Dyeing Marbelized Eggs for Easter 2012

                           (above photo is from the Internet and a STOCK photo)

This year I went around on the Internet looking for a combination of different ways to dye our eggs.  We found a number of articles that shared the way that we wanted to do them.  We did buy a PAAS set so that I could have the wire from there and the stickers!

I really don't like the idea of dyeing eggs if the dye is somehow able to seep through to the egg (which I do remember from my childhood!)  Call me the "new generation of health nuts!"  I wanted to use the wire egg holder from the PAAS kit but that was all I needed.

First I found an incredible article and way of dyeing the eggs using Kool-Aid packets from Learning2Coupon.com  The way that you do this will be explained in the directions to follow.   And then I found another article called "Coloring Easter Eggs with Ingredients from the Pantry," from Pam Freeman of Laura's Lean Beef's Blog, "Smarter Bytes,"and used her directions for the Marbled Eggs.  And I will explain this with the directions to follow.  There's another article that I found called "Dyeing Eggs with Food from Your Pantry," from The Bitten Word but I didn't use any of her instructions but feel that her article is also worth checking out for yourself to use if you're interested in that method.

Marbled Eggs My Way

1.  Dozen hard  boiled eggs cooled or chilled.

2.  Your favorite "colors" of Kool-Aid   (I used four and did a couple of combination dipping).

3.  White Vinegar

4.  Canola Oil (I used Extra Virgin Olive Oil since that's all I had on hand!)

5.  Sturdy cups for the liquid dyes

6.  Wire egg holder from the PAAS kit (or make something yourself!)

7.  Toothpicks

Pam's secret to success in her article is "how quickly you insert and remove the egg after stirring.  The longer you wait, the less dye will adhere to the egg."  She shares how you can combine the colors when she shares, "Also, you can dye an egg with one color, then dry it and use this marbling technique with another color for some really cool results."  I suggest you follow her directions as they really helped us!  Pam also explains a Tie Dye Egg which is really cool, I just didn't have food color on hand.

Instructions:

1.  Fill cup with 1 Tablespoon each of white vinegar, canola oil and dye of choice

2.  Then fill cup with warm water (enough to cover egg)

3.  Stir (I used toothpicks for this and one for each cup)

4.  Dry egg with paper towel (I used one paper towel per egg color so that I wasn't bringing any color from one towel to the next egg being dried.)

Our finished eggs (we only did 6 because I need a lot of eggs to devil later today!)  Two pictures to show them on their sides as well as from the top!  From the top:

From the side of the eggs in the basket!  I love this shot.

If you have any links from your blog that you would like to share to be added to this article or just want to leave them in the comments, let me know in a comment or write to me at carolyncavies@yahoo.com and I would be happy to add them!  HAPPY EASTER!

Spring 2012 How to Save Money Writing and Coloring Contest

Saving money is not just about adults using coupons when they go to the grocery. It's way more than that. Just ask the kids! With gas prices rising, food costing more at the grocery and the price of living always getting higher, many families are talking about saving money. Now it's time for the kids to share their knowledge and get a shot at winning some great prizes.

Spring 2012 How to Save Money Writing & Coloring Contest

Coloring Contest

• For all kids age 3-5 who haven't mastered their writing skills.

• Download the coloring picture here or here

• Create your best colorful masterpiece.

• Take a picture or have your parents scan it in. Email your picture here

Writing Contest

Theme: Kids must give their best ideas for how they can save money in their real life. We all know that you can use a coupon from newspaper. Be creative. Think outside of the box. How else can you save money?

• For all Kids age 6-12

• Entry must be at least 5 full sentences (no more than 250 words)

• Must be handwritten and legible (not typed!)

• Once you have it done, take a picture or have your parents scan it in to the computer.

• Email it here.

Contest will run from April 1 - 30, 2012.

ALL Participants will receive a printable certificate of participation in their parent's email box once the contest is completed.

What will happen to these entries?

Starting in May, each entry will be randomly featured on the participating blogs all over the country. Who knows? Your child may have his entry be read my thousands of people who want to know ways to save money.

Why is this contest so important?

Our kids need to learn now that saving money is not just a necessity; it can also be fun, cool and rewarding. I want our 3 kids to grow up being financially intelligent and responsible. I want them to avoid making the same mistakes that many of us have made.

Teachers: Feel free to use this contest as a writing prompt in your class. We all know how important writing skills are. This is a great opportunity to motivate them and offer them tangible rewards!

Let’s all work together to help our kids learn ways to save money in their real life!

Click here to see all the cool prizes!

