Simply Lovely

As Valentine's Day approaches, it is hard to not think about love. As I was reflecting on it today it brought to mind all the lovely things I see during my day. I am not just talking about material things. I have always thought one of God's greatest blessings to us was giving us lovely gifts to admire. I wanted to share some I took notice of today.

1. The sun shining on a very blustery day in my neck of the woods. It was very cold, but the sun was lovely to me. Made me feel warm even though it was not really warm.

2. Getting to work out with some dear friends who made me laugh. I so needed to laugh especially since this I have been a tad concerned about my weight and dresses not fitting. Laughing made my workout fun. It made me think I can't wait to go back. Who knew working out could be such a giggle.

3. Having afternoon tea and enjoying the quiet. It is some my most lovely moments during the day. Such a blessing to slow down and take a few moments to breathe.

4. My little butterflies making their valentine bags today. Each unique and special and each so excited to share with me. Who could ask for more than moments like that?

5. Conversation with my dear hubby and boys. My boys are 13 and are at an age when Mom is not at the top of their list always. So time with them is precious as they are on this journey into being a teenager. My heart treasures the time we share our day.

6. Kisses from dear hubby and him telling me he loves me. Each day before we go our separate ways we say those words. One never knows what the day holds and I want my prince to know what my heart feels.

7. This day from the Lord. A gift of adventure each day. I am forever humbled by our loving Lord.

8. Learning memory verses that I can take to heart. Having God's word close by makes temptations easier to resist.

9. Chocolate...oh yes!!!! Dark chocolate!!! Meant to be savored and enjoyed slowly. I do have a few temptations that I give in to.

10. Sunset! A beautiful piece of art painted by the Lord to close out the day. Have you ever noticed not one is the same? I like that!

These were just a few blessings that were simply lovely to me. Can you imagine how much we don't notice because we don't take the time? I have been trying to look for more of God's little blessings of simply lovely things that touch my heart during my day. Take the time. It is worth it, even if it is only one.

Until our teacups meet again, have a lovely day filled with joy. As always the teapot is on for you to enjoy while you sit a bit.

Blessings As Always,
Tammy

The View From Within

Have you ever thought about the view from within your soul? This has been a pondering of mine lately and I must say my view has been less than pretty. Almost as gray as the winter weather of late. I wondered what had brought this on as I am usually a very upbeat, cheery person. Lately that person seems to have disappeared like mist evaporates into the air. My discovery of late has been eye opening and has helped me see some things a bit more clearly and while I don't like it all, I can move on. Maybe that is the whole idea of looking at the view once in a while.

We had a fundraiser to attend this weekend and I was looking through my dresses because I really didn't want to wear the same one I did last year. I pulled out a dress that always been a favorite of mine and my dear hubby's. I was like oh this would be cute to wear. I thought it had been a while since I wore it...ok a very long while...so I decided to try it on. Imagine my surprise when I could barely sit because it was so tight in the hips and butt. I was like this can't be. I am exactly five feet tall and weight has never been an issue until this year when I hit my mid forties. Weighing 115 was ok with me. I ate what I wanted and never really had to worry. This summer I took up exercise on a more consistent basis and felt really good. Then I went back to the classroom and things were a little harder to make exercise a priority. But I still ate what I wanted. I gained 10 pounds which on my small frame makes a difference. It makes favorite dresses no longer fit and me feel like a fat butterfly who needs wing exercise. Since January I had made a goal to get exercise back on a more consistent basis. The thing is I like to exercise but lately weather, work, etc has not made it easy to get to the gym. So needless to say when my dress didn't fit, I was crushed. I gave up sweets, have started learning to cook better, and eating vegetables that I don't normally like to make part of my diet. So I thought how come my hubby can lose 8 pounds and I can't make a meessly one pound? It was a view from within that sent me for a loop and a real crab.

I finally said Lord how did I get here? He reminded me He doesn't look at me the way I do. He looks at the heart. Not a very good view either. He loves me because He created me and wired me the way I am. It is not my dress size, my looks, etc that make Him notice. It is my heart and soul seeking Him and living the adventure He has in mind for me that He wants. That is not to say I shouldn't take care of the body He gave me. But being a little less harsh on myself would be good. I was on my knees in tears thinking I looked like a whale and He saw me as a beautiful butterfly who needed a little encouragement to spread her wings and try again. What a comfort to know God loves me right where I am and how I am looks and all.

I ended up wearing the dress from last year and added some jewelry and a sweater to set it off a bit. To be honest the dress looked quite nice and didn't reveal the fact I had gained 10 pounds. I had many compliments on it. Have to say it helped the view of myself brighten up a bit. I have made a new goal to get back on track for exercise and making it a priority. I have written it down in my calendar like an appointment. I tend to keep things written down. I have realized this will take some time and changes on my part. But I am not fat, just need to lose a few pounds to make clothes fit a tad better and to keep my health in check.

Maybe the view is not always cheerful. As some say the truth is painful. But I guess what I have learned the past few days is it is what you do with the view. You can whallow in a pit or choose to get out of the pit and move on. I don't like the pit so I am choosing to get out and move on. Along with this, it may take a few leaps of faith, but then one nevers learns anything without leaping.

Until our teacups meet again, I pray my friends that you are well and have had a beautiful day.

Blessings As Always,
Tammy

In The Quiet

I awoke this morning to a quiet blanket of new snow and upon my look out the window it was still falling. My house was quiet and still. It occurred to me that rarely happens in a house of boys. I watched the snow falling and thought one never would know it is snowing unless they looked. Snowflakes make no sound, just gently fall to the ground. I found myself drinking my tea and enjoying this moment of stillness.

