Kidisms

In an attempt to be healthy, I found some reciepes for bean salads on the internet. So, in the grocery store with little man, I stopped at the bean aisle for my bag of fresh beans.

"Mom, what's that?" He asked.

"Beans." I explained.

"We're eating healthier." I added.

He looked at the beans and then at me and asked, ever so innocently, "Is that your New Year Revolution?"

"Yes. A Revolution it is." I replied. Giggling.

A Breath of Heaven

Every now and then,
when the world sits just right,
a gentle breath of heaven
fills my soul with delight,
and I sigh ~

as sun brings its morning,
its gift of warmth to chase the chill,
from the crook of night's arms
arising o'er that far hill,
and I know ~

heaven smiles,
and I smile, too,
though life can be hard
while dreams are few ~

yet, every now and then,
when this world sits just right,
a gentle breath of heaven
fills my soul with delight,
and I see ~

the turning of a leaf
dancing in an autumn sun,
and brilliant shades of crimson
glowing when a day is done,
and I sigh ~

when a rose stands alone,
thriving where no others thrive,
a rare bouquet of one
still strong, still alive,
and I know ~

even in shadows
heaven catches, unaware,
those blinded by visions
of hatred and despair,
and I see ~

a promise of tomorrow
in that wind around the bend,
as it carries a dream of hope
with no hate or pain to tend,
and I pray ~

when every now and then,
this world sits just right,
as a gentle breath of heaven
fills my soul with delight,

and I smile...

Posted by Hazelmarie Elliott (Mattie) at 3:20 PM

Words to Live By

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.


Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble , whatever
things are just, whatever things are pure, Whatever things arelovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy— MEDITATE on these things.

The things which you learned and received and
heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with
you. Philipians 4:6-9

med·i·tate (md-tt)
v. med·i·tat·ed, med·i·tat·ing, med·i·tates
v.tr.
1. To reflect on; contemplate.

2. To plan in the mind; intend:

a. Buddhism & Hinduism To train, calm, or empty the mind, often by achieving an

altered state, as by focusing on a single object.

b. To engage in devotional contemplation, especially prayer.

2. To think or reflect, especially in a calm and deliberate manner.

A BC Christmas Party

The BC decided that the weekend after the New Year would be our weekend to celebrate Christmas.

The gala was planned to be at my house. I was serving up the festivities. Earlier in the week, the drama started. "I have this turkey and I'm going to cook it for the party." Miranda tells me.

"What?" "You don't have to cook a turkey! I have dinner all planned!" I explain.

"I have this turkey in the freezer and I want to get rid of it, so I'll cook it for Saturday." Miranda explains.

"Miranda, I know how to cook a turkey! Just give me the turkey and I'll cook it!" I tell her.

"No, I'll cook it." She says.

"You don't trust me! You don't think I can cook a turkey! You don't think I can cook!! This is so not right!" I jump to my defenses.

"I really want to cook this turkey." Miranda says again.

I just sighed.

"I want to brine it." She explained.

Then I remembered. Miranda makes the most fabulous brine turkey in the universe.

"Okay." I say. Argument over. She wins with flying colors. That's some good turkey.

"I also have this great recipe for stuffing. I'll make that too." She tells me.

"Okay." I agree.

A few days later I was informing Samantha how Miranda is making the turkey for our Christmas event.

"Why is she cooking?" Samantha asks. "I thought you wanted to get gourmet." She reminded me.

"I guess she doesn't trust me." I tell her, half giggling.

"Ah, come on, it's a New Year! You can do this!" Samantha says, teasing.

"She's brining the turkey." I tell Samantha.

Without a pause or hesitation, Samantha says "You can cook it next time!" remembering how good Miranda's turkey is.

Then, on Friday, the day before the scheduled event, Samantha called me.

"What time Stove Top?" She asked, teasing.

"Miranda's making the stuffing." I informed her.

"What are you making, Ms. Gourmet?" She asked.

"I don't know." I said.

Reflections

New Year's Day. A time of new beginnings. A time to reflect on the past year and eagerly anticipate the new one.

I'm chalking 2010 up to a learning experience. The entire year was a complete learning experience in every aspect of my life.

2011 is going to be the best year ever.

I can feel it.

Changes are a good thing. Bring them on.