Where Will You Go Next?
Pure, but joyful exhaustion after a day of work.
This past week, Trey and I, along with our entire family, headed to San Antonio, Texas on a mission trip with about 75 other kids from our Youth Group at Church. Graeme and I have been on two mission trips, but I think the rest of the family has been on six or so. To say we get a kick out of them is an understatement. I will not lie to you and say it is all fun and games, because it is not, but it is a week filled with love and a week filled with hope.
One of our amazing homeowners.
Hope for the individuals homes who we work on, hope for these kiddos that come to do the work, and hope for me truthfully. I can’t begin to tell you how much hope I gained from this trip. Seeing these kids work as hard as they do, seeing the homeowners believe in something, and hearing the word of God all week is something I will always be grateful for.
Oddly enough the message this week and the theme was ATLAS….where to next? Where are you headed and what maps are you using to get there. A message I so needed to hear and one I am so glad my kiddos heard. One I hope they take with them always.
The gist of the message is we are all on a plane headed somewhere. We all have been given maps we are using. These maps can be your friends guiding you, society, social media, culture, family, you get the idea. We are all taking cues from someone or something. Some of these cues are harmful, some are helpful. Some cause happiness and positivity while others cause harm.
What we do with our maps is key. If the map is good and leads us in a positive direction by building others up, using positive words, and makes the world a better place , then we are headed in the direction of Jesus and we continue to use it or listen to it. If a map causes harm to yourself or others it needs to go. If it breaks people down to make yourself feel better, gossip, harmful words or harms the earth then these maps are the the maps that move us away from God in the wrong direction and we really need to let them go.
Good news is….no matter what direction you are headed, even if it is the wrong direction, the story of God is a story of hope and He is always waiting for you to pick up the maps to lead you to Him. He wants to be your compass. He wants to be your North Star and He wants you to grab your passport and move toward the destination of love. Sure there will be turbulence along the way and when there is we need to look at our maps and see which ones are leading us in what direction and then WE get to decide which way WE want to go and where WE will go. My hope and Jesus’s hope is you will choose the direction of love. You will choose Jesus.
This is hard! Trust me I know. It is hard to follow Jesus and move towards love. I fall prey all the time to maps that are harmful. It is my insecurity that brings me there. The what if’s. What if my friends won’t like me anymore, what if I am not pretty enough, what if I am not cool enough, what if I dress weird, what if I am not young enough, what if I bore them because I am choosing love, what if….what if….what if…..OR how about I will just do this one more time and then I am going to be good, or I will go even though deep down I know it is not what is best for my family, or I am going to gossip about someone to make myself look better. I promise you I have been there. I go there all the time really, especially when I get lazy and do not do my first 15. But, when I do I know I can repent and take a u turn and head back in the direction. In the direction of love.
I know God wants to transform me to become love and He does not want me to get caught in the murkiness of life. He wants this for you too! I just know it.
So my prayer will be simple from here on out. From here on out my prayer is, “Jesus, where to next? What will you have me do today?” This my friends is a simple yes in the right direction. Will you join me? Where will you go next?
Until next time,
XO,
Amy
Homemade Cream of Chicken and Mushroom Soup
I love soup! I could eat it all the time! And I love experimenting with ways to make soup healthier because we all know the canned stuff is not healthy! Growing up I would eat Campbell’s Soup all the time, but now that I am 48 and my metabolism has a mind of its own I just can’t! Not to mention the amount of sodium they put in those cans!
So I have been forced to get creative and healthy and it has actually worked out great! Why you might ask? Well, because I try to make a big pot of soup on Monday night with sandwiches or whatever and then I eat off of it the rest of the week for lunch! The fact that it is healthy and quick is just a bonus!
This past week I made my version of Cream of Chicken and Mushroom soup. Now I cannot take all the credit for this as I was inspired by my friend Amber over at Primal Mom If you do not know who I am talking about, click the link and check her out. Amber is AMAZING in that she has converted her entire family into primal eating. I wish I could say the same over here, but I cannot and the truth is I don’t try that hard. I hate to admit that, but hey, it is what it is! I do try and cook healthy but we like balance over here. A little bit of healthy and a little bit of chocolate chip cookie, ice cream, and coconut cream pie! I like to think of it as balance! Ha! But every once in a while I come up with something so healthy and so good and this recipe is just that! Take a look and give it a try! I promise your family will love it! Mine did!
Homemade Cream of Chicken and Mushroom Soup
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (I get the ones at Tom Thumb that are roasted and already cooked)
1 green bell pepper
2 cups of chicken broth
2 tomatoes
1 onion (I get a box in the produce section that is already chopped and use the entire box)
1-2 Tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves or 4 tablespoons of the chopped garlic in the jar (this is what I use)
1/2 box of mushrooms
1/2 to 1 box of chopped celery from produce section (or if you want to buy your own chop it I would say 4-6)
1/2 box of chopped carrots from produce section (or buy your own and chop them I would say 4-6)
1/2 Tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 Tablespoon dried rosemary
1/2 Tablespoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 Cup of heavy whipping cream
1 Tablespoon apple cider Vinegar
Prep:
Shred the Chicken
Dice the bell pepper
Dice the tomatoes
Dice the onion unless you are lazy like me and buy it that way!
Mince the garlic unless you take the short cut I do!
Dice the Mushrooms
Dice the celery unless you buy it diced like I do!
Dice the carrots unless it is already done like mine is! Ha!
Instructions:
In a large skillet melt your butter and add your bell pepper, onion, garlic, mushrooms, and celery. Saute about 10 minutes and add more butter if you need it.
Add remaining ingredients, except the chicken: Add your chicken broth, tomatoes, carrots, parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, cream, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil.
Add the chicken and stir. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours stirring every 30 minutes or so, but truth be known I forgot to this time and it was still good! Just saying!
That is it! And it is so good yall! And full of healthiness! So make yourself a pot of soup and taste the goodness!
Until next time…
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
Need a new soup pot? Here are a few I like as well as an insta pot! Anyone have one of those? Should I get one?
February Book Review
It’s one of my favorite post of the month and I am a tidbit behind, but hey…progress not perfection….that is my motto.
What do you like to read at the beach?
February is always a tricky month because the boys activities ramp up with soccer, other sports, and JP always travels with acting so I get a bit behind. Hence the reason I only got three books in due to the chaos, but I have to say all three were amazing! I think you will LOVE them all too! So if you are looking for a good read for spring break, check out my February reads and get yourself a good book. Fair warning, two are fiction, super easy, and fun to read, and one is a book about embracing who you are. I like to think of it as a self improvement book, not self help because hey….nobody is perfect and we could all use a little bit of improvement especially when it comes to our heart and feeling worthy! Hence the reason behind Worthy Heart. Point is, my last book might not be the best beach read unless you are a spiritual, self improvement junkie like myself.
So lets get down to business! First up I read Castle of Water by Dane Huckelbridge. Oh. My. Lord. This book was so good! It is all about love, loss, and pure survival. I was so fascinated by the survival instincts that truly kick in when we need them most. From surviving a plane crash, being on a deserted island, illness, to losing the love of your life and more. This book was fascinating and so well written. It is suspenseful, emotional, funny, and thought provoking all in one. Basically it is about two strangers who survive a plane crash and you watch their stories unfold as they hold on to the hope of being rescued. I cannot tell you how much I did not want this book to end. I was so sad when it did. I fell in love with it and I know you will too! As my friend Paige says, “I love it so bad!” Get it! You won’t be sorry!
Another great book I read this month was How to Walk Away by Katherine Center. You guys, this book was so spooky for me because I really identified with the main character Margaret. When you start to read it you might be asking yourself why and I will tell you and try not to give to much away.
Margaret is terrified of flying! Me too!
Margaret is in love with a pilot. Met too!
Margaret wants to have a camp for kids with disabilities….for those of you who did not know me before marriage and kids, this was a dream of mine…who knows….maybe that dream will still come true.
Margaret is the kind of person who can find joy even in the darkest of moments. I like to think I have that ability too!
