The Best Things in Life Are Nearest

Forever Friday

We live in a materialistic world spending our time in search of something, anything that will satisfy our aching need for happiness, value and worth...

I remember when we were first married; spending hours dreaming as I leafed through the JC Penney or Sears catalogs. I was confident that if my house was furnished and decorated ‘just so’ that I would definitely be happier. Shopping became one of my favorite past times. As time went on, the value of the ‘wants’ escalated from small items to furniture; furniture to cars; and cars to houses ~ sound familiar? It was a never ending process.

I discovered that the trouble with basing your happiness on materialistic desires is the ‘new’ quickly wears off and you find yourself off on another search for your happiness fix. It leaves you with an emptiness that yearns for more and more.

There is a real art to being content ~ living in the present and not comparing what's going on here and now to what was, or will be…

I can’t say I was ever discontent as a child. We didn’t have a lot, but what we didn’t have in material things we had in nature and each other. I grew up on a ranch, the fourth child in a family of six. We played for hours outside letting our imaginations run rampant. It was a wonderful place for a kid to grow up. My desire for material things didn’t really peak until later on in life. Instead of being satisfied and living in the present (which is actually all we really have), I was more concerned with what tomorrow would bring. Sadly, I missed so much in the here and now and you can never go back as time waits for no one.

I need reminded of the blessings God has bestowed on my life each and every day…

Being that I’m human, I will always have wants and desires for earthly treasures. But if this journey has taught me anything, I have learned that living in the moment can bring tremendous joy and satisfaction! Do I achieve that every day? Not even close! I’m writing this as much to myself as to anyone else. What I do know is this: you don’t need ‘things’ to have ‘worth’. You are deemed to have worth quite simply because you’re a child of God’s ~ He delights in you!

The best things in life are nearest:  Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you.  Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.  ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Things such as:

v  enjoying the precious moments with your kids and grandkids

v closing your eyes and inhaling the aroma of a fragrant rose

v listening to the birds as they wake you on a beautiful spring morning

v savoring the taste and texture of your favorite food ~ can I say cheesecake!

v warming your hands with a mug of hot coffee on a cold winter’s day while the scent of cinnamon rolls wafts through the room

v viewing the beauty and grace of a doe with her fawn by her side

v lying on the grass and gazing at the stars one warm summer’s night

v listening to the laughter of children playing

v smelling the amazing scent of the pines in a mountain forest

v drinking in the magnificence of God’s spectacular creation ~ the options are endless!

Not to say that it’s inherently wrong to own nice things; it just shouldn’t be our primary focus in life…

I’ve learned on this journey called life that what’s really important is to know in your heart who you really are; that you have worth and value ~ an eternal value that can come only from God.

Take some time and enjoy your journey,

Susan

Good for the Mind, Good for the Soul

Forever Friday…

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.  ~Gerard de Nerval

For as long as I can recall, I’ve loved flowers. Each winter, for many years, I would spend hours planning my perennial and annual flower beds. There were numerous things to consider such as: plant dimensions; color schemes; sun and shade requirements and zoning. It was quite a tedious and complicated process, but I found it very enjoyable and thoughts of spring warmed those cold winter nights.

Nowadays, my yard is busting with flowerbeds, with no room to add any more. But with flowerbeds comes “tending” and there’s certainly plenty of that to do! Often people walk by and tell me what a lot of work it is. But for me, it’s my passion, and there’s no place I’d rather be than soaking up the sun amongst my posies. I find the garden a beautiful and peaceful place where I can draw close to God. Isn’t it awesome how our creator made each flower so special and unique?

Summer set lip to earth's bosom bare, and left the flushed print in a poppy there. ~Francis Thompson, "The Poppy," 1891

The color splash begins with the yellow and purple iris and the deep orange oriental poppies. Did you know that each iris has a scent all its own? We are blessed to live near an iris farm that we can visit and “take time to smell the irises”.

Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed.  ~Walt Whitman

Then the first flush of roses begins in shades of pink, peach purple, white and red. What a joy it is to drink in their scent and gaze on their beauty. For a special surprise, God sprinkles seed here and there and the volunteers pop up in a whole new and intriguing design. It never ceases to amaze me!

