Well, it is a beautiful and breezy day on this side of paradise, and I am thankful that the storms of yesterday were no worse than they were here. There was such devastation and destruction in other areas (even deaths), that I am astounded that we escaped so easily. It is both awesome and humbling.
*************
Moving on along...
Since my last post, I have finished Elisha's Bones as well as Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlin (which I did not have listed last time).
The former was good, but not as well written as I might have expected.
The latter is typically Heinlin (which is good!) , and as some others had told me, very different from the movie. Hollywood really screwed up on this one.
Have started Wish List (which I mentioned last time), and it is more serious, mysterious, and "dark" than I anticipated. The synopsis I had read led me to believe it would have been funnier or more on the light side. NOT! Good food for thought about our thoughts and how we should be more mindful of them, and their effects on all around us, esp. those we love.
Also reading SHED now by Julie Morgenstern. It is more than a decluttering/ organizing book and is more about assessing what is important and what is not in one's life in order to get "unstuck" and be able to access the time and resources one needs to pursue and enjoy the treasures (instead of being hampered by all the trash) in our lives. Good book!
Still savoring The Power Of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer. It has so much good stuff that I catch myself wanting to plow through it and have to make my self slow down so that I can actually internalize and digest what I am reading before going on.
Sooooo What's On Your Reading List These Days???
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
What Are YOU reading? Eating? Drinking?
Having apparently ruffled a few feathers and caused some offense with my last blog * Insert Impish Grin Here*, I have resolved to behave for today. Innocuous comments only. Cool? OK!
***********************************
So, on my free Kindle for PC (no, not an ad for them, just an admission that I cannot yet afford the hand held one), I am fortunate to currently have several good books.
These are:
Elisha's Bones, (fiction) by Don Hoesel. This one was a freebie. Still can't believe it...although most I read on Kindle are. It is an Indiana Jones type adventure of an archaeologist who is about to embark on a holiday break from teaching and is commisioned to search for the bones of the O.T. prophet, Elisha. The bones are said or rumored to restore life, and a rich, but terminally ill man hires the professor to try to find them. So far, so good. Just started it today.
The Secret Holocaust Diaries (True story) by Nonna Bannister. These are the memories of a woman who survived concentration/ labor camps during WWII after seeing her family killed (as well as countless other atrocities), came to this country, married, and raised a family, and never told anyone of her experiences until she was in her 70s. What is even more amazing is that she bears no hatred nor bitterness towards the people who turned her world upside down and destroyed her family, hopes and dreams.
Lost In Kandahar (Non-Fiction)By Alex Berenson..Haven't really gotten into this one yet, but can tell you it is written from a reporter's point of view (a liberal one, from reveiws I have read), and like other books of its ilk, deplores the insanity and futility of this war. Something I agree with.
Letters Of A Woman Homesteader (True letters) by Elinore Pruitt Stewart. This one is really engrossing to me, not just as an American, a female, and a history buff, but for the beautiful, down-to-earth, and yet lyrical style of writing of this woman. Really good.
Wish List (fiction) by John Locke. This is another one I have not really gotten into, but look forward to after reading a synopsis and reviews. Sounds like interesting, light reading.
Soooo, What are YOU reading these days?
***********************************
As for my eating habits...oh Geez! Not the best lately. Nope still not getting into the greasy foods. Cannot honestly remember the last time I fried anything. Really. Closest I have come is making a cheese omelette using the cooking spray in the frypan.
Have been on a tuna fish and turkey kick...light kind of both.
Making my tuna (water packed only) these days with just some onion powder, Mrs. Dash original flavor/table blend, and a pinch of celery salt....then add mayo to taste, serve with either unsalted crackers or those "hint of salt" ones Nabisco puts out.
As for the turkey, I get thin/deli sliced/ oven roasted (don't like all the other varieties..so sue me!) and either eat this on those little thin wholewheat buns, or 45 calorie wholewheat bread, or just wrapped around a slice of cheese. Yummmmmm!
