Sites Worth Visiting

Greg is a wonderful preacher. He is so cool and loves Jesus so much. He was preaching at Fellowship Bible Church in Grapevine Texas when I last visited that church. Please visit his site http://www.harvest.org/ you will be inspired.

You can watch Pastor Ed Young Jr at 7 am central time on USA today on Sundays.

This is a great site for ladies to really enjoy!
http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/

Free Annual Credit Report

To order yours for free~~call 1-877-322-8228 be sure to ask for all three credit companies.
Fraud Alert~
Equifax~~888-766-0008
Experian~~888-397-3742
Transunion~~800-680-7289

They will keep a Fraud Alert on your account for three months...then you can call again. This is one of the things this new company is doing when he shows you his social security number on tv.......you can do it for free.

FTC's ID THEFT AFFIDAVIT``1-877-438-4338
BE SURE TO FILE A LOCAL POLICE REPORT.......FILE A LOCAL POLICE REPORT FIRST or second procedure. YOU MUST FILE WITH THE CREDIT UNIONS. FILE WITH FTC 1-866-484-6978.

Tips

Save all of your change. You will be amazed how much you can save in six months or a year. If something costs $1.02.......give two ones and save the rest........it's how I have my hair coloured or buy myself something I want.

Love Is

One does not fall "in" or "out" of love. One grows in Love.~~Leo Buscaglia

It is when we ask for love and begin giving it more, that the basis of human love is
revealed to us.~~Leo Buscaglia

A total immerson in life offers the best classroom for learning to love.~~Leo Buscaglia

Too often we underestimate the power of touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn life around.~~Leo Buscaglia

People are not here to meet your expectations.~~Leo Buscaglia

A single rose can be my garden~~a single friend my world.~~Leo Buscaglia

Don't smother each other---no one can grow in the shade.~~Leo Buscaglia

Everyone needs a hug. It changes your metabolism. ~~Leo Buscaglia

If I don't have wisdom, I can teach you only ignorance.~~Leo Buscaglia

Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong.~~Leo Buscaglia

Do you remember the LOVE IS in your local paper in the early 70's? If not then you may be too young to read this site! haahaa I believe that is what it was called.
So I am dedicating this to LOVE IS!

Love is the irresistible desire to be desired irresistibly~~Louis Ginsbery

Love is blind~~Chaucer hummmm

"The art of flirtation is dying. A man & woman are either in love these days or just friends. In the realm of love, reticence & sophistication go hand in hand, for one of the joys of life is discovery".~~Marya Mannes

Pssst....When in doubt, send flowers or send flowers to yourself.

You can't have love without a little french.......if you are an incurable romantic:

Vous E`tes un ange~~You are an angel.
Sans vous je ne suis qu`un ver de terre~~I am only an earthworm without you.
Que vous fait re`ver?~~ What makes you dream?

Cela m`est bien e`gal que le soleil ne se le`ve plus, si seulement vous m`aimez.
I don't care if the sun never rises again as long as you love me.

Vous e`stes une super nana~~You are one fabulous babe.
Matourterelle~~My Dove

Mon chou~~ my cabbage
Mon amour~~my love
Mon mient~~my kitten

I once new a man that spoke 7 languages........and one was French! No matter what they are saying.........it still sounds lovely. Smile.

Romance~~is a celebration of the senses~a celebration of being ALIVE.~~Susan Branch
Some days, I am ready to live.~~Victoria

Love Is Friendship Set To Music~~Susan Branch

Notes From My Heart~~Victoria

I can't make ladies have their mamogram, I can only give a suggestion and resource. My friends daughter died yesterday, on Easter........she is now with Jesus and of course would not want to come back. She was 46 and started getting really sick March 3 or 4.....her cancer started with the breast and moved to the bone and liver. She died less than 30 days. Her mother had breast cancer in the 80's.......she never had a mamogram due to insurance. Ladies....you are in control of your bodies here on earth as far as taking care of yourself. Please.....take the simple mamogram.
For help: 1-800-877-670-CARE..........schedule yours today. This source should give you a free mamogram.

Saving your change will probably give you enough in one year to pay for your mamogram.

Grace~~Gracefulness has been defined to be the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul.~~WIlliam Hazlitt

Gifts are what a man has, but Graces are what a man is~~R.W. Robertson

A smile may only take a moment to impart, but the memory of it can last forever. Likewise, a word of forgiveness or a heartfelt apology costs nothing, yet its rewards are great. For those who receive it are the richer without making poorer of those who give. Forgiveness is everything. Grace is beauty.

To handle yourself, use your head....to handle others, use your heart!

PRAISE REPORT

Praise you JESUS! Today I was taking my son to work, his first day on the job.........and the traffic was horrible in this small town. I thought the lady in front of me had gone and I was talking to him really trying to get things out of him about his job.......I can't get his attention more than 3 mintues....and then he does not want to talk but since I am the one taking him to and from work....he needs to tell me things because I now will have to work my schedule around his..........so we were at a light and I thought the lady had driven off because she was trying to turn but she stoped and I was looking at the traffic on the left side coming at us and I drove off and chris yelled and then I hit my breaks.....JESUS YOU ARE SO WONDERFUL TO ME. YOU HEAR MY PRAYERS AND ANSWER THEM...THANK YOU LORD SO VERY VERY MUCH. The Lord worked my brakes to top performance and I did not hit that woman. It would have been my fault and it would have been bad..........be sure to pray when you get into you car for the Lord to keep you, your guests in the car and your car safe and he will! I can't believe I did that.....too much stress on me and too much traffic........I will be so careful like I always am but this was just way out of what I drive each day. JESUS WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU!

My son left Saturday night with some friends that we know and are really great kids...so I thought and so did my son. When the four of them left.....these were girls.....they went to an area of town that is know for trouble.........they went and picked up a male friend and they all started bringing out POT.......it really upset my son because they have never done this.........they were in a dark area and my son wanted out and he was very upset........they let him out in a nowhere area..........and he thank you JESUS had his cell phone and he called his girlfriend in California and then waited around 1 hour or 1 1/2 hours until his other friends mother picked him up and brought him home.

He was still upset about it Easter morning....He said he wanted to handle the situation himself because it was his problem. He also knows not to wake me up at night unless it is an emergency. I wish he had called me....but it was a great life lesson for him. PRAYER DOES WORK! I pray for a "hedge of protection" for my son each day and I plead the BLOOD of JESUS over him.........God took care of my son Saturday night and I am so proud of my son for leaving what was wrong. I told him had he been a "follower" like most, he would have stayed....he knew it was wrong..........pray for your children and believe JESUS will carry and shield them. HE is maturing. Thank you JESUS for keeping your hand on Christopher. I told him no more leaving the home with others. You just don't know what is in someone's car. AND its not the same in law enforcement.......seems like you are treated guilty first and then you have to prove that you are innocent.

Praise JESUS.......I knew that in the future I would need a new drive belt on my car. The Holy Spirit has been urging me to have this done this week. Today I went to my car repair company and had the belt replaced. I asked to see my old belt, it was so cracked I could tell that it could break at any moment. And I got a discount too. I saved $20. Thank you precious Father for what you do for me. You care for my tiny things. Don't forget....Satan pushes, God Leads Gently.

Prayers For Your Children

I am so glad my friends are participating in my blog. Linda suggested I put this topic in my blog......the first prayer is from my journal that I used to pray for my son and since I have found this prayer again......I will continue to pray this prayer.

Heavenly Father, I pray that Christopher will never forget that he is your representative at school today and wherever he goes. I pray that Christopher will be light in the midst of darkness. Keep him safe Lord.....In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Heavenly Father, let salvation spring up within my child or children, that he/she may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.~~Isa 45:8 2 Tim. 2:10

Heavenly Father, I pray that ________may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.~~2 Peter 3:18

Heavenly Father, May integrity and honesty be ______________virtue and his/her protectionprotection.~~Psalm 25:21

Heavenly Father, Please grant that ________may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in her/him.~~Gal. 5:25, Eph 5:2

Heavenly Father, please help____not to be like many others around him/her, but let him/her be alert and selfcontrolled in all he/she does.~~1 Thess. 5:6

Heavenly Father, Help my child/children to live life/lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. In Jesus name. Amen.