With July comes the heat and hot summer nights and my flowers just thrive, especially the petunias. They are growing by leaps and bounds (as are the weeds), and I’m finding myself watering and weeding to my heart’s content.

Flowers are those little colorful beacons of the sun from which we get sunshine when dark, somber skies blanket our thoughts.  ~Dodinsky

So when my life gets too busy and some sort of crazy, you’ll find me in my garden. It’s my escape of choice; my refuge; my place to gather my thoughts and de-stress. Won’t you meet me there?

Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words.  They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of their character, though few can decipher even fragments of their meaning.  ~Lydia M. Child

Vim, Vigor & Vinegar

Forever Friday

If I asked you what drinks you loved to sip on in the heat of summer, you might say iced tea, lemonade, root beer floats or iced coffees to name a few. But I’m relatively sure my new “fav” drink would NOT be on your list!

It’s sweet and tangy with just a bit of a bite.

It’s incredibly economical on your finances and what’s more, it’s healthy! That’s right, it’s GOOD FOR YOU!

If only I could give it an enticing name that would eliminate all of your preconceived ideas J. BUT since that’s not possible, I’ll just come right out and say it in my teeny tiny little voice “Iced Vinegar Water”.  Ok, now that you’re freaking out, calm down, catch your breath and stay with me…

Obviously, you wouldn’t want to down vinegar straight because then you really would have a reason to try to catch your breath! Lol

Because I can’t have sugar, here’s how I make my tasty drink:

(1)   Fill a tall glass with ice cubes (good as a hot drink, too)

(2)  Add 1 T organic raw, non-distilled vinegar with the “mother” left in it (be sure to shake it)

(3)  12-16 drops liquid Stevia (sweetness to taste)

For those of you who have no problems with sugar, try adding raw organic honey. Yummy!

It’s an interesting fact that acid reflux and heartburn result from too little acid in your stomach, NOT too much!

Apple cider vinegar will mimic the acid level of your stomach and help you digest your food properly. It’s very important that your use organic apple cider vinegar that still has the enzymes in it called the “mother”. This is where the healing properties are. Try to pick vinegar that is made from whole, organically grown apples, with no added chemical preservatives. Your local health food store or online supplier will be your best bet.

It really is good for you! Let me tell you why:

Raw apple cider vinegar contains over 40 different naturally occurring substances from vitamins and minerals, to enzymes and beneficial bacteria.

1)      Natural bacteria fighter

2)     Contains minerals and trace elements such as magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, silicon and fluorine

3)     Acts as a blood thinner aiding with the prevention of high blood pressure naturally

4)     Detoxifies and purifies various organs in the body such as your kidneys, bladder and liver flushing harmful toxins from your body

5)     Promotes healthy digestion

6)     Stabilizes blood sugar

7)     Reduces the risk of certain cancers

8)    Assists in weight loss by speeding up metabolism

“The group that got the vinegar lost several pounds on average and that was significant compared to the placebo group that had no change in their weight.” ~ Carol Johnston

9)     Balances your body’s pH

10) Helps acid reflux and other stomach ailments

Like anything that is “good” for you, it isn’t going to improve your health in a day. Stick with this natural tonic that is also a delicious drink and experience better health.

We Must Teach the Children…

Forever Friday

Happy 4th of July!

My husband and I both grew up in very patriotic families and the 4^th of July has always been a  favorite holiday at our house. When we were kids, the raising of the flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance were routine at our schools. At my country school, we also sang at least one patriotic song each and every day. There was a nurtured reverence for the flag deeply ingrained in our very being.  We would have never thought of not placing our hand over our hearts; removing our hats; and respectively facing the flag when our national anthem was sung. The Star Spangled Banner moved and inspired us then and still does today.

Over the years there has been a subtle and gradual decline in our land of the patriotism that we hold so dear. As if this isn’t alarming enough, I suspect that many in our country do not even grasp the inherent value of this loss. Sadly, you can drive all over our small town on any given patriotic holiday and see only a handful of flags being displayed. It is a sign of the times across our great land. But the good news is that:

We can change that!

One person at a time! One flag at a time!

