Thursday, November 18, 2010

Study of Ecclesiastes: Chapter 2

In Chapter 2 verses 1-26 the Teacher, a king in Jerusalem is still looking for the purpose of life.  He decides to "test" life's pleasures to find out what is good. (verse1)  He tries to find happiness with wine, laughter, folly.  He wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.  He planted vineyards, built houses, made gardens and parks.  He even amassed silver and gold and had a harem.  He gave himself all the delights of a man's heart.  He denied himself nothing, but he realizes in the end he is still not at peace and called all of his accomplishments  "meaningless."  He states in verse 16 "For a wise man, like the fool will not be long remembered; in days to come both will be forgotten.
Like the fool, the wise man too must die."  So, he had no joy, hated his life and despite all he has gained in his life, he must leave to someone who has not earned it when he dies.  So what has he gained by all of his toil and trouble?

I think this chapter is so relevant to how people are today.  Everyone is busy building up treasures on the earth, competing with "the Jones."  Concentrating on material and sexual pleasures and perversions.  Most have no time for the things of God.  As we read chapter 3 for tomorrow, let's think about where we are in our lives.  Does our life have joy and contentment or are we bound up in the things we can "achieve and acquire?"
Why You Should Consider District One Schools Located in Spartanburg Co., SC - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com

An apple a day

He only is advancing in life whose heart is getting softer,
his blood warmer, his brain quicker, and his spirit is
entering into living peace.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Study of Ecclesiastes: Chapter 1

I have read the book of Ecclesiastes (NIV version) many times over, and
I always have a different perspective on it every time I read it.  So, I'm reading it again.  I'm going to go chapter by chapter and write my thoughts
on what I get from it.  Feel free to read a chapter a day with me and comment whenever you want to share your interpretation of what the writer is saying.  Let's get started today. Read chapter 1.  I have...here are my thoughts.

A teacher and son of David is looking for a purpose to his life.  I too, am still looking for my purpose, so I can relate to this.  In verses 5-8, I sense him saying that everything in life goes and comes in a circle.  He says "The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises."
The streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full, and where the stream flowed from, they end up returning to the same place.

I think the Teacher is asking himself "What does life really matter?"  We are here enduring the same things again and again.  What is new?  What in life has a purpose? There is nothing new under the sun.

He says in verse 12 that he has seen everything under the sun and has seeked wisdom, all to no avail.  He calls everything meaningless, a chasing after the wind.  He sounds very doubtfull that the twisted and screwed up things in life cannot be straightened.  He calls the wisdom he has gained comes with sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

I wonder first, how old is this teacher?  He is down, negative and feels lost at this time as to what the future holds for him.  People today I think feel the same way many times.  Many are lost and don't know which way to go.
We feel life is meaningless.  But is it?  Think about how you feel about
your life as we read together the second chapter of Ecclesiastes for tomorrow.

Until then, may God give us a clear picture of what the Teacher is saying to us individually.

An apple a day

If we pause to think, we will have cause to thank...

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Saturday, November 13, 2010

An apple a day

Happiness is a thing to be practiced like a violin...

Happy Birthday to my friend Kathy!  I hope you have a wonderful day!
Love u
Freida

Friday, November 12, 2010

Mental Yoga

A friend shared this piece with me in an email and I wanted to share
it with you...

Good thoughts to start the first day of the rest of your life!


A young lady in front of the room, confidently walked around while leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?' .... she fooled them all...

'How heavy is this glass of water?' she inquired with a smile.
Answers called out ranged from 8oz. to 20oz.

The lecturer replied, 'The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you hold it.' If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. "If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. ''In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes. 'She continued, 'and that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on.'

'As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced. 'So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work/life down. Don't carry it home... pick it up tomorrow.' 'Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've conquered!

And then she shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:

1 * Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!

2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.

3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.

4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.

5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.

8 * Never buy a car you can't push.

9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on.

10 *Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

11 * since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.

12 * the second mouse gets the cheese.

13 * When every thing's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.

15 * you may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.

16 * some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.

17 * we could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

19 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.







An apple a day

The light that shows us our sin is the light that heals us.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Bible Verse for Today


Behold God's Nature!
Photo credit: Freida 11/11/2010

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
NIV: Proverbs 3: 7-8
My Top Ten Legendary Christmas Crooners Past and Present - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com



Do you want to listen to some of the best Christmas music by the best legendary Christmas artists of all time? Check out this article for recommendations before you turn on the radio!

Who are your favorite Christmas croomers. Share your favorites with me in the comment section.

Happy Holidays!

An apple a day

People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.

