$hopping $ans $pending = $illy $avings!

There's this fun imaginary world called http://www.polyvore.com/, where you can play big girl dress-up to your heart's content.  Here's the fun part - instead of creating lessons in lusting and discontent and coveting, you just gather all these terrific outfits together and then use them when you do go to your normal shops, consignment stores and second-hand gently used boutiques.  The clothes on the site are absolutely over-the-top reDUNK-Qlous expensive (mostly), so you just laugh at the prices, put your dream outfits together, then let your creativity loose while matching the crazy $$$ items with something more realistic for most of us who live on planet Earth!  My Grandma used to call it "having champagne taste with a beer wallet."

Girls just wanna have fun (and maybe the occasional pretty outfit). 

10 Mood-Boosting Foods You Can Grow: Organic Gardening

10 Mood-Boosting Foods You Can Grow: Organic Gardening

Tender Talk Tuesday

Taken from http://www.coachlindabush.com/

Today we’re going to exercise the strongest muscle you have – your tongue. We haven’t been able as a society to tame it yet, but today you and I will work on it.

For today, I want you to be mindful/intentional of every word that comes out of your mouth. Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Will it comfort/ease/help, or will it hurt, criticize and tear down? Is it something you would say in front of the person you’re discussing? Is it soothing, like balm on a wound, or is it a verbal bullet that sears through the soul like fire?

Just for today, for this one day only, say only something that will be kind… sweet… calming… use your words like a cozy warm blanket to envelope the spirit of everyone you meet. Wrap up your words like precious treasures with cheer, reassurance, humor that isn’t sarcastic or at someone’s expense. Refrain from any cursing or off-color remarks.

Even work on the tone of your voice – keep it soft, warm and loving. Cushion your volume with a gentle spirit. Often speaking softer causes people to listen more and pay attention, especially if you are one who relies on communication via yelling and repetition (i.e., nagging).

Find words of respect and encouragement for your husband/significant other, words of love for your children and friends, words of support for your coworkers and people you meet throughout the day. Surprise a stranger with a kind word, a word of thanks or praise. And if you have been using silence as a weapon, melt it with courage to be the first to speak – in love.

The power you wield with your words is more influential than you can imagine. Lydia Snider wrote that each day the average person will say 2,250 words to 7.4 other individuals. Will yours hurt or heal? Use them well. They may make all the difference to one person’s life today.

Blessings,

Linda

I was really touched today with a blog posting from the blogsite "Keeping It Personal" by Teri Johnson.  To read her whole terrific blog please visit her website by surfing to http://keepingitpersonal.com/2012/04/be/.  I appreciated her reflections and the associated Scripture verses.  As someone who is prone to dwell on the negatives and the what-might-be's, her blog was a timely reminder to me that God is always, always in charge, and that I need to seek HIM for my answers, my goals/dreams/visions, and my day-to-day living.  I pray you will enjoy her blog as well!

Blessings, Linda
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How can we keep the goal, dream, vision, and passion alive – when we experience setbacks and negativity? How can we live a life of contentment and gratefulness on our winding journey?



FIRST we must understand that it starts with ME – I mean YOU – I mean it starts with ourselves, each individually. We are responsible only for ourselves. Period.


When we feel restless, discontent, or if we find ourselves having too many pity parties alone – LOOK in the mirror – examine your life today – REFLECT on these 5 “P” words:


1. PATIENCE = Things happen on God’s timetable, not our timetable. We do not want to get ahead of His perfect plan.


“Stand firm, and you will win life.” Luke 21:19


2. PERSPECTIVE = Take a step back and look at the big picture. Ask yourself, how important is it really?


“You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.” Philippians 4:19


3. PERSEVERANCE = Press on – If you are confident you are going where God wants you to go, living in His will, don’t give up.


“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9


4. PURPOSE = Why are you where you are; today? Look for ways to be a light in your world, everyday, in every relationship, in every situation, in your current place – regardless if it’s where you want to be.


“Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21


5. PRAYER = Whisper this simple prayer, “Father, open my eyes to see, open my ears to hear, open my heart to know, what You want for my life. Amen” Expect God to reveal Himself to you daily. Look for Him.


“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” Colossians 4:2

The Heart of the Question

The Heart of the Question | Discovery | Scripture Union USA

This was a good devotion that I wanted to share with you. 