Heavenly Father, please instill in my child/children a soul that 'followeth hard after thee' (Psalm 63:8), one that clings passionately to you. In Jesus name, amen.

More Recipes

Chocolate Orange Smoothie
4 oz. milk
3 oz. orange juice concentrate
3 0z. chocolate syrup
9 0z. ice
Blend and enjoy!

Creamy Zucchini Soup
2 tablespoons chopped onion
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup water
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 large zucchini, shredded
1 cup (4oz) shredded cheddar cheese
In a large saucepan, saute onion in butter until tender. Stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in the milk, water, bouillon, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Add zucchini. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until zucchini is tender. Stir in cheese until melted. Yield: 4 servings. (I am going to use more chicken broth....by placeing 1/2 water and 1/2 chicken broth.)

I love many many foods. Some of my favorites are Jewish, Greek, Chinese, Italian, and French. Here is a great Jewish dish.

Tzimmes
2 pounds carrots
3 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled
1 package (12 oz) pitted dried prunes
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons of butter
2 cups water

Prehead oven to 450 degrees. Cut carrorts into 1/2 inch slices. Cut sweet potatoes into 1 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch chunks. Combine all ingredients in 4-quart casserole; stir gently to mix. Cover and bake 1 hour. Uncover casserole and bake 1 hour longer; stiring occasionally, until ingredients are tender and most of the water is absorbed. Makes 8-10 servings. I will be cutting this recipe in half. Enjoy!

Lemon Ice Box Pie
1 wafer pie crust
1 can Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yokes
1/3 lemon juice

Combine condensed milk, egg yokes, and lemon juice. Mix well. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool and add real whipping cream.

Orange Meringue Rice Pudding
Madeline's Recipe

1/2 cup long grain rice
4 cups milk
1/2 cup of sugar
3 beaten egg yolks
2 tsp. finely shredded orange peel
dash of salt
1/4 cup orange juice
3 eggs whites
1/3 cup sugar

In heavy saucepan combine rice and milk. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook, covered, over very low heat about 35 minutes or until rice is tender, lifting lid to stir occasionally.
Combine egg yolks and 1/2 cup sugar. Stir in orange peel and salt; add about 1 cup of the hot mixture to egg yolks. Return all to saucepan. Cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; stir in orange juice. Turn mixture into 2-quart casserole.

In mixing bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form (tips curl over). Gradually add the 1/3 cup of sugar, beating until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Spread meringue evenly over rice mixture, sealing to edges of dish. Bake the pudding in a 350 degree oven about 12-15 minutes or until meringue is golden brown. Serve the pudding warm or cool. Makes 8 servings. Enjoy!!

Baked Breakfast Casserole
6 large eggs
2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup of chopped ham or bacon or meat of choice
2 cups milk
2 1/2 English muffins, split and cubed
1 tsp. Dijon mustard

Beat eggs, milk, and mustard.
Add cheese, muffins, bacon or ham or meat of choice.
Pour into a single 2 quart casserole.
Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.
Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Berry Butter~~
1 cup fresh berries (stawberries or raspberries, blueberries,etc)
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 cup of real butter softened
Mix with beating mixer......I will not use the corn syrup.

Great with fresh bread or biscuts or toast.

Cranberry Honey Butter~~
1 cup of butter softened
1/4 cup of honey
1 cup whole Cranberry sauce

Beat with mixer!

Life Lessons

Stop doing anything that makes you feel bad about yourself. Have compassion for yourself. Do things that make you feel good about yourself. Pray always and read the word and ALWAYS, ALWAYS raise your hands and Praise JESUS for who he is!

Folks can't take advantage of you if you're doing what you want to do."

"If you tell a lie, you must ask yourself what you are afraid of?"

"Although the truth can hurt, it's dishonesty that can do you greater harm."

"You can't do things the easy way. "You can't get there without "going" and there isn't any such thing. You've got to pay your dues. You have to work for it."

"If you want to climb the ladder to Heaven, you've got to treat everyday as if its judgment day."

HELL:Below are scriptures to research:
JONAH 2:2,6; Job 7:14,16, JOB 17:16, Job 18:14,Job 26:6; ISAIAH 24:22,Isaiah 14:9-10,19,Isaiah 57:9-16, Isaiah 5:14-15,Isaiah 24:17, Isaiah 38:18; Proverbs 7:27; PSALM 88:4,6, Psalm 11:16, Psalm 36:5, Psalm 47:9,Psalm 74:20. JUDE 1:6,7, 13; MARK 5:1-4; TITUS 3:5;EZEKIEL 22:26,32:24, NUMBERS 16:32; JAMES 4:14, MORE TO COME.

Gasoline Tips/Automobile

Alert~~Always check the owners manual of your car before doing anything I suggest or ask a professional..

Tip: If you get chips of paint knocked off your car........from the advice of Ken my wonderful former father in law said to use clear nail polish and gently touch the chipped areas as not to rust the car. So you know ladies nail polish does not last forever and so I manicure my car with my clear polish ever so often to keep that area rust free. I love my car but in 2001 they did a really bad paint job not added as much paint when they made the car. So when I get a new one in about 6-7 years....Lord willing......mine is 6 years old now...they better have a better paint job.

Never ever fill your tank when the gasoline truck is pumping gas into the pump system. I go back the next day or the day after.

Never get to empty on your gas tank. Never go below 1/4 tank. I fill up always when I get to a half a tank. Also, I have kePT this rule of keeping my car on full since the terror attacks. If there was any kind of attack it could keep trucks from bringning gasoline into your city and that counts for food to. Yes, Jesus supplies our needs but I try to think ahead. If there is a run on the gas stations then you will be prepared. I have this thing about cars, I take care of mine and I want to always have gas in my tank.......besides if you fill up at half point......you don't stress over the amount you pay like you would if you have to fill up.....either way the gas companies are going to get our money. Make it easier on your money....also with gas prices changing almost everyday......it went up in two weeks for me around 22 cents a gallon. Ok, I think you understand about this tip.

Use the slower pressure on the nozzle when pumping gas. NEVER NEVER NEVER get gas in the heat of the day. Gas expands with heat so in the summer months you are not really getting a full tank. You get more gas in the winter. The stations don't reset their tanks from winter to summer.......or summer to winter (I believe I have this correct). In the summer I buy at the coolest time.

Get extra weight out of your trunk. Every additional 100 pounds can lower your mileage 2%.

Keep your engine well tuned and change your oil every 3,000-3,500 miles. Check your owners manual.

Check your tire pressure. I forget to do this and it costs more in gas. UNDERinflation can cause significant milegae loss. Even one (psi) pounds per square inch below the recommendation can reduce gas mileage by 3%.

Plan your trips of errands or on the road. Fuel economy and emission levels are the very worst when you first start your car and the engine is COLD. If you can drive to keep your engine warm, your mileage will be better.

Watch your speeds~~you loose a lot of gasoline going over 65 miles per hour. Keep your windows closed when you are on the highway. If you have a roof rack, remove the crossbars in you have any, they add wind and resistance.

Brakes~~treat carefully as you accelerate (sp?). Coast as much as possible on hills or approaching a stop sign. DO NOT BRAKE suddenly.

Use regular unleaded. Premium gas is rarely needed except for $$$$$$$$ cars with high-performance engines.

Prayer Requests

You don't have to post a name. I will be in prayer for you and ask others to pray also. There is LIFE in prayer.

Salvation

To be saved and have life with Jesus, see your family and friends in Heaven.........really mean it and ask Jesus into your heart...............for instructions: Romans 10:9-13.

Send me an email if you have accepted Jesus into your heart and know that when you do......your name will be written in the Lamb's Book of LIFE and the angels and all in heaven will be joyous! The greatest thing you can do in your life is to be saved~~Victoria

More to post.

Fragrance

I will be writing quite a bit on Fragrance. I worked with the Fragrance Foundation in New York by telephone and internet. Really great to know!

"I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon."~~Proverbs 7:17

"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart".~~Proverbs 27:7

Sense of Smell~~Our sense of smell is least in the morning. Our ability to sense of smell increases as our day goes on.

