Great great great!! I'm down 4# in 3 days and my PH is perfect!! Yee Haw!! The "deal" with the PH is that theoretically cancer, diabetes, and "disease" in general, can't exist with perfect PH. The "perfect" number is 7.3, but 6.8 to 7.4 is acceptable. There are so many lists of foods, etc., but the reason seems to be how our individual bodies process the food. I'm going to paste in a link to an article that helped me to understand: http://www.my-diet-story.com/articles/ph-miracle-diet/Acid-And-Alkaline-Foods-In-Ph-Miracle-Diet.php
I just got off the phone with my friend and we were talking about this. If you decide to look into the PH diet, then you'll have to get the test strips. They are available online and at health food stores. That was the only way I could figure out what "works" for me PH-wise. I've discovered that generally for me potatoes are veggies as long as I have a salad along with them -- I do have to treat them "respectfully" as they do cause increased pain and inflammation. I have also discovered I can do a CAD Reward Meal (CAD RM) more than once in a day and my PH will stay correct (and I can still lose weight!) The big deal is to have REAL veggies at every meal (green ones and/or salad at least at lunch and dinner) and lemon juice is huge for me. Whenever I have lemonade -- even the kind with sugar! -- my PH is correct. It is very useful knowing these things!
Bottom line for me -- I've figured out how I can eat within our budget, using the free meals at church, etc., and keep my PH right and lose weight. I'm just eating moderately, generally making "better" choices, using the CAD RM and so far so good. This has been a big issue. I've felt so defeated because I didn't think I could do it with the limitations set on us right now. Thank the Lord for friends who are praying for me!!
***************
Polarity Principle (ie., correcting incorrect Polarity by means of a "brain exercise") -- I went to see my Medical Massage Therapist last week and she shared with me what I'm calling the Polarity Principle. She explained that when we get injured or other traumatic events happen to us it can cause our "energy flow" to get messed up -- essentially, what I understand is that we are all either right or left brained. When we have trauma happen to us, the other side will try to take over to compensate for the perceived weakness. When that happens it is like all our energy starts to flow the wrong way. How I understand and experience it is that when my polarity is switched it is like "sludge" is flowing through my veins. (I've had sludge for years -- understood I did, but didn't know how to correct it!) When I correct it, it is like "health, energy and life" are flowing through my veins! The first time I did it, it was so dramatic that I wept for a few minutes. The second time I did it, about 5 minutes later, I felt a rush of "health" -- like I was a lifeguard again!
The procedure: With one hand hold your belly button (put a finger in/on it) and with the other hand systematically rub the following areas for a few seconds each in this order while still holding your belly button, 1. Just below your collar bones on the ribs in the center above the breast bone on the left and right side concurrently, 2. Above and below your lips (at the same time), 3. On the back of the neck at the base and in the center, again concurrently, 4. As close as you can get to your tailbone. Then you switch -- use the other hand to hold your belly button and then massage all of these points in order. Apparently, this tells your body to switch back to its normal polarity. She said you can do this as often as you want/need to do so. I'm definitely sleeping better, quality-wise and without bad dreams. I've always suffered with bad dreams! I had my kids do it, and they all responded dramatically.
If this helps anyone -- cool!!! It can't hurt :)
Blessings,
Sharron
JAMSGems4U My name is Sharron Long. I'm an author with 3 published cookbooks, a home schooling mom and a house parent at a Christian youth ranch. I'm interested in health and family related things. I write mostly recipes for folks with allergies. We've gone through various stages, so you'll have to check the individual recipe for what it covers. Check back often because I'm constantly adding to my recipes here! All recipes are cSharron Long and Adams Media.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Friday, January 11, 2008
Provision
I just wanted to share what God did the other day!
I've been praying for God to provide by some miraculous means. I've been reminding Him that it's His Great Name that is at stake here -- not really ours. See, we have "perfect" credit and I ALWAYS give God the credit for it (pun intended :) ) I always say that it is just by the grace of God that we've always paid all our bills on time. So, I've been reminding God of this.
DH had only gotten 1/2 paycheck on Friday because he had that time off over Christmas. It was not even enough to pay the most basic bills, much less groceries or gas. Sunday I decided to tithe, even though we really didn't "have it" -- I have some buffer money in my checking account to keep us from bouncing checks, so it was using some of that. Monday morning I was really intensely reminding God of His Name being on the line, and guess what came in the mail right around noon? A check for over-payment on our escrow account for ~$650! The other 1/2 of "DH's paycheck"!! :)
I'm so thankful for it -- we took the kids out on a family date to celebrate what God had done. We went to a little hole-in-the-wall Chinese buffet I'd seen while driving around looking for something the day before. It's called "Taste of Asia" in Vancouver, WA. Turns out this place is one of the Top 100 best Chinese Buffets in the entire nation!!! Oh baby!!! :p
Then I took the car to be DEQ'd and it failed, so we had to pay $280 for a new catalytic converter. If we hadn't gotten that check, I would not have been able to pay that bill. God is so faithful!!!
Praise God! I'm looking forward to what He's going to do NEXT :)
Blessings!
Sharron
I've been praying for God to provide by some miraculous means. I've been reminding Him that it's His Great Name that is at stake here -- not really ours. See, we have "perfect" credit and I ALWAYS give God the credit for it (pun intended :) ) I always say that it is just by the grace of God that we've always paid all our bills on time. So, I've been reminding God of this.
