksgiving already?  Wow!  Where did the year go?  I know you are all busy planning your holidays....I hope the blog is encouraging to you, and a place where you come to relax and spend some "you" time.  I pray it has been a place of solitude, mixed with fun, a little peace, and a lot of encouragement.




 
Psalm 147:7
Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.











HOW TO OBSERVE THANKSGIVING

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

~~Author Unknown.~~



    




                                       Blogview:  Marquita Haydon

This week I was able to take a small peek into a very lovely lady’s life.  Marquita has had some pretty rough struggles ….I think you could say that life dealt her some pretty harsh blows, and roughed her up a bit.  Early in her life, her mother had a nervous breakdown, and so she and her four brothers were sent off to an orphanage (St. Joe’s on Frankfort).  She remained there through 8^th grade and then went to live with her father and stepmother.  She grew up attending Catholic Mass every day but at that time she was not encouraged to a personal relationship with Christ.  She revealed that growing up in an orphanage, her physical needs were met, but she said, “I came out emotionally stunted, which still affects me." 

Marquita was married to her boyfriend shortly after he returned from Vietnam, and they had two children, Kimberly and Russell.  Unfortunately, she became a widow when the children were two and three.  She then began a journey of single motherhood, combined with relationships that didn't work out, including a fourteen year marriage which ended in divorce.  “Christ has done a lot of healing.” she said.

Marquita has now been married to Dave for one year and seven months (Newlyweds, and you can see it on her face!)   She said, “We met 20 years ago in a home bible study …. and later his wife passed away and we reconnected on Saturday nights because we were sitting in the same area….and he brought me tomatoes from his garden…..and that started it.”  (Oh yes, I can see how that would start it!)  “And I’m learning how to be properly loved by a husband.”  She has 7 grandchildren, five from her daughter, and her son, Russell, has twin two year old little girls.  Dave has a son and a stepson from his first marriage, no grandchildren on his side, “so he’s inherited my grandchildren.”  Marquita said.

Marquita lived with her daughter and son-in-law for four years and says she was privileged to be healed from much of her painful past while there, and she so enjoyed doing family things together with them.   She revealed, “That’s where I learned what a family is supposed to be like.”  She said that whole experience was a miracle for her, along with her daughter coming to the Lord, and the two of them are best friends after a rough patch during her daughter's younger years. 

OK then let’s get to our questions and answers.

Kim:  How long have you been going to SE Christian Church?    

Marquita:  Since 1988….summer of 1988….A lady that lived across the street from me told me about it.  Before that I went to St. Barnabas….

Kim:  Tell a little about how you “met” Jesus personally.

Marquita:   I went to a study called RENEW….which was basically a Catholic bible study, and that is where I first established a relationship with the Lord.  That's when I first knew what love really was.  And I was 37 years old.  I had been married and in other relationships seeking real love and found it at that point.

Kim:  Is there a particular bible verse that has spoken to you lately? 

Marquita:  A few years ago I was into cross stitching, and I cross stitched the Beatitudes, and it was right when I started dating Dave…..and I had it hanging on the wall when I went through hip surgery, and while I was in bed I memorized them….and so I meditate on them a lot.  Some are more encouraging at times, depending what I’m going through.

Kim:  What made you decide to be a Discussion Leader?    

Marquita:  I am so passionate about studying the bible and being in the Word….it’s what keeps you in tune to the Lord, so I do it to encourage others….I don’t feel like I’m a teacher….but I’m hoping my passion for it comes through.

Kim:  How long have you been a DL? 

Marquita:  This is my 2^nd go round….I started up this past summer when they did the home study…..the study of Ruth….

Kim:  Are you enjoying the study, and how are your ladies “meshing” together? 

Marquita:  I am surprised and filled with joy that I am thoroughly enjoying it.  The Lord prepared my heart, praying for the girls that they will blend together….and I have been blessed with a wonderful group of ladies, everyone is sharing, and it’s been great, I love it.  That’s how you learn from one another…..that’s what I love about small groups, because you learn from one another - how you share your answers and how the Lord is speaking to you at that time.

Kim:  Do you have pets?

Marquita:    Two Maltese, and their names are Louis Pasteur and Nurse Zoe Goodbody ….and then a bird called Smokey who is nicknamed Cat Food.  Because a bird would become catfood (She had to explain that to me, I thought she meant because the bird loved to eat cat food, tee hee!) 