Mornings are usually my apple and cinnamon instant oatmeal (very tasty, good for me, and not many calories or fats or other bad thingys) I don't add sugar, milk, or anything really but hot water.
Have been craving catfish..yes the fried kind...and may just have to break down and procure some one day. Yes, I have a source. lol
A lil deli inside a grocery in Pascagoula is home to some of the best, as well as some scrumptious green beans...and they know how to cook a good carrot. Ohhh yes. Hush puppies not bad either, but I am trying to quit. lol
Crave some spaghetti and meatballs every once in a while too, and try to keep some Stouffer's frozen one serving dinners in the freezer for such occasions. Good portion control and convenient. lol The excess fat calories I just have to deal with, since I don't do it that often.
For veggies, I like the small, early june green peas, green beans (both the cut and the Italian kind), carrots, beets, black-eyed peas, occasionally some speckled butter beans and field peas, and occasionally a baked potato. V-8 Fusion comes in handy too, to give me the combo fruit and veggie juice; I drink the "light" kind.
Haven't had any good red beans and rice in a while and am thinking seriously about doing that before it gets too hot.
As you can see, I am not big on roasts, ribs, chops, steaks, or such. Don't really care for pork at all, although I do like a lil good lean baked ham every once in a while....and a good lean, well done hamburger can hit the spot too. Ditch the bun and top with cheese.
Have tried to limit my snacks to PNB and banana sandwiches (again on the 45 calorie bread or thin buns) or just PNB on Ritz crackers, or a banana by itself. Also like PNB with slice or wedges of apple. Rarely get any good pears, but I do like them. Can't eat peaches/stomach upset. Have not had one chocolate bunny or egg so far, and Easter is almost upon us! Yes, I love chocolate.
Also like potato chips, but have tried to steer clear of them, fritos, and cheetos because of the sodium content. Seems I am very sensitive to it. Ohh Great! Now I am thinking of a frito/chilli pie. Good Heavens! Just think of all that sodium and fat. No wonder it is sooo good. lol
What's on Your menu..or Your plate?
************************************
Have shifted from so much coffee (still get in at least a cup of leaded a day) more to green tea. Good for me, no caffeine, and easier on the ole tummy. No "soft drinks" (or sodas or pop, depending on where you are from) or alcohol to worry about; don't do them anymore either. Might not work for everyone, but it does for me.
Mostly I drink copious amounts of filtered (have a little pitcher for the fridge) or bottled water. A little pack of that Crystal lite wild strawberry or lemon flavor in a bottle of water is a good treat too.
About the only soft drinks I miss are the old creme soda and the classic coke. Yes, I am probably the only Southerner who does not walk around with a glass of sweet tea all the time. Don't tell!
Boring eh? Well, I feel better, sleep better, and weigh less than I have in years...and I am never sick. So, as I said, it works for me.
Now, what are You imbibing these days?
***********************************
So, on my free Kindle for PC (no, not an ad for them, just an admission that I cannot yet afford the hand held one), I am fortunate to currently have several good books.
These are:
Elisha's Bones, (fiction) by Don Hoesel. This one was a freebie. Still can't believe it...although most I read on Kindle are. It is an Indiana Jones type adventure of an archaeologist who is about to embark on a holiday break from teaching and is commisioned to search for the bones of the O.T. prophet, Elisha. The bones are said or rumored to restore life, and a rich, but terminally ill man hires the professor to try to find them. So far, so good. Just started it today.
The Secret Holocaust Diaries (True story) by Nonna Bannister. These are the memories of a woman who survived concentration/ labor camps during WWII after seeing her family killed (as well as countless other atrocities), came to this country, married, and raised a family, and never told anyone of her experiences until she was in her 70s. What is even more amazing is that she bears no hatred nor bitterness towards the people who turned her world upside down and destroyed her family, hopes and dreams.
