The Stone Soup

photo by Jules Clancy

When I was a stay at home/ home schooling mom/ artist, I don't think I gave enough credit to the moms who work a daily nine to five away from their kids. Especially the single parents. Since my princess has moved on to fund her own education and works a restaurant job I too joined the work force. It was kinda fun both of us getting jobs at the same time.

What I figured out pretty quickly is that  the liesurely pace I once enjoyed, the cool jazz playing all day in the studio, throwing pots and stopping whenever we felt like it for lunch is a thing of the past. I miss it. My days are filled with jangling phones, deadlines, needy people, sales people and reports. There is never a dull moment.

There is rarely a lull moment.

Everyday I leave work surprised that I now have to contend with dinner. I'm not overly fond of fast food, or eating out (who can afford it everyday?) and I am a stickler for knowing what is on my dinner plate.

I like to cook. I like to eat even better. But in a job that tethers me to a desk most hours of the day, I have to eat well. I don't want to stop anywhere to pick up anything unless I have to. I want to get home to my safe haven.

On the way home I wonder if I have all the ingredients I need to make such and such or this and that.

I used to love to cook Indian food. But the list of ingredients is a bit off-putting these days. It took me three days when I had all the time in the world. Now I really must get it done in an hour or less. I do a lot of cooking on the fly.

And this is where my newfound friend Jules Clancy from down under saves me. I happened upon The Stone Soup by chance, fate or whatever saves the working woman who cooks.She writes a blog about cooking with 5 ingredients. And if you are reallynice and sign up for her free cookbook with fabulouse photos Jules will even deliver it to your email box (mine is delivered to work). So you know I did. I love it. She always generously sprinkles in amazing mouth-watering photos. If you happen to be like me needing an idea for dinner, or just have a few ingredients to work with, or just need something completely different, now you can find delicious in a few ingredients, I highly recommend The Stone Soup.

A Great Body for the Holidays

You might think it a little odd, okay, more than a little odd, and maybe even laughable, that every year right before the holidays gather much steam, I begin a workout regimen and pay more attention to what I eat.

That sounds backwards to you?

Below are a few snippets of info that motivate me, picked up over the years. But I warn you now, if you hear them, they may stick in your head also:

The average Thanksgiving plate with turkey and all the trimmings, is equal to 18 crème filled donuts.

Most people gain between five and fifteen pounds during the holidays.

One teaspoon of sugar will depress your immune system 33% for six hours. With your immune system depressed, it’s easier to catch that bug going around the school or office.

What I’ve noticed: the vast majority of Americans pig out, eat desserts on Thanksgiving Day, likely far exceeding one teaspoon of sugar and then go out the next day, shopping in public amid those of questionable health. Then a week or two later find ourselves with sniffles or a full-blown version of the latest flu virus.

You might be interested to know that the last time I got sick was eleven years ago when I indulged my sweet tooth to the detriment of my health. (If you think sugar is just a safe little treat, I double-dog-dare you to read Sugar Blues and be unaffected.)

But, back to the reasons for working out before January 1st. Most resolutions have fallen by the wayside before the end of February.

Gyms are practically empty this time of year while people shop. When I choose to indulge I’ve already begun a plan for burning off those calories. I don’t miss parties when invited, but I usually circle the veggie and fruit tray, go light on the cheese dips and look for whole grain crackers and bread. They've come a long way flavor wise and the whole grain are as good or better than their counterparts. I almost always skip cookies, pastries and pies but treat myself to a single glass of wine.

Lest you think me a hard core purist, I do have my indulgences. Fortunately for me, they are rarely party fare: Rice Krispie Treats, lemon pizzelles and orange cranberry biscotti. For one of these these I'll endure the inevitable headache and will usually go home soon after, limiting my exposure to germs and if my timing is on target, suffer the headache in my sleep.

I highly recommend the book Body for Life for Women by Pamela Peeke. She doesn’t beat me up for where I’m starting, instead, she meets me where I am. She doesn’t say I need to work out every single day and dump guilt on me if I only make it three times a week. The takeaway line that has meant the most to me is shoot for progress, not perfection.

If I begin my workout now, I can be more conscious of my choices. If I get side tracked or over indulge, I can pump iron. I can talk a walk, I can spend time on the elyptical machine. The point is, I am better off doing something rather than nothing.

