No one is Immune.

No one is immune.
Now Let me say that with a gentle heart,

No one is immune to the trails and tribulations of life.

I was poked, inspected, examined from my head to my lungs.
I felt like a pin cushion. One IV on my right to push the Morphine and one on the left to get blood cultures.
Well I did have right side pain but Morphine was never discussed, by the time I knew it my chest felt heavy and my stomach turned.

No vomiting but a sense of relief that I was getting somewhere with this sickness. The cough just wouldn't go away. Day after day, until I couldn't breathe.

Take me to the emergency room I sternly told David, I'm sick, I think I have pneumonia and also, I can't breathe, my right side hurts."

Yes, he responded and off we went.
It was funny listening to the nurse and my husband converse about my symptoms and personal information as to how much I weigh, what was my social security, etc.
Uh , my husband says, not wanting to offend me if he said 130 or 140, not wanting to give me an extra 10-20 pounds. (these weights are fine for some, I'm short so 125 works fine for me).
Height?
Nope, he didn't know
Social Security? No, I used hand gestures to relay because I couldn't talk.
Ask me if I know his. And the answer would be yes! Weight? Yes. Height? Yes. Medications he takes? Yes. Every doctor, appointment or lab test he's had? Yes. I know everything about his diagnosis.

And it's okay. I wasn't mad or anything. Just funny.

So as I lay there on the stretcher, I prayed. I praised God for the doctor, the nurse and my husband. Then I began to think of my calling as a Nurse. I was proud at that moment. I was at that moment happy to have been called to become a nurse.
In those moments where you feel crummy, tired and the weight of the world on you, you are reminded that these people are here to take care of you. I needed them . I wanted them to make me feel better.
Fix me. Heal me. Jesus I would cry out throughout the day, Lord, just heal me, please!

Immune to sickness? Nope. Immune to hardships? Nope.
No matter how healthy I eat or how many miles I run, or how many times I pray, I am not immune.
Viruses exists and they want to invade anything and everything they can. Bacteria lingers around waiting for you to snatch it up. All these and those super bugs that are out there are ready to steal your joy, make you want to curl up and die.

But there is a Healer and His name is Jesus.
Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The sweetest name I know. So during these times, when we are tested, crushed and bruised we cry out,

Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Sweetest name I have ever known.


(as of 6pm today, I have slept. Writing helps me get me mind off being sick. So with a breathing mask on and a pen in my hand, a journaling I will go . Please continue to pray for healing)

Titles

It's 2 am, "Do you know where your children are?"

This question was usually asked around 10pm or 11pm as part of a public service announcement for parents on American television.  Nowadays it"s more like 2 am.  

Today, for me, it's like, "Sudafed, Why have you done this to me?"

Yup. Sudafed.  David remembers when this drug was so popular that now it has to be kept behind the pharmacy because so many people were abusing it. Now I know why.  I've never been a pill taker. I just moan, groan, roll over in bed and cry.  Seriously. I don't like being sick and when I get sick, I get Sick.  I'm the worst person to take care of while being sick because I just moan and cry and pray out loud for the sickness to leave me. But then again, Who want's to be sick?  No one I tell you, including me.  Which brings me to the realization that people out there suffer illnesses far greater and worse than anything I could be going through.  God then begins to show me that I'm not immune to Sickness.
Which then brings me to the question, "Who am I?"

Yup.  "Who am I?"  In society, we tend to define ourselves by the things we do, the things we say, the TITLES I should say  I moaned about how this week I am not a mom, a Teacher, a gluten free baker, a seamstress or a runner.  During that moment, I defined myself with TITLES.

Do You define yourself with TITLES?  I could definitely add more to the list, If I had to define everything I do it would look more like this,

Laundry Lady

Pooper Scooper for Nibbler (my little Shitzu)

Butt Cleaner
 (I'm a Nurse and have to help with this sometimes)

Med Dispenser 
(I've been referred to this several times at work, they actually call me the Med Aide)
Waitress
Taxi Driver 
 Teacher

Depressed/Angry Mom

Happy/Energetic Mom

Religious Lady/Jesus Freak 

Crazy Runner Girl/Yoga Girl

Jennie (The girl who makes JennieBands)

I bet I could think of 10 or more TITLES  to give myself, but out of self respect, I'll only leave you with these.  As I started to think more about these TITLES, I began to think about how God sees me and how he sees you.   

