More About MUFA's (Mono unsaturated Fat)

I just started this & will post in a few weeks on how it is going. :) Ive also added exercising 3-4 times a week for at least 30 minutes. I love to do the Wii Fit, as I dont have to leave the house especially during the Summer months when I have my 7 year old underfoot.

Im finding that I can do the 30 minute Wii Fit free run and I can change the channel so my son can watch SpongeBob while I get in my 30 minutes of exercise. :)

http://www.simpleweight.com/blog/diet/how-to-add-mufa-to-breakfast-lunch-and-dinner-for-weight-loss/

How do I add MUFA (mono unsaturated fat) at every meal?

Basically, try to add: Avocado, Canola oil, Olive Oil, Nuts like almonds, cashews, pecans, and peanuts, Olives, Peanut butter and peanut oil, or Sesame seeds to your diet.
One of the best ways is to try to mix and optimize those ideas. For example: Traditional pesto is made from pine nuts, olive oil, basil, parmesan cheese. What a tasty way to get MUFA.

Here are some more specific ideas for each meal:
MUFA Breakfast Ideas for weight loss
Add Avocado in omelet
Spread Peanut butter on toast, bagels, english muffins, or apples
Sprinkle Almonds (nuts) on top of pancakes, waffles, and even french toast
Mix nut-based granola in your yogurt
Blend Flax Seed Oil with your favorite fruit smoothie
Add Sunflower seeds, Walnuts, or Pecans to your cereal or oatmeal

MUFA Lunch & MUFA Dinner Ideas for weight loss
Toss sliced avocado, chopped olives, or sliced nuts in your green leaf salad
Pour Oil Based Dressings on top of your salad specifically Olive Oil, Sun Flower, or Peanut Oil
Add avocado to a Mexican chicken or black bean soup
Instead of croûtons, add nuts and seeds to your or soup or salad
Add nuts to stir fry dishes
Ask for Olives in your Enchiladas or other Mexican Food.
Dribble Pesto sauce over a small bed of noodles
Add a dollop of pesto to dishes such as tomato soup or baked potato
Stir olives into your red pasta sauce
Sprinkle nuts on cream-based soups like tomato-basil, butternut squash soup, etc.
Add Avocado to your deli sandwich (Jimmy John’s is great for this)
Top your Chicken Sandwich, Turkey Burger, or Small Hamburger with Guacamole

MUFA Snack Ideas for weight loss
Eat Raw Nut based Trail Mix.
Spread Olive tapenade on a cracker or crostini
Spread Avocado and cheese on a cracker
Dip apples or celery in Peanut or almond butter
Have an Olive Loaf Bread slice with olive oil

Remember, the key here is you need to keep your quantity of calories down for maximum benefit.

As I detailed in my MUFA weight loss article, Nuts, Avocados, and Oils are all high calories foods. Yet, they are very filling so you need less food at your meal. Try to strive for 400 calorie meals with a vegetable and protein rich diet.

Here are some other articles that you might like to read:
Flat Belly Diet: A Skim Review
Top Three 5 minute MUFA Snacks

Okay... enough is enough....

Okay, Ive finally realized that I tend to overeat out of frustration to deal with my 7 year old son's issues with Autism. But, Ive soon had a realization that I cant do this any longer as it isnt good for my overall health, even though I am 6 foot tall.

I stepped on a scale only to find out that Ive gained 15 lbs over the past two years. Not good at all!!!

So, Ive started working out 3-4 times a week doing Wii fit. Im also learning to change my eating habits and happened to find an advertisement in Prevention Magazine for Flatbelly.com, so my husband and I are going to add MUFA's (mono unsaturated fat)
to our diet and see what happens.

As for working out... I happened to find this cool online site that tracks ones exercise habits. This is mine so far:

Detox Superfoods

DETOX SUPERFOODS:

Consume These Foods As Often As You Can

Apple: Helps excrete heavy metals and cholesterol and is supports cleansing for the liver and kidneys

Artichoke: Purifies and supports the liver and has a diuretic effect on the kidneys

Asparagus: Superb detox food because of its diuretic effect; helps maintain healthy bacteria in the intestines

Blueberry: High in antioxidants and are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and credited for improving eyesight

Broccoli: Like sprouts and cabbage, increases levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant that helps the liver expel toxins

Carrot: Packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant; antibacterial and antifungal

Cranberry: Antioxidant-rich; destroys harmful bacteria in the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract

Fennel: Has strong diuretic action and helps body eliminate fats

Garlic: Powerful antioxidant that is also excellent at helping eliminate toxic microorganisms

Ginger: Supports relief from abdominal bloating, nausea and diarrhea. Helps to stimulate digestive enzymes, aiding efficient digestion

Lemon: Stimulates the release of enzymes – an essential part of the liver’s detoxification process

Olive Oil: Antioxidant; helps prevent cholesterol from being transformed into a harmful free radical

Onion: Rich in antioxidant quercetin, which protects against free radical damage; onion enhances the activity of healthy intestinal flora and is antiviral

Parsley: Diuretic and helps kidneys to flush out toxins; contains phyto-nutrients that support the liver and is rich in antioxidants