How would it be if you planned to lose 10 pounds, and survived the holidays with no weight gain? I can almost guarantee that if you manage to get in some time three times a week, you will be more watchful of what goes in your mouth.

Speaking of what goes in—if I’m going to indulge I’m going to make it count. If I’m going to have one treat, I will savor it, enjoy it and put the craving to rest. You may find, like I often do, that after the first two or three bites, it’s just not all that great. What then? I throw it away.

What? You might see that as wasteful. Or waist-full. It’s your call. Meanwhile, I’ll be working out, getting trim so I can look especially hot in that sweet little outfit while bringing in the New Year.

Are You Going to Out Live Your Life?

I got Max Lucado’s newest release based on the title alone. Out Live Your Life sounded like the Prayer of Jabez meets Matthew 24, a great premise. One page into the book, I knew I was not going to be disappointed. If we only get one shot at this, how would we like to be remembered? For what we did? Or what we didn’t do? In order to outlive our life, we need to do something that will reverberate through out time.


You could win the Nobel Peace Prize. You could invent the cure for cancer. But most of us already know, we aren’t batting in that league. We’d be lucky to be in the stadium watching that game. We are just ordinary people living ordinary lives. What can we do?

I’m reminded of a passage in the Matthew 24:35 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Small acts, but they make a difference to those for whom we do them.

I for one recognize that I have been trying to get the biggest bang for my contributions. While searching for those with more grandeur, I may have overlook the obvious. Not everyone can build a neighborhood of homes, or even one home for those needing shelter. But we could contribute a few hours, a weekend of a few days working with Habitat for Humanity. Each one of us has many opportunities that we were designed to accomplish.

It’s the simple contributions that make the big differences. Consider Albert Mc Makin. A simple farmer leading an ordinary life. You may never have heard of him. But he’s touched hundreds of thousands of lives. He’s the one who invited Billy Graham to a revival where Mordecai Ham spoke.

Most of us aren’t going to be Billy Graham, but a lot more of us could be like Albert. Max outlines in his book, simple steps each of us can consider taking. It really brought the message home when I discovered that Max is donating 100% of his profits from Out Live Your Life products to World Vision. The back of the book contains a study guide that would be useful in a group setting.
If you want to make a difference, I recommend this book to get you thinking in directions that will help you out live your life.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com http://booksneeze.com/ book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Are You a Plan A Woman in a Plan B World?

From the beginning of time women have dreamt about their “Plan A” - the perfect husband, cute children, immaculate home, size six wardrobe, prestigious job, fabulous friends. But it doesn’t take much of real life to set in before compromises, changes and disappointments manage to cloud those dreams. The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World: What to Do When Life Doesn’t Go According to Plan encourages women to re-evaluate the Plan B route and discover the blessings of God’s Plan A.

Using nine landmines that often claim the God-given plan for women, author/speaker Debbie Taylor Williams helps women reclaim hope and teaches them how to manage those sabotaging thoughts that claim many minds. Sprinkled with humor, an obvious love for God’s Word, and discussion starters for small group study, The Plan A Woman promises to help woman believe that God does have special plans for her, even in this Plan B world.

About the Author:

Debbie Taylor Williams is the founder of Hill Country Ministries, an organization dedicated to spreading God’s Word and ministering to women. Best known as a passionate biblical expositor, Debbie uses humor and practical illustrations to communicate spiritual truths to women throughout the nation. She is the author of Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion, Prayers of My Heart, and other books. She and her husband make their home in Kerrville, Texas. Learn more by visiting her popular Web site: www.debbietaylorwilliams.com

Interview Questions:

Q1. Your book focuses on living the Plan A life God designed specifically for you. What encouragement can you give for the woman who feels she's lived far too long on Plan B? Is there hope?

With God nothing is impossible! The Spirit who moved over the surface of the deep and created light and life is the same Spirit who abides in every believer. We can live the Plan A life God has for us because Christ lives in us and He is our hope of glory. Col 1:2

Q2. In your book you talk about hazardous landmines. What are a few common landmines women fall into?