Confessions of a Girly-Girl

Yes, I’m a self-confessed girly-girl – dresses, makeup, clothes, shoes, perfume… the whole nine yards. Yes, I have a closet filled with imaginary outfits on pinterest (click HERE). Hey - don't judge, it's my way of being frugal!! And yes, I am the only woman I know who carries a pair of emergency earrings in her car, in case I rush out in the morning and (gasp) forgot to toss them on. I am a woman of the 80s, so don’t even TRY to take away my hairspray or you might lose use of your hand. (However, I’d be more than happy to share if you just ask.) I love walking through makeup stores and allowing my senses to dance with delight to the colors and possibilities and olfactory pleasures. I think of it as a big girl equivalent to being a kid in a candy store with two bits in her pocket. Sadly, the wrinkle cream that swears my cheeks will mimic that of an newborn’s backside costs WAY more than two bits! Hmmm… maybe I should just smear baby oil and diaper rash cream all over my face. But I digress…


I’m also a child of the 60s, so there is a certain conflict to my old “part my long blonde hair in the middle, no makeup, no bra, torn jeans and daisies” barefoot all-natural granola-eatin' hippie spirit. Unfortunately, some of those choices are simply not options anymore. I am seriously devoted and bound (yes, pun fully intended) to my collection of lovely unmentionables now, and it would be a sin to society to go without… people running and screaming, “My eyes! My eyes!” The drama is just too much for me to fathom. I’m sure a therapist would have a field day with my dual personalities… and those are only two inside the madness that is me. But I digress…

What I’m trying to say here is that all the external workings of beauty, from hair/makeup/nails/perfume to clothing/stockings/shoes/handbags mean absolutely nothing if I do not practice beauty from the inside out. Unkind words smear even the most elegant lipstick into lip-sick ugliness. Manicured nails become claws when catty, and pedicured feet are repulsive when running to tell a tale on another. An icy, harsh look makes even the most fetching eyes hard and unattractive. Bitterness, anger and a fermenting attitude age one more than a lifetime in the summer sun.

Join me today in exercising your innermost beauty – that of a loving heart, a spirit of compassion, kindness and humility. Wear gentleness and patience as soft, glowing garments more alluring than any earthly designer could envision. The most beautiful accessories are a warm smile and a loving soul.

Remember - you are most stunning when you strip away everything that entangles the unique and most beautiful you inside.


Blessings,

Linda

An example of what I consider to be beautiful:

The Leaves Whisper

The Empty Sweater

The empty sweater

Hangs limp, lonely on the chair

Never to be filled

Morning Song

Lilting through the blue

Air of the frosty morning

Feathered silver notes

Morning Musings

Morning swallows me
Like a cold cup of coffee
The taste is bitter

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today I want to pay tribute to the most amazing woman I know – my Mom. It’s her birthday today, and I would like this opportunity to sing out her praises.

She is a VERY active member of Curves gym, and has well over 1,000 visits in the last few years. All you have to do is ask her to show you her guns, and that sleeve is up and bicep curled!

She has a heart “as big as the all outdoors” (as my Grandmom used to say). She is loving and giving, and is a tigress when it comes to her family. She is our matriarch.

Her faith in God never fails, and she is a prayer warrior.

Her life hasn’t been easy, but you’d never know it from her cheerful disposition. Mom’s sense of humor is funny, zany, warped and wonderful – I call her my “Crazy Old Broad”. She plays practical jokes on me, and sometimes we get to laughing so hard I cry.

She’s wise, and always ready to listen and not judge – I know her love is steadfast, even when I’ve messed up oh-so-many times in my life. She’s got the best Mom-hugs in the world! She is my biggest cheerleader and always supports me, even if she doesn’t always agree or understand.

She’s also an incredible Grandmother, and her nickname is “Gooma” – so of course we call her “The Goom”, The Goomeister”, “Goominator”, and I call her Momma Pajama or MPJ for short.

She’s the only person I’ve ever heard of who actually ran away and joined the circus! (Oh am I gonna pay for letting that out!) Yep... yep... My Mother IS the ORIGINAL wild woman!


I have the honor/blessing/privilege of having her with me since her home burned down about a year and a half ago. She walked away with nothing but quite literally the shirt off her back, and yet she has always looked at the bright side and counted her blessings. Mom doesn’t hold “things” tightly – her family and friends are her greatest treasures.

But let me tell you, Mom is our family’s greatest treasure. She is gutsy, courageous and strong, and is always there when we need her. She is my hero, my inspiration, and my love and respect for this woman knows no bounds. Truly, the words haven’t been invented yet to describe her.

So happy birthday, my bestest friend and Crazy Old Broad Mom. You are the absolute best Mom E-V-E-R, and I love you and thank God every single day that He blessed me with you. Here’s to another year of love, laughter, good health, blessings and all the happiness your beloved heart can hold.

