Michelle Medlock Adams's Blog, page 6

Get a Godiva Attitude!

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, I thought we’d talk about chocolate in this week’s blog. Seriously, is there anything better than Godiva chocolate? It’s smooth and rich and decadent. Just one little piece is satisfying because it’s so amazingly rich and good.

Maybe that’s why it’s so expensive. You know, if you were to purchase a pound of Godiva chocolates, you’d pay approximately $50! (The 105-piece Gold Ballotin collection will run you about $130!) In fact, it is among the top ten most expensive chocolates in the world, which is probably why we give it as a gift for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day, wedding anniversaries, birthdays, etc.

Not only is it yummy, but also it’s always beautifully packaged and very distinctive. And, you can’t buy it just anywhere. Usually, you can only find it in upscale department stores or specialty stores.

God sees you as Godiva!

OK, now how about Hersey’s chocolates? Do you love a Hersey bar every once in a while? Me, too! I especially like Hersey’s milk chocolate. It’s not quite as rich as Godiva but it’s pretty good. It’s also not as expensive. Instead of paying $50 for a pound, you’ll only pay about $4. And, you can find Hersey’s chocolate at most convenience stores, grocery stores, drugstores—pretty much any place that sells candy. Hersey’s is pretty inexpensive and much more common.

Both are chocolate. Both are good. But one is of much more value.

So, let me ask you this…how do you see yourself? As a Hersey bar or as a piece of rich Godiva chocolate? Unfortunately, many of us grow up feeling even less valuable than a Hershey bar in comparison to a piece of Godiva chocolate. Some of you may even feel like you’re worth about the same as a nameless imitation brand of chocolate that you might find at a discount store.

But here’s what I want you to know—God sees you as Godiva! He sees you as valuable and worthy and wonderful. He just wants you to see yourself the same way, so let’s read a few scriptures that prove your worth.

Luke 12:6-7 says: “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (NLT).

First Peter 1:18 says: “For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value” (NLT).

First Corinthians 7:23 says: “God paid a high price for you…” (NLT).

Bottom line—you are Godiva all the way! God sees you as a masterpiece. He treasures you! And on the days when you’re feeling less than “Godiva-like,” just remember that God gave His very own Son so that you might be saved and spend eternity with Him. You’re worthy! You’re special! You’re a rare treasure! You’re valuable! You’re all that!

Now, go forth with that “Godiva attitude” and know that you’re more than enough.

God sees you as valuable and worthy and wonderful--like Godiva chocolate! #godlovesyou #faithingod
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It’s Time to Enjoy the Journey

 

I recently heard of a study involving the top CEOs of the biggest companies in the world, and one common theme was apparent. When interviewed, the majority of them said something like this: “If I could do it all over again, I would take time to stop and smell the roses. I would take more walks with my spouse. I wouldn’t live so stressed and uptight. I would slow down and enjoy the journey more.”

This intrigued me, as I am also very career driven and goal oriented, so I researched this topic a bit more and stumbled upon an article about Author Bronnie Ware and her book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing. Ware, who cared for those who were nearing the end of their lives, wrote: “All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.”

After pondering, processing, and praying about all of this, I’ve come to this conclusion—being driven is a good thing, as long as you take time to enjoy the journey in all of your “driven-ness.”

Every day is a gift, so treat it as such.

That’s how we should live life.

We shouldn’t be so consumed with our goals in life that we miss the privilege of living. It’s important that we take time today and every day to appreciate the people and the blessings that God has given us. If we don’t, when we finally reach our goals, after neglecting our friends and family along the way, we’ll have no one to celebrate with us. Or, we will have worked so hard and so long to accomplish our goals, that we’ll be too tired or in too poor of health to savor that success.

We really can have it all, if we do it God’s way. Allow Him to prioritize your life and direct your steps. And, don’t be in too much of a hurry to bask in the beauty of the moment.

Every day is a gift, so treat it as such. Then, when we get to the end of our lives, we won’t have any regrets, only sweet memories of a life filled with love, laughter, success and satisfaction.