Lost In Kandahar (Non-Fiction)By Alex Berenson..Haven't really gotten into this one yet, but can tell you it is written from a reporter's point of view (a liberal one, from reveiws I have read), and like other books of its ilk, deplores the insanity and futility of this war. Something I agree with.
Letters Of A Woman Homesteader (True letters) by Elinore Pruitt Stewart. This one is really engrossing to me, not just as an American, a female, and a history buff, but for the beautiful, down-to-earth, and yet lyrical style of writing of this woman. Really good.
Wish List (fiction) by John Locke. This is another one I have not really gotten into, but look forward to after reading a synopsis and reviews. Sounds like interesting, light reading.
Soooo, What are YOU reading these days?
***********************************
As for my eating habits...oh Geez! Not the best lately. Nope still not getting into the greasy foods. Cannot honestly remember the last time I fried anything. Really. Closest I have come is making a cheese omelette using the cooking spray in the frypan.
Have been on a tuna fish and turkey kick...light kind of both.
Making my tuna (water packed only) these days with just some onion powder, Mrs. Dash original flavor/table blend, and a pinch of celery salt....then add mayo to taste, serve with either unsalted crackers or those "hint of salt" ones Nabisco puts out.
As for the turkey, I get thin/deli sliced/ oven roasted (don't like all the other varieties..so sue me!) and either eat this on those little thin wholewheat buns, or 45 calorie wholewheat bread, or just wrapped around a slice of cheese. Yummmmmm!
Mornings are usually my apple and cinnamon instant oatmeal (very tasty, good for me, and not many calories or fats or other bad thingys) I don't add sugar, milk, or anything really but hot water.
Have been craving catfish..yes the fried kind...and may just have to break down and procure some one day. Yes, I have a source. lol
A lil deli inside a grocery in Pascagoula is home to some of the best, as well as some scrumptious green beans...and they know how to cook a good carrot. Ohhh yes. Hush puppies not bad either, but I am trying to quit. lol
Crave some spaghetti and meatballs every once in a while too, and try to keep some Stouffer's frozen one serving dinners in the freezer for such occasions. Good portion control and convenient. lol The excess fat calories I just have to deal with, since I don't do it that often.
For veggies, I like the small, early june green peas, green beans (both the cut and the Italian kind), carrots, beets, black-eyed peas, occasionally some speckled butter beans and field peas, and occasionally a baked potato. V-8 Fusion comes in handy too, to give me the combo fruit and veggie juice; I drink the "light" kind.
Haven't had any good red beans and rice in a while and am thinking seriously about doing that before it gets too hot.
As you can see, I am not big on roasts, ribs, chops, steaks, or such. Don't really care for pork at all, although I do like a lil good lean baked ham every once in a while....and a good lean, well done hamburger can hit the spot too. Ditch the bun and top with cheese.
Have tried to limit my snacks to PNB and banana sandwiches (again on the 45 calorie bread or thin buns) or just PNB on Ritz crackers, or a banana by itself. Also like PNB with slice or wedges of apple. Rarely get any good pears, but I do like them. Can't eat peaches/stomach upset. Have not had one chocolate bunny or egg so far, and Easter is almost upon us! Yes, I love chocolate.
Also like potato chips, but have tried to steer clear of them, fritos, and cheetos because of the sodium content. Seems I am very sensitive to it. Ohh Great! Now I am thinking of a frito/chilli pie. Good Heavens! Just think of all that sodium and fat. No wonder it is sooo good. lol
What's on Your menu..or Your plate?
************************************
Have shifted from so much coffee (still get in at least a cup of leaded a day) more to green tea. Good for me, no caffeine, and easier on the ole tummy. No "soft drinks" (or sodas or pop, depending on where you are from) or alcohol to worry about; don't do them anymore either. Might not work for everyone, but it does for me.
Mostly I drink copious amounts of filtered (have a little pitcher for the fridge) or bottled water. A little pack of that Crystal lite wild strawberry or lemon flavor in a bottle of water is a good treat too.
