Friday, November 03, 2006

Strength

Strength is born in the deep silence of long-suffering hearts;
not amid joy.
Felicia Hermans

I know that I will learn from the trials that I experience in life. I know that God will bring me through these times. Why then do I agonize over them? Why do I let these trials get the best of me?

There is a wonderful book a read - I can't remember the author, but the title is "Hinds Feet on High Places". Whenever I am going through trials in my life, I think of this book. God is always there with us. He lets us go through these trials to strengthen us. I know this from the past. I wonder if, when I am old, will I find peace in my trials, knowing that God has a greater plan for me, and, thru these trials, He will give me a wonderful life.

Time Savings Tip

When you feel overwhelmed, that you cannot accomplish everything, sometimes it's best to take a time out. Relax, rest, and rejuvenate yourself!

Easy Recipe

Candy Apple Salad
8 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Cream until blended.
Fold in 8 oz whipped topping.
Mix in 3 cups of chopped apples, and 1 cup of nuts if desired.


Request

Please pray for me as I go through this difficult time in my life. Thank you.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Dreams are Reachable

One person working toward a dream is worth 99 people just working.

Lani Kraus, writer

Dreams give you purpose - something to strive for. You continuously grow, reaching for this goal. Sometimes the goal comes easily. For many, the goal seems out of reach. This is how I feel right now - my dreams are unreachable. But, from experience, I know that if I work at them, little by little, dreams are reachable! I read that -- if you write down your dream, break it up into attainable pieces, and look at the parts instead of the whole thing -- as you cross off the parts accomplished, you can see that this dream can be realized.

Nothing has come easily to me. I've had to work hard for everything I have received in my life. I'm not complaining. This has made me a stronger person. For example, I paid my way through college. Yes, I didn't get top grades, but okay grades. But yet, I appreciate what it took for me to get that degree, and it wasn't just studying. I always envied girls in my house that had brand new clothes and nice cars. I wore t-shirts and jeans, and drove a beater car. I had to work instead of party. Since I worked so hard to get through school, I know I accomplished something great!

You can also realize your dreams! It may take a lot of work and time, but, in the end, it is so worth it! Dream Big! Reach for the Stars!

Money Savings Tip

Before you use a coupon, check to see what quantity is really cheaper. Sometimes it pays to use the coupon for the smaller item.

Recipes

I need your help! I'm looking for easy broccoli recipes. I have an over abundance of broccoli in my garden this year. Please help me out and post your recipe.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Aunt Janet's Sayings

Since my mom's birthday just past, I thought it was appropriate to pass on one of my famous quotes that my nieces and nephews will remember me saying long after I'm gone. (Gives you an idea of how many times I've said this one.)

The Bible says "Honor thy mother and father" period. It does not say only if you
can go out with your friends, only if they give you money, ... It says period.

Easy Recipe

Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas

Cut up Bananas into chunks. Freeze for at least one half hour. Melt milk chocolate chips in microwave. I just melt what I need to cover bananas. You can always melt more. Dip banana chunks in hot chocolate and eat (or put on tray covered with wax paper). So good and easy!

Money Saving Tip

This is one way to save money that I learned from my dog. Use re-usable plastic containers to store left-overs. (How did my dog teach me this? She figured out how to open my kitchen drawers and ate all my plastic wrap, tin foil, and plastic bags.)

Time Saving Tip

Okay - this is your turn. Please post one of your time saving tips. I would love to hear from everyone that reads my blog!

Thursday, June 01, 2006

If there is something to gain and nothing to lose by asking, by all means ASK!

W.C. Stone


Easy Recipe

Dill Dip

1 Tbs seasoned salt
1 tsp dill weed
OR 1 Tbs Pampered Chef Dill Seasoning
1 cup mayo
1 cup sour cream

Great with fresh veggies!

Money Savings Tip

Bring your own coffee, tea, or pop to work. Think about how much you spend each day on these items, and figure out how much you would save a week, a month, a year! It really adds up.

Time Savings Tip

Wardrobe Hunt! This is one thing that I plan to do this week. Invite a friend over and go through all your clothes.

1. Find out what goes together.
2. Organize closet and drawers, keeping these items together.
3. Give away anything that is out of fashion or no longer fits.
4. Make a list of pieces that you need to complete wardrobe.
5. Remember, jewelry can change and enhance any outfit!

This will eliminate wasted time trying to find something to wear, like I am doing every morning.

Sunday, May 28, 2006

"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished"

Lao Tzu

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with the tasks I need to do. I found this quote, and it is so true. As long as I try and move forward, it will all work out. Everything that needs to be done will get done. Now, maybe, I can sit back and enjoy the nature around me.

Easy Recipe

Chipped Beef Cheese Ball

1 large pkg of Chipped Beef
2 cream cheeses
1 bunch of green onions
Let cream cheese soften. Chop chipped beef. Cut up onions. Mix all together and serve with crackers.

Money Savings Tip

Plant a garden! If you don't have room, try planting in containers. You will save on vegetables all summer. You can also can or freeze the excess.

Time Savings Tip

One thing that I had to learn is not to be afraid to ask for help. Remember, if you help others, they will reciprocate. And the task becomes more enjoyable when you have someone helping.