DH had only gotten 1/2 paycheck on Friday because he had that time off over Christmas. It was not even enough to pay the most basic bills, much less groceries or gas. Sunday I decided to tithe, even though we really didn't "have it" -- I have some buffer money in my checking account to keep us from bouncing checks, so it was using some of that. Monday morning I was really intensely reminding God of His Name being on the line, and guess what came in the mail right around noon? A check for over-payment on our escrow account for ~$650! The other 1/2 of "DH's paycheck"!! :)
I'm so thankful for it -- we took the kids out on a family date to celebrate what God had done. We went to a little hole-in-the-wall Chinese buffet I'd seen while driving around looking for something the day before. It's called "Taste of Asia" in Vancouver, WA. Turns out this place is one of the Top 100 best Chinese Buffets in the entire nation!!! Oh baby!!! :p
Then I took the car to be DEQ'd and it failed, so we had to pay $280 for a new catalytic converter. If we hadn't gotten that check, I would not have been able to pay that bill. God is so faithful!!!
Praise God! I'm looking forward to what He's going to do NEXT :)
Blessings!
Sharron
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Sharron's Tacos de Lengua Recipe (Mexican-style beef tongue tacos)
OK Folks, here it is! My take on Tacos De Lengua:
Sharron's Tacos de Lengua
Makes about 12 servings
First, Cover an approximately 3 pound beef tongue with good water (filtered or purified in some way.) Add about 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns, 2 bay leaves and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
. Bring it to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Skim off any "floaties" that come to the surface of the broth and discard them.
Note: You'll probably accidentally skim off the peppercorns or maybe even the bay leaves. Put them back into the pot.
Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 3 hours. After that time, put the tongue into a 9"x13"x2" pan (or something similar) covered with about 1/2" of the cooking broth. The broth is to keep the meat from drying out. Allow the tongue to cool until it is easy to handle -- about 20 to 30 minutes, turning it once during the cooling time. Most sources say don't let it cool all the way until it is "cold" -- then it will be difficult to skin.
Skinning the tongue: What I did was slit the white "sandpaper" covering with a utility knife lengthwise along the whole tongue, all the way around. Then I just slipped my fingers under it and pulled it right off. It was that easy. Some sources warn to make sure to get any bones, fat or gristle off the tongue, but mine didn't have any of those, thankfully.
Chop the tongue into 1/2" pieces, putting them back into the pan with the reserved broth, again to keep them from drying out while working with the rest of the meat.
Cooking the meat -- the last stage:
Put about 1 tablespoon of lard, 1/2 cup diced white sweet onion, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves into a large frying pan. Cook, stirring often, over medium-high heat until the onion pieces are translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the chopped meat along with some of the reserved broth. (I basically just dumped the contents of the one pan into the other.)
Add about:
1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (Adobo
)
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 to 2 teaspoons cumin, ground
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (I had roasted chipotle)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 lime, juiced
Cook the meat, broth and seasonings over medium high heat until the broth has thickened, about 15 minutes. Taste the meat and adjust seasonings if desired.
Serve the prepared meat on corn tortillas with sliced radishes, cucumbers and chopped sweet onion (and cilantro.) Optional additional garnishes: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole (or just avacado), cheese, etc.
In my humble opinion, these tacos were every bit as good as the little taqueria's. I hope you enjoy them!
Blessings,
Sharron
(c2008 Sharron Long -- Author of Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine published by Adams Media, Corp., All rights reserved. May be copied freely for personal use only.)
Sharron's Tacos de Lengua
Makes about 12 servings
First, Cover an approximately 3 pound beef tongue with good water (filtered or purified in some way.) Add about 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns, 2 bay leaves and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
. Bring it to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Skim off any "floaties" that come to the surface of the broth and discard them.Note: You'll probably accidentally skim off the peppercorns or maybe even the bay leaves. Put them back into the pot.
Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 3 hours. After that time, put the tongue into a 9"x13"x2" pan (or something similar) covered with about 1/2" of the cooking broth. The broth is to keep the meat from drying out. Allow the tongue to cool until it is easy to handle -- about 20 to 30 minutes, turning it once during the cooling time. Most sources say don't let it cool all the way until it is "cold" -- then it will be difficult to skin.
Skinning the tongue: What I did was slit the white "sandpaper" covering with a utility knife lengthwise along the whole tongue, all the way around. Then I just slipped my fingers under it and pulled it right off. It was that easy. Some sources warn to make sure to get any bones, fat or gristle off the tongue, but mine didn't have any of those, thankfully.
Chop the tongue into 1/2" pieces, putting them back into the pan with the reserved broth, again to keep them from drying out while working with the rest of the meat.
Cooking the meat -- the last stage:
Put about 1 tablespoon of lard, 1/2 cup diced white sweet onion, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves into a large frying pan. Cook, stirring often, over medium-high heat until the onion pieces are translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the chopped meat along with some of the reserved broth. (I basically just dumped the contents of the one pan into the other.)
Add about:
1/2 to 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (Adobo
)1 teaspoon sea salt
1 to 2 teaspoons cumin, ground
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (I had roasted chipotle)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/2 lime, juiced
Cook the meat, broth and seasonings over medium high heat until the broth has thickened, about 15 minutes. Taste the meat and adjust seasonings if desired.