Adults can win a prize too!!! We know that the kids can't do this contest without you. Click here to enter!

***Both coloring sheet piggy bank images were drawn by Sheila McCoy just for this contest! Thanks Mrs. Sheila!!!

Contest is open to US entries only.

http://hobbiesonabudget.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/writing-claw-2-300x242.jpg

http://www.hobbiesonabudget.com

Character Quality Project for April 2012: Loving Communication

                               from HelloGiggles.com

I started with having a Character Quality for each month back in January, 2012 but because I was offline for the months of Jan-Mar. 2012, I was not able to post them here.   This month I decided to make a goal of being more patient with my husband and friends and then I thought that something that I should really focus on would be more loving communication to my husband and family and friends.

If your friends were asked to categorize your communication, what words would they use to describe how you communicate? Would you be recognized as a person who speaks carefully and gently? Or, would your testimony be one of harshness and a quick temper? Often, our thoughtless and ill-timed words build a reputation for us that we would never want to own. Gentle responses, in any situation, can help to heal, restore, or simply assist in meeting the needs of the moment. Harsh words, on the other hand, will take the same situation and produce anger and wrath. If you recognize that you are prone to sharp or harsh responses, take proactive steps to change your negative communication. Spend time with the Lord and ask Him to help you to hate your harsh words and to love speaking gentle words of healing.

 Proverbs 15:1 NIV

"A gentle answer turns away wrath,
   but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Personal Goals for April 2012

I have been using my  "My Prevention Day Calendar 2012" (which is a wonderful day/week planner with incredible tips and information about food and such that helps so much) to do my weekly planning but I wanted to do more to this and make monthly goals so I'm starting today with them.

Oh and I also use Cozi (from the incredible Fly Lady) on my computer to type these out and work on them.  I highly suggest using this free help!  And if you don't know who the Fly Lady is, well here's a way to meet her and see if you want to become more organized with daily, weekly, monthly goals for cleaning your house!  Ugh, something that I can't say that I follow real well.  But I'm trying anyway!  Just click on the word Fly Lady and you will be taken to that page.

Cozi (since I mentioned it) is incredible!  I really love that I can send notes from it to my husband's computer or to his cell phone.  Nothing like bugging him while he's trying to drive.  It's a text message.  Other features on Cozi (and I use the free ad driven one, can't see paying for it just to get rid of ads on the side which I don't notice!)  are "to do" list, monthly calendar, and weekly calendar, Shopping List, and Meal Planning (my entry about Meal Planning can be read on this blog from 4/2/12). 

TO DO:

complete meal planning week by week

reorganize pantry 

take canned and bagged food and drinks to Food Bank

freezer cooking

read 2 unread magazines and recycle

clip coupons 

create banner for Conversations With Carolyn FB group

create banner for Doing Random Acts of Kindness FB group 

create inventory for Avon products

have a yard sale for the $1.00 Avon products

find a PSP program type that I might be able to use for free

READ:

Read a daily entry from "Sanctuary" by David Jeremiah 5x/week

Journal an entry from my reading 5x/week

read a novel on my Kindle

LEARN:

memorize 10 verses from my verses given in my daily devotions.

set up the printer for this new laptop
1-2 new crafts this month and make at least one project to give to someone else

BE:

a more patient wife and friend (I'm not asking God to teach me patience, mind you!)

What are your goals for April?   Do you have any suggestions for this blog entry that would be helpful to me in my endeavor to be a more organized woman?  Thanks!

Getting back on the Meal Plan Wagon

The above meal plan is real easy to use!  But! The link led to a page error.  Darn...

Personally I have been using this one that works real well for us:  http://www.passionforsavings.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Weekly-Menu-Plan.pdf     And for grocery shopping I use this:  http://www.passionforsavings.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Shopping-List-Plan.pdf  

Before you can use the above you need to download the free Adobe Reader.  Here is where you can get a free copy!

The above two printable downloads work so well for John and I.  He does the shopping (does all that pushing of the shopping cart and carrying the bags to the car and up the stairs to the kitchen) and we make up the shopping list together so he knows what items I am talking about when I write them on the list.  I'm so thankful for him doing all the grocery shopping!   Sometimes I will go along for the walk but most often I just stay home and wait to help with unloading the groceries.

If you are reading this and are wondering how to get involved in coordinating your coupons with your shopping and more help with couponing in general then this place is wonderful for you to visit and learn how to do it all!  Passion For Savings is the best spot I have found on the internet so far! (I'm not saying that other great places don't exist out there.)   Just click here to go and learn!  Passion For Savings.