Kim:  What are your favorite things about Autumn? 

Marquita:  I’ve enjoyed the nice weather, we have gotten to work in the garden all week, getting ready for the winter…..(they are avid gardeners – maybe she could teach me a thing or two!)

Kim:  Do you have a Thanksgiving tradition that you’d like to share with us? 

Marquita:  When I was living with my daughter, I was having it with her family, and now we haven’t established one.  I think this year with my kids going to their inlaws, we are going to have it with a girlfriend whose husband was in the hospital.  Maybe the weekend after that I will get together with the kids.

Kim:  Do you have any hobbies?   

Marquita:  Love to garden, and I have a passion for reading, love to cross stitch but because of my eyes I haven’t picked it up in a while…..

Kim:  Have you read any books lately that you’d like to recommend? 

Marquita:  Mitford Series by Jan Karon…..reading that right now at night…..it’s called the first of the Father Tim series…. and also a non-fiction book,  Chuck Colson’s Kingdoms in Conflict, written first in ’87.  They have redone it and re-titled it, but it’s really pertinent for today’s Church and the government…..what the church’s responsibility is toward the government and the state toward the church, and how they get embroiled in each other’s territory and they shouldn’t.

 Kim:  What about work?    

Marquita:  I'm retired from the phone company.  I worked part time as a caregiver, and then for ROCK (Reclaim Our Culture, Kentuckiana) – Brian Wickens is president of ROCK, you can hear him on the radio…his radio show is Let Liberty Ring….on 94.7 FM from 2:00-3:00 PM.

Kim:  Most people have a guilty pleasure….what’s yours? 

Marquita:  The game I play on Facebook….Bejewled Blitz….(I can relate!)

Kim:  What’s your favorite restaurant? 

Marquita:  Bravos…..an Italian restaurant but I get their salmon dinner, it’s the best….the way they fix it.  With fried red potatoes and green beans…..my favorite dessert is anything with fruit…..

Kim:  Do you have any pet peeves? 

Marquita:  People teasing, sarcasm….I have a sense of humor, but when it’s something I’m thinking they are serious….

Kim:  What is your favorite Christmas carol? 

Marquita:  O Holy Night…especially by Steve Green or Michael Crawford….love the male tenor voice.

Kim:  What is your service project?   

Marquita:  I didn’t get to participate because I work at the Polls on election day, but our group had a project where there is a family at Southeast – the lady has cancer and they have four children under the age of four, and our group went to clean their house and contributed money, diapers, and gift cards. Six ladies went to clean their house and also gave their doggy a bath.  I believe there is nothing better to bring people together as a group than by working together.

Kim:  What good things are you getting from the study of Acts? 

Marquita:  I hadn’t been looking forward to it really, but now …..I am fully immersed in it each morning, it’s like God’s right there with me….the first few weeks of it, how the apostles are going and giving the message of Christ, I am being impressed that that is what I should be doing.  And Paul’s conversion…..

Kim:  What is your favorite TV show? 

Marquita:  I liked 24…..However, I gave up the last season and did not watch it.  I also liked Masterpiece Theater.  But, we gave up Cable TV about six weeks ago, and we are not missing it. 

Kim:  What’s your favorite movie of all time….or at least one of your favorites? 

Marquita:  Amazing Grace…..and Phantom of the Opera….my grandson Devin and I sat and watched it - must’ve been seven times together, just love the music and romance.

Kim:  Have you seen any movies lately you could recommend? 

Marquita:  We went and saw Secretariat….starts with a scripture verse and not one curse word.

Kim:  What kinds of things do you do for fun? 

Marquita:  Gardening….doing bible studies together…..going out with other couples to a movie or whatever, date nights…..

Kim:  Are you a morning person or night owl? 

Marquita:  Morning person, and my husband’s a night owl….

Kim:  Which biblical woman do you most identify with, and why?   

Marquita:  I think Ruth appeals to me more, because the devotion she showed to her mother in law…and then the love of Boaz toward her…and I’m just receiving that kind of love from my husband, and that’s new to me and I love it.

Kim:  Do you have a favorite stress reliever you’d like to share? 

