THE HOLIDAYS

This ceramic tree brings back many memories of my childhood.  I remember seeing one of these in various homes as we visited friends and family during the holidays.  My sister still has hers.  However this one is just a replica of those lighted trees that I saw back then.  I really didn't think too much about them then.  Now that I am indeed a great deal older, I felt like I wanted one.  So, the coveted Hobby Lobby had them for sale at the price of $29.99.  Even though I love having it lit everyday, it is not the same ceramic tree.  I was trying to imitate it.  I just want those feelings to return.

So as this holiday season begins as today is December 1, 2020,  I will take the things that brought back those memories I had of Christmas as a child, and remember what Christmas to me is really all about.  It is not the things and decorations. Christmas, first is about the birth of Jesus and what he has done for us.  He came to the earth sent by his Father to take all our sins on that cross when he died and then rose again.  Now, if and when we believe in him, our sins are wiped clean.  It doesn't mean we won't ever sin, but it does mean we are forgiven no matter what.  When God sees us, he sees us as his children and loves us.  

I have told my children then, and now adult children, it doesn't matter what ever they do themselves or even feel about me, I will always love them.  Nothing will ever take away my love for them. That's what God's love is for us. His love for us is never ending.

Therefore, I pray all will take these words to look back and remember for your own self.  Especially this year.  It has been hard for us all including me and maybe for different reasons. Things change and these times will too.  Good and bad.  I choose to look forward and put my trust in God, not circumstances or people.  

I did start early especially this year.  I needed it and I feel sure you do too.  Enjoy this season no matter your circumstances.  Remember God loves you!

Merry Christmas

Memories of my Mother and Grandmother.

05/11/2020

Mother's Day was yesterday.  I was reminiscing about when I was younger.  This is a picture of my Grandmother in whom we called Granny.  The little girl was not me, but a cousin of mine's daughter.  We were visiting at some point.  I'm not sure why, but someone snapped this picture.  I treasure this picture.

Yesterday I wrote a post on Facebook which I want to share.  It was from my heart.  We currently are in a global pandemic, so they say.  It feels very strange as people are dying but not with the usual increased numbers in this country.  That's another post.  With that said, we are still in "lock down" even though they are calling it "stay safe".  We can leave our house, go to the grocery, essential travel.  However the state in which I live is now beginning to open.  We did get to see our daughter and her family on Saturday.  They came over and we ate together.  It was a special time to have our youngest granddaughter running around our house again.

I wanted to share the post I wrote in honor of my Mother and Grandmother.  Maybe not for your benefit, but mine.  Memories.

Sorry this is long. But I've been reminiscing today.

I was cleaning one of my rooms and found this picture of my Grandmother. They called her Bina. She was born in the late 1800's. She was 4'11", had all 4 of her children at home. I think I was told all were around 8 lbs. As a labor and delivery nurse, I can't imagine. All lived and were healthy. As I have been reading about this generation of Mom's and how hard it has been for them... I'm sure to them it is real hard. However, we today have all the things and conveniences that make life easy. Like a washing machine, microwave, heat in the house, etc. My Grandmother had none of those things early in those years. I remember going to her house and she finally got a "wringer" washer. I know most don't know what that it. The washing machine had an agitator, but I remember my mother helping her with the washing and feeding the clothes through 2 rollers which squeezed the water out. Then they hung the clothes on the clothesline. Sorry no drier and she lived in the mountains of NC. It snowed a lot in the winter there. Then she ironed everything. Even the sheets. The iron was a cast iron that they put in a hot stove. When I was young, she used that iron to keep the door open. There was electricity then. I am not that old. LOL. 

She and her family went through WW1. She lost her 1st husband from an injury to war. She had 1 daughter with that husband. Later got remarried to my Grandfather, Radford Harrison Townsend. I remember him well. Such a kind man and loved and studied God's word. He passed away when I was 12. She then had 3 more children. My mother was the 3rd born. I was talking to my Mother this week and we spoke about those years and what she went through. My Grandmother went through the worst flu ever known to the world in 1918. The Spanish flu. Many many more people died than what we are seeing so far. Then she went through the Great Depression. I can't begin to imagine. My Mother has told me about those times. She turned 90 this year so she remembers those days. Not to mention polio. I do know people who had polio. I was born in 1958 so I had that vaccine pretty early on. We of that age have the marks on our arms from the vaccine . Lots of kids died and my Mother said she was so scared for her children. My oldest brother was born in 1949.