Meal Planning has saved me so much money in buying groceries.  My grocery budget is very healthy at this time!  I really like the first meal planner that is on this page and may try that one for awhile to see if it is better than the current one I use.  We're able to have left-overs for lunches and that saves time in meal preparation and gives me more time to do other things.

Feel free to use the comments to ask any questions, share links to meal planning and grocery lists that you use and enjoy.  That will really help other readers here.  Thanks! 

My 52nd Birthday! March 31st, 2012

Birthday Graphics

Wow, 52.... time does fly!  I had a wonderful birthday celebrating with my husband.  My family does not live close to me so I had to celebrate with them via the phone and that was nice too.  I also chose this day to be my dog's birthday so Sandie turned 10!   She acts so young and not even close to acting like a 10 year old dog.    So for Sandie....

Happy Birthday Graphics

Well to catch you up with what I did for my birthday...  I received a brand new HP laptop from my husband since my old laptop was dead.  He made me so happy!  And a dozen red roses and a bear with candy.  What a total sweetheart he was.   We also had a buffet style big dinner from the Chinese restaurant on our dinner table in the kitchen.  Sadly, we left the room and Sandie decided to help herself to the dinner and polished off the soft noodles and the expensive walnut chicken.   John is such a sweetie and is replacing the noodles and chicken tonight for dinner to try this again without running interference from Sandie!

GUEST BLOG entry: Kristin Hodnett!

It's January, the time of year when my normally empty gym has a wait for every treadmill and my small Weight Watchers group has turned in to Grand Central Station. Somehow, the new year has convinced those who had only weeks ago committed to holiday gluttony with mind, body and soul that they can turn it around and get in shape.

I've said before that I don't like the word resolution. It usually brings a negative image to mind, a vision of this grand plan that we start so filled with hope, only to come crashing down a few short weeks, or even days later. Listen, I'm not here to discourage you. Change is good, weight loss is better, and I encourage you take inspiration and motivation wherever you can find it. Weight loss is a tough journey and you'll need it. What I want to do is share some things you need to know to make weight loss a lasting resolution you won't find yourself making again next January.

Know Your Mind

I've worked with nutritionists, personal trainers and wellness coaches who swear that the majority of weight loss is whatever their expertise is, be it diet or exercise. Both are important, but I've found that the true key to weight loss is making a mental shift. Before you can put the chocolate cake down and pick the hand weights up, you have to first change your mindset. It's easy to make temporary changes with sheer willpower, but as Jillian Michaels has often said, "willpower is nothing more than a fleeting moment of bravado." If you want your weight loss to be more than fleeting, it has to start in your head. You have to be able to make the tough decision between your goals and your cravings or to drag your butt off the couch when you would rather curl up in your Snuggie. Work your biggest muscle first (that's your brain) to see lasting changes.

Know Your Why

I'll be the first to admit that I've set many a shallow weight loss goal, even some not quite as shallow ones like to be a skinny bride. However, once I bought the dress and it fit, there really was no reason to try lose anymore, right? Then I would just have to have it altered and that would be a waste...so with ten months left before my wedding I had already found the perfect excuse to give up. That's why you need to dig deep to find the real reasons you want to lose weight. Are they yours? They better be, because someone else's are not going to motivate you for long, even if they have your best interests at heart. While there's nothing wrong with wanting to look good in your bikini at the beach you may find that playing with grandchildren, participating in your favorite activities or kicking diabetes and insulin to the curb will really keep you going when the going gets tough.

Know Yourself

If you're reading this, you've probably dieted in the past, and you've probably lost and gained the same 25 pounds more times than you can count. Although it may be painful, look back at why those attempts didn't work. Did you eliminate carbs when pasta is your favorite food or commit to run a marathon with bad knees? This is about you, and it has to be for you. Your goals and plans have to draw from your strengths, eliminate your weaknesses and fit into your lifestyle. Like clothes, weight loss is never one size fits all, so don't just go with what worked for your mom or your BFF. Take time to develop a lifestyle and habits that work for you.

Know Your Plan

You don't assume projects at work will run themselves or that your kids will finish their science project without guidance, so why would you assume weight loss would be any different? We all know the saying - if you fail to plan, plan to fail. It's a popular saying for a reason. Set a long term goal and chunk it down to bite size pieces. Use this as your guide to weekly action items to keep you going in the right direction. Write them on a dry erase board, your blog, or your Google calendar. I hate to use another cliche, but goals not written down are just wishes.

