I have received several emails concerning MINDY'S LEMON BARS. I appreciate all your support in the 'name' and yes.... in a perfect world it would have been gracious of DREAMDINNERS to keep my name on the Lemon Bars....to eliminate any confusion for the 'GUEST' LOL. (it really is small potaotoes, folks!) I will make some this weekend and take a picture and post it. stay tuned....
Mindy' Lemon Bars
Crust:
1c. butter
2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. sugar
Preheat oven to 350. Blend all ingredients until mixture. Press on bottom of 9x13. Bake for 20 mins.
Filling:
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
4 T. Flour
1/2 tsp. baking power
10 Tlbs. lemon juice
Beat eggs until they are light and thick. Add sugar, flour, baking power, lemon juice. Remove the crust from the oven and pour filling. Bake an additional 20 mins or until golden on top.
ENJOY....
Thursday, November 29, 2007
The Fog Of A Broken Heart
Lamentations 3:22 The Lord’s Love never ends; his mercies never stop. They are new every morning; Lord, your loyalty is great.
It’s a dark fog that slyly imprisons the soul and refuses easy escape. It’s a silent mist that eclipses the sun and beacons the darkness. It’s a heavy cloud that honors no hour and respects no person.
Depression, Discouragement, Disappointment, & Doubt….all are companions of this dreaded presence.
The Fog of the broken hearted disorients our life. It makes it hard to see the road. Dim your lights. Wipe off the windshield. Slow Down. Do what you wish, nothing helps. When this fog encircles us, Our Vision is blocked and tomorrow is a forever away. When this billowy blackness envelopes us, the most earnest words of help and hope are but vacant phases.
If you have ever been betrayed by a friend, co-worker, husband….or a franchisor, you have seen this fog.
If you have ever been in this fog, or are in it now, you can be sure of one thing- YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Even the saltiest Sea Captains have lost their bearings because of the appearance of this unwanted cloud….
Think back over the last two or three months. How many broken hearts did you encounter? How many wounded spirits did you witness? How many stories of tragedy did you read about?
The list goes on and on, doesn’t it? Foggy tragedies. How they blind Our Vision and destroy our dreams. Forget any great hopes of reaching the world. Forget and plans of changing society. Forget any aspirations of moving mountains. Forget ALL that! Just help me make it through the night!!
The suffering of the broken heart……
Seeing God….does wonders for our own suffering. God was never more human at this hour. God was never nearer to us then when we hurt. The Incarnation was never so fulfilled as in the garden.
As a result, time spent in the fog of pain could be God’s greatest gift. It could be the hour that we finally see our Maker….Maybe in our suffering we can see God like never before.
The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. It may be the closest you’ll ever get to God. Watch Closely. It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.
It’s a dark fog that slyly imprisons the soul and refuses easy escape. It’s a silent mist that eclipses the sun and beacons the darkness. It’s a heavy cloud that honors no hour and respects no person.
Depression, Discouragement, Disappointment, & Doubt….all are companions of this dreaded presence.
The Fog of the broken hearted disorients our life. It makes it hard to see the road. Dim your lights. Wipe off the windshield. Slow Down. Do what you wish, nothing helps. When this fog encircles us, Our Vision is blocked and tomorrow is a forever away. When this billowy blackness envelopes us, the most earnest words of help and hope are but vacant phases.
If you have ever been betrayed by a friend, co-worker, husband….or a franchisor, you have seen this fog.
If you have ever been in this fog, or are in it now, you can be sure of one thing- YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Even the saltiest Sea Captains have lost their bearings because of the appearance of this unwanted cloud….
Think back over the last two or three months. How many broken hearts did you encounter? How many wounded spirits did you witness? How many stories of tragedy did you read about?
The list goes on and on, doesn’t it? Foggy tragedies. How they blind Our Vision and destroy our dreams. Forget any great hopes of reaching the world. Forget and plans of changing society. Forget any aspirations of moving mountains. Forget ALL that! Just help me make it through the night!!
The suffering of the broken heart……
Seeing God….does wonders for our own suffering. God was never more human at this hour. God was never nearer to us then when we hurt. The Incarnation was never so fulfilled as in the garden.
As a result, time spent in the fog of pain could be God’s greatest gift. It could be the hour that we finally see our Maker….Maybe in our suffering we can see God like never before.
The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention. It may be the closest you’ll ever get to God. Watch Closely. It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The Power Of NEED
When Your ambiance in the Store is comfortable, the food is consistent, but your profit margins and bottom line are weak. What do you do?
The answer is simple-
sell more, acquire a taste for creativity, and bring your service standards up a notch and your profit will follow.
The Meal Assembly experience is just that, and customers often need a guide to help them through this adventure.
They do not know what they need.
