My father didn’t eat to live……HE LIVED TO EAT! He became diabetic at age 58 at a weight of 300 lbs. Unfortunately, compulsive eating was passed on to me. As the thinnest of 3 girls, I could consume anything and not put on a pound ……until… I gave birth….and turned 40. I’ve let it go since all of my blood work has been good/fair for years. However, at 68 …I need to get serious about getting healthy. I NEED TO LOSE 50 LBS! The reason I’m putting it out there : I need to be…
WEEK 5 Father, the arrogance of some people make me absolutely detest them. Those with few morals, and the evil media, make my Christian Spirit want to fight against them forcefully. My Dear Friend Gracie coined the following phrase: “Puff Fluffs…. Those who are vogue on the outside, and vague on the inside.” I run from them Lord, and refuse to surround myself with such fake personalities. They look down their noses at others, and try to make them feel so much less. However, I am so much more in your eyes. I am dressed in purple because I am…
Father, I am making a commitment. Each morning, I will begin my day with you. I am learning that only as I walk with you each morning in gratitude, my day will follow flowing with joy and healthy thoughts. Years ago, your servant Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, opened the door to the Holy Scriptures. His book, The Power of Positive Thinking, led me to the wisdom that I could control my thoughts. As a child, I was a constant worrier. However, when the realization of truth came into my being, as I matured, my soul relaxed and the Spirit filled…
Storyteller My Maternal Granny moved into our home in 1963, when I was 14. As they were building an addition onto the house, 2 solid oak desks were constructed. I was fortunate enough to acquire one of them. It’s located in my son’s upstairs bedroom. During his youth he filled it with all of his football and super hero paraphernalia. To me, it’s much more than a desk. It’s a place for creativity. Recently it has had an amazing rebirth. THE DESK…….Every eve for 5 years I, sat at the desk, lit a candle, studied…
Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the patterns 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. “Marriage is an empty bowl. You pour yourself into it ounce by ounce. However, it takes love, prayer, listening to God, and committment ……if you take the time to fill it to the brim.” Sue Cutler OMG! LOL! I could write a book about this topic! After 45 years of marriage, I have a system that finally…
It’s that time of year! Fall is the favorite time on the farm. However, along with it comes patience and long-suffering. It’s always a huge relief when the crops are out of the field and safely in the bins. Getting there however, is another option. Over the years, all farmers get antsy when it comes to harvest and spring planting. OMG! Our first harvest on this farm was a nightmare! 1972 was the wettest fall on record. Farmers were hoping for the ground to freeze in order to get the combines rolling. We were supposed to have…
I have done this 2 different ways: #1 Buy ready made pie crusts. Use a nice size casserole dish that will feed your family. Spray casserole dish with PAM. Place a ready made pie crust on the bottom. Peel and slice apples…fill the casserole. On the stove : 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of butter..add water to make a desired syrup. Add cinnamon. I just dump in desired amount. You can add some brown sugar if desired. You want to make enough syrup to cover the apples. Don’t pour it over apples till topping is on. TOPPING…
Father, there have been so many people in my lifetime, that have tread on me. Family members, in-laws, friends, and people in the work place have stabbed me in the back so many times. The stress and pressure is sometimes overwhelming. When those who are supposed to be the closest to me, break me and say horrendous things behind my back, it’s often more than I can bear. It’s hard for me to pray and forgive them. I should have distanced myself from those people. No, instead I tried to win their favor. I finally realized that…
My Mr. Moo Cow is a meat and potatoes man. He’s not much for chicken. So I’m always browsing for beef recipes and casseroles. However, the following recipe is a fast and furious creation! LOL! It’s great for a busy mom/teacher who is always on the go. I have to admit, that this dish is amazing when it’s made with Mr. Moo Cow Meat. Sometimes the store bought round steak doesn’t get it. NOW I WARN YOU AHEAD OF TIME: Granny and mom were fabulous cooks and didn’t measure a whole lot. That…
Father, there have been so many people in my lifetime, that have tread on me. Family members, in-laws, friends, and people in the work place have stabbed me in the back so many times. The stress and pressure is sometimes overwhelming. When those who are supposed to be the closest to me, break me and say horrendous things behind my back, it’s often more than I can bear. It’s hard for me to pray and forgive them. I should have distanced myself from those people. No, instead I tried to win their favor. I finally realized that…
Ok Millenials… this one comes from Granny’s wisdom and life experience. If you were a kid in the 50’s and 60’s, the world came alive when Color TV was introduced around 1960. Bonanza began in color. The NBC Peacock made the best of it. As did my favorite creator of all time….Walt Disney. If you’re my age, you can still sing the song: The world is a wonderland of color…wonderful…wonderful…color! Then Tinkerbelle would do her magic all over the screen. I knew that I was to be a creator from the time…
During the summer festivals I often work a table display for prevention. Since I am employed through the Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services, during the school year, this creates a bit of summer mad-money .I go into schools in Madison and Union Counties as a Pax Partner. During the London Strawberry Festival, I hooked with a Mennonite friend, Loretta. She used to substitute in Jonathan Alder Schools, and often subbed for me. She now sells Tupperware. A few weeks later, as I was pulling out of the garage, a man with a huge smile pulled in with…
STORYTELLER 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, courage, and a sound mind. Your life changes, once you become a grandparent. When Tom and I became Gramma and Grampa Farm, our lives took on an entire new adventure! It’s funny, because with grandkids, you can give them your wisdoms. Then you can make up for the mistakes you made with your own kids. We are like 5 year olds sometimes…..and it’s awesome! When our twin grandsons come to the farm, they come on an adventure! That’s…
Book of Sirach(Catholic Bible)6:2-4 Do not fall into the grip of your passion, lest like fire it consume your strength. It will eat your leaves and destroy your fruits, and you will be left a dry tree. For fierce passion destroys its owner, and makes him the sport of his enemies. Trees are a huge symbol in my life. To me they represent the following: life, strength, courage, becoming, and a living creature that produces much fruit. All living creatures need sustenance: food, water, light, rest, and nurturing. The thought of a Dry Tree is pitiful…
The other night, I was looking through some of my mail order catalogs. I like to order clothing from a certain company. Therefore, I am flooded with catalogs from everywhere! I always like looking through them, prior to their obliteration. However, while looking through a very fluffy, puffy, decorating catalog, I became hysterical with laughter. My funny bone was on overload! Here I was, sitting in my 1890’s remodeled farmhouse. Which by the way took us 40 years to complete. It is a beautiful home now. However, as every farmer knows, your money is in your land and machinery…