Know Your Limitations

Think ahead about what your biggest obstacles will be. You don't have to gaze into your crystal ball and predict the future; this isn't your first rodeo. You know what your limitations are, and being honest about them is the best thing you can do to minimize them. Are you time crunched and on the go or a klutz in the kitchen? Research ways to work around it by preparing multiple meals at once or taking a cooking class. If that box of graham crackers calls out to you like a siren's song from the pantry, don't keep them there to tempt you. Make your environment one to support and motivate you. There will be obstacles, so have a plan in place before they hit.

Know Your Successes

There will be both good days and bad days, and the important thing is to celebrate the good days. I spent so long beating myself up because I didn't like the number on the scale that morning or because I used sugar and cream in my coffee instead of skim milk and Splenda, and it was miserable, not motivating. I never spent as much time celebrating the right decisions I was making as I did regretting the not so good ones. While you can learn from your mistakes, that's not what most of us tend to do with them. Reward yourself when you meet your goals, even the small ones. Learn to accept compliments; you deserve them. Don't discount the little things like taking the stairs or eating more vegetables. Every single step you take in the right direction is one step closer to where you want to be. Remember to cut yourself slack. You're no less worthy of it then everyone else around you. It all goes back to the mindset I talked about earlier. If you have a mindset of self-love, you will believe that you're worth it.

So call it a goal, an intention, or a resolution if you want, as long as you know that weight loss is not a day-long, month-long or year-long commitment, but a lifelong journey to health and wellness. Good luck in the year ahead, I know you can do it!

Kristin Hodnett is a reformed yo-yo dieter and blogger born and raised in Virginia where she now resides with her husband, Shih-Tzu and mother. When not at her day job as an executive assistant, she enjoys yoga, has a thing for designer handbags and a weakness for Sprinkles cupcakes. Follow her path to thinner peace at 30-Something and Fabulous.

Ventura Harbor

The days have been beautiful here in Southern California for the last 2 weeks and we decided that we better get the best of these days before winter does decide to set in.  We went to our neighbor town of Ventura to the Ventura Harbor!  Sandie is a native here.  She loves the huge grass area where they sometimes bring special event set ups.  Nothing is there right now so she had the whole run of the huge area!  

This harbor is thriving!  The fishing boats are in great condition and we really caught a nice picture of them!  Usually we will go for some ice cream but today we decided to check out some of the newer shops/restaurants to the harbor.

This place has changed hands a number of times.  We just wanted to get a picture with the pirate but I cut his head off to be sure that Sandie was in the picture, lol!

Ahoy Sandie!  The sun got into the picture some but this is an adorable picture of Sandie!  She's the octopus!

Fisherman Memorial was a place to stop and take a picture of John and Sandie.  Cute subjects for pictures!

Then we finished our day by having dinner at the infamous "ANDRIA'S."  Thankfully it wasn't crowded at 3pm and we were able to get some favorites.  John had the fish and chips and I had the crab cakes and chips!

Did you make New Year's Resolutions for 2012?

How are you doing with those New Year's Resolutions?  Every year I "resolve to not make any New Year's Resolutions" but this year I did.  I said that I wanted to read more and blog more.  Well so far I'm doing much better than I did last year but I need to read more in my books and less on the Internet about books.  I also read a number of Christian blogs and am so amazed at the wonderful writing!  I love to read Christian articles too and today I read one that I'm going to share.

Today I came across one that is called, "Be It Resolved."   He starts out with "What are your feelings about New Year's Resolutions? For that matter, what is your feeling about the concept of a "New Year"? The New Year celebration was, after all, celebrated at the vernal equinox (March 20 in 2012) until the Middle Ages. That actually makes some sense to me, since the vernal equinox is the first day of spring! Ah, but history isn't the point here.  The point is resolutions. Do you make resolutions for whatever you mark as New Year's Day? Have they been so vexing for you in the past that you have given up on them? Life occasionally requires resolutions — nothing more nor less than a plan to change something — to accommodate our proneness to err! Even if not as change but as renewed promises, what about these for 2012? "  

And then he lists a number of RESOLVEDS.  They are tremendous! 

I'm still resolving to read more and blog more.  How much more I'll read in a day and how much more I'll blog is not known yet.  But I've got my eye on a group of bloggers called, Faithful Blogging.  I joined the newsletter for the group but haven't made that commitment yet to blog daily.  So that's what I'll be working on and towards.  Being a faithful blogger in the New Year!

100 entries and I'm still eclectic!

Today I celebrate having written 100 blog entries since I started this blog last year.with having no idea of where I wanted to go with it on my first entry, Amazon Kindle for PC: Install Instructions.
I started out being calling myself eclectic then and I still call myself eclectic now!