Quinoa: Easily digested cleansing grain that is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals

Rasberry: Almost 50% higher antioxidant activity than strawberries, three times that of kiwis, and ten times the antioxidant activity of tomatoes, shows research conducted in the Netherlands and published in the journal BioFactors

Rice: Brown rice in particular cleans the intestines as it passes through and prevents constipation; antiallergenic and helps support normal blood-sugar levels

Salad Greens: Superb antioxidant and cleanser of the digestive tract

Tomato: Rich source of the antioxidant lycopene, which is believed to prevent a variety of health issues

Watercress: Purifies the blood and expels wastes from the body

Yogurt: Live yogurt contains pro-biotics that may support reduced intestinal inflammation and fungal infections and eliminate bad bacteria that damage the gut wall

The Importance Of Fluids: Drink At Least 8 Glasses A Day

This will help avoid fluid retention and keep your body’s waste disposal system – the liver, kidneys, lungs, digestive system, lymphatic system, and skin – functioning efficiently. Water flushes out toxic material, reduces bloating, helps keep your skin clear, and is essential for a successful detox.

Drinking fluids throughout the day, reducing the intake in the hours leading up to bedtime is important so that you don’t have to get up in the night. Drinking with meals dilutes the digestive enzymes, so try to avoid drinking before or up to an hour after meals. Herbal teas are excellent alternatives to water, and green tea is rich in antioxidants. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetables juices are loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes and help to keep your system alkaline, but they need to be drunk immediately as the nutrients are destroyed on exposure to the air.

Tough Times, Tough Faith

I always appreciate my Pastors perspective & just had to share this from my March newsletter from our church :)


Tough Times, Tough Faith
By Pastor Wendell Smith

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. 4 So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. 5 If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. 6 Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. 7 Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, 8 adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. James 1:2-8 (MSG)

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:11-13 (NIV)

If you live long enough, you will endure many hard times. Life is good, but there are always difficult and challenging things that every earth-dweller encounters. We live on planet earth- a physical realm dominated by sin and darkness, where storms and resistance seem to rule and problems and troubles are commonplace.

The Patriarch Jacob lived one hundred thirty years but said his days were few and evil. King Solomon said that if a man lived many years, let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Jesus prophesied of days coming on the earth when men's hearts will fail them for fear. The Apostles wrote letters and described perilous and stressful times that would come.

In today's global economic crisis, we find ourselves in the middle of one of the most challenging situations many of us have ever experienced in our lifetime. But before we give in to depression, we need to recall that the Bible is filled with hope and faith and an optimistic view of how life should be lived- even in the face of adversity.

Most baby boomers and their children cannot recall many difficult financial years. A few older saints might still be alive who were children during the great depression. Today, we all struggling to varying degrees as we go through the current economic calamity. Some of us have lost jobs, houses, retirement accounts or value of some kind. These kind of hard times can shake our faith and make us ask hard questions but as people of faith, we need the divine perspective to get us through.

The perspective we need is a much more long term one- i.e. one that spans most of human history. In the Bible, for example, there were several famines, many in the Old Testament and a few in the New. But in the midst of each of them the Lord supernaturally provided for His people.

God provided for Abraham in a time of famine.
Isaac sowed and reaped 100 fold in a time of famine
God provided for the prophets Elijah and Elisha and the widow chosen to help them in famine

The Churches of Asia sent aid to Jerusalem and the Judean brethren during a great famine
Financial gurus, wall street brokers, heads of the nation's most prestigious banks and some of the brightest minds of our times are all in a quandary about how to solve the present emergency. It seems that "all the king's horses and all the king's men" cannot put our economy back together again. The same hurricane that is blowing against us is also blowing down the house down next door.

But Jesus said if we obey Him and practice what He says, we will build on a foundation that will weather the storms and remain standing when everything around us is being washed away. If we follow God's divine principles and stay connected with a community of believers who are walking in truth, we will make it through this crisis- just as millions have done before us. Our fathers survived the ancient crises of the Old Testament. Prophets were miraculously provided for during famine. And the early church disciples endured many and varied trials and came through them all victoriously. If they made it we can make it.

From a biblical perspective, how do we get through such severe financial catastrophe?
Remember first, we all need community, a local church of loving friends and family of believers to stand with us. When one is lacking, others provide. In the very first church, there was none that lacked because they met each other's needs out a selfless desire to help.

Believers also have a secret advantage. We have a divine connection with the provision of God Almighty through our prayers. Simple asking evokes simple provision. The same God who multiplied loaves and fishes for Jesus and the disciples, is the same God we serve. Ask and you shall receive!

How important it is also to renew our minds and think God's thoughts when facing a crisis. If we spend our time just meditating on the bad news, we will be discouraged and our faith will be drained. But faith comes when we hear the Word of the Lord, made alive by the Holy Spirit and giving us daily guidance.

Out of the faith base of the Bible, a personal relationship with the Lord and the connections of a community of believers, sprouts another crop that blossoms in the heart of every faith filled follower of Christ. Wisdom comes from God. It comes when we meditate day and night on His Word and it comes from walking with wise men. . One decision can make or break a family's finances or a business's momentum. Don't make major decisions alone, in time of crisis. Seek the Lord, ask for counsel and make sure and careful steps during these times.