Here are ten things you should take time to do in the near future:

Read a book to a special child in your life. 
Slow dance with your significant other.
Watch the sun set and thank God for painting the sky so beautifully.
Take your dog for a walk.
Visit or call your parents just to say you love them. (If your parents are already passed, then stop by your local nursing home to visit with those who may not have any visitors.)
Stop by your best friend’s house with her favorite Starbucks concoction, and share a few moments of cappuccino and conversation.
Put on some worship music and praise the Lord at the top of your lungs.
Go to that community concert that you’re always too busy for…you know you’re going to love it!
Look up into the night sky and find the various constellations, and then thank God for His handiwork.
Do something silly and fun with your family like have a picnic in your living room or have pancakes for dinner or wear your pjs all day on Saturday while having a movie marathon.

Pray this with me: “Father, I am thankful for the reminder that every day is a gift. Help me to not get so caught up in the busyness of life that I forget to enjoy living and appreciating all of the blessings You have given me. And, Lord, please prioritize my life so that I will achieve the dreams You have placed in my heart while still enjoying the journey. In the precious Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.”

Enjoy the journey! Slow down and let God direct your steps. #enjoythejourney
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God’s Got Your Back

Another storm in IN.

“Wherever you go, I will watch over you…” Genesis 28:15 (CEV).

“I heard that today is supposed to be the best day for fishing this entire month!” Jeff called to me from his home office last Monday. “Want to go this afternoon?”

“Yes!” I responded without hesitation.

I love to go bass fishing with my hubby, and it had been far too long since we’d taken a break to enjoy the great outdoors together. We both finished up some projects that morning and he readied the boat. We were on the road, headed toward Lake Monroe, Indiana, by 1:30 p.m.

After only being on the highway about ten minutes, Jeff turned down the radio and said, “Do you hear that?”

“Hear what?” I asked.

Just then, we both heard it…a loud thumping noise.

It looked like we were out of options. But God wasn’t.

At first we had no idea what it was until Jeff glanced into the rearview mirror and saw the back right tire on his boat trailer. It was shredded. He quickly pulled off the road and jumped out to inspect it.

Thankfully, he had a spare tire for his boat trailer so he began changing it; however, upon further inspection, the spare tire was flat.

It was turning out to be a very bad day on a very busy highway. It looked like we were out of options.

But God wasn’t.

As we were trying to figure out what to do, a group of construction workers who were part of the crew rebuilding a bridge a little farther up the highway, stopped to help. Jeff explained the situation, and within just a few minutes, we had our own little road crew, airing up the spare tire and helping Jeff secure the wheel.

“If we had to break down, this sure was a good spot for it,” I joked with the road crew. “Thank you all so much…can I make you a persimmon pudding or something to show our gratitude?”

Since they didn’t live in our hometown, but rather about 90 minutes away, the persimmon pudding idea wasn’t practical so Jeff promised to bring them lunch the next day from Smokin’ Jims, our favorite barbecue place. (Which he did.)

Jeff and I love to fish!

True we didn’t get to go fishing that afternoon, but we did get to see God in action. Had we broken down anywhere else on that stretch of road, we wouldn’t have had a highway crew right there, with all the needed tools, to lend a hand.

As we were thanking God for His provision on the drive back home, the clear blue sky turned quite eerie and dark. Though there had only been a 30 percent chance of rain that day, a huge storm blew in with thunder and lightning. Jeff and I just looked at each other and smiled, knowing if we had made it to the lake like we’d originally planned, we would’ve been on the water, smack dab in the middle of that storm. Once again, God had our backs.

Our boat’s live well was empty that afternoon, but our hearts were full. We were so grateful for God’s goodness and His involvement in our everyday lives.

Aren’t you?

Pray this with me: “Thank You, God, for watching over us and taking such good care of us. We are so grateful for Your presence in our everyday lives. You are a good God. In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.”

I’d love to hear about a time when God had your back in an unexpected way. Please share and encourage all of us!

Don't fear. God has your back!
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Big Dreams

Me speaking at Parkview Elementary

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV).

Recently, I was privileged to speak to a group of first graders at my alma mater, Parkview Elementary, in Bedford, IN. Whenever I speak about being a writer at these “Young Author Day” events, I always take time for a question/answer segment at the end of my presentation. After I answer their questions, it’s my turn. That’s when I ask the kiddos about their hopes and dreams, and specifically, what they want to be when they grow up.