I just really identified with Margaret is the point so this book resonated with me on so many levels and it was so good! Let’s just say my take away was, “When you don’t know what to do for yourself, do something for somebody else.” Not a bad a take away from a book that is fiction! If you want a book that is fun and can be deep if you look for it, this is the book. It is a great story with so many lessons and meanings behind it. Pretty cool actually! It’s premise is that life can change in a moment, or in the blink of an eye and how you deal with that change will determine your fate. Great book! I think you will like it a lot! I know I did!
My last book was very good as well, but a different kind of good. My final read in February was The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. Can I just tell you this book is amazing and will change your life and your perspective on life and on yourself. Everyone should read this book. Everyone. Maybe not at the beach on spring break as it is not light, but if you find yourself asking the question, “Am I enough?” This book is for you! But I would like to encourage you in the simple fact that you are! You are enough! If you are looking for advice, encouragement, wisdom, compassion, and love from a friend, well let that friend be Brene and bring her into your home through this book and watch your life become fuller. Get this book! Please get this book. You are worthy of this book!
So that wraps up my February reads….what are you reading? I would love to know.
Until next time,
XO,
Amy
You Are A Gift To This World
My sweet, sweet, JP,
Where do I begin? Today you turn 16! I don’t know why 16 is any different than any other birthday, except maybe 10 because you moved to double digits, or 13 because you moved to your official teenage years, and/or 21 because you will finally be legal. For me it is not different. Do you want to know why? Because everyday you live and breathe is so very special to me. You matter to me and you matter to this world! You my son are a beautiful human being that the world has been gifted with.
I truly believe this JP. You have such a future ahead of you and your future will be a gift to anyone lucky to be blessed by it. I see BIG things for you. Your talent is something people work years to have. God has blessed you unbelievably son. My prayer is you know this and you use this talent wisely. Talent like yours will bring happiness to a world that is desperate for it. How do I know this?
I know this because every time you are on that stage and you sing, you give your audience wings to their imaginations and their worlds open up… when you are on that stage and you dance, the worlds rhythms becomes a little more in sync…..when you are on the stage and acting the world becomes a little more calm……when you play the violin, the audience listens with awe and beautiful thing happens, their ears hear angelic music which brings peace….It is a beautiful thing that happens to those present when you are on the stage. It is a gift you have been given and one you get to give to the world.
Julie Andrews was quoted saying, “Music and the arts make a bridge across this world in ways that nothing else can.” You my son can be that bridge. You are that bridge! I hope you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you!
So on this 16 birthday son, know how very proud of you Dad and I are. Know how blessed we feel to have been given the gift of you! And know Son that we believe in you and the world needs you! Shine my boy! Shine!
Happy 16th JP!
All my love,
Mom
48 Years Ago Today....
Dear Trey,
48 Years ago today the world was forever changed and believe it or not mine was too. I firmly believe that 48 years ago today, God started to pave the path for you and I to one day be together in marriage. You know why I believe this? Because my mom was a woman of prayer. My mother prayed daily for all of her kiddos and I have been blessed to have witnessed this and I in turn do this now for our kids.
Do you know what one of those prayers is? I would love to share it with and you, but I must confess this prayer has evolved over the years due to lessons I have learned from people who love me and love us. It goes something like this.
Dear God,
Thy will be done with our boys and if I may I would like to be open about what I would love to see, but I will trust your will. (YES! I do say this!) Thy will be done with all the boys. I pray they all three do great in school, they are self motivators, do their work, stay out of trouble, and are leaders. I pray they all know you Lord and have a servants heart and a heart for you. I pray they all get into a college of their liking, one that you see fit for them and one they would love. I pray they get to do their passions, whatever they are, from the arts, to athletics, to work. I ask that you guide them and when they are through with college, I pray the perfect journey will start for them. One that includes their hearts desire as well as a partner and helpmate for life. A partner that you have been preparing for them now with a heart for you and one that will build them up and love them always right where they are. I pray if it is your will they will have children and Trey and I can grow old together watching all of this unfold and getting to be a part of their lives….with our health, happiness, love, and finances in tact so we can participate in life with them. What a beautiful thing that would be God. That would be my dream. Thank you God and I know you have us all but please keep my boys safe from the evils in this world. Protect them and fill them with your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amy
Yep….everyday this is what I pray….sometimes I add in and sometimes if I am being lazy I just cut to the quick and say something like, “I am tired….please God allow us to grow old watching all three boys grow up to be and do wonderful things.”
I believe in my heart of hearts my mom did this for us. I believe she prayed for us starting October 22, 1970 and December 30, 2000 I believe my mom’s prayer came to life. Maybe not exactly how she would have had it because Lord knows I gave her a run for the money growing up, but when all was said and done I know she thought, “Yes Lord, this was my prayer. This man who loves and adores my Amy.”
December 30, 2000……The day we became one…..
So February 18, 1971 the world changed because of a beautiful addition, one that would change my world. I am so grateful for you Trey Berry! Thank you for always loving me right where I am, for believing in me when I don’t believe in myself, for building me up, and for giving me loads of grace! Grace that I don’t deserve.
I am so grateful my mom prayed over me like that and I am so grateful you were in God’s plan for me. You complete me and our family is so blessed because of you. I admire you. You are the most courageous man I know and the way you fight for your family leaves me in awe daily. Thank you for believing in us and for setting such an incredible example for our boys. Because of you someday they will make someone feel as safe, protected, and secure as you have made me. My prayer is they will find someone to love them back right where they are… always believing in them like I believe in you!
Our beautiful family….
I believe in you Trey Berry! Don’t you ever forget this! Happy Birthday my love and here is to many, many, more!
IWALY/LYMSIL,
Amy Girl
You are Loved
It’s February and Love is in the air EVERYWHERE! Everywhere you look there are hearts and although I am not particularly fond of the idea of Valentines Day, you can read about that here, I do love seeing all the hearts! I really do! It probably helps that my logo is hearts and my mission is for all to feel worthy of love!
You are worthy!
What does it take to feel Worthy of Love?
Which brings me to a big question. What does it take to feel worthy of love? That is a pretty deep question and I think I know the answer to what, but the how can be hard for some people. Let me explain…..One thing I have learned these past few months is that not all of us are as lucky as I was to be raised in a home where God was and is love. Some people were raised in homes where God was never spoken of and others were raised in a home where God was not loving at all, but very judgmental. It is easy to see why some people don’t know God or even worse, don’t WANT to know or believe in God. Shoot all you have to do is turn on the TV and watch the news! All you see is the ridiculous fights among people, countries, families, friends, and let’s not forget all the evil, hatred, and natural disasters. If I am being honest, and I am, it is easy for me to question God sometimes. I have been known to get downright mad at God. I personally think He is ok with that…. especially when I keep the dialog going. Yes, I converse with God, often! Sometimes it is heated, sometimes it is on my knees in awe, and other times it is on my knees is desperation. He is my friend and we have a beautiful relationship. One of love, forgiveness, acceptance, and understanding. He wants that with you too! I promise He does.
Believe it or not, sometimes when things are going wrong in my life I find myself questioning God and even asking Him, “God, what I have I done to deserve this?” It is in those desperate moments I realize that I have lost my image and my belief of who God is-A loving God. When this happens I drop to me knees and open up to Him and really tell Him how scared I am. I find myself grasping at things to thank Him for and do you know what happens? I honest to God, no pun intended, find myself feeling his healing love, his warmth, and his presence. Afterwards I tend to forget all the pain I felt and begin to see the good that came from the pain. It is then that our relationship grows even stronger. How crazy is that?
So what does it take to feel worthy of love? I think it takes a relationship with God. I do know this can be so hard for a lot of people due to a lot of different things. I know for some doubt comes easily and belief is so difficult. My prayer is that you find that personal relationship and understanding of who God is and how much He loves you. I know this will take time and for some it may never happen. That makes me sad. I really want you to feel that presence that I feel and know you are loved right where you are. God is not one to say, “Let’s meet in the middle.” No, He will love you where you are and accept you with the most extraordinary compassion you have ever felt- on good days and on very, very, very bad days. I want you to feel this. It is such a beautiful feeling and so freeing to know you do not have to earn God’s love or work for it-you just need to open up and be receptive to it.