When he's up on his throne in Heaven, you know sipping on a cup of Java, what does he think about me?  Does he define me by my TITLES?  Does he love me according to the more TITLES I or the world gives?   

Well, to tell you the truth, NO. 

God does not define us by TITLES.  When God created Adam and Eve, he made us in His Image. Woman was created for man.  We, women are more than just the TITLES we have stuck to us. 

Hello, My Name is                                                                                         

(Fill in the blank)

Click Here for Video (Click Blank Spot, for some reason)

 We are cherished far greater than we can imagine. We are Daughters of the Most High. We are Redeemed.  We are Loved.  We are Magnificent. We are Cherished. We are Forgiven.

Mary, the Blessed one who birthed Jesus would have been given the Title of Sinner if Joseph didn't take her as his wife.  She would have been put to shame for birthing a child out of wedlock.

But God had called her differently.  She was and will be referred to as Blessed Mary. 

Indeed, Pure and Holy because she was without sin. She was Chosen. We are Chosen.  

Chosen to be made Perfect and Holy just like Mary.  We are chosen to behave in a Godly manner.  We are chosen to live by the TITLES given to us by our Lord, not the ones we or the world gives us.    

So, UNSTICK those TITLES you or the world gives, they mean nothing to the Lord.

Instead, think of all the wonderful things the Bible says about us, 

We are, 

Loved

Cherished

Holy
Wonderful
Fearful

Talented
Perfect

Righteous

Truth

Beautiful

Forgiven

Ephesians 2:8 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Romans 8:9 ESV / 

You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.

John 4:24 ESV /

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Until Next Time,

Eat Organic!

Eat Gluten-Free!

Jennifer

Stillness

Birds chirping. Singing to each other. Doves flying in the trees.  The sun coming up and making it's way into our beautiful world.
"Namaste."  In the Yoga world this means "I bow to you", and " thank you."  My Yoga instructor, Veronica will add in an interpretation of her own, such as "the light in me bows to the light in you."

Stillness.  Quietness.  Peacefulness.  Love.  These beautiful words are what described my morning salutations.  The Sun shone on my face as it was making it's way into this world.  God whispering in my ear, telling me his wonders. 

A new day.  

12 years today. 12 years of stillness. 12 years of His promises. 12 years of His Love.  12 years of Sickness. 12 years of Tears. 12 years of Joy.

12 years of Learning. 12 years of God holding my husband's hand and giving him the strength to make me who I am today.  

I will never forget that day at Wal-Mart where I lied to you, David, telling you I was looking for a backpack.  You always tell everyone that I saved your life, but to tell you the truth, You saved mine.  Thank you for bringing me to Christ.

I love You!

There will be Gluten-Free Cake Today!!!
Jennifer

Are you Listening?

Calls of frustration. Calls to ramble. Calls of Joy.  Calls to ask how the kids are doing in school. (Now we have Edmodo so the kids message me directly.)  Having a husband means you have the greatest friend that will listen to all your numerous complaints, and in my case, all the numerous times I call him  because I need to just talk.  He just hangs there on the other line, LISTENING.  There are times when I think he's hung up the phone but he's again, Just LISTENING.  Sometimes that's all I need.  Just someone to listen to me.  Are You LISTENING?

I began then to think about how we as humans have the choice to listen.  You see it's a choice.  No one forces you to sit in a college course and listen to the lecture, you invested your time and energy into that class so you will do your best to get the best grade possible.  Are You LISTENING?

At work, I interact with so many different personalities.  Co-workers can be difficult to get along with, especially if they don't like you or if they are unhappy with their job.  Many people tend to blame others for their unhappiness.  Jesus loves you and wants to give you eternal life with happiness.
Are You LISTENING?

Everyday I would wake up at 6am, go for a run, get back have my devotionals and then home-school the kids. My wake up time these days have been 9am lately.  I plan my runs along with each activity I'm doing either with the kids or my business.  Have you been listening to your body that tells you sometimes to GET UP and GO or just to SLOW DOWN AND BREATHE.

A view from one of my morning runs.

