We Ashed... or did we Lent?

Okay, so we celebrated Ash Wednesday.

Even though I'm the one who typed the worship guide, and knew what to expect - it was still meaningful (thanks for all the comments helping me understand it).

It was cleansing and refreshing because I allowed the Holy Spirit to search my heart and reveal areas where I needed to address and change and repent... (it was too short a time in the service for me to deal with it all... but the Holy Spirit continued the process)

I kept asking what/IF I needed to fast. I have cut out lots of things from my diet already, and cut back on breads, sugars, chocolate, diet cokes, processed foods... plus, we have so many things that we go to that we HAVE to eat (in love for those who prepared it for us). Plus, I already don't eat lunch because of my work schedule - so.... what could I do???

I heard something in my spirit that I had heard from Bill Johnson - he has his church fast negativity. In other words, don't allow a negative word to come out of my mouth. It is life changing and harder to do than not eating chocolate! It is so amazing how much negative is spewed from my mouth! YIKES!

After all, it is not what goes into my mouth that defiles me, it is what comes OUT...

So, pray for me in this fast... PLEASE, and if you'd like to join me in it, I'd welcome some company!

Page 123

Okay, this is a fun meme - and easy!

Flea has tagged me for a most fun and simple meme! I'm actually excited about this one. Here are the instructions:
1. Pick up the nearest book ( of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.

The book I picked up (closest to me at the moment) is one of my Naturopathic books Putting It All Togehter: The New Orthomeolecular Nutrition...

Page 123 is talking about the nontoxicity of vitamins.

"Before any statement can be made about toxicity, one should specify the exact vitamin, the toxic dose and the duration of treatment. Otherwise, when examined in the light of their nonspecificity, these statements become meaningless. Indeed, every chemical, when used in quantities larger than can be disposed of by the body is toxic."

.... fascinating, isn't it???

Now, my 5.... hummm lets see....

Rebekah (sorry, always on my list), Elsa (a good young friend), Peggy (she's always reading something profound), Pam, a new found friend, and Cheryl (a fellow pastor's wife)

Have fun!

To Lent or not to Lent?

That is the question
Where we are they want to have Ash Wednesday services - complete with Ashes...

I don't understand. I'm sure there is some symbolism for this.
I just don't think that the early Christians saved the palm branches and burned them the next year ... neither do I read anywhere anything about Lent... I think as Christians we should live a fasted lifestyle and not relegate it to just 40 days.

Any wisdom or answer as to the validity of this practice? I fear it is a tradition of man that has the form of godliness without the power.
I guess this is my rant.

Did I tell you???

We are expecting our 5th grandbaby????
hehe - yeah, we are excited...

Surprise Find..

My favorite resturant around here is Luigis. It is a local, family owned Italian place with lots of atmosophere. Every time I go I order the SAME thing. I can not make myself order anything else. I enjoy tasting what others order and it is always delicious. But, this particular dish makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

The very first time we went to Luigis, our District Superintendent and his wife took us. I ordered this and when it was served three of us received our meals, but hugsum didn't get his. He told/asked us to please go ahead and eat. I was STARVING and while they were talking and politely waiting for the 4th meal to be served, I snuck (sneaked?) a bite. Before I could control myself I let out a very loud "OH! UMMMMMMM!!!". It was THAT good!

Well, last night I was flipping through a cookbook I received Christmas from my sweet sister-in-law. I opened up and THERE it was!!!!! I can't wait to fix it.


Chicken Piccata!!!!!

1 pound skinless, boneless Chicken Breast (halved lengthwise and pounded to 1/4" thick)
Salt and fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
2 TBS unsalted butter
2 TBS Olive Oil
1/4 cup Lemon Juice
1/4 cup Capers
3/4 cup reduced sodium Chicken Broth
2 TBS fresh chopped Parsley

Directions:
Sprinkle Chicken with salt and pepper and coat lightly with flour. In a large skillet over med heat, melt butter with olive oil. When pan is hot, add chicken and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to plate. In the same pan add lemon juice, broth and capers and stir to scrap up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Simmer until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Return the chicken to the pan and simmer until just cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to platter and sprinkle with Parsley.

At Luigis it is served over angelhair pasta... with bread.... YUMMMMMMM!

Enjoy!

Birthdays

So, next weekend we are headed to Tulsa to celebrate our first granson's 2nd birthday which is on Monday the 11th...

His little sister will be one on May the 11th...

and.... we just got news.... SURPRISE! baby number 3 will be here September 15th!!!!

That makes 3 under 3! The oldest will be 31 months old, number 2 will be 16 months old.

I am thrilled and excited!

That will be 5 grandchildren.... yippee.... our family is growing.... and being blessed.

Whatchadoin?

Twitter like - community blog.... from Maggie

I'm working .... using computer, printer, and cash drawer ...
Customer came up wanting cash and a printout (of her account)
I asked her if it was like wanting "coke and fries"? We agreed that we should offer coke and fries with cash and printout - we'd do great business!