I take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! With economic times at the worst our Country has seen in decades; let's all remember the reason for the season.
Luke 2: 8-14
Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and Saying: "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
So, with this in mind I close by saying, "Make this Christmas the most wonderful day of all, and not just on Christmas but everyday show your love and good will and ask God to make you every mindful of the needs and wants of others. As with families everywhere we may not have much but with Christ we have it all!
I am thankful for my family and want them to know "How very much they are Loved"
Merry Christmas and God Bless,
Chatterbox
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday, August 03, 2008
News From The Home Front
Wow, where does time really go; it has been so long since I was able to sit down and write! From school ending to school beginning it's like I lost half a year! Not to mention our High School graduate decides he's ready to be on his own. I now have a wayward child, I never thought I would be saying that in a million years! I know we all have to cut those apron strings eventually, but with three offers to University's and scholarships; I think he was heading in that direction anyway. Unfortunately he is in love, and his judgement is greatly impaired! So, hopefully he will be leaving for college this August and come to his senses. My husband and I love him dearly and only want what is best for him, however, he will have to figure this one out for himself. We will be here for him and know that God is watching over him. Now, don't let me forget we have one left, he will be a senior this year and we will have to wait and see where that goes. Plans are college and sports for the most part.
Well, if the past months haven't been busy enough, and when I say busy I'm not kidding! My husband got seriously ill and landed in the ER on Monday July, 21, 08; he needed immediate surgery for a Sigmoid Colon Obstruction, which the surgical procedure is; repair of incarcerated left Inguinal Hernia. Yeah, that's what I said, and the recovery in his case is slow do to the fact his potassium levels where dangerously low on admittance. He is now home recovering and trying to do too much already. I think the eight days he spent in the hospital weren't enough!
Hey, life throws you a curve ball and all you can do is throw it back! I know because I have faith and God is true to his word, we will all be fine. Keep your faith for times are trying for everyone; and sometimes when it seems there is no way out, lean not on your own understanding and know that he is God!
One of my favorite verses in the bible is Proverb 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths".
God Bless,
Chatterbox
Well, if the past months haven't been busy enough, and when I say busy I'm not kidding! My husband got seriously ill and landed in the ER on Monday July, 21, 08; he needed immediate surgery for a Sigmoid Colon Obstruction, which the surgical procedure is; repair of incarcerated left Inguinal Hernia. Yeah, that's what I said, and the recovery in his case is slow do to the fact his potassium levels where dangerously low on admittance. He is now home recovering and trying to do too much already. I think the eight days he spent in the hospital weren't enough!
Hey, life throws you a curve ball and all you can do is throw it back! I know because I have faith and God is true to his word, we will all be fine. Keep your faith for times are trying for everyone; and sometimes when it seems there is no way out, lean not on your own understanding and know that he is God!
One of my favorite verses in the bible is Proverb 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths".
God Bless,
Chatterbox
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Family Matters, Bonds for life
Let's take a look at the word Family; the Webster dictionary defines family as a 1. household 2. parents and their children 3. relatives 4. all those descended from a common ancestor; lineage 5. a group of similar or related things. Now, bare with me for a bit and I will try and bring this together and show you another view on how you can look at family or what you may want to call family!
We really don't pick our family, this is something we are born into. It is a birth right and frankly some of us got a pretty raw deal. Now, even though we can't choose our family's, we most certainly can choose who we allow in our very close circle of what we call family!
Now, here is my version of family, people who you enjoy being in their company and know when you need them they are there for you. Opinions matter and advice is not to be looked upon as criticism. Conversation is a pleasure and there may be times when you will have to agree to disagree! Always, age is respected and give credit where credit is due. Age doesn't necessarily mean you have all the answerer's, it just means you may have learned a thing or two over the course of your life, hindsight is 20/20. In fact you may even learn a thing or two by engaging in healthy conversing.
If your biological or blended family make you upset or feel less than welcome, I say you need to step back and evaluate the situation. Unhappy feelings can lead to anger and depression, which is a vicious cycle. Now you have an unhealthy environment leaving your emotions in defence mode, and ultimately in a bad situation! If you have grandchildren never allow yourself to be emotionally blackmailed by your adult children. This can be an ugly situation and heartbreaking! Grand children should never suffer for adult problems.
Here's a solution that I personally have incorporated into my life. Who's to say there isn't a bright side to this story; if you have a circle of close friends or loved ones you have bonded with, then this can be your extended family, no matter how it may make others feel, it's your life that counts. This is especially true for older people who's children have forgotten about them or moved away. Your happiness and health are at stake and we all know when you feel loved you are more loving and basically this equals health and happiness! There are many experts that would agree, close bonds lengthen your life by boosting the immune system. Remember, you may also know someone that is in this very situation and if you have the opportunity to share a little love, just think how happy you can make someone! It is better to give than receive and the rewards are so much more!
"God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16 NIV). ...
Have a blessed day,
Chatterbox
We really don't pick our family, this is something we are born into. It is a birth right and frankly some of us got a pretty raw deal. Now, even though we can't choose our family's, we most certainly can choose who we allow in our very close circle of what we call family!