It’s amazing the answers I receive! You know what I’ve discovered?

Little bitty kids can have great big dreams. Some children answer “firefighter,” “nurse,” “teacher,” “author,” “artist,” “policeman” or “professional basketball player.” Still others say “model,” “racecar driver,” “scientist,” “President” and so many more awesome occupations.

Bottom line—children know how to dream big.

Do you know why? Because no one has told them they can’t dream big. They don’t have that inner dialogue saying, “You can’t be a movie star. You’re not pretty enough. You’ll never be able to accomplish your dream.” They are still young and innocent and full of hopes and dreams. You can see it in their big bright eyes. They truly believe they can do anything. And you know what? They’re right!

God’s Word says that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. All means all, right? So, encourage the children in your life to dream big, and then follow their example.

We should all be able to believe BIG when it comes to the dreams and ambitions that God has placed within us. God wouldn’t have placed them there if He weren’t going to help us achieve them. So, get back that childlike faith, and start believing BIG in the New Year.

One of my favorite poems is this:

“Ah, great it is to believe the dream;

As we stand in youth by the starry stream;

But a greater thing is to fight life through,

And say at the end, ‘The dream is true!’”

(By American poet Edwin Markham.)

Isn’t that good?

So, be a dreamer! Encourage the people in your life to be dreamers! And, then go for those dreams!

God’s Word says that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.

I have an assignment for you—and for me—as we start 2018. I want you to create “a vision board” about your dreams. Place on it pictures, quotes, scriptures, power words—basically anything that will inspire you to accomplish your dreams. I’ve had a vision board in the past, but it’s time for a new one because I’ve already accomplished many of those dreams, praise the Lord! The Word tells us to “write the vision,” so let’s do that (Habakkuk 2:2 KJV). And, while we’re at it, let’s help the children in our lives do the same. What a great way to spend a wintery day, putting together vision boards with the kiddos we love!

Pray this with me: “Lord, help me to dream big like little children do, and help me to encourage others in their dreams. And, Father, help me to only go after the dreams that You’ve placed in my heart. I love You. In the Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.”

So, what kinds of things will you be placing on your new vision board?

Encourage children to dream big dreams! #encouragement #dreambig
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What’s in a Name?

Loving on our grandson, Baby Bear.

Every time I am at an event signing my children’s books, I am always amazed at the different names I encounter: Selah, Ryker, Hadley, Presleigh, Beckley, Dason, Apple, Jamoira, Dulce and more. I often have to ask the parents to spell their child’s name so I won’t mess up on my inscription. And, if the name is extremely unique, I simply have to ask if there is a story behind it.

Often, there is.

When we choose names for our children, sometimes we choose the first name of a beloved relative or a sound biblical name such as Matthew, Paul, Mary or Mark. Other times, we select a name that flows well with our last name, which is what we did when we chose “Abby” and “Allyson” for our daughters’ names. “Abby Adams” and “Ally Adams” just rolled off the tongue beautifully.

One of the most meaningful ways that God reveals Himself to us is through His names.

When Abby and our son-in-law Micah discovered they were expecting a baby boy last year, we couldn’t wait to hear the name they’d chosen. Imagine our surprise when they announced his name would be “Bear.” In fact, my hubby (without thinking) uttered, “You mean, like Yogi and Boo Boo?” It seems “Bear” is the first name of one of the Rinehart brothers in their favorite Christian band, Need to Breathe. And you know what? Bear fits my grandson perfectly!  (We love Baby Bear!)

Still, other parents name their children after favorite sports figures or even seasons. When my sister had her youngest daughter on the last day of Autumn, she decided to name her “Autumn” to signify that special day for all eternity.

Though names are important in today’s world, they don’t hold the same significance as they did in biblical times. You see, names back then were often chosen to reveal something specific about that person. Remember when God changed Abram’s name to Abraham because it meant, “Father of Many Nations?” That name was given to Abraham to remind him and everyone who called him “Abraham” that he would one day be the father of many nations.

It meant something.

When Moses asked God, “What is your name?” in Exodus 3, Moses didn’t just want to know how to address God. No, Moses wanted a revelation of God’s character, and that’s exactly what he received when God answered, “Say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’” (Exodus 3:15).