HOW?
You might be asking yourself how? Truth be known, I really hope you are asking, “How Amy?”, and if you are not I hope you will at least try what I am suggesting. It is very simple. All you have to do is pray for greater faith today. That is it. If you don’t like the word pray then all you have to do is say what I am suggesting. It is a simple sentence to God. You don’t even have to say God in the sentence, because honestly He knows and He loves you already….He is just waiting on you. So….all you do is say, “I need and want greater faith today.” Maybe just maybe, slowly but surely you will begin to see and feel the miracles that are happening to you and around you. Slowly but surely, maybe just maybe, you will begin to feel the love, compassion, and understanding God has for you. It is really a beautiful experience and one I hope you can find for yourself. Because I promise you this, once you do your world will change. No it will not be easy street, but it will have a peace and serenity about it that is unexplainable, but very real. This is my prayer for you…..that you will open your eyes to things you have not seen and cannot see, your ears to things you need to hear, and your heart to the love that is waiting for you. Will you give this sentence a try? “I want greater faith today.” God is waiting patiently and when you are ready He will be too! Ready for you right where you are in this crazy, angry, evil, yet oh so beautiful world! Ready to love you because you my friend are worthy!
These are my amazing parents. They taught me that God is Love and I am Loved. You are Loved too!
Until next time,
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
Want or need a cute sweater for Valentines? Here are some great ideas at an awesome price point!
January Book Review
It has been a while since I did a book review. A LONG WHILE! Four months to be exact! Life kind of got a hold of me and that is ok! It was a quick season of little to no reading, but I am back and I am better than ever babe! Ha! I use to say that all the time! Feels good when you need to give yourself a little pep talk! You should try it sometime.
When I picked up my first book in January, I actually had already read it twice. Yep twice. I was advised to read this particular book seven times. Repetition is king I am being told and I have to say I believe it. Every time I read this book I learn more. The book is short, but I would not call it simple. That is if you are really paying attention. I am sure it is a quick read if you are just powering through, but if you really want the power from it I suggest digging in. I am digging in and I will continue to dig in! I am so on fire about this book that I want you all to consider it too. And not just consider it, I want you to get it and join me on my journey of reading it 7 times! That is how much I believe in it! The book is, The Psychology of Winning by Dr. Denis Waitley. Want to talk about life changing! This book is. Funny thing is it is an old book. 1979 to be EXACT! So an old one that has stuck around which should tell you something. It is full of knowledge. Knowledge that can help anyone who is in the market of attaining a “Winner’s Attitude” not only attain it, but fly with it. Who doesn’t want that? So if you find yourself in a rut, if you find yourself in a season of change, if you find yourself wanting more, than this book is for you! And I will tell you just like I told everyone I gave this book to for Christmas, read it 7 times! Let it sink in and watch your world change before your eyes. Watch your world become full of win-win possibilities!
Next, I read a book that was given to me at Christmas by my dear friend Lyndsy, aka Blizzard, who knows my fascination and honestly my admiration for the Bush Family. Sisters First, by Jenna Bush Hager, Barbara Pierce Bush and Laura Bush. I have to say after reading this book, I understand a little more about this amazing family. They are a family full of love and full of respect! The respect they give each other is something we can all learn from especially in this time of division. I am serious! I am in awe of how these girls were raised! In my opinion they were raised by three simple principles that fell under the umbrella of love: safety first, respect, then let go. They always knew they were loved. Their parents made sure as best they could they were safe. They all had respect for each others opinions, even if the opinion was against your father who was the President of the United States, and Mr. and Mrs. Bush knew when it was time to let go and let live even if it meant making mistakes. They would turn those mistakes into beautiful teaching and growing experiences. I am telling you, if the first family interests you at all this book is amazing. If you are a parent, believe it or not there are lessons in here we can all use as parents, and if you are a history buff there are amazing snip its of history. I highly suggest this book for anyone and everyone! Republican, Democrat, Liberal, Red, Blue, whatever and whoever you are, you might be surprised how there is someone in the first family who thinks like you do! True story people, just because your dad is president doesn’t mean there is a pill they give you and you automatically believe like him AND believe it or not he is WAY OK with that! Great book!
My next review don’t let the title turn you off. One Day in December, by Josie Silver. Yes we are in February and the title speaks of Christmas, but this book is so NOT CHRISTMAS! It’s a love story. A love story that takes 10 years to unfold, which I kind of like as Trey and I took almost that long! The story takes place in London and kind of has a Bridget Jones Diary feel. If you love Bridget Jones like I do, then you will love this tale. The main gal is a bit quirky like Bridget Jones and funny as all get out. Honestly, I find the humor of most Europeans quick and witty so I really found myself laughing with all the characters. If you are looking for a love story this February this is just the tale for you. The ending was quite abrupt I will say, but overall the book was such a delightful, fun read. One that is sure to keep you laughing and smiling and over all feeling good.
My last book for this month was interesting and honestly I found myself writing down a lot of things to think about which kind of struck me as it is a non fiction book. It has a strange premise and in the beginning I found myself working to figure it out mentally, but I did not want to put it down. The book is The Dinner List, by Rebecca Serle. I can honestly say Ms. Serle has my mind ticking. I have put extreme thought into my dinner list and I will tell y’all one person on it is Barbara Bush! Yes, you get to invite ANYONE according to this book! You know the drill, “If you could invite anyone to dinner, dead or alive, who would it be?” That is THIS book! But what was hard for me at first was the book opens at dinner with the main characters “GUEST” and the next chapter was present day. So it took my ADD brain a minute to catch on, but once I did I was hooked and honestly, in the past if I had to work this hard I would just put the book down. Not this one! It is so good. This book will have you thinking and not just thinking about the book, but about your own “list” and why or how you would pick each individual. You might pick one individual who is dead and then realize as the story unfolds you might want to pick a person who is alive so they can see each other. For example, my sweet Mom, there is so much I would love to say to her now and she is gone, but if I picked her I would have to pick my father who is very much alive because I would want them to see each other one more time! Honestly this is a bad example because my dad is so wise of course I would want him there, but you get the picture! This book stirs you and really has you on your toes. I have to say this book is amazing and it is written so brilliantly I want to scream, “CLICK THE LINK AND GET THE BOOK!” That good y’all! That good!
That wraps up my January book review and I have to say I honestly hit a home run on all of them! February has a lot to live up too! Not kidding!
Until Next Time…..
XO,
Amy,
The Juicy Joy of Serving
I have heard it said that the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Have you ever heard this? Do you buy into it? I know I do and as we wrap up our theme for 2019 I really want to look at service and what it can do for you and for me.
I started out this January writing about why I hate New Year’s Resolutions and I shared my theme for this year which is “GUTS”.
G-Gratitude
U-understanding
T-Transformation
and today I want to focus on the “S” in GUTS which is service.
Service -the action of helping or doing work for someone
Why service? Because I firmly believe by reaching out to help others we move beyond ourselves and it is there that we grow. When you are truly serving others the mindset shifts from ‘me’ to ‘we’. We slowly get out of ourselves and we begin to truly discover how much we have to offer this world and how much the world needs us. Us! Not our knowledge but our hearts full of love, our ears ready to listen, and our hands willing to help others. Sure our pocket books help. They help a lot! But you and me being present helps more.
Why? Because as my father has always said, “The world is made up entirely of people”. People who are hurting, people who are scared, people who are sick, people who are poor….People who need people like you and me to listen, love, and help where we can. People who can look them in the eye and say, “I am here, I will listen.” People who can hold their hand when they are scared. People who can rub their back or just sit with them when they are sick. People who can help them build when they have nothing. People! People! People! People who can be empathetic, who can relate, who can listen, who can help, who can love.
When you change your mindset to a mindset of serving powerful things begin to happen. Your heart becomes naturally a heart full of gratitude and all the self centeredness begins to slowly dissipate and you find yourself full of joy. So all the time you are serving others it is really coming back to you two fold! When you find yourself full of joy what greater gift is that?