Psalm 31:28-29 – “Her children arise and call her blessed; many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Haiku 012412

Dancing on the snow
Glistening pas de bourrée
The pines rue their roots

Haiku 011112a

Persistent tapping
Raindrops shimmer in the night
Fluid fingertips

Haiku 011112

God’s majestic hand
Draws the evening curtain closed
Tucking in the earth

Inspired, Inspirational Woman!

One of my inspirations and role models is Ernestine Shepard, a 75-year-old body builder and personal trainer from Baltimore, Maryland. She holds the Guinness Book of World records as the world’s oldest personal trainer and body builder. She began trainer at 56!!! Her mantra is “Determined, Dedicated and Disciplined.” You can see her via video on YouTube find out more on Google. One of my bucket list items is to meet this amazing woman!
I found this article on her on strongchic.com by Lori Braun of femalemuscle.com.

Blessings,
Linda

* * * * *

74-Year-Old Female Bodybuilder in Guinness Book of World Records
by Lori Braun; Femalemuscle.com

SHE’S a decade older than the average retirement age, but 74-year-old Ernestine Shepherd has a body and level of fitness that would put the average 30-year-old woman to shame Ernestine, from Baltimore, Maryland, can bench-press 150 pounds and each day runs 10 miles. She’s also earned a place in theGuinness Book of World Records as the oldest professional female bodybuilder.

Ernestine, who goes by ‘Ernie’, lives by the motto “Age is nothing but a number. You can get fit at any age.” She adds: “I feel better than I did in my 50s .“ You do not have to take a lot of supplements, you can do it naturally like me and still look good.” Ernestine says that she is on a mission to both help and motivate people on the importance of being fit and eating healthily.

Inspired by her sister, she said: “My sister and I were invited to a picnic and told that we could wear a bathing suit. When we put the bathing suits on we didn’t look so nice. She began laughing at me, and me at her. “That was a turning point for the both of us and we began working out”. Sadly for Ernestine, her late older sister, who died after suffering a brain aneurysm, was unable to witness her accomplish the dream she so wanted her to fulfil. But she would certainly be proud of Ernestine’s success and perseverance, which has led to her receiving medals and being on TV.

"We kept working and we looked fabulous, but she kept constantly telling me that she was having headaches and she felt like she had water running in her ears. “They put her on life support, which was a shock to all of us, because the day before she was with me at the gym. Without her encouragement this would never have been made possible. “Before she died, she had said to me that I would be in the Guinness Book of World Records, and that I should become a bodybuilder. “Since praying to God, He has kept me focused and helped me to keep my sister’s dream alive,” she told The Voice.

Ernestine is a personal trainer and fitness instructor, and also holds weekly classes at her various churches. Offering advice to older men and women, she said: “I have a group of senior members in my class, and I start off by telling them that age is nothing but a number. I’m not asking them to be bodybuilders, but to be healthy and happy. “One must be determined, disciplined and dedicated to be fit.” The bodybuilding sensation, who is also a model, wants more than just a sexy physique and six-pack abs. She said: “My ministry which God has given me is to help, inspire and motivate people on the importance of being healthy and fit. I go to various churches and I speak, and each time I’m well received.”

The mother of one says that her son and other members of her family have also been inspired by her fitness. “My husband does a lot of walking, and even my grandchild and nieces and nephews are inspired. It’s amazing. My son looks a lot younger than 56. They all look good,” she told The Voice.

Ernestine sticks to a strict high-protein diet; she drinks three to four cups of liquid egg whites, which helps her to burn fat while sleeping. She said: “We all need protein, which consists of chicken, roasted or baked, nothing fried. Tuna fish, roasted turkey and carbohydrates, such as frozen vegetables with nothing in them, and drink plenty of water.”

She added: “I wouldn’t dare crack an egg and drink it because I don’t know what it’s been tested for. I order mine from a special source. “I’ve been drinking it for years and I’m now accustomed to the taste. You can’t acquire a taste for it right away, but I have, and it’s already been tested for salmonella.”

Offering advice to readers, she said: “Decide to be healthy, think about how you would want to feel and look. After you get that in your mind, go for it. You will start feeling better and better. Keep at it; don’t give up at the first hurdle.”

She added: “My aspiration is to make it to ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show’. That would be so amazing. Lastly, a strong woman is ageless and everywhere. She’s not defined by her shape or size, but rather by her personal strength. She demonstrates emotional and spiritual endurance, bringing peace and balance to those around her.”