I started this on a whim because my very good friend, Diane R., had one and it looked interesting and I wanted in.  I had no idea of all the blogs that existed out there.  All I knew was that she had a very nice one and I wanted to join in the fun with her.  We went back and forth on what to call it because hers is so kewl with her D-D  Diane's Digressions.    Diane was reading.  Uh oh.  That was a very sore topic with me.  Because for the year of 2010 - 2011,  I spent my time watching tv.  If that could be called a hobby, that was mine.  And I'm eclectic in the shows that I watch!

We talked about what I wanted to do with my blog and I couldn't keep it down to one topic so she came up with, "Conversations with Carolyn."  So I tell Diane that I own no books at this current time that I haven't read and there's nothing out there in particular that I know that I want to read.  And she precedes to tell me of the MANY books that she's reading at one time.   She sounds like my husband with his many books only he reads one at a time.  So I took her advice and I downloaded my Amazon Kindle for PC. (by the way, I just received the Kindle 3G with keyboard for Christmas!)  And what would I write about?  Why not include the instructions?!   Oh wow, how boring can I be?  Ok that was just the link I put there in case anyone else wanted to do the same!  Just so you know, I never read Aesop's Fables.

So time has marched on since that day in May, 2011 and I have conversed about many topics and into 2012  I plan to continue in this way!  I thought it was funny today to read a blog by someone who calls themself  a Mid Life Mama.  I guess I could call myself that as well.  But my step-sons are grown adults, single and living in Texas.  So I don't so much feel like a "Mama."   And to tell you the truth, the whole generation of "mommy bloggers" has invaded the blogging world and I'd rather stay away from the words, Mom or Mother or Mommy or Mama.  I am Carolyn.  I don't need to be labeled, I don't need to fit in, I just need to be me!

For those of you wondering why I chose that photo at the top of the page.  This is where I live.  I live at the beach in Southern California and this is the beautiful sight that I get to see every day!

Welcome Sharon Williams!

What’s your hobby? What do you do for fun? When I ask my friends what they do for fun, I often get a blank look and a little laugh. Fun? What's that? Life is too busy and my budget doesn't allow for any splurges.

I think that hobbies are one of the things that help define us as individuals. God created us with unique features, specialties and gifts that we often bury under the dirty laundry, kids juice packs and family caregiving responsibilities.

I think that each of us should have something that we do that just makes us smile and feel that special feeling, adrenalin rush or flash of excitement….. and no, we don’t have to break our budget to pursue those hobbies.

I love to work in my flower gardens, spend time with my kids, blog and read! I am always looking for ways to save money on my hobbies or find a way to pinch a penny so I can afford to spend that penny on something to make my life more fulfilling.

Here's a few ideas to get you started:

If you are a reader, then enter some book giveaways and win a free book or become a regular at your local library.

If you love to craft, but don’t have money for specialized supplies, just take a look around you and use what you have. One friend of mine had little money but a whole stack of old blue jeans. She turned that into some amazing crafts!

If you find yourself in a ‘waiting’ season of life where you are often spending time in doctors offices or waiting rooms, then why not learn to knit or work with yarn and create some treasurers for your family? This can be a frugal craft when you know where to look for your yarn and tools.

No matter what your hobby, there are ways to enjoy it without spending too much money or time.

Do you have a hobby that you love? Have you found ways to be frugal and still pursue your passion? I’d love to have you share your ideas!

Sharon Williams is a wife and mom of 3 who blogs about how to pursue your hobbies without breaking your budget.

New Year! New highlights! Excited about the changes!

Rather than go through a list of the changes and additions I will just roll them out as they come.  One of the first items of additions is SPECIAL GUESTS!  And today I start with my first guest, Sharon Williams!  She's a blogger and great reader of books.  I am delighted to introduce her and many new people to you beginning today!  WELCOME!

My Name is Fibromyalgia

 

Hi....My Name is Fibromyalgia, and I'm an Invisible Chronic Illness. I am now attached to you for life. Others around you can't see me or hear me, but your body FEELS me. I can attack you anywhere, anyhow, anytime I please. I can cause severe pain or, if I'm in a good mood, I can just cause you to ache all over (like having flu!).

Remember when you and Energy ran around together and had fun? I took Energy from you, and gave you Exhaustion. Try to have fun now!

I also took Good Sleep from you and, in its place, gave you Brain Fog. You wake up each morning, feeling as if you've been run over by a truck. I can make you tremble internally, or make you feel cold or hot, when everyone else feels normal.