Lastly, don't stop doing what got you this far. We tithed by faith trusting our Heavenly Father to keep the windows of heaven open over our lives. We gave and sowed seed into the lives and needs of others. We can now trust that the harvest of what we planted will come back to us. And no one who has given to the poor will be forgotten by God. He Himself will repay anything we have given in His name to those in need. If, in a time of testing, I panic and start to withhold, I run the risk of stopping with life giving flow of faith and love that runs through my life.

There are many practical things each of us can do to walk wisely during times like these but the greatest thing we can do, is position ourselves in faith to maintain our trust in God, Jehovah Jireh, who has always helped us and always will. Going through tough times- ask God to give you tougher faith; fight the good fight of faith and take a stand. The storm will pass. Your foundation will remain and your life will reflect the pleasure of God who rewards those who walk by faith!

Shayans Law: or How'd You Like to Pay Out Of Pocket For Autism treatments?

I found this blog today and had to share as we are trying to get Shayans Law passed.

Shayan's Law or: How'd You Like To Pay Out Of Pocket For All Your Doctors?

http://geeked-up.blogspot.com/2009/01/shayans-law-or-howd-you-like-to-pay-out.html

You want to know something that's really awesome? When I take Bug to his doctor visits regarding his Asperger's (high functioning autism), I only have to pay around $200 a visit. I'm lucky, because his autism is high functioning and the free programs via his school system plus work I'm able to do from home are enough to get him along every day and help him succeed.There are families out there with children who have autism far more severe than Bug, who pay thousands a month for their treatment. Because Washington State does NOT require any insurance coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder treatment.

Which means all costs--the expensive doctors: the main doctor, the speech therapist, the behavioral therapist, play therapy and even medication, comes straight out of parent's already-tight pockets (Thanks economy!).

People have been forced to move out of their homes to be able to afford treatment for their children, which is absolutely monstrous. Treatment these kids thrive on, treatments that help them adjust and succeed in every day life are seen as 'optional', I've met doctors who give LESS of a damn about what they do because they think they won't get paid and some parents aren't able to get their kids the aid they need at all because of the cost.Some very excellent and hard-working people have put together Shayan's Law, and passing it will mean insurance companies must cover ASD treatment in our state. This cause is a very near and dear one to my heart, as it directly affects not just my own family, but tons of other wonderful people across the state.

If you guys could take ten minutes today to show your support for us, yourselves and other people you know, that'd be wonderful. I don't really do this kind of thing often, but it's extremely important this law gets passed and what better platform to turn to than you guys?Thanks, all, we really appreciate it (and just to note, the phone script isn't mine).

Two Ways You Can Help
By Phone: Make nine brief calls to the Senate health care committee members' offices and read them the following script:
Hi. My name is _____________. I live in ______, and I want to ask you a favor. I have/know a (child/grandchild/godson with autism) or (am a teacher/ therapist of a child with autism), and I would like for you to vote yes!!! for Shayan's Law-Senate Bill 5203.Shayan's law provides medically necessary treatments for autism. Please vote 'yes' on this bill.

Karen Keiser, Chair: (360) 786-7664
Rosa Franklin, Vice Chair: (360) 786-7656
Randi Becker: (360) 786-7602
Cheryl Pflug: (360) 786-7608
Darlene Fairley: (360) 786-7662
Chris Marr: (360) 786-7610
Ed Murray: (360) 786-7628
Linda Evans Parlette: (360) 786-7622
Margarita Prentice: (360) 786-7616

If the Legislator or Legislative Aide asks for more information about the bill, refer him or her to Arzu Forough, Arzu@WashingtonAutismAdvocacy.org

By email:

1. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE COMMITTEE, Senator Karen Keiser, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to please schedule a vote on Shayan's Law in an executive session! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!

Call Senator Karen Keiser - (360) 786-7664
Send an Email to Senator Karen Keiser HERE!

2. CALL AND EMAIL THE CHAIR OF THE HOUSE COMMITTEE, Representative Eileen Cody, today and continue to call her for the next 48 hours. Ask her to schedule a hearing for Shayan's Law! Share your personal stories and convey the following message: Autism is a treatable medical condition. Insurance should cover the treatment. Be polite and persistent. Ask her to please schedule the bill for an executive session vote so that it can continue through the legislative process! Keep dialing until you get through!

Call Representative Eileen Cody - (360) 786-7978
Send an Email to Representative Elieen Cody HERE!

How cool-- Chalkboard Paint

Since my sons bedroom could use a bit of repainting (perhaps a light blue color, since the color blue has a calming effect-- LOL) I thought this would be a great idea for one of Noah's bedroom walls as well, but use "magnetic" chalkboard paint. :)

Look! Chalkboard Paint on a Kitchen Wall
We see so many cool things that people do in their homes, and this one seemed perfect for Art Month, since you can make the art yourself.
This comes to us from Brenda and Dave in Chicago. They used chalkboard paint not just to paint a patch of their wall, but to paint the WHOLE wall. Now they are and their son can scribble and keep notes and numbers on the kitchen wall without anyone getting into trouble. (thanks, B & D!)

