Sunday, June 26, 2016
|
By:
Anita
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
|
By:
Anita
Time
We each have the same amount of time in a day, in a month, in a year.
And we all know how fast it slips by!
How do you spend your time?
We meet up with friends and the age-old question is “What’s new?”
I go through potential responses in my head.
No career switches, church moves, or recent travels. Same house, same spouse. My life is pretty much the same each and everyday. Just plodding along through the mundane, regular routine.
Nothing new, yet time keeps moving on. The days move forward, and yet for many of us it feels like we are staying in the same place.
It feels so normal, so small, so ordinary. I tend to resent these patterns of same old same old. Sometimes my heart longs for a lifetime of mountain top experiences, but instead I find myself living in the valley of daily life.
But it’s here, in the daily grind, where life happens. While nothing is new, that doesn’t undo the good that is happening.
God has placed us here to make a difference in this time and in this place. He has a plan and purpose for each of us. And maybe it is precisely here that God has His greatest work in store for me.
Time
Let’s take a hard look at how we’re spending it…
and spend it wisely...
every moment of every day.
Take Care
And we all know how fast it slips by!
How do you spend your time?
We meet up with friends and the age-old question is “What’s new?”
I go through potential responses in my head.
No career switches, church moves, or recent travels. Same house, same spouse. My life is pretty much the same each and everyday. Just plodding along through the mundane, regular routine.
Nothing new, yet time keeps moving on. The days move forward, and yet for many of us it feels like we are staying in the same place.
It feels so normal, so small, so ordinary. I tend to resent these patterns of same old same old. Sometimes my heart longs for a lifetime of mountain top experiences, but instead I find myself living in the valley of daily life.
But it’s here, in the daily grind, where life happens. While nothing is new, that doesn’t undo the good that is happening.
God has placed us here to make a difference in this time and in this place. He has a plan and purpose for each of us. And maybe it is precisely here that God has His greatest work in store for me.
Time
and spend it wisely...
every moment of every day.
Take Care
Friday, June 17, 2016
|
By:
Anita
How are you?
I’ve suffered from fibromyalgia for many years and like most fibromyalgia patients, it took me many years to finally get a diagnosis. To this day I’m not sure what I find hardest; the constant pain, fatigue and myriad of other symptoms that come with the diagnosis, or the constant need to explain and justify it.
Are you feeling better?
I get asked this nearly every day of my life. Or something similar.
The answer? Well, that depends on who you are.
An acquaintance gets Yeah, much better today. Thanks!
Family, they usually are told I’m doing ok.
But there are a tiny few who get the truth. But why only a few? Why do so many get the lie? I’ll tell you why. Because the truth disappoints people.
Every time someone asks how I am, I know the answer they want. Everyone wants to hear you’re getting better. But for someone like me, getting better doesn’t really come. Yes, I could still tell the truth. But then I’d have to have the awkward moment where people don’t really know where to go with the conversation.
I tried it for a while. I put it all out there. No holds barred. Someone asked me, I told them the truth.
There are those who will never get the extent to which another suffers. There will be judgments. There will be naïve but hurtful comments that will literally crush your already fragile spirit. There will be doctors who will dismiss you. There will be a lot of self-doubt. There will be those who will never say it, but wonder if your suffering is as real as you make it to be… or if, as in my case, I was simply a stressed out.
I`ve had my integrity questioned because you know IF my health issues are as severe as they are, I should always look forlorn.
Quiet.
Listless.
And that puts my back was up against the wall, with me defending what shouldn’t need to be defended. I hate myself for scrambling to explain, for working so hard to make others understand. I’ve been treated as though I’m exaggerating wildly. I’ve been told to stop being so dramatic.
Enduring chronic anything ~ all day, every day, in varying degrees ~ is crazy-making, lonesome, and challenging all on its own. Skeptical tones, judgmental eyes, critical words ~ all they do is make me regret opening my mouth.
So I learned my lesson. I built my walls. I put on a smile and tell the world I’m fine!
Thanks for asking xx
Take Care
Are you feeling better?
I get asked this nearly every day of my life. Or something similar.
The answer? Well, that depends on who you are.
An acquaintance gets Yeah, much better today. Thanks!
Family, they usually are told I’m doing ok.
But there are a tiny few who get the truth. But why only a few? Why do so many get the lie? I’ll tell you why. Because the truth disappoints people.
Every time someone asks how I am, I know the answer they want. Everyone wants to hear you’re getting better. But for someone like me, getting better doesn’t really come. Yes, I could still tell the truth. But then I’d have to have the awkward moment where people don’t really know where to go with the conversation.