Become the expert, & create the “Power of Need’
Food for Thought for this December:
67% of guest does not know what they need when they walk Thur your door.
87% of guest want someone to make this buying decision (dinners) for them.
99% of guest will purchase on average 3x more if someone creates the ‘Power Of Need’ to them
The answer is simple-
sell more, acquire a taste for creativity, and bring your service standards up a notch and your profit will follow.
The Meal Assembly experience is just that, and customers often need a guide to help them through this adventure.
They do not know what they need.
Become the expert, & create the “Power of Need’
Food for Thought for this December:
67% of guest does not know what they need when they walk Thur your door.
87% of guest want someone to make this buying decision (dinners) for them.
99% of guest will purchase on average 3x more if someone creates the ‘Power Of Need’ to them
Monday, November 26, 2007
It’s all in the Character By Michelle Weber
“Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” Ephesians 5:2
Devotion:
“I’ll race you to the top”, my 6 year old daughter Emily shouted to her four year old little sister Amanda. Emily was already at the top and headed into her room before Amanda was barely half way up the steps. I waited for Amanda as she carefully climbed the stairs, pulling herself up with her arms to compensate for the weakness in her legs.
As I tucked Emily into bed that night I asked her to please stop turning everything into a race. “You’re asking Amanda to play a game that she just can’t win and it’s making her very sad”. With a heavy heart Emily replied, “Mommy why did God give ME all the gifts?” Searching for the right words I told her that God didn’t give her All the gifts, just different ones. I reminded her that God has given Amanda a bunch of gifts too, but hers just weren’t as easy to see right now.
The following year my little Amanda was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. The world as I had planned it with my beautiful healthy children came crashing down around me. “How could this be? We are an active family. We are going to take ski vacations, ride bikes and horses together.” Everyday I found myself crying uncontrollably and thinking about how incredibly unfair life was. It just had to change, it just had to.
First thing was to kick myself out of my personal pity party and get serious about helping Amanda. I wasn’t the victim here and I wasn’t going to sign Amanda up to be one either. In addition to talking to other doctors I examined my role and became very intentional about focusing on the one thing that made both of my girls special and valuable in her own way. We began celebrating the gift God gave them both which made them each unique. We turned our focus to their character; who they are, not what they can or cannot do.
Now preteens, my husband and I celebrate our daughters’ character and the choices they’ve made which have led to many different kinds of accomplishments, whether they are simple or monumental. Simple acts of kindness never go unnoticed. Perseverance and a good attitude are always cause to celebrate someone, their character and the choices they’ve made.
The perfect resource and teacher for me is Christ. Because I am a believer, I have chosen to be guided by His virtues, which mold my life and influence my choices as well. Before I could hope to see His virtues in my children I needed to first model them myself. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control became my personal mantra and daily cheat sheet. Galatians 5:23 states “against such things there is no law.” My children are learning about Christ through me and my daily dealings in the circumstances of life. His virtues are also plainly displayed in our kitchen as a daily reminder to all of us.
We’ve had our share of accomplishments and struggles over the past several years, each providing invaluable lessons and glimpses into each one’s character. Accomplishments and successes as well as struggles and failures in this life are temporary but necessary for developing the soul, which is eternal. My hope is that no matter what God’s plan is for Emily and Amanda, regardless of what he gives them or takes away, that they know they are special, equally valuable and amazingly unique.
My Prayer for today:
Dear Lord, thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made so we can be so blessed. Thank you for the blessings you’ve provided me, especially for Emily and Amanda. Give me the strength and wisdom to honor you as I raise and encourage my children to be virtuous and honorable adults who glorify you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Applications Steps:
When was the last time you gave your child a compliment that highlighted their character? So often life gets in the way of all those little details and robs us of invaluable opportunities to encourage and intrinsically motivate our children to repeat their good choices and character. Idea for tonight: Take a recent accomplishment and think about the character shown and choices your child made which resulted in that particular success. Bring up that occasion and focus your conversation on the character traits they showed and choices they made. Help them understand and feel good about the many variables which truly led to that particular success.
Additional Resources:
www.FamilyEnrichmentToolkit.com, created by Michelle Weber
Power Verses:
Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ”
Deuteronomy 6:7, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and whey you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Devotion:
“I’ll race you to the top”, my 6 year old daughter Emily shouted to her four year old little sister Amanda. Emily was already at the top and headed into her room before Amanda was barely half way up the steps. I waited for Amanda as she carefully climbed the stairs, pulling herself up with her arms to compensate for the weakness in her legs.
As I tucked Emily into bed that night I asked her to please stop turning everything into a race. “You’re asking Amanda to play a game that she just can’t win and it’s making her very sad”. With a heavy heart Emily replied, “Mommy why did God give ME all the gifts?” Searching for the right words I told her that God didn’t give her All the gifts, just different ones. I reminded her that God has given Amanda a bunch of gifts too, but hers just weren’t as easy to see right now.
