Time is moving along fast. We have entered into 2008, and in just 11 months we will be electing a new president. Tommychristoopher and my favorite candidate, Senator Christoopher Dodd, has withdrawn from the race after making less than 1% in Iowa. Well, I am glad that he is a Senator, in a position to do things to "make a difference" anyway. He is young enough that he could run for president in the future.
Nevertheless, we do need to be concerned about what happens in our country and maybe we don't have full control over who is elected, but we have a responsibility to pray for our leaders each and every day. This may sound like a little thing with all that is going on in the world, but asking God to give wisdom to those in control is very important.
In the book of Romans, Chapter 12, verse one, it tells us the following:
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For these is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." We see many examples of this in the Old Testament - how God elected and guided the Kings and rulers.
Not only do we have a responsibility to inform ourselves about the candidates, but to faithfully pray for those already in authority and the "powers that be." This is because we know that ultimately, God is in control.
If you continue to read Tommychristopher on The Political Machine (he is doing an excellent job of writing about each candidate's platform and informing us of what is going on) and continue to pray for those already in authority, you are doing your part in participating in the running of this country and preparing for the election.
I am going to be more diligent in prayer and continue to become more informed about all the happenings with the candidates and I am going to ask God for wisdom about who to vote for in November.
I wish you good luck with your prayers and political research and I will continue to have some articles on newsworthy political events several times a week.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Welcome To My Guest Poet
Lady of Light
Today I have invited a guest to join me on Lady of Light. Sundays, as I mentioned will be poetry day. Here is a poem by DianeLynneBroda which I hope you will enjoy:
BIG BEAUTIFUL LORD GOD
A step outside my door ... How could I ever ask for more?
A carpet of emerald green grass ... What class!
Elegantly clad trees galore ... You I just adore!
A tiny octagonal leaf ... Its exquisiteness is beyond belief!
One little azalea flower ... Yours is such a sweet loving Power!
A soft blue white puffy cloud ... I, a part of Your Magical Realm, am so proud!
The majesty of the oceans ... the mountains ...
the valleys ... the plains ... the sky ...
OH MY!
Wind or sun, rain or snow ...
What a Fairyland for Yours here below!
A purring kitten, a singing sparrow,
A darling puppy, beauty of a bunny,
Our little playtoys! What wondrous Joys!
All the children of the Earth ...
The yellow, the red, the brown, the black, the white ...
What a Hand of Might!
Of the billions, not one the same ... Praise Your Blessed Name!
Your creatures and Your landscape features ...
ALL GLORY DUE TO YOU!
May every heart thankfully kiss Your Holy Hands,
For all You have put together in our lands.
BIG LORD GOD! BEAUTIFUL LORD GOD!
ALWAYS AND FOREVERMORE!!!
AMEN.
Have a great day! Read this a second time and meditate on it for a special blessing! That is what I did.
I will continue to showcase my own original poetry and the original poetry of others every Sunday.
May God bless you and keep you!
A step outside my door ... How could I ever ask for more?
A carpet of emerald green grass ... What class!
Elegantly clad trees galore ... You I just adore!
A tiny octagonal leaf ... Its exquisiteness is beyond belief!
One little azalea flower ... Yours is such a sweet loving Power!
A soft blue white puffy cloud ... I, a part of Your Magical Realm, am so proud!
The majesty of the oceans ... the mountains ...
the valleys ... the plains ... the sky ...
OH MY!
Wind or sun, rain or snow ...
What a Fairyland for Yours here below!
A purring kitten, a singing sparrow,
A darling puppy, beauty of a bunny,
Our little playtoys! What wondrous Joys!
All the children of the Earth ...
The yellow, the red, the brown, the black, the white ...
What a Hand of Might!
Of the billions, not one the same ... Praise Your Blessed Name!
Your creatures and Your landscape features ...
ALL GLORY DUE TO YOU!
May every heart thankfully kiss Your Holy Hands,
For all You have put together in our lands.
