An Apple a Day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Psalm 143:10

Teach me to do your will,
   for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
   on a firm footing.

Affirmation

 As each day ends, I am closer to my true self.

Have a blessed day!

Happy Labor Day everyone!

Love is Fragile (Haiku)

click on link to read haiku

The Top 5 Bible Verses That Inspire Me To Take Action

click on title to read

Your Higher Self: Morning light  shines through to your soul.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - 2 Timothy 1:13-14

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me--a pattern shaped by the
faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who
lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

Today's Affirmation

Whether or not you know it, you are a kind and loving person.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Psalm 95:6-7

Come, let us worship and bow down.
   Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
for he is our God.
   We are the people he watches over,
   the flock under his care.

If only you would listen to his voice today!

Affirmation

I take pleasure in receiving the goodness around me.

An apple a day

Tis easy enough to be pleasant,
When life flows along like a song;
But the man worth while is the one who will smile
When everything goes dead wrong.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

An apple a day

~The words of a man's mouth are deep waters,
but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
(NIV Proverbs: 18:4)

September Gardening Guide

These are ideal things to do in the garden in September:

1.  Plant leafy greens-lettuce, broccoli, collards and kale-early this month for the fall garden.
2. Start a compost pile.  There will be much material to add in the months to come.
3. Buy bulbs as soon as they arrive in stores for the best selection and store in a cool location until you can plant them.
4. Enjoy a small sampling of your garden indoors in a vase.

Recipe: Broccoli Parmesan

Prep: 10 Min., Roast: 14-17 Minutes
Oven: 450

8 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 easpoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

________________________________
Preheat oven to 450
Place broccoli in a shallow baking pan lined
with foil.  Drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle
with salt and black pepper.  Bake, uncovered,
for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring once, until
broccoli is crisp-tender and slightly charred.
Sprinkle with the Parmsean cheese.  Bake 1 to 2
minutes more.

Transfer broccoli to a serving platter or
individual plates, if desired.
makes 8 servings

An apple a day

~Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

(NIV:  Proverbs 19:21)

Set These Top 10 Work Spouse Boundaries To Avoid Jeopardizing Your Marriage

click on title to see article

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Psalm 94:18-19

I cried out, "I am slipping!"
   but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me.
When doubts filled my mind,
   your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Daily Affirmation

Daily Affirmation:

I welcome all my feelings...they guide me to my true self.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Romans 14:8

If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord.
So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

"The Help" Movie and Theme Review

"The Help" is the best movie I've seen in 2011!  It is Oscar winning material!!
  5 *****

An apple a day

"Until you make peace with who you are,

you'll never be content with what you have."

Doris Mortman, author

I'm excited about seeing the new movie "The Help" today!
It is supposed to be really good!

The Caramel Cake in the movie "The Help"
is provided by Caroline's Cakes.  Caroline is a native of
Charleston  I have sampled this cake and it is
delish!!  You can enter to win a free Caramel Cake
from Caroline's Cakes by clicking here:
 http://apps.facebook.com/carolines_cakes/

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Ephesians 2:10

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus
 so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

photo credit: Freida Thomas

I am a Rock
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb,
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock, I am an island.
And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.
~ Paul Simon ~

Volunteer Opportunities in Spartanburg, SC

click on title for info

An apple a day

~The words of a gossip are like choice morsels;
they go down to a man's inmost parts.~
Proverbs 18:8 NIV

An apple a day

~Blessed is the man who perseveres
under trial, because when he has stood
the test, he will receive the crown of
life that God has promised to those who
love him.~ (James 1:12 NIV)

Bananas for Grilling

Next time you grill, why not grill dessert too?

Place whole or sliced bananas,
some butter, brown sugar, and a
splash of rum on large individual
squares of foil.

Fold and seal into packets.
Grill until bananas are soft and
caramelized.

Remove bananas from foil.

Plate and serve with vanilla ice cream.
Use the caramelized brown sugar
remaining in the foil as syrup.

Sounds yummy, yes?

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Psalm 149:4

For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Isaiah 33:22

For the Lord is our judge,
our lawgiver, and our king.
He will care for us and save us.

Marie's Fresh Peach Pound Cake Recipe

click on title to get recipe~Thanks!