Everyone has their own unique odor, identity or smell fingerprint. NO two people smell the same. So when your friends fragrance smells so great...it may not on you. The average human being is able to recognize approximately 10,000 different odors. Our sense of taste is greatly influenced by our sense of smell........A woman's sense of smell is keener than a man's. This could by why he does not say you smell good!

Fragrance notes: Top Notes, Middle Notes or Heart Notes, and Base Notes.
Top notes perceive immediatley on application--they form a person's initial impression. Heart Notes or middle notes, this note comes right after the top notes dissipate--the middle or heart notes compound from the heart of main body of a perfume. Base notes--this note appears right before the end of the heart note. The base and middle or heart notes together are the main theme of perfume. Base notes bring depth and solidity to a perfume. These notes come out about 30 minutes after the application. Always tap fragrance on your wrists......if not the bouqet will be ruined. Some base notes can be effective 24 hours after application.

I used to love to wear Grey Flannel Cologne for myself. Even though it was a man's perfume....I loved it.......of course I dated a man that wore it. That cologne stayed on for over 24 hours seems like.

Oh, my goodness.....I forgot to tell you about the Fragrance Circle......I was watching one of my tv segment tapes and one of my shows was about Fragrance.

Fragrance Circle..........if you are standing......spread out your arms and make a circle around your body............take a look at the distance from your body to your finger tips.......with arms extended.......as you go around your body making a circle........in that circle is where your fragrance should end...at the tip of your fingers..........someone should be able to smell your fragrance when they enter your circle....out side that circle.....you are wearing way to much fragrance. NO wonder they are cutting fragrance out of the work place.........people wear too much.

Fragrance should only last 4 hours.......then you reapply......fragrance is not meant to be worn by putting the masses on in the am.....always have a purse size with you.

If you have dry skin, you will require more fragrance.......if your skin is oily....you will require less......and will have to apply less often.

*Never rub your fragrance on your wrists or part of you body~~tap the wrists together. It destroys the bouquet. I will tell you also the stages of the fragrance. There are three and how to take care of your fragrance.

Layering: Soap or body wash then lotion then toilet water or cologne and then from the shoulders above to your ears..perfume!

Only use perfume for one year. You can put cologne or toilet water in the refrigerator in the summer time....{never put perfume in the refrigerator}....spray a mist and its so cooling. MORE TO COME! I will also be looking for scriptures in the Bible about Fragrance..........V

