Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving. Yes, I know I'm over a month early. But my heart is full; I'm sitting here on the beach today, with the man I love. Two years ago, give or take a day, we "restarted," our life together in Tennessee. Back then, a day like this seemed like an impossible fantasy. We've weathered some major storms in the past few years and there were days I wondered how we would ever overcome some of the obstacles we faced. The truth is, we couldn't. Only God could bring us to where we are today. Trust me, there are many more mountains to climb, but when I look back at the overwhelming circumstances from which he provided a way of escape, I'm amazed. 

Right now, there are some big decisions looming, some uncertainties ahead. Lately I’ve given in and let fear tighten its noose. Why do I let myself worry after all He’s done for me? So today, as I sit warmed by the sunlight, looking out into the endless horizon, I am thankful.  Today, I'm putting it in black and white as a reminder to myself. Thank You God for all you’ve done. Thank You for hope, for provision, for Your faithfulness--even when I’m faithless. Thank You for Your perfect love that casts out every fear. 1 John 4:18

Lightening the Load

When January 2014 rolled around, Michael and I ONCE AGAIN decided we needed to make a change in our lifestyle. The longer we've been together (31 years) the higher the numbers on the scales have risen. And no, I am not sharing those numbers.

For a while, we tried a radical low carb approach, which I knew had been very successful for others. We were good as gold--no cheating--and a month later had only lost about a pound or two. So, we decided to go old school and count calories. We've based our "count," on a formula for our ages, weights and rate of desired progress. There are charts all over the internet that can help with that. 

We've been at it a little over a month and have lost about 15 collectively. Along with the calorie counting, we've been making somewhat regular trips to the Y, consciously trying to up our daily steps and resisting the urge to eat less than 3 hours before bedtime. We've even managed to work in a couple of nights out for my kryptonite, MEXICAN FOOD! 

This new approach seems to be working because we're looking at it with new eyes. We are considering this a new adventure in eating, not a temporary trip to the gastronomical penalty box. 

I've spent hours and hours poring over Pinterest, healthy eating blogs, and Food Network's healthy eating section. It's been really fun and exciting experimenting with new tastes and techniques. Michael has proved a handy sous chef and we're eating at home most nights. As an added bonus, eating at home saves $$! 

I decided to go public with our little adventure in order to be more accountable--nothing like a healthy dose of peer pressure--and to share some of our recipes. Yes, I have noticed a few of you fellow chubbies struggling along out there on the Interweb. :)

Tonight, we're enjoying Ryan's cornbread pot pies. I discovered this delicious recipe on The Chew. They hosted a Weight Watchers chef competition a few weeks ago and Ryan Hutmacher prepared this yummy comfort food which Mario Batali pronounced his favorite new dish of the year. With praise like that, not surprisingly, Ryan went on to win the competition. I can't wait to try some of his other recipes. 

Anywho, here's a link to the recipe which is listed as 7 WW points. It's a bit labor intensive, but well worth it.  A couple of disclaimers here: I was only able to squeeze out 6 servings, not 8. I had to add about another 1/4 cup of cornbread mix to make the topping work AND, I highly recommend spraying Pam on the wax paper before rolling out the cornbread topping. To the best of my calculations each pot pie comes to about 275 calories, if you're counting. I haven't a clue about the breakdown otherwise; you're on your own there. 

If any of you are making a similar journey, I'd love to hear from you. Let us know what's working for you. After all,  life's a lot easier when we make the journey together. 

http://abc.go.com/shows/the-chew/weight-watchers-recipes/comfort-licious-cornbread-pot-pie

OF WAFFLE FRIES AND CAR INSURANCE

Friends, here's the unvarnished truth.  Unless you grow all your own food, pharmaceuticals, lumber, coffee beans, make your own clothes, then write, record, perform, film, score, edit your own entertainment, build your own car, powered by your own home grown fuel source of course--and so on, and so on-- you're going to end up supporting someone whose religious, social or political ideals are repugnant to you.  You might also want to forgo paying federal taxes.  This also means you don't shop at any store; they collect local and state taxes, GOD only knows what they'll do with those. 