I tried it for a while. I put it all out there. No holds barred. Someone asked me, I told them the truth.
There are those who will never get the extent to which another suffers. There will be judgments. There will be naïve but hurtful comments that will literally crush your already fragile spirit. There will be doctors who will dismiss you. There will be a lot of self-doubt. There will be those who will never say it, but wonder if your suffering is as real as you make it to be… or if, as in my case, I was simply a stressed out.
I`ve had my integrity questioned because you know IF my health issues are as severe as they are, I should always look forlorn.
Quiet.
Listless.
And that puts my back was up against the wall, with me defending what shouldn’t need to be defended. I hate myself for scrambling to explain, for working so hard to make others understand. I’ve been treated as though I’m exaggerating wildly. I’ve been told to stop being so dramatic.
Enduring chronic anything ~ all day, every day, in varying degrees ~ is crazy-making, lonesome, and challenging all on its own. Skeptical tones, judgmental eyes, critical words ~ all they do is make me regret opening my mouth.
So I learned my lesson. I built my walls. I put on a smile and tell the world I’m fine!
Take Care
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
|
By:
Anita
Monday, June 13, 2016
|
By:
Anita
Perfectly not Perfect
If you had Mary Poppins’ measuring tape, what would it say about you?
And as much as I’d like to think I was practically perfect in every way, I suspect mine would probably just read “not good enough”.
“If it’s not done perfectly, it’s not worth doing at all” ~ is an attitude I’ve lived under for too many years. Why or how that came to be, I’m not quite sure.
It could have been in the third grade when I was the last one picked for the school recess baseball team or when I met my first mean girl at 13. Or it might have been when I opened my mouth to sing and discovered I was tone deaf.
Not being enough has sort of been a faithful companion in life….always there, reminding me of ways I didn’t fit in or belong. I believed the ever-present words whispered in my ear.
In some ways I am an uber-perfectionist. And yet, I struggle with being so disorganized. No matter how hard I tried to be perfect; I just couldn’t be. Sadly, that begins the questioning of my worth and value. If I wasn’t perfect, what good was I??
Despite my imperfections, God still loves me. We were not created to be perfect. God loves me for who He created me to be. I am worthy because I am His. Not because I was perfect.
Perfection is a myth.
Because let’s be honest, we all make mistakes. Big ones. Little ones. Funny ones. Those oh no ones. Mistakes come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes the mistakes that we make are actually disguised as opportunities. Opportunities for Him to be glorified.
His Word is clear: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 {New International Version {(NIV}}
Take Care
“If it’s not done perfectly, it’s not worth doing at all” ~ is an attitude I’ve lived under for too many years. Why or how that came to be, I’m not quite sure.
It could have been in the third grade when I was the last one picked for the school recess baseball team or when I met my first mean girl at 13. Or it might have been when I opened my mouth to sing and discovered I was tone deaf.
Not being enough has sort of been a faithful companion in life….always there, reminding me of ways I didn’t fit in or belong. I believed the ever-present words whispered in my ear.
In some ways I am an uber-perfectionist. And yet, I struggle with being so disorganized. No matter how hard I tried to be perfect; I just couldn’t be. Sadly, that begins the questioning of my worth and value. If I wasn’t perfect, what good was I??
Despite my imperfections, God still loves me. We were not created to be perfect. God loves me for who He created me to be. I am worthy because I am His. Not because I was perfect.
Perfection is a myth.
Because let’s be honest, we all make mistakes. Big ones. Little ones. Funny ones. Those oh no ones. Mistakes come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes the mistakes that we make are actually disguised as opportunities. Opportunities for Him to be glorified.
His Word is clear: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 {New International Version {(NIV}}
Take Care
Friday, June 10, 2016
|
By:
Anita
Only for a time
I signed up to lead our church’s kitchen ministry team…. It was something I’ve wanted to do since we started attending, and yet after only 8 months in, I was seriously starting question my sanity.
Why in the world did I sign up this? What was I possibly thinking? How in the world did I think I pull this off?
This was something I was “sure” that God was calling me to. It wove my particular gifts together in way that I knew this would be it one of the most satisfying ministry times in my life.
Over the past few months, I’ve been learning that just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should, and yet, I thought this was something I was supposed to do. And here is where I struggle, What if? no-one else will sign up. What if? I am the only one who can do this. What if? this ministry falls apart.