An apple a day

~No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness
and peace for those who have been trained by it.
(Hebrews 12:11, NIV)

Recipe: Best Diabetic Apple Pie

click on title for recipe

Slideshow of Lake Lure in NC

Click on the title to access the slideshow!

Reflect

~"Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of
containing God's gift of himself.
    Ask and seek, and your heart will grow big
enough to receive him and to keep him as your
own. Wherever God has put you, that is your
vocation. It is not what we do but how much
love we put into it."~ Mother Teresa

Sorry I've been absent:

Hi everyone,

Sorry I've been away for a few days.  I have been taking care of Mom, who had
eye surgery to repair a macular hole and remove a cataract.  She is doing well
thanks to the prayers of many. Hopefully, I can get back on schedule now.

Recipe: Nutty Pear Salad

This is an easy and refreshing dessert for any night of the week!

   Ingredients
   1 small package lime gelatin
   1 cup boiling water
   1 cup cold water
   1 small can sliced pears, drained and cut in pieces
   (use the juice as part of cold water)
   1/4 cup chopped pecans
_______________________________________
   Mix boiling water with gelatin until dissolved.
   Add cold water, pears and nuts.  Pour into
   an 8-inch square baking dish (or any mold of
   your choice. Refrigerate until set.
   Servings 4 to 6

An apple a day

~VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Matthew 5:14,16

You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see,
so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

How Parents Can Get Their Kids Back To Learning Mode Before School Starts

The Shattered Box

Read this poignant and raw prose written by Jolynne Hudnell, a friend of mine.

Can you relate?
I can.

An apple a day

~Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness. (James 1: 19-20)

An apple a day

Photo credit: Freida Thomas

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Hebrews 11:1

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Psalm 119:30

I have chosen to be faithful;
I have determined to live by your regulations.

A picture of beauty!

There is something so moving about this picture...

Is Whistle-Blowing Worth the Risk? What Would Sean Hoare Say?

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8244497/is_whistleblowing_worth_the_risk_what.html?cat=9

An apple a day

Remember this.."We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty." Angelou

An apple a day

~VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work,
saving everyone who believes--the Jew first and also the Gentile.

An apple a day

~The truth is, whatever you can't talk about,
is already out of control in your life.~

Recipe: Lime Supreme

This Lime Supreme Recipe only contains 5 ingredients and is light and delicious!

Ingredients:

1 small package lime gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
1 small can crushed pineapple (including the juice)
1 small carton cottage cheese
___________________________________________
Mix boiling water with gelatin until dissolved, then add
cold water.  Add the pineapple and cottage cheese
after the gelatin has cooled a little.  Pour into an 8"
square glass baking dish (or any mold of your
choice).   Refrigerate until set.
Servings 4 to 6

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - James 1:21

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has
planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls

Haiku: Summertime Boating

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8234293/haiku_summertime_boating.html?cat=47

An apple a day

~"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials."
Confucius

"Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without 

 getting a few drops on yourself."~Ralph Waldo Emerson

                                                                  photo credit: Freida
                                                                  Pigeon Forge, TN

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Matthew 4:4

But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say,

'People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of
God.'"

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Psalm 138:2

I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
    I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
for your promises are backed
    by all the honor of your name.

An apple a day

~ Abraham Lincoln
    “Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, cannot long retain it.”

Why You Should Listen to "The Sam Bigby Old School Radio Show" Online

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Psalm 33:12

What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord,
whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Jeremiah 17:9-10

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
    and desperately wicked.
    Who really knows how bad it is?
But I, the Lord, search all hearts
    and examine secret motives.
I give all people their due rewards,
    according to what their actions deserve.

Sweet Things

How many pet names and loving phrases for women are based on food?
Why do you think this is?

• Honey                 Sweetie
• Honey bun          Sweetie pie
• Cream Puff         Cutie pie
• Cheesecake         Cookie
• Muffin                 Sweet Cookie
• Dumpling            Cupcake
• Pumpkin              Baby cakes
• Sugar                   Sugar buns
• Chick                   Peach
• Piece of cake        Honey Pot
• Hot tomato           Hot tamale
• Tart                      Dish
• Sweet enough to eat!

An apple a day

~All hard work brings a profit, but mere
talk leads only to poverty.