I know this all too well.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Monday, November 8, 2010

Bible Verse for Today

Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
I call as my heart grows faint;
lead me to a rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
a strong tower against the foe.
I long to dwell in your tent forever
and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
NIV: Psalm 61:1-4



photo credit: Freida

An apple a day

Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the
ability to make ourselves do the thing we have to do
when it ought to be done, whether we like it or not.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Pecan Pie Bars

Wonderful little pecan pie bars you can't stop eating! Great for a church social or holiday cookie exchange.

1-1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. plus 3 T. brown sugar, packed
and divided
1/2 c. plus 2 T. butter, divided
2 eggs
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Combine flour with 3 tablespoons brown sugar; cut in 1/2 cup butter until coarse crumbs form. Press into a lightly greased 11"x7" baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. While crust is baking, beat eggs in a large bowl and add remaining brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, corn syrup and vanilla. Blend in pecans and pour mixture into hot crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and cut into bars. Makes 2 dozen.
credit: Gooseberrypatch.com
Actress and Broadway Veteran "Jill Clayburgh" Dead at 66 After Battling Lymphocytic Leukemia - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

An apple a day

Instead of waiting upon the Lord, some people want
the Lord to wait upon them.

Friday, November 5, 2010

An apple a day

Heaven is blessed with perfect rest,
but the blessing of earth is toil.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Eat More Cranberries - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

Thanksgiving Family Traditions

I am interested in what your Thanksgiving traditions are.
If you feel inclined to do so, share with me and others in the comment section special traditions your family practice during the Thanksgiving holiday!  I look forward to hearing from readers.

An apple a day

I can alter my life by altering my attitude of mind.

Eat plenty of oranges in winter for vitamin C

Peel, slice and sprinkle a little powdered sugar on oranges for a sweet
addition to your breakfast.  Delicious!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Let sleeping dogs lie---really!

Teach your child that a good sleep reduces stress for pets and
helps keep them healthy and happy, just as it does for people.

An apple a day

God never closes one door without opening another...it just may not
be as soon as you'd hope for.

Monday, November 1, 2010

2010 Halloween Pictures From Spartanburg, SC - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com



Check out the costumes in this slideshow. Pictures were taken at my church's fall festival on Oct. 31, 2010.


Hope all of you had a happy Halloween! Now on to Thanksgiving.

An apple a day

I want a soul so full of joy----
Life's withering storms cannot destroy.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Did you know?

ONE tablespoon of baked sweet potato provides 48% of a
child's daily vitamin A!

Happy Halloween!

Hope all of you have a safe and fun Halloween!  Watch out for kids in the streets and drive safely. 

Next Thanksgiving and Christmas!  Can you believe it?  Another year is about over.  I hope and pray for a better 2011!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Toddler Pasta Recipe

A great way to give your toddler their daily vitamin A--key for vision and
immunity.

1 cup small alphabet-shaped pasta
3/4 cup frozen peas and diced carrots
3/4 finely chopped broccoli
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 oz. cheddar or provolone cheese, finely diced or shredded  (1/3 cup)

Bring lightly salted water to a boil.  Add pasta.  Cook, uncovered for 12 minutes, stirring in vegetables the last 5 minutes of cooking.  Drain; return to pan.  Add oil and pepper.  Toss to coat and cool.

Veggies tend to be friendlier in a bowl of letters!

Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin: Natural or Canned - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

Nutritional Benefits of Pumpkin: Natural or Canned - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

An apple a day

True happiness depends upon close alliance with God.
This is true.  Remember God doesn't move, we do.  As christians, when we walk away from God, there is an annoying discontent in our heart and life.  Until we turn around and walk back toward God's outstretched arms, we will not feel peace again.

Friday, October 29, 2010

A delicious sweet treat!

Top a ritz cracker with peanut butter, 2 banana slices and a dollop of
fudge sauce for a small portion snack anytime.

have a little fun with cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving

How bout using a leaf cookie cutter to shape a slice of cranberry
sauce!

An apple a day

We always weaken what we exaggerate.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Cake from Ingles: white cake w/buttercream icing!  I recommend Ingles.  This cake was delicious, moist, and not too sweet!

To Tighten Your Fanny!

This is a good exercise if you want a firm behind.

Kneel with palms down on floor.  Extend right leg back and up, moving to a one-two-three-hold rhythm.  Do exercise 5 to 10 times, then repeat with opposite leg.  This must be done daily to achieve maximum results.

An apple a day

Tact is the unsaid part of what you think...

I lack tact....better learn soon!

