Good Old Fashioned Values Shouldn't be Old

I went to Wal-mart this morning and as I walked around I would say "Good Morning" to the people that I would see, very few spoke back; but this didn't bother me or strike me as odd.  As a matter of fact, had everyone that I spoke to spoken back, I would have been quite surprised.

What I have come to find is that people aren't as polite as I recall them being years ago.  I am from the south and maybe that makes a difference, at least that is what I have been told.  When I was growing up you spoke when you crossed someone's path.  Acknowledging and greeting someone was the norm and was in fact considered an insult if you did other wise.  Even when walking down the street, if I passed in front of someone's home and they were outside I was expected to say something.

It is a little sad to me that people don't do those things.  Even if they don't reply, a smile or a kind nod would be fine.  I am raising my boys to have the same attitude as I did when I was younger and still have today.  I challenge you to do the same.  Imagine how much more pleasant this world would be if we acknowledged and greeted everyone that we would see.

I will continue to greet those I see and offer them a smile as I go through my day.  My hope is that it will start a small change that will encourage all the "old" things to become new.

I hope that your morning is a good one and that you can spread "good" as you go about your day.  Good morning, good afternoon, good evening and good night.

Sheryll

No Time Like the Present

Have you ever said that this year would be the year you read though the entire bible? Then months pass by and you still haven't started, so you plan to wait until the beginning following year.

Well I would like to challenge you to do what I did the other day, start now.  Don't wait for January to roll around again to start.

If reading the entire bible is something you want to do, then start today.  I simply set up a reading plan through YouVersion and I was on my way.  If you are not familiar with the way it works, here is what you do: go to the site, just choose a plan from the ones available and it sets up a calendar for you.  If you miss a day, just click "catch me up" and you are back on track.  

The plan I chose is the Discipleship Journals Book at a Time .  I chose this plan because many of the other plans mix up your reading between different books in the bible and I personally don't like that.  Choose what you like by looking at samples of each one.  The key is to just start doing it.

Let me also say that although reading through the entire bible in a year is a nice goal to have, don't pursue it just to say that you did it.  This was honestly my first reason for wanting to do it, but I realized that this reason alone would not keep me doing it.    

I want to truly know God and I know that the way to do that is through reading His word.  I prayed and asked Him to change my focus.  So, I now have a new desire for wanting to do it.  Additionally, my prayer is that God will continue to use me to share with you what I learn through the time I spend with Him, reading His word.

I am ready for time spent with God to become a daily habit.  Will you join me?

Sheryll

Recipe Review: Self-Crusting Quiche

I love cooking and trying new recipes, so when I came across a recipe for a "Self-crusting Quiche" I figured I would give it a try.

There are times when I want a quiche but don't have any pie crust in the freezer nor do I feel like attempting to make one so I decided to try this.

I did adjust the recipe a bit by adding in what I had on hand.  I also split the recipe in half  and used two dishes that I got from the dollar store.  If you want to make a large one to fit into a pie pan just double the ingredients listed.

2eggs
1/2c milk (I used 2%)
2tbs butter (melted)
4 slices of deli ham (the original recipe just called for ham)
1 1/2c shredded cheddar cheese
1/4c of diced seasoning blend sautéed in a little oil ( this came from the frozen bag that I use from Wal-mart)
1/2c Bisquick ( I used the heart Healthy kind)

I combined all of the ingredients into a bowl adding the flour last and then baked in the oven at 325 degrees for 20-25 minutes.  Just check it around 20min to see if a toothpick inserted into it will come out dry.  If not leave it in and check after 5 minutes.  Note that if you are placing all of the mix into one dish baking will take longer.

I asked my boys how they liked it and there were mixed reviews.  One said it was good because he doesn't like pie crust and the other said he preferred the pie crust.  I agree with him, I thought that it was okay in a pinch but I would also rather use the pie crust.  To do that you can use the same ingredients that I have listed here minus the Bisquick and prepare it in a pie crust.  Remember to double the ingredients if you are going to do this.  I would love to hear how it turned out.  Enjoy!