I incorporate Yoga into my weekly schedule.  These are my slow down and breathe through days. Exercise doesn't have to be complicated.  Grab a weighted 5 lb ball, a kettle bell and a mat and there's your workout for the day.  Twists, lunges and some simple Yoga moves 30 minutes a day.
Or hit the pavement and run a simple 2, 3 or 4 mile run or just simply walk.
Are You LISTENING?

Last night we started our series of The Bible on the History Channel. We prerecorded it and watched it as a family.  Emily loved it so much that last night she was searching through every Bible trying to match up the stories. 

She was listening.  

Are You? 

Until Next Time,
Eat Organic,
Eat Gluten-Free,
Jennifer

Moving Forward

Curious I was as I came upon the loop around the lake at Brushy Creek and saw a huge contraption that caught my eye.  It was round, bubbly and looked as if it was some neat Science experiment.  All I could see were a couple of kids surrounded by it and an adult ready to give whoever was waiting next in line, a ride in this neat eye catching bubble.  In my mind I was thinking about how I could approach this group and ask if I could bring my kids back to join in on the fun.

To my disappointment it was a Games 2 U party going on in the park and after research that big Science experiment is actually called a Hamster Ball.  

What in the World?  

                                

What if I could get inside that Hamster Ball and just roll, roll and roll and have so much fun that I forget about life and the worries of the world?  Kids can do it, so why can't I?  I can be 8 again or maybe even 10 or 11 and just live life trusting that my parents will take care of everything.  What if everyday I woke up and just trusted that I would get fed and that maybe one morning my parents would surprise me with a trip to IHOP?  What if I just woke up every morning with a smile on my face and thanked God that I'm alive? What if I just trusted God to feed not only myself but also my family and that we would be clothed not in expensive clothes, but clothed in Love?  What if I just trusted God with my health and that of my husband's?  And instead of hoping and praying that my job situation would get better, what if I just prayed that I would be a blessing to others instead of wanting all the blessings?

Those what if's can be turned into, Yes God, I trust you in every situation of my life. 

Yes see God cares and  in every situation that we're in, God just wants us

 JUST MOVE FORWARD.  

KEEP GOING. KEEP GIVING. KEEP LOVING.

TRUST. OBEY.

We can have that childlike faith that requires us to just trust in God.  So, Yes, we can be obedient and trusting in God just like our children trust us everyday that we are going to take care of them.

 Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:26

I'll be 34 years old this year, maybe it's not too late to rent a Hamster Ball for my Birthday.  

Until Next Time,

Eat Organic,

Eat Gluten-Free,

Jennifer

Tips for Getting through the Flu

Emily at the Doctors Office

Grandma always surprises the kid's with some awesome toy or book.  This time she gave the kids a stuffed rabbit along with the book, "The Velveteen Rabbit."  So, on our 4th day of dealing with the flu, the kid's were coherent enough to listen to me read this wonderful story.  We ended up taking the week off from school, but I let the kids listen to audio recordings of the Famous Men of Rome and we even watched a couple of videos about Germs, Viruses and Bacteria.  This helped the kids understand what was going on in their little bodies. Why they had fever and what was a virus.

We even learned about scarlet fever, a streptococcal bacteria, that was mentioned in the Velveteen Rabbit book.  The boy in the story became ill and was infected with this fatal bacteria.  It made me think about what the kids were going through.  Over the years, children have been plagued with scarlet fever, strep throat, chickenpox, measles and the mumps. And the list goes on.  We are on day 7 dealing with the flu, but we are blessed to live in a  time where Polio no longer exists and we don't have scarlet fever.  But, there will be a time that these once eradicated viral disease will make it's way back into the United States.


As a Nurse, I tell my patients that the single most important protection against these Germs, Viruses and Bacteria is HANDWASHING.

You don't have to be a medical professional to treat a sick child/adult.  I've listed a couple of tips/advice to help you just in case your child get sicks or comes down with the flu virus
The flu shot can provide some protection against some of the strains of flu.  Getting the flu shot doesn't guarantee that you won't get the flu.  If you are allergic to eggs then you should not receive the flu vaccination.

The most common is Type A. There are 3 types, A, B and C.  Type C causes mild respiratory illness.
Flu symptoms include, headache, body aches, fever, tiredness, sore throat and runny nose.
Symptoms may resemble those of a common cold but they are much worse than cold.  Children can have high fevers and difficulty breathing.  A fever is the body's way of recognizing that there is an invader and it is trying it's hardest to overcome this invader.