Fast forward to today, I came from very strong "stock" of women. Hard working women. Both were stay at home Moms and both raised 4 kids. They both worked their gardens so that we kids could all eat. Did their own chores, and raised their kids while their husbands hopefully had work. 

The 2nd picture is my Mother. I don't remember how old she said she was in that picture. The next is my family as I was growing up. I probably was in 2nd grade or so. 

I'm so thankful to be a granddaughter and daughter from 2 amazing Godly women. My grandmother cooked for more than 1 preacher at her house over the years. She was the "Martha" while the men sat around and talked about God. My Mom has incredible memories of those days. My Mother is one of the Godliest women I have ever met. We have had much discussion about the Bible these last couple of months. She's still teaching me. Especially about Revelations.

So mothers of today? Have you really had it that hard during this pandemic? I know you aren't used to cooking, homeschooling, etc. Remember your stories of your Great Grandmother's, Grandmothers, and yes your Mom. This day and time, we do have it pretty easy. Most of us are very safe from this virus. This country has had much much worse in it's history. I do pray it doesn't get any worse.

I just want to say, let's honor our Mothers. I for sure have not come close to what my Mother has been through. Definitely can't touch my Grandmother. She did not have a microwave and my fancy oven I have now and I'm in my 60's. Let's leave our daughters and sons great memories. What a great time to be with your children. May these days be days that your kids will remember the rest of their lives. Not just how scary it is. Yes it has been and still is. But may our kids and grandkids remember how they got to cook, clean, and have school with their Moms. Just spending time with them. Making memories.

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers young and old. Let's appreciate what our forefathers had to go through to make us free and give us the life we now have.

I love you Mother and wished I could be there with you.

Deana

Why I care, My story.. A train we women can jump on

     

My age will turn to 61 in 10 days.  I come from a family, (my parents) who originated in the south.  I grew up in the south.  We southerners love our carbs of all kinds.  Homemade bread, sweet rolls, biscuits, french fries, potato chips, etc.  Are you salivating?  My Mother, who is in her late 80's grew up in the mountains of North Carolina.  So did my Dad.  They lived through the depression.  They lived off the land.  They ate unprocessed food.  There wasn't any processed food readily available.  They grew up on vegetables that they grew and churned their butter from milk down the road. Eggs came from their own hens. Obesity was very rare.  You say, "well they worked hard".  Yes they did.  However they lived in a family structured pretty much like middle America today.  However speaking to my Mom, she tells me that an obese person was rare in those days.  People died more of old age then any disease common today.  Their life was hard but love abounded. The key to this was NO processed food.  They ate sugar.  

I remember in the early 70's when Burger King opened in our town.  We went and got a Whopper.  My parents couldn't eat the entire burger because it was so large.  It was so good.  Then we saw McDonalds, later Wendy's, etc.  This last fall, my husband and I traveled to Florida with our son and family to Disney World.  I sat and watched the people walk by.  In a 10 minute span, I counted over 90 people who were all greatly obese.  That included all ages of adults and children of all races.

I myself was slightly overweight.  In fact, I was in the normal BMI index for a normal female of my height and weight.  When I went for my physical in 2017, my bloodwork came in with my A1C of 5.9.  I knew I was a prediabetic person as I had been following my fasting blood sugars for several years.  My doctor and I had had a discussion earlier that if I gained weight, I would most likely convert to Type 2 Diabetes.  This RN that I am, knew what could be ahead of me. I knew what road I DID NOT WANT TO WALK DOWN!  However I also knew Type 2 Diabetes is curable in most all cases.  He told me I had gained a couple more pounds and also had a fatty liver because my liver enzymes were slightly elevated.  I needed to go on a low carbohydrate diet and lose some weight.  Honestly he offended me.  I went to work the next day and told some physicians what he said.  They all said, "you need to find another doctor".  Women stick together sometimes to a fault.

I have done lots of research to why we Americans are becoming the most obese country in the world. Sad but true.  Fast food?  I have for almost 30 years.  When I was pregnant, I was told to not gain more than 30 lbs.  It would be bad on not only my body, but my baby as well.  I listened.  Most of us did.  I have worked in Labor and Delivery for almost 30 years. When a pregnant woman came in at 200 lbs, we would all say to each other, "she is very obese".  