LINKS
How to make chalkboard paint yourself
Chuck's Magic chalkboard paint
Benjamin Moore's chalkboard paint

Steals and Deals....

Great website! Just click on the icon to go to their page: :)

20 Things that I have learned about Life :)

"Life is a Journey, not a Destination!"

I was just brainstorming the other day & since my birthday is next week; I had fun looking back & jotting down a few things that I have learned about life & myself along the way.:) Wow-- I sure have grown! :)


I've learned that:

1. I believe that the Lord puts dreams in our hearts for a good reason. Give your dreams over to God & trust that he will work them out in his own timing and not our own! :)

2. In elementary school, I occasionally got into trouble for staring out the window and daydreaming. Today, I am still dreaming with childlike faith & I still dream big! Ive also learned that when a dream dies, then just dream another dream for another opportunity to come my way! :)

3. Share your dreams with those who understand and and can be supportive. Life is full of naysayers, so I try to not to let them discourage me & give up on the dreams that the Lord has put in my heart! :)

4. Attitude is everything-- choosing to be positive makes a big difference in rising above adversities! Ive heard it said that our ATTITUDE determines our ALTITUDE in life. :)

5. Dont sweat the small stuff and pick your battles carefully. Life is just too complicated as it is! :)

6. Forgive others quickly & turn offenses over to God. Holding unforgiveness in our hearts is like drinking poison ourselves and wishing the other person dead & a hazard to our health!
I'd rather focus on what someone has done FOR me, rather that TO me. :)

7. Having a child diagnosed with Autism isnt a death sentence-- It just means that the Lord trusted me & my husband enough to care for this very special child . I feel honored that we are entrusted with Noahs care.

8. Everyone is not going to like me and that is okay, cause I like who I am. I no longer let others opinions define me.

9. Standing up for what I believe in, even if it means losing a few friends along the way!

10. To Not take things so personally.... why carry the burden?

11. Sometimes when someone/something annoys me, it is like looking into a mirror image of a certain weakness inside of myself that needs my attention. This can be good thing, even though its painful sometimes... cause we all want to grow, right???

12. The word "FEAR" is just False Evidence Appearing Real!

13. Dont live in the past, cause I cant move forward if I am still looking backward!

14. Dont waste precious time worrying about what others think-- cause I wont always be able to please everyone.

15. If I dont like my circumstances and I cant change them, then I try to change the way that I think about it. Getting a fresh perspective & looking for the bright side of somthing surely works!

16. To not beat myself up over past mistakes and things that I cant change or have no control over. I'd rather focus on my milestones and not my mistakes.

17. Home is wherever we make it and it is so much more than my familys address whether it be a house or an apartment. Besides, its the memories that I cherish the most... :) I still have fond memories of when I was a single Mom living in an apartment with my 'tween boys before I met and married Joel.

18. To treat our grown children as equals and enjoy their friendship. I may or may not always like their choices, but I have to realize that I have to cut the apron strings sometime and give them the freedom to make their own choices/mistakes or how will they learn and grow?

19. I never let a day go by without telling my children/family/spouse how much I love them, cause tommorrow is never certain.

20. Its okay to indulge every now and then to get away from the kids.
Ive heard it said that "Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others," which is so very true& time away from my kids makes me a better Mom!

Top 10 Blessings

Here are the Top 10 blessings when you live in God's grace-
Romans chapter 8 :)

1. Peace (8:1) - no matter the circumstances, you can experience and live in God's peace

2. Life (8:6) - there is life and joy when you abide in God and trust his promises and principles

3. Wonderful relationship to God as our Father (8:15-16) - The Holy God of the Universe is our Father! Wow!!

4. Access to God's riches (8:17a) - what Christ has is yours, you are co-heir with Jesus Christ to all heaven's riches!

5. Privilege of suffering for Christ (8:17b-18) - might sound like a weird blessing, but many Christians can testify to a fantastic intimacy and a fantastic growth in their relationship with God during suffering for Christ!

6. Power of the Holy Spirit (8:26) - The Holy Spirit lives in you. He helps you, he guides you and he constantly intercedes for you!

7. Assurance that God loves us (8:28) - God loves you just the way you are!

8. Promise that we'll get all we need (8:31-32) - God, your Father, takes care of you and will give you all you need!

9. Victory over all evil (8:37) - God if for us! Who can be against us?

10.Assurance of remaining in God's love (8:38-39) - God will never let you go! He'll always love you!

Walking By Faith

I received this devotional in my email box today & thought it had a nice message :)


Walking By Faith
Robin Ware

Walking by faith is one of the shortest and yet most powerful sentences a believer can say. As a single woman over the age of 40 and small business owner, this is my life's testimony. The world wants you to believe that there is something wrong with a life like mine because I'm still single and childless.

They want you to believe that if you aren't keeping up with the Joneses and that you aren't living a fulfilled life. Pretty hilarious, huh? I know that I'm God's best and as I walk by faith, He is completing me as I joyfully tell my teasers that my life is more complete than theirs.

As you walk out your dreams, here are some great tips to ensure that walking by faith is an enjoyable experience:


1. Pray that God will reveal to you his desires for your life. It's a mature walk when you can honestly confess to God that you want his desires to be your desires and to break you until you're walking in harmony.