Monday, May 15, 2006

Live in each season as it passes;
Breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit.

Henry David Thoreau

This is what I am aiming for - to live life to the fullest.

We have been saying the Jabez prayer, and things are changing. My jewelry business is thriving (e-mail me at auntjanetjwlr@sbcglobal.net), my husband is getting more business, and things just seem to be falling in place right now. I know that this is a gift from God. (I'm still trying to figure out how to put my e-mail address in my post.)
Easy Recipe

Crock Pot Beef

3-4 lb roast (I usually use sirloin tip.)
1 large onion, sliced
1 bouillon cube per pound

Let cook on low in crock pot for 7-9 hours. Shread and serve on buns.

Money Savings Tip

Make sure to balance your check book each month. Mistakes happen and reconciling will show you these mistakes.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

For those in college, this year is over and you continue on to the next year. I am a firm believer in a good education. No matter what you do in your life, an education makes you a more rounded individual. It's the time when you start to take charge of the direction that your life will take. And being educated doesn't hurt one bit. I am very proud of you!

For those graduating from high school, I am so excited that you are going to my Alma Mater - University of Illinois - Champaign-Urbana. Go Illini! I am very proud of you, and finally I get to have some of that Papa Del's Pizza again. Yeah!!

We all have choices in our life, and there are consequences to each choice we make. If we make good choices, good things will happen. If we make poor choices, well... So, be careful on what you choose. Something might look good for the moment - it may be easier, more fun, or whatever, but the long time consequences will outweigh what made it look good. God will forgive us always, but He will not take away the consequences. You may not experience these consequences until years later, but they will come. So, think before you act!

Prayer of the Day

I know that God will help me, but help me until You help me.

Sometimes we get impatient and we want things right now. We need to learn that all things work out for our best, but it may not be exactly what we thought was our best. Only God knows what is best for us. If we give Him our problems, He will take care of them in His time.

Easy Recipe

Parmesan Chicken

Chicken Breasts - Doesn't matter how many
Mayonnaise
Parmesan Cheese
Garlic Powder

Spread mayonnaise over chicken breast so that the skin is thoroughly covered. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes or until done.

Time Saver

When loading dishwasher, put all like kind silverware in same slot. This makes putting away the silverware so much easier.

Money Tip

Libraries are a wonderful place for books and videos or CDs. Check out your local library today.

Monday, May 08, 2006

I recently figured out a couple of things about myself. I love to figure out ways to save money, become more frugal, start a business, and simplify my life. (In the near future, I hope to add other blogs and web sites that I have found in order for me to do this.) I hope that what I pass on to you will help you in discovering yourself.

Thought of the day

One of my favorite prayers is the Serenity prayer.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and knowledge to know the difference.

We cannot change others, just ourselves. It's harder to look at ourselves than others. It takes courage to change ourselves. We need to ask God for help everyday in figuring out what's ours and what's someone else's.

Easy Recipe

Crock Pot "Cheap" Roast

1 can of mushroom soup
1 pkg of onion soup mix
3 lb round steak - cut in portion sizes.

Cook in crockpot on low for 8-10 hours. Gravy is delicious on mashed potatoes.

Money Saving Tip

At the end of each day, empty change from your pockets, purse, car, or whatever into a jar. Do not use! Put into savings account at the end of each month. You will be surprised at how much you accumulated during that month.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Who will be the first to read my blog? Will it be you?

I'm hooked on blogs. I search for blogs on simplicity, saving money, frugality, making money, and recipes. They have given me helpful information. They are from other people, like me, who want a more fulfilled life. Soon, I will learn how to add my favorites to my blog. I just added the search bar!

Easy Recipe

BBQ Meatball Appetizer

1 pkg of frozen Italian meatballs
1 sm bottle of BBQ Sauce - I prefer a sweet BBQ sauce

Put in crockpot and heat until thoroughly heated. Usually takes a couple of hours.

Thought of the day

There is never a winter harsh enough to withhold the promise of spring.

Author Unknown

Money Savings Tip

Use vinegar and water to wash windows. I usually pour about 1-2 cups in a gallon of hot water, use a rag to apply, and wipe off with paper towels (less lint). Windows come out sparkling clean.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

In search of the simple life . . . trying to find serenity in the midst of life.

My first blog. This is dedicated to my children - I was blessed with many wonderful nieces and nephews. One of them recently said that God didn't give me any children because He knew I would be too busy with them. I am very blessed - I love them as my own.

Life sometimes gets too complicated. I am looking for a way to simplify my life, get out of debt, go to the basics of life. With this Blog, I hope to share my experiences, knowledge, recipes, gardening tips, "get out of debt" plans, etc. So, I'm off ....

The Jabez Prayer
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, " Oh, that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!" So God granted him what he requested.
1 Chronicles 4:10

Now for the recipe (very easy to make)

Cranberry Brisket
4-5 lb. brisket
1 can of cranberry sauce
1 envelope of onion soup mix
Put in crock pot and let cook all day. When done, thicken gravy with cornstarch, and serve with mashed potatoes. So, so good

And a bit on getting out of debt

There are many ways to make money. I've tried out several home businesses, and have found one that I love - selling jewelry! If you have any questions, please e-mail me at auntjanetjwlr@sbcglobal.net.
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