My favorite thing of all, is that I just love letting you do things (because often, you are capable) Such as, go to the gym, clean the windows, write a long report, pick something heavy up.....then I love to reward you.......with lots of pain and stiffness, AND I like to make sure it is widespread and varied.....bone, muscles, ligaments, joints, nerves. Just for good measure, I like to throw in some tiredness and/or exhaustion, let's not forget the RSI's (repetitive strain injuries) or RLS (restless leg syndrome). I have to live up to my name!!

You didn't ask for me. I chose you for various reasons: That virus you had that you never recovered from such as trauma e.g. that car accident. Maybe it was the years of abuse, or am I just a mystery? Well, anyway, I'm here to stay!
I hear you're going to see a doctor who can get rid of me. (I'm rolling on the floor, laughing. Just try!) You will have to go to many, many doctors until you find one who can help you effectively, but I can guarantee that they won't make me go away. You will be put on pain pills, sleeping pills, energy pills, none of them giving much relief, and most of them giving you lots of unpleasant side effects. (Oh I love it!)

So now you have to suffer with side effects AND Fibromyalgia. AND it doesn't stop there, I can't let you have too much of an easy ride. I give you plenty of associated symptoms as well....problems with your bladder, bowel, in fact most of your internal organs. Plus sensitivity to sound, light, temperature etc., as well as MANY other health problems, that I can think of giving you!
In desperation, you try a TENs unit. Spend lots of money on massages, chiropractic sessions, and other alternative treatments and medicines. The doctor says, if you just sleep and exercise properly I will go away (I'm now crying with laughter). You’re told to think positively, poked, prodded, and experimented with. But MOST OF ALL, you're not taken as seriously as you feel, when you cry to the doctor, about how debilitating life is every day (Oh dear, someone get me a tissue!!)

Then you get told that the cause is depression. When in actual fact, it is me, who has caused you to feel depressed, have panic/anxiety attacks (I have so much fun!)If you have something planned, you're looking forward to a great day or an event. I can take that away too. I hate it though, when you decide to be strong willed and 'work' through the pain, still sticking to your plans. You spoil my pleasure...don't worry, I'll get you back!

Your family, friends and co-workers will all listen to you, until they just get bored or tired, of hearing about how I make you feel. And that I'm a debilitating disease. Some of them will say things like "You look okay" or "Oh, you're just having a bad day" or "Remember, you can't do the things you used to do 20 YEARS ago" (not hearing that you said 20 DAYS ago!!)

Some will just start talking behind your back or avoid you. While you slowly feel that you are losing your dignity, trying to make them understand. Especially when you are in the middle of a conversation with a “normal” person, and can’t remember what you were going to say next, or struggle to remember anything you need to remember!

Some get upset, when you snub their social events. This could be for many reasons....bad health, pain, tiredness, loss of confidence, or simply that you can't find the energy. Getting ready to go out is too much like hard work, even though part of you would love to go!

In closing, (I was hoping that I kept this part a secret, but I guess you already found out, because you joined a support group)......the ONLY place you will get any REAL understanding, in dealing with me, is with other sufferers of Fibromyalgia !

Here are some articles of help to the fibro patient:

Microwave Heat Packs

How To Make A Microwavable Heat Pack 

Some other ways to make microwavable heat packs without rice 

Places on FaceBook that I belong to and enjoy!  This list is incomplete and I will be adding more links!  Feel free to write to me at carolyncavies@yahoo.com and suggest your link and I will review your site.  Thanks!

NFA

FIBRO TV

HEALING WELL

FIBRO HAVEN

DASHING FIBROMYALGIA

DR. OZ

THE DOCTORS

WEB MD

FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP

I'm a strong supporter of Organic Living:   live green, eat organic and recommend that others do the same. I am quite committed to the idea that when we, as consumers, demand the types of medical care, personal care products, foods and regard for the environment from those that supply these things all will change and we will see a resurgence health and happiness. The care of our natural environment demands more attention as the forces of business and ill intentioned science are combining to poision the flora and fauna we all depend on. It is such a long talk and the dialog of groups like earthorganization.org, mightymicrobes.com and effens.com can make it possible to control more of the outcomes but so many more people need to step up to the plate and demand good, clean food and air.

 *The author of the article .... without all the links...  is Terri Been of Colorado

Cracks in the bond between faith and politics: "Raised Right"

Alisa Harris is the author of Raised Right: How I Untangled My Faith From Politics. Alisa covered education, poverty and cultural issues as a journalist in New York City, and currently works in nonprofit development.  Alisha's work is a Memoir in which she details her journey to separate her political views from her Christian faith.  