One of the most meaningful ways that God reveals Himself to us is through His names. From Elohim, which means God’s total power and complete creativity, to Jehovah Elohay, which means My God, the God who is able to deliver me—each of His names gives us a better understanding of the Father.

These are great resources!

Unfortunately, many Christians today don’t know all of God’s names or their significance. I must confess, I didn’t either since I went to journalism school, not seminary. However, I have found several books about the Names of God, and I have been enjoying getting to know my God in a more intimate way by studying His names and their meanings. So, I thought I would give you 15 to get you started as you ponder His wonderful Names.

 

1—Jehovah Jireh: The Changeless One Who Meets My Needs

2—Abba Father: Daddy God

3—Jehovah: My Intimate, Personal God

4—Elohim: God Almighty, The God Who Makes Covenants

5—Jehovah Nissi: My Banner, Miracle and Victory!

6—El Shaddai: The God Who is More Than Enough

7—Jehovah Shalom: The God of Peace, Nothing Missing, Nothing Broken

8—Jehovah Rophe: Jehovah, My Healer

9—Jehovah Shammah: The God Who is There

10—Jehovah Elohay: The God Who Delivers You

11—Jehovah Tsebaoth: The God Who Dispatches His Angels

12—Jehovah Ropheka: The God Who Restores My Soul

13—Jehovah Gmolah: The Lord of Recompenses

14—Elohay Yishi: God of My Salvation

15—Jehovah Rohi: Jehovah, My Shepherd

 

Pray this with me: Father, thank You for revealing Who You are through Your many names. You are Jehovah Jireh who meets my needs and Jehovah Elohay who delivers me! You are all of those things and so much more, and I am so grateful. In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.”

 

Do you have a story behind your name or the names of your children? Please share below in the comments!

 

Our God is Jehovah Elohay, or The God Who Delivers You. How awesome! #faith #namesofgod

Resolutions, Anyone?

According to Real Simple, only eight percent of people who make New Year’s Resolutions actually keep them.

Obviously, the odds are not in our favor if we’re in the “resolution making group,” but I tend to think this statistic is regarding the typical New Year’s resolutions. You know, the resolutions that top everyone’s lists such as: losing weight, exercising more, getting more sleep, paying off debt, etc.

But, what if we were to make a few New Year’s resolutions with spiritual value? Do you think we’d be more apt to accomplish those goals? I think we would!

Recently at church, our guest speaker suggested several spiritual resolutions that really resonated with me, so I thought I would share his Top Three, in hopes that you’ll join me on this journey.

1 – Fall back in love with Jesus, and be more loving to those around you.

Bottom line: the more time you spend with Jesus, the more time you’ll want to spend with Him.

So how do we fall back in love with Jesus? Bottom line: the more time you spend with Jesus, the more time you’ll want to spend with Him. Remember when you first fell in love with your significant other? Every minute apart seemed like an eternity! You couldn’t wait until the next time you could be together. Well, that’s how you should feel about Jesus! Having your devotional/prayer time shouldn’t feel like an obligation, rather it should be exciting and wonderful. If you’ve lost “that loving feeling” when it comes to your Lord, just spend some quiet time with Him today, and you’ll quickly fall back in love. He adores you, and He has been waiting for you…

First John 4:19 says, “We love each other because he loved us first” (NLT). As we spend time in His presence, allowing the Lord to fill us up with His love, we will overflow with that supernatural love, spilling over onto every person we encounter.

2 – Have a heart for the lost.

Matthew 22:37-39 says, “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (NLT).

If we truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we will have an intense burden to see them walking with Jesus….

If we truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we will have an intense burden to see them walking with Jesus, and we’ll be motivated to pray for them, invite them to church, and share God’s Word with them.

True, not all of us will have the opportunity or the ability to go overseas and do missions work this year, but we can all be lights for Jesus in our own corners of the world. Begin to see your family, your neighborhood, your school, and your workplace as “mini mission fields,” and let your light shine for Jesus.

3 – Love your family.  

This seems like a fairly easy resolution, right? I mean, if I asked you, “Do you love your family?” I am positive you’d respond, “Of course.” But, let me ask you another question—do your family members know that you love them? That may be a tougher one to answer.

Make daily deposits of love into those closest to you.

First Peter 4:8 says, “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other…” (NLT).