About the only soft drinks I miss are the old creme soda and the classic coke. Yes, I am probably the only Southerner who does not walk around with a glass of sweet tea all the time. Don't tell!
Boring eh? Well, I feel better, sleep better, and weigh less than I have in years...and I am never sick. So, as I said, it works for me.
Now, what are You imbibing these days?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Does It Really Matter? I Think So!
Just sitting here sipping some green tea and thinking about what a silly, selfish ass I have been. Hmmm Why are you not surprised?
Had an older friend in So. Ca. who recently passed away; a good (as much as we humans can manage that), decent, kind, compassionate, and moral person. So, what's the problem?
I never really spoke to her about faith. She said she was Christian, and seemed to live it, and so I never pursued it. Now I will never know.
None of my business, you say? Wrong.
She was my friend. She was a part of my life. It was my responsibility to share Jesus with her, to open a dialogue with her, make sure that her spirit spends eternity with God, not separated from him. Not a popular concept these days, but right now, I really don't care.
It is careless and thoughtless of me not to do as God commanded with anyone I come across, but there is NO excuse for me not to have done this with someone I called a good friend. No excuse.
Tonight, I have a North Carlina friend lying in the ER there and things are not looking good. Another "good" person who professes Christianity, and so another one with whom I have not taken the time to ascertain what that means to them.
While I like to keep an open mind and heart, I believe as the old song says, "You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything."
Although I respect the rights of others to make their own choices, part of my choice in being a Christian is accepting the great commision of Christ; telling others about Him and His word.
In talking with another friend recently, I found that what he calls his "mainstream" church does not have missionaries or altar calls, although there is apparently a lot of tradition, pageantry, and "fellowship". Nope, not judging or criticizing. It just made me more aware that the label "Christian" is not one size fits all. He does not believe in a lieteral Hell (embraces a lot of Rob Bell thoughts apparently), and does not believe the Bible to be the literal or infallible Word of God. Shock does not begin to describe my reaction. The fact that he told me he knows of several pastors of congregations who agree with this really saddened me. On what do these people base their faith? I don't understand it.
He went on to say that essentially it doesn't matter what one believes as long as they are a good, decent person, treat others well, and live a good life. Apparently whether one is Buddhist, Hindu, or whatever is of no consequence, because a good and loving God will welcome all to Heaven...his view, not mine.
How can one claim to be a follower of Christ (who said, "I am the way the truth and the light and no man comes to the Father, except by me") really believe that? Seriously!
He says because he believes in God and Jesus he is a Christian. News flash! That devil, in whom you also don't believe, believes in Jesus too. He talked intimately with him. It's in that book you don't accept.
Unfortunately I was so shocked and upset that I know I did not present my case well at all. Possibly it is not my calling to do so, but merely to pray for the enlightenment of such people.
Does that sound wimpy? Or just arrogant? I am sure that he found what I said to be the latter, and I regret that. It was statements and attitude borne out of love and genuine concern for the immortal spirits (I used to say soul, but know better now) of him, his church friends, and the pastors he spoke of.
Side note: I believe we are spirit (God is a spirit, and we are created in his image, right?); we have a soul (heart and mind); and we live in this temporary flesh called a body.
These witnessing thing is something I must truly give more thought to...and invest much, much more prayer into.
It is much easier to share Jesus with someone who says up front that they don't believe in God or Jesus, than with those who say that they do...but they just don't believe in this or that or whatever...esp. those who cannot or will not accept the Bible. There are enough translations of it nowadays that there should be something which strikes a chord with anyone/everyone. It is not just a good book of nice stories and fables. It is the inspired Word of God, and I never realized how much that meant to me until challenged on it.
Yes, I need prayer too!
Please pray for my patience, insight, and wisdom in dealing with people so that I may do so with the pure and genuine love of Christ in my heart...and with no other agenda than the benefit of the person with whom I am speaking.