2012 - Starting Off with Scriptures

As I get older, I find I sometimes forget things - I usually wind up running back up to my bedroom at least once every morning before I leave for the day, having forgotten my phone, my tea, my glasses... yes, I fear someday I will arrive at my destination, open my coat, and realize I've forgotten to change out of my pajamas! Or I'll go in a room and then forget why I went in. I've taken to writing pretty much EVERYTHING down... now if only I could find that notebook...

That being said, since God made my brain and has said the Holy Spirit will help me remember things, I have decided to take up the challenge of Cindy Bultema's "She Sparkles" blog "A to Z Memory Verse Challenge"! I've put a button on the margin where you can click to join. Every other week Cindy provides us with a verse (and associated study ideas) in a "A to Z" style.

We're just starting off, so I'd love to have company on the journey - won't you join me? The first verse is Joshua 24:15b:

A - As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.


Short, sweet and to the point, yes? You can also get the whole family involved. I'm encouraged, as it seems manageable and I really want to hide God's word in my heart to help me stay on the right path. As King David wrote in Psalm 119:11 (which I had to look up), "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

So sign up, and let me know in the comments portion. We're on our way to a brighter and better 2012 as we stay in God's word!!

Blessings,
Linda

Reflections

I found a new website today while reading one of Michael Hyatt's blogs. he's the Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers. It's called Radical Mentoring. Today's post was about questions and reflections, an appropropriate topic for this time of year. I found the questions challenging, difficult and yet exhilirating -- questions that will be ruminating in the back room of my mind, and which I hope to formally journal upon between now and the beginning of the new year. I would like to share some of them with you below, and encourage you to embrace them and act upon them as well.

What do you enjoy about Christmas that no one else knows about?

What am I grateful for?

What did I learn this year?

Where did I go? What did I experience?

Who do I know better today than I did a year ago?

If I died tonight, who would carry my casket? Would those six men know me…really, really know me?

Am I closer to God today than I was at this time last year?

What is my vision for next year? Who are those six friends whom I will “let into” my life next year?

Am I open to God’s will for my life, even if He takes me in a radically different direction? takes me out of my comfort zone?

I also invite you to share in the comments section some additional questions that would be helpful to answer as we close out this year.

Blessings,
Linda

(Photograph taken by me -- the Delaware River on the bridge in Washington Crossing Park, NJ)

An Invitation to Advent

I would like to invite you to join me at my blog entitled MY LITTLE CHRISTMAS BLOG beginning December 1st. It's my way of offering to you my version of an advent calendar, filled with daily devotions, Christmas music, recipes, Christmas film clips, a holiday movie poll, Lots of links and trivia, and if you scroll to the bottom, you can watch my all-time favorite movie, "It's a Wonderful Life" in it's entirety! Just click on the title above!

May you enjoy counting down the days with me!

Blessings,
Linda

Dandy Dozen Christmas Movies

I am a Christmas movie freak. I unabashedly LOVE Christmas movies. There’s nothing like snuggling up on the couch, grabbing a bowl of (air-popped) popcorn (hold the butter and salt, please), and getting all sloppy and sentimental. I admit, I can sing along to any of the songs on Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol (… with razzleberry dressing…). I feast my eyes, ears, and soul and just lose myself in the classics. I become 8 years old again whenever Rudolph is on, and I want to hug the humble bumble before I die.

Now I know these are fantasy escapes, and there’s usually no way to solve all the relationship and world problems within a two-hour time span. But watching George search for Mary, and hearing a bell ring knowing somewhere an angel got her wings, always chokes me up. What can I say? and who doesn't need a bit of an escape during the stress of holiday preparations?? I just love watching all the classic TV specials (Rudolph, Frosty, Jack Frost, Rudolph's Happy New Year... the list is endless).

So, here are my top 12, dandy dozen favorite Christmas movies of all times (in order). Always get the original black and white versions if possible!!! During the course of the next month, may I suggest you exercise your sloppy sentimental muscles, get together with family and friends, and watch a few? There’s sure to give you a case of the warm fuzzies! I hope this list will take you down a happy holiday memory lane walk! I would love to hear your comments as to your favorite holiday movies or TV shows, or if you have a favorite memory with one of the movies I mentioned!!!

Blessings,
Linda

1) It’s a Wonderful Life – we all have probably seen this one. George Bailey learns what it’s like if he’d never been born. Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed are great together! I even have the soundtrack!

2) A Christmas Carol – must be the one with Alistair Sim as Scrooge. Others are good, but this tops them all.