Meditation

"How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly. I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!"
~~~Psalm 139:17, 18 TLB

Gifts

Herbs and their meaning.
Chamomile~~Patience
Basil~~Good wishes
Lavender~~Devotion
Marjoram~~Joy
Mint~~Prosperity
Oregano~~Happiness
Parsley~~Festivity
Rosemary~~Remembrance
Thyme~~Courage
Herbs are just a part of life.....incorporate them in your cooking and serving teas etc. You can plant your own herbs in chemical free soil and use them as you need them. You can also purchase them from a nursery. Mint is wonderful in tea and also beside a scoop of ice cream. Dress up a pot and add an herb with a note telling the person what the herb means. Give as a housewarming gift......promotion....get well....or just because....... Hopefully, giving the herb will cause the person getting the gift to take up herb growing. It is really great to watch them grow and use them. Once you get started you won't stop growing herbs.

More Healing Scriptures and Prayers

Heavenly Father,
I ask YOU, the Creator of the Universe and the Great Physician, to hear my prayer for personal healing. I believe that You want me to regain my health and strength, and I pray that You would touch me now with Your grace and power. Please forgive me of any sin and remove all obstacles from my life which could prevent my healing. If I am angry or bitter against anyone, bring their names to my mind now so I can forgive them completely. In Your mighty name, I take authority over this sickenss and ruke it. I speak to this illness and command it to leave forever in the name of JESUS CHRIST. Lord, I also recommit my life to Your service, and I will glorify You as part of my testimony. Thank YOU for hearing my prayer. In Jesus name, amen. (Prayer from brochure of 700 Club)

My son, give attention to my words; Incline you ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those we find them, and Health to all their flesh.~~Proverbs 4:20-22

He is able~~Ephesians 3:20
God wants us to call on him~~Exodus 15:26
Praise the Lord~~Psalm 103:2-3
Do miracles still occur?~~1 Corinthians 13:8-10
I came that they may have life~~John 10:10
He drove out the spirits~~Matthew 8:16
Power over demons~~Luke 9:1-2 Matthew 10:7-8
In my name~~John 14:12-13
He HIMSELF bore our sins~~1 Peter 2:24
He took our infirmities~~Isaiah 53:4-5
Fix our eyes~~Hebrews 12:2
New Life~~Romans 8:11
Read Acts 1:8
James 5:14-16 gives specific instructions
Jesus said~~Mark 11:25
1 Corinthians 11:27-32
Happened man born blind~~John 9:2-3
Pray without ceasing~~Luke 11:5-8
Miracles come through Faith in God~~Mark 11:22-24
Take up the shield of Faith~~Ephesians 6:16
Believe and not doubt~~James 1:6-7
Romans 12:1
Spend time in God's word~~John 5:17, 19-20
God gives us authority~~Matthew 10:1 Mark 11:23
The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth~~2 Chronicles 16:9
Approach~~Hebrews 4:16

More Scripture for healing:
Exodus 15:26
II Kings 20:5
Psalms 34:17-19
Psalm 103
Isaiah 53:5 57:18-21
Jeremiah 29:11-14 and 30:17
Hosea 6:1
Matthew 7:7-11
Matthew 21:22
Mark 16:18
John 15:7
James 5:14-15
Romans 5:32
I Peter 2:24
Romans 12:1-2

Letters

Letters~~mingle souls. I just wanted to give you ideas about letter writing from Alexandra Stoddard and the book "The pleasures of Staying in Touch, and from me too.....I have listed things important to me in letter writing. Now, if the stamps will stop going up.....I am so happy that I have saved most of my journals and notebooks of what I loved to do and things I did each day......really fun to read.....I have forgotten most of these things and I am glad I can see what I loved to do and now I am going to bring what I used to do back in my life gradually. Since my TBI I have missed doing so much......and I knew my life was not as complete with daily things I did. These notebooks and journals bring back the real Victoria and the Victoria I have greatly missed......my sister Debra gave me the idea for a blog and encouragement.....and she helps make sure I keep it going and up to date. So, I hope that you pick up your pen one day and write a letter or note to a friend or family member. With society today.......the manners and grand things of yesteryear have almost gone away forever. I plan to keep it going.

Keep boxes of cards on hand so you can send at a moments notice. I buy some of my boxes cards from http://www.christianbook.com/ They really have great bargins. You have to really serach in the Bargin area.

We have never talked together the way we have sometimes in letters. A letter gives us time to reflect and compose our thoughts without interruption or distraction. In letters we can watch each other's life unfold moment by moment. Horace Walpole once sail: I never understand anything until I have written about it. Letters really are windows to the soul. Letters are a gift of your time and affection, which makes them very rare and special, but they also give back a great deal to the writer. Byron observed that "one of the pleasures of reading old letters is the knowledge that they need no answer". Letters do require a little effort.....but you can rest and take the time to think and jot a note. You will feel better after writing a letter and the joy it will bring to the person receiving the letter will be so worth it. Writing exercises your mind. A letter lifts spirits and will nourish the soul. What a nice treat for someone to go to their mail box and receive a letter or card. I do that each day......I hope to get a letter or card Write from your heart.

Grace notes:
Have pretty stationary on hand. Set your area or desk with all that you need to write letters. Keep the area uncluttered. Stamps, paper, ink well (sometimes I write with a a glass pen and ink well) different color inks.....I use my fountain pens with my inks.....and I keep on hand my wax sealing kit. Letter writing is really a ritual for me.

Send your own notes on blank cards you don't always have to buy a card. In the wintertime sit by your fireplace if you have one. The fire crackling. If you give a book, write a note inside your book as you give away as a present.

Attach a pretty stamp inside a letter you send to someone so the receiver can send it on to a friend. Sprinkle some perfumed dried flowers inside an envelope. I sometimes use my dried wild flowers. Save beautiful stamps to always have on hand so you can at an moments notice send a note. Decorate a large envelope with pretty stickers. If you ever deliver a letter by hand or invitation seal with wax.

Apprendre a` amier (Learn to Love)

When I am down to my last piece special paper or note cards I save it and then I keep in a pretty rose folder.......or butterfly folder and save......its fun to go back and see the pretty paper I have collected.

ALWAYS send a thank you note when someone does something for you......its rude not to.

Write a loving letter to someone you have not seen in a long time.

Address your envelopes and stamp them before you begin to write your message so you have a pure, burden-free time.

I love sending post cards too.

Collect US commemorative stamps..they are fun, history, and they are American.

Sit up straight at a desk so the muscles in your wrist and arm work to help the flow of words across the page.

Save all good letters and notes with envelopes in flowered hat boxes. Opening the lid is such pleasure to look through all you have saved. RIBBONS.........when I get mail in that I don't have time to open I place a pretty ribbon around the letters/mail and read later on in the day....When I save letters I always place pretty ribbons around them. I like to make everything beautiful and I hope this year I can get back to that in my life. Day at a time.

Be sure and keep your fountain pens clean and dry and away in their boxes when not in use. I am such a fan of fountain pens....one of my clients saw my pens (many have been lost, boo hoo) anyway he gave me his dad's 1959 Fountain pen with gold tip....its in perfect condition. He passed away a few years ago.....what a treasure he gave me and I think of him everytime I use it. He was such a nice man.

More to follow!

THINGS I LOVE LOVE LOVE

Jesus
Family and friends
Cotton and Natural Fibers
Pins, my salamander, my starfish, bumble bees
Scarves
Pur Water Filter, Pitcher
Soups
Bee Alive Sweet Energy
Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar
Chanel cosmetics/Dior/drug store
Pears yes but I meant Pearls
Evian Spray water for face
Q-Tips
Latex free sponges for makeup application
Salmon
Mixed baby organic greens for my salad (Sam's--great buy $3.99)
Fruit and salads
Lipsticks--when you have a bad day, don't cut your hair, buy a new lipstick! You will feel better.
Flowers
Pink, pink, pink
Night Lights
Bliss
Candles, Candles.....100% Soy/lead free wicks and Olive Oil Candles scented
Bronze Statues
50 First Dates the movie (about a brain injuried lady and a man that loved her).

Tea with honey in the wintertime (hot tea) "Teapot is on, the cups are waiting, favorite chairs anticipating, no matter what I have to do, my friends, there's always time for you"~~unknown author
Hot Cocoa with whipping cream
Pretty socks

Blank journals so I can write, write, write and Fountain Pens.
~~Why do I use a fountain pen, I once jotted down? The pleasure of holding a beautiful pen~~the work of a fountain pen is more pleasing to the eye than a ball point~~the ink flows~~its a sensual experience of writing a letter. woo......I guess the s word is fine to say.

Beautiful stationay--Carol Wilson is my favorite. I love embossed stationary.

Hankies.......pretty hankies........all cotton or linen and I prefer hankies from the past in mint condition. My friend Colleen surprised me one day with beautiful hankies from her husbands Italian aunt and possible grandmother......what a nice surprise. Martha and Bettylee give me hankies to and I am so thankful.

In Memory

Cynthia Guyse, mother
Ray and Evangeline Burris, grandparents
Audra Czarnikow, great aunt (preacher, author, poet, songwriter, works still sung today)
Houston, Sr. and Mable Guyse, grandparents
Laura Burris, great grandmother
Doris Jean Coston
Mr. & Mrs. Coston
Michael Ransom~~so special to me.
Donna Martin
Mr. Klein....who gave me my TV Show name, BeautyMaven....maven means expert in Hebrew.

My Family

My dad and mom Houston and Sandy
My precious sisters, Kim and Debbie their families to follow.
My precious brothers, Londall and Vance , their children to follow soon.
My Uncle, Aunt..... Rev. Melvin, Raynett, John, Laura, names of their children to follow.
My cousin Pam and Bo, children to follow.
Ken and Madeline
Vince, Deanne, Maryjohn, Lane, Taylor
Dianne
Aunt & Uncle, Earl and Lora Cervantez
Aunt & Uncle, Johnny and Laura
The above Lora and Laura are twins....married to brothers who are not twins.
I will work on the list but today its too long for me. I am getting tired. I have to really think about names in my family and friends.....I forget so I am adding them as I remember.


Family of Choice (I will write names down as I think of them or look in my address book. I can't remember....sorry)

Lynn
Ruby
Beverly
Bettylee
Linda
My friends at church (names to follow)
LaVerne
Martha
Medrith
Marty
Tommy
Kim and Chad
Jordan

HEALING SCRIPTURES

"If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened`"~~Psalm 66:18

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Please heal me from this_______, I receive healing in every organ and cell and every function in my body. In Jesus name, amen.

"The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness."~~Psalm 41:3 (When I am not feeling good I leave this scripture open in my bed.)

Feeling unworthy to approach God for healing~~Matthew 8:17

Power of the Blood~~Micah 7:19

A new creation~~2 Corinthians 5:17

Health of Christians, take communion~~Luke 22:19 and 1 Corinthians 11:28-31

Communion in the bible is recorded in three gospells: Matthew 26:20-35, Mark 14:12-31;Luke 22:1-23.

The Canaanite woman--Matthew 15:21-28
She would not take no~~she kept asking JESUS for her daughters healing and the daughter was made whole.

Matthew 8:16
Acts 14: 7-10
Exodus 15:26 I Peter 2:24