Now, here is my version of family, people who you enjoy being in their company and know when you need them they are there for you. Opinions matter and advice is not to be looked upon as criticism. Conversation is a pleasure and there may be times when you will have to agree to disagree! Always, age is respected and give credit where credit is due. Age doesn't necessarily mean you have all the answerer's, it just means you may have learned a thing or two over the course of your life, hindsight is 20/20. In fact you may even learn a thing or two by engaging in healthy conversing.
If your biological or blended family make you upset or feel less than welcome, I say you need to step back and evaluate the situation. Unhappy feelings can lead to anger and depression, which is a vicious cycle. Now you have an unhealthy environment leaving your emotions in defence mode, and ultimately in a bad situation! If you have grandchildren never allow yourself to be emotionally blackmailed by your adult children. This can be an ugly situation and heartbreaking! Grand children should never suffer for adult problems.
Here's a solution that I personally have incorporated into my life. Who's to say there isn't a bright side to this story; if you have a circle of close friends or loved ones you have bonded with, then this can be your extended family, no matter how it may make others feel, it's your life that counts. This is especially true for older people who's children have forgotten about them or moved away. Your happiness and health are at stake and we all know when you feel loved you are more loving and basically this equals health and happiness! There are many experts that would agree, close bonds lengthen your life by boosting the immune system. Remember, you may also know someone that is in this very situation and if you have the opportunity to share a little love, just think how happy you can make someone! It is better to give than receive and the rewards are so much more!
"God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16 NIV). ...
Have a blessed day,
Chatterbox
Monday, January 28, 2008
Tragedy Strikes home
Good morning,
Unfortunately not for some, over the weekend a tragic car crash claimed the lives of five young men from our hometown. This has hurt the community greatly as these boys were Wrestlers and athletes and very popular! Our family personally crossed paths with two of the boys on the wrestling circuit. As investigators are still looking into the exact cause, it appears alcohol and high speed have played a part in what was an horrific crash. The car (2008 BMW M5 sedan which belonged to one of the boys fathers, was traveling north on the 1.5 airstrip that actor John Travolta and others regularly use to fly in and out of Ocala.
One of the boys was celebrating his 19 birthday; witnesses say they were coming from a party where alcohol was served. It is still unclear how the young men got onto the airstrip which is on private property. Nothing has not been determined yet as there in an ongoing investigation. My heart and prayers go out to all the families!
This is exactly the kind of situation that making a wrong choice, paid the ultimate price, they lost their lives! Hopefully others will learn from their mistake and make better choices. Each and everyone of us, will face a choice, that can cost dearly. Use common sense and wisdom and lean not on your own understanding and trust in God.
God Bless,
Chatterbox
Unfortunately not for some, over the weekend a tragic car crash claimed the lives of five young men from our hometown. This has hurt the community greatly as these boys were Wrestlers and athletes and very popular! Our family personally crossed paths with two of the boys on the wrestling circuit. As investigators are still looking into the exact cause, it appears alcohol and high speed have played a part in what was an horrific crash. The car (2008 BMW M5 sedan which belonged to one of the boys fathers, was traveling north on the 1.5 airstrip that actor John Travolta and others regularly use to fly in and out of Ocala.
One of the boys was celebrating his 19 birthday; witnesses say they were coming from a party where alcohol was served. It is still unclear how the young men got onto the airstrip which is on private property. Nothing has not been determined yet as there in an ongoing investigation. My heart and prayers go out to all the families!
This is exactly the kind of situation that making a wrong choice, paid the ultimate price, they lost their lives! Hopefully others will learn from their mistake and make better choices. Each and everyone of us, will face a choice, that can cost dearly. Use common sense and wisdom and lean not on your own understanding and trust in God.
God Bless,
Chatterbox
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Sarcasm
Are your words doing more harm than good?
Let’s see, sarcasm better known as a taunting, sneering or mockery! Most always at someone else’s expense. Oh, one would say I’m just playing around I don’t mean anything by it! Our words are extremely powerful and capable of doing great harm. Words or behavior intended to make somebody or something look silly or ridiculous are wrong. We should be trying to lift one another up, not looking for ways to tear each other down.
Unfortunately this nature lies within a lot of us, unknowingly doing harm unintentionally. Do you ever find yourself on the receiving end of a snide remark? Just waiting to fire back and let them have it! Yes, we are human and it takes great restraints to ignore such comments! I’m not saying that words if used delicately couldn’t lighten up a tense situation, even bring laughter to an uncomfortable moment. But we must examine our reason for being sarcastic, and remember words are powerful and can impact someone for life! Remember the old saying “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Well, sad but true most people do not practice this principal and words are used as daggers every day. You can take the spirit right out of someone by just the utterance of a few words! Or you can build them up and leave them smiling! The choice is ours, and if we think, before we speak we can make a difference in such a changing immoral society! Turn on the television they are promoting sarcasm, the entertainment world thrives on it. Believe it, it is big business and we fall prey to it everyday. Therefore leaving us vulnerable and programmed by what we watch and let our children have access to. Children today are more sarcastic in their everyday life than years ago. Not so surprising when television is a babysitter. This holds true for adults as well, it seems to becoming the norm in households! This is a conscious effort we have to make everyday to coven ourselves accordingly and practice, to think before we speak. Even the bible has a lot to say about our words. Let’s look at Proverbs 17:28 “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.”