Serve the prepared meat on corn tortillas with sliced radishes, cucumbers and chopped sweet onion (and cilantro.) Optional additional garnishes: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole (or just avacado), cheese, etc.
In my humble opinion, these tacos were every bit as good as the little taqueria's. I hope you enjoy them!
Blessings,
Sharron
(c2008 Sharron Long -- Author of Extreme Lo-Carb Cuisine published by Adams Media, Corp., All rights reserved. May be copied freely for personal use only.)
"Cabesa" and Tongue tacos (Tacos de Lengua)
I don't have so many cooking failure stories... but I do have some funny "what I've eaten" stories. Particularly one stands out today:
I had just gotten off work. I worked at Mrs. Fields Cookies when I was in college -- it had the effect of making me lose weight rather than gain it because I got disgusted with the smell of cookies all day long! Anyway, went to my friends' home and his mom had been cooking something that smelled AMAZING -- I smelled it even before I entered their humble home. As I walked into the tiny kitchen, she was standing there, smiling and handing me a taco filled with some sort of "carne" -- it was exquisite!
In unison, they asked, "well, don't you want to know what sort of 'carne' it is?"
"No," said I, reaching my hand out for another taco.
"You don't want to know?" they all queried.
By this time I had some sort of funny feeling about this, but they knew I was willing to try just about anything as long as it wasn't blood. So, I finally said, "OK, what is it?" while happily munching down on my 2nd taco.
"Cabesa!" they all told me. ("Cabesa" means "head" in Spanish.)
"Oh, ok," I replied, asking for another taco. At this point they were all rather aghast that I didn't care. The only regret I have about those "cabesa" tacos now is that I didn't find out how to make them!
*****
Recently, I've discovered a local taqueria that has tacos de lengua (tongue tacos), which tastes pretty close to my friends mom's "cabesa" tacos. Right now, as I type, I have a big ol' tongue boiling in a pot. This is my first attempt. I also have a heart in there. I picked them both up on a whim for just a few pennies a pound. Hope the heart doesn't mess things up! Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes :)
Blessings,
Sharron, the hungry! :p
I had just gotten off work. I worked at Mrs. Fields Cookies when I was in college -- it had the effect of making me lose weight rather than gain it because I got disgusted with the smell of cookies all day long! Anyway, went to my friends' home and his mom had been cooking something that smelled AMAZING -- I smelled it even before I entered their humble home. As I walked into the tiny kitchen, she was standing there, smiling and handing me a taco filled with some sort of "carne" -- it was exquisite!
In unison, they asked, "well, don't you want to know what sort of 'carne' it is?"
"No," said I, reaching my hand out for another taco.
"You don't want to know?" they all queried.
By this time I had some sort of funny feeling about this, but they knew I was willing to try just about anything as long as it wasn't blood. So, I finally said, "OK, what is it?" while happily munching down on my 2nd taco.
"Cabesa!" they all told me. ("Cabesa" means "head" in Spanish.)
"Oh, ok," I replied, asking for another taco. At this point they were all rather aghast that I didn't care. The only regret I have about those "cabesa" tacos now is that I didn't find out how to make them!
*****
Recently, I've discovered a local taqueria that has tacos de lengua (tongue tacos), which tastes pretty close to my friends mom's "cabesa" tacos. Right now, as I type, I have a big ol' tongue boiling in a pot. This is my first attempt. I also have a heart in there. I picked them both up on a whim for just a few pennies a pound. Hope the heart doesn't mess things up! Anyway, I'll let you know how it goes :)
Blessings,
Sharron, the hungry! :p
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Precious Bunny painting
I painted this yesterday. It was going to be a puzzle, but my eldest daughter objected strongly. It is Precious Bunny in a Happy Place
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
God Gas!! (Miraculous Provision)
Last week we had 2 incedences of God Gas. My kids have been hanging door flyers for our Youth Pastor's new biz of carpet cleaning. He had given me $5 for gas and that was all I had in the car. Way up in the hills above our neighborhood I realized I was flat on E and the "check guage" (Dummy light!) was on!! I called my best friend and she prayed with me. I turned the car back on and it was right back up to where it was when I put the $5 into it! We went down to another neighborhood, in order to finish the flyers and I was back on E! I prayed again and was given the same amount as before. It was enough to finish passing out all the flyers we had and just enough to get us to the gas station where I put in another $5 -- which, of course, brought us right back to the same mark :)
Blessings,
Sharron
Blessings,
Sharron
Monday, September 17, 2007
A fun date with hubby and a new friend on the phone!
Dan and I had a total blast last night, and how it started out was a total "fluke."
See, he was supposed to be home by around 4 or 4:30, but when I called him, he said he was going to be longer. That left me with time on my hands, and my inkling was to research restaurants!
I had read that afternoon in a health-oriented magazine that pasta is actually low-glycemic, and I've been doing fine since adding it back into our diets (on a limited basis); so I looked up Italian restaurants in the area. I looked at The Old Spaghetti Factory, but the reviews said it was more family oriented, kid oriented and noisy. They had the clam pasta I was wanting, but I didn't want that sort of atmosphere for my date night with my hubby! I kept looking, and I found Little Italy's Trattoria. They have two locations, but the downtown Vancouver, WA location seemed a lot more like what I wanted.