PRAYERS

I received a letter from Nancy Cole the author of TAPESTRY OF LIFE......years ago, she was praying for me for a soul mate...not yet.....and maybe never but that is fine I am so content with my life. I am going to call her prayers that she has written A Tapestry of Life too and so the prayers you see in this section are from her book.

Tapestry of Life
Father, (I say Heavenly Father) help me to cast down every imagination--every thought that is not profitable for me to hold onto. In the name of JESUS, keep me from letting my thoughts wander; help me to train my thoughts according to Your Word. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Father, I thank you for creating me in Your image. Help me to be perfected into the image of Jesus; help me t see myself as You see me - not as I see myself, or even as the world sees me. Then if there are things I must change, show me what those things are - and give me the courage and the discipline and the ability to make the changes. Please heal me from a poor self-image and change my perspective into Your perspective of me. I thank you, Father, that You can do through me what I cannot do alone. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Father, I desire to develop the art of gracious living. In Jesus' name, I ask You now to fill me with the grace of your dear Son, that I might in turn be gracious with others. As You teach me, Lord, help me to be willing to use what You teach me in my daily living, in a way that blesses my family and others. In Jesus name, I thank You for hearing and answering my heart's prayer today. Amen.

Father, Help me to be all that I can be, to change what I can change, and to accept the identity You gave me. I know there is no one like me so please help me to accept myself, single, in the state in which You created me. Take all frustration from me, and all fear. Give me the grace to wait, in purity, for that special one You may prepare for me to marry. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

Father, please direct my steps according to Your Word. I desire to wait on You, because only You know what's best for me. Please give me patience, and guide me toward the future You have planned for me and away from paths that will take me in other directions. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

"Hevenly Father, thank you for the privilege of having influence on the direction my arrow flies. Please always keep my Target in front of me in Jesus name I pray, Amen". Victoria (2004).

Prayers of the Bible:
Cain for mercy~~Gen. 4:13-15
Abraham for a son~~ Gen. 15:1-6
Abraham for Sodom~~Gen. 18:20-32
Hagar for consolation~~Gen. 21:14-20
Rebekah for understanding~~Gen. 25: 22-23
Manoah for guidance~~Judges 13:8 ( great read to finish chapter)
Samson for strength~~Judges 16:29
David for help~~1 Samuel 23:10-13
David for a blessing~~2 Samuel 7:18-29
Samuel for wisdom~~I King 3:6-14
Jabez for prosperity~~I Chron. 4:10
David for grace~~Psalm 25:16
Daniel for knowledge~~Daniel 2:17-23
Leper for healing~~Matthew 8:2-3

A few of my prayers from my journals:

Each day pray for Israel and the Jewish people and Peace in Jerusalem. Pray for Israel's service men and women.

Father,
I refuse to be afraid of this weapon the devil has brought against me; because I know that according to your word, it can not prosper. I trust you to protect me and I thank you for it now. In JESUS name, Amen.

Heavenly Father,
Please stop every path of temptation, In JESUS name, Amen.

Each morning I always pray the Lord's Prayer and I plead the blood of JESUS over my son and others; our schools and public places and our churches........etc.

Heavenly Father,
I confess that I don't understand the depth of love you display for me. I am forever indebted to you for your selfless gift of love. Thank you, In JESUS name, amen....Victoria

Heavenly Father,
It is hard to imagine the depth of your love for me. Thank you for dying for me. Lord, forgive me for doubting you and your care for me. I know that no matter what I am facing you are beside me and carrying me, giving me the strength and wisdom I need. In JESUS name, amen.

Heavenly Father,
In times of difficulty you are my strength. Thank you Lord for your gift of salvation and for your guidance each day. I love you, In Jesus name, Amen.

Heavenly Father,
I don't want to be held captive any longer by resentment or bitterness. I forgive________ and ask that you would free me from the bondage of unforgiveness, In JESUS name, amen.

Heavenly Father, please cleanse me and cover me with your blood~~please forgive me from anything and everything that will hinder me from the Holy Spirit or doing your work and will. Thank you Jesus for all you have done for me. I will not fear, thank you for my healing. I am your vessel God, and your property.....please use me in JESUS name, amen. (unknown author).

Heavenly Father, I want to know what you are teaching me. If I can't know at this time, I trust you with all my heart. As time goes on I know you will reveal to me what you are teaching me. In JESUS name, amen.

Single Living

Selfconfidence~~Stay pure and clean! IT will make you feel so very good about you!

CHASTITY~~ Though you sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure
heart.~~2 Timothy 2:22

The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation.~~2 Peter 2:9-10

Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with
their mocking, following their own lusts.~~2 Peter 3:3

For a time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.
~~2 Timothy 4:3-4

For by these he has granted to us HIS precious and magnificent promises.~~2 Peter 1:4

Rich and temptation.~~1 Timothy 6:9

But the things that proceed out of the mouth,~~Matthew 15:18-19

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed.~~James 1:14

Chastity Is: A special help from God that enables me to recognize my sexuality as beautiful and good. Respect my sexuality and my fertility and control my sexual powers, control my sexual thoughts and desires. Live my gift of exuality the way God inteneded. Save the gift of myself for marriage love and resect my spouse. ~~Chastity Calls.org

Chastity Is: A gift from God for every person in every state of life. A powerful virture. A foundation for real intimacy. Pure of mind and body. Protection of my dignity as a human person. Freedom to love.~~Chastitycall.org

Yes this is from the Diocese of Memphis...........I pray all churches will stand for Chastity!

Chastity Is: Sexual goodness. Sexual self-control. Never using another person. Good for me. Good for my soul. Good for the people I love. Pleasing to GOD.

Is there something I should abandon so that we can have a closer relationship
with God? {Philippians 3:8-10}

IF WE SEEK GOD, WE WILL FIND HIM.

Spending time with GOD leads to intimacy....Psalm 1:2

God wants us to have a clean heart and pur motives......Matthew 5:8

I have been saying for years.......Don't make a permanant decision in a temporary situation.
That fast decision can change your course for life.

Leave the door of your heart open to God.

If you don't want the memories of bad things, don't make unGodly decisions.

Our words can change our outlook..."I have a bright future, good things are in store for me.
I will beat the odds....with Jesus".

GOD can't tolerate sin, and he expects us to stand against it. The world needs Christians who will stand for JESUS truth and to point people toward "right living"......Revelation 2:10

When we take part in an activity that we know is wrong, we may make excuses to justify our behavior--saying it isn't as bad as it seems, or that it won't hurt our faith. JESUS CHRIST has strong words for those who look for excuses to sin. If anyone is facing difficult problems, remember, that the power available to John and the Early Church, is also available to us..........
~~1 John 4:4

Victory is sure for those who resist temptation and make loyalty to Christ their top
priority!

Both in church and our individual lives, we must constantly fight against the temptation to
become loveless, immoral, lenient, comprising, lifeless, or casual about our faith.

When we attempt to control our lives and disregard God, we set a course that leads
directly to hell........Revelation 1:17-18

Relationships~~you either contribute or contaminate a relationship. You need to take another look at where your relationship with your mate is going. Your a carrier if you bring in your past. We all come with a history.....but remember JESUS forgives our past and we are white as snow and pure.

Chaste: Pure in thought and act. Innocent of unlawful sexual intercourse.
Purity in conduct and intention. Remember we are too weak to do the kind of business
that only GOD can do!

People that keep bringing things up are needing reassurance.

God's design for single living~~Romans 12

God is concerned about single women and men. If you are single, look up Isaiah 54:1-8; Jeremiah 49:11; and Hosea 14:3, and let your heart rejoice that God is looking out for you!

STOP Do not settle for less than what you want...in a relationship while you are dating. Psalm 37:4 is the Desires for your heart. Dream big in your life. Make a list of what you want in your future mate and pray for God's will in your life. Pray before you make your list for Jesus to show you what you need in a mate, REMEMBER it can take you months to complete your list.

You want the will of God in your relationship. Do not be with anyone that is not following JESUS CHRIST full time. You need a full-time Christian. You can always tell by what they say and mostly what they do............keep your guard up......and never think you can change them.......I know there are times when a woman or man has married and the spouse was saved........many times they are not and they will take you from God. You don't think they will but they can and do. Don't date someone and expect them to change who they are the longer they are with you. Take them for what they are from dating and know that is the way its going to be...........don't put yourself in a situation that is going to tempt you sexually. More on sexual sin later! STAY PURE! Once you are saved you are a new Creation in JESUS CHRIST........you are white as snow..........don't keep on doing the sins you were doing before you surrendered to Jesus Christ.

Fully surrender to Jesus knowing that you will never be able to take on life with out our Lord and Savior. Lose your pride and bow to Jesus giving him full authority over your life. He will give you more great things than you could ever understand. Be patient James 5:8.

Sex before marriage~~premarital sex is repeatedly condemned in scripture.
Acts 15:20
Romans 1:29,
I Cor. 5: 1, 6, 13, 18
I Cor. 6:18-20
I Cor.. 7: 1-2 and 10:8
2 Cor.. 12:21
Galatians 5:19
Eph. 5:3
Colossians 3:5
I Thes. 4:3
I Thes. 5:22-23
Jude 7
Psalm 145:17-21
Rev. 21:8

GUARD YOUR HEART, MIND AND BODY. Do you want confidence~~avoid sin. That will give you confidence.
God only approves of sex between a husband and wife. This is the only sexual relations God approves of.~~Hebrews 13:4
God does not want to rob of us of sexual pleasure, he created it, but he wants to protect us of all the consequences sex before marriage brings. God loves us! And the bondage that you receive from this sin....is unbearable.

Sex outside marriage is immoral.
Matthew 15:19
1 Corin. 6:9, 6:13, 7:2
2 Corin. 12:21
Galatians 5:19
Eph. 5:3

Grieving the Holy Spirit~~Eph. 4:30. Anyone who has made the mistake of having sex outside marriage can be forgiven......I believe you then stop the sin and live the life Jesus requires so you can have a place in Eternity. Even if the mistakes result in pregnancy and illegitimate birth~~1 John 1:9.

Marriage and sex~bring your troubles to God~~Cornith. 7:3-5

I am going to be writing a lot about sexual sin. I want all to know that you can be PURE again. Some people call this virgin #2.......that is not for me........I prefer to say CLEANSED AND PURE. No matter how long you have been having sex outside of marriage, no matter how many partners you have had............repent and live for Jesus. To me, being pure again is the most wonderful feeling. No matter what your age.....you can be PURE again. Purity......the way to live being single. I will also be talking about choosing the right partner. More to come!