BIG LORD GOD! BEAUTIFUL LORD GOD!
ALWAYS AND FOREVERMORE!!!
AMEN.
Have a great day! Read this a second time and meditate on it for a special blessing! That is what I did.
I will continue to showcase my own original poetry and the original poetry of others every Sunday.
May God bless you and keep you!
New Roads to Good Health for t2008
The first week of 2008 is nearing to an close and so it is time to talk about the last resolutions to be incorporated into my 2008 routine.
In trying to figure out a way to meet the FDA challenge of five servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables, I have invented a recipe with a new twist:
California Blend Recipe Mix for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
( Makes six to eight servings)
1 head of fresh cauliflower
1 bunch of fresh brocolli
1 pound of fresh carrots
2 tablespoons of garlic butter (butter sprinkled with garlic powder)
(can substitute 2 tablespoons of olive oil with garlic, if preferred)
1 package of sliced cooked breakfast sausage links
Optional: 1 cup lightly browned fresh mushrooms
1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Preparation: 1/2 hour
1. Break cauliflower and brocolli into separate crowns and pieces
2. Peel and slice carrots
3. Put together in large pot of water with a teaspoon of salt
4. Cover and boil until done (about 20-25 minutes)
5. Brown and cook sausage in fry pan until done - drain and slice
6. Drain vegetables, add garlic butter or oil and mix in sausage and browned
mushrooms - sprinkle with salt, pepper, parm cheeze and cheddar as desired
7. Put all of this into microwavable casserole dish for easy futu preparation
of leftovers (reheat in microwave)
The benefits of this dish are that it is tasty, helps keep you 'regular", fights cancer and is also known to be brain food (incidentally, you can add fresh cabbage to this also). From a dietary standpoint, it is a healthy substitute for bacon and eggs, a bread sandwich at lunch, and a healthy supper or snack. I hope you enjoy this as much as I have!
To make sure fruit is included in the diet, even when you run out of fresh fruit or it is not available at reasonable prices, keep orange juice, and applesauce available to serve at meals. I understand V8 also has a new 5 fruit, 5 vegetable juice out called Fusion which my husband and I are going to try. j
In addition , I have become a distributor for a supplement company that has a miracle product which boosts the immune system 417% = so far my husband and I have had no colds, bronchitis, or pneumonia which can happen especially in winter. The company also has an all natural weight loss program which I am about to begin. My business partner lost over 40 pounds in 5 months. I an really excited about this. Anyone interested in this, please leave contact information on my comment space and I will tell you more about the products and the business opportunity.
I wish you luck with these innovations, and you can look forward to seeing either an original or a family recipe once a week on Saturdays in my blog.
I will report on the progress of the diet in the future. I am glad that it is a natural and healthy way to eat regular with portion control, avoiding soda and sweets, and using natural products. We'll see how it works out.
You have heard my resolutions toward a better life in 2008 - I wish the same for you! God bless you.
I also recommend joining AARP (American Association for Retired Persons) if you are 55 or over. They have an informative magazine and many benefits for seniors. For 2008, I have purchased very reasonable group term life insurance through them for my husband and I .
The last resolution is being more organized. I read an article that said to go around the house once a week with a bag and throw away 29 things - even if it is just a piece of paper or a rubber band! The other thing is to go around with a give away bag. If your giveaways are large such as furniture, bric a brac or clothing, you nearest Good Will Missions will pick up things if you call them. Being clutter free allows for increased creativity and productivity which is what I want to have in my life for 2008. I am sure you would like to have that too.
Also read more, love more, laugh more, take more photos, contact more people, share your love of God with others more - we all have room for improvement. I just started being more disciplined about lableing the back of photos in more detail so that some day whoever gets my ppictures will truly appreciate them.