The following year my little Amanda was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. The world as I had planned it with my beautiful healthy children came crashing down around me. “How could this be? We are an active family. We are going to take ski vacations, ride bikes and horses together.” Everyday I found myself crying uncontrollably and thinking about how incredibly unfair life was. It just had to change, it just had to.
First thing was to kick myself out of my personal pity party and get serious about helping Amanda. I wasn’t the victim here and I wasn’t going to sign Amanda up to be one either. In addition to talking to other doctors I examined my role and became very intentional about focusing on the one thing that made both of my girls special and valuable in her own way. We began celebrating the gift God gave them both which made them each unique. We turned our focus to their character; who they are, not what they can or cannot do.
Now preteens, my husband and I celebrate our daughters’ character and the choices they’ve made which have led to many different kinds of accomplishments, whether they are simple or monumental. Simple acts of kindness never go unnoticed. Perseverance and a good attitude are always cause to celebrate someone, their character and the choices they’ve made.
The perfect resource and teacher for me is Christ. Because I am a believer, I have chosen to be guided by His virtues, which mold my life and influence my choices as well. Before I could hope to see His virtues in my children I needed to first model them myself. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control became my personal mantra and daily cheat sheet. Galatians 5:23 states “against such things there is no law.” My children are learning about Christ through me and my daily dealings in the circumstances of life. His virtues are also plainly displayed in our kitchen as a daily reminder to all of us.
We’ve had our share of accomplishments and struggles over the past several years, each providing invaluable lessons and glimpses into each one’s character. Accomplishments and successes as well as struggles and failures in this life are temporary but necessary for developing the soul, which is eternal. My hope is that no matter what God’s plan is for Emily and Amanda, regardless of what he gives them or takes away, that they know they are special, equally valuable and amazingly unique.
My Prayer for today:
Dear Lord, thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made so we can be so blessed. Thank you for the blessings you’ve provided me, especially for Emily and Amanda. Give me the strength and wisdom to honor you as I raise and encourage my children to be virtuous and honorable adults who glorify you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Applications Steps:
When was the last time you gave your child a compliment that highlighted their character? So often life gets in the way of all those little details and robs us of invaluable opportunities to encourage and intrinsically motivate our children to repeat their good choices and character. Idea for tonight: Take a recent accomplishment and think about the character shown and choices your child made which resulted in that particular success. Bring up that occasion and focus your conversation on the character traits they showed and choices they made. Help them understand and feel good about the many variables which truly led to that particular success.
Additional Resources:
www.FamilyEnrichmentToolkit.com, created by Michelle Weber
Power Verses:
Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ”
Deuteronomy 6:7, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and whey you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Jars Of JOY
The best gifts come from the heart-and the kitchen.
Start a new gift-giving tradition this year: homemade sauces that are simple to prepare and lovely to share. They offer an added bonus to the giver-no trip to the mall.
Choose one of these sweet or savory recipes, or select a cherished family favorite from your files. Then dress up the results with a nice container, and Test assured that your gift is the one they'll still remembered next Christmas.
This has become a family gift giving tradition.
APPLESAUCE
12 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 cup fresh lemon Juice
COOK all ingredients in a Dutch oven over low heat, stirring often, 10 minutes. (Sugar will dissolve and apples will begin to break down and release juices.) Increase heat to medium, and cook, stirring often, 25 minutes or until thickened. Spoon into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: about 6 cups.
Prep: 20 min., Cook: 35 min.
CARAMEL SAUCE
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon Juice
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
MELT butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; add sugar and lemon juice, and cook, stirring constantly, 6 to 8 minutes or until mixture turns a deep caramel color. Gradually add cream, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth. Remove from heat, and cool. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: about 3 cups.
HEAVENLY HOT FUDGE SAUCE
4 (1-ounce) unsweetened chocolate squares
1/2 cup butter
3 cups sugar
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
MELT chocolate and butter in a large, heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternately with evaporated milk, beginning and ending with sugar; stir constantly over medium heat 5 minutes or until smooth. Stir in salt. Serve warm or spoon sauce into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: about 4 cups.
Prep: 5 min.; Cook: 10 min.
HOT-AND-SPICY CRANBERRY-PEAR CHUTNEY
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1 (6-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 (10%-ounce) jars pear preserves
1 (10 1/2-ounce) jar hot jalapeno jelly
1 (10 1/2-ounce) jar hot mango chutney
1 tablespoon grated orange rind
BRING first 5 ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until cranberry skins pop.
STIR in pear preserves and remaining ingredients; simmer mixture, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: about 8 cups.
Prep: 5 min.; Cook: 13 min.