There is a 24-48 hour window which can determine if can take a medication called Tamiflu to help alleviate the symptoms. There is no cure for the flu. It is a virus. But, BEWARE, it can cause complications and even death.

• Go see your doctor right away.  Adults and children younger than three months old should see a doctor if they have a fever and a cough.
• If the doctor prescribes medication, take all of it until it is finished.  
• Drink plenty of fluids.  Gatorade. Water. Small sips. I had my kids use a straw. Buy the small Gatorade containers that way you can just throw them away after they are finished.  Do not share drinks, that is how the virus is spread.  
• Hot tea with honey and lemon.
• Chicken noodle soup.
• Medication to help loosen up the secretions  and help with congestion. Examples include Mucinex or Deylsum.  
• Use Face Masks and Gloves. The Flu virus is spread through droplets, example coughing/sneezing.  Gloves help with cleaning up vomit and diarrhea associated with the flu.
• Chest Percussion:  This technique was very helpful when Zachary was unable to bring up his secretions.  These secretions can sit in the lungs and cause pneumonia.  (You can google Chest Percussion and find several videos online to help you do this very effective technique)

Have your child sit hugging a pillow. Use the above hand position.  In a consistent, vigorous rhythm, clap the back. 

Do this to the upper lobes and the lower lobes to help loosen mucus and secretions.  

Give your child lots of praise. Prayers always help and avoid kissing and hugging your child.  You need to be well to take care of your sick child. And don't become weary, it can be overwhelming especially if you have more than one child sick.  God is with you. Always.  

We hope to get well soon, 

Until Next Time, 

Stay Healthy!!!!

And Wash, Wash, Wash your Hands!!!!

Jennifer

Pray for me Mommy, would you please?

Every Tuesday when I drop off my Taekwondo Warrior (AKA Black Belt), he always tells me, "Mom, can you please pray that I have a good class."  
"Yes." I respond and I say a prayer.  It's as if I know this little boy so well, I already know his request even before it is spoken. He's always been such a sweet child. Full of love. Full of kindness and compassion.  

As a homeschool child he's not shielded from the sickness and trails of this life. In fact, he's an example of God's love and it is clearly shown through Zachary.  

Born 4 weeks early, Zach was a miracle. His grandpa is a Pastor and many prayers were lifted up for this precious child.  

At the age of 3 he was diagnosed with a severe speech delayment with articulation disorder.  For 6 years Zach would attend weekly sessions with a Speech Pathologist.  At the age of 8, Taekwondo became his passion.  God's plan for Zachary still unfolds. And as he lays sick in his bed, he turns to his dad and me and asks, "Can you please pray for me?"

"Yes!" we respond.  Prayer is powerful. 

Let us pray for all the children who are sick. Those who are suffering a lifetime illness as well as those who are being affected by this flu.   

Until Next time, 
Eat Organic, 
Eat Gluten-Free,
Stay Healthy,

Jennifer

To Round Rock and Back Again.

Round Rock Barbecue

"I love you to the Moon and Back again."

"I love you to Round Rock and Back again."

The first saying is from Grandma Salas.  When the kids were very little, they would frequently visit her house where she would read wonderful stories to the kids.  Her famous quote as they departed her home was, "I love you to the Moon and Back again."  

The second quote was from my husband David who told this to me Saturday as I made my 10 mile mark in Round Rock.  And yes, I did have to go back another 10 miles.

End of the trail

At that point I wanted to call him to pick me up.  I looked at the text he sent me which said, "You're Crazy!!" and "You can do it!" As I ended the trail, I came across some unfamiliar surroundings.  The most miles I've ran have been around 14 miles, almost ran 15 miles on my birthday in August. 20 miles was always my goal.  It sounded crazy because I have no intention on running a marathon, or in fact a half marathon.  So, maybe all those years of running prepared me for this. Or did it?  When I came across the rail road tracks near the Gumbos in Round Rock, I was reminded of an old friend.  My friend Yoli who died in a murder-suicide.  I miss her dearly.  I prayed and asked God to seek me the rest of the way through.  With every foot that pounded that pavement, I was reminded of all the struggles I've faced in my life. There were times in my life when I didn't want to continue the journey, where all I wanted to do was just lay in bed and forget about the world.  There were times when I wanted to give up on David and his treatments.  And all the times I just wanted to quit everything.  I listened to the enemy who told me lies about my self-image. They cut to the core of me, they questioned everything the Lord had given me.  In those times when the enemy whispered lies to me in one ear, in the other ear, God would tell me how he loved me and that he was proud of me.  That is when I realized that I can overcome anything with God by my side. 

