Sunday, March 22, 2015

The Kitchen is My Playground: Scrumptious Strawberry Cobbler

The Kitchen is My Playground: Scrumptious Strawberry Cobbler: I treated myself this weekend.  Yes, I treated myself to one of my absolute, absolute favorite treats ... fresh-picked strawberries.  No...

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Mark Your Spot in Style! - Gooseberry Patch

Mark Your Spot in Style! - Gooseberry Patch

Check out the link above to look at this cute and easy button bookmarks instructions.  Your children would love to make some of these on a nasty cold or snowy day!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet | FaveCrafts.com

Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet | FaveCrafts.com

The above DIY project is easy.  Create a beautiful pink bracelet for your friends who are either fighting breast cancer or are survivors!  Check it out at the above link!  Have a blessed day!

Friday, July 18, 2014

The Jersey Boys Movie: Why I Loved It

Three Reasons Why I Loved the Jersey Boy Movie

      
I went to see the movie "The Jersey Boys" at Regal Spartan Stadium 16 , not knowing what to expect. After all, not all biographical musicals are of good quality. What I did know, is that I love The Four Season's music, so I went in open minded and ready to revisit my youth. I am a baby-boomer, born in 1961, and I grew up during the 60's and 70's and until this day, I love "the oldies" as we refer to them. The movie rated R, contains some offensive language, although thankfully no nudity, and very little violence. This is why I only rate it as four stars. Other than the colorful language, I love the movie "The Jersey Boys" for the following reasons.

The Jersey Boys Movie was Educational for Me
Though I had heard all of The Four Season's songs in the sixties and seventies, and liked their songs, I did not know the history behind their formation. Jersey Boys begins by establishing the boys were friends from the start, a typical garage band aspiring to "make it big!" Although, they were from the wrong side of the tracks, they learned a code of honor on the streets of Jersey. Their respect and love for each other helped them remain friends through Mafia threats, betrayal, financial debt, and problems with family.

Frankie Valli, played so well by John Lloyd Young, was the lead character in the movie. I gained an understanding of what Valli had to sacrifice in order to pursue his dream. That was his first wife and three girls of course; one of each was a stepchild. Too often, that is what happens with the stress of achieving fame. In addition, I did not realize that Valli's daughter Francine died of a drug overdose in 1980. Valli was married two more times and had more children, which I do not remember seeing in the movie. I only found this out after seeing the movie through additional research. In addition, I found it interesting to learn that several in the group had frequented prison for reasons such as skipping out of a hotel without paying, running up huge tax debt as well as racking up debt to a loan shark.

Revisited My Youth through the Jersey Boys Songs
Hearing all of the Four Season's songs again in the movie evoked many memories and emotions from my youth. I actually felt young again after the movie! For a little over two hours, joyfully whisked back in years, I escaped reality! I was thoroughly entertained and lost in the story of The Four Seasons! Bravo to Clint Eastwood for producing another well put together film! The movie felt more to me like a quality documentary rather than a musical. This made the movie more enjoyable for me!

The Movie Inspired Me To Research Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
After viewing The Jersey Boys movie, I have been learning more about Valli and The Four Seasons on my own. I have found out more interesting facts about their background. I consider myself a lifetime learner, and anything that inspires me to search out new things excites me!

Seeing The Jersey Boys movie was certainly worth more than the $7.50 I paid to spend a few hours with a legendary group who was instrumental in launching the best rock-and-roll music to date!
  

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Christian Poem: Start Your Christian Journey Today!

If you are out there feeling lonely,
and down on your luck.
Look no further around you,
Just look up!


Look up to the heavens, and call Jesus' name,
I promise, you will never ever be the same.
Open up your heart and invite Him in,
You will never regret it , He will forgive your sins!


Your Savior will walk with you daily, hand in hand,
No one else can guide you as He can.
He will provide you a mansion in Heaven someday,
So start your journey with Him now, TODAY
.


written by: Freida Thomas

Next Three Steps For Newly Saved Christians

If you are a newly saved Christian, you may be wondering, what is next? When I received Salvation at the age of twelve, the pastor instructed me on what to do to grow in the Lord, and strengthen my faith. I would like to suggest to new Christians three next steps that I believe will help you the most, based on my Christian experiences over the last forty years.