Yesterday, I cared for a pregnant, 20 year old  female that was nearing 400 lbs or even more.  (Scales reach to 300 lbs in most offices.)  She wasn't the first I had taken care of.  My largest was just under 500 lbs several years ago and she too was in her early 20's.  Where have we gone in a society?  Processed food.  Why haven't OB/GYN's not sounded the alarm?  They have in some degrees, but  why do they hesitate to sit down with patients to deal with obesity?  If and when they do, how are we as patients complying? Obese pregnant women can put themselves in grave danger.  They usually develop gestational diabetes that often turn into Type 2 diabetes sometime in their life.  Their rate of not having a vaginal birth greatly increases.  The girl yesterday turned into a Cesarean Section.  I tried all day for her to have a vaginal birth.  Her baby did not tolerate any labor, to the point of, "we need to get this baby out now".  

So here is my wake up call with my own health.  Only I could fix my problem.  I chose that low carbohydrate diet, however a year later.  Yes I too procrastinate.  I chose to give up my most favorite foods in the world.  I chose to go for better health and the long haul to get there.  It took 3 months and I lost 20 lbs. I am anxious to see my A1C results when I get my physical next month. My fasting blood sugars are much lower.  Here is THE kicker.  I sleep better resulting in being more rested. I have a lot more energy.   I no longer "crave" carbs.  Yes crave.  There is a true addiction.  I knew it that first week what "craving and addiction" is all about.  Sugar is addictive.   

All I can say going forward is this.  Take your own health into your hands.  You can't change genetics.  Things that our parents pass on to us.  My Dad had the same issue of Type 2.  He too lost weight and his went away.  However, you can make your own changes.  It's worth the sacrifice to get in a normal weight range.  Your body will thank you.  Your family and friends may thank you.  Hopefully they too will change their lifestyle.   

Go for it.  You are worth it.  Women are my passion.  We are worth it.  We can make an example for others.   

My suggestion is to find a different way to eat.  Do your research.  This is a lifestyle change! People regain their weight because they go back to their own bad habits.  I won't begin to suggest a diet for you.  That is your job along with your doctor.  One doesn't have to be older to go to the doctor for physicals.  Do it now.  Don't wait for your 60's.  However, do it at any age!!

This is a TRAIN that all women can jump on.  It is not political.  Anyone can jump on.  We can help save America!!!  We can save ourselves and maybe someone else.  People do watch!!  Let's be examples.  Girls are watching us no matter the age.

Until next time...

The Children We Raise

Yesterday in church, we listened to the Children's Pastor as he was teaching on the topic of raising children.  He spoke with heartfelt passion of the mistakes and successes during his past and present times as a father.  Tears came to my eyes as it brought back my own memories of myself raising my own 4 children.  I'm sure my husband went through the same pauses as myself. What would I have done differently? Now that they are all adults, what can I change now?  What advice can I give them as they are adulting themselves?  Do they even want my advice?

As the years pass and children age becoming adults, I realize this again is a road less traveled for myself.  My mistakes are new mistakes and still can cause trauma.  How do I rectify this as I continue to learn regarding parenting?  I am and forever will be their Mom.  My role as I understand now is to be a model of what it means to be an adult.  I continue to make mistakes.  Just different ones.  However, what I want more then anything as I write this, is for them to know that I love them. Just as much or even more than I did when I birthed them.  I am so proud of the people they have become.  Each are different.  Each have their own passions.  Each loves God.

Now it's their turn to make their own mistakes. One day, they too will reflect on their past of good and bad.  Growing and learning can be painful and also rewarding.  I hope to never stop feeling, learning, and growing.  Yes, I still cry a lot as I hurt looking back.  God forgives, and I know my children will too.

Now the grandchildren.  Oh my...

                                                                   Nicolette Sowder

A must read from one strong lady with her truths. (Borrowed from a friend on facebook.)

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer Newspaper, Cleveland, Ohio.

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step..

3. Life is too short - enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7... Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9.. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11... Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don't worry; God never blinks.

16... Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to be happy. But it's all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23 Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive but don't forget.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38.. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

Love Finds You in Glacier Bay, Alaska

Several weeks ago, I was selected to be part of a launch team for Tricia Goyer's 2013 fiction releases.  I am proud to provide my review of her first 2013 release.  I love it!!