RULES FOR HOLY LIVING
Colossians Chapter 3 & 4 Please read this and keep in your mind.

Recipes

*Spaghetti Salad
1/2 pound Sapghetti (wheat) cooked and drained
1 large Zesty Italian Dressing (lite or fat free would be great)
McCormicks Salad Supreme to taste (DO NOT USE MSG-ever) find I have not tried this
1 onion chopped (or without)
2 tomatoes chopped
1 cucumber chopped
1 green pepper chopped (or a red or yellow pepper or all three--just make it contain 1 total pepper)
Mix all together 1 day ahead of time. Keep in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Tip: Use a bit of lemon juice in your chicken soups.

Tip: Add real vanilla to your store bought cool whip....

*Strawberry Bread
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups mashed strawberries, drained and juice reserved
1 1/2 cup cooking oil (I will use olive oil, if I can ever bake this)
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup reserved strawberry juice
8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, sugar,cinnamon and salt. Make a well in the center of mixture. Gently stir in strawberries, oil and eggs. Pour into 2 greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Bake 50-60 minutes. Cook on wire rack. For a topping, blend reserved strawberry juice with cream cheese. Drizzle over cooled loaves. (recipe from Nancy C. Berzinec, A Taste of Strawberries.

*Apricot-Strawberry Salad
6-8 pitted and sliced fresh apricots
1 1/2 cups of stemmed and halved fresh strawberries
3 kiwi, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup of apricot nectar
1/4 cup of flaked coconut, lightly toasted
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint

In large bowl combine all ingredients; toss and chill. Makes 5 servings. (Adapted from California Strawberry Commission.)

*Fruit Parfait
1/2 cup of canned or fresh peaches, drained
1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese
1/2 cup Post Raisin Bran cereal

Place peaches in 12 oz. cup; top with layers of cottage cheese and add cereal last. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!

*Cranberry Mousse
1 can (16oz) jellied cranberry sauce
1 cup cranberry juice
1 package (3oz) cranberry or raspberry Jello
1 cup of heavy whipping cream, whipped

In a large saucepan, bring the cranberry sauce and juice to a boil; cook and stir until smooth. Stir in Jello until disolved. Cool slightly; transfer to bowl. Refigerate for 1 hour or until mixture begins to thicken. Fold in whipped cream. Spoon into dessert dishes. Chill for 3-4 hours or until firm. 6 servings

*Crab Spread
1 (8oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped dill
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
2 cups lump crabmeat, picked over to remove any shell

In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, lemon juice, dill, and horseradish. Mix well and stir in crabmeat. Store in a coverage container in refrigerator until ready to serve. Serve the same day. Makes two cups.

*Apricot Glazed Carrots
4 cups small baby carrots
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/3 cup apricot preserves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons lemon juice

In a medium sauce pan, cover carrots with water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender. Drain the carrots and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, preserves, salt, orange peel, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well. Add mixture to the carrots and stir thoroughly. Serve warm.

*Tropical Carrot Salad
2 cups grated carrots
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 (11oz) can of mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup grated coconut
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 (8oz) sour cream

In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots, cranberries, oranges, coconut, pineapple chunks, and sour cream. Mix wiell and chill. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

*Perfect Lemonade (makes 1 1/2 quarts)
6 cups water, divided
2 cups sugar
1 bunch lemon balm (hummm)
Juice of 2 large lemons

In a medium saucepan, combine 3 cups water with sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and simmer until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; add lemon balm, cover , and let sit until cool. Strain mixture into a large pitcher. Add remaining 3 cups of water and lemon juice. To serve, pour into chilled glasses and garnish with lemon balm if desired (if you can find it) I will let you know if I find some.

*Fresh Strawberry Soup
2 cups fresh sliced strawberries
1 cup of milk
1 cup of heavy whipping cream
1 cup of sweet white wine (I will not be using this)
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of honey Garnish with additional whipping cream

In the container of an electric blender or food processor, combine all ingredients. Process or blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl. Chill. To Serve stir well.

My Journal

March 26, 2008
Friday was bitter-sweet for me. I saw my brain doctor who has taken care of me almost 5 years. He has seen me every two weeks.....once per month.......every two months......every three months.......every four months then every 6 months......He took so much time with me........he really cares for me. HE could have only had me one year.......but he wanted to make sure I was taken care of. That is patient dedication. He has traveled my journey with me. Now, he wants to only see me once per year. Wow.....I have come a long way in just five years......I am going to miss him.......but I told him that he would be hearing from me. When I talked to my network of traumatic brain injury survivors all over the world....they said they never had seen a doctor that much and for so long. Thank you Jesus for giving me a doctor who cared for me and wanted to make sure I could make it.........Thank you Lord for carrying me through this journey so I can give you the GLORY.......Thank you for loving me so very much...more than I can understand. What satan meant for harm is turning out for great! Only because of you O' Lord. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

Now, I have a new road to travel on......I still have a long way to go...and I will never be the same but I have more life now than I did, I truly believe. I will get stronger........with Jesus carrying me. I am so very blessed.

March 18, 2008
Today I was productive for those that love soup. Like Progresso.....they have really great selections except the really best has MSG...so today my campaign in life was to let Progresso know that they need to cut out MSG.......that poor girl, I told her why we should not have MSG.....if they remove MSG then they can advertise NO MSG and that will bring them more sales.I do believe.....You know, I will always be selling......whatever I love..I sell it.......that no one can take from me. I just don't make the money now. Jesus has blessed me in my finances. He sees to it I can take care of me and help others too when I can.

July 2005
I am not the same woman I used to be~~I've suffered, and I have felt my share of pain. Yet, miracles happen everyday. Not one time did I get angry with God and ask why about my injury. I only got discouraged today.....I only have Jesus to hold on to. Nothing in our life is WASTED if we love and serve God. Everything that happens to us is for the eternal purposes of God.~~~Victoria~~~Notes from my heart!

Caffeine intake~~I sure miss my buzzes on caffeine. Every once in a while, I take in a cup of coffee that is half caffeine and half decaf. What a treat and it feels great to have that buzz. I stopped caffeine intake because it steals your bones from you. I love with cocoa or flavoring and mounds of whipping cream.

I spend my days in prayer throughout the day praying for my family and friends and needs sent to me by others. We are supposed to pray for others and I am so glad that I spend so much time in prayer. I noticed yesterday that I need to add me to those prayers too. Please as you pray for others, don't forget to pray for you too.

Beautiful day today........the song birds greeted me today........so precious is all the beautiful things God made for us. Today, look at all the details in nature that God gave us. Remember, no matter how big the giant we are faced with today, GOD is much bigger and he cares for each one of us. And always show LOVE for others no matter who they are.

I am going through things from my past, journals and tons of notebooks. I am so glad I have kept journals from my life before the injury. Many of the posts are from my notes from years past. I have many papers so I can copy from what I have written in my past to share on this blog. I hope my notes will help others. Also its great for me to read again.

My journal notes from January 2003.......decorate.......check on Serwin Williams primer and Choose paint. Must measure. Purchase pretty fabric for hard cover books. Place a tall book then a small book and then a tall book. Pick up an empty frame and beautiful fabric to place in frame. Have sheets monogramed.............take a pretty lace table cloth and place neatly on bed. And I worked too......I sure kept myself busy then.

Health

There are so many things we can do to take care of ourselves. Praying for our health is number one and thanking JESUS for all he has done for us. I was reminded today about our bodies being the Temple of the Lord. I always pray for purity in my food....I thank the Lord for the blessing of food he has provided. My friend was talking about maybe praying a different prayer for our food.......like for us to not over endulge the food.......Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in us....(1 Corinthians 6:19......(I will be thinking about all that we discussed and update this.)

Foods in the bible: Here are foods full of nutritional value that are spoken of in God's word. These notes and list of foods taken from "Bible Foods for Life" from Benny Hinn.

Fish~~~These you may eat of all that are in the water: whatever in the water has fins and scales, whether in the seas or in the rivers~~that you may eat.~~~Leviticus 11:9

Tips on buying fish. Fresh fish must be shiny, bright, and bulging. If it smells fishy don't buy it. If the scales are shiny, the fish is good. If you touch leaves an indentation in the flesh, don't buy it. The flesh should spring back. If the fish has not been kept on ice at 32 degrees, don't buy it. It is likely that it has already begun to spoil.

Fish to avoid: shark, swordfish(due to high mercury, levels and pesticides) raw fish (due to tapeworms or other parasites), and shellfish. American Heart Association recommends that the average adult have at least two servings of fish every week. Pregnant women...talk to your doctor before eating fish. Even tuna.

Beans~~"AndJacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils, then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way".~~Genesis 25:34 Read Ezekiel 4:9

Dr. Don Colbert has made a list of health benefits of beans. They are high in vitamin C. One cup of cooked beans daily is recommended to help prevent heart disease and to provide: 6- 7 grams of fiber, potassium, iron, and thiamine. 12 grams of complex carbohydrates or starches. 17.9 grams of protein.

Leeks, Onions, and Garlic~~~"We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic".~~Numbers 11:5

Water~~"For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills."~~Deuteronomy 8:7, Genesis 1:2, Exodus 17:5-6, Numbers 20:7-8.

Cucumbers~~"We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons."~~ Numbers 11:5

Apples~~"Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, so is my beloved amonth the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste."
~~Song of Solomon 2:3

Nuts~~"Take some of the best fruits of the land in your vessels and carry down a present for the man--a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds."
~~~~Genesis 43:11