It’s important to make daily deposits of love into those closest to you. Don’t just assume that they know you love them; they need to hear those words. They also need to see action behind those words. In the daily hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to take your loved ones for granted, isn’t it? That’s why I’m going to challenge you to love on purpose every single day this year.

For example, clean out your significant other’s vehicle just to be a blessing. Or, write words of adoration and stick them where your loved ones will see them—inside a briefcase, on the bathroom mirror, on the steering wheel, etc. Or, write a New Year’s letter to every member of your immediate family, letting each one know just how special and precious he/she is to you, to your family, and to our Lord.

Be as creative as possible but most importantly, be consistent with your love deposits. It’s a deposit that pays big dividends!

Pray this with me: “Father, I am asking that You help me keep these important resolutions this year, so that I might fall more in love with You and Your Word; love others like You do; have a greater burden for the lost; and show love for my family more than ever before. I love You, Lord, and I’m thankful to begin another year with You. In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.” 

Make #resolutions that have #spiritual value.
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I’d love to hear your thoughts! Are you agreeing to make these spiritual resolutions this year? Do you have any other spiritual resolutions?

Reconnect with Friends: A Resolution Worth Making!

 

“Happy New Year!” you say, hugging your friend. “How are you? Wow, I can’t believe it’s been over a year since we’ve seen each other.”

“I know!” your friend responds. “We should really try to get together more. I miss you.”

“I miss you, too!” you share. “Let’s do lunch really soon.”

No sooner had the words escaped your mouth than you realize you’ve suggested a lunch date, and you usually work through lunch! You were caught up in the moment. It was a holiday party. “Auld Lang Syne” was playing in the background. Why did you suggest such a thing?

Chances are, you really do miss your friend. After all, we need friends. They play important roles in our lives. In fact, friendship is a biblical concept. Jesus is the Ultimate Friend. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus did that for us! Proverbs 17:17 tells us that a friend loves at all times. Friendship is mentioned over and over again in God’s Word. Obviously, God knew we’d need friends.

“…you need to commit to making time for your friends even if you’re super busy with family, work, and even community obligations.”

But with a spouse, children, a full-time job, volunteer work, and church commitments —keeping connected with friends can be challenging, right? Maybe you’ve let your friendships lapse over the last few years, and you’d like to reconnect. If that’s one of your New Year’s resolutions, Dr. Jan Yager, author of Friendshifts: The Power of Friendship and How It Shapes Our Lives (Hannacroix Creek Books, Second Edition 1999; E-book version and Audiobook version, 2013) can help.

“First off,” Dr. Yager says, “you have to be realistic about how much time you have available. Then, you need to commit to making time for your friends even if you’re super busy with family, work, and even community obligations.”

Dr. Yager also advises not trying to invest time in absolutely every friend on your Christmas card list. If you do, you’ll start diffusing intimacy with the friends who are most important to you. So, be realistic and selective. Once you’ve determined which friendships you wish to rejuvenate—go for it! Here are five tips from Dr. Yager, who is also a friendship coach, to put you on the path to successful reconnection:

1 – Call just to say hello—Don’t wait for disasters or monumental moments to dial up your buddies. Find at least 20 minutes for a “just because” phone call every so often.

2 – Make birthdays a big deal—Celebrate each other’s birthdays together, and that will guarantee at least two days each year for special friendship time. Celebrate with tickets to a Broadway show or packages at a nearby spa or tickets to see your favorite country singer. And if you can’t get together in person, at least take the time to call each other, not just rely on an e-mail, a text message, or a Facebook message on such important days.

3 – Choose a neutral location for friendship get-togethers—If you don’t meet in each other’s homes, there is no added pressure to get your places organized, decorated, or spotlessly clean.  It just makes it easier if you meet in a neutral location. So, meet at a favorite restaurant and share a dessert, or maybe grab your running shoes and meet at a nearby hiking trail for some walk/talk time.

4 – Be flexible—Understand that your friends have obligations and unexpected situations that may prevent them from keeping a date with you. Show your friends the same understanding that you’d expect.