It was a bit difficult to find because of the one way streets in Vancouver, but we did do so. The restaurant was cozy in the front dining room where we were seated. It wouldn't accommodate a wheel chair in that area, but the back dining area looked more open. I also understand their other location is more roomy.
The menu was fun! It was full of all sorts of items I couldn't pronounce, fortunately, they were all well described in English :) There were a number of entrees that looked really appealing to me, even with my nightshade allergy (tomatoes), but I settled on the clam linguine -- after all, that was what had pretty much set me on my search for Italian food in the first place! Hubby ordered the shrimp linguine. We were served yummy salads with the House dressing -- a balsamic vinaigrette -- then our dinner was served. Mine came with about 8 whole fresh steamer clams on top, for decoration, I guess! The sauce was loaded with fresh clams and garlic -- it was wonderful! Hubby's was great, too. He didn't have as much seafood as mine did, but the prawns were huge and he said it was yummy. We finished with Spumoni ice cream to share. Yum!!
At one point I was just sitting and enjoying the ambiance -- listening to the Italian music playing in the background. I couldn't understand anything that was being said, nor did I recognize any of the music. Then, all of the sudden I realized I actually DID recognize the piece being played -- it was a piece that the makers of Veggie Tales had turned into a "Silly Song with Larry!" I don't know what it is in Italian, but the VeggieTales version of it is "A Great Big Squash Just Sat Upon My Hat!" When our server came by a few moments later, I asked her if she was familiar with VeggieTales. She said she was and I mentioned the Great Big Squash song and she chuckled. She said she goes home all the time with random Italian music running through her head!
Hubby had never had spumoni ice cream before. I knew there were bits of fruit in it and had already gotten several pieces. All of the sudden, while eating our ice cream, hubby sticks his tongue out at me, and with tongue out says something unintelligible. Then he pulls his tongue back in and says, "I got a raisin!!" Big grin in place. Very cute :)
If someone was wanting a place with quick service -- just to get in and out for a easy meal -- I wouldn't recommend this restaurant. When we were there, the house was packed, every seat taken. However, for good food, reasonable prices, a pleasant atmosphere and friendly service, this is an excellent choice!
**********
This afternoon I was looking at my Melaleuca biz report -- I haven't actually "worked" the biz in about 2 years, but I noticed there was someone who was a regular customer that I had never even spoken to that had gotten 19 back orders! I figured she'd never been taught how to place an order, and really felt like I was supposed to give her a call. I felt really awkward, but explained who I was and why I was calling. She responded with what I can only describe as near-glee! Apparently, learning how to place an order and do something with all this excess product she was accumulating was on her "to do list." I showed her what to do and she was very thankful. We then started talking and ended up talking for about 1.5 hours!! Turns out we have a LOT in common... I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. She's currently studying to become a naturopathic physician and she told me about PH levels in relation to healing. I really think she's got something there. I'm looking forward to learning more!
***********
Oh, and if you are following the wedding dress story, it has about 14 hours left and bidding is over $50. I'm thrilled! Since 20% goes to the youth fund, this has the potential to be a big blessing!
Gotta go!
Blessings,
Sharron
See, he was supposed to be home by around 4 or 4:30, but when I called him, he said he was going to be longer. That left me with time on my hands, and my inkling was to research restaurants!
I had read that afternoon in a health-oriented magazine that pasta is actually low-glycemic, and I've been doing fine since adding it back into our diets (on a limited basis); so I looked up Italian restaurants in the area. I looked at The Old Spaghetti Factory, but the reviews said it was more family oriented, kid oriented and noisy. They had the clam pasta I was wanting, but I didn't want that sort of atmosphere for my date night with my hubby! I kept looking, and I found Little Italy's Trattoria. They have two locations, but the downtown Vancouver, WA location seemed a lot more like what I wanted.
It was a bit difficult to find because of the one way streets in Vancouver, but we did do so. The restaurant was cozy in the front dining room where we were seated. It wouldn't accommodate a wheel chair in that area, but the back dining area looked more open. I also understand their other location is more roomy.
The menu was fun! It was full of all sorts of items I couldn't pronounce, fortunately, they were all well described in English :) There were a number of entrees that looked really appealing to me, even with my nightshade allergy (tomatoes), but I settled on the clam linguine -- after all, that was what had pretty much set me on my search for Italian food in the first place! Hubby ordered the shrimp linguine. We were served yummy salads with the House dressing -- a balsamic vinaigrette -- then our dinner was served. Mine came with about 8 whole fresh steamer clams on top, for decoration, I guess! The sauce was loaded with fresh clams and garlic -- it was wonderful! Hubby's was great, too. He didn't have as much seafood as mine did, but the prawns were huge and he said it was yummy. We finished with Spumoni ice cream to share. Yum!!
At one point I was just sitting and enjoying the ambiance -- listening to the Italian music playing in the background. I couldn't understand anything that was being said, nor did I recognize any of the music. Then, all of the sudden I realized I actually DID recognize the piece being played -- it was a piece that the makers of Veggie Tales had turned into a "Silly Song with Larry!" I don't know what it is in Italian, but the VeggieTales version of it is "A Great Big Squash Just Sat Upon My Hat!" When our server came by a few moments later, I asked her if she was familiar with VeggieTales. She said she was and I mentioned the Great Big Squash song and she chuckled. She said she goes home all the time with random Italian music running through her head!