A Lesson on Holiday Manners for Children - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

A Lesson on Holiday Manners for Children - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

An apple a day

Out of the mouths of babes come words we
shouldn't have said in the first place.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Sunday, October 24, 2010

An apple a day

I have often regretted my speech, but seldom my silence.


This is so true.  If I could learn to keep my mouth shut about life's circumstances and just handle them, I would be so much better off.
Silence "really is" golden.  A wonderful lesson for everyone to learn.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

An apple a day

Let us realize that what happens around us is largely outside our
control, but that the way we choose to react to it is inside our
control.


(I need lots of work to do on this one)

Friday, October 22, 2010

An apple a day

To love life through labor is to be intimate with life's
inmost secret.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Monday, October 18, 2010

An apple a day

One reason why a dog is such a lovable creaature is that
his tail wags instead of his tongue.
I have yet to experience any of these moments,
I have to wonder why.
Is it my fault or fate,
That life is just passing me by?

At forty eight, I should have at least a child,
someone to love me and make me smile.
But, here I sit all alone,
All of my goals ended, they're gone.


Treasure The Moments
Treasure the moments that come into your life,
Moments that are shared by husband and wife
Or moments you had with a daughter or son,
Or if you're not married by some other one.

These times are so special that we need to hold
Them like pieces of fabric made out of gold.
Golden threads that are woven and then are entwined
To Keep these moments alive in our mind.

How do you know when these moments occur?
They make such an imprint that never will blur.
The feeling we get when remembering them.
They will live inside you like some internal gem.

These moments are treasurers that never will leave.
These are not times that you wear on your sleeve.
They're hidden inside of you, the deepest part.
They are there just for you inside your heart.
credit: Reflections on Living
by Edwina Reizer

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Saturday, October 16, 2010

An apple a day

I have noticed that folks are generally about as happy
as they make up their minds to be...

Friday, October 15, 2010

An apple a day

Don't tell your friends about your indigestion:  'How are you' is a
greeting...not a question!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

An apple a day

There is only a slight difference between keeping your chin up
and sticking your neck out, but it's worth knowing.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

An apple a day

No worlds left to conquer? The frontiers of the mind are just
the beginning to be discovered and the spiritual world surrounding
us yet remains a complete mystery.

Monday, October 11, 2010

An apple a day

We are all manufacturers, making goods, making trouble or
making excuses.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Looking forward to dinner with the girls and catching up on what has been happening with them.  My strawberry pretzel salad turned out good, which is my contribution.  Going to miss out on a birthday party, but couldn't cancel the other since I've known about it so long.

Can anybody tell me how to handle a Mother who needs guidance and refuses to listen?  Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
Went to Marie's (my aunt) big shindig last night.  They had completed a big built in barn/shelter for gatherings such as last night and everyone had fun.  The feast included pork loin, bbq chicken breast, hotdogs, jalepeno chicken, and all the sides and deserts you can think of.  The Holston Creek Harmony boys performed gospel, bluegrass and old tunes.  They are really a talented bunch of men.  Looking forward to Oct 23 when we'll go back to Maries for a haunted trail ride!

I started out yesterday morning going to the HOG Rally, but at 9am when I got there, all the HOGS were still asleep, go figure.  Should have known they wouldn't be up and about that early what with the big Marshall Tucker Concert Friday night.  So, I went to Hatcher Gardens and took some pics, then to the Beacon for a cheeseburger and lemon tea, then back to the HOG Rally.  This time there was a Harley show going on and I got alot of pics of the bikes.  Also visited the vendors and bought 2 flydannas!  All in all a good day.
How to Avoid or Minimize Back Pain - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

An apple a day

We are always complaining our days are few,
and acting as though there would be no end to them.

"guilty"

Friday, October 8, 2010

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

An apple a day

The smile on your face is the light in the window that tells
people that you are at home.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Today was a beautiful day for the Fall Festival in Boiling Springs.
The Band:  Rocky Yelton and the Hired Guns were great.  They did country and rock tunes.  Then a dog show with some of the cutest dogs I've ever seen.  Then a talent show for preteens and teens.  Boy do we have some talented youth in Spartanburg County. Wow, you should have heard them.

Then at 6pm the Elvis and Conway Show with Rick Wade.  In all a great day filled with fun and good music.  The best time I've had in quite a while. 

From Fall Festival 2010 Dog Show in Boiling Springs



Gatsby! Isn't he a cutie pie!



An apple a day

Without the way, there is no going;
Without the truth, there is no knowing;
Without the life, there is no living.

Friday, October 1, 2010

An apple a day

No wise man ever wished to be younger.


Guess I'm not too wise then.