When I was single I did a lot of serving. It was just me and my four dogs. Yep, I was that girl….four dogs and a cat to be exact. I digress….back to serving. I like to think it all started in elementary. I remember there was this girl Tracy who came to our class often. She was in an orange wheel chair. I know now, but I did not know then, she probably has or had cerebral palsy. She drooled a lot and made noises but could not talk. She and I became friends. I am not really sure how since she could not talk, but I think it is because I was not scared of her and I would hold her hand and brush her hair with my hands. She had short, dark, hair I remember and sometimes it got drool in it, but I did not care. One day Tracy brought me juicy fruit gum! I was so proud and I could see and feel she was too. We had our communication Tracy and I. It worked for us and we were friends. I like to think my heart of service started at Woodland Elementary, in Graham, Texas, with an orange wheel chair, a gal by the name of Tracy who could not talk, but could make noises and drool. You know what else she could do? She brought me joy! Joy when she would react to something I said or did and EXTREME JOY when she brought me juicy fruit. To this day when I see Juicy Fruit gum I say a prayer for Tracy and I smile.
You see, my little acts of touching her hands, talking to her knowing she could not talk, or brushing her hair, made Tracy feel loved, but the gift I received unknowingly as an elementary kiddo has been amazing! Think about it. EVERY TIME I see Juicy Fruit I well with joy. What a gift that is. That gift carried over and in college my husband Trey and I would volunteer at Camp John Marc. An amazing camp for kids with terminal illnesses. From there I volunteered at Challenge Aspen, Buckner, The Clayton Dabney Foundation, the LLSA, and now our Church. What I started realizing is my passion is I like working with kids. Preferably sick kids, but kids. How do I know this? Because I tried working with Young Lives and while they are kids I know where my passion lies and my heart was not there. My point is. Where is your heart? Maybe yours is with the elderly? Or with the homeless? Or the underprivileged? Abused Women? Addiction Centers? Veterans? I am not sure, but I promise you there is an organization out there that could use you and believe it or not you could use. You just have to find it. Sometimes that takes time.
How to figure out where?
Like I said this can take time. Like anything else in life it is trial and error. I knew the year I signed up to volunteer with Young Lives it was not for me. Not because of the kids per say, because I fell in love with my two little teen mamas, but it was the time I needed to put in that I did not have in this season in life. Right now my time is best served at our church, with my own children, doing mission trips or being a group leader at our Women’s Retreat. That is just the season I am in. No way could I do what I was doing when I was single. It was amazing and I hope to do it all again someday, but I have to keep my priorities straight and so do you so that giving back is not a drain, a stress, or worse something you hate.
Look at your season of life and figure out what works for you right now. Maybe it is serving at your child’s school or helping at a school with underprivileged children. Maybe it is a soup kitchen. Maybe it is the foster care system, or your church, the point is there is plenty of need in this world. Challenge yourself! If you have never served maybe set the goal of doing one thing this year. Just one thing! Or maybe something once a month, or each quarter for someone else. If you serve often, maybe make that goal a little loftier like a mission trip…..whatever it is think about it, pray on it, and I promise the door will open. There is so much need for service and love in this world. Together let’s fill the need and watch what happens to your mindset and your heart.
The season of life I am in now requires me to be bring Graeme along to serve, but think of what that is doing for him as an individual! Don’t let having kids stop you. Bring them! Graeme LOVED mission trip!
If you need help finding an organization, I am committed to helping you. Just message me your interests or desires. I will research things. I am willing to do that! Do you know why? Because I want you to experience the Juicy Joy of Serving!
Until Next Time,
XO,
Amy
Need a real life story to inspire you. Check this one out! This story will move you and motivate you to want to change the world. One person at a time.
Transformation Is A Choice!
So we are mid January and by now the majority of people who have set their resolutions are giving up. This is just based on statistics. Not necessarily what I think, but I will say if I had a resolution I would PROBABLY be a statistic. I know me. I would come up with some kind of excuse as to why it was ok to not get to the gym, have that glass of wine or cocktail, spend that extra $50, whatever it was I would certainly have cheated by now! IF not given up completely! So I said goodbye to resolutions and now I go with themes.
This years theme if you have been following me is “GUTS”. I like it! I like it a lot and for many reasons. Mainly because last year showed me I have guts! So I decided to carry it over to 2019. We started with G-gratitude and we moved to U-understanding….now we get to the stuff that is only for you as an individual! T-transformation.
TRANSFORMATION-a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance; a metamorphosis during the life cycle of an animal (I guess we are animals)!
Transformation is a choice! A choice you must make with yourself and only yourself. No one else has a say in this. It is up to you! You have to decide what it is you want to be or do and you have to put your mind to it! Transformation is hard, but the reward is GREAT if you decide to do something positive.
Me and my sweet Mom……
About 2 years ago in June, I was coming out of my fog from my mothers death. I remember thinking I wanted more. I wanted to do something big and something positive in my life. For me it meant I had to look at a lot of things and make hard choices because I knew it would be a big change. I had to decide what was important and how to prioritize that. It meant I might lose some friends. It meant life would be different for me. It meant I would be uncomfortable at times. It was downright scary.
I personally was caught up in the whirlwind of trying to be like everyone else and the truth is I was lonely. Sure I had a ton of friends, but I was so lonely because I was trying to keep up and be like them. Let me make something very clear here….THIS WAS NOT ON THEM! They had nothing to do with me trying to keep up with “the Jones’s”! That was all on me! My insecurities! My fears! My choices! This boiled down to me not being true to myself for fear of others not liking me!
I decided that June in 2017 I LOVED me and I was going to get ME back! In order to do that I had to have a game plan. Why you might be asking? Because I had a lot of years of practice trying to keep up and be what I thought my friends, family, acquaintances, you name it wanted me to be. So I had to undo all that work and start anew. I had to form healthy habits to win me back. I am still forming healthy habits to win me back and guys I am more fulfilled now than I have ever been. Sure I have bad days….sometimes really bad days! Sure I fall prey to going back to the “old Amy”. Sure I get lazy and retreat back….want to know what happens then? Well, since I have had almost 1.5 years of hard work, I am able to spot it and say “STOP! Amy STOP! Let’s take a look at why this fear, insecurity, need, or want has crept up.” Do I always stop? NO! I am human, but, I do pull it together somehow and get back on track.
HOW and WHY
I think it is because my transformation journey started with God. It started with me forming the daily habit of getting up at 5:45 most mornings and doing my first 15. From there I added more exercise, eating healthy, journaling, positive self help books, positive podcast, and surrounding myself with positive and like minded people. My latest addition to my transformation journey is continuing education.
All of this seems overwhelming I know. Just reading back makes me a little stressed! But, I promise you it is easy and this week I will take you through how to do it IF you too want more. IF you too want to make some changes. IF you too feel lonely. IF you too have fears. AND IF you too want to be more.
I am here to tell you, YOU can be more if you want to be more! Some people are very happy with where they are and that is GREAT! But if you have a little voice in you saying, '“You can do and be more, you are more!”, maybe try one of these how to’s and see where you go.
If you want my opinion I think you should start with your first 15. My honest opinion is you have to form one habit at a time. And honest to God, I did my research and the myth is that it takes an individual 21 days. That is not true. Each of us is unique and different in our own ways. A habit takes anywhere from 18 days to 8.5 months! The norm is 66 days!!!!! So go easy on on yourself. I fall into the range of 50-55 days I am noticing. So take your time. Start where YOU want to start. I started with getting up before anyone else in my home and spending a minimum of 15 minutes with God. That has grown now and I have added praying on my knees. That has been POWERFUL for me. (I see another blog post right there)! But, just the simple act of getting up and being alone with our Creator, Our Father in Heaven, has been the BIGGEST and the BEST change I have made. It helps me to get grounded and to remember He has me. No matter what He has me and I am His child which makes me Worthy and loved! Guess what my friend, you are too!