Hubby had never had spumoni ice cream before. I knew there were bits of fruit in it and had already gotten several pieces. All of the sudden, while eating our ice cream, hubby sticks his tongue out at me, and with tongue out says something unintelligible. Then he pulls his tongue back in and says, "I got a raisin!!" Big grin in place. Very cute :)
If someone was wanting a place with quick service -- just to get in and out for a easy meal -- I wouldn't recommend this restaurant. When we were there, the house was packed, every seat taken. However, for good food, reasonable prices, a pleasant atmosphere and friendly service, this is an excellent choice!
**********
This afternoon I was looking at my Melaleuca biz report -- I haven't actually "worked" the biz in about 2 years, but I noticed there was someone who was a regular customer that I had never even spoken to that had gotten 19 back orders! I figured she'd never been taught how to place an order, and really felt like I was supposed to give her a call. I felt really awkward, but explained who I was and why I was calling. She responded with what I can only describe as near-glee! Apparently, learning how to place an order and do something with all this excess product she was accumulating was on her "to do list." I showed her what to do and she was very thankful. We then started talking and ended up talking for about 1.5 hours!! Turns out we have a LOT in common... I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. She's currently studying to become a naturopathic physician and she told me about PH levels in relation to healing. I really think she's got something there. I'm looking forward to learning more!
***********
Oh, and if you are following the wedding dress story, it has about 14 hours left and bidding is over $50. I'm thrilled! Since 20% goes to the youth fund, this has the potential to be a big blessing!
Gotta go!
Blessings,
Sharron
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Been a long time!
It has been a very long time -- since everyone arrived at my house, pretty much. Long story short, it was great, generally, with my sis and her hubby, but things were pretty stinky with my N and GN. Ended up asking them to leave because of disrespect and lack of gratitude. Yucky story, but N took off to P for 3 days without even telling us she was going!! Left us to care for her puppies and daughter without asking if we were willing. We invited her to go live with her Dad -- as I understand, things are just fine for them now. Enough of that!!
Thoroughly enjoying having D's neice, P, with us. She likes to help and is really getting into her college courses we are doing here at home. She's doing an internship at church under D's and my guidance. Don't know if it will count as credit or not, but she needs the time to center on God and becoming a godly woman.
Thoroughly enjoying having D's neice, P, with us. She likes to help and is really getting into her college courses we are doing here at home. She's doing an internship at church under D's and my guidance. Don't know if it will count as credit or not, but she needs the time to center on God and becoming a godly woman.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Update on my 10+
Don't know how long I'll have, but I need to do an update, so here goes...
My neice and her daughter arrived after 4 days of driving from FL. She would have gotten here sooner, except she took a wrong turn in MT and ended up in Yellowstone National Park! Took her a full day out of her way getting here, but nice scenery :) She and her dd are doing well over all -- very little problems adjusting. They also have 2 chiuaua puppies who are very busy and terrorize my cat, but he'll be ok. We've figured out a way to keep them apart, and it's working. They've been here about 2 weeks.
D's neice, P, came to live with us last weekend and she's also adjusted very well.
My sis and her hubby came about 10 days ago for trucking school and that is fine as well. They have their own living space in their tent-trailer in the back yard, so that really helps. The guys are doing well in school.
Concerns:
1. B is still waiting to hear back from a special program that specifically works with disabled individuals doing janitorial work. The job is worth waiting for (they've verbally committed to hiring him, but are waiting on med records.) He needs to work SOON or won't be able to pay his bills next month.
2. D has to have "emergency" carpal tunnel surgery Very Soon. They are afraid she might have irreparable damage and could even end up paralyzed because she's waited so long. She's a music teacher... please pray.
3. Sh (my niece) needs a job.
4. That the guys will get really good jobs at the end of school so we can repay the debt we're incurring from having everyone living here! I'm trusting the Lord that we'll be able to pay off this 2nd mortgage and actually start paying down the first as well once hubby starts his new career.
5. That my ankle will continue to progress well. My docs and PTs are very pleased with my progress. They say I'm doing it just right. I'm done with pool therapy and start on land next week. I've been released to use one crutch in "secure" environments, but still have to use 2 any time I'm outside the house. I also have a new brace that I really like -- so much better than that boot cast!! It is a lace-up and has support for my arch.
OK, out of time. Thanks for praying!!
Blessings,
Sharron
My neice and her daughter arrived after 4 days of driving from FL. She would have gotten here sooner, except she took a wrong turn in MT and ended up in Yellowstone National Park! Took her a full day out of her way getting here, but nice scenery :) She and her dd are doing well over all -- very little problems adjusting. They also have 2 chiuaua puppies who are very busy and terrorize my cat, but he'll be ok. We've figured out a way to keep them apart, and it's working. They've been here about 2 weeks.
D's neice, P, came to live with us last weekend and she's also adjusted very well.
My sis and her hubby came about 10 days ago for trucking school and that is fine as well. They have their own living space in their tent-trailer in the back yard, so that really helps. The guys are doing well in school.