Bitterness, discouragement, being fixated on the past, fear, feeling shaken by our circumstances, having expectations of how others should act are but a few of the land mines we can experience in a Plan B world. Left unattended, these land mines can cause devastating harm to us and others. God's Plan A is not for us to ignore these land mines, nor is it His plan for us to tip toe around them. Rather, He directs us to address and de-mine them. When we do, we can walk in bold assurance, confident of the ground upon which we walk. We're able to carry out the good works and plans God has for us; those that bring purpose and joy.
Q3. Talk about your P.R.A.Y. conferences and how women can learn more about your prayer ministry.

April 2, 2008 God woke me up at 4 a.m. and told me that I wasn't doing all that He wanted me to do. He then directed me to one of His Plans for my life: to take the principles from my book, Pray with Purpose — Live with Passion, to a church in every state in the United States. He told me to waive my speaking fee and travel expenses; that He had freely given me the keys to prayer that can change women's lives; and that I was to freely take them to my sisters. P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference was birthed as a ministry of my non-profit ministry. It has been a joy to see God powerfully open doors through women who hear about the conference and pass the word to their women's ministry leader or event planner. Women are coming to salvation. Spiritual breakthroughs and repentance is taking place among believers. A "pink hearts" club is spreading across America, one composed of women and men who come forward and receive a heart on which they write how God has spoken to their hearts. And God is speaking. If I haven't been to your church/state, contact lauren@debbietaylorwilliams.com ministries, call toll free 888.815.9412, or visit my web site for more information http://www.debbietaylorwilliams.com/

4. In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I love being with my husband. Whether we go for a walk, watch the sunset, take a hike in the country, travel, play golf (sort of...I'm a beginner :), or go for a drive and breakfast on Saturday mornings, he's my honi and love of 35 years. Our two adult children and their spouses are so much fun to be with; as is our 17 month old grandson. Family, friends, sharing the Lord - for what more could we ask?

The Long View of the Big Picture

Life’s Too Short. How many times in your life have you heard that? My guess is that Steve Diggs heard it a bunch too and somewhere along the line, he began collecting the area for which life is too short to spend time and what life it too short to miss.


His book, Life’s Too Short To Miss The Big Picture contains seventy chapters of paradigm shifting thoughts and vignettes from Steve’s life. Each chapter is 2-3 pages long. Some of them will challenge you, some will make you laugh and all of them are designed to help you think about what is important.
Steve’s book is a timely reminder of some things we used to know, used to remember and things we used to do that we may have forgotten about. It’s light yet profound and serves as a gentle reminder that it’s never too late to become a better person, a happier, more loving person. It’s never too late to help others or start doing the right thing. As I read through the chapters, I found myself flipping to the next one.
This is the sort of book you could dip your toe into or take a long leisurely swim. I liked his chapter Stop Petting Piranha’s. I read the title and knew right away what he meant, having always been a bit of piranha petter myself. This chapter talks about destructive behaviors with some questions we might want to ask ourselves.
In the chapter Get Enough Rest he points out some of the pitfalls of being sleep deprived. It isn’t easy trying to get all the sleep needed to get through a day in this busy life. We are over worked, over committed and under tremendous pressure to excel in every area of life.
The wisdom contained is timeless and as refreshing as a cool drink on a summer day. It’s like a how-to manual for turning your circumstances around. A new direction begins with a single action, a step forward. If you read each chapter and implemented these changes gradually, you could be living a much different life by the end of the book.

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my written review.

What's the Connection to Transforming Power?

Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson M.D. wasn't what I expected. I thought the book was going to be dry scientific data made mildly interesting through case studies. I thought it would be packed with information for scientists and pre-med students but not laymen. But the book is concise and easy to understand even though the soul and how it work not so easily summarized and worthy of the attention.


Thompson states: "No matter how fixed your thinking or behavior is, research tells us that you can make a significant change in the way you remember your past... even though you cannot change the events of your story, you can change the way you experience your story." He begins by asking, "How well am I paying attention, to what I am paying attention to?"

Because the brain is seemingly much more plastic than originally thought, we can form new brain connections. As Thompson explains the basics of brain function, regarding their affect behavioral change, in terms accessible to non-medical students, he presents seven key points: Being known, Attention, Memory and Emotion, Attachment, An integrated mind, Sin and Redemption and Community and how these are affected by events in our lives.