There we are back to the old saying, “if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all” We should work hard at being considerate of others, treating them the way we want to be treated and remember to choose our words wisely! We are as much as what we do, as what we say! Our Words should be that of affirmation! I leave you with this thought!
Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
God Bless,
Chatterbox
Copyright 1/26/08 Donna L. Maholage
Let’s see, sarcasm better known as a taunting, sneering or mockery! Most always at someone else’s expense. Oh, one would say I’m just playing around I don’t mean anything by it! Our words are extremely powerful and capable of doing great harm. Words or behavior intended to make somebody or something look silly or ridiculous are wrong. We should be trying to lift one another up, not looking for ways to tear each other down.
Unfortunately this nature lies within a lot of us, unknowingly doing harm unintentionally. Do you ever find yourself on the receiving end of a snide remark? Just waiting to fire back and let them have it! Yes, we are human and it takes great restraints to ignore such comments! I’m not saying that words if used delicately couldn’t lighten up a tense situation, even bring laughter to an uncomfortable moment. But we must examine our reason for being sarcastic, and remember words are powerful and can impact someone for life! Remember the old saying “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Well, sad but true most people do not practice this principal and words are used as daggers every day. You can take the spirit right out of someone by just the utterance of a few words! Or you can build them up and leave them smiling! The choice is ours, and if we think, before we speak we can make a difference in such a changing immoral society! Turn on the television they are promoting sarcasm, the entertainment world thrives on it. Believe it, it is big business and we fall prey to it everyday. Therefore leaving us vulnerable and programmed by what we watch and let our children have access to. Children today are more sarcastic in their everyday life than years ago. Not so surprising when television is a babysitter. This holds true for adults as well, it seems to becoming the norm in households! This is a conscious effort we have to make everyday to coven ourselves accordingly and practice, to think before we speak. Even the bible has a lot to say about our words. Let’s look at Proverbs 17:28 “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.”
There we are back to the old saying, “if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all” We should work hard at being considerate of others, treating them the way we want to be treated and remember to choose our words wisely! We are as much as what we do, as what we say! Our Words should be that of affirmation! I leave you with this thought!
Proverbs 15:23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
God Bless,
Chatterbox
Copyright 1/26/08 Donna L. Maholage
Bits and Pieces
Hi everyone!
Here's one that I thought you would like, not too mention it's good for you! See bottom of article for Nutritional Facts!
Grilled Zucchini
This recipe serves: 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Ingredients
2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise about 1/2 inch thick
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat the grill to medium.
2. Brush the zucchini slices with the olive oil on each side. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Grill until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. To serve, cut the slices on the diagonal into thin strips.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 2 slices of zucchini
Calories 35
Total Fat 2 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Protein 1 g
Total Carbohydrate 3 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sodium 85 mg
Percent Calories from Fat 55%
Percent Calories from Protein 12%
Percent Calories from Carbohydrate 32%
Hope you all enjoy!
Chatterbox
Here's one that I thought you would like, not too mention it's good for you! See bottom of article for Nutritional Facts!
Grilled Zucchini
This recipe serves: 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Ingredients
2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise about 1/2 inch thick
2 teaspoons olive oil
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat the grill to medium.
2. Brush the zucchini slices with the olive oil on each side. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Grill until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. To serve, cut the slices on the diagonal into thin strips.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 2 slices of zucchini
Calories 35
Total Fat 2 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Protein 1 g
Total Carbohydrate 3 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sodium 85 mg
Percent Calories from Fat 55%
Percent Calories from Protein 12%
Percent Calories from Carbohydrate 32%
Hope you all enjoy!
Chatterbox
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Holidays Are Over!
Hi everyone, yes I am alive and well! Thanksgiving and Christmas were a drain, not too mention our boys have a heavy Wrestling Schedule this time of year. We are gone a lot, and spend quite a few weekends out of town on tournaments.
Well, things are beginging to wind down in the season of Wrestling, so hopefully I can get things back in the swing, okay let's just say get back on track! This Blog is a work in progress, as I am and I want to thank all my valued readers for coming back and being patient!
I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Let's see a great 2008 in our futures! May this year bring new and interesting changes and blessings to all. Stay tuned for new and upcoming articles, and Bits and Pieces!
Love you guys,
Chatterbox
Well, things are beginging to wind down in the season of Wrestling, so hopefully I can get things back in the swing, okay let's just say get back on track! This Blog is a work in progress, as I am and I want to thank all my valued readers for coming back and being patient!
I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Let's see a great 2008 in our futures! May this year bring new and interesting changes and blessings to all. Stay tuned for new and upcoming articles, and Bits and Pieces!
Love you guys,
Chatterbox
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