MEAT SAUCE FOR SPAGHETTI
5 pounds ground chuck
6 medium onions, diced
5 large celery ribs, diced
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 (26-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (12-ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (12-ounce) bottles chili sauce
2 (12-ounce) cans sliced mushrooms, drained
4 cups water
3 to 4 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
2 teaspoons white vinegar
COOK first 3 ingredients in an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain well, and return to stockpot.
ADD crushed tomatoes and remaining ingredients to stockpot; reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring often, 1 hour. Remove from heat, and cool. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze sauce in heavyduty zip-top plastic bags up to 3 months (thaw in refrigerator).
Makes: about 7 quarts.
Prep: 30 min.; Cook: 1 hr., 10 min.
PEPPERY BARBECUE SAUCE
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons pepper
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups ketchup
1 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons hot sauce
STIR together all ingredients. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: 6 cups.
Prep: 10 min.
CUMBERLAND SAUCE
This sauce has great depth of flavor It's delicious with pork and turkey and can be used as a raze for ham
2 1/2 cups port wine, divided
1 (10-ounce) jar red currant jelly
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
2/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 1/2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons dry mustard
4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
BRING 2 cups wine and next 8 ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan, stirring constantly; reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, 20 minutes.
STIR together remaining 1/2 cup wine and cornstarch until smooth. Stir into hot mixture; bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove from heat, and cool. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: about 4 cups.
Prep: 15 min.; Cook: 25 min.
ENJOY!
Start a new gift-giving tradition this year: homemade sauces that are simple to prepare and lovely to share. They offer an added bonus to the giver-no trip to the mall.
Choose one of these sweet or savory recipes, or select a cherished family favorite from your files. Then dress up the results with a nice container, and Test assured that your gift is the one they'll still remembered next Christmas.
This has become a family gift giving tradition.
APPLESAUCE
12 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 cup fresh lemon Juice
COOK all ingredients in a Dutch oven over low heat, stirring often, 10 minutes. (Sugar will dissolve and apples will begin to break down and release juices.) Increase heat to medium, and cook, stirring often, 25 minutes or until thickened. Spoon into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: about 6 cups.
Prep: 20 min., Cook: 35 min.
CARAMEL SAUCE
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon Juice
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
MELT butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat; add sugar and lemon juice, and cook, stirring constantly, 6 to 8 minutes or until mixture turns a deep caramel color. Gradually add cream, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes or until smooth. Remove from heat, and cool. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: about 3 cups.
HEAVENLY HOT FUDGE SAUCE
4 (1-ounce) unsweetened chocolate squares
1/2 cup butter
3 cups sugar
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
MELT chocolate and butter in a large, heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, alternately with evaporated milk, beginning and ending with sugar; stir constantly over medium heat 5 minutes or until smooth. Stir in salt. Serve warm or spoon sauce into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: about 4 cups.
Prep: 5 min.; Cook: 10 min.
HOT-AND-SPICY CRANBERRY-PEAR CHUTNEY
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1 (6-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries
1/3 cup sugar
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 (10%-ounce) jars pear preserves
1 (10 1/2-ounce) jar hot jalapeno jelly
1 (10 1/2-ounce) jar hot mango chutney
1 tablespoon grated orange rind
BRING first 5 ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until cranberry skins pop.
STIR in pear preserves and remaining ingredients; simmer mixture, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and cool. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: about 8 cups.
Prep: 5 min.; Cook: 13 min.
MEAT SAUCE FOR SPAGHETTI
5 pounds ground chuck
6 medium onions, diced
5 large celery ribs, diced
2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 (26-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (12-ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (12-ounce) bottles chili sauce
2 (12-ounce) cans sliced mushrooms, drained
4 cups water
3 to 4 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons coarsely ground pepper
2 teaspoons white vinegar
COOK first 3 ingredients in an 8-quart stockpot over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain well, and return to stockpot.
ADD crushed tomatoes and remaining ingredients to stockpot; reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring often, 1 hour. Remove from heat, and cool. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze sauce in heavyduty zip-top plastic bags up to 3 months (thaw in refrigerator).
Makes: about 7 quarts.
Prep: 30 min.; Cook: 1 hr., 10 min.
PEPPERY BARBECUE SAUCE
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons pepper
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups ketchup
1 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons hot sauce
STIR together all ingredients. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: 6 cups.
Prep: 10 min.
CUMBERLAND SAUCE
This sauce has great depth of flavor It's delicious with pork and turkey and can be used as a raze for ham
2 1/2 cups port wine, divided
1 (10-ounce) jar red currant jelly
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons grated orange rind
2/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 1/2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 teaspoons dry mustard
4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
BRING 2 cups wine and next 8 ingredients to a boil in a large saucepan, stirring constantly; reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, 20 minutes.