Get a Bible and Read, Read, Read

After salvation, the Bible will be your roadmap for getting to know your Savior in a personal way. I suggest you begin reading in the New Testament that starts with the book of Matthew. Why? Honestly, the Old Testament is more difficult to understand as a new Christian, and it mainly involves history before Christ was born. By the time, you read Matthew through Revelations (the New Testament), you will have learned about Jesus' birth, suffering, death, and resurrection. You will find you know him more intimately and that is the beginning of your personal relationship with the Lord, who has graciously promised you an eternal life in Heaven! Next, start reading from Genesis in the Old Testament to learn the history before Christ.
The Bible will be the important book you ever read. It has an answer for every problem. Do not just read it, but also apply it in your daily life and watch your faith and love grow for your newly found Savior! In addition, do not ever stop reading God's word. Every time you read in the Bible, you will be enlightened in a new way!
I personally like the New International Version of the Bible because it is more understandable to me than the standard King James Version. There are numerous versions of the Bible available to read online or download to your tablet here. I prefer to hold the actual Bible in my hands and read. I guess that dates me, but I do not mind.

Locate a Church and Get Involved!

Many people may tell you they do not "play church." Personally, I would find it harder to grow and mature in Christ without a home church to attend. Once saved, I have always had a desire to be in Church. True, your salvation does not mean that you must attend a church, but finding a church that makes you feel at home will provide the support you need to grow in Christ. I suggest finding a larger church. Larger churches have more activities and opportunities to meet new friends who have the same beliefs you do. The best way to make friends in a large church is to volunteer in one or more of the many areas in which they need help. I currently volunteer as a greeter, and on the decorating team. I have met many new people and have new friends because of this. It is always better to give than to receive, so give some of your time and you will be blessed even more than the ones you serve!

Pray and Praise the Lord Continuously!

First, know that Christ and His Spirit live in your heart now, and they will never leave you. Christ and His Spirit do not change, ever! It is we, who occasionally move away or draw closer to Christ. To remain close to Christ it is essential to pray all the time. It does not have to be in a certain place or even audible. Christ knows your mind and hears your prayers even when they are silent. Try to remain focused on Christ and offer him praise by thanking him for your salvation and every other blessing He allows you to enjoy! Praise Christ by listening to Christian CD's, radio, online sermons, and by lifting your hands and praising him with songs or words daily! Christ loves it when we praise Him! He inhabits our praise. I remember an old hymn from my church growing up, "I Just Can't Praise Him Enough" and it is true. We just cannot praise him enough for what He has done and is going to do in our lives!
Please understand that even though you have recently been saved, that did not make you into a super human. I fall short of doing these things at times, and you will too. Do not let that discourage you! Just pick yourself up and start fresh. God does not expect perfection from anyone. We are still human and make mistakes. The good news is that He is still beside you, loves you, and is waiting with arms open to welcome you back home!

 
Published by Freida Thomas
 
Freida is a retired Accountant from the Education field. She enjoys reading, writing,volunteering, and frugal living. Freida's areas of expertise include Finance, Parkinsons, Nutrition, Food, Health/Fitness, and more.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

A Planting of the Lord Blog


I want to share with you a favorite blog of mine.  Click on the link below to be blessed by words written by a talented woman of God, and my friend, Kimberly!  I promise, you will love Kimberly's way of sharing her thoughts, goals, and her love of God.  You will always be inspired when you visit and read. 

A Planting of the Lord

Monday, December 23, 2013

The Dapper Toad: Free Mini Snowman Crochet Pattern

The Dapper Toad: Free Mini Snowman Crochet Pattern:  click on the link to find the free pattern to make adorable mini snowmen with scarfs. It would  not take long to make a bunch of these for friends next year.  Do it during the winter months ahead when it is too cold to go outside.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Sweet Tea and Cornbread: Shari's Grape Salad!

Sweet Tea and Cornbread: Shari's Grape Salad!:     This is a "Grape Salad" my sister Shari has always made.  It's a really delicious 'salad' for holiday meals...

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Monday, May 20, 2013

Below are some fascinating Strawberry facts worth savoring!


1.  Strawberries are the  only fruit with seeds on the outside (200 per berrry!).
2.  One cup of strawberries has as much Vitamin C as an orange.
3. Strawberries are not actually "berries," but part of the rose family.
4. In tests, people who ate strawberries before exercise burned 100 extra calories.
5.  Rich in flavonoids, strawberries can help reduce cholesterol.
6.  Strawberries are high in folic acid, the B vitamin which can prevent spina bifida.
7.  To soothe sunburned skin, blend strawberries and honey, and apply as a salve.
8.  You often can substitute strawberries for tomatoes in recipes.
9.  For their best flavor, strawberries should be served at room temperature.
10. It takes approximately three days for a berry to ripen from green to red.
Coutesy of Harriet Belue of Belue Farms in Spartanburg, SC