Marquita:  Reading…..or listening to praise and worship music.  We’ve recently started going to the gym and that’s been so good for us, we do it here at the Fitness Center…..I think it has helped my arthritis…..I feel stronger.

Kim:  What was your most embarrassing moment? 

Marquita:   I had lunch with my daughter, Kimberly, recently at our favorite sushi restaurant. This is only the second time I’ve eaten there and of course everyone uses chopsticks. I was half way through the meal when I realized I was holding my chopsticks upside down. I was glad it was only my daughter and I.  We both had a good laugh.

Kim:  What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? 

Marquita:  A good piece of advice that I believe in is not to hang onto anger or bitterness. I have this prayer taped inside the front of my bible. “When I am angry or bitter, Father, help me to calm down. Open my heart to forgive those who have hurt me. Amen”

Thank you, Marquita, for letting us to get to know you better.

The Game:  Two of the statements below are NOT true....and one IS true.  Can you guess which is true about Marquita?

1.  I love to swim

2.  My fav. Place to vacation is Colorado

3.   I have a sister-in-law that was an ambassador to Oman during the Clinton Administration



Answer from last week:  Phyllis has always wanted to go white water rafting!!

Marquita also provided us with the recipe this week!  She says she uses apple cider vinegar rather than white vinegar, and it's a real treat and a hit at potlucks.

ORIENTAL COLE SLAW

Printed from COOKS.COM

---

16 oz. pre-packaged cole slaw
2 pkgs. beef flavored Ramen noodles soup
1 bunch chopped green onions
1 c. toasted slivered almonds
1 c. sunflower seeds
1 c. vegetable oil
1/2 c. sugar
1/3 c. vinegar

Mix oil, sugar, vinegar, and beef dry packets from soup mix. Refrigerate overnight. Toast almonds by baking or sauteing in butter until brown. Mix with cole slaw, onions, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Pour oil mixture over just prior to serving. Add crunched soup noodles and stir again.

I am having a pretty big group for both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.  Despite being pretty new to Louisville, God has made sure we are not too lonely by giving us a job where there is family within driving distance, and they enjoy coming to see us!  I found these tips from ehow.com to be fairly straightforward and simple and I plan to implement them in our home.  Hope you find them useful, too.   

Tips for cooking up a low-stress Thanksgiving celebration

12:00 AM CST on Monday, November 15, 2010

www.eHow.com

The big Thanksgiving feast is drawing near.  Here’s how to leave the worrying behind:

Think ahead

• Make a list of everything you need to do and how far in advance you can do it.

• Shop early. Start buying non-perishable items now. You don't want to be caught in the supermarket the day before Thanksgiving wrestling over the last can of cream of mushroom soup.

• When planning your meal, choose dishes that can be made in advance. The more you can do ahead of time, the less you will have to do on Thanksgiving.

• Also think about all the extras. Do you have enough dishes? Serving pieces? Linens? Now is the time to get everything ready and buy or borrow more if needed.

Ask for a helping hand

• Involve your family. Ask them to pitch in and help so that everyone can have a great day.

• Involve your guests. Most people do not like to show up empty-handed, so ask them to bring something specific. That way, you won't end up with five of the same thing. Non-cooks can pick up bread from a bakery, ice or beverages.

Preparing the meal

• Make dishes that you are comfortable preparing. A simple rule of thumb for entertaining: Know your recipes. Trying a new recipe leaves too much room for failure and frustration. If you come across a new recipe that you really want to try, practice making it ahead of time.

• Write out the timing and preparation of each dish in order to plan how you'll manage them all in your kitchen.

• Go with the flow. No matter how much you plan, it's always possible that something will go wrong. Don't let it ruin your day.

staff writer Cathy Barber

      


Here's something I thought would be fun if you have some bored kids or just want to spruce up the walkway or even use indoors as a Thanksgiving decoration.  They look really cute.  I may try this with my niece and nephew who are coming this way for Thanksgiving.


Thanksgiving Turkey Luminarias 

 

Thanksgiving luminarias to light your way......click here

That's my first time to incorporate a link in with text....so if it does not work, just go to Family Fun magazine and search.....hopefully it works though!  You could also do pumpkins or autumn leaves.

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel
- Author Unknown

Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day
- Robert Caspar Lintner

Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.
- Corrie ten Boom

I swiped this from a friend of mine on Facebook.  Love it!

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving

See you after the break!