Teach your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews about the flag and what it stands for. Make sure they know the Pledge of Allegiance word for word. Sing patriotic songs with them; because all the while you are doing these things you will be instilling in them a sense of patriotism that will last a lifetime. Make it a part of each day to pray with your kids for our brave soldiers who selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. It's vital to our freedom that we never, never forget the price paid.

Start this year and make this 4^th of July the beginning of a special patriotic family tradition at your house. Explain what Independence Day is all about and why we celebrate. Buy a handful of flags and ribbons and turn the kids loose decorating your yard. Be a trendsetter in your neighborhood. You never know…it may just catch on!

GOD BLESS AMERICA

I pledge allegiance to the Flag
     of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands:
     one Nation under God, indivisible,
With Liberty and Justice for all.

Dedicated to our son, Steven, who was wounded in Iraq January 15, 2007.

Pretty in PURPLE…

Forever Friday

"When I am an old woman I shall wear PURPLE…"

    by Jenny Joseph

Today my girlfriends and I were talking about how we loved to dress up for a special event. It seems that the anticipation and preparation are almost as much fun as the actual event. Of course, you have to find “just the right dress” with shoes to match and the perfect jewelry. Isn’t it funny that nothing has really changed since we were little girls playing dress up? We were blissfully happy then - dressing up and playing make-believe for hours. 

I remember, as a young girl, my mother often dressed me in purple. She had a passion for that color that I can’t say I shared at the time – at least not enough to wear it.  However, I loved the beautiful Blue Bells that bloomed each spring on the ranch. They blossomed in many shades of purples, pinks and blues. I have many fond memories of when my Mom would take us on hikes to pick wildflowers in the spring. It's most likely when my love affair with yellow began - I loved those dainty Buttercups.

As I grew up, I gradually eliminated all the purple clothes from my wardrobe (along with quite a ton of turquoise J). Many years have passed since then, and I must say purple is beginning to appeal to me more and more. (Yikes! I can’t even believe I’m saying this)! I even caught myself eyeing a royal purple cocktail dress, when shopping for an upcoming conference.  Suddenly it dawned on me that my age might be a factor here… Purple was beginning to seem a bit daring and bold, if not downright exciting! I could suddenly envision that purple dress as the next alluring step on my journey to finding the “More Vibrant and Beautiful” me. I guess I'm discovering that growing older just isn't so bad after all and that maybe, just maybe, my Mom really did know best!

Gotta go ladies! I have some important shopping to do! Have a wonderful, God-blessed weekend sprinkled with special delights!

Dedicated to my dear mother, who at 92 years old, is the most healthy, vibrant and beautiful lady I know!

Just Say YES!

Forever Friday


Do you ever find yourself saying “No” before you even think about what your kids or grandkids are asking you to do? I know I have. How many times have I heard them ask, “Please Grandma, can we go to the park today?” or “Pretty please can we go for a bike ride?”

Earlier this week, I wrote my blog on consistent daily activity. This is very important to attaining and maintaining fitness. And when you have the opportunity to add additional fun activities to your day, it’s like frosting on the cake, or should I say “muscles on the body” J.

Sometimes I think we, as women today, have totally forgotten how to allow ourselves to play like a kid; to let ourselves laugh and have fun and be totally carefree. This summer I challenge you to stop saying “NO” all of the time and start saying “YES!” to getting active with your kids and grandkids. Besides being energized by boosting your activity level, you will be making wonderful memories with your family that will never be forgotten.

~Have a great Father's Day! and may God shower blessings on this special time with your family~

THE CASE OF THE "WANNA BE" VEGGIE

Forever Friday

I grew up in a home where we were served a wide variety of vegetables and fruits on a regular basis. However, I limited my menu to corn, peas, lettuce and cucumbers because I was such a finicky eater. Today, interestingly enough, the main thing I can eat, because of my food sensitivities, is VEGETABLES! I've discovered that many vegetables that I was sure that I hated I am passionate about now. It seems I can’t get enough of them. FRUITS, on the other hand, are pretty much off my allowed list, although I can eat raspberries and then there's my latest “FAV FOOD” – the AVOCADO. An intriguing fact about avocados is that they are botanically a fruit, but taste like a vegetable. 