STIR together remaining 1/2 cup wine and cornstarch until smooth. Stir into hot mixture; bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Remove from heat, and cool. Pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal. Store in refrigerator up to 1 month.
Makes: about 4 cups.
Prep: 15 min.; Cook: 25 min.
ENJOY!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart
Some people will say religion does not need to mix with business. However, I have found my experience to be much different. When you realize that each day is a gift from the Lord, and your life should not be taken for granted, the focus seems to change. I happen to be just that person. As I have studied this past week on The Attitude of Gratitude, I cant keep this all to myself...I need to share it. Enjoy!
O Lord our God, as for all this abundance…..it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 1 Chronicles 29:16
I’m Grateful To God…….
1. For the GRACE HE Has Shown To Me. Ps. 103:2-11
2. For The PLANS HE has For Me. Jeremiah 29:11
3. For The HOME He Has Prepared For me. 1 Peter 1:4-6
4. For The CHANGES He’s making In Me. Philippians 2:13
How To Give THANKS To God
1. By SINGING With Our Lips Sing Out you’re Thanks to Him; sing praises to our
God…..Make a JOYFUL Noise. Ps. 147:7
2. By SERVING With Our Lives Hebrews 12:28
3. By GIVING Ps. 50:14 Deuteronomy 16:10
4. By TELLING Everyone The Good news About Jesus Christ Isaiah 12:4
O Lord our God, as for all this abundance…..it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 1 Chronicles 29:16
I’m Grateful To God…….
1. For the GRACE HE Has Shown To Me. Ps. 103:2-11
2. For The PLANS HE has For Me. Jeremiah 29:11
3. For The HOME He Has Prepared For me. 1 Peter 1:4-6
4. For The CHANGES He’s making In Me. Philippians 2:13
How To Give THANKS To God
1. By SINGING With Our Lips Sing Out you’re Thanks to Him; sing praises to our
God…..Make a JOYFUL Noise. Ps. 147:7
2. By SERVING With Our Lives Hebrews 12:28
3. By GIVING Ps. 50:14 Deuteronomy 16:10
4. By TELLING Everyone The Good news About Jesus Christ Isaiah 12:4
Easy Turkey Cookies---YUM-O!
These Cookie Turkeys Are SO Easy to make! Simple way to let your kids help in the kitchen an take part in the Turkey Festivities.
We will be using them for part of the place setting name tags.
All you need is:
1 package of Oreo Cookies
3 cups. Rice Krispies
2 cups. Marshmallows
1/4 C. Butter
2 cups. Chocolate Frosting
1 package of Candy Corns
Melt the butter, add the rice krispies & marshmallows. Roll into balls. Frost the Oreo's with chocolate frosting. See above as to decorate, & make into Turkeys.
Enjoy- Gobble, Gobble!
Filled With JOY- Arletta VanGuilder
I had a wonderful opportunity today to visit with Arletta VanGuider. Being 85 does not slow her down one bit. As you can see Arletta's Joy for the Lord is Her Strenght. 
(Not one day goes by where complaining takes place.) Worry is not in her vocabulary either!
Everyday is a NEW day that she Serves the Lord. Having 5 grown children, 26 grandchildren & 17 Great-Grand Children keeps her active.
Arletta's smile is real. I hope I live long enough to Enjoy this kind of success!...I want to be Just like her.........>
(Not one day goes by where complaining takes place.) Worry is not in her vocabulary either!Everyday is a NEW day that she Serves the Lord. Having 5 grown children, 26 grandchildren & 17 Great-Grand Children keeps her active.
Arletta's smile is real. I hope I live long enough to Enjoy this kind of success!...I want to be Just like her.........>
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Serve With A Purpose
Every day is a hard day to sell your product & services. The meal assembly industry is still in the adolescent stage and guest need to be constantly reminded about YOU.
During the holidays we start to hear the excuses why guest will or will not sign up to make meals. Rightfully so. (Gifts are to be purchased, extra giving that may or may not be planned, & extra holiday food to be bought that necessarily does not mean meals stuck in a freezer for dinner.)
So, how do you acknowledge the need you have, stay confident in offering the solution, and yet not get emotionally attached? Lots of people talk about not being needy on your guests, but when you are needy, what then?
In order to reach a successful sale, where you and the person you are selling to, feels taken care of and happy, you must become equals.
On the face of it, this doesn't seem to make sense- your guest has a problem, and you have the solution. But, that's only half the story. For anyone in business, it's really obvious that you have a problem, too: Your business needs customers in order to thrive. So, in any sale, you have two people with needs, and two people with the solution to the need. A meeting of equals.
If you just see yourself as two people with needs serving each other, it's very easy to get emotionally attached to any particular guest as the answer to your need. This is a common trap for a business owner, but it's a little rarer for a customer to get attached to a particular business as the solution for their need- they just look elsewhere.