Alisha (pictured above) grew up in an Ultra Conservative-Republican household.  Some might call her family an extension of the Moral Majority. She accompanied her parents in protesting loudly outside of abortion clinics when she was a child. She had been immersed in the think tank that only the leadership of the Republicans would bring about the change that this country needed.  She began to question this line of thinking when she went away to college.  She didn't question her faith in God but rather why her faith was so heavily linked to the Conservative Republicans.  Her realization became that of understanding that God wasn't represented by Republicans or Democrats but rather a loving God who died for our sins, the sins of those who engage in homosexuality as well as the person who hates homosexuals, those who abort their babies as well as those who are burning down abortion clinics and many more who needed the Lord as their Savior. 

I found myself using a yellow hilighter to mark passages of this book that spoke directly to me and some of the quotes from the book that especially remain with me are the following:

    "Love in action works for the unwashed and hungry people who are waiting in the pools of rain and soggy trash.  The world as a whole may not change, but our neighbor's world, and by extension ours, grows brighter--- even when breaking loaves of bread in the rain." (p. 27)

    "I was done chasing supermen. I had stopped believing in the perfect leader who could say 'Let there be justice' and by the force of his word change the whole earth into heaven. Instead I determined to grab hold of the truth I’d always known – that the Leader had already come, had chosen instead to say, ‘My kingdom is not of this world,’ and had been despised and rejected because His message was bigger than the first-century political pundits had predicted. When Jesus said to go the extra mile and turn the other cheek, He called us to subvert tyranny with love and redeem injustice with suffering. He didn’t say that tyranny and injustice would cease immediately, but He promised that the time would come when the meek, the poor, and the merciful would inherit the earth.” (p. 75) 

My opinion:  It's hard to judge a memoir and I'm not about to do that.  This book reminded me of my very strict Christian upbringing and where the only word that was righteous was a Republican and all Democrats were sinners.  I was forced to go to Christian Jr. and High School and it was the "will of God" that I was there.   I wondered if this book would end with this gal running fast from her faith and turning against God but it didn't.  I  know that in my own life it wasn't until I learned later on in life (in my college years) that your relationship with Jesus Christ is very personal and there are no rights or wrongs about what political party you embrace and that you need to decide to do God's will and everything else will follow.  I would recommend this book to any young adult or adult questioning faith and politics.

LEAVE and CLEAVE is so important to your marriage!

That is often the picture we see when we're hearing about couples having trouble with "leaving and cleaving."  But did you know that in my very life I have been holding onto my father and not leaving and cleaving to my husband?  And to some extent my mother too!   I was raised in a very strict home where you often heard, "Honor thy mother and father."  This has been total confusion to me.  A little bit more before I move on with this entry.  This is really a letter to my husband because I've been unfair to him.  I spent years and years just adoring my father more than my husband.  I wanted my husband to be like my dad (in all the good ways) and  telling him the way that my father would do things.  I think it's true that we marry people who are like our parents.  Not all the time, but quite often.  In this case I married a man who is very much like my father.  Even down to the joking (which I don't get all the time, but I appreciate that we aren't the same!)

I hope you can read all those wonderful words!  This is my new dedicated prayer to my husband!  I cherish him and do "honor" him in so many ways.  Our relationship with our husbands need to be a personal and cherished relationship!  My husband will never be my father (and for some things I'm very grateful he isn't.)  You have to be deliberate in working on yourself through the power of the Holy Ghost, so that you can work at your marriage. Many times we go from one relationship to another thinking this time it will be better, however we see the same problems and patterns repeat themselves over and over. Casting the blame on Satan, our spouses, and anyone else that we can find a way to fix some blame to. The truth of the matter is we can't change our spouses but we can change ourselves with God's help. Each party in a marriage brings with them baggage (unhealed hurts, unmet needs, unresolved issues) to the table. Each partner has a responsibility to share openly what their fears and hang ups are. This way they can cover (protect) those areas for each other, so that healing and growth can take place.

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Twas’ the night Jesus came
and all through the house,
Not a person was praying,
not one in the house.

The Bible was left on the shelf without care,
for no one thought Jesus would come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
not once ever kneeling or bowing their head.

And Mom in the rocking chair with baby on her lap,
was watching the Late Show as I took a nap.
When out of the east there rose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what’s the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutters and lifted the sash.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but Angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

The light of His face made me cover my head,
it was Jesus returning just like He’d said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life that in which he held in his hand,
was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as he searched for my name,
when He said “it is not here”

I hung my head in shame. The people who’s names had been written with love,
He gathered to take to his Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound,
while all the others were left standing around.

I fell to my knees but it was too late,
I waited to long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight,
Oh, if only I’d know that this was the night.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear
the coming of Jesus is now drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call,
We’ll find out that the Bible was true after all……..

