Happy Thanksgiving Eve

Posted on November 25, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Roving through Facebook posts, I have noticed many families are downsizing or canceling Thanksgiving gatherings. This is another hit from Covid. It is rough. Our normal forty to fifty person extended family celebration has been called off leaving everyone to fend for themselves.

It is our choice on how we allow this to to affect us. First instinct is to organize a pity party. You know those one person, “poor me” cry-fests. Obviously that is a poor choice. An alternative is to consider our loved ones safe at home. I bet their phones work and a Thanksgiving dinner plate would bring a smile on a face or two.

With that thought, what are you cooking? I am a Pampered Chef and have a kitchen filled with tools and recipes to make life in the kitchen easier. Flipping through some recipes, I found a few that made my mouth water. Would you like those for your file?

Our family usually fixes ham and turkey. My mother glazes the ham and everyone raves over it. This is a general recipe that gets changed often.

This salad is on the border of being a dessert. When placed in a glass bowl the presentation is striking especially when garnished with a mint leaf. It is really delicious so don’t expect left overs.

This year has presented a plethora of challenges, but we have survived. Humans need each other so let’s help one another. Kindness is under-rated. We all need to practice.

You know what else we need? Well, besides food. Yes, we need our Creator. We were made by Him and need Him. He is so good to us.

Wherever you celebrate and with whomever, I hope you take time to give thanks for all of your many blessings. Say a pray for those less fortunate and those that have an empty seat at their table.

Happy Thanksgiving and don’t forget to season with love.

Covid19: What it Has Taken and Given

Posted on April 14, 2020April 14, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

In the matter of days our lives were turned upside down. Normal ceased to exist. Our daily routines changed. Spring Break plans were disrupted. Schools let scholars go home for the remainder of the year. Seniors were cheated out of their final semester of High School or College. People were quarantined at home. Why? A nasty extremely contagious, life threatening virus named Covid19.

Parks were closed. Sporting events were cancelled. Businesses were shut down and only essential workers were employed. Companies had employees work from home. Grocery store shelves were bare. Toilet paper became a rare item. Yes, stores were sold out of it everywhere. Hand sanitizer disappeared along with it. Health officials found it necessary to reteach us how to wash our hands.

Since groceries were out of meat, groceries were selling their raw protein along with prepared menu items. Delivery or curbside pick up were the only options since dining in had been banned. Gatherings were limited to ten people. Weddings were rescheduled and funerals kept private. Church doors were closed. Masks were worn in public for protection. Our world had completely changed.

Covid19 has taken our normal from us. Our secure, everyday life is now gone. Healthcare and grocery workers are exhausted. Parents are homeschooling and frustrated. Family and friends are missing each other. Children are frightened and do not understand. Adults are, too. This is a worldwide pandemic. What is a pandemic? Webster’s dictionary says “Pandemic definition is – occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.”

Oh, but wait. It is not all gloom and doom. Covid19 has also given to us. Our priorities have been forced into perspective. Family has risen to the top. Those concerts and sporting events that we believed were essential have been replaced with family time. Family dinners have made a huge comeback. People are returning to the kitchen to prepare meals that will be eaten around a table with family. The weather has turned nice and families are going outside. We are rediscovering the treasure we have been taking for granted.

Communities and the entire nation have joined together. Meals are given to children

out of school and to healthcare workers. Restaurants are pitching where they can. Protective masks are being made at home to help. Many are giving them away. Neighbors are checking on each other. Teenagers are doing yard work to help elderly. Groceries are picked up for friends. Kindness is manifesting itself through people across this nation. We are thinking of others and their needs. America and mankind are pulling together to help win this war on Covid19. We are standing together to assist others.

With so much time spent in self quarantine parents are spending quality time with their children. Hiking, playing games, grilling or working in the kitchen, are just a few of the ways families are enjoying their time together. They are becoming reacquainted with each other. Families are doing more activities together and making lasting memories. For the most part, this is a great thing. Unfortunately there will be some children not blessed with a happy home.

The best thing to come out of this is that people have turned their hearts and minds back to God. Children are witnessing a revival in their homes. Prayers are said at mealtime and bedtime now more than ever. Bibles are being dusted off and opened. God’s Word is being read. We have more time now to begin our day with God’s Word and in prayer. That excuse has been taken away. Parents are able to set good examples for their children and teach them God’s Word.

God’s children have hit the reset button on their lives. We are putting things in proper order starting with Jesus, then others, and finally ourselves. We will come through this battle victorious. Always we need our Heavenly Father, but we need Him especially now. This is an epic battle we are fighting with Covid19. Fear not. Nothing is impossible with God. He is more powerful than anything, even this pandemic. I hope the lessons that we learned during this time will stay with us. I hope our world remains changed for the better. Don’t you?

There is Hope, Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on January 18, 2020January 5, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

There is Hope, Bloom Where You are Planted by author Carla Huelsmann is a combination devotional, journal, and memoir. The author has written it to encourage and inspire those struggling with illness, severe illness. She has penned these 52 life lessons from her experience and wants to share hope with others.