(Proverbs 14:23 NIV)

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Psalm 138:8

The Lord will work out his plans for my life--
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.

Lilian Jackson Braun is my favorite author. Click here to find out why!

Escape Reality Meditation: In the Clouds

How to Start Living Green in Ten Easy and Inexpensive Steps

An apple a day

~There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him:

• haughty eyes
• a lying tongue,
• hands that shed innocent blood,
• a heart that devises wicked schemes,
• feet that are quick to rush into evil,
• a false witness who pours out lies
• and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.~

(NIV: Proverbs 6: 17-19)

Did you know this about Bananas?

Most everyone knows that bananas are well known as a healthy
source of potassium giving you 13% of your Daily recommended value
in just one medium fruit.

But did you know?

Bananas are an even better source of vitamin C, providing 18% of your
Daily value.

Eat one medium banana every day and get these two important vitamins!

cr: Publix

An apple a day

~"Can any of you add a cubit to his height by worrying?" (Luke 12:25)

Give up worrying about things you cannot change.  Give it to God!

What Parents Should Know About Portable Pools and Their Risks

An apple a day

~There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword;
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.-(Proverbs 12:18)

Words can be used to bless or curse, and unfortunately when
they're used destructively, we can't take them back.  I'm speaking
from experience.  Once we've said something hurtful, the damage
has been done.

Jesus used words to bless, heal, intercede and instruct.  Let's
ask Him to help us use our words for constructive, not
destructive purposes.

River dance Wannabees-I'm Still Laughing

Ok ya'll, if you want to start or end your day with a laugh,
you've got to click the link below to the funniest video you've
probably seen in awhile!  It was shared with me by a friend
and I want to share it with you!

click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75RguA3ryUk

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Ephesians 5:25-26

For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his
life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring
them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Don't forget tomorrow is Father's Day.  Find a special way to tell him you love him!

~Frozen Banana Custard with Warm Chocolate Sauce~

Ingredients

• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 5 ripe bananas, peeled and cut into small pieces, frozen
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

_____________________________________________________

Preparation (5 min)

• 1. Combine chocolate chips and 3 Tbsp. water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high until just melted, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
• 2. Place bananas in a food processor and pulse until broken down. Add milk and vanilla and process until smooth, scraping down sides of bowl once or twice as necessary.
• 3. Scoop banana puree into dishes and top with warm chocolate sauce. Serve immediately.

All You
APRIL 2010

Under the Harvest Moon by Carl Sandburg

Under the harvest moon,
When the soft silver
Drips shimmering
Over the garden nights,
Death, the gray mocker,
Comes and whispers to you
As a beautiful friend
Who remembers.

Under the summer roses
When the flagrant crimson
Lurks in the dusk
Of the wild red leaves,
Love, with little hands,
Comes and touches you
With a thousand memories,
And asks you
Beautiful, unanswerable questions

A Beautiful Full Moon on 6/16/2011
Photo: by Freida

Priceless

I don't care who you are or what your political persuasion,

this is funnneeee!!!

Obama Is the shepherd I did not want.

He leadeth me

Beside the still factories.

He restoreth my faith in the Republican party.

He guideth me in the path of unemployment

For his party's sake.

Yea, Though I walk through the valley of the bread line,

I shall fear no hunger, for his bailouts are with me.

He has Anointed my income with taxes,

My expenses runneth over.

Surely, poverty and hard living will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will live in a mortgaged home forever.

I'm glad I am American,

I am glad that I am free,

But I wish I was a dog,

And Obama was a tree!

photo credit: Freida

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Psalm 103:13

The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

An apple a day

~ Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
(Proverbs 18:21)

When Should You Throw it Away?

shelflifeadvice.com offers these guidelines

• Milk:  If properly refrigerated, milk will remain safe, nutritious, and tasty for about a week after the sell by date.
• Cottage Cheese:  Pasteurized cottage cheese lasts for 10-14 days after the date on the carton.
• Mayonnaise: Unopened, refrigerated Kraft mayo can be kept for 30 days after its expiration date or 3 to  4 months after opening.
• Yogurt: Yogurt will remain good seven to 10 days after its sell-by date.
• Eggs: Refrigerated eggs should last at least 3 to 4 weeks after the sell-by date.