So as this week progresses I will talk to you more about ways to transform IF you want to and IF you are ready. But it has to be what YOU want! If you are ready…..join me on this journey….I promise it is AMAZING, SCARY, BEAUTIFUL, and LIFE CHANGING! And side note….your friends will still love you! Mine do! How can they not when you are changing for the better?
Until next time!
XO,
Amy
This is where it all began for me! This book! My habit of the first 15 was so easy because of this book! I swear! Get it and maybe it can help you start to form your first 15 habit! If you do, tell me about it! I want to hear how God is working in you!!!!!
Heart of Understanding
Have you ever considered how it takes guts to really look into your own heart and other’s hearts to really understand the challenges unique to each of us? Why do I say this? I say this because if you truly look into your own heart or that of another, you might love what you see or worse you could hate or disagree with what you see and then what? Well that is when understanding comes into play which takes guts and love! Something this world needs more of!
Challenge
I wrote last week about gratitude and I truly believe if you start and end your day with gratitude this challenge will be fairly easy. What is the challenge I speak of? The challenge is a heart of understanding. Understanding of yourself and understanding of others. When this happens a beautiful thing called grace happens.
I define grace as unmerited forgiveness, unmerited love, unmerited acceptance of a weakness or fault you or someone else might have.
Wow that is pretty big! Accepting, loving, and forgiving others who don’t deserve it! Well, guess what my dear friend and reader….we don’t and we have been given this beautiful gift! Did you know that God sent his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross for you and for me and in return we are to love! Love with grace and understanding. It is such a simple request, yet it is so hard to do. Especially when we don’t have the same belief systems, ideas, or dreams. It gets kind of sticky. But, there is a way and we can all do it, but we have to open our hearts and minds to it. It is simple….we must listen…..really listen to one another.
Listening, truly listening is an art. Hearing is a physical activity. Listening is a skill. Most people when they are listening, are listening with the intent to respond. That is not good. That says, “I want to be heard. I don’t care what you have to say.” Or they play the game of, “Yes but….” What good does this do? You win the verbal exchange because yours was better? Well how does that leave you feeling? Bigger and better? Really? For me it leaves me feeling somewhat like a bully and questioning why I always have to one up someone? Sometimes all someone wants is a person to just hear them. Not fix them or try and make them feel better and definitely they do not want to be one upped! They definitely do not want or need to hear, “Oh ya, well, guess what my child did….or my husband….or that happened to me and…..” You get the picture. All they want is to be heard. Being heard, really heard, is very healing for a person.
In order to do this, however, it takes self discipline and honestly a lot of practice. I am STILL practicing the art of listening and I assure you I fail AT LEAST once a day. At least! Why? Well, because we are human and it is what it is, but if you are actively working on this skill it will and can come naturally over time. It just takes discipline. It is kind of like a professional athlete. They don’t become an expert in their sport without practice and the same goes with listening. We must practice being quiet and paying attention to others words. Practice eye contact, leaning in, nodding, and smiling without any interruption and when the urge to say, “Ya that happened to me and (fill in the blank)” arises, STOP! Do not do it! Don’t interrupt and try repeating what the other person is saying. By doing this you are showing them you really care about what they have to say and in turn they will feel valued. Isn’t that what we all want after all? To feel valued and loved?
What you will find by really honing in on your listening skills is that your relationships will become stronger. People are so desperate to be understood that we forget to be understanding, but by truly listening and opening our hearts we actually grow and learn. So much growth happens when we not only open our ears, but when we open our minds and our hearts.
Larry King once said, “I remind myself every morning nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So if I am going to learn I must do so by listening.” Think of all you will learn just by listening and not by talking and think how much better the world will be when everyone is practicing the art of listening. Listening to understand first then to be understood really is simple yet very hard. I believe the more people in this hurting world feel like people really are listening to them they will feel valued and in turn be able to go out and do the same for the next person. The domino effect of truly listening to understand first can and will make this world a more loving place. A place where people start to realize they are worthy and they are loved AND they are heard.
Maybe that is why God gave us two ears and one mouth….something to think about….
Until next time….
XO,
Amy
Turkey Bolognese with Options
How many mom’s out there want to cook healthy but your kids don’t necessarily want to bite off (no pun intended) on it? I know that is always a problem in my house! Especially since I am raising ALL boys who can eat me out of the house in one day! Anyone else have this problem?
What do you do when you have a problem? You get creative! This year I hope to be able to help more families like mine get creative so everyone is happy! What am I talking about? I am talking about recipes that are easy for mom with options of being uber healthy with an option of being maybe a little less healthy. Not terrible, just not as healthy.
What does this look like? Well if the recipe calls for noodles Mom and Dad if they choose will use zoodles (zucchini or squash noodles). If it calls for rice, Mom and Dad will use cauliflower. Options. That is all. Plain and simple and easy enough to make everyone happy.
Do I eat this way all the time? LORD NO! Do I try to? LORD NO. But when I can I do and my vow to you is to TRY to give you options in the future so everyone is happy. After all isn’t that what we all want? Happy, healthy, kids and homes!
Turkey Bolognese (inspired by Primal Mom)
INGREDIENTS
1 lb ground turkey
zucchini noodles or squash noodles (you can get them in the produce section already spiraled) If not purchase yellow squash or zucchini and use a spiralizer or veggitti to make noodles
Angel Hair Pasta (this is your less health option) and you will cook per the package instructions
1-2 shallots chopped (I prefer two and my little secret is cook with a shallot always and watch your dishes burst with flavor)
2-3 tablespoons chopped jar garlic
1/2 chopped onion
2 containers of cherry tomatoes halved
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1-2 handfuls of fresh basil
1-2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons olive oil
Parmesan, salt, and pepper for seasoning and garnish
PREP
In one large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add your chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes. Add your ground turkey and cook thoroughly for 5-7 minutes.
While that is cooking in another large skillet add 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat on medium heat. Add your shallots and saute for 3 minutes then add your garlic and saute 3 more minutes. Next add tomatoes, fresh basil, oregano, and once your turkey is cooked through add that. Cover and let simmer for at least 10 minutes.
The skillet that you used for your turkey add butter and melt. Add your noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper for taste.
If using real noodles please cook now according to the package
Plate noodles and top with the turkey and tomato mixture and juices. Add parmesan, salt, and pepper!
Serve with salad and garlic bread and everyone is happy!
Bon Appetit!
Amy
Everyone needs an adorable Apron like this to cook in!
The Joy of Gratitude
I started off this year telling you why I don’t like New Year’s Resolutions and shared with you all how I like to do themes instead. Themes give me something to work for and something to work on. The definition of theme is:
The subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person’s thoughts, or an exhibition; a topic.
So this year I chose the theme Guts! Last year was winning and even though 2018 proved itself to be quite difficult I believe I came out a winner! Why? Because to get through our storm I had to sit in an ark while the floods came and the animals got out of control and I survived! I survived and I am so proud of myself too. I am proud of my family and I am grateful for the storm. But it took a lot of guts to get through it. I promise you there was many a time I wanted to give up, but that voice deep inside my soul whispered to me, “You got this.” And I did have it and today I am a proud survivor and I know I am more than my troubles.
HOW?
How did I make it through our storm or any trial for that matter? I started with gratitude. Gratitude when all I wanted was revenge. Gratitude when I just wanted to run away. Gratitude when I hated the person hurting me. Gratitude for the person hurting me. Gratitude when I was angry that my family had to suffer this way due to past circumstances that I had no control over. Gratitude over EVERYTHING and EVERYONE! I found myself thanking God for those circumstances and for those people who were hurting me the most! Yep you heard me! Thanking God for the very circumstances that put my family in the middle of the worst storm ever.
WHY?
Why would I be thankful for the circumstances that caused the pain? Well, someone very wise put it to me this way, “Amy, what would happen if you begin to thank God for all your circumstances, good and bad, and continue thanking God even when more problems occur?” I thought about that statement long and hard and then guess what I did…I gave it a try. I started with writing down every morning something I was grateful for, anything, I mean y’all somedays it was as little as I got my teeth brushed and I got out of bed. Gradually my gratitude list grew. Slowly I got the courage to thank God for the circumstances we were in, the good, the bad, and the oh so ugly, and slowly but surely life began to change. I like to think of it as miracles began to happen. Miracles that were probably there happening all along, but I was too victimized to see them.