2. Become disciplined in your time with God. Be honest with yourself and admit you aren't studying enough and you aren't sure how to study. Consider a bible reading program that will direct you to read the Bible in a Year.

You have it in you to do this. 2 Timothy 2:15 teaches us to "be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".


3. Surround yourself with others that are walking by faith in this season. As a Girl Scout, I was taught to make new friends but keep the old; it's the same concept. It's time to grow in all areas of your life this year. Don't be afraid to cut sub-tractors, distractors, and whiners out of your life.


4. Celebrate others when their harvests arrive. It's a great sign that you are next!


5. Sow where you want to grow. Find a mentor and devote (sow) time to work with them. Work with a servant's heart. Be committed, dedicated and trustworthy.

As you walk by faith, you will strengthen your belief and grow in confidence in knowing that you can be all that God said you could be no matter where you began your journey. You will now understand that challenges are merely new opportunities for you to reach your greatness.

Finally, your life will truly be blessed. Everything that you touch will provide you with a blessed life and no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Get Organized in 2009

This year, say goodbye to clutter, once and for all and finally start to feel like there are enough hours in the day. Just make a New Year’s resolution to get organized—it’s much easier than you think! Follow these 7 steps and you can reclaim your space, your time, and your sanity in 2009.

First, rethink your space and how it affects your life. Take a look around your home or office—can you quickly find your grandma’s recipe for brownies, your favorite pair of winter boots, or your client contact lists? Or do you have to rummage through piles?

Evaluate how you use your time. Do you struggle to get things done, like errands, household chores, and other projects? Is it hard to decide what to do first and what can wait until tomorrow?

After you’ve decided what aspects of your daily routine could use a makeover, start thinking about how you can change them. An easy approach is to make lists. Jot down all the unorganized areas in your home and workplace, as well as daily tasks that are particularly time-consuming.

Once your list is complete, start adding possible solutions to each problem. Because it’s important that you have the right supplies to stay organized, these solutions can also work as a ‘grocery list’ of items that will help you. Here are two examples:

Problem: Overstuffed closet
Solution: Get closet organizers and hangers with extra racks for pants. Put old, rarely worn clothes into large trash bags and donate them to charity.

Problem: No time for exercise
Solution: Exercise first thing in the morning, before other must-do, last-minute tasks get in the way. If you can, do something else at the same time, like reviewing notes from yesterday’s office meeting.

Using your list, get the supplies you need. Look for items and furniture that are designed with compartments, such as drawers, folders, or cubbies that will allow you to easily put things away in the same place each day. Avoid anything that might just add more clutter to your space, like oversized, clunky desks.

Create daily to-do lists. Each night before bed, write out everything you want to accomplish the next day. Put the most important tasks at the top of the list, so they get finished right away. For even better results, write out an itinerary complete with time slots for each activity, and keep it with you throughout the day so you stay on schedule.

Make it a habit to stay organized. The hardest part about reorganizing your life is sticking with it. But the more often you put things away and manage your time well, the easier it will be to keep it up. Reinforce these same habits with your family—there’s strength in numbers!

New Year Goal: Clearing a Space for Change.

Happy New Year!

I know its taken me a couple weeks to post, but I have been busy putting away Holiday decorations and getting daily schedules back on track since my 7 year old son's Winter Break is over & we're back to the school morning routine for the past 2 weeks now. I got spoiled being able to sleep in past 7AM while on Winter Break... it took awhile to get back into routine & still slowly getting there! With the cold, Northwest Winter mornings, it is harder to get motivated in the morning! You can say that I am anxiously counting down the days until Spring! Only 9 weeks away! :)

One of the goals that I made for myself for this New Year is to simplify my life & focus on what really matters. To achieve this goal, I have been going through our house and bagging up household items that we no longer need & donating them to charity. So far, Ive donated 4 large trash bags full of items that we no longer use or don't really need. I even e-cycled our old tv that doesnt work along with 2 old computer moniters that have been taking up space in our garage. It really has been liberating!

Ive been doing this in baby steps since it is easy to get overwhelmed to tackle it all at once & made it a goal to get it all finished by early-late Spring! I found an article that reflects on my new goal. Enjoy!


Clearing a Space for Change
The Weight of Objects

In life, we tend to have an easier time acquiring possessions than we do getting rid of them. Just as we harbor emotional baggage that is difficult to let go of, our lives can tend to be filled with material objects that we may feel compelled to hold on to. Most people are not conscious of how much they own and how many of their possessions are no longer adding value to their life. They fiercely hold on to material objects because this makes them feel secure or comfortable. While it’s true that the ownership of “stuff” can make you feel good for awhile, it seldom satisfies the deep inner longings that nearly everyone has for fulfillment and satisfaction. It is only when we are ready to let go of our baggage and be vulnerable that it becomes possible to recognize the emotional hold that our possessions can have on us.

