Blessings Come in Many Ways...

"Blessings come in many ways, but the nicest come as friends."

I know you have seen this saying cross-stitched on a pillow, in a decorative plaque or (my personal fave) in a scrapbook.  And, yesterday, I became aquainted with a new "blessing"!

There is a sweet lady that walks in our neighborhood.  She always waves and says, "Have a blessed day!"  She usually walks by my house, after my normal time to leave for work.  Well, yesterday, I was running late and she was walking my way, as I was getting into my car.  She gave me her usual greeting, and then asked if it would be o.k. to pray over my house, as she walks by each day.  "Of Course!", was my enthusiastic response.  

She then proceeded to tell me that she has made it her mission to pray over the neighborhood as she walks, each day.  What a wonderful mission!  She began walking for her physical health, and is now increasing her spiritual health...and, that of each of those she prays over!  I am so inspired!!

I am not a New Year's Resolution type person, but this sweet lady has inspired me to find a mission in the daily tasks that I perform.  Thank you, D.!  

So, what daily tasks/habits can you turn into a mission?  Pray about it, and let me know what God lays on your heart!



Meanwhile, please pray for:
     The Family of John Hausenpflug
     Brian Lemond   





My prayer for you, today, is that God sends you many blessings, and opens your eyes and heart, to recognize them all!




Joyful Blessings,

Another Chance

               Another chance to dream again;
               Another Trail to take;
               Another chance to start once more-
               New resolutions make.
               Another chance to follow stars
               That Christmas brought our way,
               To keep our aspirations bright-
               Renewing them each day.
               Another chance for greeting friends;
               There's no need for "Goodbye,"
               For old years end to bring, I think,
               Another chance to try:
               For God has plans for each of us
               Such as we never knew-
               Until we reach the Higher Things
               His love can lead us to.

                 Taken from: Quiet Moments for Women by June Masters Bacher

                 Copyright © 1979 by Harvest House Publishers

                 Eugene, Oregon

                 Used by Permission.

My prayer for this new year, is that each of us will experience the love of God, that leads us to "Higher Things".  And, as in Philipians 3:14, you will "...press on toward the goal..."

May your 2010 be filled with God's Blessings!

Blessings!

The Reason for the Season

I got the following e-mail, today, and wanted to pass it on to you.  I was unable to post the photo that goes with it, so, I have just written the words "Jesus is the Reason for the Season".  This is just a reminder...

This was such an inspiring message I had to pass it on... to YOU!

JESUS is the Reason for the Season!

As the season approaches - REMEMBER:   Jesus is Better than Santa Santa lives at the North Pole. JESUS is everywhere. Santa rides in a sleigh. JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water. Santa comes but once a year. JESUS is an ever present help. Santa fills your stockings with goodies. JESUS supplies all your needs. Santa comes down your chimney uninvited. JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart. You have to stand in line to see Santa. JESUS is as close as the mention of His name. Santa lets you sit on his lap. JESUS lets you rest in His arms. Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?" JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads. Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly. JESUS has a heart full of love. All Santa can offer is HO HO HO!!! JESUS offers health, help and hope. Santa says "You better not cry." JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you." Santa's little helpers make toys. JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. Santa may make you chuckle but, JESUS gives you joy that is your strength. While Santa puts gifts under your tree... JESUS became our gift and died on the tree. It's obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.. We need to put Christ back in Christmas. Jesus is still the Reason for the Season.

Wishes and Dreams Winner

And the winner is: angelfire!

Congratulations!

Contact me at: jo@josjourneyofjoy.com to claim your prize!

Wishes and Dreams Giveaway!

When I was 8 years old, my mother was in a car accident that put her in the hospital for the entire summer.  My brother and sister and I were passed back and forth between my Mom's family and my Dad's family, for that summer.  We thought it was a grand adventure!

My cousin Hilda and I were only 6 weeks apart in age, and we had BIG plans for our future (together of course).  We would be contestants in the Miss America Pageant, and it would be a tie, so we would reign together!  We would move to San Antonio (pronounced Santone). And, we would both be secretaries,  marry our bosses, and live in the same neighborhood, and do everything  together.

We had life figured out!  Or, so we thought.  Until, Hilda was diagnosed with Leukemia.  We were 13 at the time she was diagnosed, and she will be forever 13.  She stayed mostly at M.D. Anderson in Houston, but, would sometimes be released to come out to our farm (about 50 miles away).  In 1968, M.D. Anderson was the place that advances in cancer were happening...but, as advanced as they were, they were light years away for her.  She lived for over 6 months from diagnosis, and at that time, the prognosis was much shorter.  As much as I miss her, I will be eternally grateful for the time that we had together...every minute. 

Today, this disease has a far better prognosis, but is no easier for patients and caregivers to bear.  The cure is often as fatal as the disease.  I am having a giveaway to benefit my friend Peggy, who is running a Marathon in Nashville for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. 