He expounds on each of the points showing how each successive step is necessary the one before. He underlines it with Biblical passages and repeats himself to a small degree. Through a few well-chosen cases, Thompson shows how most were able to change their outlooks on life through Intentional Change. He mentions keeping the brain active through regular intervals aerobic activity, focused attention exercises and novel learning experiences. Thompson maintains that each of our brains constantly affects the brains of those we are around, and that a person paying attention to God can literally create a new mind within.

I found this arresting book surprising and well expressed.The book would be of interest to anyone who enjoys reading about the way the mind works, how memories affect our daily lives and those who want to heal traumas from the past. I found the book deeply insightful with exercises that are easy to grasp and a section that lists chapter by chapter questions for reflection.

Anatomy of the Soul is worthy of not only a first read, but also a second. I feel certain that the re-read will be as rich and insightful as the first. I recommend this book to anyone who is tired of spinning their tires and wondering why they have had difficulty making changes that last or that lead to a healthier happier life.


Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my written review.

Do You Have What it Takes to Make Money from Home?

Let’s face it, times are tough. Who can’t use a little extra money to help make ends meet? Making Money from Home by Donna Partow is the breath of fresh air I’d been looking for. It revived my Entrepreneurial spirit that had been lying dormant for several years.

Entrepreneurs have been around since before America became a country, but that coupled with a faith in Christ was the life blood that made this country great. Donna refreshes the idea with all the new technology that makes marketing so much easier: e-Bay, Pay Pal, direct and indirect marketing. She covers the fundamentals of each facet of running your own successful business with web addresses for additional help. From carving out space for your home office to paying taxes, Donna’s book can take you from idea to working business in clear easy to follow steps.

Tips are sprinkled liberally through out the book. Donna rounds out each chapter with questions to ask yourself and an assignment. The questions will get you thinking about your business and sharpen your focus. There are assignments that will can be as easy as setting a date to open a PayPal account or coming up with names for your business to checking into zoning laws for your home based business. 

Donna also touches on multiple streams of income, an idea that runs counter to the mainstream mentality of one job for life or working for a large corporation. Donna has been on this track for twenty years. In order to make it that long, she must be doing something right. I have read quite a few aritcles and books on this subject, and this is definitely one of the best. Want to start enjoying the freedom that made this country great? Grab this book and you'll have everything it takes to launch your new business.


Tyndale has provided this complimentary book in exchange for my honest opinion of the author's work.

 

 

 

Where Do You Look for Comfort in Times of Loss?

If death is as certain as taxes, why are we usually so ill-prepared when a loved one passes away? What do we say to comfort those who have suffered a loss? What do we want to hear when we have lost our loved ones?

Words of Comfort for Times of Loss is a compass to those being tossed upon the tumultuous waves of grief. Co-authors Liz Allison and Cecil Murphey each share insights from their personal losses as well as words of wisdom from their journey.

Michal Sparks serene water color illustrations grace each page of this 64 page book. Twelve chapters cover such important topics as getting the help needed so one can grieve the loss, feeling alone, feeling the pain and the special days like Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries. At the end of each chapter is a short simple prayer that invites God into the process.

The book encourages all who are grieving to come as they are. The authors clearly understand that a sovereign God can meet us where we are, no matter what we're feeling or thinking. He can comfort us and begin healing the heartbreak we feel. He alone can fill that void such a loss leaves in our lives.

If you have lost someone dear to you, or know someone who has, I encourage you take a moment to consider this book. It could be the lighthouse you seek, welcoming you to safe harbor.

Do You Know Patsy?

I once attended a Women of Faith gathering and was introduced, along with thousands of other women, to the spiritual firecracker, Patsy Clairmont. She reminded me of a tiny semi-grouchy neighbor who throws out one liners and comes off more comical than cantankerous and leaves you with a bit of wisdom to ponder over.

Although Kaleidoscope is the first book I've read of Patsy's it's not her first, and her inspired humor is as sharp as ever. Throughout the thirty-three chapters you’ll find plenty of little surprises, mined from the depths of Proverbs. Real gems, not broken bits of glass. I’ve come away with new perspectives on the jumbled book of knowledge.