Each lesson begins with about two pages explaining happened to Carla. The lesson is followed by a relevant scripture. Closing the lesson is a question about the reader with space to journal an answer. Everything ties together into a nice, new t lesson or devotional on hope.

The writing is personal and warm. Author Huelsmann is open and writes as if talking to a friend over coffee. I loved her writing style and found myself invested in her story. She inspired me with her faith in God.

Everything is covered within the pages of this book. The highs and lows, hope and misgivings, along with heart warming memories. Some of the days were emotional as I began to feel closer to the author through her writing. I wish it went a little deeper, but it is still very good.

I highly recommend this book. It will provide hope, faith, and encouragement. This would make a lovely group read for people going through illness. Church libraries would benefit from a copy. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: There is Hope

Author: Carla Huelsmann

Genre: Journal, devotional, memoir

Release Date: August, 2018

52 life lessons for those struggling with major illness will inspire hope and encourage those suffering to take back control of their lives.

Carla Huelsmann dealt with the daily impact of seizures since age two. Her life-long battle with epilepsy impacted all parts of her life, family, career, self-confidence, and independence until corrective brain surgery ended the seizures. Free from the debilitating seizures and their accompanying residues of doubt and fear, Carla Huelsmann lives independently and shares her story to help others along their own journeys.

Part journal, part devotional, and part memoir, this is a book of hope, faith, and inspiration. The book addresses the fears, challenges, and questions about the future those going through a major illness, debilitating injury, or life crisis may have. Designed as a traveling companion for those facing challenging circumstances, each one-page entry is accompanied by blank space for the reader to journal his or her own thoughts and prayers.

My goal is to give hope, help, healing, and resources. I want to walk alongside others and assure them they are not alone; there is hope. -Carla Huelsmann

About the Author

Carla Huelsmann earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University, subsequently taught grades five through eight, and now works for the US Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis, MO. The alumnus of a fiction-writing course at Southern Illinois University, and the CLASS Seminar with Marita and Florence Littauer, she is also the author of articles on her experiences, and is available to speak.

More from Carla

I want to inspire and equip others struggling with epilepsy or other major illnesses to take back control of their lives. Eighteen years after corrective surgery, I live a seizure-free life that I feel in control of. And, I want to share my story and lessons learned with others facing serious challenges. My goal is to give hope, help and healing and resources of helpful information in one book. I want to walk alongside them and assure them that they are not alone and there is hope!

I’ve dealt with seizures, epilepsy and their daily impact since the age of two. It has impacted my family, career, self-confidence, independence and much more. Through it all, family, friends and faith have provided bedrock sources of strength. In addition, timely interventions by doctors, new contacts, new techniques and self-discipline came at opportune times through perseverance.

Now free from the tunnel of doubt, fear and debilitating seizures, I’ve gathered up my collection of personal journals and thoughts in order to help others along their journey. “There Is Hope: Bloom Where You are Planted” is a devotional for someone going through major illness, major injury, or life crisis.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, January 13

janicesbookreviews, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

Older & Smarter?, January 16

Inklings and notions, January 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 18

For the Love of Literature, January 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 20

Through the Fire Blogs, January 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, January 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

CarpeDiem, January 23

Splashes of Joy, January 24

By The Book, January 25 (Author Interview)

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, January 25

God is Love, January 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour Carla is giving away the grand prize of an autographed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f46c/there-is-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Cooking in 2020, A Healthy Recipe

Posted on January 2, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

One of the most popular resolutions for the New Year is to cook and eat healthier. Anyone trying to do that? Me, too! There are many recipes, cookbooks, blogs, and sites out to offer us help. Honestly, if I used more common sense and less sugar I believe I could figure this thing out myself. Well, with prayer, too. Couldn’t you?

First off, pray for guidance. Secondly, I know I need to eat more vegetables. I love them so that should not be a problem. Right? Well, it can be. Creativity is the issue with me. Do you get bored with the same old way of fixing veggies? It is time to experiment.

Do you like cucumbers? Have you tried them in a salad with tomatoes, green peppers, and feta? Delicious! With a light dressing this fresh salad comes alive with flavor and has very few calories. Winner!

This Fresh Cucumber, Tomato, Feta salad comes from Pampered Chef. Yes, I’m a Pampered Chef Lady. My daughter-in-law brings a praise-worthy version of this to family gatherings. This would make a nice lunch choice. Even adding a lean protein and doubling the portion of the salad the calories would total less than 500.

The three lowest calorie cheeses are feta, Swiss, and mozzarella. Bummer about cheddar, I know. My cheese of choice is Swiss which I substitute in this recipe. I am an onion fan so occasionally I will toss in a few.

If I would just eat what God has given us, I know my body would be healthier. Just look at the historical account of Daniel in the Bible. God has provided so many fruits, vegetables, and proteins for us. Absolutely I love desserts, but I do not need them as often as I indulge. They will be reserved for a special occasion or treat. (I may need you to remind me of that later.)