3) Miracle on 34th Street – again, must get the B/W original with Edmund Gwynne and Natalie Wood as Susan.

4) White Christmas – A staple for the holidays – love Rosemary Clooney’s dress and performance in the torch song “Love, You Didn’t Do Right by Me”.

5) The Bishop’s Wife – Now don’t get me wrong, I also can watch Denzel and Whitney in the remake over and over, but there just ain’t nobody like Cary Grant!

6) Christmas in Connecticut – Move over Martha Stewart! The premise here is that Barbara Stanwyck is the ULTIMATE homemaker/wife/mother writing a column each month for a women’s’ magazine – only to find out she can’t even cook. Then she has to host a veteran for Christmas dinner, and it’s hysterical what happens next.

7) Heidi – I have been watching Shirley Temple’s classic for years and years, and it just gets better each time.

8) Come to the Stable – a little known classic Christmas movie with Loretta Young (from the Bishop’s Wife) and Celeste Holm (the original Philadelphia Story, All About Eve) as nuns. I actually had the joy of meeting Celeste Holm once – I gushed like a teenager!

9) Mr. Magoo’s Christmas – I grew up with Mr. Magoo cartoons, and this wasn’t shown for years on regular television. When it finally came out on videotape I was overjoyed. It just wasn't Christmas without it!

10) March of the Wooden Soldiers – I can remember being a little girl, decorating the Christmas tree in my grandparent’s home, and watching this on television. It always makes me want to buy tinsel and hang it on the tree – I usually put this one on when… yep… I decorate our tree!

11) A Christmas Story – my favorite character is the father played to perfection by Darrin McGavin, and the FRAGILE line still doubles me over with laughter.

12) A Charlie Brown Christmas – I have worn out a CD playing the soundtrack over and over every holiday season. You have a stake of holly in your heart if you aren’t moved by Charlie and his little tree. This is a theological wonder – listen closely as Linus explains the true meaning of Christmas!

TV Specials Honorable mention:

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas – back in the 70’s HBO put this “muppet-y” Christmas special out, and it is just so sweet. Unfortunately, it’s fairly expensive to get now, so be sure to see if you can find it on YouTube or borrow a copy. A real cuddle fest.

The Spirit of Christmas - if you grew up in the Philadelphia area in the 60's, chances are you saw this growing up. It was originally a half-hour Christmas special put on by Bell Telephone, and features the Mabel Beaton marionettes. There are two segments - the first is the retelling of "The Night Before Christmas", and the second is the telling of the nativity (in the Bible, Luke 2:1-20). It is simple and so beautiful.

The Snowman - narrated by David Bowie, this animated Academy-Awarded nominated short film is a charming tale of a young English boy who finds his snowman has come to life, and takes him on an overnight adventure. The illustrations and soundtrack are gentle and beautiful.

Turn Up the Heat

Isaiah 58:11 NASB
""And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail."

Anger and pain are often associated with feelings and adjectives associated with heat. When a personal or business relationship fails, you may feel as if you’ve been “burned”. Your face may flush red with heat when you are angry, probably the origin of the term “hot head” for someone who is mad. If someone infuriates you, they may “burn you up”. When your heart is broken, you may think that it has been seared and you might never survive the scars to love again. Another phrase that comes to mind when we are bone-tired and weary is “burned out”.

Our God knows our pain. He understands.

Recently while reading Isaiah 58:11 I was struck by the promise that God will satisfy my desire in scorched places and give strength to my bones. In the original Hebrew, the word scorched is also translated as parched land or drought. And yet the primitive root of that word is a verb that means to be dazzling, aglow. In Ezekiel 37 the Lord brings dry bones back to life, which ties into His promise here in Isaiah to give strength to your bones.

There have been times when I have been burned, seared, and burned out… where my heart was numb and my bones were weary unto death… and God was there. In the midst of it, even as I was “going through the fire”, He never left my side. He has been faithful, and taken me through it – not out of it – but through it. Instead of allowing me to hide or self-medicate to deaden the pain, He held me while together we sat with the pain. It taught me lessons I never could have learned in a textbook, and has made me stronger. Since then I can honestly say my heart has been reignited with life by His love for me – He never let the spark die. And while I am sure there will be times ahead where I will again have to “walk through the fire”, I can be assured and at peace because His promises do not fail, and He remains faithful to His Word… and His love truly endures forever.

I have learned that if He calls us to the scorching place, it is only to purify us as gold, to teach us, and to make us more into His likeness.