It’s not uncommon to hold on to material objects because we are attached to them or fear the empty spaces that will remain if we get rid of them. Giving away the souvenirs from a beloved voyage may feel like we are erasing the memory of that time in our life. We may also worry that our loved ones will feel hurt if we don’t keep the gifts they’ve given us. It’s easy to convince ourselves that unused possessions might come in handy someday or that parting with them will cause you emotional pain. However, when your personal space is filled with objects, there is no room for anything new to enter and stay in your life. Your collection of belongings may “protect” you from the uncertainties of an unknown future while keeping you stuck in the past. Holding on to unnecessary possessions often goes hand in hand with holding on to pain, anger, and resentment, and letting go of your material possessions may help you release emotional baggage.

When you make a conscious decision to fill your personal space with only the objects that you need or bring you joy, your energy level will soar. Clearing your personal space can lead to mental clarity and an improved memory. As you learn to have a more practical and temporary relationship to objects, positive changes will happen, and you’ll have space to create the life that you desire.

12 Steps to A Prosperous New Year

I found this on Beingfrugal.net and wanted to share the great tips :)

As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to start looking ahead and planning for the new year. Some people make resolutions; others set goals. Regardless of your preference, making a plan for next year can help you achieve your financial goals. Here are a few rules to get you started.

1. Face the Facts

If you have no idea where you stand financially, now is the time to face the facts. Write down all your debt. Add it up. It might be scary, but as Dr. Phil says, “You can’t change what you won’t acknowledge.” Look at your debt vs. your income. You owe yourself some honesty. And once you know the facts, you can make a plan to change your situation.

2. Spend Less Than You Earn

Make a commitment right now to spend less than you earn. That is the only way to get yourself on sure financial footing. If you have a problem running up a balance on credit cards when you run out of money, stop using the cards. Cut them up or freeze them. Just make a commitment to spend less than you earn.

3. Pay Yourself First…or Second

With every paycheck you receive next year, take a little bit off the top for savings. If you’re a Christian and believe in tithing, as I do, pay yourself right after you tithe. But pay yourself before you pay your bills. It’s only through building a comfortable savings account that you can step away from living paycheck to paycheck.

4. Prioritize

Remember that you can have anything you want, but you can’t have everything you want. With savings and persistence, almost any goal is achievable. But if you’re trying to buy a house, take a trip to Italy, be a stay at home mom, and drive a BMW, things might not work out too well. Decide what is most important to you in life, and work on that.

5. Make a Spending Plan

You can’t make any changes without knowing what changes need to be made. If you don’t know where your money is going, you can’t make the changes necessary to improve your financial situation. A budget isn’t restricting. It’s just a plan for your money. If it’s not working for you, change it. But have a plan.

6. Educate Yourself

Wherever you are in your financial situation, learn about the next step. Do you have a great emergency fund, and find yourself ready to begin investing, but don’t know where to begin? Check out books from the library. Read blogs. Meet with a financial professional.

Do you need to cut back your budget? Do the same. We live in a day and age where information is easily available. Use it.

7. Stop Trying to Keep Up With the Jonses

Don’t you know that the Joneses are in debt and living on the edge? Learn to be content where you are. You can strive for more, but don’t live the lifestyle until you have the money to pay cash. You’ll sleep a lot better at night.

8. Give

Giving has a strange and wonderful effect on people. It takes our eyes off our own needs and places them squarely on the needs of others. When we realize that other people are struggling, too, our own situation seems less dire.

If you can’t give financially, volunteer your time. Read to kids in schools. Work in a soup kitchen. Visit the elderly in a retirement home. The possibilities are endless, and everyone has something to give.

9. Reduce Your Waste

Become a conscious consumer. Make sure that you really need the things you buy. Make sure you will use the things you buy. Recycle what you can. By becoming aware of how much you are wasting and trying to reduce it, you naturally start to spend less and use less. It’s better for the environment and your pocketbook.

10. Spend Time With Your Family

If you’re a parent, make sure you take time to spend with your children. Go to the park. Play a board game. Spend time doing free things together. Teach your children that they don’t need to buy everything on their wish list to be fulfilled. Remember that on your deathbed, all the stuff in the world won’t matter, compared to the relationships you had…or didn’t have…with those you love.

11. Give Yourself Permission to Fail

Nobody is perfect. So many resolutions fail each year, because people start out determined to follow their plan…and then they blow it. Go into the year knowing you will blow it in one fashion or another. Expect it. Deal with it. Pick yourself up and move on. Improving your financial situation is not about being perfect. It’s about continually moving in the right direction and learning from your mistakes along the way.

12. Find a Good Support System

If you’re trying not to spend money, don’t hang out every weekend with people who are spending like there’s no tomorrow. Find people who share your values and support each other. If you can’t find anyone in your life, look online. There are blogs like this one where frugal-minded people are constantly sharing ideas. Jump in and participate! There’s always room for more.

Whatever your goals are for next year, make a good plan. As Paidtwice said on the first day of this series, “failure to plan is planning to fail.” You can have a prosperous new year, but it’s not going to just fall into your lap. Figure out what you need to do. Then do it.

Christmas is in the Air

Happy December everyone! Its hard to believe that 2008 is coming to a close. I guess its true what they say about the older you get, the faster time passes.

We're enjoying everything that Christmas brings at our house. Our 7 year old just loves to watch the Holiday specials and we were happy to see the Polar Express a few times since we first saw it in the theatre back in 2004, when he was only 3 years old.. Wow!