It's surprising to me that when I post something out of a heart of thankfulness, I am shamed by my, "brothers and sisters."  I unwittingly chose my CAR INSURANCE from a company who is heavily invested in by someone with a liberal political agenda.  FYI, George Soros is HEAVILY invested in FedEx, United/Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, International Paper, oh and you probably need to sign off your computer now because he owns lots of Apple--and Microsoft.  Speaking of computers, who are your internet provider and cable TV provider? Are they in business with The Playboy Channel and other purveyors of salacious material?  

This excavation of our consumer process is endless.  What about the clothes and trinkets sold at Walmart, Target, Old Navy and other retailers that are made by children working in deplorable conditions in Third World Countries?

It always surprises me, but really shouldn't at my age,  how some people always go straight to the negative.  What is the motivation of a person who wants to turn someone else's thankfulness into guilt and remorse?  Somehow, I don't think this embodies the love of Jesus.  

I do think we need to make conscientious decisions about where to spend our money.  I contribute to causes that I know are making a difference in this world.  My family also gives of their time, serving alongside those who are doing good in our community.   I pay it forward when I have the opportunity.  Besides,  my family has probably spent more on waffle fries at Chick-fil-than we ever will on car insurance...

If you disagree with me, and the error of my ways, I can accept that.  I love you anyway, and I hope you still love me too. 

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.”  1 Peter 4:8

LET FREEDOM RING!

It's July 4th, 8:45 am, from the next room, I can hear strains of Tony Orlando's, "Knock Three Times," and I'm wondering what in the world the Today Show producers were thinking.  It's Independence Day for goodness sake!  Couldn't they come up with something a little more patriotic?

Maybe I'm just getting older, but it seems when I was a kid, this day was much more revered.  People stopped and reflected on what it meant to be free.  We thought about our founding fathers, braving the elements to come to a strange and frightening place, all for the promise of freedom.  We thought about the courageous men and women who have left the comfort of home, putting themselves in peril to defend our country, many of them paying with their very life's blood.

So for today, let's stop and think about the many things we have to be thankful for. Our faith, our freedom, our families.

Okay, now I feel a little guilty, I can hear Tony singing Neil Diamond's, "Coming to America."  Looks like I judged a little too quickly.  Well, I guess I have the freedom to be wrong sometimes too...

Have a safe, blessed and thankful Independence Day.  Let freedom ring today, in all you do!

(originally posted 7/4/2006)

LET GO!

When life isn’t going so well for my friends, it comes naturally to me to give them a hug and a word of encouragement.  Sometimes we’ll share stories of God’s faithfulness over coffee. I might send them a card or an email and remind them that no matter how dark their situation, God is in control.  And I’m not simply tossing out platitudes here--or trivializing what they’re going through. When I pray for them, I release them into God’s care with total confidence. 

But when the winds of trouble blow at home, the situation gets a bit stickier.  I can believe it for my friends, for my husband, for me, but what about my kids?  Why is it so hard for me to just hand it all over to God when it’s about my kids?  

As our children grow into adults, their problems and concerns are more serious than when they were children.  They’re facing things like heartbreak, disappointment, career decisions, choosing a life partner, health issues.  There’s no possible way for me to fix those kinds of things!  Still, I’ll lie awake at night mulling them over, worrying, exploring every possible outcome.  You know what?  That’s CRAZY, and here’s why:  God’s promises are not something I can pass down to my children like a family china pattern. Those promises already belong to my children.  I’m not the one sitting at the right hand of God, pleading their case for them--Jesus is! 

What a relief, it’s not up to me. Certainly, I’m going to continue to encourage my girls, to pray for and with them.  But ultimately, God’s got it all in control and they are in His tender care. 

And as for me, I need to let go! 


What about YOU?  Is it hard for you to let go?

For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.  1 Timothy 2:5 

It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.  1 Corinthians 3:7

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. Proverbs 22:5-7

JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL

“Jesus take the wheeeel, take it from my hands.”                        

Oh, I do love that song, and when it comes on the radio, I’m singing every word right along with Carrie-- much to the chagrin of some unnamed family members. 


The last time I heard that song, I thought to myself, wouldn’t it make more sense to just let Jesus KEEP the wheel? Now it’s a great song, and I’m certainly not knocking the idea that once we come to the realization that we’ve made a mess of things, it’s time to call on Jesus. But when I am saying is, once we’re out of calamity, we tend to subtly say, “thanks Jesus, I can take it from here.” The truth is, that’s how we met with disaster in the first place.