5 – Return calls quickly—When you receive a phone call from one of your friends, or an e-mail, do your best to return that call, or send an e-mail reply, within 24 hours. This communicates to your friend that he/she is important to you. And if this is one of the few friends or family members that you text on a regular basis—as long as you’re not driving and in a safe situation to send and receive texts—be especially responsive about returning text messages since this is our most “instant” form of communication these days.

Pray this with me: “Father, I want to thank You for the special people You have placed in my life, and while I recognize that some people are only in our lives for certain seasons, I am asking that You help me reconnect with those friends that You’ve placed in my life for the long haul. I pray that I have favor with those friends and that we’ll be able to find time to reconnect and spend time together in the coming year. Help me to be a better friend, Father, that I might be a blessing to the people in my life. I love You, Lord. In the Mighty Name of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.”

5 Tips to Reconnect with Friends in 2018
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For more tips, read “31 Suggestions for Finding Time to Call or Write Friends” featured in Dr. Yager’s Friendshifts book. And, if you’d like to read more of Dr. Yager’s thoughts on friendship, I encourage you to check out her journal about friendship: 365 Daily Affirmations for Friendship; When Friendship Hurts: How to Deal With Friends Who Betray, Abandon, or Wound You; and Friendship Thoughts, Famous Quotes, and a Journal.

 

Better-than-Hallmark Happy Endings

So glad both my girls are in Hallmark-worthy relationships!

I love this time of year for many reasons—celebrating the birth of Jesus, gathering with friends and family, baking and eating Christmas cookies, giving and receiving presents, decorating our home with lights and greenery, singing Christmas carols and, most especially, watching all of the holiday Hallmark movies.

Yes, I admit it. I’m obsessed with Hallmark holiday movies.

…as Christians we are promised the Happy Ending of all happy endings.

True, they are sometimes corny and almost always predictable, but there’s something else they all have in common—happy endings. (None of those surprise, sad “Nicholas Sparks” type endings.)

By the end of a Hallmark flick, two high school sweethearts are reunited; a little boy who once was hopeless discovers the true meaning of Christmas; an estranged mother and daughter find their way back to each other just in time for Christmas morning.

Sure, every single story features some sort of conflict, but each conflict is resolved in the most miraculous way over the next two hours, leaving me with a smile on my face and a warm feeling in my heart.

I realize that most Hallmark movies are not very believable, and that’s one of the reasons I like them so much. I know that in real life, high school sweethearts don’t always reunite; children don’t always learn about the true meaning of Christmas; and families don’t always make up and spend Christmas morning together. But I also know that even though life on this earth can be difficult and messy and painful at times, as Christians we are promised the Happy Ending of all happy endings.

Because Jesus came to earth as a baby, lived a flawless life, died on a cross for our sins and rose again, we get to spend eternity in heaven with Him where we’ll experience happiness like we’ve never known before.

Even Hollywood can’t top that!

I pray that you have the Merriest Christmas Season ever, and I hope that you’ll experience many Hallmark happy endings in this life.

As #Christians we're promised the Happy Ending of all happy endings. #Christmas2017
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Doing the Do’s—Three Fit Tips You Can Implement Today!

Find the special hard-back edition of “Love & Care for the One and Only You” at your local Sam’s Club.

Can you believe 2018 is almost here? As soon as we finish that last piece of pie (or persimmon pudding), we’ll be looking for ways to drop a few extra pounds. Here are three fit tips from the special hard-cover edition of my book Love & Care for the One and Only You. Since this edition is only available at Sam’s Club, I thought I’d share this info with you today to help you get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions!

It seems there are so many “don’ts” when you’re trying to eat healthy and get fit, but if you concentrate on the do’s, the don’ts tend to take care of themselves. So, here are three “do’s” you can “do” today!

1 – Start drinking more water!

Water is so good for you for so many reasons. Extra water intake helps you eat less; helps boost your metabolism; helps dissolve fats; and helps flush toxins out of your body just to name a few benefits.

If you don’t like the taste of water, add slices of lime or lemon to “jazz it up.” Or, you can even add cucumber slices or mint leaves for different flavors.  Experiment with different fruit in your water and have fun! Also, so that you can keep better track of how much water you’re drinking in a day, use one of those “timed water bottles.” I have one, and I love it!