Fanatic, you say? Ok. Call me what you will. So be it. I can stand that more than knowing I missed another opportunity to share the Word and Love of God with someone else. These are things that I will have to give account of someday. God help me.
Had an older friend in So. Ca. who recently passed away; a good (as much as we humans can manage that), decent, kind, compassionate, and moral person. So, what's the problem?
I never really spoke to her about faith. She said she was Christian, and seemed to live it, and so I never pursued it. Now I will never know.
None of my business, you say? Wrong.
She was my friend. She was a part of my life. It was my responsibility to share Jesus with her, to open a dialogue with her, make sure that her spirit spends eternity with God, not separated from him. Not a popular concept these days, but right now, I really don't care.
It is careless and thoughtless of me not to do as God commanded with anyone I come across, but there is NO excuse for me not to have done this with someone I called a good friend. No excuse.
Tonight, I have a North Carlina friend lying in the ER there and things are not looking good. Another "good" person who professes Christianity, and so another one with whom I have not taken the time to ascertain what that means to them.
While I like to keep an open mind and heart, I believe as the old song says, "You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything."
Although I respect the rights of others to make their own choices, part of my choice in being a Christian is accepting the great commision of Christ; telling others about Him and His word.
In talking with another friend recently, I found that what he calls his "mainstream" church does not have missionaries or altar calls, although there is apparently a lot of tradition, pageantry, and "fellowship". Nope, not judging or criticizing. It just made me more aware that the label "Christian" is not one size fits all. He does not believe in a lieteral Hell (embraces a lot of Rob Bell thoughts apparently), and does not believe the Bible to be the literal or infallible Word of God. Shock does not begin to describe my reaction. The fact that he told me he knows of several pastors of congregations who agree with this really saddened me. On what do these people base their faith? I don't understand it.
He went on to say that essentially it doesn't matter what one believes as long as they are a good, decent person, treat others well, and live a good life. Apparently whether one is Buddhist, Hindu, or whatever is of no consequence, because a good and loving God will welcome all to Heaven...his view, not mine.
How can one claim to be a follower of Christ (who said, "I am the way the truth and the light and no man comes to the Father, except by me") really believe that? Seriously!
He says because he believes in God and Jesus he is a Christian. News flash! That devil, in whom you also don't believe, believes in Jesus too. He talked intimately with him. It's in that book you don't accept.
Unfortunately I was so shocked and upset that I know I did not present my case well at all. Possibly it is not my calling to do so, but merely to pray for the enlightenment of such people.
Does that sound wimpy? Or just arrogant? I am sure that he found what I said to be the latter, and I regret that. It was statements and attitude borne out of love and genuine concern for the immortal spirits (I used to say soul, but know better now) of him, his church friends, and the pastors he spoke of.
Side note: I believe we are spirit (God is a spirit, and we are created in his image, right?); we have a soul (heart and mind); and we live in this temporary flesh called a body.
These witnessing thing is something I must truly give more thought to...and invest much, much more prayer into.
It is much easier to share Jesus with someone who says up front that they don't believe in God or Jesus, than with those who say that they do...but they just don't believe in this or that or whatever...esp. those who cannot or will not accept the Bible. There are enough translations of it nowadays that there should be something which strikes a chord with anyone/everyone. It is not just a good book of nice stories and fables. It is the inspired Word of God, and I never realized how much that meant to me until challenged on it.
Yes, I need prayer too!
Please pray for my patience, insight, and wisdom in dealing with people so that I may do so with the pure and genuine love of Christ in my heart...and with no other agenda than the benefit of the person with whom I am speaking.
Fanatic, you say? Ok. Call me what you will. So be it. I can stand that more than knowing I missed another opportunity to share the Word and Love of God with someone else. These are things that I will have to give account of someday. God help me.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Weekend Wanderings..............