I’ve always been a doer, fixer, problem solver kind of girl, so it’s not easy for me to scoot over to the passenger side. But it’s not enough to cast God in the role of consultant or co-pilot, He want’s me to put Him in the driver’s seat. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path."  There’s a reason we shouldn’t depend on our own understanding; we can’t always see the big picture, but God can. He knows every curve in the road and what’s best for us, not only today, but in the future. His word says He delights in us and orders our steps. (Psalm 37:23) We need to learn to seek His wisdom at every turn and let His word be the GPS that maps our journey.


I love this translation of Mark 8:34-35 from The Message because it’s plain and simple!


Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how.’ 

 Is it difficult for you to surrender your control to God? How is He teaching you this lesson?

To Those Who Sit Upon the Walls

Having grown up in the South, the weekend before Memorial Day, or Decoration Sunday, as we called it, was the time our family made its annual pilgrimage back to the little country church my dad attended as a boy.  It usually marked the end of the school year as well and I couldn’t wait to meet up with my Alabama cousins.  We spent endless hours roaming the red dirt countryside talking, laughing, swimming and mostly sweltering in the Alabama heat.  There was All-Day Singing at the Burnwell Bible Church of God and afterward, the entire community  turned out for dinner on the ground.  We’d spread our quilts, break out the lawn chairs and sample some of the finest cooking south of the Mason Dixon line.  All of this took place right next to the cemetery, which was freshly manicured and bursting with colorful wreaths and floral arrangements lovingly placed in honor of those who had gone on before.  Late in the afternoon, we’d gather to share a quiet moment around the headstones marked with Goodman and reminisce about our loved ones. It was a time I looked forward to for months, a family reunion of sorts. I was just a girl then, and knew very little of loss.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve become acquainted with grief and loss, but I still can’t begin to fathom burying a son or daughter who has paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation. It takes an individual of exceptional courage to place themselves in harm’s way for another, day after day.  Today we remember them, we honor them and we say thank you.  And to those left behind-- the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, spouses and children whose lives have been irreparably shattered, we remember you as well.  

Today our hearts are filled with sadness, and a swell of pride for our fallen heroes.  We honor you all across America, from rural cemeteries with dinners on the ground, to the rolling hills of Arlington and every resting place in between.  

And thank you to those who still sit upon the walls, who defend them with their very lives so we may rise and sleep under the blanket of freedom you provide us. ++  

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.     John 15:13

++ paraphrase from, “A Few Good Men,” screenplay by Aaron Sorkin

Thank you Mrs. Welborn

Aly and her beau went to the peach orchard this weekend and picked some lovely fresh peaches which she later transformed into delicious cobbler.  Watching Aly work her magic in the kitchen took me back to a time long ago...

When I was a young girl, there was a huge white farm-style house with a pristine lawn and white picket fence, just down the road from us.  I was fascinated by it, and one spring day, I took it upon myself to meet the occupant.  Peeking through the fence, I saw a gray-haired lady working in the flower bed and called out to her in the cheeriest voice I could muster.  She opened the gate, invited me in with a big grandmotherly hug, and we became instant friends.  

Mrs. Welborn had a large strawberry patch behind her house and I earned lots of quarters picking berries every June.  I spent many hours, helping her with her yard work, and afterwards, we’d retire to the squeaky white glider on her porch.  There she served up good old-fashioned conversation and an endless supply of ice cold lemonade in bright aluminum tumblers.  
She was an excellent cook and would occasionally invite me into her kitchen to sample a slice of one of her homemade pies.  My favorite was her chocolate pie, so one day I asked her for the recipe. Mom and I have been making it ever since, and it’s a must at every holiday meal at the Sykes house.  
Looking back, I’m not sure how much Mrs. Welborn really needed my help, but I certainly needed her.  Mrs. Welborn happily spent hour after hour investing in me, a little girl who had no grandmother living close by.  She taught me a little about gardening, how to pick the perfect strawberry, and how to make my now “famous” Iron Skillet Chocolate Pie.  


Thank you to all the "Mrs. Welborns" out there. Your kindness, your generosity and the memories you help create will always be remembered. 


Who would you love to go back and say thank you to?