To be an equal, you need to acknowledge your own neediness, but without making your guest the source of your help, they are only a possible channel. You also need to stand in your confidence, but not by making the guest smaller than you, merely by realizing yourself as a potential channel for delivering help.
The only way I've found to consistently catch this balance is to find true humility. True humility is to bow to your guest, both in the strength of being of service to them, and in the vulnerability of your need.
True humility is found in your heart. It is an incredibly powerful place to stand, it is incredibly effective for your sales process, and it feels great.
3 Practical Steps on How to be Humble ... And Still Make the Sale
• The very first step is to acknowledge your own neediness.
If your business needs more sales in order to be thriving, acknowledge it. Drop the 'fake it 'til you make it' approach, and instead be gentle and compassionate with your heart as you allow yourself to feel needy for more money and more sales.
It probably feels terrible- that's okay, it's normal for it to feel terrible. But breathe into your heart, remembering that there is more available than you can see. Take the need out of the hands of your prospective customer, and place it into the hands of the Divine.
• The second step is to acknowledge what it's like to really know your stuff.
Whatever your product or service, you are probably really good at it, even despite any self-doubt you might have. Ask your heart to show you the reality of your expertise.
My experience is that when my heart shows me my expertise, it doesn't inflate my ego, but brings me into an incredibly powerful feeling of humility.
Try it, you'll like it.
• The third step is to use your heart to see your prospective customer as they really are.
Even before you have a conversation with them. With your attention resting in your heart, ask to be shown the truth of who your guest is, of their heart, and what they really need. Let yourself be willing to be surprised. Even guest that will not use your business on a monthly basis.
These simple steps may take some practice, but if you allow yourself to slow down and go through them before your sales conversations, you will find yourself in space of just wanting to serve, and, in the process, closing more sales.
Always Remember: A sale is an agreement. And a healthy, sustainable, functioning agreement can only happen between equals.
During the holidays we start to hear the excuses why guest will or will not sign up to make meals. Rightfully so. (Gifts are to be purchased, extra giving that may or may not be planned, & extra holiday food to be bought that necessarily does not mean meals stuck in a freezer for dinner.)
So, how do you acknowledge the need you have, stay confident in offering the solution, and yet not get emotionally attached? Lots of people talk about not being needy on your guests, but when you are needy, what then?
In order to reach a successful sale, where you and the person you are selling to, feels taken care of and happy, you must become equals.
On the face of it, this doesn't seem to make sense- your guest has a problem, and you have the solution. But, that's only half the story. For anyone in business, it's really obvious that you have a problem, too: Your business needs customers in order to thrive. So, in any sale, you have two people with needs, and two people with the solution to the need. A meeting of equals.
If you just see yourself as two people with needs serving each other, it's very easy to get emotionally attached to any particular guest as the answer to your need. This is a common trap for a business owner, but it's a little rarer for a customer to get attached to a particular business as the solution for their need- they just look elsewhere.
To be an equal, you need to acknowledge your own neediness, but without making your guest the source of your help, they are only a possible channel. You also need to stand in your confidence, but not by making the guest smaller than you, merely by realizing yourself as a potential channel for delivering help.
The only way I've found to consistently catch this balance is to find true humility. True humility is to bow to your guest, both in the strength of being of service to them, and in the vulnerability of your need.
True humility is found in your heart. It is an incredibly powerful place to stand, it is incredibly effective for your sales process, and it feels great.
3 Practical Steps on How to be Humble ... And Still Make the Sale
• The very first step is to acknowledge your own neediness.
If your business needs more sales in order to be thriving, acknowledge it. Drop the 'fake it 'til you make it' approach, and instead be gentle and compassionate with your heart as you allow yourself to feel needy for more money and more sales.
It probably feels terrible- that's okay, it's normal for it to feel terrible. But breathe into your heart, remembering that there is more available than you can see. Take the need out of the hands of your prospective customer, and place it into the hands of the Divine.
• The second step is to acknowledge what it's like to really know your stuff.
Whatever your product or service, you are probably really good at it, even despite any self-doubt you might have. Ask your heart to show you the reality of your expertise.
My experience is that when my heart shows me my expertise, it doesn't inflate my ego, but brings me into an incredibly powerful feeling of humility.
Try it, you'll like it.
• The third step is to use your heart to see your prospective customer as they really are.
Even before you have a conversation with them. With your attention resting in your heart, ask to be shown the truth of who your guest is, of their heart, and what they really need. Let yourself be willing to be surprised. Even guest that will not use your business on a monthly basis.
These simple steps may take some practice, but if you allow yourself to slow down and go through them before your sales conversations, you will find yourself in space of just wanting to serve, and, in the process, closing more sales.
