LIFE'S HANDBOOK 2010

Health:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants & has to be killed, bled, cured, aged, smoked, fried, or frozen

4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.

5. Make time to pray.

6. Play more games. Feed the birds. Plant flowers or vegetables- even in a pot.

7. Read more books than you did in 2009.

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minutes' walk daily. And while you walk, smile ¬ice your surroundings, changes in nature every day, &listen to the birds.
Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Each person has their place in the scheme of life.

12. Don't have negative thoughts of things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment - do what you can to make the world around you better.

13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits. Physically, spiritually, financially or emotionally. Be humble.

14. Don't take yourself too seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake.

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. Don't blame your parents for every problem you have. That will ruin your present. We choose actions &reactions when we become adults.

Happiness:
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others. It's easier to understand and move on.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present. Yesterday is gone and you have a limited number of tomorrows.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. It's your choice to feel happy or miserable, anger or joy, frustration or acceptance, jealousy or peace, shame or pride.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Society:

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6

29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Life:

32. Do the right thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. God heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. The best is yet to come.

38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank God for it.

39. Your inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

The Biggest Loser (home edition)

The Biggest Loser…home edition

After all of the indulgence and overeating (even worse with the holiday season), some people at work have decided to do a Biggest Loser Contest. For three months we are going to weigh in once a week. Weigh in will cost $1.00. The person with the largest percentage weight loss will win the pot. It will be a small pot, but I need all the motivation I can get!

January 4th is our first weigh in…wish me luck!

Thought of the Day

A Simple Diet



Remain healthy by maintaining a simple diet of pure feelings, good wishes and positive thoughts.

Cap'N Crunch French Toast

I saw this the other day on Dinners, Drive-ins and Dives on the food network. It is so goey, sweet and delicious!

Cap'n Crunch French Toast

Ingredients


• 6 large eggs


• 5 tablespoons sugar


• 2 cups heavy cream


• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon


• 1/2 cup butter


• 1 (16 ounce) box Cap'n Crunch cereal (don't use the cheaper brands)


• 1 loaf Texas toast thick bread


• Whipped cream


• Caramel ice cream topping

Directions

1.

Pour Cap'n Crunch into a gallon-size Ziploc bag and crush to a course meal -- make sure there are a few good size pieces in the mix. Pour into a 9x13 pan in order to dredge properly.

2.

Combine eggs, sugar, cream, vanilla, and spices in a large bowl. It will have the consistency of custard.

3.

Soak each slice of Texas Toast in wet ingredients, 30 seconds each side. Be sure the edges are moist, too.

4.

Dredge in Cap'n Crunch, lightly press onto each side, and around the crust.

5.

Heat 2 tbs. butter in large skillet, then gently place slices in pan; two at a time.

6.

Cook three minutes per side or until lightly brown.

Serve with whipped cream and caramel ice cream topping

SNOW!!!!!

The snow has arrived!

It is beautiful outside.

My solar light is under there somewhere.

Stephen was out practically as soon as he woke up!

So far we have about 8 inches of snow and it is still coming down. The Governor has declared a state of emergency for West Virginia. Please pray for the safety of all the people that have to be out on the roads this week-end.

Winter Storm Warning

We are under a winter storm warning starting this afternoon! OK... I know this makes me strange...but I am excited. We may actually have a white Christmas!!!!! My son is so excited...he is having his Christmas party at school today and then it will start snowing tonight. He has big plans for this week-end.

Here is the weather map for our area...

Be safe all my east coast friends...stay inside and have hot cocoa, play board games, watch movies, and relax.

This Explains it!

Snowman Humor

MAYA ANGELOU'S' A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE

MAYA ANGELOU'S' A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE




A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out

and rent a place of her own,

even if she never wants to or needs to...

something perfect to wear if the employer,

or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a youth she's content to leave behind....

a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to

retelling it in her old age....

a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...

one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry.....


A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE........

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,

and a recipe for a meal,

that will make her guests feel honored....



A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a feeling of control over her destiny...

how to fall in love without losing herself..



EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....

how to quit a job,

break up with a lover,

and confront a friend without;

ruining the friendship....



EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.....

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...



EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,

the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

that her childhood may not have been perfect....but it's over.....



EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more....

how to live alone.... even if she doesn't like it...



EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .


whom she can trust,

whom she can't,

and why she shouldn't take it personally...



EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...

be it to her best friend's kitchen table..

or a charming Inn in the woods...

when her soul needs soothing....



EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...

a month...and a year...

The First Snow of the Year in West Virginia!

Ahhhhhhhh, we finally got some snow! It is so pretty outside. My son was up and outside playing by 8AM!

We have had a snowman kit for years and have never had the chance to use it...well today was the day!

Now...if the carrot were an actual real carrot, his mouth would have been no where near it...

