Faith Friday: "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Things don't always turn out like I'd like them to in my life. And that disappointment can threaten my happiness.  But, I'm learning that an attitude of gratitude goes a long way in how happy I am overall.  Our Heavenly Father, having made us, knows emotionally what's best for us and instructs us to "give thanks in ALL things

because it's His will for us. He lovingly reminds us that when we humbly recognize Him as the giver of all good things in our lives and thank Him for it, we set our hearts in the proper alignment for worshipping Him and we experience peace and happiness because we are focusing on His good in our lives. 

If there's an area in your life where you're 

not thankful, I encourage you to practice the discipline of swinging your attitude to one of thanks. You'll be happy you did!

With love and gratitude,

Sharon 

xoxo

Faith Friday- "Be Still And Know That I am God"- Psalm 46:10

All around us daily, the voices of the world chatter unrelenting, demanding our full attention. The urgent taking precedent over the important- our "to do" lists crying the loudest with the never ending onslaught of emails needing reading, and our cell phones constantly  ringing, as the the various social media platforms cry "Read this!" "Watch this!" "Try this!" Buy this!" "Document this!"  Have you ever wanted to just...steel away

for some quiet time and reflection?

Well, you're not alone! Although computers, cell phones, Facebook and Instagram weren't invented yet when Jesus walked the earth, the demands of the world and the crowds of people pressing in on him regularly caused Him to steal away and seek his Heavenly Father early to pray, getting centered. 

Like Christ, I find early mornings are best, before the world wakes, allowing for some blissful "quiet time" to talk to the Lord, leaving my requests and cares with Him before tackling the day. And then knowing that I don't have to fret or worry because "He's got this" makes all

the difference in whether I feel calm or harried. 

Here's to " being still, love...

Sharon

xoxo

On the run and needing a quick protein snack?

Mock deviled eggs to the rescue!

At the beginning of the week, boil a dozen eggs and refrigerate after cooling. 

Cut 2 eggs in half and place on a plate. Spoon 1/4 tsp of mayonnaise on top of each egg. Season with sea salt and sprinkle  with fresh chives. ( A dash of paprika will do nicely too.)

Eat and enjoy, feeling pampered and full!

Now, off to tackle your busy day😀

Take care, love!

What to make for supper using the last remnants of your summer garden...

Stuffed Bell Peppers!  

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan. Add the following chopped veggies:

1 small onion

2 garlic cloves

2 small Japanese eggplants

10 cherry tomatoes

1 bell pepper

Saute veggies for 3-5 minutes. Add 1 1/2lbs  of ground beef and brown until cooked, stirring often. Season with salt, black pepper and oregano. Add one 8 oz can of tomato sauce and one 6 oz can of tomato paste and fold into the meat/ veggie mixture.

Meanwhile, drop halved and de- seeded bell peppers into a pot of boiling salted water and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Drain in colander and set aside. 

Place "boiled" bell peppers in a large glass baking dish. "Stuff" bell peppers with meat/ veggie mixture. Top with cheese of your choice ( I used Colby cheese) and cook at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. 

 It's a hearty, delicious meal! (And if grains aren't an issue, add cooked rice to the meat mixture before stuffing the bell peppers to add carbs, fiber, and to feed more hungry tummies. )

Enjoy!

A cheap way to eat organic...

I know, I hear it all of the time... You want  to eat healthier, but  " it's too expensive to eat organic." Thankfully. I have found an answer to quell the objection. Drum roll please......Costco! Now before you roll your eyes, consider this. Their merchandising mix, food-wise has changed to now include organic foods. And some of these food items are the pricier ones you face sticker shock over when buying at Whole Foods. You'll find organic chicken, beef and even wild caught salmon at jaw dropping prices. And for kid's back to school snack items, the healthy choices are plentiful -like organic boxed juices, nuts, dried fruit and organic apple sauce.  I even snagged some ginger kombucha for my hubby.

You'll find the basics too, like organic eggs, sugar, butter, gluten free snacks, ketchup, olive oil, raw honey, cereals, milk, apples, bananas and more- all at warehouse prices. Now, more than ever, you have cheaper choices for feeding your family. 

To your greater health,

Sharon xoxo

Valuable tips that will save you time and money...

Eating healthy can be expensive and time consuming unless you know some valuable tips in meal preparation. Here are a few good tips:

1) plan ahead for next week's meals

2)think in terms of multiple meals using one protein source

3)creste a meal, starting with your protein source

4)use what's on hand, improvising

5)Include a protein and vegetable and perhaps starch, preferably a complex carbohydrate ( think brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, parsnips, yams, peas)

With these tips in mind, Monday's baked chicken could be Wednesday's chicken salad. Here's my chicken salad recipe:

Apple Chicken Salad

De-bone and chop leftover baked chicken and place in a bowl. Add 2 stalks of chopped :celery, 1/3 onion and 1 Granny Smith Apple. Add 2 Tablespoons of mayonnaise of your choice and mix ingrediants together. Place on romaine or other lettuce leaves and enjoy!

Rub a dub dub...

Did you know that most people use up to 9 personal products per day? And some use up to 15! That's a lot of chemical exposure. And some of those products are even know to be carcinogenic and hormone disrupting. Your skin is the largest organ in the body and absorbs whatever you put on it. That's why selecting "pure" and "safe" products are important to your overall health. 

During a trip to a farmer's market, I purchased some pure goat soap. And when my hubbie showered with it, besides getting clean and soft skin, he found out he didn't need deodorant afterward! Who knew? 

For your greater health,

Sharon xo