Always Remember: A sale is an agreement. And a healthy, sustainable, functioning agreement can only happen between equals.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Meet Jen & Gary Walker
This is my friend Jen Walker who is going Through Cancer. She is a Dream Dinners Owner in California.I would like to dedicate this post in Honor of Jen.
Trust In The Lord With All Your heart And Do Not Depend On Your Own Understanding. Remember The Lord In All you Do, And he Will Give You Success.
Prov. 3:5-6 (new centry version-Max Lucado)
Triumphing Over Tough Times
Right now many people are facing tough times. Life as we once knew it has changed and we may find ourselves confronting situations we have never dealt with before.
While we might not be able to control things that are occurring in the world, we can control how we react to what is happening. Specifically, we can control how we use our minds and thoughts to get through difficult circumstances. The following are simple steps that will not only help you handle any challenges, but will allow you to move through them to achieve success.
Remember this too shall pass
Sometimes when we are faced with tough times we feel as if they will never end.
We can't see 'the light at the end of the tunnel' to that time when our problems are resolved. It seems as if we will always have to deal with the difficulty.
This can be a very negative attitude to adopt because it leads to a sense of hopelessness ? why bother trying to change things because it won't make a difference anyway.
Now is the time to remember that, as with most things in life, this too shall pass. You will find another job, business will pick up, the pain and grief will subside. Healing will happen. As you realize that this challenging time will be replaced by a brighter tomorrow, you will find it easier to take the necessary steps to resolve your situation.
Consider past successes
Often when we are dealing with a difficult situation we develop amnesia about our past. Unless you are one of a privileged few, you have successfully overcome prior challenges in your life. Think about past events when you've been tougher than your problems. It will help you realize that deep within, you have the strength and fortitude to move beyond this demanding time.
Determine your personal success strategy
As you recall those times when you've triumphed over trouble, consider what strategies you used to accomplish it. Each of us has many successful strategies that we've used in our past. However, we often forget to pull out those strategies during those times that we can most benefit from them. Determine what worked for you before and apply those successful ideas now. You will find it much easier to handle any adversity you may be facing.
Handle day-to-day challenges, but envision your goal
When we go through difficult times it is easy to get bogged down in the minutiae of the situation and forget where we are headed. Take time out to envision what life will be like when the situation has reached a successful outcome. Handle the day-to-day details such as making follow-up phone calls, finding new ways to market yourself or your business, solving daily problems, but always remind yourself of how things will look and feel when you are triumphant. This will provide you with the motivation to continue taking action and it will also help you maintain a positive attitude.
Find a support system
When we are struggling with major challenges it is very difficult to consistently stay upbeat. We don't get the position, we lose the sale, the expenses continue to pile up as the money gives out. Chemo makes us sicker then we expected.
This is the time when we need others to help us remain focused and optimistic. Call a confidante who can see the bright side when you can't. Talk to a trusted friend who will help you leave your 'pity party' and take action once again. There are times when even the strongest and most positive of us need others to help us navigate through the trials of trouble.
Focus on what is right in your life
When we are confronted by problems it is very easy to let them control our perspective on life. We spend much time and energy focusing on what is wrong and very little time thinking about what is right. On a daily basis, come up with a list of things that are good in your life, things for which you can be grateful even as you travel this tough road. It will help you realize that even though the world may seem to be falling apart around you, you still have many positives in your life.
Follow these steps whenever you find yourself facing life's bumps, detours, or valleys. They will not only help make the journey easier, but they will lead the way to your ultimate triumph
Graditude = JOY
I have been away this past week, & I took some time to think of the vision I want for This site. Since I am highly affected by negativity, as well as others. In the Future: Nothing that is considered a JOY-SUCKER, will be posted on this blog.
The Game that Nobody Wins
If we have been lucky, we have been bought up in a house full of positive thought and unconditional love. Otherwise we probably find ourselves spending a lot of time dwelling on the negative things we find around us.
It appears that so many people love to share their doom and gloom, to try to get others to feel sorry for them, they love to moan and complain. We humans even play this strange game of trying to out do each other with our tales of woe, as if whoever has the worst tale wins.
No one really wins this game. It just increases the negativity in the world and does nothing to lift our spirits or enhance our lives.
There is a way out of this game and it is called gratitude. Instead of spending your days looking for things to be unhappy about, find things to be grateful for.
Selective Attention
We always have a choice on where we place our attention. So why not place it on all the good things in your life, instead of on the negative things or on the things you don't have. If you are having financial difficulties don't put your attention on how little money you have. Instead put your attention on all the wonderful things you do have in your life. Think of your family, your friends, your talents, your health, the trees around you that provide clean air for you to breathe, and your pet for providing unconditional love.
Finding Gratitude
Make a list of all the things in your life you are grateful for. Make it as long as you can. See if you can fill pages and pages.