I remember when my 19 year old son, Jeremy first read the book when he was in elementary school and it now has passed the tradition down to his younger brother.

I love to watch my son's child-like faith that believes in Santa. In fact, even at my age, I still do believe in Santa-- He lives on in every one of us who chooses to believe in the Spirit of giving! My husband laughs as I want to bless everyone at Christmas time and I always tell him "It is better to give than receive" as I think of someone else that I hadnt added to my Christmas list. Thankfully, making treats from our kitchen seems to fit our budget. After all, who doesnt like homemade sweets and treats?? LOL :)

Speaking of giving...Here is a little Holiday treat from our house to yours....

Merry Christmas everyone... and remember... they say that Seeing is Believing, but I do believe that "Believing IS Seeing".... its a little thing called Faith! :)

Enjoy!

November Reflections

I can't believe that its November already! Where did the year go? Before we know it, there will be turkey & trimmings on our tables (say that five times fast.. LOL) and then indulging in the Holiday shopping season.

We just started a new tradition in our household. I really needed something to lift my spirits after our home being on the real estate market for 3 months and two offers that fell through. We decided to take a temporary withdrawal off the market for the Holiday season... who needs the extra stress right??? The Holidays seem to always bring stress of their own. I felt in my spirit that I needed to reconnect to the things that really matter... cause the last few months have been stressful, to say the least.

So--- For every day in Nov, my 7 year old son Noah and I think of 3 things to be thankful for that day. Ive heard this idea from somewhere and by the end of the month it really is supposed to change your perspective on things. Try it for yourself and see what happens! :)

November brings the chance to share one of my favorite songs by Josh Groban that I discovered last year. The words speak for themselves, but there is so much to be thankful for! Truly! :)

Just Promoting my friends website :)

Some long time friends of mine just started an online business & thought I would help them out my blogging their website. You can go to the link of their actual webpage at www.creditonline321.net. :)

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The Attorney that Never Lost a Case

After living what I felt was a 'decent' life, my time on earth came to the end.

The first thing I remember is sitting on a bench in the waiting room of what I thought to be a court house.The doors opened and I was instructed to come in and have a seat by the defense table.

As I looked around I saw the 'prosecutor.'He was a villainous looking gent who snarled as he stared at me. He definitely was the most evil person I have ever seen. I sat down and looked to my left and there sat My Attorney, a kind and gentle looking man whose appearance seemed so familiar to me, I felt I knew Him.

The corner door flew open and there appeared the Judge in fullflowing robes. He commanded an awesome presence as He moved across the room I couldn't take my eyes off of Him. As He took His seat behind the bench, He said, 'Let us begin.'

The prosecutor rose and said, 'My name is Satan and I am here to show you why this woman belongs in hell.' He proceeded to tell of lies that I told, things that I stole, and in the past when I cheated others Satan told of other horrible Perversions that were once in my life and the more he spoke, the further down in my seat I sank. I was so embarrassed that I couldn't look at anyone, even my own Attorney, as the Devil told of sins that even I had completely forgotten about.

As upset as I was at Satan for telling all these things about me, I was equally upset at My Attorney who sat there silently not offering any form of defense at all. I know I had been guilty of those things, but I had done some good in my life - couldn't that at least equal out part of the harm I'd done? Satan finished with a fury and said, 'This woman belongs in hell,she is guilty of all that I have charged and there is not a person who can prove otherwise.'

When it was His turn, My Attorney first asked if He might approach the bench.

The Judge allowed this over the strong objection of Satan,and beckoned Him to come forward. As He got up and started walking, I was able to see Him inHis full splendor and majesty. I realized why He seemed so familiar; this was Jesus representing me, my Lord and my Savior.

He stopped at the bench and softly said to the Judge, 'Hi,Dad,' and then He turned to address the court. Satan was correct in saying that this woman had sinned, I won't deny any of these allegations. And, yes, the wage of sin is death, and this woman deserves to be punished. Jesus took a deep breath and turned to His Father withoutstretched arms and proclaimed, 'However, I died on the cross so that this person might have eternal life and she has accepted Me as her Savior, so she is Mine.'

My Lord continued with, 'Her name is written in the Book of Life, and no one can snatch her from Me. Satan still does not understand yet. This woman is not to be given justice, but rather mercy.' As Jesus sat down, He quietly paused, looked at His Father and said, 'There is nothing else that needs to be done.''I've done it all. 'The Judge lifted His mighty hand and slammed the gavel down.

The following words bellowed from His lips.. 'This woman is free.''The penalty for her has already been paid in full.''Case dismissed. 'As my Lord led me away, I could hear Satan ranting and raving, 'I won't give up, I will win the next one. 'I asked Jesus as He gave me my instructions where to go next, 'Have you ever lost a case?'

Christ lovingly smiled and said,'Everyone that has come to Me and asked Me to represent them has received the same verdict as you, ~Paid in full!