Enough suggestions for today - I hope you will enjoy my poetry guest on Sunday. (Tomorrow)
Lady of Light
In trying to figure out a way to meet the FDA challenge of five servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables, I have invented a recipe with a new twist:
California Blend Recipe Mix for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
( Makes six to eight servings)
1 head of fresh cauliflower
1 bunch of fresh brocolli
1 pound of fresh carrots
2 tablespoons of garlic butter (butter sprinkled with garlic powder)
(can substitute 2 tablespoons of olive oil with garlic, if preferred)
1 package of sliced cooked breakfast sausage links
Optional: 1 cup lightly browned fresh mushrooms
1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Preparation: 1/2 hour
1. Break cauliflower and brocolli into separate crowns and pieces
2. Peel and slice carrots
3. Put together in large pot of water with a teaspoon of salt
4. Cover and boil until done (about 20-25 minutes)
5. Brown and cook sausage in fry pan until done - drain and slice
6. Drain vegetables, add garlic butter or oil and mix in sausage and browned
mushrooms - sprinkle with salt, pepper, parm cheeze and cheddar as desired
7. Put all of this into microwavable casserole dish for easy futu preparation
of leftovers (reheat in microwave)
The benefits of this dish are that it is tasty, helps keep you 'regular", fights cancer and is also known to be brain food (incidentally, you can add fresh cabbage to this also). From a dietary standpoint, it is a healthy substitute for bacon and eggs, a bread sandwich at lunch, and a healthy supper or snack. I hope you enjoy this as much as I have!
To make sure fruit is included in the diet, even when you run out of fresh fruit or it is not available at reasonable prices, keep orange juice, and applesauce available to serve at meals. I understand V8 also has a new 5 fruit, 5 vegetable juice out called Fusion which my husband and I are going to try. j
In addition , I have become a distributor for a supplement company that has a miracle product which boosts the immune system 417% = so far my husband and I have had no colds, bronchitis, or pneumonia which can happen especially in winter. The company also has an all natural weight loss program which I am about to begin. My business partner lost over 40 pounds in 5 months. I an really excited about this. Anyone interested in this, please leave contact information on my comment space and I will tell you more about the products and the business opportunity.
I wish you luck with these innovations, and you can look forward to seeing either an original or a family recipe once a week on Saturdays in my blog.
I will report on the progress of the diet in the future. I am glad that it is a natural and healthy way to eat regular with portion control, avoiding soda and sweets, and using natural products. We'll see how it works out.
You have heard my resolutions toward a better life in 2008 - I wish the same for you! God bless you.
I also recommend joining AARP (American Association for Retired Persons) if you are 55 or over. They have an informative magazine and many benefits for seniors. For 2008, I have purchased very reasonable group term life insurance through them for my husband and I .
The last resolution is being more organized. I read an article that said to go around the house once a week with a bag and throw away 29 things - even if it is just a piece of paper or a rubber band! The other thing is to go around with a give away bag. If your giveaways are large such as furniture, bric a brac or clothing, you nearest Good Will Missions will pick up things if you call them. Being clutter free allows for increased creativity and productivity which is what I want to have in my life for 2008. I am sure you would like to have that too.
Also read more, love more, laugh more, take more photos, contact more people, share your love of God with others more - we all have room for improvement. I just started being more disciplined about lableing the back of photos in more detail so that some day whoever gets my ppictures will truly appreciate them.
Enough suggestions for today - I hope you will enjoy my poetry guest on Sunday. (Tomorrow)
Lady of Light
Thursday, January 3, 2008
At Home Fitness for Seniors and Those Unaccustomed to Regular Excercise
Lady of Light
I do my fair share of walking, but it just doesn't seem to be enough to call REAL exercise. A few years ago, a friend gave me an exercise video. I started using it, and then it just sat and collected dust - I forgot all about it.
Now, I know that praying, making another New Year's resolution with a plan, and finding an exercise buddy is what is going to do it for me. God answered my prayer because I met a neighbor right in my building who needs and wants to exercise and doesn't have time to go to a gym. She is also a Christian and so we recently became exercise partners. (My husband even joins in with us.)