Why do people find quiet so disarming? We live in a noisy world that seems to never stop. It is no wonder our minds are the same way at times. I have found as I have gotten older that I need quiet. The noisy world puts me on edge. I have learned to appreciate stillness and relish it as a treasure. I said a silent thank you to my sweet Jesus this morning for this moment. It is during these times I feel God deeply in my soul. It is a peaceful and calming to me. There is no need for words from me. It is a time I listen and take in God. I breath little breaths of faith and fill my teacup to the brim as if to not miss a thing. It stays with me long after the moments of passed. I don't know why it took me so long to really see the need for these moments of quiet. But I am thankful I treasure them now. As the house awoke, the time had come to get going with my day. But somehow whatever lie ahead would be workable because of the moments of quiet with my Lord. This is the day the Lord has made, let me rejoice and be glad in it.

Until our teacups meet again, I pray you have a few quiet moments to treasure and just breath, even if for a just a moment or two. It is a peaceful place to be.

Blessings As Always,
Tammy

The Cooking Goo!

As you may remember I am working on being a better cook. I have actually had some things come out very well, but not all came out so well. Like last week, I burned blueberry muffins and I have no clue why. I have made them before and well for some reason beyond my imagination they were black. A friend told me sometimes cooking just comes out that way. I thought well that is a relief to know. But I wanted to tell you about my latest adventure in cooking that turned out to be not only good, but easy to make.

Let me just say upfront slimey and gooey things are not my cup of tea. In fact, I practically sprint to get away from them. That might explain why I don't enjoy teaching science. On the menu last night was meatloaf. It is an easy recipe. I got out all my ingredients and read through the recipe and thought oh dear!!!! To mix the meatloaf was going to require me to put my hands in the cooking goo!!! Did I say I sprint for the door when goo comes my way. Of course, fear was there and then I thought what would Julia Child say? Have no fear, get on with it. So I rolled up my sleeves, took off my rings, and said a prayer. I put my hands in the meat goo and started mixing it together. I was like this is so not my cup of tea!!!! Then I thought well I hope it is good because I am not your typical get in the goo girl!!! Once mixed I had to transfer from the bowl to pan. So I patted it in the pan and then went phew!!!!! I survived and I didn't sprint!!!! I washed my hands for a good five minutes...hated that goo in my nails. Then popped it in the oven and waited for an hour. The smell was enticing. The family came in and said what's cooking? I wanted to say goo...but instead said meatloaf. Timer goes off, put on table with side dishes, and wait for word from family. They said, "This is really good." I was like Yikes!!!! They liked it!!! There was one piece left for me to take for lunch!!! Julia would have been proud.

As I was sharing with my friends, one said someday you will come to see that your hands can mix better than your cooking utensils. I am pretty sure I wrinkled up my nose and thought that must mean there will be more cooking goo!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am quite sure it will never be my cup of tea and with a little encouragement to myself I can probably get through it without sprinting....well maybe not! I thought I would share the recipe. I am pretty sure you can figure out where you have to get past the cooking goo!!


Easy Pleasing Meatloaf

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 pkg (6 oz) Stove Top Stuffing Mix for chicken
1 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup Kraft Barbecue Sauce, divided

Make It

Heat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix all ingredients except 1/4 cup barbecue sauce. (This is where you have to face the goo) Honestly you have to mix it with your hands. Shape meat mixture into loaf pan. Top with remaining barbecue sauce. Bake 1 hour or until done.

I must say I was proud of how it came out and it was an adventure. Who knew cooking could be so fun? I have been doing some shopping in the kitchen section and realized there are lots of pans, utensils, etc one probably should have. I have decided new muffin pans were at the top of my list. I am sure my black pans were why my muffins burned..surely it wasn't my cooking.

Until our teacups meet again, may your day be blessed with fun and adventure. Maybe cooking goo will come your way. Remember sprinting is an option!! Blessings my friends!

Blessings As Always,
Tammy

God's Hand

I am always surprised by how easily it is to not see God at work. I suppose that is why He makes sure I am reminded that He is at work. I call these extraordinary times a "God Moment." He gently reminds me that nothing is impossible for Him and he is near.

This past week my heart was hurting over something that was very dear to me. It was a mess and I had no idea how to fix it. I like fixing things when they are broken, but to be honest this was not going to be fixed by me. It saddened me a great deal and I kept hitting a brick wall and to be honest I was frustrated it didn't seem to get fixed but only get worse. Needless to say there were tears, tears, and no words to pray. Yet God knew my heart! What I didn't know was that He was working on the hearts of all involved. In my quiet time with Him, I wanted to scream let me fix it. He said trust me. I said it hurts my heart. He said take a breath of faith. I wasn't sure I could take that breath. What if I lost it all? What if it couldn't be fixed? This conversation continued most of the week. Today I saw God's hand at work. Hearts were ready and God's way was much better than mine. I understood in a moment why things had to wait for all involved. That moment in my heart was an extraordinary breath of faith with an extraordinary God. Someone said those moments don't come often, I said they do if we take a breath of faith. Even a small one.

As I was driving home, I thought my way would not have had the same results at all. It probably would have been disastrous. It was a moment for to realize how often I take things into my hands rather than letting God's hands do the work. He doesn't need my help. Lessons I learn in these breaths of faith touch my heart deeply. I know how much God loves me and so wants me to journey with Him. But it takes breaths of faith and who can say no to that invitation from an extraordinary God? Not this siesta!

Until our teacups meet again, I pray we don't miss those breaths of faith with our extraordinary God. They are the butterfly moments we live for and treasure. Have a blessed day.

Blessings As Always,
Tammy