Sunday Thoughts – Pray for Jenny

A few of you may know about Jenny, a 31 year old wife and mother who is fighting for her life right now.  People literally all over the world are praying this week.  On a Facebook site set up for her, “Praying for Jenny Bizaillion,” there are over 6,600 members to date who are praying for her as well as thousands of others.

Jenny entered the hospital 17 days ago, having been misdiagnosed with the flu which was really strep.  It quickly became Sepsis, a bacterial infection spread throughout her whole body.  She has not only been battling for her life, her legs had to be amputated below the knees four days ago, and now Sepsis bacteria has entered her brain causing her to have seizures the past couple of days.

Throughout all of this, her family is staying close by and keeping their faith with the knowledge that “God is mighty to save.”   The only reason that Jenny has lived and made it this far is because of God answering the many prayers on her behalf.  Just a couple of days after being in the hospital, a doctor admitted he didn’t know why Jenny had improved but to “keep doing what you’re doing!”  In other words…pray!  Many of the prayers on her Facebook site, including mine, mention that through all of this, the glory goes to God!  God is the one who has brought Jenny this far, and whatever the outcome He will still be glorified!

 

Desserts in Moderation

Have you tried Mrs. Smith’s Blackberry Cobbler?   It is absolutely delicious!  In fact, we had some for dessert tonight, topped with Dreyer’s Vanilla Yogurt Blends (slow churned and creamy).  I don’t need an alli diet pill because we just had moderate servings, and the yogurt is low-fat and low-calorie (plus it even has live active yogurt cultures in it).   The key is eating in moderation and not having seconds and thirds, no matter how tempting it might be!

FREE Grilled Sandwich from Jack in the Box

Grilled is good!  Check out your *local Jack in the Box and see if they’re offering a free grilled sandwich with a drink purchase this coming Tuesday.  Grilled is so healthy, and you can’t beat a free sandwich.  Better yet, take someone with you and buy their drink so their meal is free.

*In Texas, offer not valid in Austin, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Lake Charles, or Waco.

In Idaho, offer not valid in Boise, Twin Falls, or Idaho Falls.  In Washington, not valid in Seattle.


What Kind of Milk?

Have you ever been reading and come across something and wondered, “What is that?”  Well, I came across something called “muscle milk” and decided to go to the site www.musclemilkreview.org to find out what is was. It’s not actually milk but rather something that body builders use. Since I’m not trying to build up bulky muscles or gain weight, this is definitely not on my shopping list. It’s interesting, though, to check out things and find out about them.

Healthy Diet

I’ve mentioned that I’m trying to eat healthy foods since the holidays, but I’m not obsessed with my diet.  I don’t follow a colon cleanse diet or anything like that. We try to eat more fresh fruits, salads, veggies, and lean protein. Whole grains such as oats and whole wheat or spelt flour are what we eat, and white processed flour is eaten in very limited quantities.  Desserts are not as often and in smaller portions.  Notice that we still have desserts.  I’ve read that people who don’t reward themselves with treats are more likely to binge and eat way too much of the dessert they’re craving.  So, basically we eat healthy foods and in moderation.

Supplements & Pills

I take several vitamins and supplements which really do help the way I feel and help my overall health.   I research supplements, though, and make sure I’m taking something that’s safe and also the right amount for me.  When taking any kind of supplement or pill, it’s good to research for side effects, for example diet pill side effectsSometimes the side effects are something most people would want to avoid.

Homemade Beef Stew in Minutes


Here’s a recipe for “Quick & Easy Beef Stew” from Gooseberrry Patch’s cookbook, Ready, Set, Eat!  Sounds delicious & like a great 30 minute meal:

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tablespoon oil  (I would use EVOO)
  • 1 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 10 ounce can French onion soup
  • 10 ounce can tomato soup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 24 ounce frozen stew vegetables

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat.  Add meat.  Cook and stir until brown and juices have evaporated.  Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes.  Serves 4.

Note:  Gooseberry Patch offers several cookbooks.

So What if We Have Wrinkles

Looking in the mirror is not one of my favorite things to do.  Too many wrinkles!  I wonder what the best eye cream for wrinkles is, or if it’s very expensive.  It’s really not that big a deal for me anymore, though.  My family and true friends will love me regardless of my wrinkles.  And you know what?  It’s a person’s personality and warmth that I notice.  I don’t care if they have wrinkles or not.  A lot of people probably feel the same way!

Take a Vacation From Sick Germs! (We Wish!)

There’s so much sickness going on right now.  I have been doing more substitute teaching recently because of it.  I feel sorry for our daughter, Christi, and her husband and two babies.  They’ve all been sick with everything from pink eye (Baby C), throwing up, ear infection, to just not feeling well because of a bad cold and/or fever.  They need to take an Outer Banks vacation to get away from all the sick germs that are at work, preschool, and everywhere!

Eating Healthy

I have been trying hard since the holidays to eat healthy and not have all the goodies that surrounded us during Christmas and New Year’s. However, I do allow myself treats and small servings of dessert from time to time. I don’t know what the best weight loss pills are since I just try to eat sensibly and healthy.  If you have a healthy recipe that you would like to share, email me.  (Go to “About” at the top of the home page to find my email address.)

Slimming Down

Those of you who’ve had babies, do you notice how hard getting rid of belly fat can be? Some people don’t have that problem, but I think they’re in the minority.  I just resigned myself to the fact that I would always have some, and it’s a reminder of our two precious children.  As far as trying to slim down some, I try to go for longer walks more often and eat healthy.