The video is good because it has a section for upper body exercises that are designed to do sitting down. This is great for starting out or when you are tired. In case if anyone is interested, the name of the video is "PrimeTime Fitness" featuring Beverly Harris. This lady is full of energy and the rhythm and music perk you right up. I know that sometimes, if you hear of something that someone has tried - especially a tired, out of shape senior who is just starting out, you might want to give it a try! The aerobic part is great too, just like dancing! Fun!
Remember: 1. Make a resolution (or set a goal)
2. Pray
3. Find a partner, if possible
4. Do it regularly in the comfort of your own home
5. Select the video or DVD that is right for you
6, Have fun
Good luck! And you can pray for me - I need all the help I can get!!
video Distributed by:
Delo Enterprises, Inc.
3000NW 126 Avenue
P.O. Box 8447
Coral Springs, Fl. 30075-4447
(Make sure you check with your physician to be sure the program is right for you.)
I do my fair share of walking, but it just doesn't seem to be enough to call REAL exercise. A few years ago, a friend gave me an exercise video. I started using it, and then it just sat and collected dust - I forgot all about it.
Now, I know that praying, making another New Year's resolution with a plan, and finding an exercise buddy is what is going to do it for me. God answered my prayer because I met a neighbor right in my building who needs and wants to exercise and doesn't have time to go to a gym. She is also a Christian and so we recently became exercise partners. (My husband even joins in with us.)
The video is good because it has a section for upper body exercises that are designed to do sitting down. This is great for starting out or when you are tired. In case if anyone is interested, the name of the video is "PrimeTime Fitness" featuring Beverly Harris. This lady is full of energy and the rhythm and music perk you right up. I know that sometimes, if you hear of something that someone has tried - especially a tired, out of shape senior who is just starting out, you might want to give it a try! The aerobic part is great too, just like dancing! Fun!
Remember: 1. Make a resolution (or set a goal)
2. Pray
3. Find a partner, if possible
4. Do it regularly in the comfort of your own home
5. Select the video or DVD that is right for you
6, Have fun
Good luck! And you can pray for me - I need all the help I can get!!
video Distributed by:
Delo Enterprises, Inc.
3000NW 126 Avenue
P.O. Box 8447
Coral Springs, Fl. 30075-4447
(Make sure you check with your physician to be sure the program is right for you.)
Living Out Another Resolution - Community Service
Lady of Light
In 2008, I am awaiting a new assignment for my volunteer service in the "Foster Grandparent" program. A community-based program which is part of Senior Corps. began during the Presidency of John F. Kennedy. We all remember his famous quote:
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
Well, I began participation in this program last year which is a few years new in my community and had the opportunity to work in the school with 26 kindergarten children with special needs. I gave 20 hours a week to one-on-one semi-tutoring and mentoring sessions with these wonderful children. I found them to be no different than other human beings, who need to be respected and listened to, and positively reinforced.
It was a very rewarding experience and while I was there I was invited to a reading celebration in one of the classes where the parents came to hear their children read their first books out loud (even with a microphone!) It was heartwarming to see the enthusiastic response of the parents- there were also grandmothers, aunts and uncles etc. in attendance. It is sure a miracle to see a child go from non-reading to reading a whole book! Experiencing our education system first hand and having a part in it was great.
Maybe you are 60 or over and would like to participate in a program like this. There are also several other programs for seniors to use their skills.
If you are not a senior, maybe you might be interested in Americorp. This program was founded by Bill Clinton and I participated in that program for a year before I was a senior also working in the elementary school - another rewarding experience, earning an education award as well.
I am a grandmother in "real life" also - I have four grandchildren whom I don't get to see as often as I would like. Being a "foster grandparent" helps me to feel involved with children when I am not able to visit my own grandchildren. (They don't live real close by.)T
If you want to follow my New Year's resolution to be involved in your community, look for the many opportunities for volunteering. The rewards are great and the experience is memorable.