...my little Angel making an Angel...

..There is no after picture...he rolled all over it getting up...he has my grace (poor little guy).

The trees are so pretty with all the white snow on them...

...snow even makes Mums pretty.

The snow has made me a little more excited about Christmas coming, so today I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas...

Yummy Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

(not my picture...but how pretty it is)

"A sweet switch from the usual cheese ball. Cream cheese and butter are sweetened and blended with miniature chocolate chips, then rolled in chopped pecans."

Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,

softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup confectioners' sugar 2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans



Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in confectioners' sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

2. Shape chilled cream cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

3. Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans or toss on mini chocolate chips before serving.

Good served with Nilla Wafers or Graham Crackers

At Least the tree is up

Thanks to a little 7 year old asking me EVERYDAY..the tree is up!

Here are a few of my favorite ornamnets...

The Value of Time

A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door. It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man.. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him. Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.
 "Jack, did you hear me?" "Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said "Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him. "I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said. "You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said "He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important....Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said. As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away. The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next doorone more time. Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture....Jack stopped suddenly. "What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked. "The box is gone," he said "What box?" Mom asked.. "There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said. It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it. "Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom." It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside. "Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser." "The thing he valued most was...my time" Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked. "I need some time to spend with my son," he said. "Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"

Thanks Living

I was furtunate to give the Childrens Sermon (Moments) at our church Sunday. I thought I would share what I did...it is a great reminder of how we should all be living!


Thanks Living

Theme: Sharing God's blessings with others - Proper 29 (34)

Object: A thank you card

Scripture: "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

When someone does something nice for you, what do you do? You say, "Thank you," don't you? Sometimes that just doesn't seem to be enough. Has someone ever done something for you that was so nice that you wanted to do more than just say, "Thank You." I have. When that happens, I sometimes send them a "Thank You" card. Everyone enjoys receiving a "Thank You" card.

Another way you can show your thanks when someone does something really nice for you is by doing something nice for them in return. For example, if someone invites you to spend the night and you have a really good time, you should return their kindness by inviting them to come and spend the night with you.

It is always important to show our appreciation when someone does something for us, isn't it?

Well, I don't know anyone who has done more for us than God has. God provides food when we are hungry and water when we are thirsty. He heals us when we are sick and he comforts us when we are sad. The Bible tells us that he is an ever-present helper in times of trouble.

Because of all God has done for us, we say, "Thank you." But somehow that doesn't seem to be enough. We could write him a "Thank You" card, but I don't think the Post Office could deliver it, do you? I have a good idea, why don't we do something nice for him in return? But how?

Jesus told us how to do it. Jesus, said, "Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you do it for me." That means when we feed someone who is hungry, it is the same as doing it for Jesus. When we visit someone who is sick, it is the same as doing it for Jesus. When we give clothes to those who are in need, it is the same as doing it for Jesus.

There is a very special name for this way of saying, "Thank you." I call it "thanks living." "Thanks living" is when we show our thanks by the way we live. "Thanks living" is when we look at the many ways God has blessed us, and we thank him by being a blessing to others.

Let's pray and ask God to help us to offer our thanksgiving by "thanks living."

Our Father, we come into your presence with thanksgiving. Help us to turn our thanksgiving into "thanks living." Amen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Funny Story

I am not sure if this is true or not...my personal guess is that it definitely had a ring of truth.

A lady died this past January and Citibank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card and added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00 when she died but now somewhere around $60.00. A family member placed a call to Citibank.

Here is the exchange :






Family Member: 'I am calling to tell you she died back in January.'

Citibank : 'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member : 'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.'

Citi bank : 'Since it is two mont hs past due, it already has been.'

Family Member : So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'

Citibank : 'Either report her account to frauds division or report her to the credit b ureau, maybe both!'

Family Member : 'Do you think God will be mad at her?'

Citibank: 'Excuse me?'

Family Member : 'Did you just get what I was telling you -


the part about her being dead?'

Citibank : 'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'

Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member : 'I'm calling to tell you, she died back in January with a $0 balance.'

Citibank : 'The account was never closed and late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member : 'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'

Citibank : (Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'

Family Member : 'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info was given)

Citibank: 'Could yo u fax us a certificate of death?'

Family Member : 'Sure.' (Fax number was given )

After they get the fax :

Citibank : 'Our system just isn't setup for death.


I don't know what more I can do to help.'

Family Member : 'Well, if you figure it out, great!


If not, you could ju st keep billing her. She won't care.'

Citibank: 'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.'


(What is wrong with these people?!?)

Family Member : 'Would you like her new billing address? '

Citibank : 'That might help...'

Family Member : ' Odessa Memorial Cemetery , Highway 129, Plot Number 69.'

Citibank : 'Sir, that's a cemetery!'

Family Member : 'And what do you do with dead people on your planet???