Concerns:
1. B is still waiting to hear back from a special program that specifically works with disabled individuals doing janitorial work. The job is worth waiting for (they've verbally committed to hiring him, but are waiting on med records.) He needs to work SOON or won't be able to pay his bills next month.
2. D has to have "emergency" carpal tunnel surgery Very Soon. They are afraid she might have irreparable damage and could even end up paralyzed because she's waited so long. She's a music teacher... please pray.
3. Sh (my niece) needs a job.
4. That the guys will get really good jobs at the end of school so we can repay the debt we're incurring from having everyone living here! I'm trusting the Lord that we'll be able to pay off this 2nd mortgage and actually start paying down the first as well once hubby starts his new career.
5. That my ankle will continue to progress well. My docs and PTs are very pleased with my progress. They say I'm doing it just right. I'm done with pool therapy and start on land next week. I've been released to use one crutch in "secure" environments, but still have to use 2 any time I'm outside the house. I also have a new brace that I really like -- so much better than that boot cast!! It is a lace-up and has support for my arch.
OK, out of time. Thanks for praying!!
Blessings,
Sharron
Friday, June 08, 2007
Hardly know where to start!
I'm going to start with the dream(s) I had last week. I had a series of basically the same dream over and over one night. I had gone to bed wondering if I should ask for financial help because of Dan going to trucking school and quitting his job on the 15th. I hadn't felt like I was supposed to do that up till that point, but like I said, I went to bed wondering. All night long I dreamed variations on the same dream. In one I remember there was a raging storm and flood all around us, but our house was high enough and several families gathered together inside our home for safety. Within the walls of the house we discoverd a bunch of precious gems that were valuable enough to provide all we would need, plus leave extra leftover. In another dream there was a terrible blizzard and ice storm going on outside, but again, our house was above the worst of the storm. Again, several families gathered together inside our home for safety. This time we discovered valuable hand-made Eskimo fur coats that were enough to protect all of us and enough to sell to get supplies with plenty leftover.
I woke realizing the equity in our house will be sufficient and with the strong impression that God will take care of repaying the debt (the "leftovers" in each dream.) The families I figured were my sis and bro-in-law who are also coming to go to trucking school next week and my best friend and her nephew, B...
Then, my best friend's brother fnally accepted our standing offer of an alternate living situation for his daughter. So, P will be coming to live with us in about a week and a half. She's, also, got some emotional/mental disabilities. She looks normal in every way, but was born with fetal alchol syndrome and some other issues. Emotionally & reasoning ability she's about 12, and is very easily influenced. She's gotten herself mixed in with a really bad crowd of characters, and we are hoping to get her back on track for Jesus and teach her how to STAY pure and holy before the Lord -- not just when she's here!
On Wednesday at prayer meeting, (we have prayer night at our church the 1st Wednesday of every month), I asked for prayer for all this -- it certainly seemed like a lot to me at the time! I was sitting at the front of the church and my husband was in the sound booth, so pastor had a group gather around my husband and another around me. When they got done, our worship leader said (and elaborated more to me yesterday) she saw our house as a lighthouse with a sure, steady beam -- the beam proclaiming the gospel -- and that inside our home was a place of safety, refuge and healing for many. Pastor, as soon as she was done speaking, said, "Yes! I was going to say the same thing -- that their home is a place of security and refuge for the hurting and a great place for healing for many!"
I thought that was pretty cool, and a confirmation that we were doing what God wanted us to do. Little did I know what was to happen yesterday...
I had planned to sleep a little extra because we'd had a very intense day the day before and had also ended up staying up late. However, I woke at about 6:30 feeling I was supposed to get right up. About 15 minutes later, my neice, S, called. She was distraught and was asking if I had an alternate phone number for her dad. She ended up finding the number herself, but I did get her to tell me that she was going to call and ask him for money so she could drive across the country and come here, leaving her husband and children in Florida!
The last I'd heard from her was that things were going well with their family. She had decided to put her children in public school, (at the time I hadn't understood her reasoning), but she was confident it was the right decision. They were attending a new church, and she had finally received the settlement from the grocery store from when she slipped in their store and destroyed her knee. It had been a year since I'd heard from her, and in my spirit I was concerned, but had never been prompted to do anything. Quite honestly, I just thought she was busy with her new job and church and school activities.
This news left me reeling and in shock. A few minutes later, her father called me. He was very concerned that she was just running away from her problem as she has sometimes done in the past. I thought it really odd, too, because I'd seen so much spiritual growth in her in the last 10 years or so. Even though she'd been distant the past year, we've always been very close before that -- it didn't seem consistent with how I know her to be. He, also, said that he didn't really have any money to help her (it's all tied up in a real estate deal), and he felt if she were to come here, she should be with us, not him. (He and his family have a different type of Christianity) He asked me to call her and try to get more information and get a better feeling for the whole situation because she and I have always been so close.
I called her back and discovered her to be completely in her right mind. The situation, as it turned out, is very, very sad. She had caught her husband being unfaithful, (he has been in the past, but we thought it was all over and done with), confronted him and he refused to change. Then he told her he wanted her to leave because he was tired of living with a godly woman! Her two eldest agreed with him -- they were tired of her influence cramping their style!