Did you know that avocados are extremely healthy for you? In fact, many resources suggest that, women especially, should eat an avocado every day. Some of the benefits of this super food are:

You can check out the internet for many creative ideas and recipes using avocados. My current favorite is guacamole served with sweet potato chips. This is a healthy snack that is quick and easy and one that the whole family will love. In addition to all the health benefits of the avocado, the sweet potatoes pack a lot of nutrition, too [120% daily value of vitamin A; 30% of vitamin C; 4% calcium; 4% iron and a good source of fiber].

v  Great source of Vitamin E

v  High in folate and beneficial for your heart.

v  Lowers stroke risk

v  High in oleic acid, like olive oil, and shown to prevent breast cancer

v  Inhibits the growth of prostate cancer

v  High in beta-sitosterol – a cholesterol lowering compound

v  Protects against cataracts and macular degeneration

v  Enhances the nutrient absorption of foods eaten with avocados

v  Good source of glutathione which is important in preventing cancer, heart disease and aging

v  Seeks out and destroys oral cancer cells

Slice 3-4 sweet potatoes in very thin slices - 1/8" or less. Spread on a baking sheet; spray lightly with vegetable or olive oil; and sprinkle with salt. Bake in a preheated, 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes, or until nicely browned. The longer you bake the chips, the crisper they are. If you don't have any oil spray, you can toss the chips in a bowl with olive oil (1 Tbsp oil for 2 sweet potatoes). Variations: sprinkle with chili powder, cayenne or garlic powder.

While the chips are baking, prepare your guacamole. I like to use my mini food processor and blend one avocado; 1 Tbsp lime juice; 4 sprigs of cilantro; minced onion, minced garlic and salt to taste. You can use raw onions and a clove of garlic instead of the minced, if you prefer.

Enjoy your weekend ladies and, if you have that snacking urge, THINK HEALTHY. Your body will love you for it!

Let us Dance in the Sun...

Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair... ~Susan Polis Shutz

Forever Friday

Today we were blessed with REAL summer sunshine. I love it!!! It feels so good after all the rainy, cloudy, windy days we’ve been having this spring in the Midwest states.

As women, we’ve heard a lot about protecting our skin from the sun. Most of us are careful to use sunscreen and avoid tanning beds altogether. But what many of you may not have known, is that as many as 2 out of 3 Americans are Vitamin D deficient!

Last year, much to my surprise, I was diagnosed with a Vitamin D deficiency. I was alarmed to learn that Vitamin D deficiency is linked to diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and several forms of cancer. It was also interesting to me that D isn’t just a vitamin – it’s also a hormone that plays an important role in your overall health. It is now thought by science that Vitamin D supports the cardiovascular, immune and digestive systems of your body and more. Here's a good video about the importance of this vitamin: Essential D.

In our quest to “Find a More Vibrant and Beautiful You”, remember that beauty starts from within with your overall health and wellness. In addition to taking a good Vitamin D supplement, I plan to spend some time each day enjoying the sunshine and soaking up some vital Vitamin D. As the old Flemish Proverb says, “Where there is sunshine, the doctor starves.” 

Spending time outside is also a great opportunity to get your body active with some form of exercise like biking, running, walking, swimming, golfing, playing tennis or gardening. You'll not only exercise your body, but your mind as well! Have a wonderful summer ladies!

Note: It’s best to avoid mid-day sun and be sure to use your sunscreen to protect your skin at all times.

The sun is nature's Prozac.  ~Astrid Alauda

Life Can Hand Me Lemons Anytime!

Forever Friday

My love for LEMONS probably began because, quite simply, they’re my favorite color, which is YELLOW!

Did you know that the Crayola crayon color ‘Lemon’ was added in 1949? I would also like to say that one of my favorite pies is homemade LEMON. And one of my favorite cakes is LEMON pudding bundt cake served with warm LEMON sauce made with real butter and topped with whipped cream. And one of my favorite candies is LEMON hard candy drops. But, sad to say, none of the above is healthy – except maybe the LEMON Crayolas L. 