You might be struggling at first but once you start you will be amazed at all the good things that are around you. This can be a great exercise to practice if you are feeling down in the dumps. It is harder to do when you are feeling low but if you are determined to feel better then start focusing on the good and write it down.
Life's Difficulties
If you are going through a tough time, you can be grateful for the lessons you are learning, the strength you are gaining and the compassion you find for others going through a rough spell.
Difficult times and difficult people can be our best teachers. When we are open, they teach us to find peace and harmony within, they build our strength and compassion. When things get really tough, if we want to keep our mental health intact, they can even force us to live in the present moment.
The Path to JOY
You will create a life full of joy if you look for things to be grateful for. Try it for a day, just to see how it feels. It is great to share with your friends and family how much they mean to you and how you appreciate the good things they bring into your life. Be sincere and do not go over the top. But expect some interesting reactions. Some people will love your comments, others may feel uncomfortable receiving praise if they are not used to it. Some people may even think that you want something or have done something that you are feeling guilty about. It is all just a reflection of the times we live in and the negativity that seems to be the norm in most people's lives. But you do your bit to turn that around by spreading your words of appreciation and gratitude.
In fact you don't even have to say or do anything. If you spend your time in gratitude then it will radiate out from you. People will start to seek you out because they will feel uplifted in your company.
The Game that Nobody Wins
If we have been lucky, we have been bought up in a house full of positive thought and unconditional love. Otherwise we probably find ourselves spending a lot of time dwelling on the negative things we find around us.
It appears that so many people love to share their doom and gloom, to try to get others to feel sorry for them, they love to moan and complain. We humans even play this strange game of trying to out do each other with our tales of woe, as if whoever has the worst tale wins.
No one really wins this game. It just increases the negativity in the world and does nothing to lift our spirits or enhance our lives.
There is a way out of this game and it is called gratitude. Instead of spending your days looking for things to be unhappy about, find things to be grateful for.
Selective Attention
We always have a choice on where we place our attention. So why not place it on all the good things in your life, instead of on the negative things or on the things you don't have. If you are having financial difficulties don't put your attention on how little money you have. Instead put your attention on all the wonderful things you do have in your life. Think of your family, your friends, your talents, your health, the trees around you that provide clean air for you to breathe, and your pet for providing unconditional love.
Finding Gratitude
Make a list of all the things in your life you are grateful for. Make it as long as you can. See if you can fill pages and pages.
You might be struggling at first but once you start you will be amazed at all the good things that are around you. This can be a great exercise to practice if you are feeling down in the dumps. It is harder to do when you are feeling low but if you are determined to feel better then start focusing on the good and write it down.
Life's Difficulties
If you are going through a tough time, you can be grateful for the lessons you are learning, the strength you are gaining and the compassion you find for others going through a rough spell.
Difficult times and difficult people can be our best teachers. When we are open, they teach us to find peace and harmony within, they build our strength and compassion. When things get really tough, if we want to keep our mental health intact, they can even force us to live in the present moment.
The Path to JOY
You will create a life full of joy if you look for things to be grateful for. Try it for a day, just to see how it feels. It is great to share with your friends and family how much they mean to you and how you appreciate the good things they bring into your life. Be sincere and do not go over the top. But expect some interesting reactions. Some people will love your comments, others may feel uncomfortable receiving praise if they are not used to it. Some people may even think that you want something or have done something that you are feeling guilty about. It is all just a reflection of the times we live in and the negativity that seems to be the norm in most people's lives. But you do your bit to turn that around by spreading your words of appreciation and gratitude.
In fact you don't even have to say or do anything. If you spend your time in gratitude then it will radiate out from you. People will start to seek you out because they will feel uplifted in your company.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Please Pray For Jen Walker TODAY!
Hello My Friend,
Thank you for your prayers. I've had a few good days, but today I'm feeling rather cranky. I'm trying not to give my flesh any footholds. I found out today that I will be starting chemo tomorrow. I'm asking for prayer that I experience little to no side effects.
I think that my broken sleep and plethora of things to do is catching up to me so physical and mental strength too. There are so many things I want to share with you that God has spoken to me this week but I am a terribly slow typer and I am ready to go to bed (it's only 9pm) so hopefully later.
May the Lord bless you.
Jen
Thank you for your prayers. I've had a few good days, but today I'm feeling rather cranky. I'm trying not to give my flesh any footholds. I found out today that I will be starting chemo tomorrow. I'm asking for prayer that I experience little to no side effects.
I think that my broken sleep and plethora of things to do is catching up to me so physical and mental strength too. There are so many things I want to share with you that God has spoken to me this week but I am a terribly slow typer and I am ready to go to bed (it's only 9pm) so hopefully later.
May the Lord bless you.
Jen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.JPG)