In November 2007, thee Foster Grandparent Program showed its appreciation to us by having an awards luncheon with prominent political guest speakers, a harpist who provided music throught, a TV celebrity, and a talented local singer. There was plenty of food and fun for all. It is also great to make new friends as well.
I thank God for this opportunity - I read about it in the community newspaper and am so glad that I responded to the article. New doors are forever opening in my life ! This can happen in your life too if you look out for new opportunities. Good luck!
In 2008, I am awaiting a new assignment for my volunteer service in the "Foster Grandparent" program. A community-based program which is part of Senior Corps. began during the Presidency of John F. Kennedy. We all remember his famous quote:
"Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
Well, I began participation in this program last year which is a few years new in my community and had the opportunity to work in the school with 26 kindergarten children with special needs. I gave 20 hours a week to one-on-one semi-tutoring and mentoring sessions with these wonderful children. I found them to be no different than other human beings, who need to be respected and listened to, and positively reinforced.
It was a very rewarding experience and while I was there I was invited to a reading celebration in one of the classes where the parents came to hear their children read their first books out loud (even with a microphone!) It was heartwarming to see the enthusiastic response of the parents- there were also grandmothers, aunts and uncles etc. in attendance. It is sure a miracle to see a child go from non-reading to reading a whole book! Experiencing our education system first hand and having a part in it was great.
Maybe you are 60 or over and would like to participate in a program like this. There are also several other programs for seniors to use their skills.
If you are not a senior, maybe you might be interested in Americorp. This program was founded by Bill Clinton and I participated in that program for a year before I was a senior also working in the elementary school - another rewarding experience, earning an education award as well.
I am a grandmother in "real life" also - I have four grandchildren whom I don't get to see as often as I would like. Being a "foster grandparent" helps me to feel involved with children when I am not able to visit my own grandchildren. (They don't live real close by.)T
If you want to follow my New Year's resolution to be involved in your community, look for the many opportunities for volunteering. The rewards are great and the experience is memorable.
In November 2007, thee Foster Grandparent Program showed its appreciation to us by having an awards luncheon with prominent political guest speakers, a harpist who provided music throught, a TV celebrity, and a talented local singer. There was plenty of food and fun for all. It is also great to make new friends as well.
I thank God for this opportunity - I read about it in the community newspaper and am so glad that I responded to the article. New doors are forever opening in my life ! This can happen in your life too if you look out for new opportunities. Good luck!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Tried and True Devotional Methods for the New Year
Here is another resolution I have incorporated into 2008 - to improve my devotion and bible reading times. I'd like to share this tried and true method that I learned many years ago and somehow drifted away from in my daily reading and devotions..
There are 31 Chapters in the book of Proverbs - one for each day of the month. If you read one chapter a day, you will have read the whole book each month. What great way to get wisdom! Then, if you read 5 Psalms a day for prayer and praise, you will have read the whole book of Psalms by the end of the month.
I began this once again on January 1st. As I read Psalm One, I realized what God has to say about prosperity or success. On Sunday morning, Dr. Charles Stanley pointed out that the bible is the real success book. It was a much needed reminder with all of the "success" books on the market. (Some are good because they use bible principles and references, but not all.)
The beginning of Ps. I says:
"Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly..." This means to me that to have Godly counsel is to go to God's word or to those who teach it and preach it.
"...his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law doth he meditate day and night."
We need to think about God and His ways and include God in all our plans and what will happen next?
"He shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth fruit in its season.
His leaf will not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." So the blessed and prosperous man is one who understands the importance of thinking God's way and doing things according to the word of God. This is the key tl real success.
In Ps. 2, I was particularly struck by the verse "I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me upon His holy hill..." It made me think of how God heard and answered my prayers recently. To know that we can go to the Lord and he will hear us from on high is a great comfort to me.
I am sharing these things so that you can see what the benefits of this type of study and devotions are. I hope you will give it a try for a month and be blessed. Let me know how you make out with it.