Additional healthy foods are tomatoes, and yogurt per Dr. Colbert. Plus I am sure many many more. This is what the book stated as foods from the bible.

Instead of buying the Clairitin (sp) over the counter...ask your doctor for a prescription of the generic and you only pay $4 instead of $12.....Thank you Walmart for giving us $4 medicine.

Drink clean water......buy a Pur Water Filter for your tap or in a pitcher for better water. The taste of your water is great and you will drink more. Be sure and get your water intake in each day. Drinking too much water can kill you.......be safe in how much you drink.

For sickness and disease that can be prevented~~~~please have your tests done. I was diagnoised with Osteoporosis in 2006. I am standing on the word of GOD for my healing. I will be taking my bone test this coming November. Please men and women have your Bone Mineral Density Tests done. Always after 50 but I suggest before 50.......have a test done in your 30's to get a baseline of your bone growth and eat more alkaline foods rather than acid foods. Most of us take in acid foods.........you can go to GOOGLE and search for alkaline foods vs acid foods and it will bring up a list of foods. The good things we like are acid foods but we need to eat both just less of acid. Osteoporosis can be PREVENTED.........not much was not about this disease until about 20 years ago. My grandmother had it and I was always so very thin...not now......anyway....be sure to take your Calcium Citrate, Vitamin D3 and Magnesium. These are really important.........my dose is Calcium citrate 1200mg a day (you have to divide to 500 mg at a time) Vitamin D3 1200mg a day and Magnesium oxide 500 mg a day. You have to talk with you doctor, if you can find one that really understands Osteoporosis. Visit the website of National Osteoporosis Foundation........www.nof.org

Be sure to have your breast mamogram each year and your pap too. Help with breast mamograms 800-670-CARE .........free help.....These tests can save your life. I will be giving a list of things to avoid to cause bone loss and by the way stress can cause your bones to grow weak.....also NO SODA's.....they eat your bones and no drinks with carbonation.....these eat your bones to nothing.

Beautiful Living

Our homes are our palaces. You will note that in some of the quotes I love its about the home. Clutter is something I have to tackle and its not fun. Paperwork clutter around my coffee table really exhausts me. They are papers that I use all the time. My notebooks to write in, I love to write and Christian magazines and letter from friends.....to do list.......I need my own office....not at this time....my precious son is with me. When he does venture out in his world, I will have room to maybe fix my paperwork. It is not horrible but much to messy for me. Staying on top of doing all the dishes and washing clothes is full time work. I want my home to have comfort and be a place to welcome others to visit and have tea or hot cocoa.

Monogrammed terra-cotta pots....you can do this by stencils.

Refresh a clear glass vase by adding tiers of ribbons in the center. Let the ribbon colors overlap each other. Use colors that go together. Use double-sided tape to hold them in place. Trim the ribbon ends neatly to finish the project.

Clean out your tin cans and dry. Use beautiful wallpaper or gift wrapping paper and cover your tin cans.....they are great for pencils and paint brushes....all things that are easy to grab. You can choose cans of different sizes to and set in your workroom.

Dry a dozen roses hanging them upside down in a cool dry place or by using silica gel.

Sachets are great in your drawers.

Use your lace hankies or pretty hankies for potpourri.....place your potpourri in the center of your hankie and tie up with pretty ribbon. These make lovely gifts too.

When you travel take a sachet and place on your hotel room door.

Sachets are nice if you have a desk too. Or use Lavender sachets in your bed pillow.

Bowls of piled high fruit on your table in a crystal dish.

Have a glass of filtered water.

No yard.......grow your flowers in pots......wild flowers grow great in pots and so do mini roses and many types of flowers.

Use beautiful fabric in your frames to decorate your bedroom or bathrooms or any room you choose.

I used to be big with making collages............beautiful papers and calendars from Victorian Calendars made pretty trash cans, trunks, luggage.........room dividers.......use Modge Podge.

Decorating tips: place bows or ribbons in glass containers..I love Madori Ribbon....it is organza ribbon and its really beautiful or a nice satan ribbon is very pretty too.

Here are some of the things I like to do for my home: Every room should be a welcome to enter.
Fresh flowers.........even one flower can give great attention. And flowers to bring an added smile. Fresh fruit in a pretty crystal bowl and even you glass containers in your refrigerator for lemons and limes and veggies if you are going to eat them pretty fast. I like for the inside of my refrigerator to look pleasant too. Right now though.........there is BBQ sauce and Ranch dressing along with milk and juice. Hopefully soon I can place pretty things to see and eat in my refrigerator.

My notes to give you are not going to be in order. This will be tips that I have recorded in my journals before my head injury. So these things I did when I was in Little Rock. I hope one day to be able to return to the palace I once had. haha

We don't have to have money to create beautiful things for us. One of my favorite authors is Alexandra Stoddard, who bring beauty into everything. I have her books and I will be writing things she does each day to make her day special and you will get into these "rituals" as she calls them and it will become second nature. Little things we can do to bring on a smile and less clutter. Alexandra calls "Rituals" a term for patterns you create in your everyday living that uplift the way you do ordinary things............I feel in love with her writings after I read this. It truely is the little things that bring a happy face to us. I am in no way discounting Jesus, this is just little things for ourselves and in our homes. She said "Special events should be exclamation marks in our lives, but Ordinary days need to be celebrations too". How true! Because we are alive each day because JESUS gave us life today also. So we should celebrate life each day.

Little things that mean alot:
Placing food pretty on a plate.....sit at the table and use cloth napkins, tablecloth and nice plates and silverware. Take this time to reflect on the day by making your tablesetting really special even if you sit alone. It does make a difference.

Take walks and refresh yourself.....walk as much as you can.
Take a few minutes to be alone several times each day. Breathe deep and relax.

Pick up some pretty buttons and give your blouse or jacket a new makeover.

Spray your cologne in a box of stationary, and put the lid back on. When you write a letter you will be a welcome surprise and the recipient of your letter will enjoy it as well.

Plan your wardrobe around two or three basic colors for each seaon, get colors that go together..

Keep a notebooks so you can record your child's words.

When you feel blue....go to the bookstore and have coffee or tea and find books with beautiful pictures of art.

Line the inside of your closet door with art postcards....I did this in Little Rock and it was great to see beautiful artwork each time I opend my closets.

Be 5-10 minutes early for your next appointment so you can relax before you visit.

Make your own quotation book. I do this and everytime I see a quote or read a quote I copy down in my Quotation Journal.

Have a special basket for you mail......or place all your mail together and tie with a satan ribbon and open when you have set time aside to read your mail and pay bills. Setting time for bill paying and using pretty pens and pretty stamps.......you can enjoy at least writing in pretty colors.

Line your drawers with pretty paper.

Use pretty paperclips. Mine are french clips and they are round. Really neat and people love them when I give them paperwork with my clips.

Be sure and buy your hose during the sales two times per year.

Use a pretty letter opener.

When you are ready to toss your fragrance for a new bottle......put the bottle in your lingerie drawer or socks drawer.......old time pj's.

Serve tea from a porcelain tea pot. Serve in bone china cups.