Once I found out he'd been unfaithful again, I agreed, she needed to leave. At first, she was planning to come alone, but then her youngest found out the details of what had happened, and she asked to come, too.
So began my day yesterday. If it hadn't been for the dreams and the specific Word we'd gotten from both our worship leader and pastor, I'm not sure how I would have reacted. I'm fairly certain the same outcome would have been reached, but I wouldn't have had the certainty about it that I do now. The rest of the day consisted of many phone calls, a fairly large debit on our home equity line of credit and a wire transfer to Florida.
My husband's and my 21st wedding anniversary was yesterday, too. We went out to eat and on the way home heard from S that they were in GA staying in a motel for the night.
At that time, I realized I have a very dear friend who would have probably put them up for the night, but it was too late for that. Oh well.
Anyway, she's headed across the country and should be here in a few days. That will put and additional 5 people and 2 dogs (tiny ones, thankfully!) into our home. My best friend and B stay at their own home, but take most meals here. My sis and bro-in-law have a travel trailer they will bring, so they'll have their own living space. We just need to figure out exactly how to divide up the space in the basement. We've got several ideas -- the space is about 1400sf and is currently divided into 3 sleeping areas and a living area, plus 1/2 bath and laundry -- but we're going to wait till folks get here to decide how we want to place everyone.
Thank the Lord for our big home and that we didn't move last year!!!
I'm completely confident that we are doing what the Lord wants us to do, and I'm also confident the mix will be very good. See, my sister went through very much the same thing -- her former husband left her because he was unfaithful and because she was a Christian and he didn't want any part of it anymore! (In the end, he gave his life to Jesus, and hadn't he been terminally ill with only a few weeks left to live, they would have remarried.) She will be able to minister to S in a way I never could. S will be able to minister to P in a way I never could because she came from a alcoholic home (her mom), and I'm hoping that P will immediately come around and be able to comfort little J because of what she's gone through!
You know, it has been prophesized by many, many people that we were going to have a very powerful ministry, and that it was going to be different than anything we'd ever done before. Well, this sure is different!!
Please, be in prayer for S and J's safety and that P will not change her mind because of the change in our circumstances. I still very much feel she is supposed to be here!
Oh, and spiritually, B's doing great -- but he needs a job. Please pray about that, also.
And, finally that the tranistion with my husband's schooling will go smoothly and my ankle will complete the healing process! I'm still on crutches...
Blessings,
Sharron
I woke realizing the equity in our house will be sufficient and with the strong impression that God will take care of repaying the debt (the "leftovers" in each dream.) The families I figured were my sis and bro-in-law who are also coming to go to trucking school next week and my best friend and her nephew, B...
Then, my best friend's brother fnally accepted our standing offer of an alternate living situation for his daughter. So, P will be coming to live with us in about a week and a half. She's, also, got some emotional/mental disabilities. She looks normal in every way, but was born with fetal alchol syndrome and some other issues. Emotionally & reasoning ability she's about 12, and is very easily influenced. She's gotten herself mixed in with a really bad crowd of characters, and we are hoping to get her back on track for Jesus and teach her how to STAY pure and holy before the Lord -- not just when she's here!
On Wednesday at prayer meeting, (we have prayer night at our church the 1st Wednesday of every month), I asked for prayer for all this -- it certainly seemed like a lot to me at the time! I was sitting at the front of the church and my husband was in the sound booth, so pastor had a group gather around my husband and another around me. When they got done, our worship leader said (and elaborated more to me yesterday) she saw our house as a lighthouse with a sure, steady beam -- the beam proclaiming the gospel -- and that inside our home was a place of safety, refuge and healing for many. Pastor, as soon as she was done speaking, said, "Yes! I was going to say the same thing -- that their home is a place of security and refuge for the hurting and a great place for healing for many!"
I thought that was pretty cool, and a confirmation that we were doing what God wanted us to do. Little did I know what was to happen yesterday...
I had planned to sleep a little extra because we'd had a very intense day the day before and had also ended up staying up late. However, I woke at about 6:30 feeling I was supposed to get right up. About 15 minutes later, my neice, S, called. She was distraught and was asking if I had an alternate phone number for her dad. She ended up finding the number herself, but I did get her to tell me that she was going to call and ask him for money so she could drive across the country and come here, leaving her husband and children in Florida!
The last I'd heard from her was that things were going well with their family. She had decided to put her children in public school, (at the time I hadn't understood her reasoning), but she was confident it was the right decision. They were attending a new church, and she had finally received the settlement from the grocery store from when she slipped in their store and destroyed her knee. It had been a year since I'd heard from her, and in my spirit I was concerned, but had never been prompted to do anything. Quite honestly, I just thought she was busy with her new job and church and school activities.
This news left me reeling and in shock. A few minutes later, her father called me. He was very concerned that she was just running away from her problem as she has sometimes done in the past. I thought it really odd, too, because I'd seen so much spiritual growth in her in the last 10 years or so. Even though she'd been distant the past year, we've always been very close before that -- it didn't seem consistent with how I know her to be. He, also, said that he didn't really have any money to help her (it's all tied up in a real estate deal), and he felt if she were to come here, she should be with us, not him. (He and his family have a different type of Christianity) He asked me to call her and try to get more information and get a better feeling for the whole situation because she and I have always been so close.