So, off I went, to run 20 miles because I knew the Lord would seek me through.  It reminded me that in life we will have struggles, we will have disappointments and times when we think we can go no longer. 

We are stronger than we think.  

John 16:33
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

We can overcome the world too. 

End of the Trail path. 

Let this New Year bring you Many Blessings!!! Happy New Year to Yours from Mine. 

Until Next Time,

Eat Organic,

Eat Gluten-Free,

Run.

Jennifer

Tis the Season to be Jolly!!!

Our not so Perfect Christmas Picture

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, 

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Tis the season to be jolly, 

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Emily can just about hum every Christmas song that comes on Pandora.  For two whole months, beginning after Thanksgiving, we play a continous stream of Christmas music.  If you want to get in the Christmas mood, then come over to the Salas Family.  We sing, we dance, we are in the season of happiness.  But wait, aren't we suppose to be happy all the time?  Of course silly, happiness if a gift. It is to be cherished by the Giver.  He gives freely to those who ask of it.  What makes Christmas "extra" special is that we get to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus.  The Salas Family loves Birthdays.  We especially love birthdays because of the gifts we receive.  My birthdays in particular involve me running some crazy miles. 

So, are you enjoying this season of Jesus' Birthday or are you grumpy, stressed or just plain tired of all this Christmas business?  This weekend indeed will be crazy.  It will involve lots of heartaches and grumpiness but just think about the real reason why we celebrate Christmas.   

Jesus

Our Church service this past Sunday left me with a peace that showed this heart of mine why we make such a big deal about Christmas.  And even more so, the events that happened this past week has lead me to believe that Jesus is the solution to the world's problems.  You see, Jesus was born to a virgin, Mary, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born in a manger and later on was crucified for the sin of mankind.   

Mary

She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger. Luke 2:7

December 25th is coming soon, don't let this day be the only day you celebrate the "Christmas" season.  Rejoice in Jesus, our Savior who was God's gift to mankind.  If your only reason for celebrating Christmas is to receive or give gifts, then now is the time to read the Bible to find out who this baby who was born to a virgin meant to the world.  The story can be found in all the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  

Until Next Time, Merry Christmas, May the Love of Jesus fill your hearts forever.  

Jesus is the reason for the season.  

Since David wasn't in our Christmas picture,

I thought I'd share with you a little of his craziness.

Dancing  Beard

Love, 

The Salas Family

All I want for Christmas

All I want for Christmas is a new mixer.  Seriously. Look at it. It's bright and shiny. It's new.  It smells of newness.

My Costco trip this week caused me to do some looking for Christmas.  The isles were filled with books, clothes, games and every neat gadget, computer you could ever want.

And yes, they make it so easy for you to just grab and go.  That's why I love shopping at Costco.  No waiting in long lines for something. Just go out to the open floor and grab what you need.
And there's nothing I need. Nothing I want.
I would love to have a new mixer, but my old Kitchen Aid mixer works fine. Problem is that it isn't new and it isn't shiny anymore.

Every year the kids write down long lists of things they want for Christmas.  This year I made it easy and printed a cute template where they could write all the things they wanted for Christmas.  This gives me an idea of what to buy them.

Here are a few below:

David's List:

Parts for Telescope

Red Fender Guitar Fixed

Stereo with surround sound to go 

with our projector

New turntable for albums

Zachary's List:

Wii U with Wii U Zombi

or Assassins Creed

Lego Halo

D.J's List

Long Board

TV

Good Headphones

Driving License

Dumbbells

Love (Family Togetherness)

Emily's List

Red Dead Redemption Game

(Year Edition)

I Pad

Dream Lights Pillow

Beanie Babies

Headphones

Drawing Pad and Pencils

Epic Mickey The Power of Two

Lego Gold Mine

Flute

Glow Book

Nerf Bow

Red or Blue Bike

My List:

Nike Tights for Cold Weather

New Workout Headphones

Books

Pens 

Candy 

Aprons for Cooking

Emily's list as you can see is the longest.  