REALIZATION
What I soon began to realize was that a grateful heart is necessary for peace of mind. Peace….that is all I wanted and peace began with gratitude. It is very simple yet very hard. I know how difficult it can be to find something positive in situations. I also realize that sometimes it is downright impossible, but I also know if you try hard and look in every hidden nook and cranny you might be surprised how much an itsy bitsy bit of gratitude can help you.
PERSPECTIVE
When I started to realize how EVERYTHING that happens in my life is a gift I began to grow. The growth really took off when I became grateful for all the gifts. The pretty gifts, the ugly gifts, the ridiculous gifts, the gifts that really I had no use for, the gifts that caused me grief, all the gifts… when I changed my perspective and decided to be grateful for all the gifts I began to grow. I began to learn. I began to live! Live in the JOY of Gratitude! All it took was a slight shift in my thinking and my life began to change! Yours will too!
So I will ask you the question my dear friend and reader, “What would happen if today you started to thank God when problems occur?” I will then follow it up with, “And what would happen if today you started to write down at least three things you are grateful for?” What do you have to lose?
XO,
Amy
It’s a new year and time for a new gym bag! Just got this one and I love it! There is even a place for my shoes! Get you one and we can be twinkies!
New Year takes GUTS!
Most of you who know me, know that I do not like New Years Resolutions. I personally think they are a waste and they cause all kinds of negative emotions for the person who sets them. Think about it… how many times have you heard or said, “This year I want to get back to xyz weight!” And you start out strong until about day three or even week three and then you slowly get frustrated with the fact that the parking lot at the gym is full because everyone else is doing the same thing, or the equipment is full, the class is full, you get the drill! Or how about this one, “I am going to go on xyz diet.” What happens next? Your brain starts to play tricks on you and you are suddenly starving and craving anything and everything! Another good one…."I am going to save xyz amount this year!” What do you think happens? The universe! Your car breaks down and you have to put $980 down on that and you get frustrated! There goes saving money out the window! Does all of this sound about right?
I know this seems so negative for me and it is simply because I do not like these things called Resolutions! They are a recipe for disaster unless of course you are type A and you can complete them.I know there are those people out there in the world. I, however, am a type z kind of gal, fly by the seat of your pants, and go with it! Resolutions cause me all kinds of pain and frustration! So I decided to go on strike and never set one again and I have to say it has been very freeing! You know why? Because the literal definition of Resolution is: a firm decision to do or not do something….I don’t have to be firm. I can be flexible and that is a huge weight off of my shoulders! It will be one off of yours too IF you bite off on my idea.
What is my idea? Well my idea is to have a theme, not a resolution. Definition of theme: The subject of talk, a piece of writing, a person’s thoughts, or an exhibition: a topic……My idea is a theme for the year and the theme I have chosen for 2019 is GUTS!
GUTS
Why guts? Because I just went through a storm with my family and I realized it was because of our GUTS that we got through it. I realized if I applied GUTS to my year in 2019 anything is possible! It is for you too! Let me break it down.
G-Gratitude-starting everyday with a grateful heart and mindset does amazing and wonderful things for the mind and spirit which in turn does amazing things for the body. When you are grateful, your world is a much better place to live.
U-Understanding-Have you ever heard the saying, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” When you tweek your mindset to this AMAZING practice, positive things start to happen. But, in order to do this, you HAVE to listen…..and this my friends is a learned art. The art of listening. One I am still working on. So, this year let’s all jump on the wagon of learning to listen so we can understand FIRST. When we are understanding, really understanding, another’s opinions, needs, hurts, thoughts, dreams, whatever…. it is amazing what happens to the relationship.
T-Transformation-When you work on YOU, not anyone else, because Lord knows I have learned the very powerful and hard lesson you cannot do it for anyone else! You will begin to change and others around you will get on board or jump off the track! When you work on YOU….feed yourself with daily time with our Lord, positive self help books, positive podcast, positive people, continuing education to better yourself, take a walk, join a dance class (hint, hint), or tennis team, eat healthier, all things positive for you, you will begin to change and marvelous things will begin to happen! But I personally believe this transformation can only take place if you practice the art of the FIRST 15. Spending your first 15 minutes with God everyday will do powerful and amazing things in your life and those around you! Try it and see for yourself.
S-Serve-When you serve others you are giving back and when you are giving back it is amazing what is happening in your heart. It’s as simple as the saying, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Now I definitely do not mean for you to neglect your loved ones, but I do want to encourage you to find a cause. Maybe it is serving at your childs school or helping at a school with underprivileged children. Maybe it is a soup kitchen. Maybe it is the foster care system, or your church, the point is there is plenty of need in this world. Challenge yourself! If you have never served maybe set the goal of doing one thing this year, once a month, or each quarter for someone else. If you serve often maybe make that goal loftier like a mission trip…..whatever it is think about it, pray on it, and I promise the door will open. There is so much need for service and love in this world. Together let’s fill the need and watch what happens to your mindset and your heart.
So as we embark on 2019 together, let’s do it with GUTS!
XO,
Amy
“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in daily routine.”
Hello, World!
Start your year off with a relaxing bath!
Why Black Eyed Peas?
Black-eyed peas for the New Year? Do you buy in? I know I do because I am uber superstitious which goes against all of my beliefs I know, but it is what it is! I cannot help it! My mind plays games with me if I break a mirror, or a black cat crosses my path, I walk under a ladder…you get the point. We all know the mind is a very powerful thing! So every New Years I have to eat black-eyed peas.
Why Black-Eyed Peas at New Years?
Well, 1864, during the Civil War, there was a march to the sea and everything was destroyed except the black-eyed peas. They were considered trash food for the livestock to eat. When the troops got ready to leave the region and all that was left were the black-eyed peas, they began cooking and eating them. This became good luck and a way not to starve. It was then that they became a symbol of prosperity for the new year. They are suppose to signify coins. Coins mean prosperity…..Throw in some green and you have dollar bills and throw in some corn bread and you have gold! All symbols of prosperity!
BLACK-EYED PEAS, GREENS, and GOLD
When my mom was alive she made the BEST black-eyed peas. I tried her recipe last year only to fail miserably! I cannot decide if she left an ingredient out on purpose or if it was I could not read her writing or what! So this year I am trying a new recipe and I am going to share it with you all now even before I cook it! Yep that is right! Even before I cook it. I figure I could have lied and said this is delish and you would have never known the difference, but that is not my style! Instead I will hope that some of you will try it and we can all decide together if this is a keeper or not, but we will all get our luck in if we take a bite regardless of how it tastes! However, I have to say it sounds yummy as I used some of Mom’s recipe and others and I just combined what I liked and threw out what I did not and even added what I thought….so I hope we will all be happy! Serve it with some corn bread and BAM! We will have covered all the points! Check out the recipe to see why!
CHICKEN AND BLACK-EYED PEA STEW
INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 to 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
1/2 cup chopped celery (this is some green)
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (more green)
2 cloves garlic, minced or 2 tablespoons jarred garlic
4 cups shredded cooked chicken (I buy the whole roasted cooked ones at the supermarket!)
4 (15.5-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5-ounce) can rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies in lime juice
4 cups chicken broth
4 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon lawrys season salt (more if desired)
1 teaspoon black pepper (more if desired)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Garnish: chopped green onions, chopped jalapeños, salt and pepper
PREP:
In a medium skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic: stirring occasionally.
In your crock pot, combine your onion mixture, black-eyed peas, chicken, tomatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaves, and seasonings.
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours. Discard thyme and bay leaves. Stir in vinegar.
Serve and garnish with toppings of choice along with a nice slice of golden corn bread!
Happy New Year and may your year be filled with LOVE, JOY, HOPE, and PROSPERITY!
See you in 2019!
