Inspirational/Motivational Books/Authors

If you are looking for something inspirational or motivational to read, here are some selections of books I have read through the years which I have enjoyed and that have helped me keep things in perspective:
Life Application Bible-New Living Translation. This Bible explains the verses as you read them and offers ways in which you can apply the verses to daily life.

Guideposts Magazine--stories of hope and inspiration from ordinary people--I receive it on a monthly basis.

Dale Carnegie books. A few good ones I have read are How to Stop Worrying and Start Living and How To Win Friends and Influence People.

Joyce Meyer--She has written quite a few books. She tells it like it is in Battlefield of the Mind. Really like her straightforward approach and honesty.

Max Lucado--He is quite a prolific writer also. I especially enjoy his humor. He puts a new twist on perspectives. Some of his book titles: The Great House of God, Just Like Jesus, When Christ Comes--many, many more!

Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen--Teaches how to have victory, joy and satisfaction every day. He focuses a litte too much on material gain at times, but for the most part, he writes in an uplifting manner.

Mother Theresa-In My Own Words--In a world that focuses on ego, television and movie stars, and the "what's in it for me mentality," this is refreshing. Contains quotes, stories and prayers from the days of her work helping the poor. A favorite quote from her: "If we were humble, nothing would change us--neither praise nor discouragement."

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (and it's all small stuff) and Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (with your family)--Richard Carlson, Ph.D. He tells you how to keep from letting the little things in life drive you crazy.

The World According to Mr. Rogers by Fred Rogers--This is a great little book where you can read one quote of Mr. Rogers a day and walk away feeling like you learned something about life. Who doesn't love Mr. Rogers!

Norman Vincent Peale--Again, a prolific writer. One of the greatest motivational writers and speakers of all time. Tons of books have been written by him.

Purpose Driven Life--Rick Warren. Great book for today's world. Shares how one can attain happiness by focusing on others.

Robert H. Schuller--From the Crystal Cathedral in California. Author of many motivational books.

Tried and True Recipes

Rice Casserole
2 C White River Rice (do not cook)
2 small cans mushroom stems and pieces
2 C water
2 sticks margarine
2 C Campbell's French Onion soup
Add to baking dish: 2 cups White River Rice (do not cook first), mushroom stems and pieces,
2 cups water and Fr. Onion soup. Cut margarine sticks into small sections and place them on top of rice mixture. Bake @ 325 degrees for 45 min, uncovered. Cover as soon as it's done. Use 9 x 13-inch pan.

Community Service Ideas

• Volunteer with Meals on Wheels--I make cookies for the shut-ins


• Volunteer at your local food bank--Hold a food drive. My kids and their friends, along with me, went Trick or Treating for food, instead of candy, this past Halloween. I sent out a flyer, typed on lettehead from my local food bank, informing my neighbors that we would be collecting food on Halloween night. Most neighbors had bags of food, or a can or two of food, ready when we knocked on their doors. I thought it was very successful. At my daughter's school (she currently does not attend there anymore), we held a food drive. The kids normally wear uniforms to school, but if they brought in 3 or more items for the food bank, they got to have a "jeans day." They always remembered their food items.


• Donate boxes for Operation Christmas Child at Christmas time. Frank Graham, Billy Graham's son, runs Samaritan's Purse, which distributes the boxes to needy kids around the world. Many churches participate. It is fun to go shopping with your kids and let them pick out the items to put in the shoebox. There are local drop-off facilities in your area. Check out their website. I don't know it off hand, but you can google it; probably Samaritan's Purse.com.


• Get some exercise by walking or running in 5K's for a good cause.


• Visit a shut-in person


• Send letters to the folks in the military.


• Donate to Toy's for Tots


• Nursing homes love folks to come in and spend time with the elderly.


• Hold a penny collection drive for a good cause.
• Help the Salvation Army by ringing the bell during the holidays

Making a Difference

Help Others By Recycling What You Are No Longer Using (websites):

• shareyoursoles.com (donate gently-used shoes to needy people)
  
  

Recycling:

Christmas Cards--I can't stand the thought of throwing away those beautiful Christmas cards, so I don't. You can make gift tags for the following year. I use a drinking glass to trace a circle over the part of the card that I think is really pretty. Then I cut out the circle, insert a tiny whole at the top of the circle, and string some pretty ribbon through to attach to a gift.

When my kids were younger (and actually enjoyed sitting and doing crafts with thier mom), we would use popsicle sticks and Christmas cards to make tree ornaments, which they gave as presents to family. You need popsicle sticks, ornament string, glue and cards. Glue four popsicle sticks together into the shape of a square, kind of like you were making a picture frame. Once dry, lay the sticks over the part of the card that your child desires to place in the popsicle "frame." Glue the sticks to the card. Cut away the part of the card sticking out from around the popsicle "frame." Punch a tiny whole in the top of the card and insert string for hanging. Hang it on the Christmas tree. I still have the ones my kids made for me (again, when they were young and fun--hee!).