Buy some new dishtowels..in pretty colors.....watching a budget....go to Kohls, I love them for dishtowels and buy while on sale. They always have 50% off. Use the worn out ones for other cleaning needs. Buy one or two each month.....and soon you will have new pretty dishtowls. Your old ones are tired.

Serve my Stawberry soup recipe in a silver bowl.

Put eggs in a wire basket in the frig.

Hang a string of garlic on the wall and use it.

If you bake an Apple pie and are having guests over......after baking pie put on rack to cool and set next to a pile of apples on the counter.

Keep butter in a pottery crock.

Serve green grapes with Roquefort cheese on hard pumpernickle rolls.

Add red radicchio lettuce to a green salad and cut up goat cheese to sprinkle over the top.

Make toast, cinnamon toast..butter, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and place back in the toaster for a few more minutes.

Make yourself breakfast at dinner time. Don't for get to add a selection of jams and marmalades.

Keep a peppermill handy.

Save your pretty fragrance bottles for instant vases of tiny flowers or use one big flower.

Purchase new pot holders...discard the old ones..they are too tired to keep.

Use your coffee table by placing a pretty tablecloth over it and serve tea or coffee or hot cocoa and invite friends over to chat.

Picnic outside, use a pretty quilt as your table cover.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on popcorn.

Spruce up your back splash in your kitchen with some hand painted french tiles.

Serve chicken salad in scooped-out vegetables, such as acorn squash, all kinds of veggies you can pack inside..........I think red peppers or yellow peppers would be great too.

Keep a journal by your bed.....when you wake in the night.....jot down your dreams or thoughts.

Be sure and turn your mattress once a month and be sure to switch the head of the mattress to the foot on odd months.

Use natural wicker baskets in your home in your bedrooms and bath.

I love having a cotton rug next to my bed. The feel of cotton on my bare feet. Such a treat.

A pretty lace table cloth is great to place on your bed..........you will need to decorate with it to show the beautiful presentation.

If you own your home you can refresh your rooms with adding new hardware.

Rocking chairs are awesome.

Take a look in a Kaleidoscope. Buy one and place on your bedside table.

Put a beveled edge mirror in your bathroom. The light will give this mirror such beauty.

Buy a thick terrycloth bathrobe. ALL cotton. Cotton breathes...........

Use ribbon some use grosgrain ribbon tied in bows to hook through the grommets of the lining over the shower rod.

In the summer time....add lemon slices to your bath. Ask you gyn doctor first. Really refreshing.

Start buying new towels. Kohls again, has a towel called THE GREAT ONE and I love them. Sometimes they have $10 for 3..........as you add new towels....discard one or use a cleaning clothes.

Don't throw away your old magazines. Take to your car service department or give to friends. Friends first.......many people love to look at magazines from months past....I sure do.....don't throw away.....give to someone ......even nursing homes........great gift idea for person who is at home alot.......give them a magazine subscription.

Make a date with a friend or friends and bake some goodies to take to someone sad or sick.

When someone is sick I make a pretty collection to put in a pretty, sack, tin or basket. Put pretty tissue paper in the container.......soups, hot cocoa, organic teas in foil, pretty napkins, oatmeal, coffees, cough drops, magazines, crackers, fruit..........mints and cotton socks...............drop this off to them and I promise they will be so thankful. Watch the MSG in the soups..avoid that

SMILE you will always feel better smiling.

The next time you read a great paperback......buy two and give one to a neighbor or friend or just give a gift card for $5 or $10 from your favorite and your friend can choose her own book.

Send a love letter through the mail to your spouse, boyfriend or child.

Volunteer.

The next time you go to a museum, buy two sets of postcards; put a ribbon around one and bring the cards back to someone to enjoy the museum at home.

Use the word Love all the time.

A lovely gift for men.......monogramed hankies.

Coffee today is really just dessert. Hot Cocoa is also a dessert today. Give your hot cocoa and coffee more elegance using your bone china tea cups and saucers. Be sure to end your drink with a mound of whipping cream.

To sweeten coffee, dress up the sugar. Sprinkle colored sugar crystals into the sugar bowl. You can also make your own decorated sugar cubes by using colored icing and by pipping your icing onto the sugar cube with different shapes of decorating tips. Or you can buy them at a speciality cake baking store and add them to your sugar cubes with frosting as your glue.

Use brown sugar in your coffee along with chocolate chips....this would be great in hot cocoa too. Use a cinnamon stick as your stirrer.

Next time you make corn bread.......use in individual heart tins......adds a spice of love next the your favorite soup.

Beauty

Beauty Tips that work for me and others: Some tips are by Diane Irons
Lips have three components: Pigment, Emollients and Waxes.
Pigment determines the color.
Emollients carry the pigments to the lips.
Waxes gives the lipstick shape.
The formula~~matte, creamy, and stain. Matte is a flat look. This can be drying to the lips.
Creamy is just as it states. Gives the most coverage and looks great when first applied. Stain, does have moisturizing ingredients. Stain only gives a tint of color and wears off very fast.

Use a neutral lip pencil before applying you lipstick. Using a lipstick brush will allow your lipstick to stay on longer.

To change the color of any lipstick, apply yellow eye shadow on the lips as a primer. This will make any color warmer. Make sure the eye shadow is safe to put on your lips. Needs to be natural.

Create your own lipsticks by mixing other colors. Many times the lipstick I am wearing is from mixing.

If you lipstick bleeds, apply lipstick first and then line over the lips to set. This is harder to apply this way.

Always apply gloss to the center of your top lip for a more pouty lip.

A little red or orange in the center of your lips makes them look fuller too.

Here is a tip for darker colors.......after applying your lipstick, pucker lips into an extreme O. Cover your finger in a tissue, and poke it into your mouth. Twist away any excess color that will always end up on your teeth. This really works.

If your lips are not balanced then use a lighter colored lipstick on the smaller lip.

To keep lipstick on while you are eating, keep lips off the silverware. Use your lower teeth and tongue to do the work......(I hope you find a man that does not care that you don't always wear lipstick, haha).

Don't be in a hurry and perform these tasks: Liquid eyeliner, false eyelashes (who wears those?), plucking eyebrows, lip liner and foundation. Always check your foundation at a window or bright light to make sure its even. I always go to the door to check my foundation. It always look different when you are out of the poweder room.

Bronzer is really great but you have to be really careful you apply wisely. I think you whole body needs to be taned to really look great. If it is then you can apply as eye shadow, finishing powder for lips, it can soften eye brows, and bronzer is a great powder to set your makeup.

Mascara~~discard in three months and if you keep in your handbag........one month it needs to go to rubbish. The heat can cause the bacteria to grow even faster and never ever add water to your mascara and do not PUMP your mascara wand.......getting air into the container will cause bacteria to grow fast. To me the mascara brush needs to line up with your lashes. If you have very thick lashes you would use a different mascara brush than someone who has sparse lashes.

Powder~~I can't really wear powder the way I use to since I am older. Brush powder only in the center of your face........your sides rarely need it.

If you are wearing white......keep a piece of chalk in your purse or glove box.....you can cover the stain with chalk but I would only use if I were going to be seeing people from a distance. Like giving a speech. Haha If you get a fast pimple use eye drops that relieves redness...it can help with the pimple causing the redness to disappear.

If you are around the house and need a scrunchie, cut a leg from old pantyhose and use that to tie you hair with. (Just remember to remove before you leave your home.) If you loose a piece of jewelry or the back of your earring........get a pair of hose that has runners in it and put on the end of your vaccuum hose and you will find your missing piece and it will stay on the end as long as the vaccuum is on.

If you loose the back of your earring and can't find the missing post cover, use an eraser. This will take care of you until you can replace the missing pieces.

Hair spray can help stop runs in your panty hose. Be careful if you have sensitive skin.

If you have any teething rings from your children, you can freeze and put them on your eye to reduce puffiness and give the appearance of well rested eyes. Be careful not to get your eyes to cold and use this at your own risk.

Always keep double sided tape in your glove box in case your hem falls. Can also take other things on clothing.

I use a toothbrush to lightly brush my lips to remove chapped skin and it does plump my lips for 3 minutes......haha

Beauty, so much more to come! I will share as look back at my journals and things I read that most don't have time for.

Soon I will be talking all about the ART OF SHAVING! Yes, shaving legs can be a nice ritual.