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
New Year, New You, New Watch! Time to upgrade! Take a look....
Does Time Heal?
Dear Mom,
It has been two years since you left this world. Two years since I have been able to talk to you and hear your sweet, sweet, jersey accent. Oh how I miss it and you. A lot has happened in these two years without you and yet it still seems unreal that you are not here. It is weird, sometimes it feels like you are here. I know in my heart those are signs you are sending me to let me know you are. For this I am forever grateful.
So two years and one would think that the saying “Time Heals” would begin to apply. Mom, I am not sure I will ever heal from the loss of you. You were my best friend, you were my mother, you carried me for nine months, you loved me when I was unloveable, you believed in me, and you raised me. No time does not heal Mom, but I can say that time has taught me how to live with the greatest loss. The loss of you.
I miss you so and this year was a really, really, rough year. But, I am proud to say I honestly feel like I got through it with grace and I think you would be proud. No, I take that back. I don’t think it, I know you are proud. Guess what Mom, I am so proud and I am so proud to say I know I got through it because of the lessons and virtues you instilled in me. You taught me how to fight and not give up. You taught me how to believe. You taught me how to pray and you taught me about faith. Thank you Mom!
So on this heavenly birthday I really hope you are up there celebrating the legacy you have left. A beautiful legacy of Fatih, Love, Kindness, Hope, and Strength. Happy Heavenly Birthday Mom! I miss you so!
All my Love,
Amy
PS. Dad is still kicking and doing great! Robin and I are still working well together taking care of him and Paul has kept his word on taking care of Benji! Chuck comes in as often as he can to see Dad and you would be proud to know the Foley kids are enveloping him in love. So don’t worry your cute little red head one bit! The dog and Dad are GREAT!
If you have experienced a loss sometimes journaling and mediation/prayer help heal the void. This book can help you one day at a time….that is what it is all about after all….one day at a time.
Christmas Wish
It’s Christmas Eve and I am pondering on the idea of Christmas wishes……Isn’t it funny how when we get older our Christmas list becomes smaller, maybe even non existent. I mean we are adults and we can just go out and buy what we want if we really want it. True story.
This Christmas season as I was working on the boys list and things to get the older people in my life I realized somethings just can’t be bought. They just can’t. Love, Hope, Joy, Peace, Worthiness…..These gifts cannot be bought. If we are being honest these gifts are the greatest gifts of all. Not the diamond necklace, the x box, the clothes, the whatever, but the gifts of Love, Hope, Joy, Peace…..and Worthiness. This is my Christmas Wish!
My wish for all of you this year is my wish for myself and my family. My wish is that we all would reflect tomorrow, Christmas morning, on the simple fact that we were given those precious gifts…..many, many, many, many, years ago when a baby was born in a manger. He is the gift of Hope. Hope that we will see our loved ones that have gone before us. Joy in the present moment with our loved ones present. Peace in this world that has so much evil and hatred and Worthiness in knowing we are worthy. He came to make sure we knew we are Worthy and we are Loved. He came to give us Hope. He came to bring us Joy. He came to bring Peace upon this unsettled world. All you have to do is have a little faith in that which is unseen.
So this Christmas may we all put on a new pair of lenes. The lenses of faith to see Christ and to know Him. To feel his love so that in good times and in bad times we know we are Worthy and we are Loved. You are Worthy my friend and I am so grateful for you!
Merry Christmas!
XO,
Amy
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JOY
JOY! What does that word mean to you? Personally, in the past when I heard the word joy, I would think happiness and only in good times. As of late, I actually think something else.
This past Sunday during our church service when the advent candles were lit was when I realized it deep down. The third week of advent is JOY and sitting there and listening to the reading I realized that it is possible even in hard times to have joy. Even when you are sad you can have joy. Do you know how I know this? Because it has happened to me personally. It is happening to me as I type! That is how I know.
These past couple of months have been quite difficult for my family, but I can tell you through it all I stayed grounded in God and sitting in church on Sunday I realized I had joy because of that. Because of my constant pursuit of God I was still joyful even in the midst of our storm. Sure there were days were I was so sad, but something deep within my soul kept telling me I had some sort of hope and this hope I know was joy. Joy in knowing God has a plan. A beautiful plan. A plan that is still unfolding for my family. No matter how bad it was, will be, or not be, I know I can rejoice. I can rejoice in His plan! I can rejoice in the good and in the bad because I have Jesus and He has me! That is JOY!
So JOY for me is different now.
I know I can be full of joy and not be happy. Why? Because of the greatest Christmas gift EVER! The gift of the birth of the Christ baby! He is the good news of GREAT JOY! He is the the answer to our greatest needs, desires, and wants. He is our JOY! Even in the midst of pain, poverty, problems, persecutions, hatred, whatever evil it is, He is our JOY!
So the next time you find yourself in the midst of a storm and someone says something or you see something that makes you smile or laugh, know that is the sign that while you may be suffering, grief and pain have not choked the life out of you and you do have JOY and you can have greater JOY if you will allow Christ into your heart! Allow Him in and violently and ferociously pursue Him and see the joy that you can experience even when your heart is hurting.
Have you experienced God in the midst of a storm? If you have not, I want to challenge you today to find a daily devotional and open your heart to the idea of spending 15 minutes daily with your devotional and with God and see what joy will come your way daily. Even when the tide is low…..I promise the tide will rise again and you will be OK! Especially if you have Jesus in your heart!
Until Next Time!
XO,
Amy
This is my daily devotional….I LOVE it! Get it and just read one page a day and watch what happens! I dare you!
Christmas Sides That Are To Die For
Lucky for me I do not have to host Christmas, but I do love to cook and when I think of Christmas growing up I think of my mom’s shoepeg corn. Oh my lordy it is to die for and it is so healthy! NOT! You guys, if you want a recipe that will keep them coming back for more this is it! Bonus! It is silly easy! The potato recipes I include here might not be as easy, but they are not difficult and they are AHMAZING! They are not my moms, but they are so good because they are not from a box and they do not have marshmallows! I HATE marshmallows! So if you are looking for something new and delish give these a whirl!
IRENE’S SHOEPEG CORN
INGREDIENTS:
2-Cans of shoepeg corn (If I cannot find shoepeg corn I grab white corn)
2-3oz packages of cream cheese
1 stick of butter
1-4oz can chopped green chilies
Dash of garlic powder and dash of garlic salt (as much or as little as you would like)
PREP:
Melt the butter and the cheese. I usually just put it in a glass bowl and melt in the microwave. I then move it to an oven safe dish that I can serve it in as well. Cuts down on cleaning! Next add the drained corn, green chilies, and other ingredients. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 for 30 minutes and serve hot.
A HUGE bonus to this recipe is you can literally make this the day before, refrigerate, and bake when ready! So easy and oh so good!
AMY’S SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
This dish I have played with for awhile now and I finally nailed it a couple of years ago. Most sweet potato recipes have marshmallow and as I said above I hate those, so I have played with this for a while and I have finally nailed it for my tastebuds! Let me know how it suits yours!
INGREDIENTS:
5-6 Sweet Potatoes
1 and 1/2 cup dark brown sugar (save some for the topping)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup butter (say 1/4 cup for the topping)
2 Tablespoons flour
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup coconut (I use the sweetened)
PREP:
Peel and cut the potatoes to make easier to boil.
Boil the potatoes until soft (usually takes me 45 minutes min)
Drain the water and mash the potatoes. Once nice and mashed add 1/2 cup of the brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, heavy whipping cream, and 1/2 cup of butter. Beat really well until nice and smooth.
Grease a 9 x 13 baking pan and spread the potato mixture
TOPPING:
Combine 1 cup of brown sugar, flour, and cut in 1/4 cup butter until it is crumbly. Sprinkle on top of the potato mixture. Next sprinkle as many pecans and as much coconut as you would like. I like a lot!
Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 35-40 minutes.
So good and so delish!
This recipe is another one you can make a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake. Bonus!
This last recipe I cannot take any credit for, but I promise if you do these you will never serve mash potatoes from a box again! They are so good and so easy!