Hope this is a refresher for you!

Banana Split Cake: Yummy and Easy!

You will need:

3 sticks margarine, softened
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups confectioners' sugar
4 large bananas
20-oz can crushed pineapple (drained)
12-oz container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 cup chopped nuts
maraschino cherries
_____________________________________________
Melt 1 stick margarine and mix with graham cracker
crumbs. Press onto bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.
Combine confectioners' sugar and 2 sticks margarine.
Gently fold in 1 cup frozen whipped topping, then spread
on top of crumbs.  Slice bananas over the sugar mixture;
then spoon pineapple onto this layer.  Spread remaining
whipped topping on top, and sprinkle with nuts.  Place
cherries on top. Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours or overnight.
Enjoy!!!

An apple a day

~For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
(Proverbs 2:6)

An apple a day

~ Learn to be shrewd, you who are inexperienced; develop common sense, you who are foolish
Proverbs 8:5

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Psalm 46:10

"Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.

An apple a day

photo credit: Freida

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Ephesians 3:17-19

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow
down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as
all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you
experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will
be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer deflects anger,
but harsh words make tempers flare.

Recipe: Italian Breakfast Casserole: Easy and Delicious!

You will need:
6 pieces Italian or sourdough bread approx. 8oz (torn into pieces)
1 lb. Italian sausage, browned and drained
16 oz Italian blend cheese
3 cups milk
1 dozen eggs, beaten
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups marinara sauce
__________________________________________________
To prepare:

Lightly oil 9x13 inch baking dish.  Layer half the bread evenly on
the bottom of baking dish.  Crumble sausage on top.  Sprinkle Italian
blend cheese over the sausage.  Cover with another layer of bread.
Whisk the milk, eggs, parmesan, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and
red pepper together.  Pour over the top.  Refrigerate overnight.  Bake
in a 350 degree oven until deep golden and puffy, approx. 45 min.
Cover with tin foil if it becomes too brown.  Serve with warm
marinara.
Yields-6-8 servings
Recipe courtesy of Mature Living Magazine May 2011

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - John 3:17

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through
him.

An apple a day

Verse: "Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

Today's point to ponder:  I need others in my life.

What one step can I take today to connect with someone at a more genuine, heart-to-heart
level?

Beauty Tips from Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift a beautiful star, but her beauty tips show she remains down to earth!
This tips are from an article I read in Rouge Spring 2011 issue!

1. Taylor always buys new (seasonal) eyeshadow collections to feel fresh and change up her eyes and to be up to date with the current trends.

2.  With lipcolor, Taylor likes to highlight her lips using a dark shade to make them stand out.  She pairs a bright lip with lighter makeup on the eyes so that the lips are her prominent feature. She also likes the classic 60's look and uses a prominent bold black line on the eyes.

3. Taylor likes Covergirl lipstains because the color stays bright and her hair doesn't stick to it when she is on stage.

4.  What does Taylor keep in her purse?  Perfume, lotion and cell phone are with her at all times.  In her makeup bag she keeps Covergirl LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara and Outlast Lipstain in Everbloom kiss.

5.  Taylor describes "her style" as very feminine and girly.  She wears lots of skirts, dresses, and sparkly accents.  She is inspired by prairie looks fairies, and outfits you would wear on the beach.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - 1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to
live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of
one mind, united in thought and purpose

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - James 3:17-18

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all
times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no
favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace
and reap a harvest of righteousness.

The Inner Child

An apple a day

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
    and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
    Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it.
~Psalm 139: 13-14 (NLT)


 

An apple a day

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
~Psalm 139:23-24  (NIV)

An apple a day

Verse of the day:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together
in my mother's wound.  I praise you because I am fearfully
and wonderfully made;  your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the
secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of
the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days
ordained for me were written in your book before one of
them came to be.
~Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV)

Photo by Freida

Sunset: Poem Based on an Image - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Philippians 4:6-7


Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and
thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds
anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in
Christ Jesus.

Photo by Freida

An apple a day

Point to ponder: Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.

Verse to remember: "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they
will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who  love him."  James 1:12 (NLT)

Question to consider: What Christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common

temptation I face? 

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Hebrews 11:6

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must
believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.