I was sure I could muster up enough strength to continue... and yet, at the very thought of having to muster up the strength, made me bone tired. Which if we’re being completely honest, was my biggest problem. I was tired. On every level.
After much prayer and soul searching, I was more certain than ever that I was supposed to let this go. But oh, how I hesitated to tell our Pastor. Not because he wouldn't understand... quite the contrary, because deep down I felt like I was a failure.
By the end though, I was barely keeping the tight anxiety in my chest at bay, I knew this was the right thing for me. So I stepped down. And as hard as it was, it was right. With the limitations I have and the struggles I face daily this was not something I could continue.
And you know, it’s running perfectly fine without me… Perfectly fine!
My ego was bruised. Because deep down and quite secretly I was hoping that without me it would fall apart {<< did I say that outloud?} And I railed against God, I cried, pouted, complained, ranted and argued ~ and like any other rational person I gave Him a good tongue-lashing. I thought I was needed? Why did You place me there? How could You do this me? What was the purpose through it? Where am I supposed serve now?
After a while, I figured out the whole thing wasn't about me. It's about being obedient. It wasn’t that He didn’t want or need me in this work, He let me serve for the time He designated.
And quite simply, the season for me right now, is rest….
Take Care
Why in the world did I sign up this? What was I possibly thinking? How in the world did I think I pull this off?
This was something I was “sure” that God was calling me to. It wove my particular gifts together in way that I knew this would be it one of the most satisfying ministry times in my life.
I was sure I could muster up enough strength to continue... and yet, at the very thought of having to muster up the strength, made me bone tired. Which if we’re being completely honest, was my biggest problem. I was tired. On every level.
After much prayer and soul searching, I was more certain than ever that I was supposed to let this go. But oh, how I hesitated to tell our Pastor. Not because he wouldn't understand... quite the contrary, because deep down I felt like I was a failure.
By the end though, I was barely keeping the tight anxiety in my chest at bay, I knew this was the right thing for me. So I stepped down. And as hard as it was, it was right. With the limitations I have and the struggles I face daily this was not something I could continue.
And you know, it’s running perfectly fine without me… Perfectly fine!
My ego was bruised. Because deep down and quite secretly I was hoping that without me it would fall apart {<< did I say that outloud?} And I railed against God, I cried, pouted, complained, ranted and argued ~ and like any other rational person I gave Him a good tongue-lashing. I thought I was needed? Why did You place me there? How could You do this me? What was the purpose through it? Where am I supposed serve now?
After a while, I figured out the whole thing wasn't about me. It's about being obedient. It wasn’t that He didn’t want or need me in this work, He let me serve for the time He designated.
Take Care
Thursday, June 9, 2016
|
By:
Anita
Greek Tortellini Salad
Tis the season for salads...and here's a definite must try! The classic Greek Salad gets an update by adding cheese tortellini. This salad is great for picnics, parties, potlucks, and every day meals!
Greek Tortellini Salad
Ingredients:
1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 large cucumber, chopped
1 cup kalamata olives, pit removed and chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water. Place the tortellini in a large bowl.
Add the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until salad is well coated.
Serve immediately or place in the refrigerator.
Note-this salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Enjoy!
Take Care
Greek Tortellini Salad
1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 large cucumber, chopped
1 cup kalamata olives, pit removed and chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Drain the tortellini and rinse with cold water. Place the tortellini in a large bowl.
Add the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and stir until salad is well coated.
Serve immediately or place in the refrigerator.
Note-this salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Enjoy!
Take Care
Monday, June 6, 2016
|
By:
Anita
Ordinary
It’s a normal, everyday kind of day.
At least it is in my corner of the world. At this moment anyway.
There’s nothing exciting going on. Nothing new. Nothing out of the ordinary.
In fact, you might be quite bored with life around here today.
Today, I simply get to work on routine things. Moving around the house, picking things up and putting them back where they belong: socks, books, receipts, empty cups, inside-out shirts, dishes, recycling. One after another, everything is restored to its place and order slowly returns to this house.
To be honest... these are days when I have a terrible attitude. Because all too often I am looking for those larger-than-life moments. The uber-spectacular, monumental opportunities that memories are made of….
It is on these very days that I need this reminder.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 {New International Version {(NIV}}
Each and every single day is a gift.
I’m quite okay with an everyday kind of day; you know?
Take Care
At least it is in my corner of the world. At this moment anyway.
There’s nothing exciting going on. Nothing new. Nothing out of the ordinary.
In fact, you might be quite bored with life around here today.