*So how much water should you be drinking? Well, “the standard answer” for how much water you should drink each day has always been 64 ounces; however, a different calculation has emerged over the past few years. Some fitness enthusiasts believe it’s better to take your body weight and divide it in half and drink that many ounces of water a day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds that would mean you should be drinking 75 ounces of water daily. Bottom line, if you drink at least 64 ounces of water each day, you’ll be doing a huge “do” on the path to a healthier you.

2 – Increase your calcium intake!

The USDA reports that 78 percent of all adult women and 56 percent of adult men do not get enough calcium from their daily food intake. So, just why is calcium so important? Calcium improves bone health; reduces high blood pressure; may help control the growth of cancer cells in the colon; aids in tooth and bone formation; and helps you achieve weight-loss goals and maintain those losses, to name a few.

*So how much calcium is recommended daily. Well, the National Academy of Sciences and the National Osteoporosis Foundation recommend daily calcium intakes of 1000-1200 mg/day for adult men and women. So, make sure you get enough calcium each day. If you’re not a milk drinker, consider adding supplements to your diet.

3 – If you bite it, then write it! 

You know what I’ve discovered? Most of us don’t have very good memories—especially when it comes to our daily food intake. Therefore, if you are trying to lose a few pounds, or if you’re simply trying to limit the junk food in your life and replace it with healthy food, write down every single bite you take throughout the day as well as the time you eat it. Not only will it make you more aware of what you’re eating, but also it will help you recognize what times of day you crave carbs, etc.

*If you’re a bit more techie than old school, ditch the journal and use your smartphone to track your food intake. I like MyFitnessPal. Apparently, so do many others. In fact, there are more than 80 million users of this app at the time of this writing. MyFitnessPal makes it easy to track your meals and snacks, either by searching for them or even scanning product barcodes. Plus, this amazing app also acts as an exercise tracker: it’ll calculate calories burned from activities—everything from jogging to household chores! Lastly, MyFitnessPal is also compatible with several of those popular fitness bands, including the one I own—Fitbit.

So, do the do’s today! You’ll discover that little changes produce big results!

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I’d love to hear from you! Do you have some “Do’s” that help you stay on track?

Practically Perfect Persimmon Pudding Recipe

 

Fall has always been my favorite time of year because of the splashes of color outside our Hoosier home. Vibrant orange, yellow and deep red leaves adorn the trees, and that signals one important event that takes place in Lawrence County, Indiana, every single fall—The Persimmon Festival.

The Persimmon Festival is the best of “food, folks and fun” but most importantly, it’s the place where you can get the world’s best persimmon pudding. Now, if you’re not from the Midwest, you might not have ever heard of this delicious dessert, so let me fill you in—it’s yummy!

I wasn’t aware that persimmon pudding was a Midwestern best-kept secret until we moved to Texas for a 10-year stint, and I wasn’t able to buy anypersimmon pulp. In fact, when I inquired about persimmons, my co-worker said, “Oh yeah, persimmons. We used to feed them to the hogs on our farm.”

Not exactly a helpful response.

I used to crave persimmon pudding so much that I’d have my late mother-in-law Martha ship me frozen persimmon pulp so I could make my favorite pudding in my Texas kitchen, miles away from my beloved Hoosier roots.

But now that we’ve moved back to Indiana, I am once again in persimmon pudding paradise, so I thought I’d share Martha’s pudding recipe with you. Trust me; you’re going to love it. And, no, I’m not shipping you any of my precious persimmon pulp. You’ll simply have to stop by for a piece…I just took my first one of the season out of the oven.

Here’s the recipe:

Practically Perfect Persimmon Pudding

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 ½ cups of flour

¼ teaspoon Allspice

½ cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking soda

2 eggs

1 ½ cups of milk

1 ½ cups of persimmon pulp

5 Tablespoons of butter

 

Cream butter, sugar and eggs together. Mix all dry ingredients together in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter/sugar mixture a little at a time until blended. Grease a 9-by-13 pan and pour in the persimmon pudding mixture. Bake at 350 degrees until the sides pull away from the glass pan.

The recipe says to bake for 50 minutes but I never cook it more than 30 minutes. (My oven must be supersonic.) Let your persimmon pudding cool and cover with plastic wrap. Lastly, place in fridge to chill. We like it served cold with whipped topping (Cool Whip). Enjoy!

 

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