– Author Unknown

20 weeks of various kinds of pain and God is GOOD all the time!

Coming out of 20 weeks of various kinds of pain and the first one I want to share with you is the FIBROMYALGIA pain of 18 weeks. The chart above here shows all that I was experiencing (and am still experiencing but not to the degree that I had it for 18 weeks).  Fibromyalgia is a disease and along with that I have Degenerative Disc Disease so once the Fibro. goes into flare up then all the discs are in pain and giving me sharp stabbing pains.    I was definitely in a flare-up and  for 9 of those weeks I was in bed!

But, the Lord laid on my heart to go through the "Woman After God's Own Heart" book and workbook by Elizabeth George and I spent so much time in the Word and praying and thanking God for everything!  I'm going to finish this Bible Study very soon.  As a matter of fact I took 2 weeks off of Face Book duties to groups to complete this and blog and read two books that I need to do reviews for and have a giveaway with one of those books. 

Being a true "woman after God's own heart" is so difficult.  I struggle with this every day.  As a matter of fact there were some days in my Bible reading that I just broke down to the Lord and in my Prayer and Thanksgiving Journal I just wrote so many things to the Lord.   One day in particular I spent away from the Bible Study and just wrote a really long letter to the Lord.  That's all  I could handle that day.

The weeks of the Bible Study are about:

1.   Intro:  A Heart For God's Word
2.   A Heart for Blessing in Prayer
3.   A Heart for Passion in Prayer
4.   A Heart for Discipline
5.   A Heart for Your Husband
6.   A Heart for Your Children
7.   A Heart for Your Home
8.   A Heart for Spiritual Growth
9.   A Heart for Service
10.   A Woman After God's Own Heart

Right now I'm reviewing the Heart for Spiritual Growth (I need to) and then completing the last 2 weeks of the study.  I want to have this done for the New Year so I can start in my next Bible Study which is RUTH.  I'll write about that as I'm going through the study!   

 The next pain that is still going on is the FINANCIAL PAIN.   There were 2 weeks there where I didn't think we were going to have enough food to feed us and to pain our Gas Bill which was about to be shut off.  Well I cried out for help to two groups....  a coupon group and a blogger group.   And they gave me a TON of coupons!  There were free food ones there, and many dollars off of products (that we don't get here in S. Calif. but because these gals came from the South I was able to get more money off the food!)  I also am indebted to a wonderful woman on one of these groups who gave me a blogging job to come in January and advertising on my blog for she and her friend!  That money is what saved us.  I am going to write a separate blog entry to thank her and the wonderful coupon gals and the wonderful friends who sent $25.00 gift certificates that John and I are able to buy Christmas gifts for each other and our dog!!   Thank you Lord for sending these specific people at this specific time.   The lesson that I learned from that is HUMILITY.  I truly had to rely on the hearts of other people at that time and that was so hard, I never had to do that before in my life!

And as I've been describing my pain, I also suffered Spiritual Pain.   I wasn't trusting the Lord completely to meet all our needs.  And he brought specific people (from groups on Face Book and women in the ministry on my email lists and stumble upon) to send me the right verses and passages at the time and continue to in order to show me that I need to have complete reliance in the Lord for ALL things!

It was only when I completely trusted in the Lord that the blessings began to flow.  I found that my love was in Him and in my husband and I completely relied on them.  Just like Elizabeth George was teaching in her Bible Study, "The Woman After God's Own Heart."   God forgave me for not trusting in Him and brought about so much love and understanding and so much more for Him and my husband.   

The true 12 Days of Christmas! Day One!

You all know the original "12 Days of Christmas" song.  Well this isn't that.  This is a Christian 12 Days of 

Christmas reading .   

FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS!

The Greatest Christmas Gift

"This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ."
- Frank McKibben

"And what a difference between our sin and God's generous gift of forgiveness. For this one man, Adam, brought death to many through his sin. But this other man, Jesus Christ, brought forgiveness to many through God's bountiful gift. And the result of God's gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man's sin. For Adam's sin led to condemnation, but we have the free gift of being accepted by God, even though we are guilty of many sins. The sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over us, but all who receive God's wonderful, gracious gift of righteousness will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." Romans 5:15-17 (NLT)

The Greatest Christmas Gift

Each year we are reminded that Christmas should not be just about giving and receiving presents. But, if truly think about Christmas, it is, indeed, all about gift giving! At Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift ever given, by the greatest gift-giver of all, our wonderful God and Father! 

Submitted on behalf of Mary Fairchild

More to come!