The book could be read as a devotional, each chapter opens with an interesting title (Expiration Dates, Dem Bones Dem Bones, and Anxiety Alert to namea few) and a verse pulled from Proverbs and expanded as only Patsy can do. One of my favorite is Buggy, where she not only shares her outlook on the life of several ants, but Proverbs 30:25 which mentions them. If you're a journal keeper, the questions listed under Bits and Pieces at the end of each chapter are worth considering. And finally, she closes with several Bible quotes that bookend the opening verse.

She shares from different life points, mother, girlfriend wife, daughter and being female. In her chapter Loose Lips, and Proverbs 16:23, she lets us in on a conversation she has with her own lips. The book is uplifting and instructive. If you know Patsy, this is one book you’ll want to read. And if you haven’t met her yet, Kaleidoscope is a great introduction.

Thomas Nelson provided this book as a gift in exchange for my honest opinion of the author's work.

Where Would Women Be Without Girlfriends?

I came of age in a school rife with sniping and backbiting. To make matters worse, my home life was not much better. My only sister and I seemed to be arch enemies and my mother was her friend, not mine. My best friend Lisa was going through a rough time at home. But because of the way she acted out, my parents didn't want us in any classes together so we were separated.

Lisa and I may have been casualties of our culture if not for one other person who arrived on the scene. A social worker and mentor Mary Lou. Because of Mary Lou's intervention, Lisa and I are still friends today. But I wonder how much different life would have been for us if we had the book Why We Need Girlfriends.
Author Frankie Sherman takes us on a journey with two women: Elizabeth mother of John the Baptist and Mary, mother of Jesus. Although at times I thought they seemed an unlikely pair, how much must it have meant to Mary to have someone farther along in life to help scout the pitfalls of the journey she was on? Frankie shows how God faithfully walked them through each phase. As I consider my own history, I am amazed at the women who showed up, always at just the right time.

The study is designed to be read and pondered over the course of seven weeks. In week one, you Pack Your Bags. Each lesson interesting and insightful. Each day passages of scripture are laid out. There are questions to answer that will bring those scriptures into a new light and level of understanding. As one of my mentors used to say, "You get out of it what you put into it." I encourage you to invest the time.

In my early walk with the Lord, I didn't have a lot of girlfriends. The women I am closest to today are the ones who took the time to mentor and invest in me. Why We Need Girlfriends is like having a road map to all the best stops on your road trip. I recommend this bible study book for every woman who wants to deepen new and existing girlfriend relationships.

Whether you are just beginning like Mary, or have traveled a while, like Elizabeth, Why We Need Girlfriends helps each woman identify mentoring opportunities as she ventures through her life. It asks the deeper questions too, how to keep the lessons alive and active after you've laid down the book. I'm going to get a few more of these because I want to be sure my girlfriend Lisa gets one!

This book was given as a free gift in exchange for my honest opinion of the author's work.

Where Will You Find God?

Do you believe in God? Maybe you doubt God. Maybe you've wondered why God lets evil co-exist with good in the world? Have you walked away from God? Is God really out there? Maybe you have always believed in God. Maybe you’ve crashed headlong into circumstances that just have you second guessing that He is for you. Maybe you’re wondering is God really good? Does He really have things under control? Maybe to you, God feels as though he is far away.
Or possibly, you’ve just wondered about God. You hear the stories, seen people pray to Him and you wonder if He’s real or just hype. Is there a God? And if you wanted to, how can you get in touch with Him?

In the pages of Where is God? Dr. Townsend examines many common causes, catastrophes and disappointments that start us wondering where God is. Townsend uses personal illustrations and makes the information accessible without a lot of psycho-speak. The chapters, though at times overly long, are informative and relevant. Whether you're a non-believer, new believer or a steadfast believer, this book delivers the goods on where God is.

It is my hope that every reader would find what I did in these pages: some level of comfort and understanding. I have had some messed up ideas of who God was, thoughts I didn’t even know I was harboring. Thoughts that caused me years of unrest and doubt that led to distancing myself from Him.
If you have ever wondered where God is, this book could be what you’ve been looking for. Not only does it address several misinterpretations of God, it will lead you to a clearer understanding of His character and the many places where He can be found.
Thomas Nelson provided this book as a gift in exchange for my honest opinion of the author's work.