D.J. added Love to his list, Family Togetherness as one of his gifts from Santa.  He's a teenager, so I have made it my goal to give him some EXTRA Love.   Oh, its so easy to get mad at teenagers.  Especially when they exceed their data plan on their I-Phone listening to Pandora radio or telling you that the $30.00 protein powder you were so determined was the right one, wasn't the right one.   So, you see, it takes a lot of guidance from the Lord to follow his command,"Love One Another as I have Loved you. "

I won't have to buy Love this Christmas.  I never have. I never will. It's free.  Just ask the Lord.  He gives out plenty of it.  He is the Giver of Love, not Santa. 

And when D.J. added it to his list, it made me even more determined to show the kid's more Love.  You see, all these gifts are things we want. Things we would like to have.  But, I can tell you that if I didn't receive the things I asked for I would be okay.  As long as I have Love from my family.  

Family Togetherness as D.J. wrote, then I wouldn't be disappointed. 

Christmas isn't about what we can receive. 

Christmas is about what we can give to others.  

And the best gifts in life are free, like Hugs, Smiles and most importantly, LOVE.   

Make it your goal to show some Extra Love this Holiday Season. 

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic,

Eat Gluten-Free, 

Show more Love, 

Jennifer

The Missing Ingredient

This week Chili was on the menu.  And of course, as always, cornbread goes right along with the chili.  It's perfect for dipping in that big bowl of chili. All fluffy, buttery and so sinfully good.

As I prepared my ingredients, I was a bit tired, worn out from our busy home school day and the last thing on my mind was to sit down and relax. It was 6 pm and there I went into the kitchen.  Okay, there's the milk, Grab that.  Oh, the eggs, grab that too. Cornmeal check.  Salt check. Everything blended right in. A mixing it will go.
10 minutes into cooking it, I noticed something was wrong with my cornbread. It never rose.  15 minutes later. Nope.  After it was done it looked like you could throw them as a frisbie. The kids were not too kind either.  I went back to the ingredients on my list.  I forgot the baking powder.  Just one little thing.  I was so upset.  We did eat the cornbread. It tasted fine. It was just the way it looked.  It wasn't my award-winning (In my head), "Mom, you're the best" comment day for cornbread.  I didn't get any praises this time around.

That brings me to my next award-winning (In my head), best tasting Pumpkin Bread.  Every year I make a loaf of pumpkin bread.  This year I really wanted to make a big pumpkin loaf that tasted amazing.
Again, I was tired after a busy day.  Our dryer is out of order and we've been making frequent trips to the laundry mat.  I wanted to end our night with a treat for the kids.  I always pat myself on the back for always having every single ingredient needed to make just about any sweet.  Ginger. Check. Nutmeg. Check. Pumpkin. Check. I had two cans.  Yay!!! So, I thought I put the cinnamon in. Nope. Forgot that one.  1/2 cup of milk.
 I added 1 cup.

It took a little longer to cook.  It wasn't the best tasting pumpkin bread I've made, but it will get eaten tomorrow by a pack of wolves.

Let's see if they notice the difference.  

So, I guess you can contribute my missing ingredient to my tiredness.  But what happens when we truly miss that one ingredient (thing) in our lives?  The one ingredient, I mean,  the one person who gives us flavor (life). No big deal you might say.  One missing ingredient doesn't necessarily mess up the whole recipe.  Or does it?  What about my cornbread?  It didn't look all fluffy. It was flat.  It looked hopeless.  Lifeless, flat and missing Baking Powder?

The Missing Ingredient?

Well, you can say that next time I won't forget those important ingredients. I can remind myself next time not to make the same mistake I once did.  You see, following a recipe is simple enough. All you have to do is read the list and follow.  What about following the Lord?  Is it as simple as following a recipe?  What's included in that recipe? Does it have flavor?  Is it made with Love?

God's Recipe for a Long Life
Love
Faith 
Hope

There are many times in my life when I begin to doubt the Lord.  I tend not to want to Love others when they  hurt me or say mean things to me. I begin to lose faith when things don't go my way.  This kind of behavior only leads me to miss out on the real blessings in my life. 