Encouraging Word

Encouraging Word

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.

~ Romans 10:10, NLT

Thought of the Day

Learn a Lesson

Instead of being afraid of situations, consider them to be your teacher and learn a lesson from them.

Breast Cancer Stamps

I recently got an e-mail that touched my heart. I would like to share it today. We can find a cure for breast cancer!

Like most elementary schools, it was typical to have a parade of students in and out of the health clinic throughout the day. We dispensed ice for bumps and bruises, Band-Aids for cuts, and liberal doses of sympathy and hugs. As principal, my office was right next door to the clinic, so I often dropped in to lend a hand and help out with the hugs. I knew that for some kids, mine might be the only one they got all day.

One morning I was putting a Band-Aid on a little girl's scraped knee. Her blonde hair was matted, and I noticed that she was shivering in her thin little sleeveless blouse. I found her a warm sweatshirt and helped her pull it on. "Thanks for taking care of me," she whispered as she climbed into my lap and snuggled up against me.

It wasn't long after that when I ran across an unfamiliar lump under my arm. Cancer, an aggressively spreading kind, had already invaded thirteen of my lymph nodes. I pondered whether or not to tell the students about my diagnosis. The word breast seemed so hard to say out loud to them, and the word cancer seemed so frightening. When it became evident that the children were going to find out one way or another, either the straight scoop from me or possibly a garbled version from someone else, I decided to tell them myself.

It wasn't easy to get the words out, but the empathy and concern I saw in their faces as I explained it to them told me I had made the right decision. When I gave them a chance to ask questions, they mostly wanted to know how they could help.

I told them that what I would like best would be their letters, pictures, and prayers.

I stood by the gym door as the children solemnly filed out. My little blonde friend darted out of line and threw herself into my arms. Then she stepped back to look up into my face. "Don't be afraid, Dr. Perry," she said earnestly, "I know you'll be back because now it's our turn to take care of you."

No one could have ever done a better job. The kids sent me off to my first chemotherapy session with a hilarious book of nausea remedies that they had written.

A video of every class in the school singing get-well songs accompanied me to the next chemotherapy appointment.

By the third visit, the nurses were waiting at the door to find out what I would bring next. It was a delicate music box that played "I Will Always Love You."

Even when I went into isolation at the hospital for a bone marrow transplant, the letters and pictures kept coming until they covered every wall of my room.

Then the kids traced their hands onto colored paper, cut them out and glued them together to make a freestanding rainbow of helping hands.. "I feel like I've stepped into Disneyland every time I walk into this room," my doctor laughed.

That was even before the six-foot apple blossom tree arrived adorned with messages written on paper apples from the students and teachers. What healing comfort I found in being surrounded by these tokens of their caring.

At long last I was well enough to return to work. As I headed up the road to the school, I was suddenly overcome by doubts. What if the kids have forgotten all about me? I wondered, What if they don't want a skinny bald principal? What if..

I caught sight of the school marquee as I rounded the bend. "Welcome Back, Dr. Perry," it read. As I drew closer, everywhere I looked were pink ribbons - ribbons in the windows, tied on the doorknobs, even up in the trees. The children and staff wore pink ribbons, too.

My blonde buddy was first in line to greet me. "You're back, Dr. Perry, you're back!" she called. "See, I told you we'd take care of you!"

As I hugged her tight, in the back of my mind I faintly heard my music box playing . . . "I will always love you."

Subject: Breast Cancer Stamp Booklet

We need those of you who are great at forwarding on information with your e-mail network. Please read and pass this on. It would be wonderful if 2010 were the year a cure for breast cancer was found!!!! This is one email you should be glad to pass on. The notion that we could raise $35 million by buying a book of stamps is powerful! As you may be aware, the US Postal Service has the "Fund the Cure" stamp to help fund breast cancer research. The stamp was designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda , Maryland . It is important that we take a stand against this disease that affects so many of our Mothers, Sisters, Friends, Coworkers, and Spouses of Coworkers.

Instead of the normal 44 cents for a stamp, this one costs 55 cents. The additional 11 cents will go to breast cancer research. A "normal" book costs $8.80. This one is only $11.00. It takes a few minutes in line at the Post Office and means so much. If all stamps are sold, it will raise an additional $35,000,000 for this vital research. Just as important as the money is our support. What a statement it would make if the stamp outsold the lottery this week. What a statement it would make that we care.

I urge you to do two things TODAY:

1. Go out and purchase some of these stamps.

2. E-mail your friends to do the same.

Many of us know women and their families whose lives are turned upside-down by breast cancer. It takes so little to do so much in this drive. We can all afford the $0.55. Please help & pass it on.

Encouraging Word

Encouraging Word

Wednesday 11/11/2009

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

~ Romans 12:18

Three Things