Affirmation

You are learning with each passing day.

An apple a day: Psalm 63:1

Psalm 63:1

[A psalm of David, regarding a time when David
was in the wilderness of Judah.]O God, you
are my God; I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for
you in this parched and weary land where
 there is no water.

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

"That's been one of my mantras -- focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains." ~Steve Jobs: CoFounder of Apple, Inc.

Millions Mourn the Death of Steve Jobs: Co-Founder of Apple, Inc

click title for full article

An apple a day

enjoy your surroundings!!
by freida

"Life is too short to be anything but happy....
love deeply, forgive quickly, take chances,
give everything with no regrets, forget the past
with exception of what you have learned and
remember everything happens for a reason."
-- Anonymous

6 Statements You Should Never Make To Your Boss

click on title to read article

An Affirmation for Today

I take pleasure in receiving the goodness around me.

An apple a day

When many things seem to be going wrong, Trust God.
When your life feels increasingly out of control, Thank God.
These are supernatural responses, and they will lift you
above your circumstances! Affirm your trust in God, regardless
of how you feel.  Though thanking God in all circumstances 
may seem unnatural or even irrational, by doing it, gradually you will
begin to ascend, recovering your lost ground.

Six Effective Ways to Help a Loved One with Borderline Personality Disorder

click on title to read article

6 Key Cancer Protectors

"If everyone in America followed these suggestions,
we could see a 50 to 70% drop in cancer deaths, says
Edward Partridge, M.D.:

• Don't smoke
• Eat a healthy diet
• Be physically active
• Use sunscreen
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get recommended screenings

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Try this warm and yummy Cinnamon Roll Cake
Comfort food for a chilly Fall night!

Ingredients for cake:

3 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 stick butter, melted

Ingredients for Topping

1 stick butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1 tbsp. cinnamon
dash of ground cloves (optional)

Ingredients for Glaze

2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
5 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
________________________________
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine all cake ingredients
together except for the butter.  Once combined, slowly
stir in melted butter and pour into a greased 9"x13" pan.

2. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until
well combined.  Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with
a knife.  Bake for 30-35 minutes, then remove to cool.

3. While cake cools, stir together powdered sugar, milk, and
vanilla.  While cake is still slightly warm, drizzle with glaze.

compliments of Melissa Spivey
www.beowblueskies.com

I give myself permission to move through intense emotions easier.

An apple a day

~Sow for yourselves righeousness,
reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground;
for it is time to seek the Lord,
until he comes and showers
righteousness on you.~
(Hosea 10:12-NIV)

An apple a day

Philippians 1:9-10

I pray that your love will overflow more and more,
and that you will keep on growing in
knowledge and understanding.For I want you to
understand what really matters, so that you
may live pure and blameless lives until the day
 of Christ's return.

"Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully." - Zig Ziglar

~Everyone must take time
to sit and watch the leaves turn~

Elizabeth Lawrence

Apple-Pumpkin Butter

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup apple, peeled, cored, and grated
1 cup apple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
_______________________________
Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan
bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer
1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Yields: 3 cups

recipe compliments of  www.gooseberrypatch.com


This is a delicious and easy fall/winter recipe! 
Why not make your friends some jars of this as Christmas presents,
 along with a copy of the recipe!

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Matthew 6:33

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,
and he will give you everything you need.

Who among us hasn't envied a cat's ability to
ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?”

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - 1 John 2:1

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that
you will not sin. But if anyone does sin
we have an advocate who pleads our case
 before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the
one who is truly righteous.

Affirmation

With each moment, my heart opens up to the beauty around me. Live in the "present" moment only. The present moment is all we have.  Stay grounded in it!

Land O'Lakes Little Joys Holiday Recipes:Free download!

Click on the Title in this post to download your free holiday recipe book today!

Reminder: The Presidental Debate is on FoxNews Channel
at 9:00 pm tonight. Please watch, it is important that
everyone get involved and decide who WE
want as our next President! We must vote Obama out in 2012!

Oct. 1, 2011 International Festival at Barnet Park in Spartanburg, SC

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8414609/free_admission_event_2011_international.html?cat=2

Affirmation

Remember: With each day you are getting better in every way!

An apple a day

~But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom.

(2 Corinthians 3:16-17; NIV)

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
Victor Hugo

 

An apple a day

~The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.
(Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)

Affirmation

You generously contribute to the happiness of others.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Ephesians 5:1

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Wow, what a difference a day makes!
From 80 something degrees yesterday
to the 60's today. Am I ready for
cold weather!  NOT!! lol

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - James 3:13

If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing
good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - 1 John 4:16

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.

I woke up (wide awake) at 3am this morning.  I've been checking
emails and web surfing.  I'm still awake, and have a busy day
ahead of me.  Suppose I will read for awhile now. Maybe that
will help!  Good morning early, from me!!

Today's Affirmation

Your Affirmation: With each day, I am letting go.

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Philippians 2:1-2

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?
 Any comfort from his love?
Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me
truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working
together with one mind and purpose.

An apple a day

~"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let
your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14:27 (NIV)

An apple a day

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

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice.

Hope you have a happy and blessed day!

Top Ten Advantages of Adopting an Older Cat Over a Kitten

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thanks

Boiled Peanuts: A Southern Staple

click on title for step-by-step instructions

An apple a day

VERSE OF THE DAY (NLT) - Titus 2:2

Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect,
 and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

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.