PIONEER WOMAN’S MASH POTATOES:
INGREDIENTS:
5 lbs Russet Potatoes
2 sticks of butter
1-8oz package of Cream Cheese, softened
3/4 cup Half and half
1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (not gonna lie, I use more)
1 teaspoon black pepper
PREP:
Peel and cut the potatoes into pieces that are generally the same size. Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook for 30-35 minutes. When they are cooked through, the fork should easily slide into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost, but not totally, fall apart.
Drain the potatoes in a large colander. When the potatoes have finished draining, place them back into the dry pot and put the pot on the stove. Mash the potatoes over low heat, allowing all the steam to escape, before adding in all the other ingredients.
Turn off the stove and add 2 sticks of butter, cream cheese, and half and half. Mash, mash, mash! Next, add about 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoning Salt or more if you likened 1 teaspoon pepper.
Stir well and place in a medium-sized baking dish. Throw a few pats of butter over the top of the potatoes and place them in a 350 oven and heat until butter is melted and potatoes are warmed through.
Note: If making this dish a day or two in advance, take it out of the fridge about 2 to 3 hours before serving time. Bake in a 350 oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until warmed through.
So there you have it! Three sides you can make in advance! Now I realize after writing this I really need to focus on some greens and I will work on that, but I promise if you try one of these dishes you will be so proud! So give it a go this Christmas and let me know how everyone likes it!
BON APETIT!
Amy
Hello, World!
Check out all of the pretty things Pioneer Woman has! That teapot is so cute!
Peace
As I sat reflecting on the second week of Advent, which is Peace, I really struggled with what does peace mean for me? I mean I am a mom of three boys whose husband travels AND I help take care of my father. I don’t know but does this sound like it would be peaceful? NO! There is rarely a peaceful moment in our world. But, is that what peace really means?
PEACE
I looked it up actually and the definition of peace is: freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.
Ya, that does not happen with all the moving pieces and peeps in my life, BUT, I will tell you the more I thought about it I do know it is possible to have a peaceful life IF I choose to do a few things to better myself and line up my priorities. I am telling you guys I am learning so much about this and it is weird how when you take time to better yourself in the areas of your relationship with God, yourself, your health, your spouse/partner, kids, and friends in that VERY order you will have a peace that is so eerie at first, but you learn to just be in it and relish it.
Let’s take a look.
God-Trust me on this….get up everyday earlier than everyone else in your world and spend a minimum of 15 minutes with Him. Start there! Just doing this starts you in the right direction. When you are in a relationship with God it is amazing what starts to happen around you.
Yourself….get a journal and write down all you are thankful for daily! Start little…..start with one thing a day and build on it. It is amazing when you turn your heart into a grateful heart how much peace overcomes you. Along with this take a self improvement class, read a self help book, or find a mentor. Fill yourself with positive mental nutrition and watch the peace pour over you.
Your health…start watching what you eat….NO not a diet! Maybe you go from 3 cokes a day to 1, maybe it is only eat dessert 3 times a week….I don’t know what it is but start paying attention to what you are feeding yourself AND join a workout class or a tennis team. Walk the dog longer, take yoga, maybe it is kick boxing for you? Find one thing that is a workout that YOU really enjoy, not anyone else, YOU and go for it! I am speaking from experience in that I REALLY wanted to play tennis and be a part of a team and I did it, until I got injured, and I look at that injury as the BIGGEST blessing and you know why? Because I found dance! No one else was doing it and heck my friends are still not doing it, but, I am and I love it and I have lost a total of 30lbs and still losing! Why? Because I LOVE IT! And now I feel great about myself which makes it a lot easier to feel peaceful.
Your spouse/partner….this is a big one and it is still a struggle for me, but here it goes….we all really need to set aside one night a week for time with each other without kids, cell-phones, or friends…..just the two of you. Trust me guys….I get it and I am being so honest here by saying I am failing hard at this, but now that I wrote it I am going to work on it! As well as a relational journal. Try writing each other notes of gratitude about things you are grateful for about each other. I actually got Trey this for Christmas and I cannot wait to start it with him! Now, let me say there will be times when one partner is the only one writing….it is what it is and that is just part of a relationship, but stick with it and see what happens. Trust me! Ha! I have not even done this yet, but I know in my heart it will work! I just know it! It will not solve all problems, but it will change our perspectives and show us the good stuff!
Kids….Now these guys will be so much happier if the steps above are all working and when you then throw in special time with them, no cell phones, night out for a movie, or whatever it is amazing what happens. I know my children love it when I take them out one on one. It does not happen near as much as I would like, but we do a family dinner and I try to make our one on one time special. Even if it is just a ride to get their haircut. Take that time to talk and you ask a question and really listen. It is amazing what happens when you really listen to your child.
Last but not least friends….Now here again I am going to be so open and I am ashamed to say this, but I use to put my friends first. I really did. Why? I am not sure why except that they are so fun to hang out with and I really like them! But the truth is the order has to go how I put it to find peace. It just does….and when one is out of whack peace is hard to come by, but when they are all in order it is so amazing the feeling you get.
So my biggest take away for you today is YOU CAN HAVE PEACE! You can! You just have to make sure your priorities are in line and you are taking care of you! When you take care of you and improve on you and no I do not mean nails, hair, botox, or whatever….I mean really improve on you with positive nutrition for your brain and mind you will find peace. No every day is not full of roses, but it sure is easier to handle and handle with ease when all these things line up. So…….
Go in Peace Always and until next time….
XO,
Amy
Hello, World!
fill your mind with positive nutrition!
Courage, Hard Work, Family, and Popcorn
Today I want to tell you a story. A true story that I hope will inspire you as much as it did me! It is a story about courage, hard work, family, and popcorn! It is the story behind YOPOP Etc.! Have you ever heard of it? Me either, that is until last week and boy am I glad I discovered this little gem! YOPOP Etc. is a family owned business that began in 1985 all because a lady by the name of Linda had to do something for her and her daughter to survive.
Linda was 27 years old and found herself with a baby and a husband who left her. She filed for divorce and signed a lease on a space for a yogurt/popcorn/sandwich shop and would you believe the very next day she found out she was pregnant again! A day after she took a leap of faith! Imagine how scary that must have been? But for Linda it was ok.
Why? Linda was raised in a family of 5 girls and at the ripe young age of 16 her father said it’s time to get a job! So Linda would go to school, cheer at night, and get up early in the morning and wait tables at I HOP! Hindsight I bet she would tell you her work ethic is all because of the tough love of her parents. Parents who loved her, but also knew the importance of a job and contributing to your family and society. Because of that she was able to rise to the occasion back in 1985 and make the dream of her own store come true and it is still going strong! And it is truly a family affair! Her daughter Angela works with her as well as her father Tom, her son Randy, and on occasion other family members if she needs them, and they have popcorn down to an art! They make it there at the store so it is fresh and it is so competitively priced compared to the popcorn stores you see in the mall. The yogurt portion has left as it was more of a night time and weekend gig and that is really not what she wants. She still has delicious lunches, catering, AND she is a Honey B Ham and Turkey supplier! When I found this out I was so excited! I asked her point blank if she has lines and she said absolutely not! You guys I am telling you this is a home run! Not only is Honey B Ham so much better than Honey Baked but no lines! Can I get a what! What! And the turkey FYI is cajun and oh my so good! Along with all the deliciousness Linda has chocolates that they make themselves and a slew of gifts and treats. You really should take the time to stop by, but if you can’t you can always call in and she will deliver!
When I walked in I immediately started thinking this is a gold mine for medical and pharmaceutical sales reps. You can get your lunches catered AND add some flare with a gift, or chocolate, or popcorn! If your child needs spirit gifts, Linda is your girl! If you need to ship LOVE to your college kid during exams or rush, I am telling you they have what you need. Babysitter gifts, Bosses, Secretaries, Teachers, Big Sis/Little Sis, you name it she’s got something! I promise. So do yourself a favor and familiarize yourself with YOPOP Etc. You will be glad, Linda will be glad, and my heart will be full!