I called her back and discovered her to be completely in her right mind. The situation, as it turned out, is very, very sad. She had caught her husband being unfaithful, (he has been in the past, but we thought it was all over and done with), confronted him and he refused to change. Then he told her he wanted her to leave because he was tired of living with a godly woman! Her two eldest agreed with him -- they were tired of her influence cramping their style!
Once I found out he'd been unfaithful again, I agreed, she needed to leave. At first, she was planning to come alone, but then her youngest found out the details of what had happened, and she asked to come, too.
So began my day yesterday. If it hadn't been for the dreams and the specific Word we'd gotten from both our worship leader and pastor, I'm not sure how I would have reacted. I'm fairly certain the same outcome would have been reached, but I wouldn't have had the certainty about it that I do now. The rest of the day consisted of many phone calls, a fairly large debit on our home equity line of credit and a wire transfer to Florida.
My husband's and my 21st wedding anniversary was yesterday, too. We went out to eat and on the way home heard from S that they were in GA staying in a motel for the night.
At that time, I realized I have a very dear friend who would have probably put them up for the night, but it was too late for that. Oh well.
Anyway, she's headed across the country and should be here in a few days. That will put and additional 5 people and 2 dogs (tiny ones, thankfully!) into our home. My best friend and B stay at their own home, but take most meals here. My sis and bro-in-law have a travel trailer they will bring, so they'll have their own living space. We just need to figure out exactly how to divide up the space in the basement. We've got several ideas -- the space is about 1400sf and is currently divided into 3 sleeping areas and a living area, plus 1/2 bath and laundry -- but we're going to wait till folks get here to decide how we want to place everyone.
Thank the Lord for our big home and that we didn't move last year!!!
I'm completely confident that we are doing what the Lord wants us to do, and I'm also confident the mix will be very good. See, my sister went through very much the same thing -- her former husband left her because he was unfaithful and because she was a Christian and he didn't want any part of it anymore! (In the end, he gave his life to Jesus, and hadn't he been terminally ill with only a few weeks left to live, they would have remarried.) She will be able to minister to S in a way I never could. S will be able to minister to P in a way I never could because she came from a alcoholic home (her mom), and I'm hoping that P will immediately come around and be able to comfort little J because of what she's gone through!
You know, it has been prophesized by many, many people that we were going to have a very powerful ministry, and that it was going to be different than anything we'd ever done before. Well, this sure is different!!
Please, be in prayer for S and J's safety and that P will not change her mind because of the change in our circumstances. I still very much feel she is supposed to be here!
Oh, and spiritually, B's doing great -- but he needs a job. Please pray about that, also.
And, finally that the tranistion with my husband's schooling will go smoothly and my ankle will complete the healing process! I'm still on crutches...
Blessings,
Sharron
Saturday, May 26, 2007
It has been a while!
Wow, it has been a while since I've posted! We've been so busy with my physical therapy, trying to get B settled in at my friends' house, my hubby having is 4th hernia repair surgery...
That last bit has been the most eventful and life changing. D had surgery ~2 weeks ago. All went well, but it really got us thinking hard. He just can't keep doing the heavy lifting as a cabinetmaker. He's thought a long time about doing truck driving.
At the same time, my bro-in-law has decided he wanted to look into a career in trucking cuz' he's not getting any younger either!
So, they have both enrolled in IITR truck school in Portland. Their course starts June 18. We are all very excited because this mean my sis & bro-in-law will be staying with us for the course and the training after the course. We'll have them for at least a month :)
I'll try to update as things progress.
Business-wise, I'd totally forgotten I had a Blujay store, until I had a sale from it last week! This is the link http://www.blujay.com/JAMSGems This is where I have most of my jewelry pieces. I've discounted all the prices as low as I can reasonably go -- meaning everything is anywhere from 50% to 90% off. We've got to move some inventory to make room for new!
On my EBay store www.stores.ebay.com/jamsgems4u I've had some really good pearl sales lately. Folks are starting to find my good deals! Also, I'll be adding some new gift items, like Bible covers, CDs and Veggie Tales stuff soon.
That's all for now!
Blessings,
Sharron
That last bit has been the most eventful and life changing. D had surgery ~2 weeks ago. All went well, but it really got us thinking hard. He just can't keep doing the heavy lifting as a cabinetmaker. He's thought a long time about doing truck driving.
At the same time, my bro-in-law has decided he wanted to look into a career in trucking cuz' he's not getting any younger either!
So, they have both enrolled in IITR truck school in Portland. Their course starts June 18. We are all very excited because this mean my sis & bro-in-law will be staying with us for the course and the training after the course. We'll have them for at least a month :)
I'll try to update as things progress.
Business-wise, I'd totally forgotten I had a Blujay store, until I had a sale from it last week! This is the link http://www.blujay.com/JAMSGems This is where I have most of my jewelry pieces. I've discounted all the prices as low as I can reasonably go -- meaning everything is anywhere from 50% to 90% off. We've got to move some inventory to make room for new!
On my EBay store www.stores.ebay.com/jamsgems4u I've had some really good pearl sales lately. Folks are starting to find my good deals! Also, I'll be adding some new gift items, like Bible covers, CDs and Veggie Tales stuff soon.
That's all for now!
Blessings,
Sharron
Thursday, May 03, 2007
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