Recipes I Have Found To be Really Good:

• Reduced calorie whoopie pies (gobs)--These are more of a cookie-type of gob, not cakey

1 box (1lb 2.25 oz) chocolate cake mix

3 eggs

1/2 C veggie oil

1/4 C cocoa powder

1 1/4 C vanilla frosting

1 1/4 C Cool Whip

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. In large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil and cocoa powder. Beat on low for 30 seconds or until combined. Beat on medium speed for 2 more minutes; batter will be very thick. Drop batter by level tablespoons onto prepared baking sheets 2 in. apart, for a total of approx. 40 cookies. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through. Use metal spatula to quickly transfer cookies to racks and allow to cool.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together vanilla frosting and Cool Whip. Spread a heaping tbsp of frosting mixture onto flat side of one cooled cookie, then place the flat side of a second cookie on top. Repeat.

Per Serving: 218 calories, 12 g fat (3 g sat), 2 g protein, 27 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 206 mg sodium, 28 mg cholesterol.

Favorite Quotes/Sayings/Prayers: Nothing can happen to me today that God and I can't handle together--I don't know who said it, but reminds me I am never alone with my problems!

People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care--from The Way of the Shepherd: 7 Ancient Secrets to Managing Productive People by Kevin Leman and William Pentak. I saw this in Guideposts (Jan. 08 edition)

This year the Bible verse John 3:16 falls on March 16 (3-16-08), which is Palm Sunday! For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Dear Lord, the sun is rising to start a brand new day. Walk with me and hold my hand as I journey on my way.
Let my mind be always open and not judge others by what they do. Let me see the best in those I meet and leave the judgement up to you.
Open my ears to listen with compassion and concern. For when my lips are silent, only then am I able to learn.
May the words I utter from my mouth come only from my heart. For words of hate and malice can tear a soul apart.
Let my hands be ever gentle as I journey through my day. May they always offer comfort to those I meet along the way.
But if my feet should stumble, let me fall into Your Hand. Help me to see my failings; help me to understand.
And when the sun begins its slow descent and I lay my head to rest, I'll look back upon your glorious day; I hope I did my best.
Please stay with me till morning comes and the day will start anew, and walk with me again, Dear Lord; I can't make it without you... By Teri Frye

Not sure who wrote this, but it has always made me stop and think:
I knelt to pray but not too long, I had too much to do. I had to hurry and get to work for bills would soon be due.
So! I knelt and said a hurried prayer, and I jumped up off my knees. My Christian duty was now done, my soul could rest at ease...
All day long I had no time to spread a word of cheer; no time to speak of Christ to friends, they'd laugh at me I'd fear. No time, no time, too much to do, that was my constant cry. No time to give to souls in need but at last the time to die.
I went before the Lord. I came. I stood with downcast eyes. For in his hands he held a book; it was the Book of Life. God looked into his book and said, "Your name I cannot find. I once was going to write it down...But never found the time."


Inspirational/Helping Folks and Their Websites:
anewyouworldwide.com--Galasso Vigorito makes inspirational plates with family graces on them; also cups and a few other items. The plates look amazing, and how nice to sit down to a meal with your family while eating off an inspirational plate, which also serves as a reminder to thank God for the food you are about to eat. Reasonably priced, I think. I saw an article about this in Guideposts magazine (Jan. 08 edition), checked out the website, and am looking forward to ordering the plates and mugs some time soon.

globallinks.org: This organization gathers unused surplus medical supplies to distribute to those countries where people are literally dying because of want of medical supplies.

worldofgood.com: Next time you need a great gift go to this website loaded with bags, jewelry, etc. These products are made by artisans in developing countries. Your purchase helps them earn a living wage and invest in their communities.


Exercise

lesliesansone.com--I love the walking videos by Leslie Sansone. They are walking tapes, with a few other very easy steps included. She has quite a few DVDs available. The videos are easy on the joints, easy to follow, and Leslie has a cute sense of humor. Very unintimidating videos. Easy to follow. I usually use 2-5 lb hand weights during some of the video--2 lb when moving more quickly, so as not to put too much stress on joints, and 5 lb when moving more slowly and can control the movements. I also use my arms throughout, even though Leslie does not. It gets my heart rate up more. Website: lesliesansone.com


Too Funny!


Kid Stuff


Helpful Hints:
Once you have washed and dried sheets, fold them and place the sheets in the pillowcase that came with the sheets. That way, the sheet set stays together, and you won't have to search for a matching set of sheets.