Sheryll

Walking the Walk

If you have seen my latest status updates on Facebook then you have noticed that I mentioned using a DVD to walk mile after mile in my home.  The DVD I refer to is one of many by Leslie Sansone in her "Walk at Home" collection.

I first used this DVD in the earlier part of the year, and although I enjoyed it I didn't stick with it. I wasn't focused at the time on being committed to my health, but that all changed.

As you may recall, in June of this year I decided to make some permanent life changes to help improve my overall health. In addition to making better food choices, I also began exercising at least 5 times a week.

I was doing 30min on the treadmill when my husband suggested that maybe I do some aerobics to help change things up a bit for me.  After going back to my old DVDs, I realized that I was no longer interested in them.  This led me to giving Leslie's DVDs another try.  My goal was to purchase one so I decided to borrow some from the library and see which one I liked.  I am still in the process of making a final decision since I have about 9 on hold that I still want to try, but so far my favorite is "The Ultimate 5 Day Walk Plan".

Almost all of the routines on her DVDs use 4 moves: high knees, side steps, kicks and of course walking.  She throws in some other moves as well and picks up the pace.  I find them to be a fun and different way to walk.  I also love that she does mile markers which allow you to stop or keep going.

The DVD that I mention above allows you to create your own workout and she even includes some simple strengthening exercises.  I didn't find the strengthening exercises that challenging so I used another DVD for those by Denise Austin.

While I continue to search, I am enjoying the variety and it is keeping motivated to walk each day.  Who knows, I may continue to borrow them from the library even if I invest in one just to keep things interesting.

Sheryll

Updated: Life Unedited: Parenting

I have never written a post where I just write.  I am always trying to make sure the grammar is correct and that everything flows and makes sense.  Although those things are important, there are times when I want you to just know me without the editing.  I have decided to do that from time to time. I think I will call it, "Life Unedited" and follow that with a simple label like you see in this post.  These posts will be spur of the moment, "this thought just crossed my mind" or "this situation just happened", kind of posts.  I am nervous but also looking forward to doing this; because to me, just putting yourself out there at times "unedited", is what it's all about.

So here goes:

Do you ever feel like you don't know how to do this whole parenting thing?  I mean just when you think you have it all figured out something happens that make you realize that you don't.

I feel like I can never make my middle son happy.  He seems to always want to do the opposite of what his brothers are doing so he feels no one wants to play with him.

A minute ago we were having snacks and he decides to check to see which plum he wanted by removing some of the peeling, apparently the ones with the dark flesh are better.  Once he found that one he gave us all the other ones.  I made him give his away to one of his brothers which of course brought tears.  Earlier he was bothered because he didn't have anything to do and wouldn't take any of my suggestions.  I can't win with him and I don't know what to do.

I know that my kids won't always be happy but he seems to always be unhappy for one reason or another.  I just can't figure him out. Lord, help me.

Sheryll

Update

I realized after I relaxed a little bit that the above post may not get the point across that I was trying to make.  I was reminded of the scripture that says, "Everything that is permissible is not beneficial".  Although speaking 100% freely is okay, without adding how to resolve the situation leaves this post benefiting no one. My overall goal in writing is to let mothers know that they are not alone in how they feel and in the situations that they come across.  In addition to that I want to also be able to help moms become better and encourage them on their journey.

I realized that the above post told you that you were not alone, but it gave no encouragement nor did it say what to do when you get overwhelmed in this case or others that are similar.  Therefore, it was not beneficial.  I also realize that if my son were to read this, he would feel as if he is a problem and he isn't.  I love the fact that he is different and I never want him to go along with the crowd just for the sake of being with someone.  To me this shows that he will be a great leader one day.

Here is the benefit that I want to offer.  When you have a moment where you feel like you just don't get your kid stop and really think about who they are and you will realize that you do get them.  Embrace their differences and what makes them who they are and show them how to fully be all that they can be.

Sheryll

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The Visual Verse - Philippians 4:6

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