Awakening to Change

Awakening to Change
Being Aware is the First Step

Life is a journey comprised of many steps on our personal path that takes us down a winding road of constant evolution. And each day, we are provided with a myriad of opportunities that can allow us to transform into our next best selves. One moment we are presented with an opportunity to react differently when yet another someone in our life rubs us the wrong way; on another day we may find ourselves wanting to walk away from a particular circumstance but are not sure if we can.

Eventually, we may find ourselves stuck in a rut that we can never seem to get out of. We may even make the same choices over and over again because we don’t know how to choose otherwise. Rather than moving us forward, our personal paths may take us in a seemingly never-ending circle where our actions and choices lead us nowhere but to where we’ve already been. It is during these moments that awareness can be the first step to change.

Awareness is when we are able to realize what we are doing. We observe ourselves, noticing our reactions, actions, and choices as if we were a detached viewer. Awareness is the first step to change because we can’t make a change unless we are aware that one needs to be made in the first place. We can then begin understanding why we are doing what we are doing.

Afterward, it becomes difficult not to change because we are no longer asleep to the truth behind our behaviors. We also begin to realize that, just as much as we are the root source behind the causes for our behaviors, we are also the originator for any changes that we want to happen. There is a freedom that comes with awareness.

Rather than thinking that we are stuck in a repetitive cycle where there is no escape, we begin to see that we very much play a hand in creating our lives. Whether we are aware of them or not, our behaviors and choices are always ours to make. Our past and our present no longer have to dictate our future when we choose to be aware.

We are then free to move beyond our old limits, make new choices, and take new actions. With awareness, our paths can’t help but wind us forward in our lives while paving the way for new experiences and new ways of being. It is through awareness that we can continue to consciously evolve.

Man Charged with Threatening Autistic Boy

News like this angers me to no end. Im sure this man would feel different if he was in the other parents shoes! Sheesh!

Man charged with threatening autistic boy

YouNewsTV™

By KOMO Staff
Watch the story

SEATTLE -- A Seattle man accused of threatening his neighbor's autistic son pleaded not guilty Thursday in King County Superior Court to two counts of malicious harrassment, the state's hate crime statute. Mark J. Levison, 48, was arrested October 2 for allegedly yelling profanities at Chris Engen and saying that he "did not want to see that idiot staring at my house." Engen told investigators that the comments were in reference to his 13-year-old son, who suffers from severe autism. According to court documents, Levison did not answer his door when officers arrived, and stared blankly "in a drunken stupor" before he was arrested.

Levison allegedly told police that he wanted the boy's parents "to keep that (expletive) idiot out of sight." At the time of the October 2 incident, Levison was already under a court order to stay away from the Engen family because of previous threats.

On July 8, Levison allegedly threatened to burn down the Engen's house if they didn't keep their son in the backyard where he would not have to look at him. Engen said the incident began when Levison began yelling and walked across the street. "That's when he became threatening, and that's when he threatened to burn down his bedroom ... my son's bedroom, if he didn't go inside," Engen said.

The boy's mother called police. When officers arrested Levison for the threat they say he smelled of booze.The police report says he kept ranting about the boy."I pay $1,000 a month rent and shouldn't have to see that idiot spinning around and staring at my house," Levison said, according to the July police report.Levison is being held in the King County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.

A Certain Faith in Troubled Times

A good word in troubled times! :)

A Certain Faith in Uncertain Times
Dr. David C. Cooper

Where do we turn in uncertain times? In times like these Psalm 121 brings a message of assurance: "I will lift my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." The psalmist looked to a higher source of strength beyond what he could find on a human plane.

The ascent psalms of 120-134 (15 total) were written over a diverse period of time, some by David. They were arranged in their order after the Babylonian exile. They were sung during the festivals of Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. The ascent described the upward journey out of Babylon back to Jerusalem.

The city of Jerusalem and its temple are always described in Scripture as being "up." We always go up to the house of the Lord. In the Mishnah, the rabbis say that the 15 psalms correlate with the fifteen steps that lead up to the temple although there is no Scriptural support of this position.

Life with God is always an ascent, never a descent. Yet, the fact that it is an ascent reminds us that the walk of faith is indeed a journey not a destination, a direction not merely a decision. The purpose of the arrangement for these 15 psalms is not certain. However, they do begin with the pilgrim in exile and surrounded by pagans (120:5-6) in the land of Meshech, located in central Asia Minor and Kedar, in Arabia. His pilgrimage takes him to the house of the Lord (122:1) and finally, into the presence of the Lord himself where he declares, "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord" (134:2).

I will lift up my eyes to the hills and to the Lord. The "hills" are Mount Zion on which is at Jerusalem, the Temple and its surrounding mountains. The hills in its plural usage refer to the majesty of God revealed in Jerusalem (see Ps 48:1-2; 125:2). The Lord watches over Israel. The phrase "watches over" appears five times in this psalm. God is the guardian of His people. God is also "the Maker of heaven and earth." Not only is He the Creator, He is the only true God in contrast to the pagan deities of the ancient world (Deut 6:4; Ps 124:8; 134:3).

This psalm calls to a life of complete trust. The affirmation of faith, "I will lift up my eyes." Faith looks up, beyond the limitations of the self and human resources, and trusts the heavenly Father who alone does all things well. Instead of looking out at our circumstances in fear, let us look up in faith!