                     

(From the back cover)
SOMETIMES THE LOVE WE'VE ALWAYS WANTED IS THE ONE WE'VE ALWAYS HAD. 
Singer Ginny Marshall is one signature away from a major recording contract-a dream come true for a girl still struggling to bury the memories of the past.  Wanting to talk to someone with her best interests in mind, she looks up her former fiance, Brett Miller, in Glacier Bay, Alaska.  There, the stunning scenery provides a respite from LA's pressures, and Ginny finds community among the charming residents.  She also discovers a box of old letters and is swept up in the tale of Clay, an early missionary to Alaska, and  Ellie, the woman who traveled there to be his children's governess.  As their story unfolds, Ginny just might discover that healing and love are sometimes found in the most unexpected places.

My Review:

Not only is this an inspirational story, through their actual research of this real life place (Glacier Bay, Alaska), you can visually see yourself there.  

With the historical along with contemporary stories, it gives the book a nice diversity that complements each other.  It is two love stories from two different periods in time.  1920's and current day. The authors took their own sections to write and brought them together in such a way that kept you guessing.  Goyer wrote Ginny's story and Fleiss wrote Ellie's.  With two different styles of writing, the story was told in each unique way that formed a wonderful union.

If you are seeking a book that you can share to not only your friends, but to your daughters, this is the book. I highly recommend this book to everyone.  I simply could not put this book down.

These authors truly go along with the theme of this blog. They are strong women who represent their faith in God with integrity. I feel honored to be part of their Launch team of this new book. May there be many more.

About the Authors

TRICIA GOYER is the best-selling author of more than thirty novels, including NIGHT SONG, which won a Carol Award in 2005, and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, which won the same award in 2006.  Her co-authored novel, The Swiss Courier was a Christy Award nominee.  She has also authored nine nonfiction books and more than three hundred articles for national publications.  In 2003, Tricia was one of two authors named "Writer of the Year" at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer's Conference, and she has been interviewed by Focus on the Family, Moody Midday Connection, The Harvest Show, NBC's Monday Today, Aspiring Women, and hundreds of other radio and television stations.  Tricia and her husband, John, have 4 children and one grandchild.  She currently lives in Arkansas.

OCIEANNA FLEISS has cowritten two historical novels with Tricia Goyer:  Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana and Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington.  She has written for several publications, including CBA Marketplace and Guideposts, and contributes a bi-monthly column to the Northwest Christian Author.  Ocieanna has edited many of Tricia Goyer's novels and nonfiction titles.  An avid historian, she teaches home-schooled junior high students intense history classes involving considerable research and creative methods of bringing history to life.  She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and their four children.

Disclosure:  I am a member of Tricia Goyer's 2013 Official Launch Team.  I received a complimentary copy of Love Finds You in Glacier Bay Alaska.  All opinions are my own.

Those Christmas traditions

The presents have been opened and strowed across the room. You are exhausted because your kids got you up before the sun came up due to excitement of what Santa brought them. Then you do the same things you do every year. Those are called traditions. Are traditions important?  Yes in my opinion. It gives us all stability. With our world changing all the time, it can be very unsettling to all of us. You don't realize as a parent how important traditions are even to us older people until you can't do them. Our kids grow, get married and they share their Christmas with others. That other family. Yes you did it too when you got married. Then they begin their own. It's not a bad thing. You just have to find how you become included in the new traditions. That's where we are in our stage of life. We were fortunate to still have one child home this year. Guess what she wanted?  The same breakfast that we have had even before she was born for over 30 years. Even though she has slept in this morning, the tradition remains the same. 

So one of our traditions is something called Breakfast pizza. The recipe was given to us by a sweet family in my husband's first church. We had our first child by then but decided the next year to make the pizza. Now it's requested every year. Yes we have other traditions but this one is special even to our son and daughter's in laws.

We spoke with our daughter who lives in the west and she was making her Breakfast Pizza.

Feel free to include your Christmas traditions in the comment section for us all to see.  I always love to read to everyone does.

Merry Christmas to everyone and a blessed New Year. 

Here is my recipe for Breakfast pizza and pics from my new camera lens. It's been a good Christmas thus far. I'm a very blessed wife and Mom.

I line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil, spray with Pam and then use Crescent rolls and spread all over the cookie sheet.

Fry a pound of sausage and spread across the dough.

Add potatoes.  I use shredded and in this case used O'Brien with onions and peppers.

 Add cheese of whatever kind.  I usually use Mozarella, Provolone, and/or Cheddar.  Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese.

Lastly whip 4-6 eggs with 1/4 c. milk.  Pour over pizza while tilting the pan from side to side to saturate evenly.
Bake at 375 for 30 minutes until brown.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!