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Monday, April 22, 2013

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Healthy Cucumber Snack


Healthy Cucumber Snack
Recipe type: Salad
Serves: 1
 
Ingredients
  • Cucumber
  • Olive Oil
  • Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
  • Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
  1. Slice cucumbers and marinade in olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl.
  2. The oil and lemon juice should just be enough to cover the cucumbers and it will soak in.
  3. Sprinkle with Cayenne Pepper.
  4. Enjoy!       http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2013/02/healthy-cucumber-snack

Friday, February 22, 2013

New Habits for a New Year

3 Reasons to eat breakfast daily!

1. Breakfast boosts your metabolism and helps you take in fewer calories throughout the day.

2. Breakfast boosts your memory.

3. Eating breakfast helps you maintain healthy blood sugar levels,
and gives you the energy you neeed to tackle your day.

Important: Try to eat within the first 2 hours after waking up.

  • Make it quick! Choose a whole grain cereal and top with 1% milk and a handfull ofyour favorite fresh berries!
  • Don't like traditional "breakfast foods"? Try eating a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread with a slice of 2% cheese.
cr: Bi-Lo Thrive Jan/Feb 2013

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Quote from Max Lucado's Book "Fearless"

"All things, big and small, flow out of the purpose
of God and serve his good will. When the world
appears out of control, it isn't.  When warmongers
appear to be in charge, they aren't.  When ecological
catastrophes dominate the day, don't let them
dominate the day, don't let them dominate you.
Let's trust our heavenly Father."

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

January 16, 2013 Bible Verse

In today's world many of us live in fear.
Fear of what's coming next, fear that someone
won't like you, fear of keeping a job, or getting a job,
fear of getting cancer and much more!
God does not want us to live in fear.
                  Meditate of this verse today.

~I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart.
  And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give.
               So don't be troubled or afraid.

              ---John 14:27 NLT

Monday, December 31, 2012

Haiku: Sandy Hook

click this link for the Haiku
http://voices.yahoo.com/haiku-sandy-hook-11948262.html?cat=47


Thanks for visiting my blog.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

An Apple a Day: Psalm 62:8 (NIV)

Psalm 62:8 (NIV)

8) Trust in Him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.

Thursday, December 27, 2012

An Apple a Day: Psalm 37:3-4 (NIV)

Psalm 37: 3-4 (NIV)

3) Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4) Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Battling Fear

Max Lucado wrote a wonderful book called
"Fearless."  We all face fears at points in
our lives and there are many ways to fight it.

In Max Lucado's book he offers the following
actions to help arm us in the battle against fear.


  • Memorize scripture and repeat it when we feel fearful.
  • Read biographies of great lives.
  • Ponder the testimonies of faithful Christians.
  • Make the deliberate decision to set your hope on Christ.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

An Apple a Day: Psalm 39: 6-7 (NIV)

Psalm 39:6-7 (NIV)

6) Man is a mere phantom as he goes to
and fro:  He bustles about, but only in
vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing
who will get it.
7) But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.

All that matters at the end of our life
is not how many posessions we have, 
or how much money is in our bank
account.  What matters is whether or
not we are ready to be received by 
Jesus in heaven.  Do you know Him?

Monday, December 17, 2012

An Apple a Day: Titus 3:4-6

~4) But when the kindness and love of God
our Savior appeared,5) he saved us, not
because of righteous things we had done,
but because of his mercy. He saved us
through the washing of rebirth and renewal
by the Holy Spirit, 6)whom he poured out
on us generously through Jesus Christ our
Savior, 7) so that, having been justified by
his grace, we might become heirs having
the hope of eternal life.

Salvation is a gift to everyone who will
simply accept it and recieve it!  We do not
have to work for salvation.  God sent His
Son, Jesus to die for each one of us.  Our
debts were paid then. Our sins were washed
away then.  All we have to do is open our
hearts and minds and ask Jesus to come
live within us.  We must confess that we
know we are sinners, but that we know
Jesus paid for our sins on the cross.  We
are not debtors.  We are the recipients of
the greatest gift ever given, Jesus'
unconditional love and forgiveness.  Why
would anyone refuse this free gift?  I
don't understand.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

An Apple a Day: Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

~No one can serve two masters.
Either he will hate the one and
love the other, or he will be
devoted to the one and
despise the other.  You cannot
serve both God and Money.~

Monday, December 10, 2012

How to Access Your Social Security Statement Online

http://contributor.yahoo.com/user/533534/freida_thomas.html
Click on the link to access the article.