Have a great day! Lady of Light
There are 31 Chapters in the book of Proverbs - one for each day of the month. If you read one chapter a day, you will have read the whole book each month. What great way to get wisdom! Then, if you read 5 Psalms a day for prayer and praise, you will have read the whole book of Psalms by the end of the month.
I began this once again on January 1st. As I read Psalm One, I realized what God has to say about prosperity or success. On Sunday morning, Dr. Charles Stanley pointed out that the bible is the real success book. It was a much needed reminder with all of the "success" books on the market. (Some are good because they use bible principles and references, but not all.)
The beginning of Ps. I says:
"Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly..." This means to me that to have Godly counsel is to go to God's word or to those who teach it and preach it.
"...his delight is in the law of the Lord and in His law doth he meditate day and night."
We need to think about God and His ways and include God in all our plans and what will happen next?
"He shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water that bringeth forth fruit in its season.
His leaf will not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." So the blessed and prosperous man is one who understands the importance of thinking God's way and doing things according to the word of God. This is the key tl real success.
In Ps. 2, I was particularly struck by the verse "I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me upon His holy hill..." It made me think of how God heard and answered my prayers recently. To know that we can go to the Lord and he will hear us from on high is a great comfort to me.
I am sharing these things so that you can see what the benefits of this type of study and devotions are. I hope you will give it a try for a month and be blessed. Let me know how you make out with it.
Have a great day! Lady of Light
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Chris Dodd: Cares about the rights of Americans
In an article on Dodd's website, 12/3/07 "Dodd: President Bush is Shamefully Using Scare Tactics to Mislead the American People", he shows his respect for the rule of law and implores his colleagues in the Senate to do the same.
Congress is working to reform the Foreign intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
President Bush is not working with Congress, but threatening to veto any bill that doesn't give retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that may have violated the law by participating in the administrations warrantless wiretapping program.
Dodd states: "The American people have a right to know whether or not laws were broken and for those who suffered any damages in the process to be appropriately compensated. That is why I will continue to oppose any effort to close court house doors to the American people who believe their rights have been violated..."
I believe we definitely need leadership that is going to stand up for the American people. In looking at the history of other things he has done - for children, for seniors, affordable housing,
sound law enforcement policies, I like his priorities and what he believes in.
Interesting facts: He was the first Senator to follow his father, Thomas Dodd, into the Senate.
He came from a family of six children, and was in the Peace Corps. in Santo Domingo - he is also bilingual Spanish/English. In another article, he speaks about the lesson that he learned when in the Peace Corps. that "Diversity is power". He might have my vote, we'll see.
Happy New Year, by the way - one of my additional resolutions is to read tommychristopher and raise my own ( and hopefully other people's) awareness. You will see a news article or political article on my blog every few days.
Senator Chris Dodd is definately worth writing about.
Congress is working to reform the Foreign intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
President Bush is not working with Congress, but threatening to veto any bill that doesn't give retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that may have violated the law by participating in the administrations warrantless wiretapping program.
Dodd states: "The American people have a right to know whether or not laws were broken and for those who suffered any damages in the process to be appropriately compensated. That is why I will continue to oppose any effort to close court house doors to the American people who believe their rights have been violated..."
I believe we definitely need leadership that is going to stand up for the American people. In looking at the history of other things he has done - for children, for seniors, affordable housing,
sound law enforcement policies, I like his priorities and what he believes in.
Interesting facts: He was the first Senator to follow his father, Thomas Dodd, into the Senate.
He came from a family of six children, and was in the Peace Corps. in Santo Domingo - he is also bilingual Spanish/English. In another article, he speaks about the lesson that he learned when in the Peace Corps. that "Diversity is power". He might have my vote, we'll see.
Happy New Year, by the way - one of my additional resolutions is to read tommychristopher and raise my own ( and hopefully other people's) awareness. You will see a news article or political article on my blog every few days.
Senator Chris Dodd is definately worth writing about.
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