True Confession: I had a sugar addiction that was totally out of control. Thus the birth of my journey to wellness, that has taken me to a healthier place and time… J

The Benefits of Lemon: Until recently, I was unaware of the many health benefits that are power packed into this gorgeous, little yellow fruit! When I was forced to eliminate soda, caffeine and sugar from my diet, plus most other foods (and I do mean forced), I began to check out the alternatives for beverages. As I noted in my last blog, I wasn't too thrilled about drinking water all the time! I ran across a product called True Lemon that came in one-serving packets. They worked great to carry in my purse to use in restaurants, when I was hankering for a substitute for my beloved soda. I also loved to nurse a cup of hot lemon water every morning and afternoon while sitting at my desk.  It was a sweet, tangy and tasty drink and, I must admit that at the time, I had no idea how healthy it was for me. What I did know was that I wanted some sort of 'sweet' fix to replace my beloved sugar. I began purchasing the large bottles of lemon juice and using it in my hot and cold drinks and adding it to my salad dressing. It was becoming my dearest and best friend ♥.

Some of the great health benefits of drinking lemon water are:

v  Lemon juice boosts your immune system

v  Acts as an anti-aging remedy

v  Aids in digestion when mixed with hot water (heartburn, bloating, nausea)

v  Cleanses your system while detoxifying and flushing out bacteria

v  Helps with constipation

v  Enhances the appearance of your skin, giving you a healthy glow

v  Aids in weight loss (really BIG plus!)

v  Helps control high blood pressure, because of the potassium content

v  Reduces mental stress and depression

v  Helps breathing problems and aids the respiratory system

v  Acts as an anti-bacterial property (good for sour throats)
v  AND it will help your finances by saving you $'s spent on expensive beverages!

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C (one lemon=40% of your daily requirement) and also contain vitamin B and riboflavin. Lemons also contain minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium.

Helpful Lemon Hints:

v  Choose a lemon with firm, thin, smooth skin that is heavy for its size. This will ensure the sweetest lemon with the most mineral content.

v  Lemon drinks are especially healthy when consumed in the morning.

v  If you weigh under 150 lbs., use the juice of ½ lemon twice a day.

v  If you weigh over 150 lbs., use the juice of a whole lemon twice a day.

v  Add a smidgeon of organic honey for a unique twist to your hot lemon drink

v  Use with olive oil and Stevia on your salad. It enhances the flavor of the veggies instead of drowning the flavor out with a heavy salad dressing! Much better for you, too, and very yummy!
v  Drink lukewarm lemon water with honey, when you need to quickly lose some water weight

...and you thought life handing you lemons was a bad thing!

Little Things That Make Me Smile...

Forever Friday…

Since Friday indicates the end of the work week for many of us, I have decided it should be a fun day on my blog.  My hope is that it will be interactive with everyone taking part and getting to know each other a little better in the process.

As women we spend an incredible amount of time and energy focusing on our outward appearance. We fuss over our hair, makeup, clothes, manicures, pedicures, diet and much, much more. All of these things play a part in our ‘total package’. However, there is something that comes from within that adds the final touch to the vibrant and beautiful you – your very own unique and beautiful smile J.

We often get so sidetracked with life that we overlook the little things that make us smile. I was recently reminded of this by my friend Judy’s blog. It made me more aware of the tiny bursts of joy God was sprinkling throughout my days.

Here are some things that make me smile, if only to myself, and bring me such joy. Some are pretty; some are sweet; some just plain silly! and some just because it’s ‘so me’.

Now it's your turn! I’d love ♥ to have you share your little smiles with me!

v  Frosty snowflakes on my window, while I’m cozy warm with my morning cup of coffee

v  My dear, sweet husband leaving me the last bite of a favorite goodie. Yum...

v  Cracking a ‘double-yoker’ egg in the skillet (once I got two in a row! Was that fun or what!)

v  Butterflies floating this way and that on a lazy, summer breeze

v  The warm glow of my Scentsy burner on a cloudy, dismal day (thank you special daughter)

v  Anything yellow, and especially buttercup yellow, makes me crazy happy

v  My undies matching my outfit – made even more joyful if they’re yellow, lol

v  God sprinkling volunteer flowers in new and interesting places in my yard each spring

v  Crunchy things like Rice Chex, colorful fall leaves and my grandson’s ‘crackle toys’