Iron Skillet Chocolate Pie

pie

1 baked pie shell

1 cup sugar

2 tbsp flour

3 tbsp cocoa

2 tbsp butter

3 egg yolks (reserve whites for meringue)

1 cup milk

vanilla to taste

Mix sugar, flour and cocoa in a small mixing bowl.  Melt butter in an iron skillet over medium/low heat.  Stir in sugar mixture till well blended.  In a separate bowl, beat eggs yolks, add milk and blend well.  Add the egg and milk mixture to the sugar mixture in the skillet a little at a time, stirring constantly.  cook slowly while stirring until thick.  Remove from heat, add vanilla and allow to cool slightly before pouring into a baked pie shell.

meringue

reserved egg whites

1/8 tsp cream of tartar

2 tbsp sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Beat egg whites with hand mixer on high until stiff white peaks form.  Add cream of tartar and sugar.  Top pie with meringue and bake for 8 minutes at 400 or until golden brown.  Allow pie to cool before serving.

Clean Sweep

When we moved to Texas I told myself I HAD purged my closet of all unnecessary items before we moved.  Well, I was kidding myself.  Day after day, I would have to dig through my closet searching for this blouse or those pants.  There was just too much stuff.  Every few weeks or so I’d say, I’m going to clean out the closet this week... sometimes I’d even make a half hearted attempt and toss away a thing or two.  Well, yesterday was D Day!  I got out of bed and tackled the job before I’d even had my coffee.  Four bulging trash bags later I was a little sweaty and disheveled, but so gratified!  It felt SOOOO good!  Why had I put the task off for so long?  My mornings will be so much more peaceful.  

Why are we so compelled to hang on to our “junk,” not just the material, but the spiritual and emotional as well? There are things we know we need to get rid of, like worry, unforgiveness and jealousy.  They’re useless things, they crowd out all the good and cause us nothing but heartache.  Trust me, we’re never going to need them!  It’s time to let them go, give them all to Jesus, he’ll gladly take them off our hands.  Just think how good it will feel!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Hebrews 12:1

Here we go again...

When Michael and I packed up and moved to San Antonio a little over 18 months ago, I guess I misplaced the box where I packed my blog.  I told myself that this cross country move and all the adventures that followed would be excellent material for new posts, AND, they probably were.  The only thing is, I procrastinated.  And the longer you procrastinate, the longer you keep procrastinating.

I haven't been totally remiss though.  At least I had the presence of mind to jot all sorts of little thoughts and bits and pieces for future use.  Now to find the time to flesh them out. Any who, you'll be hearing from me more often.  And if you don't, feel free to give me a nudge.

Adventures in Craig's listing

This is Hank.  He came to inquire about the JBL power amp we listed on Craig's List.  OR, he may have been sent by God as a warning to Michael of just how torturous hell could be.  He probably asked 500 questions about the amp, and other random topics and things in the room.  By the end of his visit, I believe Michael would have paid Hank 100.00 to leave AND given him the amp.  We did however make the sale.

Good times...

Like Waking Up From the STRANGEST Dream...

So, last night I had the weirdest dream ever!

Lots and lots of Homecoming Friends all piled onto a bus and behind the wheel was none other than Bill G. himself.  There were also loads of little kids that I've never seen before in my life.  

We drove for a couple of hours and I kept trying to make conversation with all the kiddies by asking them, "Have you seen the new Shrek Movie?  It's great!"(IT WAS!)  They just looked at me like I was crazy.

Before long we entered a tunnel and headed underwater--yes--underwater.  Seems the location of a very unique Homecoming shoot was to be a brand new luxury hotel that was located UNDERWATER in Atlanta...  Oh he was driving us all around the complex, they also had a SeaWorld, a TCBY and Saks 5th Avenue, all underwater.  The dream ended before I saw us all suited up for the occasion, I'm guessing scuba gear?

I have no idea WHAT prompted this cinematic "REM-fest".  Maybe dinner?  Oh wait, I didn't have dinner last night.  I did have a cupcake and a piece of bologna.  Naah, that couldn't have been it...

I Heart Publix SO Much!

Check it out!
4 yummy coffee creamers
3 bottles dish soap
1 bottle Lysol
2 bananas
1 Cool Whip
1 twist "fruity water thingy"

Total before coupons= 24.76
Total after coupons=$3.94

BIG savings! And BIG savings means more money for giving and other important things--like shoes!