Peggy's Page

Peggy ran the Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, earlier this year in San Diego.  Here is her story in an excerpt from the Team In Training Newsletter:

Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon

Cancer has touched so many peoples life’s personally and mine is no exception.  My first memory of cancer was my aunt Cynthia, who died of Hodgkin’s disease when I was a child.  She left behind three small children, who lived with my family for a short period of time, adjusting to her death. Four years ago in April, my sister, Jackie, called me; she was in the emergency room in Conroe.  The diagnosis was leukemia and they were transporting her to M.D. Anderson in Houston.  My reaction, there has to be a mistake, no way, but within one day, her life and mine were changed forever.  She was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in blast phase, the worst possible scenario.  I spent the next two weeks exploring all her options with her. This was my first exposure to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  The literature provided by LLS was so helpful and the resources for helping families were accessible immediately.

   Four months into Jackie treatment, I went in for my routine yearly exam including my mammogram.  I was 49 and had perfect reports, this time was different.  The radiologist came in to talk with me.  She discovered 3 tiny micro calcifications (they looked like pin point size white dots) on my right breast.  Her concern, that it was the early stages of ductal cell cancer, she recommended a biopsy.  I scheduled my biopsy for August 30, and August 31, I got the call.  It was malignant but in the earliest stages. I fortunately did not require chemotherapy but did have 6 ½ weeks of radiation because of the aggressive type.  My last day of radiation was the day before Thanksgiving.  Wow oh wow, what a Thanksgiving Day that was!  In August I will celebrate 4 years cancer free.

   The past three years, I have raised money for the research for all cancers with the American Cancer Society but nothing prepared me for the way I feel after joining Team in Training.  Thanks to my friend, Donice Jones, who encouraged me to join, my life has changed because of the wonderful support from my coaches, mentors and team.  I know that the journey just began this year with TNT and it won’t stop with this marathon because the race has not been won yet.  Thank you for your contributions, Peggy.

Please consider a donation for Blood Cancers!  I have signed up for another marathon in Nashville on April 24th!

  http://pages.teamintraining.org/ctx/cmc10/psharp

Cancer has touched most of us, in one way or another in our lifetime. I have only posted 2 stories here, but there are many more out there.  Two more that have touched me can be found on the following blogs:

Elijah's Story

I miss this little guy!  I miss his smiling face peeking over the pew in front of us at church...but, I will remember that smile, always!


Abby's Story 


I have never met this little girl in person, but I feel as if I know her!  Her family is very open about what she is going through on their blog.  Always trusting God to get them through.  They have a button with her story posted on their blog.




I know that this is a long post, but here is what many of you have been waiting for (because I promised to get this up this week...and this week is almost gone)!

Creative Memories Wishes and Dreams Products

12x12 Coverset

12x12 White Pages and Protectors

12x12 Kit - Wishes and Dreams

Stardust Maker

(This package is worth over $100.00!)

All you need to do, is click on Peggy's Donation Button (upper right hand corner) or follow her link (above), and make a donation!  Then come back here, and leave a comment telling me how much you donated.  You will get one entry for each dollar that you donate!  It's that simple!!  No entries after midnight Central time on Wednesday, December 16, 2009.  Winner will be announced on Thursday morning!

Love, Hugs, and Prayers!

Do You Know How to Make Meatloaf?

Not long after the Hubs and I were married, he asked me one day, "Do you know how to make meatloaf?"  I had never made meatloaf in my life, but had seen a can of Hunt's Tomato Sauce in his our cabinet that had a meatloaf recipe on it.  So, of course, not wanting him to know that I had never made it before, I said, "Sure!"

This meatloaf has become a family favorite at our house, and I eventually (after several years) told him that I had never made a meatloaf, until that day!  I kept the can to use as a pencil holder, until I finally decided to write the recipe down on paper and recycle the can (we had small children by then).  I hope you enjoy this meatloaf as much as we have through the years!

Dutch Meatloaf

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

1 C. soft bread crumbs

1 Med. onion, chopped (we prefer 1/2)

1-15 oz. can tomato sauce

1 egg

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 C. water

2 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. mustard

1 Tbsp. vinegar

Lightly mix beef, crumbs, onion, 3/4 cup tomato sauce, egg, salt and pepper.  Shape into a loaf in a shallow pan.  Combine the remaining tomato sauce with the rest of the ingredients, and pour over the loaf.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes, basting with pan juices/sauce several times during baking.  Makes 5-6 servings.



Now, you also need to know that every time I make a meatloaf, the Hubs begins quoting Jack Prelutsky's poem, My Mother Made a Meatloaf  which can be read at Scrapbook.com

Meatloaf makes us laugh for so many reasons!  And, we all need more laughter in our lives...remember when I posted the scientific study about optimists living longer?  Eat some meatloaf, read the poem out loud to your kids, and have a laugh-out-loud good time!!


P.S. - It seems that every recipe I post has a story, or a tradition, or a special memory to go with it!  What recipe do you make that has special meaning for you?



Blessings, Friends!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

My prayer for today, is that you all get to spend time with family and friends; thanking God for being sufficient!!  He fills all our needs.

Have a Blessed Day, all!