My body is a temple for the Holy Spirit so I need to make 2020 a year of repairs on it. What about you? What shape is your temple in now?

Enjoy the salad recipe!

Salad

2 seedless cucumbers, cut into 3″ (7.5 cm) pieces and in half lengthwise
4 plum tomatoes, tops removed and cut in half lengthwise
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and quartered
4 oz (125 g) chunk feta cheese, cut in half lengthwise
Black pepper

Dressing

1/4 cup (50 mL) white balsamic or white wine vinegar
1/2 cup (125 mL) olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 tbsp (7 mL) sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
garlic clove, pressed

DIRECTIONS

For salad, cut cucumbers with the Quick Slice, place in a large serving bowl; repeat with remaining ingredients, except pepper.
For dressing, combine all ingredients in Measure, Mix & Pour®. Mix until blended.
Drizzle 1/3 cup (75 mL) dressing over vegetables; toss. Refrigerate remaining dressing for another use. Top with black pepper, if desired.

Yield:

12 servings of about 3/4 cup /175 mL

Nutrients per serving:

Calories 45, Total Fat 2.5 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 170 mg, Carbohydrate 4 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g

Eat, Live, Thrive Diet, A Lifestyle Plan to Rev Up Your Midlife Metabolism

Posted on March 26, 2019March 26, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review

Here I am again reading another diet book. I probably have read or opened most every one of them. This one is finally different. A book written by two qualified women for midlife women bodies. Let’s see how this one compares.

I was impressed with the writing style in the book. In parts it was scientific as it explained metabolism and different foods, but it did it in easy to understand terms. The concept is timely and needed. Every woman wants to look and feel better. I know I do. The authors are transparent with their own struggles and trials. They understand what obstacles might pop up and are ready to help readers navigate them. Once I started reading this informative book, I read it cover to cover. I was like a sponge wanting to soak up as much information as possible.

This health book has Christian-based concepts and scripture. It begins with an introduction and is divided into five parts and a total of fifteen chapters. The diet preparation, plan, foods, life changes, and recipes are broken down by sections in paragraphs with sidebars, highlights, charts, and marks. Concluding the book I s a note from the authors, resources, acknowledgments, notes, index, and recipe/ingredient indexes. It is a well research, well planned, and well organized book.

My favorite thing was the Christian aspect. It was there to help but was not preachy. Our mind, body, and soul all need to be healthy to work properly. The authors address this and acknowledge the importance of changing habits lmentally and emotionally, also.

This book taught me many things. I found the plan to be similar to a Keto diet I have tried but yet there are differences. The plan basically emphasises nourishment with “real” food. Processed foods are discouraged. While vegetables can be unlimited, fruits and grains are not. Refined foods are to be avoided and carbohydrates controlled.

As with every plan, there were some things I did not quite think would be for me. The extras that they use are not things I want to buy. The plan itself, yes. That I am trying successfully.

I really liked this book. It would benefit any woman. Younger women would learn healthy lifestyle choices early. Older women could implement this plan and get healthier. I highly recommend it and give it a 4 out of 5 stars. An advanced reader copy (ARC) copy was provided by the publisher, but I was under no obligation to write a review. This is my own opinion.

About the Book

Authors: Danna Demeter and Robyn Thomson

272 pages, paperback

WaterBrook (March 26, 2019)

From the well-known health and lifestyle coaches of the widely popular website Lean Healthy Ageless (formerly Ageless Woman Living) comes a practical, science-based diet book that unravels the mystery of why women gain weight as they age and includes a sustainable plan to permanently lose the pounds and inches.

Eat, Live, Thrive Diet shows women how they can not only lose excess body fat permanently but also improve their overall health in critical areas such as brain function, resistance to disease, slowing down external aging, and increasing energy. This highly effective eating plan is presented in a compassionate voice by two experienced health coaches who share personal experiences of battling weight and emotional eating issues. Whereas most diets are short-lived or require substantial upkeep to maintain, Eat, Live, Thrive Diet is a viable eating plan that women can adhere to indefinitely. In addition to minimizing sugar intake, the plan emphasizes the importance of short-term intermittent fasting–a simple lifestyle change that makes it easier and more effective for many mature women to reach their health and weight loss goals. The book also highlights health risks and drawbacks of many popular fad diets that can be harmful on a long-term basis.

About the Authors

DANNA DEMETRE, RN, is an author, speaker, and cofounder of Lean Healthy Ageless. She has been a guest on a variety of national and local shows to include, Fox News Dallas, The 700 Club, ABC News NOW, and Moody Broadcasting’s award winning Midday Connection. Danna, who is in her sixties, lives with her husband in the foothills outside San Diego.

ROBYN THOMSON, an advance clinical weight loss practitioner, has worked with cutting edge nutritional companies and received training from some of the top doctors and scientists in the industry. Through seminars, workshops, and coaching, she helps people lose weight, improve their nutrition, and get more active. She is in her fifties and lives near the beach in San Diego with her husband, Rob.