Thanks to my mentors!

http://www.time2saveworkshops.com
www.faithfulprovisions.com


-- Post From My iPhone

Say Goodnight, Not Goodbye

Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I've taken the time to post more than a line or two here.  So much has happened in the past two months, there has been joy and sadness...

On Monday, April 19th, my dear friend Gwen passed from this life into the next one.  I can still scarcely comprehend that.  Tonight, I came across a picture of her sweet face and totally broke down.  It's the first time I've really let the sadness of losing her wash over me.  I'm not sure why-- maybe because I just knew that she was going to make it.  If anyone had the faith and the eternal optimism to overcome cancer, surely it was Gwen.  But God had other plans.  And those of us who love her so must move ahead, with a piece of our hearts missing.  

I can hear her laughter, her southern lilt, the Louisiana slipping out in the way she said "yestuhday," and it seems like yesterday when she was all excited over some DUH licious new restaurant she'd found.  

I miss you Gwen and I don't understand why you had to leave us, but I'm so thankful that God lent us your sunshine for a while.  

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.  Psalm 116:15

 To those fallen defenders of our freedom and the loved ones they left behind, I say thank you. Because of your sacrifice, my family can live in peace and plenty.

All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him. 2 Samuel 14:14-15


-- Post From My iPhone

I will praise You, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your mercy is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches to the clouds. Psalm 108:3-4


-- Post From My iPhone

God Made it And Said It is Good So We Should Probably Take Care of It!

Happy Earth Day!

Not in some weird-- I think you should abandon your house to a family of tree squirrels because it's clearly in nature's best interest for them to create a habitat there--kinda way. But more like a cheerful Woodsy The Owl , "Give a hoot don't pollute sort of way." (and if you are familiar with THAT reference, I'm guessing you're reading this through some pretty serious bifocals!)

God did create the earth for us and gave us responsibility for it. Throughout the bible we're taught many examples of good stewardship.

SO what is a steward anyway? A steward is a person who manages another's property, financial affairs or anything really, as the agent of another. He or she is held accountable by the owner for the wise or unwise management of that property. Well, in this case, the owner is God. “The earth is the Lord's, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” Psalm24:1

We all heard the parable of the "talents" as a child. The master goes on a trip and leaves each servant in charge of a portion of his wealth. One servant did really well and made a huge increase, the next one did a pretty good job, but the third guy--not so much. He buried it in a hole and when the master returned, he was not too happy about it.

There are a lot of lessons we can take from this, but I think the main one is: Whatever God gives us is to be used wisely and in a way that brings honor to him.

We should treasure His creation just as any grateful child should revere a gift their loving father has given. Afterall, aren't the very best gifts handmade?

Genesis 1:26-31 The Message

Heaven and Earth

God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them
reflecting our nature
So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,
the birds in the air, the cattle,
And, yes, Earth itself,
and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."
God created human beings;
he created them godlike,
Reflecting God's nature.
He created them male and female.
God blessed them:
"Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!
Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air,
for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth."

Then God said, "I've given you
every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth
And every kind of fruit-bearing tree,
given them to you for food.
To all animals and all birds,
everything that moves and breathes,
I give whatever grows out of the ground for food."
And there it was.

God looked over everything he had made;
it was so good, so very good!
It was evening, it was morning—
Day Six.



-- Post From My iPhone

ROAD TRIP!

Our friend Mark Lowry invited Michael and me to tag along on a quick trip to Charlotte, NC this weekend.  Much laughter, singing, reminiscing, and eating ensued.   What there wasn't much of was sleep.  But that's quite alright, we had a blast!

Mark playing with his new iPad.  Is it still a sin if you only covet a teeny bit?

Another LOONG time friend, Norman Holland.  We go back at least 30 years!

Also present, Norman's adorable pooch, Bella

Mark mesmerizing the crowd as usual. 

Bob and Jeannie Johnson stopped by to say hello.  Jeannie of course is as beautiful as ever!

Texas Steakhouse

The aftermath...

Um, were the ribs good Michael?

Mark and Me

I did manage to squeeze in about 2 hours of this Saturday night...

Atonement

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
Isaiah 53:4-5

-- Post From My iPhone