My Family, My Job, My friends, My Talents.

When we continue to miss out on one of these ingredients, we grow bitter and cold. Lifeless.  Flat. Just like my cornbread.  We just keep on missing that ingredient. It just becomes a habit.  Luckily, just like remembering to add Baking Powder to my Cornbread and Cinnamon to my Pumpkin Bread, we too, can correct those mistakes and add those ingredients back into our lives.  It might take some time to remember, but the Lord gives up a Recipe Book.  It's called The Bible.  It's filled with all sorts of recipes for a long, rich, and fulfilling life.  

Pick one up for yourself. 

Found at Major Book Retailers and Christian Bookstores. 

Oh, and maybe you can find one on your old book shelf or pilled high somewhere to be discovered.  Or maybe, it sits in plain sight on your coffee table being read everyday.   

I'll leave you with one of my favorite verses from my Recipe Book. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2 If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. 4 Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, 5 Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, 6 Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,7 Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. 8 Love never dies. 

1 Corinthians 1-8

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jennifer Salas

Five Fun Things Friday

Excited to be done!

We finally finished Ginger Pye.  

It took me a month to finish, but I did it!!!

One of the fun things we did over the summer was the Book Club at Leander Public Library.  The kids had a list of books to choose from, they would read the book, come back on the assigned day to be discussed and then on to the next book.   During our adventure here we encountered the Mysterious Benedict Society Books.  For the first time in years, I actually sat down and read a book.  Even after working a 12 hour shift, the kids would beg for me to read to them.  We finished the first book and are now on the 2nd.  This inspired me to create our own Monthly Book Club.  

Over the summer I chose books I thought the kids would like according to their reviews and their age level.  Every month we would read a new book and then I would have the kids do a book report. 

 First in our series was Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

Second in our series was Ginger Pye (We just finished our book report today)

Third in our series will be Treasure Island. And the list goes on.  

What I've learned doing this is that it's Fun reading Children's Books.  I remember as a young child, I would immerse myself in books.  I even volunteered at a young age at our public library where I grew up.  

Books are to be treasured. Always. 

So, let's get down to our Five Fun Things we are doing today.

1.  Book Report on Ginger Pye. As I'm writing this, we already finished our Book reports and our discussion of the book.

2. Running.  Of course. But I didn't want to list this first because my first fun thing to do today was our Book Report.  I ran 9 miles today. Planned on 7 but felt good to run. 

3.  David gets his BIPAP machine today.  After two years on a CPAP with no improvement, he's getting a BIPAP.  Yay  for sleep!!!!

4. I'm sending my first JennieBand to France.  My fellow daily miler Levi is going to try out my new Reflective Bands. How awesome is that?  Beyond words!!

5. D.J's Football game.  He played so well last week.  They haven't lost a game yet.  Way to go Lions!!!

Until Next Time, 

Eat Organic!!

Eat Gluten-Free!!!

Jennifer

Five Fun Things Friday

It's not fun sewing if your not wearing your hair turban. Ha!! I just showered and I'm letting my hair dry.

So, Here's the start of my Five Fun Things Friday.


1.  Ran 7 awesome miles.  I ran the new route I found the other day where I encountered many dead animals.  This time I found 4 miles of grassy, soggy trail.  Challenging, but fun.  I managed to stay safe on the road. I wore my Jennie Reflective Band and I pretty much wear bright yellow when I'm road running.







2.  Sewing!!!  I have a tax permit now so I can start selling my JennieBands at Markets and Craft shows.  Yay!!!  Going to do the Naty Market in Round Rock. Haven't decided on a day yet but I'm planning either Friday or Saturday. I'll keep you posted so you can come check out my booth.

3.  Taking the kids to the park for some fun.  After we finish Science, History and Latin today we will be going out to Brushy Creek for some more Tree Climbing.

4.  D.J's Football game is tonight.  His last game was somewhere far away so we didn't go. Today's game is here so we are definitely going. Gotta support my football player.

5. Food that Satisfies My Soul.
Coffee. Popcorn. Pickles. Nachos. Bearded Brothers bar and Chocolate.

Hope you Have Five, Fun things to do today. 

 If it's just one, that's okay, make it Super Fun!!!

Until Next Time, 
Eat Organic
Eat Gluten-Free, 

Jennifer