Today, I simply get to work on routine things. Moving around the house, picking things up and putting them back where they belong: socks, books, receipts, empty cups, inside-out shirts, dishes, recycling. One after another, everything is restored to its place and order slowly returns to this house.
To be honest... these are days when I have a terrible attitude. Because all too often I am looking for those larger-than-life moments. The uber-spectacular, monumental opportunities that memories are made of….
It is on these very days that I need this reminder.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 {New International Version {(NIV}}
Each and every single day is a gift.
Take Care
Saturday, June 4, 2016
|
By:
Anita
Saturday Morning Muffins
There’s nothing quite like fresh baked muffins on a Saturday morning! And these muffins are super simple to make and make a pretty good sized batch.
Lemon Crumb Muffins
Ingredients:
toppng:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
muffins:
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest (1 large lemon)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sour cream
4 cups all purpose flour
glaze (optional):
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2-4 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line muffin pans with paper baking cups. (This recipe makes 24-28 muffins)
Make the topping by stirring together all topping ingredients with a fork in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
Using a hand mixer, mix eggs with electric mixer about 1-2 minutes until thick and frothy. Mix in sugar and oil, beat until creamy. Mix in lemon zest, juice, vanilla, baking soda, salt. Mix in sour cream then stir in flour using a wooden spoon. (Batter may be slightly lumpy.)
Fill muffin cups 3/4 full. Sprinkle the tops with the crumble mixture. (I filled mine just a teeny bit too much. They got scary close to overflowing, so stick with 3/4 full!)
Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of a muffin. Cool 5 minutes in pan then remove to a rack to cool completely.
(The glaze is optional but adds another punch of lemon flavor.)
Make the glaze: whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over muffins.
Muffins should be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to one month. (If freezing, omit glaze and make it before serving.)
Enjoy!
Take Care
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
muffins:
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon lemon zest (1 large lemon)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sour cream
4 cups all purpose flour
glaze (optional):
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2-4 tablespoons lemon juice
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line muffin pans with paper baking cups. (This recipe makes 24-28 muffins)
Make the topping by stirring together all topping ingredients with a fork in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
Using a hand mixer, mix eggs with electric mixer about 1-2 minutes until thick and frothy. Mix in sugar and oil, beat until creamy. Mix in lemon zest, juice, vanilla, baking soda, salt. Mix in sour cream then stir in flour using a wooden spoon. (Batter may be slightly lumpy.)
Fill muffin cups 3/4 full. Sprinkle the tops with the crumble mixture. (I filled mine just a teeny bit too much. They got scary close to overflowing, so stick with 3/4 full!)
Bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of a muffin. Cool 5 minutes in pan then remove to a rack to cool completely.
(The glaze is optional but adds another punch of lemon flavor.)
Make the glaze: whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over muffins.
Muffins should be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to one month. (If freezing, omit glaze and make it before serving.)
Enjoy!
Thursday, June 2, 2016
|
By:
Anita
Encouragement
We all need encouragement.
We all face challenges and difficult opportunities in life. Some of you are blessed with only a few, and others, like me are faced with struggles that are sometimes debilitating and it's easy to become discontent….. which is the total opposite of my 2016 ONE WORD.
Oh, the irony!?!
It’s far too easy for me to only see the problems and become discouraged. That’s often because my focus is solely on me. My problems. My struggles. My predicament.
Sometimes life gets so discouraging and our problems tend to overwhelm us. But when we take a minute ~ an actual minute, and listen to each other, we can begin to love, support and encourage each other. Too often we think we are all alone.
If you’re feeling burdened and overwhelmed by the demands of life, begin changing the world by encouraging one person. They might be your daughter, your son, or someone else in your close family. How about the person you meet at the checkout counter, or the people you work with everyday, even your neighbour … We all need that someone to reassure us, comfort us, tell us we’re going to make it.
That's how encouragement works. It’s contagious…
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 {New International Version {NIV}}
Take care
We all face challenges and difficult opportunities in life. Some of you are blessed with only a few, and others, like me are faced with struggles that are sometimes debilitating and it's easy to become discontent….. which is the total opposite of my 2016 ONE WORD.
Oh, the irony!?!
It’s far too easy for me to only see the problems and become discouraged. That’s often because my focus is solely on me. My problems. My struggles. My predicament.
Sometimes life gets so discouraging and our problems tend to overwhelm us. But when we take a minute ~ an actual minute, and listen to each other, we can begin to love, support and encourage each other. Too often we think we are all alone.
That's how encouragement works. It’s contagious…
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 {New International Version {NIV}}
Take care
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)