Just call me "Wonder Woman" this morning. Nope, nothing magical or mystical. Just feeling empowered after my morning meditation and prayer. God is great, life is good, and I am blessed beyond measure!
******************************
Allegedly, ole Albert Einstein said "Imagination is more important than knowledge". Interesting, doncha think?
Well, if you have ever seen a really smart person with no imagination, you might be (as I am) inclined to agree with him.
While we cannot spend life in a daydreaming haze, it is still good to be able to suspend the bonds of reality and let our imaginations soar sometimes.
Little kids are limitless in this capacity, and it has to be a form of grace. Unfortunately as they (we) get older, those dispossessed of their own dreams seek to rob and rid us of ours as well. What a shame.
Instead of stifling our imaginations and losing those dreams, we need to ...as gently and lovingly as possible....ignore those people and nurture our faith, our hopes, and our imagination. So it seems to me.
*************************
There is a saying: "Cherish this moment, for THIS moment IS your life".
It is true. We need to realize that yesterday is done with, and tomorrow is not promised. What we have...all that we really have..is now. While we may and should learn from the past and hope for the future, we should not waste time living in either one, but realize the blessing of today and make the most of it. So it seems to me.
***************************
Reading a blog (not here) from earlier in the month by Dr. Wayne Dyer, I enjoyed what he said about being a writer. It can apply to life as well.
He mentioned "going with the flow", which is one of the main things a good friend of mine and I speak of often.
Dr. Dyer credited Abraham Maslow with teaching him years ago to "put forth what I wanted, my work, my message, and then detach from the outcome." How cool! How true.
He spoke further about Maslow teaching him that he should just let his writing flow and quit trying to edit it; just let it pour forth and get his passion on the paper. Others could edit it. He said that writing was like a lot of other things, the more one does, the better one becomes at it. So, one should just let it flow, stop judging and get out of one's own way. A passion or calling is not something one does, it is who one is!
Good advice for a number of other things in life as well, or so it seems to me.
**************************
Well, now you know some of what is on my mind this morning. What do you think? What is on your mind?
******************************
Allegedly, ole Albert Einstein said "Imagination is more important than knowledge". Interesting, doncha think?
Well, if you have ever seen a really smart person with no imagination, you might be (as I am) inclined to agree with him.
While we cannot spend life in a daydreaming haze, it is still good to be able to suspend the bonds of reality and let our imaginations soar sometimes.
Little kids are limitless in this capacity, and it has to be a form of grace. Unfortunately as they (we) get older, those dispossessed of their own dreams seek to rob and rid us of ours as well. What a shame.
Instead of stifling our imaginations and losing those dreams, we need to ...as gently and lovingly as possible....ignore those people and nurture our faith, our hopes, and our imagination. So it seems to me.
*************************
There is a saying: "Cherish this moment, for THIS moment IS your life".
It is true. We need to realize that yesterday is done with, and tomorrow is not promised. What we have...all that we really have..is now. While we may and should learn from the past and hope for the future, we should not waste time living in either one, but realize the blessing of today and make the most of it. So it seems to me.
***************************
Reading a blog (not here) from earlier in the month by Dr. Wayne Dyer, I enjoyed what he said about being a writer. It can apply to life as well.
He mentioned "going with the flow", which is one of the main things a good friend of mine and I speak of often.
Dr. Dyer credited Abraham Maslow with teaching him years ago to "put forth what I wanted, my work, my message, and then detach from the outcome." How cool! How true.
He spoke further about Maslow teaching him that he should just let his writing flow and quit trying to edit it; just let it pour forth and get his passion on the paper. Others could edit it. He said that writing was like a lot of other things, the more one does, the better one becomes at it. So, one should just let it flow, stop judging and get out of one's own way. A passion or calling is not something one does, it is who one is!
Good advice for a number of other things in life as well, or so it seems to me.
**************************
Well, now you know some of what is on my mind this morning. What do you think? What is on your mind?
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